Ghost Overboard

Salem Spirits #6

by Dina Marie

A scenic harbor cruise. A ghostly SOS. Can an amateur sleuth keep her head above water to rescue a spirit in distress?


With her Salem bed-and-breakfast open for the Halloween season, Clara Kelly is finally embarking on her new life as an entrepreneur—while also trying to clear the sullied name of her ghostly roommate, a kind and handsome Union soldier named William Kensington. But when Clara takes a boat tour to scope out local attractions, she gets more than sea breezes and sightseeing. A prominent member of the Salem Historical Society falls overboard, and minutes later, her spirit appears, claiming she was pushed.


Though Clara’s no stranger to ghostly drama, she didn’t expect to be shipwrecked in a murder investigation. With William’s phantom presence by her side and the dearly departed making demands from beyond, Clara must wade through a sea of suspects, hidden grudges, and long-buried secrets—and still get back in time to greet her B&B’s first guests.


Can she reel in the killer and keep her haunted haven from going under? Or will this mystery drag her—and her entrepreneurial dreams—straight to Davy Jones’s locker?


Ghost Overboard is the light-hearted sixth book in the Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries series. If you like endearing characters, unexpected journeys, and stories with a lot of heart, then you’ll love Dina Marie’s twist of fate.


Buy Ghost Overboard and dive into this ghostly cozy mystery today!

Genres: Paranormal

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2025

About the author

Dina Marie is the pen name of award-winning novelist Dina Santorelli, who has been obsessed with all things ghost since . . . well, forever. Married on Halloween, she likes vacationing in spooky cities and visiting cemeteries and haunted hotels. A recent visit to Salem, Massachusetts, inspired her Salem Spirits series, which she wrote, in part, for her mom, a lover of cozy mystery TV.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anchors away

The first guests arrive at Clara’s new B&B today and she is a bundle of nerves. When they ask about an attraction which just so happens to be a boat celebrating the life and legacy of the man who ruined William she decides to go and check it out and maybe get some clues as well. Too bad for her fate decides murder is on the menu. Mavis a staunch believer and member of the Salem Historical Society dies after being thrown overboard. Clara has a limited time before the boat is back at shore and the murderer gets away scott free. The clock is ticking can she, William and Mavis figure it out before the time is up?
Great story! Started out as great fun, a recon mission doubling as William’s first boat ride. Spoiled somewhat by Taylor and his plus one ego and the knowledge that all these artifacts are built on lies. Still it’s an intriguing mystery and I gotta say it was super funny when the aha moment came. Let’s just say that Mavis and her bff Beverly are something else in life and death. Loved the assist from Alice she’s such a sweetie. And alls well that ends well when her first guests arrive and things go off without a hitch. Really loving this series and looking forward to the next book!!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more, I would like to thank Dina Marie, BookSirens and eLuna Media for providing me this free ARC for an honest review.

This is my new favorite cozy mystery series ever since I first was introduced to the Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries series, book number 5, G is for Ghost. Again, kudos to Dina Marie's ability to letting her readers jump into the series without feeling totally lost. Ghost Overboard is no different. This series continues to be a fun read and did not disappoint. I read this book over several days, as I found it hard to put down, wanting to see how Clara would solve this mystery in a matter of hours. This mystery did leave me wondering as to the murderer. Maybe the reader will be surprised like I was.

In Ghost Overboard, the main ghost's story being told is that of Mavis Simpson, the sixty-year-old member of the Salem Historical Society, who is running for (and planning to win) president in the upcoming Board of Trustee's election. For Clara, solving the mystery of Mavis' murder is not an easy task, as time is ticking down for her to find the killer before the ship docks and the murderer escapes. And Mavis isn't always the nicest to Clara, both in life and in death. Luckily, ghost friend, William Kensington joins Clara on this trip aboard the SS Newbury, named for Nathan Newbury. Dina Marie skillfully lets her reader in on a few more details about William's nemesis. And with Mavis' interest in history, William reveals more of his own personal story.

In this novel, the minor theme appeared to be about integrity, forgiveness, and truth, the latter being harder for Clara to sometimes do as she communicates between the world of the living and the dead and needs to keep her secret close to her heart. The secondary story involves Clara finally opening her B&B and receiving her first guests, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary during Halloween. I found myself cheering for (and being nervous too) the endearing Clara, as she finally has made her the B&B reality.

Like her other books in the series, if you are looking for a fun read, I highly recommend Ghost Overboard.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her incoming guests inquire about the Nathan Newbury cruise and museum, Clara Kelly realizes she must put her own prejudice aside and take the cruise in order to be able to recommend it. She worries over William’s feelings as they observe the big celebration for Nathan and see the exhibits touting his honor. William is much more at ease about no longer hiding from the past. Among the tourists on board are members of Salem Historical Society, including Mavis Simpson who is running a smear campaign against her opponents for a board position. As usual, Mavis is less than cordial to Clara and continues to insult William’s memory. The cruise comes to a shocking end when Mavis goes overboard and she dies during the rescue. Clara realizes the death wasn’t an accident when Mavis’s ghost appears. As hard as it was to deal with Mavis in life, her ghost causes even more trouble, including not believing she’s actually dead. Can Clara find the murderer before the ship returns to the dock and successfully greet her first B&B guests?

Another delightful Salem ghost mystery from Dina Marie. I love the relationship between Clara and William that forms the core of the series. William’s gentle demeanor and wisdom helps to give Clara much needed perspective. Mavis makes for an interesting ghost. Her personality and behavior make it hard to emphasize with her death. However, as she works with Clara to solve her murder, she starts to see the truth about William and grudging respect for Clara. A big surprise is Alice’s helpfulness with the investigation. Has she started accepting her own ability to see ghosts? I’m totally invested in how Clara will finally clear William’s name and expose Nathan as the true traitor. I picked up what seems to be a foreshadowing clue and can’t wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so look forward to when another of Dina Marie's Salem Spirit's books comes out. I love Clara Kelly's story about how she got away from her abusive husband and made her way to Salem where she is now ready to open her new Bed and Breakfast. Her steadfast companion William Kensington is there to encourage her along the way along with ghost cat and Boy, her dog. Before her first customers show up for their stay, Clara finds out that the husband is into historical boat tours so being the new business woman Clara is, she endeavors to find some places for her customers to visit while they are in Salem. The first historical boat tour to she finds is none other than Nathan Newberry historical boat tour which ironically is the man who called William Kensington a traitor. William and Clara know that William is actually the innocent party but everybody in the world thinks William is the traitor. But since it is the first boat tour she can check out before her guests arrive, she decides to take the tour and William attends with her. Well, wouldn't you know it; someone dies on the short boat ride and Clara does her sleuthing to solve the mystery that everybody assumes was just someone falling overboard accidentally. As always, Clara with her attention to detail figures it out with the help of a couple of friends.
Such a cute story and I love hearing about Salem and different businesses in the area. A very quick read if that is what you are seeking. It is recommended that you read the books prior in the series but not absolutely necessary, however, you are missing out on a lot of back story by not reading the entire series.
Thank you to Dina Marie and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are voluntary and my own.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Kelly's new Bed and Breakfast is finally ready to accept visitors, and she has a couple arriving this very evening. When she learns that the husband is interested in a historical boat tour, Clara realises that she needs to scope out the tourist attractions, starting with this particular cruise. During the voyage, a snarky member of the Salem Historical Society falls overboard and drowns. Clara needs to find the killer to bring peace to the spirit. And herself.

The more I read this series, the more I love it. There's a sweetness to the paranormal elements that isn't found in most books in this genre. The fact that the resident ghost in these stories isn't your average cookie-cutter spook adds a richness to the tales. But these stories are skillfully balanced with villains and wrong-doers, removing the possibility of the book becoming saccharine.

Ghost Overboard is a cleverly told paranormal cosy, sure to please any fan of these types of books.

Thank you to Dina Marie and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly misleading title of maritime adventure.

I have not read all the previous in this series by this author so was unable to explain why an old ghost was able to move physical objects and even act as marketing manager for our heroine's new bed and breakfast in Salem. She is conscientious and wants to be able to give guests an honest opinion so embarks on a ship named after her resident ghost's betrayer. An antagonistic character is the victim going overboard and perishes on deck despite a dramatic rescue. This is where the title is inaccurate as her body and ghost are onboard from the time of death. Suspects abound although there are similar motives in vying for leadership in impending appointment. Our heroine and her loyal civil war ghost have to solve the case before the ship docks and all suspects escape. There is resolution and even some redemption, which makes sense. Not the full five because some important information was held back and I felt the worldbuilding was a tad inconsistent. Nevertheless, a charming and enjoyable easy-reading tale set in Salem.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much for a short, delightful cruise!

When her prospective guest asks about a cruise, Clara decides to take it so she can be an informed host and give her guests an honest opinion about it. Of course, she asks William if he wants to go with her and so the two of them are off. Unfortunately for Clara and William, a very annoying person ends up going overboard and when Clara sees the ghost, she knows the woman was murdered and didn’t fall over the railing. Now she has to solve the murder before her guests are due to arrive at her B&B. I really do love these stories. They’re funny and humorous, but also serious as Clara solves the murder. She’s meeting more and more people in her community and still dealing with the trauma her dead husband has created within her. I love Dina Marie’s writing style as it just flows so smoothly and keeps me reading. The plots are always so well thought out. I never would have guessed this one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and William are back with a new mystery to solve. I adore this series! Its so cute and I love the relationship between Clara and William. Its wholesome and sweet.

With her B&B opening soon, Clara wants to get a lay of the sites and attractions and finds herself in the middle of a mystery. I really enjoyed the focus on William in this book. He's such a great character. This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting with the B&B opening and with relationships being built with other characters. Not that its a bad thing; the story was still good. There were still so many familiar characters and a new possible overarching mystery to solve. I'm looking forward to following the dots. There are a lot of story lines left to explore and I'm excited to see where the series goes.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily. However, I was already a fan of this series and have purchased the previous books.

[Deborah Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by Dina Marie. I was looking for something along the lines of Charlaine Harris and Dina did not disappoint. While this is the 6th book in the series, my experience was not hindered reading this prior to the other publications. There were somethings that likely would have been more explained had I read the prior books, ie how Clara and William met and when Clara learn she could see spirits. But overall, I felt the author provided enough information to the reader about the history of the characters to enjoy this as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the pacing although felt myself wanting a little bit more. That could be because the books I've read lately have all been 400+ page books with intricate world building. However, I did envision myself in Salem and felt as though I was right along Clara as she worked to solve an untimely death of a townsperson. Overall a fun read. I will likely read the author's other works.

[Sarah Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great ghost adventure for Clara Kelly! It seems that no matter where she goes, she finds a new ghost. This was a super quick read for me (finished it in one day) and it kinda left me wanting more. I love this series and immersing myself in Clara's world.

I like that William went on the boat museum with Clara, I'm so used to other books where the ghosts are confined to one place and I love that William can explore Salem with Clara.

Of course our resident grump Taylor had to be present on the boat to give Clara a hard time when she's seeing a new ghost. I wanted a little more of Sebastian though.

I can't wait to see what the next book holds for our duo. I really hope we get some progress on clearing William's name soon.

Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love being back with Clara and William. The fact that we get to explore even further into Salem and its Salemanders? Priceless.

I can honestly say the mysteries have yet to grow stale or boring; Dina Marie manages to keep things fresh and engaging with each book she publishes in this series, and I'm loving it.

The mystery in this one is straightforward enough, but the culprit is definitely one I'm looking at with more pity than anything else. Loneliness is certainly not something to brush aside, that's for sure!

I can't wait to see what the annoying Taylor wants in exchange for covering for Clara in this one, how her B&B flourishes, and how she eventually solves the Sebastian dilemma!

10/10 recommend.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Busy Day Indeed ! . . .

Today is a busy day for Clara Kelly who is ready to open her new bed-and-breakfast. She and ghostly Union soldier William Kensington have been diligently working together on the project and are hopeful of a positive response from their guests who will be arriving today. Before the opening, Clara and William will be checking out a boat tour that may be of interest to her guests. They never expected to be pulled into a mystery when Mavis, a nasty criticizing woman from Salem Historical Society (who cannot swim), falls overboard and drowns. Her ghost insists that she was pushed. Can Clara and William figure out who the murderer is before they return to port? And with secrets to uncover, can they make it back in time for the opening of Clara's new business venture before her guests arrive?

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery was an absolute joy to read. The plot is engaging without being stressful, and the characters are warm, charming, and easy to love—exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery. Everything fits together beautifully, making it the kind of book you happily sink into and don’t want to rush through.
I’ve read the previous installments in this series, and this book fits in perfectly. The author stays true to the tone and style of the series while still keeping the story fresh and entertaining. It feels like coming back to familiar friends in a comforting setting.
Overall, this is a lovely addition to an already wonderful series. I highly recommend both this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with heart, charm, and well-crafted characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Overboard #6 written by Dlna Marie. This book is an exciting book. Well written and great characters. It has ghosts adventures & murder. Clare opens a B& B she excited about opening her B&B and making sure everything is just right. Her first customers are coming and wanted to know about the boat cruise that they read about. So Clare signs up and goes on the cruise. There is also a new position to be on the chair committee someone is playing at making the others that want to be on the committee looks bad so the one person will be picked. But you will have to read this excellent book to find out what happens. I love this book & would recommend it to everyone. It is worth your while to read it. I do have this book and can’t wait for book 7.

Written by
Edith L 🐈🐈‍⬛

[Amanda Galarowic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars absolutely! This book had me smiling to myself and laughing out loud occasionally. Of course where ever she goes Clara Kelly always finds a dead body. This time belonging to an esteemed historical society member. The killer was easier to guess this time around but the book was still very enjoyable. It ended on a bit of tension between Clara and Sebastian but I’m hoping they will reconcile in book 7. All your favorite characters return and it feels like a family gathering every time I read her books. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Clara and William get into next.

I received an advanced copy for free and I’m happy to leave my honest review

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and William investigate a murder when a woman is killed onboard a ship named after the man who committed the crimes William was excused of. While the book does not advance the series’ main plot very much, readers do learn a bit more about the man whose treason resulted in William’s execution. Clara must solve the murder quickly so she can return to her bed and breakfast in time to welcome her first guests. I am looking forward to the next book, when Clara finally confronts her sister in law in court.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always an adventure with William and Clara Kelly. The B&B is ready for its' first guests, and Clara and William are off on a cruise to check out for their customer. A loud obnoxious rival candidate gets pushed overboard and Mavis's ghost insists Clara do her sleuthing thing and find her murderer. This took us into each person's lives and they are juicy!!! See whodunit. I was shocked. A compelling, captivating read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoy Dina's books in this series. Love Clara's relationship with William and how other ghost can see and talk with Clara. These are so much fun and drama. Will make you laugh and want to tag along.

Because her B&B was going to have her first stayers, Clara decides she needs to visit the local attractions so she can verify to her customers honestly. These are so very very entertaining and nice clean cozy murder mystery. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Great read.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Kelly is just about to open her B and B.
But when an enquiry about a local boat trip celebrating the traitor Nathan Newbury she feels duty bound to test the trip out to give a true opinion.
While aboard an incident occurs which winds up with a prominent Salem resident dead.
But the catch is Clara can see the ghost, which means this person didn't pass naturally, they were murdered.
So it's upto her to save the day and help with the ghost's unfinished business.
Another wonderful and nautical tale in the Salem spirits series.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series can be read as stand-alones, but reading them in order enriches the full storyline.

Clara is opening a bed-and-breakfast, and today, after thw past six months getting ready, her first official guests will be checking in. But before they check in, Clara must find out who murderers Mavis Simpson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series that I have enjoyed. Clara and the ghost of William Kensington take a historical boat cruise in Salem Harbor. A murder occurs. Clara investigates with the aid of William and the new ghost of Mavis. Motives are uncovered. Town folk are definitely characters. The murder must be solved before the boat returns to the harbor. Can Clara figure it out? Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series, so I was excited to see a new book to read. I found the story to be very engaging, and I think that William, with his old-world charm, is a special character. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The mystery was well written, and I was surprised at who the villain was. I strongly recommend reading both the book and the series.

[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara is waiting for her first guests as she was ready to open the B&B. She decided to take the boat tour so she would be more aware of what the history of Salem offered. A tragedy occurred as she and William (her resident ghost) were enjoying their time on the ship. A ghost appeared from the moment that was happening. This is the beginning of finding answers to let the ghost have the whys of who did the bad things that happened.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 of Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries. It is a standalone story of another murder mystery. Clara Kelly has decided to take a boat tour where her nemesis falls off and dies. Now Mavis's ghost is following her around hounding her to solve her murder. I love the characters of William and Clara. Each book is different, and I enjoyed this one from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[teal · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. My review is voluntary and my personal opinion only. ~

This series is one of my favourites! Though I still hope Clara can turn around the narrative and shed positive light on William's memory in the public eye, their trip aboard a boat celebrating the true traitor turned into quite the adventure!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great episode in this series. Clara is ready to welcome her first guests with William's help. Clara decides they need to take the boat tour that celebrates the soldier that is responsible for William's death. It's interesting to see Clara's change of attitude after seeing the historical museum on the boat.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is number 6 in the Salem Spirits series. There was really good character development in this one! I enjoyed the mystery a lot. There were so many suspects.

I hope we get more of the romance plot in the next one. I’m looking forward to more of this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read.
I love Clara and her entourage of William Kensington (a ghost), ghost cat (a ghost cat) and Boy, a living dog.
Clara, the reluctant sleuth gets pulled into a murder mystery once again.
I love the humour which makes the book an enjoyable and hilarious read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoy every one

They keep getting better. These are books I read for pure pleasure. Engaging characters, interesting plots, and a setting that I want to explore- who can ask for more!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series. I really enjoyed it and want to go read the rest of them now. I just love Clara and William's friendship and the fact that he's a ghost.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.