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Midlife Is Murder #1.5
A Spirited Debacle
One good deed puts Quinn in the middle of a scheming widow, a thwarted daughter, and a pushy ghost crying murder.
After a rough summer, Quinn Delaney is finally feeling good about her life. Her new café is bustling, and she’s gotten rid of her cheating husband.
Then a mysterious box shows up with surprising contents.
Quinn always does the honorable thing, so she and her best friend deliver the box to the rightful owner—a family who’s suffered a tragic loss—bringing happiness to everyone, right?
Wrong. Everything falls apart when she inadvertently starts a family feud. As tempers flare and family members tell stories that don’t add up, Quinn digs deeper to uncover the sticky truth behind an ‘accidental death.’
Things go from bad to worse when she meets a troubled ghost who insists Quinn has put a woman in mortal danger.
They say no good deed goes unpunished, but surely Quinn couldn’t have given a killer a reason to strike again.
If you like sleuthing best friends, midlife debacles, and ghosts seeking justice, you’ll love this paranormal, cozy mystery.
After a rough summer, Quinn Delaney is finally feeling good about her life. Her new café is bustling, and she’s gotten rid of her cheating husband.
Then a mysterious box shows up with surprising contents.
Quinn always does the honorable thing, so she and her best friend deliver the box to the rightful owner—a family who’s suffered a tragic loss—bringing happiness to everyone, right?
Wrong. Everything falls apart when she inadvertently starts a family feud. As tempers flare and family members tell stories that don’t add up, Quinn digs deeper to uncover the sticky truth behind an ‘accidental death.’
Things go from bad to worse when she meets a troubled ghost who insists Quinn has put a woman in mortal danger.
They say no good deed goes unpunished, but surely Quinn couldn’t have given a killer a reason to strike again.
If you like sleuthing best friends, midlife debacles, and ghosts seeking justice, you’ll love this paranormal, cozy mystery.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
About the author
Clare Lockhart
42 books59 followersClare Lockhart writes light-hearted, paranormal, cozy mysteries featuring middle-aged sleuths who are going through a few changes. Some are welcome (freedom to live the dream) and some not so much (supernatural abilities and a rash of murders).
If you like reading about best friends who find themselves in the odd pickle, twisty murder plots, and cheeky, paranormal visitors, then you’re in the right place.
Clare lives in a small town, a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario, in Canada, and has recently taken up sailing with her partner John. Sailing has to be one of her most challenging and rewarding life experiences. She loves to read, of course, travel and is a bit of a foodie.
Clare comes by her interest in the paranormal honestly. Her dad loved this stuff, so it was natural for her to believe there was more to our world than we perceive. Therefore, you may find a ghost, a psychic witch, and even a parallel universe in her stories.
She also writes time travel romance under the pen name Sharon Clare.
If you like reading about best friends who find themselves in the odd pickle, twisty murder plots, and cheeky, paranormal visitors, then you’re in the right place.
Clare lives in a small town, a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario, in Canada, and has recently taken up sailing with her partner John. Sailing has to be one of her most challenging and rewarding life experiences. She loves to read, of course, travel and is a bit of a foodie.
Clare comes by her interest in the paranormal honestly. Her dad loved this stuff, so it was natural for her to believe there was more to our world than we perceive. Therefore, you may find a ghost, a psychic witch, and even a parallel universe in her stories.
She also writes time travel romance under the pen name Sharon Clare.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 2, 2023
A codicil is legally binding, right??? Helping a ghost is a good deed, right??? Quinn has her hands full, doesn’t she??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
January 17, 2022
Loved this book by Clare Lockhart! Quinn's humour, starting on page 2, carried me through to the end.
After enjoying the cafe crowd so much, I had to pull out a recipe for scones--any weight gain that occurs, I will have to blame the author lol
Looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and her friends,
Thanks, Carole-Ann Olsen
After enjoying the cafe crowd so much, I had to pull out a recipe for scones--any weight gain that occurs, I will have to blame the author lol
Looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and her friends,
Thanks, Carole-Ann Olsen
October 29, 2021
A cozey mystery always makes for a good read and " A Spirited Debacle " is certainly that with vibrant and tenacious characters ghost and intrigue abounding. Acquire a copy today to enjoy the entertainment.😀Kat
November 28, 2025
Quinn opened a new cafe in the last book. Poppy is her barista. The contractor gives her a metal box with a padlock. It looks old. He says he found it in the wall while doing renovations. It probably fell out of a vent. It contains a codicil for Richard Pepper's will. He and his wife owned the building last. There is a box of collector's stamps in the box and it is to go to his daughter Charlotte. He asks for it to be delivered to her. Quinn calls her and tells her about it. They agree to meet at the B&B run by her father's widow, his 2nd wife. When Quinn arrives, she and her best friend realize this is a mistake. The Peppers are mean and dangerous. a lot happens before the ladies get out of there. Quinn even meets Charlotte's dead mother who asks that Quinn protect her daughter. I will not say anymore and ruin the surprises for you. This is a well told story with a great plot. Enjoy.
February 9, 2022
A big pile of self entitlement.
While well written and with an interesting plot, the arrogance of the main character kills the book for me.
I'm roughly of the same age of the MC, and I was disgusted by the spoiled brat "having big ideas because she knows better" attitude, by all the presumptions and patronising she heavenly drops on every one and by the inability to take responsibility for her own mistakes.
She is a bit of a "Karen".
There has been a discussion on some forums and book clubs recently, about how some badly written MC can kill a book/series, this is one of those cases.
If you are looking for a LIKEABLE mature female slueth, look elsewhere.
Disclosure: I've got the book for free in exchange for signing up to a newsletter.
While well written and with an interesting plot, the arrogance of the main character kills the book for me.
I'm roughly of the same age of the MC, and I was disgusted by the spoiled brat "having big ideas because she knows better" attitude, by all the presumptions and patronising she heavenly drops on every one and by the inability to take responsibility for her own mistakes.
She is a bit of a "Karen".
There has been a discussion on some forums and book clubs recently, about how some badly written MC can kill a book/series, this is one of those cases.
If you are looking for a LIKEABLE mature female slueth, look elsewhere.
Disclosure: I've got the book for free in exchange for signing up to a newsletter.
April 18, 2023
A Spirited Debacle, #1.5 - This novella takes place four months after Swindler ends, and is not as good as Swindler, definitely a Cozy. The ghosts in this series seem to be bossy and lazy. If I was worried about my kid in a certain location, I would not disappear and leave a mere mortal in charge. Toni does not get as much page time, which may not have helped this "the criminal voluntarily confesses" story. There is a lot of sugar addiction in this series, too. LOL. 3*
A Spirited Swindler, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised that the story was better than expected. Multiple story lines with some good characters but a bit of lecturing about phone scams. A quick read with good chemistry between the best friends. 4*
A Spirited Swindler, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised that the story was better than expected. Multiple story lines with some good characters but a bit of lecturing about phone scams. A quick read with good chemistry between the best friends. 4*
April 1, 2022
The story line was interesting however the treatment of the plot was presented rather lackluster and matter of fact. A man was murdered and possessions worth a million dollars or more were stolen, but the matter was handled casually as if not important. While the death was not done on purpose it was still an accidental death, and in the real world would that not be manslaughter? And really, what did the appearance of the ghost really serve to the plot?
The author's style was good and the development of the characters' relationships held up well. I felt that the plot broke down and the story lost momentum just when action was needed the most.
The author's style was good and the development of the characters' relationships held up well. I felt that the plot broke down and the story lost momentum just when action was needed the most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
This book was given to me for an honest review. I liked this story almost as well as the first book. The characters are very interesting, the plot is full of twists and turns and the premise was returning an inheritance to the person it belonged to. There is a ghost or two and a killer, but it all worked out in the end. I definitely recommend this novella.
November 26, 2023
She didn’t want to see ghosts nor converse with them as they asked for help. But sometimes she had to help them. So she did. A braver woman than I. Really liked the interaction in this book. All for a good cause.
December 15, 2023
I really enjoy reading stories where the main character is a more mature woman. This was an entertaining read. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more by this author. I really enjoyed the whole ghost aspect as well. Well done!
April 8, 2024
An enjoyable paranormal mystery. I liked the characters and the setting. The Cafe setting with homemade scones and the owner, Quinn, are enjoyable. An interesting short story that reads like it would be a good series to continue with.
July 1, 2025
Family secrets
A fun entertaining ghost mystery. I loved the storyline and enjoyable characters. This was a quick, fast-paced read for reading in between longer novels. I would like to read more cozy mysteries from this series.
A fun entertaining ghost mystery. I loved the storyline and enjoyable characters. This was a quick, fast-paced read for reading in between longer novels. I would like to read more cozy mysteries from this series.
November 10, 2025
Fast paced compact mystery!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Couldn't put it down once I started and am looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and Toni in the quaint little mystery filled town of Bookend Bay! Along with whatever spirits turn up in the process .....it'll be a grand adventure to be sure
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Couldn't put it down once I started and am looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and Toni in the quaint little mystery filled town of Bookend Bay! Along with whatever spirits turn up in the process .....it'll be a grand adventure to be sure
March 13, 2022
This was a fun little mystery story involving an unexpected inheritance and a worried ghost.
May 8, 2023
Paranormal cozy novella with older, divorced protagonist.
December 28, 2023
Short book but there are two crimes to solve.
A good deed turns into a family fiasco. Fun read
A good deed turns into a family fiasco. Fun read
June 7, 2024
Who Killed Richard and why??? He didn't mean to??? AND where are those stamps and why??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 17, 2024
Paranormal
A light hearted thoroughly enjoyed paranormal mystery. I loved the fact that the best friends work together to find answers to the mysterious goings on.
A light hearted thoroughly enjoyed paranormal mystery. I loved the fact that the best friends work together to find answers to the mysterious goings on.
January 5, 2025
Very nice short cozy mystery! I'm interested in reading more!
February 1, 2026
this series is so cute and family-friendly spooky i love it
January 17, 2022
Loved this book by Clare Lockhart! Quinn's humour, starting on page 2, carried me through to the end.
After enjoying the cafe crowd so much, I had to pull out a recipe for scones--any weight gain that occurs, I will have to blame the author lol
Looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and her friends,
Thanks, Carole-Ann Olsen
After enjoying the cafe crowd so much, I had to pull out a recipe for scones--any weight gain that occurs, I will have to blame the author lol
Looking forward to more adventures with Quinn and her friends,
Thanks, Carole-Ann Olsen
August 7, 2023
This is a 3.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 3 🌟.
April 18, 2023
A Spirited Debacle, #1.5 - This novella takes place four months after Swindler ends, and is not as good as Swindler, definitely a Cozy. The ghosts in this series seem to be bossy and lazy. If I was worried about my kid in a certain location, I would not disappear and leave a mere mortal in charge. Toni does not get as much page time, which may not have helped this "the criminal voluntarily confesses" story. There is a lot of sugar addiction in this series, too. LOL. 3*
A Spirited Swindler, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised that the story was better than expected. Multiple story lines with some good characters but a bit of lecturing about phone scams. A quick read with good chemistry between the best friends. 4*
A Spirited Swindler, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised that the story was better than expected. Multiple story lines with some good characters but a bit of lecturing about phone scams. A quick read with good chemistry between the best friends. 4*
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews