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Whispering Lake #1
Ghost at the Garden Gate
You never think about how nice and predictable your life was until you’re smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, plus being haunted by a ghost—because why not?
Cammie loves her job and her position as chair of her small-town historical society. When funding cuts threaten to shut them down, she must come up with a solution or lose it all. With the help of her fellow historical society members, Cammie goes on a mission to renovate an old manor so they can hold a gala fundraiser. Everyone likes parties, right? Not really, but since begging on street corners isn’t in the top five things she’d like to do, she opts to fix up the manor.
When she stumbles across a skeleton in the garden her plans fall apart and the manor is declared a murder scene. With the police making their only hope of getting the funding they need off-limits, Cammie and her friends take matters into their own hands.
But digging into a decades-old crime unearths more than they bargained for. The ghosts of the manor are restless, and the past is more dangerous than they imagined.
Packed with small-town charm and ghostly intrigue, this series is perfect for fans of cozy mystery with a paranormal twist.
Binge the series today!
Whispering Lake Mysteries
Ghost at the Garden Gate
Milk, Cookies, and Murder
Canoeing into Chaos
Festivals and Fatalities
A Boatload of Trouble
Cammie loves her job and her position as chair of her small-town historical society. When funding cuts threaten to shut them down, she must come up with a solution or lose it all. With the help of her fellow historical society members, Cammie goes on a mission to renovate an old manor so they can hold a gala fundraiser. Everyone likes parties, right? Not really, but since begging on street corners isn’t in the top five things she’d like to do, she opts to fix up the manor.
When she stumbles across a skeleton in the garden her plans fall apart and the manor is declared a murder scene. With the police making their only hope of getting the funding they need off-limits, Cammie and her friends take matters into their own hands.
But digging into a decades-old crime unearths more than they bargained for. The ghosts of the manor are restless, and the past is more dangerous than they imagined.
Packed with small-town charm and ghostly intrigue, this series is perfect for fans of cozy mystery with a paranormal twist.
Binge the series today!
Whispering Lake Mysteries
Ghost at the Garden Gate
Milk, Cookies, and Murder
Canoeing into Chaos
Festivals and Fatalities
A Boatload of Trouble
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
268 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Misty Spellman
6 books11 followersMisty is the intrepid investigator of murders and paranormal mysteries, a lover of hot cider on snowy days and stories where the good guys (and gals!) always win. Misty exists only on paper. She is the pseudonym of a woman whose favorite part of the day is after work when she can sit down and craft mysteries she hopes you will love.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 13, 2025
First time I've read any of Misty Spellman's books and I was quite impressed. Easy read, likeable characters and a sweet ghost story.
October 21, 2025
Nothing lights a fire under women dedicated to a cause better than a deadline, or curiosity. They needed a place for a fundraiser, and the only spot at this late date (oddly, no plans had been made at all by the very organized group), was a run-down abandoned mansion...where a ghost had reportedly been seen.
With this teaser, I hoped to learn more, but the ethereal woman in white was mostly smothered by meetings, discussions about healthy versus fattening (flavorful) food, and petty bickering between friends.
People were visited repeatedly, and I assume they were worn down by the four ladies of the apocalypse...NO! The four ladies of the Historical Society!
As dull as they can be, with non-specific details about their lives, I fear we will never get to know them well. I don't mind doing my own work, but I was getting tired of the bland nothingness they floated in to do their jobs.
I tried to add a third star to the review, but when the book ended I felt a small amount of relief. I had hoped for characters, but was only given brief written sketches. Fine for something short, but not enough for a book. Mild disappointment.
2.5 Stars
With this teaser, I hoped to learn more, but the ethereal woman in white was mostly smothered by meetings, discussions about healthy versus fattening (flavorful) food, and petty bickering between friends.
People were visited repeatedly, and I assume they were worn down by the four ladies of the apocalypse...NO! The four ladies of the Historical Society!
As dull as they can be, with non-specific details about their lives, I fear we will never get to know them well. I don't mind doing my own work, but I was getting tired of the bland nothingness they floated in to do their jobs.
I tried to add a third star to the review, but when the book ended I felt a small amount of relief. I had hoped for characters, but was only given brief written sketches. Fine for something short, but not enough for a book. Mild disappointment.
2.5 Stars
November 15, 2024
Improbable, Sketchy
If ever a book read like a first draft, it's this one.
The characters are all sort of dropped in the reader's lap, with so little background that one can't even figure out how they came to know each other. The two ghosts are never fully explained; like the main characters, they are just sort of hanging around, with no background or reason for their continued existence ever provided. And the book is rife with ageist commentary (see my highlights). Good heavens! I'm at least 20-25 years older than Cammie, the main character, and I don't find reason to reference my age in every third conversation. (From the author's misuse of "feeling a pit growing in my stomach", which is a Millennial mangling of the phrase "the pit of my stomach", I suspect she is much younger than her protaganist.)
The whole "solve the mystery" seems to be mostly a series of meetings in which Cammie discusses everyone's choices of healthy vs. unhealthy food, and, in the privacy of her own mind, disses her family members, most of whom (with a single exception) it's obvious she fails to get along--but with no particulars provided for these problems.
Really, the best thing about this novel was the cover art. That's why I gave it two stars. Deleting from my Kindle.
If ever a book read like a first draft, it's this one.
The characters are all sort of dropped in the reader's lap, with so little background that one can't even figure out how they came to know each other. The two ghosts are never fully explained; like the main characters, they are just sort of hanging around, with no background or reason for their continued existence ever provided. And the book is rife with ageist commentary (see my highlights). Good heavens! I'm at least 20-25 years older than Cammie, the main character, and I don't find reason to reference my age in every third conversation. (From the author's misuse of "feeling a pit growing in my stomach", which is a Millennial mangling of the phrase "the pit of my stomach", I suspect she is much younger than her protaganist.)
The whole "solve the mystery" seems to be mostly a series of meetings in which Cammie discusses everyone's choices of healthy vs. unhealthy food, and, in the privacy of her own mind, disses her family members, most of whom (with a single exception) it's obvious she fails to get along--but with no particulars provided for these problems.
Really, the best thing about this novel was the cover art. That's why I gave it two stars. Deleting from my Kindle.
November 18, 2024
Goodness me where to start? Cammie is the chairwoman of her small town's historical society and they want to hold a ball to pick up funding, they would like to buy an empty property in the town to turn into their HQ and give guided tours as they need a new base. Unfortunately the place is haunted.
A young girl was murdered there and her ghost haunts the place nightly it seems with a candle. Sigh. I had to check if this book was intended for teenagers as I struggled to get past the first chapter. In the end I did finish it but only by skim reading it. Not really my cup of tea, having ghosts walking about during the day and night, and lighted candles moving about and then solving murders by following the trail of the ghostly young woman who helps them solve the murders and then waves them goodbye I think it was at the end. Another big sigh. I am assuming that this was targeted at a younger audience and possibly more to their liking, as it really wasn't to mine.
A young girl was murdered there and her ghost haunts the place nightly it seems with a candle. Sigh. I had to check if this book was intended for teenagers as I struggled to get past the first chapter. In the end I did finish it but only by skim reading it. Not really my cup of tea, having ghosts walking about during the day and night, and lighted candles moving about and then solving murders by following the trail of the ghostly young woman who helps them solve the murders and then waves them goodbye I think it was at the end. Another big sigh. I am assuming that this was targeted at a younger audience and possibly more to their liking, as it really wasn't to mine.
November 9, 2024
The historical society just had its funding cut, leaving Cammie needing to find an underwriter in record time. Since the town recently received an old manor house as a gift, the mayor suggests that Cammie renovate it and hold a fundraiser there. But otherworldly beings seem to have a different agenda and Cammie lands in the middle of a murder mystery from years ago.
I loved the premise of this story but felt the telling lost its way. There was so much extraneous padding that the pace slowed. I disliked Cammie's family and wished any mention of them had been excluded. Finally, the ghosts were given a very light treatment; having more of their background would have been nice.
Despite my complaints, I found enough intrigue calling me to the next book in the series. I do want to know what becomes of Cammie.
I loved the premise of this story but felt the telling lost its way. There was so much extraneous padding that the pace slowed. I disliked Cammie's family and wished any mention of them had been excluded. Finally, the ghosts were given a very light treatment; having more of their background would have been nice.
Despite my complaints, I found enough intrigue calling me to the next book in the series. I do want to know what becomes of Cammie.
November 3, 2024
Ghosts and Secrets
Needing the money to fund the Historical Society, the girls went looking for help from the city. They were given permission to have their gala at the abandoned manor on the hill. Only catch, they'd have to fix it up by themselves. The city would not provide workers to help but would help with the supplies they needed. After seeing a ghost, the girls were both scared and curious to go back to work on the ballroom again. The twists, turns, suspects and secrets that are revealed are dangerous, scandalous and wide spread. Can these girls find the answers they're looking for without getting themselves harmed or worse?
I highly recommend this book! So much fun.
Needing the money to fund the Historical Society, the girls went looking for help from the city. They were given permission to have their gala at the abandoned manor on the hill. Only catch, they'd have to fix it up by themselves. The city would not provide workers to help but would help with the supplies they needed. After seeing a ghost, the girls were both scared and curious to go back to work on the ballroom again. The twists, turns, suspects and secrets that are revealed are dangerous, scandalous and wide spread. Can these girls find the answers they're looking for without getting themselves harmed or worse?
I highly recommend this book! So much fun.
January 27, 2025
Haunted manor with a body in the garden
Do you believe in ghosts? People have talked about seeing lights in the abandoned manor house, and maybe ghosts too. Now a body is found in the garden, the former owner, and he was murdered. Can we find who did it?
The historical society is in need of a fund raising project, while looking at using an old manor house as a possible location, A body is found. The man disappeared thirty years ago, thought to have skipped town , maybe with a woman. But he was murdered likely in his own garden. Who could have murdered him and gotten away with it for thirty years? Four friends, historical society, investigate, the police are not happy.
Do you believe in ghosts? People have talked about seeing lights in the abandoned manor house, and maybe ghosts too. Now a body is found in the garden, the former owner, and he was murdered. Can we find who did it?
The historical society is in need of a fund raising project, while looking at using an old manor house as a possible location, A body is found. The man disappeared thirty years ago, thought to have skipped town , maybe with a woman. But he was murdered likely in his own garden. Who could have murdered him and gotten away with it for thirty years? Four friends, historical society, investigate, the police are not happy.
December 11, 2024
Ghostly cozy
Cammie works for the town's historical society. She's just been told there are no funds fir the society in the new year. She and her friend volunteer buddies decide to host a big fund raiser at the big ol' manor house that the city just inherited. Three problems: they have to renovate, the place is haunted, and they found human remains. I had problems getting in to this one. Not quite sure why. It just seemed disjointed. Not horrible. It was entertaining. I dunno.
Cammie works for the town's historical society. She's just been told there are no funds fir the society in the new year. She and her friend volunteer buddies decide to host a big fund raiser at the big ol' manor house that the city just inherited. Three problems: they have to renovate, the place is haunted, and they found human remains. I had problems getting in to this one. Not quite sure why. It just seemed disjointed. Not horrible. It was entertaining. I dunno.
December 27, 2024
Probably my closing review for 2024, and I won’t give a bad review for a mystery that combines cream puffs with a haunted mansion. While I prefer a good old Agatha Christie mystery, Missy Spellman writes a good cozy wind-up. There are no full-frontal scares, but the story runs along at a good pace carried by a great cast of characters, mainly the ladies of the Historical Society. My sisters both love this kind of cuddly story. Tastes vary, so well structured mysteries can be cream puffs.
February 19, 2025
Enjoyable read
This took me a bit to really get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it. The characters are likable and funny. Especially when they get to snipping at each other. It’s like fighting with a sibling, you still like them, but it just gets a little edgy. Then you just laugh. 😂
They did great working things out with the 30 year old murder. Plus getting the ghostly clues.
This took me a bit to really get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it. The characters are likable and funny. Especially when they get to snipping at each other. It’s like fighting with a sibling, you still like them, but it just gets a little edgy. Then you just laugh. 😂
They did great working things out with the 30 year old murder. Plus getting the ghostly clues.
November 26, 2024
The Historical Society are four determined ladies.
The cover of this book intrigued me to read the back cover, which made me want to read the book. The book was a great story and puzzle the Police should have solved. But the historical ladies showed me interest than the Police. It was a fun and interesting story. Can't wait to read the next one.
The cover of this book intrigued me to read the back cover, which made me want to read the book. The book was a great story and puzzle the Police should have solved. But the historical ladies showed me interest than the Police. It was a fun and interesting story. Can't wait to read the next one.
November 30, 2024
Review
I chose this rating because, although the main foundation of the story was very good, the descriptive text, including the way that the characters were made to constantly complain about their lives and personal ills, made the story seem to drag along, making finishing the story difficult for me.
I chose this rating because, although the main foundation of the story was very good, the descriptive text, including the way that the characters were made to constantly complain about their lives and personal ills, made the story seem to drag along, making finishing the story difficult for me.
August 26, 2025
Ghost at the Garden Gate (Whispering Lake #1) by Misty Spellman
This one is the definition of a cozy mystery. The pacing is spot-on — fast enough to keep me hooked, but never rushed. I flew through it in no time, yet it still managed to be packed with quirky, lovable characters and plenty of intrigue. A quick, charming read that checks all the cozy-mystery boxes!
This one is the definition of a cozy mystery. The pacing is spot-on — fast enough to keep me hooked, but never rushed. I flew through it in no time, yet it still managed to be packed with quirky, lovable characters and plenty of intrigue. A quick, charming read that checks all the cozy-mystery boxes!
November 23, 2024
Fun Read
I enjoyed the characters and how well they worked together. You had time to become invested in the characters and the plot. The story had a good flow. I will look into other stories in this series.
I enjoyed the characters and how well they worked together. You had time to become invested in the characters and the plot. The story had a good flow. I will look into other stories in this series.
March 9, 2025
Quite amusing, if also quite unrealistic at times.
Not a bad start to a new series with 4 elderly ladies investigating.
Though it makes a non-American wonder about the state of law enforcement and goings-on in rural American towns... ;=)
Not a bad start to a new series with 4 elderly ladies investigating.
Though it makes a non-American wonder about the state of law enforcement and goings-on in rural American towns... ;=)
May 18, 2025
Ghost at the Garden Gate: Whispering Lake Paranormal Cozy Mystery book 1
Great charavtets, great mystery and realistic politicians. As the group true to raise money for the historical society they find the remind of a body murdered 29 years ago.
Great charavtets, great mystery and realistic politicians. As the group true to raise money for the historical society they find the remind of a body murdered 29 years ago.
July 22, 2025
Love a good cozy mystery! And this one did not disappoint. 4 stars because i couldn’t figure out the point of the ghost. They helped them to solve the case but to me the story didn’t need them they were just there
November 17, 2025
cute…but slow
I started this book long ago so it took me awhile to finish it. I was determined to make it but should have gave up. It was ok read..wasn’t horrible just pretty boring. I did like the characters and storyline just not any type of action to keep you interested.
I started this book long ago so it took me awhile to finish it. I was determined to make it but should have gave up. It was ok read..wasn’t horrible just pretty boring. I did like the characters and storyline just not any type of action to keep you interested.
November 23, 2024
Ghost at the garden gate
It a really exciting book to read. Makes you laugh and wonder all at the same time. I recommend it .
It a really exciting book to read. Makes you laugh and wonder all at the same time. I recommend it .
November 27, 2024
An entertaining short cozy mystery with enjoyable characters.
December 14, 2024
An interesting read
The author has created an unusual and creative plot to go with an amazing group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an unusual and creative plot to go with an amazing group of characters making this hard to put down
January 27, 2025
Loved the book and the cover!
January 30, 2025
Clean mystery with spirits or ghosts helping to solve the puzzle of who killed the owner of the house almost three decades prior. This really is not a paranormal book, nor does it claim to be.
February 9, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was well thought out. The characters were believable. The mystery was interesting and the ending a bit of a surprise.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was well thought out. The characters were believable. The mystery was interesting and the ending a bit of a surprise.
February 15, 2025
Exciting
This was an excellent read kept me in the edge of my seat. Enchanting a good ghost story without being scary.
This was an excellent read kept me in the edge of my seat. Enchanting a good ghost story without being scary.
March 9, 2025
Fun
Light mystery I enjoyed getting to know the ladies and did not guess the murderer. I will read the others in this series
Light mystery I enjoyed getting to know the ladies and did not guess the murderer. I will read the others in this series
March 11, 2025
Ok for a 1st book, But the ghosts never talk so they have no personality
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
Not enough information about the ghost....
Who were the ghosts? These ghosts weren't given an identity or a reason to be at the manor. The mystery itself was decent.
Who were the ghosts? These ghosts weren't given an identity or a reason to be at the manor. The mystery itself was decent.
October 25, 2025
I loved the story and the characters I am looking forward to reading more. Wonderful read
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews