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Haunted Home Renovation Mystery #5
Keeper of the Castle
In the latest Haunted Home Renovation mystery from New York Times bestselling author Juliet Blackwell, San Francisco contractor — and reluctant ghostbuster — Mel Turner gets hired for a job that's to die for.
Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.
With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.
When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…
Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.
With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.
When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
90 people are currently reading
1340 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,911 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 2, 2017
Business is slow for Mel Turner's construction company and she is worried about meeting payroll. Her boyfriend, Graham has problems with his reconstruction of the castle import from Scotland. Mel is offered the job after a couple of contractors walked off the job because a huge Scottish warrior chased off the men trying work at the site. Mel is reluctant to take on the job as she will needed to live near the site. The location has a number of other problems. Protesters are picketing the site for several reasons.
Shortly, after arriving at the site Mel encountered a building inspector who is refusing to certify the work and threatened to shut the site down. Mel checked out the tower and see the inspector's ghost and than find his body in the next room. There are many twists and turns to hold your attention as Mel tried to talk with the Scottish ghost and learns of the presence of a lady in red. Will Mel succeed to vanished the ghosts so the construction can be finished? I highly recommend this book and series.
Shortly, after arriving at the site Mel encountered a building inspector who is refusing to certify the work and threatened to shut the site down. Mel checked out the tower and see the inspector's ghost and than find his body in the next room. There are many twists and turns to hold your attention as Mel tried to talk with the Scottish ghost and learns of the presence of a lady in red. Will Mel succeed to vanished the ghosts so the construction can be finished? I highly recommend this book and series.
January 24, 2015
This is one of my go-to mystery series; I can always count on Ms. Blackwell to write a great story, with great characters and to write them well. This one did not disappoint, although I'll admit I preferred the first four a bit more for their stronger connection between the ghosts and the plots. I'd highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys cozies and ghosts. I can't wait for the next one!
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109392...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109392...
December 15, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This was a kindle e-book novel from the local library by Juliet Blackwell book five in the series.
Mel Turner is asked to visit the site of a Scottish Castle construction on the California Coast south of San Francisco. While there she comes upon a ghost 👻 and a murder which leads to her becoming involved in the investigation. She uncovers the truth leading to the arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of fantasy haunting ghost 👻 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘😕👻
Happy Holidays Season 😀🌙 🎅
Because the local library only has every other book as a kindle e-book on!y one ☝ more to go in this series.
This was a kindle e-book novel from the local library by Juliet Blackwell book five in the series.
Mel Turner is asked to visit the site of a Scottish Castle construction on the California Coast south of San Francisco. While there she comes upon a ghost 👻 and a murder which leads to her becoming involved in the investigation. She uncovers the truth leading to the arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of fantasy haunting ghost 👻 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘😕👻
Happy Holidays Season 😀🌙 🎅
Because the local library only has every other book as a kindle e-book on!y one ☝ more to go in this series.
February 6, 2015
This one was not my favorite in the series but I am still a fan and will be back for the next one. It felt like the ghosts were kind of an after thought and not a major part of the mystery so that could have been part of the problem. Still a decent read though.
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed this novel.... until reaching an anticlimactic end, with a motive that fizzled. Both were dismissed hastily and left the outcome hanging. I can think of numerous ways Juliet could create éclat and closure, with several emotional scenes! They were missing conspicuously. I hesitate to give a favourite authors fewer than four stars. She is talented and original. However despite liking "Keeper Of The Castle" most of the way through; there were several weaknesses. Three stars reluctantly reflect that.
I looked forward to reading about the Scottish ruin. The focus is more creative than a redundant murder plot. There are oddly-matched ghosts and Juliet skilfully painted everyone with suspicion. Although a guilty party suddenly reveals all, Melanie consults a spectrum of resources. I wanted to see Luz’s translation of the ghost tape and Olivier’s reverence of it. Melanie invites him to explore the castle but doesn’t share his reaction to its wonders either. Melanie’s union with Graham too, was a disappointment. She does no more than promise to embrace him from now on! Women don’t decline love when they find it. When I started anew, I forgot former beaus... gleefully!
Most unsatisfying of all was creating no moment when we speak with the lady spectre, after we understood who she is. Both mystery motives were flat. One character was accused of importing the wrong castle; without any confrontation or fallout! A troublemaker claimed two incidents were accidental and refused to snoop inside a warehouse with information he coveted. However he managed to plan two incidents that were violent. What makes this whole thread fall apart is that both characters had easy access to the castle for years. It’s nonsense that a treasure legend was never acted upon, if one were obsessed enough to follow castle fragments to another country.
I looked forward to reading about the Scottish ruin. The focus is more creative than a redundant murder plot. There are oddly-matched ghosts and Juliet skilfully painted everyone with suspicion. Although a guilty party suddenly reveals all, Melanie consults a spectrum of resources. I wanted to see Luz’s translation of the ghost tape and Olivier’s reverence of it. Melanie invites him to explore the castle but doesn’t share his reaction to its wonders either. Melanie’s union with Graham too, was a disappointment. She does no more than promise to embrace him from now on! Women don’t decline love when they find it. When I started anew, I forgot former beaus... gleefully!
Most unsatisfying of all was creating no moment when we speak with the lady spectre, after we understood who she is. Both mystery motives were flat. One character was accused of importing the wrong castle; without any confrontation or fallout! A troublemaker claimed two incidents were accidental and refused to snoop inside a warehouse with information he coveted. However he managed to plan two incidents that were violent. What makes this whole thread fall apart is that both characters had easy access to the castle for years. It’s nonsense that a treasure legend was never acted upon, if one were obsessed enough to follow castle fragments to another country.
January 31, 2015
I love Juliet Blackwell's 2 paranormal cozy series! However, this one was a bit disappointing. The ghosts were mostly superfluous. Felt like they were an afterthought, kind of like, "oh, crap! I've gotta get a ghost in here somewhere!" Still worth a read, just not up to previous books in this series or her other series.
March 11, 2023
3.5 rounded up
The best one in the series so far. Mel is really coming in to her own, both as a renovator of old houses and as a ghost whisperer. The renovation project in this one was different, to say the least - a very old monastery shipped over from Scotland.
The best one in the series so far. Mel is really coming in to her own, both as a renovator of old houses and as a ghost whisperer. The renovation project in this one was different, to say the least - a very old monastery shipped over from Scotland.
February 16, 2015
When Mel of Turner Construction has a difficult time finding jobs in order to pay her workers, the offer made by Ellis Elrich to take over the project of managing a reconstruction of an ancient building that was bought in from Scotland, couldn't have come in a better time. Too bad that the building also comes with possible hostile ghosts, and a murder. When the wrong man is accused of killing the building inspector on site, Mel and Graham seem to find themselves in danger. Now not only must Mel manage a construction of an ancient building, she must also put the ghosts to rest and find the killer before someone else ends up their victim.
Great story! I really enjoyed the writing. I thought it was fun, creative and flowed very easily. Mel and Graham were a joy and very easy to like. I enjoyed their characters and all their knowledge about constructions. I liked how Mel can see ghosts and somehow finds herself in situations where she tries to get to the bottom of the mystery of what is bothering them so they can cross over in peace. I love that she has a dog named Dog and a sarcastic type personality.
There story was fun. There was a lot of talk about construction and how things go, but that did not seem to pull away from the story over all. The mystery behind the ghosts was fun to follow and left me wanting to get to the bottom of what was going on. The murder mystery was interesting as well. Overall, Keeper of the Castle was a great read for me and I really enjoyed Mel and Graham.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Great story! I really enjoyed the writing. I thought it was fun, creative and flowed very easily. Mel and Graham were a joy and very easy to like. I enjoyed their characters and all their knowledge about constructions. I liked how Mel can see ghosts and somehow finds herself in situations where she tries to get to the bottom of the mystery of what is bothering them so they can cross over in peace. I love that she has a dog named Dog and a sarcastic type personality.
There story was fun. There was a lot of talk about construction and how things go, but that did not seem to pull away from the story over all. The mystery behind the ghosts was fun to follow and left me wanting to get to the bottom of what was going on. The murder mystery was interesting as well. Overall, Keeper of the Castle was a great read for me and I really enjoyed Mel and Graham.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
September 23, 2018
First an explanation: This would have been another comfortable 3 star entry into the Haunted Renovation series, but I had to knock off a star because it made me mad. The one fictional trope that really chaps me is the mean-spirited nurse who inserts herself as a pointless barrier between patients and families, ruthlessly enforcing visiting hours and providing little to no actual care to the patient. And in this one, the author has “Nurse Ratched” not only kicking visitors out for no reason, she spends time reading fiction when she’s supposed to be caring for her critically ill ICU patients. And this is actually what supposedly makes her a more sympathetic, approachable human?!? Nope, nope nope.
I really enjoy this series, and I was really happy that this one was available to me on audio, because Xe Sands is a perfect fit for the MC, reading with a wry humor and seemingly genuine affection for the characters and story. The mystery itself was promising, with the setting moving outside of San Francisco for the first time. Since the ghosts were tied to the stones of a medieval monastery, the historical timeframe was new, as well. I appreciate that the author is keeping the series from settling into a rut of sameness. But the Nurse Ratched caricature cost it this time.
Audiobook, borrowed from my public library. I read this for the 2018 Halloween Bingo square Murder Most Foul: Any murder mystery. In this story, a city building inspector is murdered by someone dropping a 60lb bag of mortar on his head. Ouch.
I really enjoy this series, and I was really happy that this one was available to me on audio, because Xe Sands is a perfect fit for the MC, reading with a wry humor and seemingly genuine affection for the characters and story. The mystery itself was promising, with the setting moving outside of San Francisco for the first time. Since the ghosts were tied to the stones of a medieval monastery, the historical timeframe was new, as well. I appreciate that the author is keeping the series from settling into a rut of sameness. But the Nurse Ratched caricature cost it this time.
Audiobook, borrowed from my public library. I read this for the 2018 Halloween Bingo square Murder Most Foul: Any murder mystery. In this story, a city building inspector is murdered by someone dropping a 60lb bag of mortar on his head. Ouch.
March 26, 2015
I love books that take place in a setting I'm familiar with, and that is one of the reasons that I love Juliet Blackwell's Haunted Home Renovation Series! This latest in the series was really fun to read as it delved into the renovation and relocation of an ancient monastery from Scotland to the Bay Area. There were a lot of references to William Randolph Hearst, as he did the same thing for Hearst Castle and other buildings, and it was really fun to learn more about the history. The addition of the ghosts, a mainstay in Blackwell's novel, also made it fun! I would highly recommend this book, and her other mysteries to anyone who enjoys history, architecture and a fabulous ghost story!
July 31, 2018
THis is the fifth book in the home renovation series. Mel Turner is offered the job of restoring an ancient building from Scotland. Numerous contractors walked off the job because of ghosts plaguing the construction site. She of course stumbles upon a body and has to investigate.
It is always fun to catch up with the crew from Turner construction. They are great characters and the mystery is always well done.
It is always fun to catch up with the crew from Turner construction. They are great characters and the mystery is always well done.
November 26, 2018
This is probably my least favorite book in the Haunted Home Renovation series so far. Don't get me wrong - I still enjoyed it, but the ghost story was lacking the usual detail and felt sort of unfinished. I'm still looking forward to the next book though.
December 14, 2014
A decent read, but not my favorite in the series.
March 26, 2017
San Francisco contractor—and reluctant ghostbuster—Mel Turner gets hired for a job that's to die for.
Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.
With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.
When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…
I love these haunted Home Renovation Mysteries by Juliet Blackwell. They are entertainingly, well plotted and written mystery. With a great set of characters.
Mel Turner has her hands full this time with a Scottish castle rebuild. The only problem is that it is haunted by a Scottish Knight and a Lady in Red. Someone kills the building inspector (and everyone hates building inspectors) and the lead contractor is arrested. Then Graham gets attacked. Something is definitely amiss with this job, and Mel needs to find the missing pieces to solve the puzzle on this one..
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.
With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.
When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…
I love these haunted Home Renovation Mysteries by Juliet Blackwell. They are entertainingly, well plotted and written mystery. With a great set of characters.
Mel Turner has her hands full this time with a Scottish castle rebuild. The only problem is that it is haunted by a Scottish Knight and a Lady in Red. Someone kills the building inspector (and everyone hates building inspectors) and the lead contractor is arrested. Then Graham gets attacked. Something is definitely amiss with this job, and Mel needs to find the missing pieces to solve the puzzle on this one..
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
April 7, 2020
Mel is back in renovation #5. In this one, a building has been brought over from Scotland and a motivational speaker wants to have it reconstructed for his center. Graham is involved, and he brings in Mel. Of course, there are ghostly things going on...a highlander with a sword threatening the workers and a woman whose cries brings anyone who observes her to tears themselves. But the murder of the building inspector is all too real. Could the sword wielding ghost have done it? Or an more human perpetrator be involved?
While paranormal is not my genre of choice, I continue to like this series. As one goes from book to book, we see the evolution of the characters. The dialog is intelligent, and the interaction between characters is real. Some cozies have to have 'over the top' characters for some reason. Juliet Blackwell makes all of her characters normal. Perhaps some have eccentric touches, but normal all the less.
I also like the way that historical renovation plays a major part of the plot. Mel talks in this one about how hard it is to blend period window glass into an energy efficient window. That's what she does for a living, historical renovations, and it is nice that her job plays out in the story.
Finally, again, paranormal is not my genre, but the ghostly parts almost seem matter of fact. Mel is becoming more comfortable with her ability to see ghosts, and her dad and Graham are still concerned, but accepting that she can.
I will continue the series.
While paranormal is not my genre of choice, I continue to like this series. As one goes from book to book, we see the evolution of the characters. The dialog is intelligent, and the interaction between characters is real. Some cozies have to have 'over the top' characters for some reason. Juliet Blackwell makes all of her characters normal. Perhaps some have eccentric touches, but normal all the less.
I also like the way that historical renovation plays a major part of the plot. Mel talks in this one about how hard it is to blend period window glass into an energy efficient window. That's what she does for a living, historical renovations, and it is nice that her job plays out in the story.
Finally, again, paranormal is not my genre, but the ghostly parts almost seem matter of fact. Mel is becoming more comfortable with her ability to see ghosts, and her dad and Graham are still concerned, but accepting that she can.
I will continue the series.
September 9, 2022
Book 5 in the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. I've always enjoyed this paranormal cozy series. In this story, Mel is hired to reconstruct an ancient Scottish monastery/castle on the outskirts of San Francisco. Of course, it comes with some disgruntle ghosts who constantly taunt the crew and a peculiar murder.
I love Mel. I love seeing her thrive in a male dominant profession and constantly surprise people who assume the wrong gender based on her occupation and name. I like that she stayed at the building site causing her typical home setting to change for this story. The mansion had its own intriguing cast giving this mystery almost a Clue like feeling. My favorite was Alicia - the extremely uptight, organized assistant who runs the household. I enjoyed watching her character unfold throughout the entire book and would love to see her return in future stories in the series.
The mystery itself was very captivating. I couldn't quite figure out the culprit since there were so many believable suspects with plenty of red herrings to purposefully throw you off. I'm fairly certain I suspected every one of them. I also enjoyed seeing Mel try to determine why the building material varied so much.
I liked that there were two ghosts from two different regions. It was fun trying to piece together their backstories and determine what was causing their deep anguish. Plus it was entertaining watching the crew gets so spooked by their presence.
I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what project Mel takes on next, if her relationship with Graham will become more serious and what's going to happen with her stepson.
I love Mel. I love seeing her thrive in a male dominant profession and constantly surprise people who assume the wrong gender based on her occupation and name. I like that she stayed at the building site causing her typical home setting to change for this story. The mansion had its own intriguing cast giving this mystery almost a Clue like feeling. My favorite was Alicia - the extremely uptight, organized assistant who runs the household. I enjoyed watching her character unfold throughout the entire book and would love to see her return in future stories in the series.
The mystery itself was very captivating. I couldn't quite figure out the culprit since there were so many believable suspects with plenty of red herrings to purposefully throw you off. I'm fairly certain I suspected every one of them. I also enjoyed seeing Mel try to determine why the building material varied so much.
I liked that there were two ghosts from two different regions. It was fun trying to piece together their backstories and determine what was causing their deep anguish. Plus it was entertaining watching the crew gets so spooked by their presence.
I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what project Mel takes on next, if her relationship with Graham will become more serious and what's going to happen with her stepson.
May 2, 2025
Things are slow with Mel's company, so she is able to help out Graham at his job site. He has a ghost problem. He happens to be working on the reconstruction of a Scottish castle that has come with its own ghost.
The biggest thing in this was Mel and Graham's relationship progressing (she calls him her boyfriend). I thought the mystery was okay; nice little twist with the stones (someone might have lied to get money and the business).
The biggest thing in this was Mel and Graham's relationship progressing (she calls him her boyfriend). I thought the mystery was okay; nice little twist with the stones (someone might have lied to get money and the business).
January 24, 2022
Not my favorite of the series but still enjoyable. I promise I'm trying to read other books that aren't this series but my brain isn't letting me. I have 3 more than I'm free. Or I enter a reading slump. Either are possible knowing my reading habits. Last year was the year of historical romance novel. This year may be the year of cozy mysteries.
April 29, 2024
Best one of the series for me. The voice was different -- I almost wondered if Blackwell wrote it or she co-wrote with her sister. Living in Marin County I have to admit I enjoyed it in large part because it is where I live. The Pelican Inn is a favorite of mine.
July 7, 2018
A cozy ghost mystery, what's not to like. I find this series hard to put down. Grab a copy and set back and enjoy.
September 6, 2020
Loved this installment!
July 4, 2020
Another solid entry in this series, I loved the more ancient (Scotland) historical building details and Mel's determination. Always a fun audio experience when narrated by Xe Sands.
August 23, 2020
Another good read from this series. The mystery kept me guessing and I liked the setting with Mel away from the guys and enjoying her alone time. Can totally relate. I would love to work somewhere with a snack bar like she has access to.
Mel mentions wanting to help the ghosts and she does, sort of. I would have liked more interaction between her and the ghosts, more effort to communicate.
Mel mentions wanting to help the ghosts and she does, sort of. I would have liked more interaction between her and the ghosts, more effort to communicate.
September 26, 2016
Although I tend not to like much of the paranormal in the books I read, Juliet Blackwell knows the one angle that I like most: haunted houses. I've enjoyed her Haunted Home Renovation series from its inception, not only for the spooky old homes, but because it's a series with a lot of meat on the bone.
Mel is a perfect heroine for a cozy series. She's quirky, smart, funny, and hard-working. Since this new job site is in a remote location, she has to pack a bag and move in. Her job isn't made any easier when she discovers that she has to deal with people who remind her of Mrs. Danvers and Nurse Ratched. To the author's credit, Danvers/Ratched do not remain mere cardboard cutouts. We can also see how good Mel is at her job by the way she gets the new crew on her side-- not an easy task when they're ready to head for the hills.
The secondary characters back Mel up perfectly, from her dad to Graham to the eccentric billionaire footing the bill for the ancient monastery to her stepson Caleb who spends his time getting in hot water.
Another aspect of this series that I enjoy is that readers always learn something relating to architecture and renovation. In Keeper of the Castle we learn how to stay true to medieval architecture while meeting modern building codes (in addition to the proper way to run a construction crew).
The mystery is strong as well. Blackwell provides plenty of misdirection to keep everyone guessing, and there's a good resolution to the ghostly subplot, which is more involved than originally thought.
I can count on Blackwell's Haunted Home Renovation series for quick, entertaining, and enlightening reads. Bring on Give Up the Ghost!
Mel is a perfect heroine for a cozy series. She's quirky, smart, funny, and hard-working. Since this new job site is in a remote location, she has to pack a bag and move in. Her job isn't made any easier when she discovers that she has to deal with people who remind her of Mrs. Danvers and Nurse Ratched. To the author's credit, Danvers/Ratched do not remain mere cardboard cutouts. We can also see how good Mel is at her job by the way she gets the new crew on her side-- not an easy task when they're ready to head for the hills.
The secondary characters back Mel up perfectly, from her dad to Graham to the eccentric billionaire footing the bill for the ancient monastery to her stepson Caleb who spends his time getting in hot water.
Another aspect of this series that I enjoy is that readers always learn something relating to architecture and renovation. In Keeper of the Castle we learn how to stay true to medieval architecture while meeting modern building codes (in addition to the proper way to run a construction crew).
The mystery is strong as well. Blackwell provides plenty of misdirection to keep everyone guessing, and there's a good resolution to the ghostly subplot, which is more involved than originally thought.
I can count on Blackwell's Haunted Home Renovation series for quick, entertaining, and enlightening reads. Bring on Give Up the Ghost!
December 4, 2014
I'm a student and work full time so I get all my personal reading in via audiobooks so my first point may not matter to most.....
First, XE Sands returns to narrate the fifth book and does her usual fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, without taking over the story.
Second, the characters and writing remain true to the previous books.
Mel continues to grow as both 'ghost hunter' and as a person. I normally wouldn't go for the ghost theme so prevalent in this series, but it's done in such a fun way and continues in this entry. Mel is getting more comfortable in her abilities but is still questioning and learning and her willingness to admit that makes her believable.
If you like the other books in this series you won't be disappointed and if you haven't read this series, start at the beginning and enjoy. They are a fun read and we can all use a little fun.
I'm already looking forward to the next book.
First, XE Sands returns to narrate the fifth book and does her usual fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, without taking over the story.
Second, the characters and writing remain true to the previous books.
Mel continues to grow as both 'ghost hunter' and as a person. I normally wouldn't go for the ghost theme so prevalent in this series, but it's done in such a fun way and continues in this entry. Mel is getting more comfortable in her abilities but is still questioning and learning and her willingness to admit that makes her believable.
If you like the other books in this series you won't be disappointed and if you haven't read this series, start at the beginning and enjoy. They are a fun read and we can all use a little fun.
I'm already looking forward to the next book.
December 27, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
September 8, 2020
Mel Turner runs a historic renovation construction company in the San Francisco area. She is hired to reassemble an old monastary that has been shipped over from Scotland in pieces and turn it into a conference center. A death and two ghosts on the jobsite complicate things for Mel and her crew. I did not enjoy this one as much as the other books in the series. Mel only interacts with one ghost, so not enough "ghostiness" for me. The second issue is about the ruins. Were 2 monasteries shipped over? Was one substituded for the other in a bait and switch? Did the ghosts ever get together? A few things felt rushed and unfinished.
December 7, 2014
I enjoyed this fluffy paranormal mystery, but mostly because I like these characters. Mel Turner, a female general contractor with her own business, Turner Construction, is a likeable character. She can see and talk to ghosts, a talent she inherited from her mother. Mysteries about her tend to have two mystery story lines--one about a human murder, and one about how to help the ghosts at whatever old haunted building she is renovating. Mel is much better at figuring out the ghosts.
October 3, 2015
Oh so very much lighter than my usual audiobook choice. The narrator had no clue about accents, the author has no clue about Scotland, the plot was ...uh... light. The characters weren't even all that attractive, though I have to say that might be the fault of the narrator too. The plot tied up in a BF hurry in the last 2 chapters with a LOT of strings not just left hanging, but raveling.
June 8, 2015
Read my review at A Cozy Girl Reads.
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