After two murders on the premises, the manager of the Morrisey has cracked down on who has access to the building, buying the residents a few months of peace. But the increased security hasn’t made them immune to porch pirates. Packages are disappearing almost as soon as they’re delivered. The joke is on the thief when one of the packages contains poisoned truffles, and they consume what was meant for someone else. Another body in the Morrisey puts a damper on the upcoming holiday season.
Learning she was the intended target of the chocolates, overly dramatic Winnie Wisteria is inconsolable and quick to point fingers. But as the threats escalate, secretive Winnie must let the other residents into her life if she wants to stay alive. Helping her figure out who wants her dead takes Meg and her ghostly pals into the spotlight of Seattle’s theater scene. But when everyone’s acting, who can Meg believe? And will she find the killer before it becomes someone’s final curtain call?
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.
My only complaint is that I read this too fast... and I don't know when book 4 is coming! I love these characters, the building, the residents... it all feels like a warm hug.
A Poisoned Package finds Meg swept up in another mystery at the apartment building. Someone has been stealing the residents' packages and they end up dead after eating food from one that was laced with poison.
The mystery was well done and I couldn't wait to see whodunnit. I loved seeing Meg team up with Laurie, too. They are so sweet together and it was nice to have him in town. I also liked getting more of the other eccentric residents of the building. They add a lot of humor and fun to the story.
I really enjoyed this book, and the series as a whole is one of my favorites. I absolutely love Eryn Scott's cozy mystery series! It was her books that really got me into the genre, and the A Murder at the Morrissey series is so much fun to read. I can't wait to see what happens next at the Morrissey!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Another great addition to this series. I wouldn't recommend starting on this one, until you've read the others. I love books with ghost and mysteries, so this was perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The most mysterious resident at the Morrisey receives a poisoned package that leads to a laundry list of confusing crimes centered around the theater where she works. When Meg takes a job painting props to try and be backup she finds herself mixed up in all these strange goings on. Will she and Ripley be able to find out answers before anyone else gets hurt? This is a wonderfully complex and kinda wacky mystery. I loved the way the theater played into all of the goings on good and bad. The “curse” was a great vehicle to drive the story. Loved the development between Laurie and Meg! Wooo! Mostly I just really enjoyed another visit to this wonderful building and all its residents!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I never stop loving reading about Meg, Laurie, and the ghosts of the Morrisey Apartments in Seattle, Washington. Eryn Scott knows how to create smart, engaging characters and devise great plots for every story, and A Poisoned Package doesn’t fail to uphold her exacting standards. The newest addition in the series has everything you want in a good mystery: theft, murder, extortion, a haunted theater, and even a holiday thrown in for good measure. I promise if you read the series you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the previous murders at the Morissey, Nancy has tightened security to keep the residents safe. But all is not well. Someone has been stealing packages in the building. Laurie, home from Japan for Thanksgiving, and Meg set up a sting operation to catch the thief after a package goes missing from Winnie’s door. Going to confront the thief, they hear a thud inside the apartment. When Nancy opens the door, the thief is unconscious and surrounded by truffles that were addressed to Winnie. Winnie, already secretive by nature, tells the police she doesn’t want help. What is she hiding? Was the poison meant for her, or did she poison the thief? Learning that Winnie has been working at the theater, Meg goes undercover as a scenery painter to get answers. With rumors that the theater is cursed, and definite bad vibes surrounding it, as well as Winnie’s hostility at her intervention, Meg has her work cut out for her. Can Ripley get the theater ghosts to talk to Meg and help solve the case?
Book 3 is Eryn Scott’s Morissey series is full of humor and heart as well as mystery. Meg and Laurie finally reveal their true feelings for each other, and Meg confides her secret ability to him. Ripley continues to search for the reasons she’s still earthbound. I admit that I get choked up thinking about Ripley leaving Meg. The Ghostbusters 2 reference to the theater atmosphere was perfect with Meg & Ripley realizing that the ghosts were the cause of the bad vibes. The Morissey residents being a family was truly depicted with the Thanksgiving dinner, them cheering for Meg & Laurie, and Meg refusing to abandon Winnie. All in all another outstanding story from Ms. Scott.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series is so entertaining and fun. I love spending time at the Morrisey. I love the characters, they are like one big family that you want to be part of and with the addition of the ghosts it is so funny. I love the way Meg needs there help with the investigation. You would think with ghosts helping it would be easy to solve a murder but you would be so wrong. I liked the theatre setting it make for a great location for a murder and to find ghosts. The mystery was good with lots of layers to unravel, suspects to well suspect and motives for the poisoning and the murder. It was cleverly crafted to keep you guessing, make you laugh and to tug at your heartstrings. I can't wait for the next book and investigation. With two murders on the premises the Morrisey should be a safe place to live but somebody is stealing the residents packages. Megan fearing the tighter restrictions means the thief won't get caught and they will never find out which resident is behind it, she sets a trap. She captures her thief but in the process stops a murder. Was the poisoned chocolates meant for the thief or the recipient of the mysterious gift? With the thief in hospital it just leaves the recipient to protect and she is not talking. Could the chocolates have come from her place of work? Meg goes undercover in the local theatre to find out. With all the backstabbing going on Meg will need the theatre ghosts help to get to the bottom of everything, if she can get them to talk. Then an accident causes a death in the theatre family and things get really serious. I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
Nancy, the manager, calls a meeting of the residents of the Morrisey apartments. There has been a rash of package thefts from people's front doors. Not long after this Julian, who was not at the meeting, is discovered seriously ill. It appears he has been poisoned by some chocolates he stole from Winnie Wisteria's front door. If she was the intended target could it be from someone else in the building or one of the cast or crew at the theater where she works? Meg and her ghostly best friend Riley set off to investigate at the theater. Since Meg is artist, she is able to get a job painting scenery for the current play in production. The vibe at the theater is awful with cast and crew members fighting and slighting each other constantly. Meg and Riley meet three ghosts stuck in the theater that seem to have cursed the atmosphere with the past. Things become even worse after a crew member is killed. Will Meg be able to find the culprit with the help of the ghosts without putting herself harm's way? The use of the real and ghostly figures at the Morrisey trying to keep strangers from entering the building lent a certain amount of camaraderie and humor. Bringing Meg's longtime friend Laurie back from overseas was a plus and showing that there could definitely more than friendship in the future for them. I really enjoy the setting of these Morrisey novels. I traveled to Seattle in the fall of 2023 and saw Pioneer Square so could easily visualize the area. You will want to start with book #1 is this wonderful series so you can see how the characters grow and change over time and more is revealed from the past. I'm thrilled that a book #4 will be coming in the near future,
The residents of the Morrisey are back and they're dealing with a round of package thefts. Which doesn't sound nearly as bad as the bodies they dealt with previously, but when the thief in question ends up practically deceased when they stole the wrong package, Meg steps in to try to figure out who would want to end her neighbor.
After all, if the thief hadn't nibbled on the poisoned chocolates, Winnie would have. And then there WOULD have been a dead body on the premises.
The only problem? Winnie isn't exactly clamoring for Meg's help in figuring out who tried to do her in. Not that it stops Meg from doing what she does, but it does make things a little more difficult for our ghost-talking artist. Throw in a building with some very bad vibes, some actors with very bad attitudes, ghosts who have maintained their dislike of one another into the afterlife and Meg has a lot to sort through.
That said, she also has a handsome neighbor returning (however briefly) to make her holiday a little brighter.
Ghosts, surprise visits, backstabbing, anger issues, and a lady who is determined to get to the bottom of it all before someone else ends up hurt. *thumbs up*
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 weren’t exactly considered residents of the building, but you’ll understand once you read the book. This book has it all – theft, murder, resumed romance, new “friends,” extortion, secrets revealed, a haunted theatre, as well as a holiday thrown in for fun. The main character, Meg, was of significant help solving a few mysteries throughout the story. 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.
We are back at the Morrisey with a mystery that can only be solved by our favorite amateur sleuth and her spectral sidekicks!
When a package intended for Winnie Wisteria ends up swiped from her doorstep, the residents of the Morrisey are concerned. But when the same package is found to contain poisoned sweets - the saying “death by chocolate” takes on a whole new meaning! Concerned for her neighbors, Meg and Ripley put on their sleuthing caps, open an investigation and track down clues to bring the sender to justice!
👻 Paranormal Activity 🎭 Theatre Drama 🫶 Found Family ♥️ Budding Romance 🐾 Adorable Pitty 🔍 Sleuthing 📰 Newsies References 📚 Cozy Mystery
I’m absolutely loving the A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series! It is the perfect combination of Ghost Whisperer and Only Murders in the Building with a totally unique twist and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I am so loving this series of books as love the Morrisey world where I want to live with Meg, Ripley and all the lovely quirky neighbours and their dramas. I just want to give Laurie a big hug in the way he is around Meg and a lovely romance on the side between these two young loves of two people been in love since childhood. No spoilers but lots of sweet fun and cozy moments between Meg and Laurie. Is it wrong to just want to curl up with Meg and the Morrisey residents with big mug of tea, sweet treats by the fire and enjoy these adorable, fun and feel good murder mystery. Yep strange but feeling it need to put the words enjoyable and fun with murder mystery! Probably could read the books individually as different murder mystery to solve each time but you miss out on the fun backstories and history on the residents.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't know why people stay at the Morrisey because once again something is happening in the building, this time Meg didn't find a body or a body and a secret staircase but packages go missing and someone ends up poisoned...
But despite all the murder and poisonings it was wonderful being back with the gang and even better because Laurie was home again (for a while). We meet some new ghosts in the theater down the block where Meg takes a job to see what the theater has to do with the poisoned package.
I had such a good time reading the book, I can not wait for the next one to come out soon.
Winnie Wisteria seems to have been targeted by a killer when she was sent a package in the mail containing poisoned truffles. They find later that the truffles were laced with fentanyl. The package was intercepted before Winnie could retrieve it, which saved her life. When things start to point to the theater, Meg went to the Third Avenue Theatre to see about a job and to be close by to prevent a further attempt on Winnie’s life while she tries to solve the mystery. Will Meg find the killer? Will more deaths occur?
Meg and her ghostly best friend end up involved in yet another mystery at the Morrisey. This mystery leads them to a haunted theater. Meg puts her artistic talents to the test at the theater to find answers to a lot of questions. There is also a big reveal and joyful reunion with Laurie. This mystery is resolved by the end so it can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So good. I was so glad I found this series, it makes me a happy mystery reader. I feel like The Morrisey Family is my own. Nutmeg and Ripley are a fantastic sleuthing friendship and so excited to have Laurie back for this mystery. The maps included in the book help me to understand more of where events are happening and visualize them better. I will definitely be looking for the next murder in this series….is it wrong to want someone to be murdered…meh, not if the story is really good 8§.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great series so far, another resident in peril, haunting, and a big reveal. This book has it all. I love to see the characters and relationships changing,growing and maturing (something a lot of cozies lack) the found/made family at the Morrison, including the ghostly ones are simply the best. The care about each other and are ready to celebrate each others wins and be there for the lows.
A Poisoned Package is Book 3 ib A Murder at the Morrisey by Eryn Scott. I really enjoyed this book and love Meg and her "ghost" best friend, Zoe. I thought that the murder was clever and the characters are excellent. I found this book to be unique and the ending was perfect. I can't wait to read more cozy stories set at the Morrisey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This time we’re treated to two main locations; The Morrissey and The Third Avenue Theatre. The book comes with maps of both and even an illustration of Laurie and Meg.
Be prepared for lots of drama and I mean lots! It is the theatre after all, a curse that must be broken and a would be killer on the loose.
Settle in with your favourite snack and a big pot of tea because once you start this book you won’t be able to put it down.
You should read these books in order to avoid spoilers. It’s the best way to enjoy the series and you get to enjoy more books.
Finally saw the love story of this book blossom. I waited three books to get a conclusion to this friends to lovers trope and I’m so glad we finally saw it happen. This book was cute, and I feel like it was a great addition to this series. The only thing I’ve realized after reading the series, is that I would consider this a young adult/adolescent series.
I didn’t love this one quite as much as the prior two. It took me longer to get through, I think due mostly to not caring about the new characters. There were so many and not enough repeated encounters to get to know any of them very well.
Most of this book takes place outside the apartment building, and I want to see more of it and its residents, not less, especially in a book set at Thanksgiving.
I know that there’s only so much murder mystery you can do in a single complex, even with a Cabot-Cove helping of suspension of disbelief, but I’m hoping the next few installments give us more of Meg’s neighbors and fewer external locales.
There is a sliver of world-building/lore, though, that I really hope continues into the future books.
When I picked up A Poisoned Package, the third installment in Eryn Scott’s A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series, I was instantly drawn into the peculiar world of the Morrisey Apartments. This ghostly cozy mystery follows Meg and her ghostly companion, Ripley, as they unravel the enigma surrounding disappearing packages and poisoned truffles. The story begins with a holiday season dampened by another body found at the Morrisey, despite heightened security from previous murders. The twist, however, is that the ill-fated chocolates were intended for someone else, and the intended target isn’t too keen on uncovering who might wish them harm. This reluctance only fuels Meg’s determination. With the aid of her spectral friend, Ripley, and her love interest, Laurie, who returns to Seattle for a brief visit, they delve into the mysteries that lead them to the Third Avenue Theater. The intrigue is heightened by the theater’s own peculiar happenings, making it easily understood that there is something strange in the neighborhood, specifically the Third Avenue Theater. As I read through the book, I found myself enchanted by the colorful cast of characters, both living and dead. Meg is a relatable protagonist, constantly juggling her secret of communicating with ghosts while maintaining her budding romance with Laurie. Their relationship adds a delicate touch of romance to the story, which is not overwhelming but rather endearing. The Morrisey Apartments, depicted with lovely, subtle descriptions, are home to a variety of quirky residents who feel like a family to Meg. But let’s not forget the cast and crew of the Third Avenue Theater, who each add their own intrigue and flavor to the story. The narrative’s complexity lies in its many characters and twists, ensuring that readers must pay close attention to the details. The story doesn’t follow a traditional cozy mystery outline, making it even more engrossing and fun to read. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful extras Eryn Scott included in the book, like the blueprint of the Morrisey and the theater layout. These elements enriched the reading experience by painting an even more vivid picture of the setting. The list of residents and their apartment numbers added a personal touch, making it easier to connect with the characters. The plot was full of twists and turns, more than a slinky, keeping me either on the edge of my seat or on my toes in anticipation! Eryn Scott’s ability to weave multiple mysteries into the narrative from the very first page hooked me instantly, with one mystery leading seamlessly into another. While this was my introduction to the series for a book club read, the references to previous installments only piqued my interest further, making me want to go back and start the series from the beginning.
Heading towards the end of the book, I found myself feeling a bit uncertain about how it would all wrap up. Just when I thought the main mystery had been solved, I realized there was still a bit more to read, leaving me curious about where the plot would take me next. Eryn Scott truly surprised me with a clever twist that turned everything I thought I knew about detective skills upside down! In the end, all the mysteries, subplots, and side stories came together in a beautifully crafted conclusion that was simply flawless. I was left feeling thoroughly satisfied and eager to dive into more works by this talented author. In conclusion, A Poisoned Package is a delightful and engrossing read that kept me guessing until the very end. With its lovable characters, engaging plot, and the charm of a ghostly mystery, it’s a fantastic addition to anyone’s cozy mystery collection. If you’re ready for an unforgettable holiday season filled with mystery and intrigue, this book is a must-read.
Thank you so much Eryn Scott for the audiobook version of A Poisoned Package. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Those of you who have been following along know that I’m obsessed with A Murder at the Morrisey Mystery series. It will not shock you to know that as soon as I finished A Secret Staircase (book 2), I immediately hit “play” on A Poisoned Package (book 3).
A good portion of the book takes place inside a theater whose cast and crew are preparing for the opening night of Singing in the Rain. As a person who enjoys the theater, I had such a blast reading about the drama and scandals that the members of the theater company needed to navigate leading up to the show. Additionally, I was thrilled to meet the trio of ghostly thespians that assisted Meg and Ripley as they tried to solve the attempted murder mystery.
Although I love a good whodunnit, the ongoing plot between the published books in the series keeps me coming back for more! In this installment, one of my favorite characters returned to the Morrisey and I was on pins and needles waiting to see how Meg would react! I also appreciated getting to know one of the more mysterious (but dramatic) characters that lives in the apartment building.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the book for me was the ending! Although it’s not a cliffhanger, it’s clear that Meg and Ripley are going to start investigating something that has the potential to change everything….for better or worse. Book 4, A Crime in 5C, is scheduled to be published in October and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
In the pages you will find:
🎭 A mystery at a theater 🎶 Musical song references (Newsies!!!) 📦 Missing packages ❤️ Clean romance (kissing) 👻 Helpful ghosts (friendly) 🤝 Found family 🏢 Tight knit apartment residents 🎧 An amazing audiobook narration by Natalie Duke 📚 A wonderful cozy mystery you won’t want to put down!
These books get better as the series goes on! This one's suspects are all cast and crew from a local theatre. The book (as they all do) start with a building meeting - someone is stealing packages from the hallways. But as soon as Meg and Laurie (who is home on vacation from Japan for Thanksgiving as a surprise) figure out who is stealing the packages, another mystery is on its heels.
I like how these stories include details from previous books in the series, especially because I read them back to back (unusual for me). Meg references other ghosts they've met (like Addy), antics they've gotten up to (like tipping over the water cooler in the last book), and Meg is growing in her skill and confidence as an artist (she's been showing her artwork in the Cooler).
The covers are also very clever - Meg's apartment is on the 5th floor, and she's always pictured in the top left. Laurie is on the 4th floor and his room is second row center.
Meg and Ripley are at it again as they try to figure out who’s stealing packages at the Morrisey Apartments and who poisoned one of the residents and how it all ties to a local theater.
Meg is an artist who lives on the fifth floor of the Morrisey along with her cat, and her ghostly best friend, Ripley. When Meg’s love interest, Laurie, shows up for a quick visit between trips to Japan, they work together to figure out who has been stealing packages from the residents. They solve the mystery and go to confront the thief only to find them unconscious from a box of poisoned chocolates. But were the candies meant for him? Or someone else?
There’s also something nasty going on at the local theater. Meg and Ripley have to take on three nasty ghosts who are affecting everyone’s moods, nasty actors and staff at the theater, and one even nastier murderer—and all of it tied to the chocolates and the Morrisey. Join Meg, Ripley, and Laurie as they confront the perps and come away from a Thanksgiving no one will forget. Great characters, lovely scenery, and a touch of romance make this a romping good read.