Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery #5

A Bullet in the Basement

Rate this book
The worst ice storm in recent history is about to hit Seattle. When the city suggests that residents stay inside and ride out the storm, Meg Dawson and the Morrisey residents stock up on essentials. They embrace the lockdown with fun, games, and apartment-hopping festivities. It all comes to a stop when a trail of blood is discovered in the lobby, leading to a spent bullet in the basement.



Where did the bullet come from? Where’s the victim of the shooting? And who pulled the trigger?



The residents of the Morrisey are about to find out that the storm inside might be more treacherous than the one raging outside.



Perfect for fans of Eryn Scott’s Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries, this new series follows Meg and a lovable cast of residents, both living and not, as they navigate strange happenings in their eccentric downtown Seattle building. This series does not inlcude swearing or gore. While each mystery is a standalone, the series is best read in order to avoid spoilers.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

79 people are currently reading
160 people want to read

About the author

Eryn Scott

73 books482 followers
Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.

She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?

Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.

You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
242 (53%)
4 stars
165 (36%)
3 stars
37 (8%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,953 reviews29 followers
August 20, 2025
This is a lovely series and keeps getting better. The characters are a found family and the prospect of losing their home is causing a lot of anxiety. Through in a stolen dress, a murder victim, a scavenger hunt and some ghosts what you have is a delightful Cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
January 22, 2025
There are just some books that you can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and for me this is that series. I love the series and if Friends the tv show was a cosy mystery this would seriously have given it some competition. Very much like friends the seri it is set in and around a building and the family contained within but unlike friends you get the added bonus of a good mystery or mysteries and ghostly antics to provide the entertainment. There are many characters (from ghosts to humans) involved in the series but as this is book five we have got to know them so well over the course of the books that they feel like old friends, I would recommend you read the books in order for that reason though. It isn't strictly necessary because the books do work as standalone with the mystery getting solved in each one but it works so much better that way. I did know who the killer was in this book but with everything going on I wouldn't have wanted to have missed it for the world. That is not to say the author didn't muddy the waters with lots of suspects, I just had a hunch. I was a bit worried it was coming to the end of the series,so was really pleased to see the blurb for the next book. A book I can't wait for.
With an icy winter storm set to hit Seattle, the cities residents are advised to stay indoors. The Morrisey residents decide it's the perfect opportunity to hunker down and have a building party. The problem is the blood trail discovered in the morning shows they weren't alone, with all the residents accounted for and no body found it looks like some one broke into the building, someone who was up to no good. With the police reacting to all the weather incidents, Detective Anthony asks Meg to accompany her on questioning an old tenant from the building, a man who is the only one to have an unaccounted for key of the building. Can Meg assist with the investigation? When there is evidence of another night time visit it appears who ever broke in isn't finished. But what are they looking for? With the buildings ghost preoccupied with other things, including Ripley, it's up to Meg to look into the past to find the answers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9 reviews
January 29, 2025
The 5th book in the Murder At The Morrisey series brings us down to the basement for another mysterious death. This book is especially fun with the large cast of ghosts we meet and answers to long-awaited questions we've had about some of the spirits. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order to get the full Morrisey experience.

While the book didn't end on a cliffhanger it definitely ended on a note that will change the course of the series and I'm excited to see what the next book has in store!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,798 reviews154 followers
January 24, 2025
A Bullet in the Basement if the 5th book in the Murder at the Morrisey mystery series by Eryn Scott.
I absolutely LOVE this series, and I get so excited when a new book comes out!

A huge ice storm has hit the Morrisey and all of Seattle. Good excuse for the residents to stay in
and have a cozy party.

All is going well until Meg discovers blood, but no body or anyone missing.

Meg is happily surprised that Detective Anthony wants her help. Meg helps in the investigation, much of which can be traced to the basement.

There was a lot of activity with the ghosts in this book, which I really loved.

The characters are well developed and fleshed out. This mystery is really complex filled with clues to follow along.

This is such a great book I enjoyed and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Renske.
425 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2025
Perfect as always. I love this series so much. This is the perfect book to read on a sunny Sunday (or any other day). I'm excited to see we're getting another book soon!
Profile Image for Kathy.
805 reviews30 followers
January 31, 2025
Meg and the Morrisey residents are all prepared for a cozy weekend in as an ice storm is expected. A floor by floor dinner and party on Friday night and a cookie and cocoa movie marathon Saturday. That is until Meg and Laurie find a blood trail in the lobby and a bullet in the basement. The basement ghosts are no help in determining what happened as they were watching people slip on the ice. With the police short staffed due to the weather, Detective Anthony brings Meg onboard as a consultant. Meg learns from the former manager of a resident who was kicked out but kept the key. She also learns of a treasure rumored to be hidden in the Morrisey and the identity of the rooftop ghost. Questioning suspects proves harder than Meg thought as they are lied to repeatedly. Meanwhile, Ripley is having her own ghostly issues with her foster sister’s refusal of Meg’s help.

Eryn Scott’s books are must reads for me and I’ve never been disappointed. This one is excellent. The Morrisey and Meg’s found family there wrap you in a cozy hug from the first page. Meg continues to grow and exhibit strength and courage in confronting the conflict around her. Her compassion for Erin was inspiring. Her interactions with the ghosts are filled with empathy as she helps them navigate their circumstances. She’s even losing her fear of the basement ghosts. I loved how protective they were of Meg when she first approaches them with Laurie. And definitely laughed out loud at the ghosts watching the people fall on the ice and snow. Meg’s reveal of her secret to two people has mixed results with one accepting and the other disbelieving. I hope that she’s able to repair the second relationship as their partnership until the reveal was nicely balanced. Though the main mystery was solved, there’s still more to explore as Meg helps Tara and Ripley. The reveal regarding Meg’s father was heartbreaking for what could have been. I look forward to how that will impact Meg going forward.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CelticMoonGoddess.
450 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2025
What a great series and each book just brings you more into Meg's world with her childhood sweetheart, ghosty best friend and a wonderful cast of residents of the Morrisey building.
If you are a fan of the tv show 'Only Murders In The Building' you will love this with Eryn Scott's books however you get the bonus of a supernatural element that adds to not only the story but great ensemble of building residents, great whodunnit mystery with lots of plots twist turns and red herrings that keep you engaged and guessing, at least me till near the end. The journey to find the killer of yet another murder in the building is best part and with each book we learn more of Meg's backstory and has you warming more to her and who cannot love Laurie.
A clean, cozy, romantic murder mystery with great humour and characters. I got so engaged with this book hard to put it down. Each book has separate murder mystery so does say they can be read as stand alone, but then you miss out on the enjoyment of the background as it unfolds with each book that draws you closer to love Meg with each book.
Just love the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for hadar.
2 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2025
“even though we all gone back to our individual apartments, it felt like we were having one big sleepover, especially knowing we would start our movie marathon the next morning” - I wanted to add this quote to my review because I feel like it describes my experience with every book in this series, especially THIS ONE. I haven’t realized how much I missed all of the Morrisey residents , not until I read the first chapter and then all of my love for this series came right back!!! This book was an absolute cozy delight. I loved the ice storm element a lot and it gave me all those winter feels that are just perfect these days ❄️ I absolutely love love love Eryn Scott and her books and cannot wait for the next. So if you are looking for a next cozy read, give this book / book series a chance , because I promise, you won’t regret it !!☕️🧸📚👻
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews365 followers
January 31, 2025
Trouble at the Morrisey . . .

With dangerous weather approaching in the form of an ice storm, the residents of the Morrisey figure this is a good time for a party for all of them to enjoy. But Meg Dawson finds blood and a bullet buried in the wood of an old armoire in the basement, the blood spattered over the armoire door; but since everyone was accounted for, there wasn’t much more to be done about it. Meg gets invited by Detective Anthony to help with asking questions. Who could have broken into the building? Is there something specific being sought? And with another strange visit, it appears the danger is not yet over. Are the residents at risk? Will Meg be able to help find out what’s going on?
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,316 reviews79 followers
February 8, 2025
Reading this book during a snow/ice event made me jealous of the party all the building residents planned to enjoy their time together - right up until someone turns up dead.

I really enjoyed following along with Meg as she solves the crimes that keep happening in her beloved apartment building. She's smart and interesting and I love how she works with Ripley and Laurie. The supernatural aspect of the story also adds some fun moments as Meg tries to figure out whodunnit.

Eryn always does a great job creating a mystery with enough red herrings and twists to keep things interesting without being unbelievable when you find out what happened. This series is one of my favorites she's written and I am already looking forward to more of Meg solving mysteries!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bernice.
72 reviews
January 21, 2025
Reading this book is like visiting the residents of the Morrisey, a charming apartment building in Seattle. You get pulled into the story right away. There were also a few characters in the story who were not exactly considered residents of the building, but you will understand once you read the book.
It would not be the Morrisey without a mysterious death. The main character, Meg, discovers a blood trail which leads her into the basement of the Morrisey and the discovery of a fired bullet. This time her help is welcomed by a detective in the Police Department, which provides interesting and fun interactions. However, this is not the only mystery to be solved.
There is a lot of action in this book, including attempted murder, a possible missing treasure, attempted theft, vandalism, a genealogy secret, and a few others.
There is no cliffhanger; however, I cannot wait for the next book in this series. With all the people who live at the Morrisey, I know there will be many storylines in the future. Another enjoyable book by Ms. Scott. The story held my interest, and I most definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
15 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2025
I LOVE a good cozy mystery and no one does them better than Eryn Scott! Meg and the gang are some of my favorite characters ever and I love another opportunity to hang out at the Morrisey! I found that I wasn’t as into the mystery of this one as I was the overarching story and the characters. Meg, Laurie, and even Ripley are so relatable that I feel like we could be real friends. Eryn does a great job of making me feel like I’m in a real place with old friends and I’m always immersed in the story!
5 stars for me!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,582 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2025
The cats outta the bag

This book is full of revelations. It all starts with a storm and the whole building sheltering together and making it a party. The fun turns into a treasure hunt, ghostly relationships and identities, a murder and so much more! There’s one thing you can be sure a trip to The Morrisey is never dull. Join Meg, Laurie, Ripley and the rest of the crew on this delightfully witty adventure!!.

I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
February 1, 2025
With the worst ice storm of the season to hit, everyone in the Morrisey is planning a big party. Just as things are getting underway, Meg is called away to have a talk with some ghosts, she thinks she is safe to talk to them in the stairway, but she is found out. The next morning, there is blood from the front door to the basement, but whose? What happened and no one heard anything? Odd indeed. But Meg also has a lesson the learn in her personal life also. A very busy story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Brittney.
66 reviews
February 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this next installment of the series! We get some answers about a ghost’s past that I was REALLY excited about! Also loved the twists and turns before the big reveal of who dun it. Can’t get enough of this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joanne Rees.
31 reviews
February 9, 2025
Great Read

Love all these books, only thing bad is the wait for the next one, but it’s always worth the wait.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
207 reviews
February 25, 2025
I love this cozy mystery series SO much—and this was another fantastic story! I can't wait for the next release this summer!
Profile Image for jyweniverel.
641 reviews
January 22, 2025
I love this series! Meg has really grown in this book, she is trusting more people with her secret and now has a father to get to know. The Morrisey family are wonderful, I wouldn’t mind living there….just without all the murder mysteries happening. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book, hoping Ripley finally finds the answer to her being stuck as a ghost.
Profile Image for im.booked.on.a.feeling.
199 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2025
If I could live in any apartment building in the world, I’d choose the Morrisey. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of the nosey (but lovable) tenants, the friendly ghosts, the frequent emergency building meetings, and the cozy mysteries that the residents of the complex seem to attract.

A Bullet in the Basement was a fantastic fifth installment in the A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series by Eryn Scott. This book finally answered my burning questions about a certain mysterious ghost that’s been hanging around for decades. I’m also excited about a fancy new upgrade to the building that’s sure to play a pivotal role in upcoming installments.

However, I think my favorite part about this book was the huge personal leaps of faith FMC, Meg, takes throughout the story. Although not everything goes entirely to plan, I loved seeing Meg letting more people in and the positive impact those choices had on her ability to paint. Additionally, I absolutely cannot wait to see how a newly discovered connection will play a role going forward.

Bottom line; The sixth installment in the series, A Rooftop Ransom, can’t come soon enough!

In the pages, you will find:
💍A missing diamond ring
🐕Loveable pets
❤️No spice romance
👻Friendly ghost sidekicks
🎥A LOTR movie marathon
🪢Complicated family dynamics
📖The fifth installment in the A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Profile Image for Liv's Library.
88 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️

I love nothing more than A Murder at the Morrisey, and A Bullet in the Basement did disappoint.

A Bullet in the Basement is the fifth book in the series, and it’s such a good cosy murder mystery, filled with plenty of banter and heartwarming moments.

If you’ve never read this series before, our main character, Meg, has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This is how she investigates the murders happening at the Morrisey and in the surrounding areas.

Having loved all the books in this series, this one felt slightly different—possibly due to the absence of Ripley’s lovable character. If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll understand why Ripley wasn’t as much of a focal point in this one, but you can’t help missing her snarky presence. That said, I also loved seeing how Meg’s character is growing and becoming more independent without relying so heavily on her.

This book is full of clever little twists that will keep you on your toes, heartwarming moments that might make you tear up, and hysterical banter from the characters.

If you want a quick and cosy read, this series and book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,744 reviews229 followers
April 6, 2025
Meg and her pals at the Morrisey (both of the living and ghostly variety) are back doing the thing they do best. Which, unfortunately, means there are some deadly shenanigans going on. In the building. During an ice storm. Which, as you might imagine, is not ideal for the living residents.

But Meg has her secret ghostly weapons and she's ferreting out clues. And accidentally telling folks other than Laurie about her ghost-seeing ability. Which works out well and also not-so-well. Unfortunate, bus what can you do?

Anywho. A trail of blood in the lobby, a bullet lodged in some furniture in the basement, a decided lack of ghosts who actually witnessed what happened (hey, even ghosts like watching people slip and slide their way through the icy city), and a detective who doesn't mind utilizing Meg in her investigation. A few bumps, a little case of hidden treasure, some spilled secrets, and a lady who's right in the middle of it all.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
375 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2025
With an icy winter storm set to hit Seattle, the cities residents are advised to stay indoors. The Morrisey residents decide it's the perfect opportunity to hunker down and have a building party. The problem is the blood trail discovered in the morning shows they weren't alone, with all the residents accounted for and no body found it looks like someone broke into the building, someone who was up to no good. With the police reacting to all the weather incidents, Detective Anthony asks Meg to accompany her on questioning an old tenant from the building, a man who is the only one to have an unaccounted for key of the building. Can Meg assist with the investigation? When there is evidence of another night time visit it appears who ever broke in isn't finished. But what are they looking for? With the buildings ghost preoccupied with other things, including Ripley, it's up to Meg to look into the past to find the answers.
148 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2025
Wonderful!

Another awesome book by one of my favorite authors, Eryn Scott. I just love this series, and as with the first 4 books (do read them in order for best enjoyment, though you CAN read this without them), this is a well written book, with wonderful characters that have come to feel like family (Just like the tenants of the Morrisey!)

On an icy weekend, Meg finds a trail of blood in the lobby of the Morrisey, which leads to a bullet lodged in some furniture in the basement! There's a lot going on, with ghosts and romance and family issues all combined with a mystery and a story you won't want to put down.

As with the other books in the series, this left me wanting to read the next book. More, please!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laurel.
612 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2025
Meg and Laurie and the Morrisey residents are stuck indoors during a winter snow storm when they discover a trail of blood in the basement, setting Meg and crew off on a new mystery. Every time I think there can be no more hidden secrets in the building, Meg discovers a new one. I love the cast of found family that surround Meg and Laurie and the sassy detective Amaya.

This is such a fun series, my biggest complaint upon finishing this book is that I have to wait until summer for the next release. These Morrisey Mysteries are just the light, escapist, cozy-mystery fun I need right now. I very much recommend this series for fans of cozy paranormal mysteries, found family, friendly ghosts, cute pets and light closed door romance.
151 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2025
I just finished this book and wow! This book was so good, probably my favorite of the series so far. The story was action packed and the ending had my heart racing. The story telling in this book is incredible. So many twists and turns and how everything weaves together at the end nicely, it's really amazing. After blood is found at the Morrisey, Meg is consulting on a case with Amaya, with help from her ghostly friends, of course. With rumors of a treasure in the building, this case has many suspects and twists. It is the kind of story that makes it hard to put down once you've started. A couple happy, tear jerker moments, if you're emotional like me. A lot of suspense, secrets revealed, cute pets, and one heck of a maze to get to the end of the mystery. This book was amazing!
160 reviews
February 2, 2025
Another Great Morrisey Adventure!
I absolutely love this series, and always look forward to reading the newest book. This one was no exception, and I am happy to see that the series is continuing. I'm normally not a fan of paranormal cozies; however, this is an exception that I'm glad I made. Fans of Only Murders in the Building will most likely enjoy this series. It is fun to see Meg and Laurie as their relationship progresses, and how Meg includes Laurie in her discussions with Ripley. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T K Nelson.
451 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2026
Predicted or not, an ice storm hitting Seattle will cause an uptick in calls for police assistance. The department prioritizes public safety over a homicide investigation, leaving Dectective Anthony short handed. She uses a bit of leeway to ask Meg to accompany her on interviews as she tries to determine who left a trail of blood leading upstairs from the Morrisey's basement storage area.

The twists and turns of discovering who was shot, what unknown person might be accessing the Morrisey, and why they continue to return make this book another great addition to the series. The books can be read as stand-alones but to appreciate character development they should be read in order.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,753 reviews54 followers
January 28, 2025
A Bullet in the Basement is Book 5 in A Murder at the Morrisey by Erin Scott. With an ice storm hitting, the Morrisey is gearing up for a party. The only problem is everyone is having so much fun the no one hears the gun in the basement; there is blood but where is the body? Meg, Laurie and the resident ghost, try to untangle the mystery. Erin Scott is one of my favorite authors and I believe that her books are so good. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,469 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2025
Eryn Scott has written another adventure for Meg and Laurie and their fellow Morrisey residents. With an ice storm shutting down Seattle, the residents decide to gather together for a building potluck and movie marathon. The next morning finds blood stains on the floor of the foyer and a bullet in the basement. In this book we also finally get to find out the history of Rooftop Rachel. With two mysteries to solve, limited suspects in the shooting, Meg's secret is out, and a revelation regarding Meg's father, the book kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,448 reviews16 followers
January 21, 2025
Someone was injured in the basement of the Morrisey. Meg works with the local detective to find answers. Luckily there are a few ghosts ready and willing to assist. As more clues reveal themselves and a treasure is thought to reside in the building, the ghostly intervention is very helpful. However, it makes it harder for Meg to keep her ghost-whisperer skills to herself. This is an enjoyable cozy with lots of heart, interesting characters, and quirky ghosts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.