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The Grumpy Ghost #5

Ghosts Don't RSVP

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Solving murders is tricky. Falling for the dead detective helping you? Even trickier.

Anna McGuffin should be focused on the blind date her friends insisted she needed. But it's hard to concentrate on someone new when she's still reeling from a certain Christmas kiss with Richard Lockwood—the impossibly handsome Victorian ghost she definitely shouldn't be falling for. Definitely. Probably. Almost certainly not.

Then her good friend Hank Miller's dream comes crashing down. The Campbell House B&B's grand opening was supposed to be Hank's big moment, until one of his guests takes a fatal tumble from the widow's walk. Now Hank's bed and breakfast is on the line, and Hank himself is suspect number one.

Anna isn't about to let Hank lose everything he's worked for. The trouble? The only witness to the murder is a petulant teenage ghost who crashed the party uninvited—and isn't breathing a word until Anna and Richard help her track down a set of lost letters she's suddenly determined to find.

But those letters don't only belong to her. They reach back into Richard's past, and into the long shadow of Alistair Hawthorne, the Victorian killer whose grudge against him refuses to stay buried.

To clear Hank's name, Anna will have to outwit a flesh-and-blood killer, bargain with a moody teenage ghost, and face the one truth she keeps trying to outrun—that her heart already belongs to a man who hasn't drawn breath in over a century.

For Fans

⭐ Grumpy/sunshine

⭐ Impossible romance

⭐ Small town cozy mystery

⭐ Reluctant blind date

⭐ Adorable ghost dog sidekick

Ghosts Don't RSVP is the fifth book in the Grumpy Ghost series—a paranormal cozy mystery where each book serves up a fresh mystery with a satisfying resolution, while Anna and Richard's impossible love story builds across the series toward its ultimate conclusion.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

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About the author

Maggie March

28 books123 followers
Looking for your next addictive cozy mystery series? Maggie March delivers heartwarming whodunits that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Her stories blend clever mysteries with humor and just enough romance to make your heart flutter.

She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."

When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.

Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com

Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.

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5 stars
336 (77%)
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80 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
234 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2026
Fast paced page turner with excellent fun characters in a seaside historical town.
I had to make myself go to bed. I was reading late into the next morning to reach the end.
Red herrings filled the book with questions that keep you reading.
You will be stymied at trying to solve the mystery.
Don’t ever upset a ghost as even the disembodied hold grudges.
Anna goes on a date with a guy that seems perfect even if he is not Richard, the 130 year old ghost that they share a house together that gets under her skin in an unforgettable way she can’t resist.
A B&B that took countless hours, love, patience and several contractors to restore it to its former historical glory has a grand celebration.
The guests, woodworker, and other contractors enjoy delicious foods made by their host, drink ,dance, and tour the grand house on this memorable night.
There is more than one guest who holds the spotlight.
He is a callous contractor who’s a real charmer, but has airs that set him apart.
He’s not paid many of the workers what was owed and could care less if they have bills or worries.
An argument between the owner and contractor sounds ominous to those who overheard it.
A tarot reader is another guest that’s annoying Anna who’s shared a bit of history together.
The ghostly figure of a former historical resident makes an appearance, but only to Anna.
She pleads for help, that Anna needs to put off until the time is right.
Words, a threat, and adolescent behavior have Anna curious to the urgency of the request.
The lovely night ends in murder.
It’s up to Anna to solve the mysteries.
With the help of her ghostly guest, her instincts, some white lies to her friends she solves yet another case.
Things happen that never happened to a ghost before that might just change the future leaves you wanting to read what comes next.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,983 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
This is a cozy murder mystery, so the reader knows there will be a murder. The identity of the future victim was clear early in the book. Hank Miller's Campbell House B&B is ready to open and he is having a sneak peek party. Anna's friend Katie sets her up with the new PE teacher, Jeremy Cartwright, and to her chagrin, Madame Corrine is back from rehab and is eager to talk to Anna. Suddenly, Garrett Vance, Hank's final contractor falls off the widow walk - or was he pushed? A new ghost appears at Campbell House, that of Victoria Campbell, but not as the grandmother that she was when she died, but as a petulent teenager, looking for some letters that Richard Lockwood had given her years ago. She was a spoiled brat at that age and despite knowing who pushed Garrett over the rail, will not share the information until Anna and Richard find those missing letters. Neither Anna or Richard have forgotten the kiss under the mistletoe, but both are too stoic to talk about it. What kind of future can Anna have with the ghost she is in love with? Can Jeremy make her forget Richard? All in all, a fun read, as the author writes with a charming voice, that engages the reader for the beginning.
I read an ARC provided by the authors as part of her review team. this is my unbiased, voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Sandy.
483 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2026
This series is so much fun and the love story is off the charts. Richard Lockwood is "the perfect man," except for the fact that he's dead, of course. Anna McGuffin is smart, witty, level-headed, talented and kind, a great heroine. And then there's Daisy. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd love to have a little ghost dog like Daisy. The supporting characters are all unique and quirky in their own way, as well, adding flair to the stories being told in each book of the series.

As always, the mystery in this book is intriguing and not immediately obvious, which I love. Once again, another great whodunit, coupled with a romance that continues to grow deeper with each book. I love this series, and I love this book. I read it in one evening because I couldn't put it down. Then, I made the mistake of reading the bonus first chapter of the next book and now I doubly can't wait for it's publication in May... three months!

Basically, if you haven't read the series yet, read it because it's all the things you want in a cozy mystery and then some. Be sure to start with book one, though, as you must read it in sequential order to really get the feel for Richard and Anna. Seriously, add it to your reading list. You'll be glad you did.
Profile Image for MK.
1,730 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
Another winner in this series. Anna is attending The Campbell House with a date. Hanks girlfriend set them up. He seems nice enough. They have a lot on common. After all the renovations, and problems her friend has had tonight is Hanks night to show off.

But she’s also stumped about Richard Lockwoods reaction’s about her date: Several things happen at the house. The temperature goes down, and Anna see’s what she normally does. A ghost. She knows who it is. The next time she see’s her is when a body is found. A little smirk on the face, and she wonders what that means? When she tells Richard he’s shocked a bit. He will help Anna along with Daisy the sweet dog of the manor to see what truly happened at the Campbell House.
What lies ahead is a shocker; and the ghost will only
help to find the killer if Anna will help her.

A nail bitter at the end. I loved every minute of it. Every time they get better. I can’t wait for the next one.

Release Date 2/12/26
I was entrusted with an early copy of this book. All
Thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,252 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2026
GHOSTS DON'T RSVP is the fifth book in The Grumpy Ghost series and I can't wait for more. Once again Anna, ghost Richard and ghost dog Daisy are at it again solving another murder to figure out whodunnit. This time there is a new ghost to contend with too!

There are a lot of clues as well as some red herrings and we watch Anna and the others sift through them. The police are active on the case as well but once again Anna is piecing everything together more quickly. There are some ghostly happenings that others see in action with no rhyme or reason to what just happened. Anna, of course, is privvy to them all.

A nice continuation of this cozy mystery series, it was enjoyable to be reunited with Anna's friends and catch up with them. There are a few twists and turns along with some surprises and even Richard is second guessing himself. There is satisfaction with the solving of the crime and hints of what could take place in the next book. The cover is detailed and drew me in.
147 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2026
A Perfect Cozy Mystery that will draw you back into the story with your old friends.

Hank Miller's “Campbell House B&B” is ready to open and he is having an open house party, to show off all of the marvelous renovations. Also to show everyone just how beautiful and special this house is.

Anna see’s Victoria Campbell at the house, though Anna knows that Victoria died in Boston in her 60’s. Yet here she is in appearance at 17 again when she used to live there.

The mysteries and troubles are just starting to add up. I don’t want to go into much detail and spoil any of the story.

There are many twists and turns in the story to keep you turning pages and keep you wondering what is going on.
Read along and join the adventures with Anna, Richard and their ghost dachshund Daisy, in trying to figure it out.

I have really enjoyed this book and I know you will also. I am looking forward to the next book.

Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,251 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2026
I am really enjoying this series so much. It is the perfect cozy mystery read. Each book has gotten more involved with the characters and the town. Having said that this is a standalone read. Anna sees ghosts, and lives in a haunted mansion with Richard Lockwood and the dog Daisy. Her friend Hank has been renovating the Campbell house and is going to open it as a B&B after he gives a party for all his friends to show off the house, now back to her glory. Of course, with Anna (and Richard) one knows their will be a murder that they will get involved in. We get some great new characters with Jeremy, the PE teacher that Anna gets set up with as a new love interest, and Victoria, a new ghost who lives at Campbell house. We also know that Anna and Richard are developing Feelings and how this will be resolved,I have no idea, but it is obvious that is happening, although Anna is trying to find a Live boyfriend. What a wonderful read!
Profile Image for Sandy.
574 reviews
February 12, 2026
GHOSTS DON’T RSVP by Maggie March

I love each opportunity I get to go on a new adventure with Anna McGuffin and her Scotland Yard ghost detective, Richard Lockwood. Murder and mayhem seem to follow in her footsteps. Maggie March spins magical tales that keep your interest until the very last word on the page. There is always a twist that you don’t see coming, holding your attention and making her books impossible to put down. Ghosts Don’t RSVP is no exception. I love the paranormal aspect of the stories. The ghost of Richard Lockwood brings a 19th century perspective to each story that I find fascinating. The progression of the secondary characters makes you want to return to Lockwood Cove again and again. It’s like catching up with old friends. This is a fun series that you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Tia Lopez.
18 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
Life for Anna McGuffin has certainly been interesting since moving to Lockwood Cove and the latest installment in the series does not disappoint. Hank has finished his restoration project of Campbell House (which was a part of the story in the prior book) and a party to celebrate was just what was needed. The blind-date, new ghost and dead body though were sure a surprise. Go along with Anna, Richard and Daisy on this adventure as Anna navigates dating a teacher her friend (and Hank's girlfriend) set her up with while trying to locate some old items and investigate the murder of a very unscrupulous man. As always, this was a good clean, cozy mystery full of quicky characters I have grown to really enjoy.
4,548 reviews25 followers
February 12, 2026
Ghosts Don’t RSVP by Maggie March may be the fifth book in The Grumpy Ghost Series, but it is just as intriguing as the first book. This cozy murder mystery has a ghost from the past shaking things up. This is a different ghost, not Richard, (the grumpy ghost we all know and love), but he is a big part of this story as Anna, Daisy and he try to find a killer, solve the complicated past. Then there is the question of the Campbell House ghost and the Campbell House B & B future. Also Anna future as friends try their best to find her a significant other who is still living. What a story to hold your interest, it sure kept me reading.
1,800 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2026
Anna is still living with ghosts. And she's in love with one of them. She shared a kiss with him at the end of a previous book when he was able to inhabit the body of his descendent in a previous book. But she deserves a warm, breathing man so she is trying dating.

At the same time, there is another murder and another ghostly mystery that she's involved in solving.

This is a fun mystery book. I really enjoy the love relationship and the cozy mystery and it's kicked up a level of fun (and frustration) with having ghosts in the story.

Thanks to the author for an early version of the e-book.
Profile Image for Schellie.
938 reviews
February 20, 2026
Anna, Richard & Daisy are back with this crazy cast of characters from Lockwood Cove, FL. This was yet another laugh out loud, exciting, unexpected mystery, this one at The Campbell House B&B. Hank Miller is hosting a grand opening party when another person winds up dead. Anna must help a ghost who saw it happen, before she will give up her secrets. The crazy Madam Corrine is back with her eccentric vibe & prophecies for Anna. I can't wait to see if Anna's prophecy comes true!! Richard is his same stoic, aristocratic self but you sure can see his adoration of Anna come through. I have truly enjoyed this series & can't wait for the next story! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jeriann Fisher.
810 reviews
May 24, 2026
I’m Going To Be Sad When This Series Ends

I’m really enjoying binge reading this The Grumpy Ghost series.

Anna McGuffin is confronted by the ghost of a young lady who Richard Lockwood had helped shortly before he died. The ghost wants Anna to find some letters.

Of course there’s a dead body before too long and Anna must solve the murder and find the missing letters or there’ll be one unhappy and vengeful spirit to contend with. Along the way Anna reaches a faithful decision about her infatuation with a certain ghostly Victorian detective.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,541 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
Another great book in this series. Very interesting things happen with ghosts in this book. I am really curious where the author is going to lead with some of the revelations that happened. If you love any books by Maggie March, you will love this one as well. It has heart, laughter, intrigue, and fun. I look forward to the next book in this series. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Artiles.
527 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2026
I wasn't sure if I would like this series or not when it first came out but I have enjoyed it tremendously and am now invested in the characters' relationship development. In this story, a well-disliked man is the victim so with so many suspects, it was tricky to weed out the actual murderer. Anna and Richard have their hands full with that as well as figuring out their feelings for each other. I'm holding out hope Madame Corrine's reading comes through for them! Highly recommended.
39 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed Ghosts Don't RSVP. It was the first Grumpy Ghost book that I had read. I was concerned that I would not be able to follow the storyline because I had not read the first 4 books. Happily, I had no problems understanding. Now I want to go back and read the whole series. Without giving anything away, I hope the main characters are together for eternity. I definitely recommend Ghosts Don't RSVP!
246 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2026
I wasn’t sure about this ghost story but it was so good you don’t want it to end! Anna, who is living in Lockwood Manor sees & hears ghosts. When she visits her friend’s renovated Campbell House, she sees another ghost who needs her help. And of course, a murder happens that Anna has to investigate with her ghost partner. The characters draw you in & won’t let you go. Don’t miss this one, it will not disappoint
898 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
An excellent book in this series. It can be read as a stand alone story. Anna has excellent skills for figuring out who the culprit is. Having the gift of seeing and talking to ghosts helps tremendously. Daisy is a ghost dog that shares her instincts also. Lots of excitement in this murder, I had several people in mind that could have been the culprit. Great descriptive scenes and folks involved.
329 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
Another fun, quirky, entertaining story. Anna is invited to the grand opening of Campbell house. Once there she sees a ghost of a young girl that tells her she need help. Anna agrees but as always a dead body interrupts the party. This is another case that Richard and Anna must solve to save a friend. I truly enjoyed this new book in this series. I was gifted this book as an arc and this is my honest review.
79 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2026
I loved this story!

The story of Anna and Richard has had tensions between them building at a fast rate. But how can this awareness ever be satisfied? After all, one is a leaving, breathing human and the other…isn’t.

I have followed the story from the beginning and I couldn’t see a happy ending. Thankfully, Maggie knew exactly what to do and it’s perfect!!

129 reviews
March 14, 2026
just the right ghostly amount of cozy

I am so tired of steamy books that think too much graphic sex is on everyone’s list.
I prefer paranormal books with interesting casts, cases, and believable solutions.
The romance makes me smile not cringe. I think of the classic Ghost & Mrs Muir, both featured love and grumpy ghosts
Profile Image for Elaine .
727 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
Oh what fun! I love this series with snarky humor, snappy dialog and twisty murder mysteries. Anna can see and talk to ghosts, even an adorable ghost dog. This adds an element of intrigue and fun to the creative cozy mystery plots. As always, Anna is a "murder magnet" and she is entangled in yet another murder that she just cannot keep her nose out of. There are lots of suspicious characters here with different motives that make the plot twisty and suspenseful. And she has 2 ghosts (and a dog) to help her along the way. I could not put the book down until I knew how it came out and I did not guess it right. And Anna is secretly (or not so secretly) in love with the resident ghost in her rental house, former detective and founding father of the town Richard Lockwood. Talk about an impossible romance with lots of angst! But the ending is great with maybe a sliver of hope? You will just have to read it!
241 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2026
love know no boundaries

Loved it. I’m rooting for Richard and Anna, that there’ll be a way for them to be together. Maybe her friends will quit setting her up with potential murderers.
Profile Image for Jenn Bentley.
56 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2026
I can’t get enough!

I love this series so much and book 5 did not disappoint. This book is such a fun and easy read and has everything you need for a good story - love, mystery, and lots of shenanigans! I can’t wait to see where Anna and Richard’s romance will go!
Profile Image for Erin.
53 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2026
I really enjoyed Ghosts Don't RSVP — it’s spooky but fun, with just enough mystery to keep me hooked. It’s a quick, easy read and the characters make the ghost story feel charming instead of scary. Perfect if you want something light and entertaining.
Profile Image for Georgia hillstrom.
59 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2026
impossible love

Anna is realizing after another solved murder that she is hopelessly in love with a ghost. How can this work out after warning from psychic. Haunted houses, killers, in Florida heat make this the best book in the series yet. Cannot wait for the next one.
43 reviews
March 1, 2026
highly recommend!

I cannot recommend this series enough. Honestly, if there is some self respecting screen writer out there worth his/her salt, THIS series is screaming for a movie deal! Come on Hollywood! Go for it! We need Anna and Richard on screen (and Daisy, of course)!
63 reviews
April 19, 2026
Love the series so far

I've read the whole series so far. It makes me think of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
I so enjoyed getting to know the characters in the stories. The ghost dog is so cute.
I recommend reading this series.
191 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2026
Wonderful series

I simply love this series and that grumpy ghost. This is definitely different from any paranormal mystery series. I'm about to read book 6 and hopefully not the last. Unless of course it ends the way I hope. No spoiler from me😁
Profile Image for Elaine C..
440 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2026
This series is a light-hearted, easy read with fun twists and decent mysteries to solve. Of course I realize that having a conversation with a ghost and helping him solve the puzzle is not a reality ... but it sure is fun to contemplate! Besides I just LOVE Anna and our Grumpy Ghost, Richard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews