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Haunted Dead and Breakfast #1
Murder at Blackwood Inn: A Haunted Dead and Breakfast Mystery
A haunted house and the occult are the least of Carissa Blackwood’s problems when her eccentric aunts are accused of murder in this cozy series debut by multiple award–winning author Penny Warner.
Ghostwriter Carissa Blackwood is having the worst year of her life. After leaving her cheating husband, she finally takes up the offer to help her two eccentric aunts manage the Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn in Pelican Point, California—a house they only recently inherited from their deceased father, Bram Blackwood. The old man dabbled in the occult, and his daughters haven’t fallen far from the family tree. Aunt Runa is into crystals and plans to hold séances at the reportedly “haunted” house. Aunt Hazel has an herbary and offers herbal cures for everything from headaches to paranormal visions. But it’s Hazel’s poison garden that really concerns Carissa.
When one of the townspeople dies from a poison that could have only come from Aunt Hazel’s garden, the town is quick to point fingers. It doesn’t help that one of Aunt Runa’s charms is found at the scene of the crime.
With a little help from Noah, the mysterious and handsome handyman; Aiden, the charming newspaperman—and the ghost of Carissa’s grandfather—it’s up to Carissa to clear her aunts and find the real killer before someone else is checked out for good at the B&B.
Ghostwriter Carissa Blackwood is having the worst year of her life. After leaving her cheating husband, she finally takes up the offer to help her two eccentric aunts manage the Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn in Pelican Point, California—a house they only recently inherited from their deceased father, Bram Blackwood. The old man dabbled in the occult, and his daughters haven’t fallen far from the family tree. Aunt Runa is into crystals and plans to hold séances at the reportedly “haunted” house. Aunt Hazel has an herbary and offers herbal cures for everything from headaches to paranormal visions. But it’s Hazel’s poison garden that really concerns Carissa.
When one of the townspeople dies from a poison that could have only come from Aunt Hazel’s garden, the town is quick to point fingers. It doesn’t help that one of Aunt Runa’s charms is found at the scene of the crime.
With a little help from Noah, the mysterious and handsome handyman; Aiden, the charming newspaperman—and the ghost of Carissa’s grandfather—it’s up to Carissa to clear her aunts and find the real killer before someone else is checked out for good at the B&B.
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First published September 23, 2025
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About the author
Penny Warner
142 books138 followersPenny Warner is an award-winning author of over sixty books, including DEAD BODY LANGUAGE mystery series (Macavity winner), HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY series, and the upcoming Food Festival series. Her middle-grade mystery, THE CODE BUSTERS CLUB, won the Agatha Award for Best Children's Mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 24, 2025
I love the cover here. It's cute and just a little spooky.
This is first in a new cozy mystery series from an author I've not read, but has a massive backlist. The mystery was pretty good and I liked the characters, but the writing felt really repetitive. I feel like we got the same information several times and it just felt a bit tedious. I'd read the next one if I come across it, but I doubt I'd seek it out.
This is first in a new cozy mystery series from an author I've not read, but has a massive backlist. The mystery was pretty good and I liked the characters, but the writing felt really repetitive. I feel like we got the same information several times and it just felt a bit tedious. I'd read the next one if I come across it, but I doubt I'd seek it out.
January 4, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
Murder at Blackwood Inn follows Carissa Blackwood as she helps her aunts open up the Blackwood Inn. During the week before the Inn opens, there is a death that might be related to the Inn. Later, there is another death but this time is one of the guests. Both murders have something in common: poison from Carissa's aunt's poison garden! Carissa must figure out who did it before her aunts end up in jail.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It went by really fast which I liked. At first, I thought that the murderer was obvious but then as the story went on I realized the case was more complicated than what I first thought. I liked Carissa a lot and I liked the MMC (Noah) a lot too. I hope their flirtationship becomes a romance because I love cozy mysteries with a side of romance. I also liked the aunts a lot even if they are a little eccentric, I thought they were cute.
I recommend this book to people who like low stakes mysteries (even though two people do get killed) because this book feels so cozy to read. I do not recommend this book to anyone who loves a lot of action as this book might not be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Penny Warner for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Murder at Blackwood Inn follows Carissa Blackwood as she helps her aunts open up the Blackwood Inn. During the week before the Inn opens, there is a death that might be related to the Inn. Later, there is another death but this time is one of the guests. Both murders have something in common: poison from Carissa's aunt's poison garden! Carissa must figure out who did it before her aunts end up in jail.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It went by really fast which I liked. At first, I thought that the murderer was obvious but then as the story went on I realized the case was more complicated than what I first thought. I liked Carissa a lot and I liked the MMC (Noah) a lot too. I hope their flirtationship becomes a romance because I love cozy mysteries with a side of romance. I also liked the aunts a lot even if they are a little eccentric, I thought they were cute.
I recommend this book to people who like low stakes mysteries (even though two people do get killed) because this book feels so cozy to read. I do not recommend this book to anyone who loves a lot of action as this book might not be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Penny Warner for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
This book wasn't half bad just really slow until about 3/4th of the way through. There were no plot twists that I couldn't guess which is a little sad because I really love the books that I can't guess what's coming.
But, Carissa was the typical main female character who has to solve a murder since the police can't seem to do it. Noah, was mysterious but other than that not all that rememberable. I just feel like there could have been more to this book.
But, Carissa was the typical main female character who has to solve a murder since the police can't seem to do it. Noah, was mysterious but other than that not all that rememberable. I just feel like there could have been more to this book.
October 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Carissa Blackwood is an out-of-work ghostwriter who can work anywhere, maybe even writing a book as herself. So she has left her no-good cheating husband behind and heads to Pelican Point, California, to help manage the Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn, a Victorian manor her Aunt Hazel and Aunt Runa inherited following the death of their father, Bram Blackwood. They have grand ideas for their B&B but need Carissa to help with the techy stuff and organization.
Hazel and Rune’s father “dabbled in the occult,” and it turns out they have their own passions. Runa is a collector of crystals and knows their “healing powers”. She also would like to hold séances to reach the ghosts haunting the inn. Hazel is a master gardener. She uses her herbary to make a variety of herbal cures.
Following a preview party the night before the inn’s opening, one of the guests is found dead. She was poisoned, and the poison could have come from Hazel’s special garden. Add to that, one of Rune’s crystals is also found near the body. Carissa knows she needs to find the real culprit to clear her aunts of the crime. She does have help: Aiden, the local newspaper reporter, Noah, the handyman at the inn, and even the ghost of Carissa’s grandfather wants to play a role. Can they work together to out the killer? Or will the killer strike again?
I enjoyed Ms. Warner’s other cozy series’, so I was very excited to see her name on this new book.
In the first Haunted Dead and Breakfast Mystery, she has introduced a great cast of characters. Carissa wants to help her aunts in any way that she can. It doesn’t take long for her to get the reservation and payment system under control. She enjoys getting to know her aunts again as an adult. Aunt Hazel is a sweet natured 60-year old 5’5″ woman with a sparkle in her eye who takes pride in her gardens. Aunt Runa couldn’t be more different from her younger sister. She is six feet tall, “thin as a rail” dyed black hair in a sharp bob with heavy bands highlighted with a streak of purple and moves almost faster than Carissa. Noah is a jack-of-all-trades who helped the ladies renovate the inn and is now their handyman. There is some mystery to the man. Aiden Quincy is the publisher of the Pelican Point Press with connections the aunts may need if they are charged and arrested. We meet other residents of Pelican Point; some are friendlier than others. I was happy to see how well the characters developed over the course of the story while leaving room for growth as the series continues.
The inn is a fascinating place, as most Victorians are. There is plenty of space for everything they need for the B&B, and they still have space for their private areas. The attic is a treasure trove of Carissa’s grandfather’s past. There are plenty of nooks and crannies, and it may even have secret rooms. Rune and Hazel have designed themed guest rooms: The Sleepy Hollow room, the Ghostbusters room, the Scooby Doo room, and The Birds room. The movie The Birds freaked me out when I was young so that room would be a big NO from me, but my kids would love the Ghostbusters room, and the grandchildren love Scooby Doo, and the Sleepy Hollow room sounds fun. It would be a great place to visit, and it opens up a world of possibilities for future books in the series, especially if the characters that check in are as interesting as the ones in this book.
Not everyone in Pelican Point is happy about the opening of Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn, but would someone kill to close it down? This gives Ms. Warner’s mystery a plethora of suspects with a variety of motives. She sets up some red herrings, twists, and turns that keep the pages flying. The mystery flowed at an excellent pace, and the subplots meshed nicely with the main plotline. I enjoyed the part a mysterious cat named Pye played in the story. I had an inkling about the guilty party, but I found myself so caught up in the story, I cast my personal investigation aside.
I loved Murder at Blackwood Inn from beginning to end. The characters are cleverly created, the setting is perfectly haunting, and the mystery is light and entertaining. I am excited for this series to continue so I can spend more time with these wonderful characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Carissa Blackwood is an out-of-work ghostwriter who can work anywhere, maybe even writing a book as herself. So she has left her no-good cheating husband behind and heads to Pelican Point, California, to help manage the Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn, a Victorian manor her Aunt Hazel and Aunt Runa inherited following the death of their father, Bram Blackwood. They have grand ideas for their B&B but need Carissa to help with the techy stuff and organization.
Hazel and Rune’s father “dabbled in the occult,” and it turns out they have their own passions. Runa is a collector of crystals and knows their “healing powers”. She also would like to hold séances to reach the ghosts haunting the inn. Hazel is a master gardener. She uses her herbary to make a variety of herbal cures.
Following a preview party the night before the inn’s opening, one of the guests is found dead. She was poisoned, and the poison could have come from Hazel’s special garden. Add to that, one of Rune’s crystals is also found near the body. Carissa knows she needs to find the real culprit to clear her aunts of the crime. She does have help: Aiden, the local newspaper reporter, Noah, the handyman at the inn, and even the ghost of Carissa’s grandfather wants to play a role. Can they work together to out the killer? Or will the killer strike again?
I enjoyed Ms. Warner’s other cozy series’, so I was very excited to see her name on this new book.
In the first Haunted Dead and Breakfast Mystery, she has introduced a great cast of characters. Carissa wants to help her aunts in any way that she can. It doesn’t take long for her to get the reservation and payment system under control. She enjoys getting to know her aunts again as an adult. Aunt Hazel is a sweet natured 60-year old 5’5″ woman with a sparkle in her eye who takes pride in her gardens. Aunt Runa couldn’t be more different from her younger sister. She is six feet tall, “thin as a rail” dyed black hair in a sharp bob with heavy bands highlighted with a streak of purple and moves almost faster than Carissa. Noah is a jack-of-all-trades who helped the ladies renovate the inn and is now their handyman. There is some mystery to the man. Aiden Quincy is the publisher of the Pelican Point Press with connections the aunts may need if they are charged and arrested. We meet other residents of Pelican Point; some are friendlier than others. I was happy to see how well the characters developed over the course of the story while leaving room for growth as the series continues.
The inn is a fascinating place, as most Victorians are. There is plenty of space for everything they need for the B&B, and they still have space for their private areas. The attic is a treasure trove of Carissa’s grandfather’s past. There are plenty of nooks and crannies, and it may even have secret rooms. Rune and Hazel have designed themed guest rooms: The Sleepy Hollow room, the Ghostbusters room, the Scooby Doo room, and The Birds room. The movie The Birds freaked me out when I was young so that room would be a big NO from me, but my kids would love the Ghostbusters room, and the grandchildren love Scooby Doo, and the Sleepy Hollow room sounds fun. It would be a great place to visit, and it opens up a world of possibilities for future books in the series, especially if the characters that check in are as interesting as the ones in this book.
Not everyone in Pelican Point is happy about the opening of Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn, but would someone kill to close it down? This gives Ms. Warner’s mystery a plethora of suspects with a variety of motives. She sets up some red herrings, twists, and turns that keep the pages flying. The mystery flowed at an excellent pace, and the subplots meshed nicely with the main plotline. I enjoyed the part a mysterious cat named Pye played in the story. I had an inkling about the guilty party, but I found myself so caught up in the story, I cast my personal investigation aside.
I loved Murder at Blackwood Inn from beginning to end. The characters are cleverly created, the setting is perfectly haunting, and the mystery is light and entertaining. I am excited for this series to continue so I can spend more time with these wonderful characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 7, 2025
Cute small-town mystery with a paranormal B&B and a couple of batty aunts. Carissa was okay, but I enjoyed the side characters and the orange tabby more. Easy read that would be a fun transition to fall and spooky season. Hopefully the editor does a few more final comb-throughs before pub date because there were a lot of errors.
March 22, 2025
Murder at Blackwood Inn had me turning lights on at night! Admittedly, I’m a scaredy cat, but the ghosts, oujia boards, and seances had me dreaming of a who-dunnit! I loved hearing about the town and the history of the Inn’s architecture -such a fun addition to the story. Especially when you can picture the house! A budding romance, quirky characters, cranky neighbors, and a dead body…or two..were the perfect ingredients for a successful mystery!
I’m ready for book 2 already! 👌🏼
I’m ready for book 2 already! 👌🏼
September 12, 2025
Carissa Blackwood has come to live and work with her two eccentric aunts at B&B on the coast of California. She is getting away from an ex and a downturn in her ghostwriting career. She is there to help with the PR and running of the B&B and maybe write a cozy mystery of her own. Along with her aunts, there is a handsome handyman who is a bit of a mystery himself and some an especially interesting cat, Pyewacket. Oh, and I did I mention they have the rooms decorated to honor scary/mystery movies. But while the opening weekend is booked, the locals are not fans of the sisters' new endeavor. In fact, one local ends up dead after attending the open house of the Inn. Can Carissa find the real culprit before her aunt ends up in prison.
This is a first in a series and the first I have read of this author. I liked the premise and the beginning of the book. I thought it was fun and something different I enjoyed the characters a lot. The mystery kept me guessing. There is certainly a lot of secrets in this little town and almost everyone has some tie to Carissa's grandfather, the deceased owner of the Inn. There also some spooky goings on as well.
I would rate 3-1/2 stars. I certainly will read the next installment of this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.
This is a first in a series and the first I have read of this author. I liked the premise and the beginning of the book. I thought it was fun and something different I enjoyed the characters a lot. The mystery kept me guessing. There is certainly a lot of secrets in this little town and almost everyone has some tie to Carissa's grandfather, the deceased owner of the Inn. There also some spooky goings on as well.
I would rate 3-1/2 stars. I certainly will read the next installment of this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.
October 7, 2025
"Murder at Blackwood Inn (Haunted Dead and Breakfast #1)" by Penny Warner was an interesting first book in a new possibly cozy romance mystery. I put the romance part in there because the first three eligible men introduced to Carissa are described as attractive and potentially interested in her in some way. I'm sorry, but that probability only happens in romance books. Also, when they find some steamy love notes Carissa reads the first few words out loud and that really wasn't necessary if it wanted to stay in fully cozy mystery territory. It wasn't fully romance territory either. Just more descriptive than your typical cozy mystery and very mild for a romance.
Carissa moves into her family's ancestral home to help her two aunts run it as a bed and breakfast. She's lost her long term ghost writing partnership and her ex boyfriend did something unspeakable, yet he keeps blowing up her phone with texts. Odd things keep happening in the house and Carissa can't seem to get a good night's sleep. She's also trying to help prove that her poison plant growing aunt isn't a murderer and her other, crystals loving, aunt didn't try to cover it up.
Good potential for a cozy series. I personally hope it stays more in cozy mystery territory. However, I could see cozy romance lovers liking it as well. It could also potentially bridge more into paranormal/fantasy cozy territory too.
Carissa moves into her family's ancestral home to help her two aunts run it as a bed and breakfast. She's lost her long term ghost writing partnership and her ex boyfriend did something unspeakable, yet he keeps blowing up her phone with texts. Odd things keep happening in the house and Carissa can't seem to get a good night's sleep. She's also trying to help prove that her poison plant growing aunt isn't a murderer and her other, crystals loving, aunt didn't try to cover it up.
Good potential for a cozy series. I personally hope it stays more in cozy mystery territory. However, I could see cozy romance lovers liking it as well. It could also potentially bridge more into paranormal/fantasy cozy territory too.
May 3, 2025
Having left her ex-husband and previous life, Carissa Blackwood has moved into her aunts' bed 'n' breakfast inn in the charming seaside town of Pelican Point, California. With less work available to her as a ghostwriter, she is happy to take on some of the duties required to guarantee a smooth opening for the new business. With rumours galore regarding her paternal grandfather and the house he lived in until his death six months earlier she is eager to learn more but reports of bad luck, séances and ghostly goings-on means she jumps at every unexpected noise. A visit by the local sheriff after the unexpected death of a guest at their recent party is a real life problem that needs dealing with very quickly especially as he considers her Aunts, Rona and Hazel, his prime suspects! The Inn handyman, Noah, helps with her quest, but after a guest also dies, it seems as if the new business will fail before it has a chance to start.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The first book in this new series was fun to dive into with quirky characters, secrets abounding, and recipes at the end, I am very glad I took a chance with it.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The first book in this new series was fun to dive into with quirky characters, secrets abounding, and recipes at the end, I am very glad I took a chance with it.
August 2, 2025
This is a classic cosy mystery setup. We have an interesting setting, a curious protagonist, a handful of guests with secrets, some quirky support characters, and a murder that needs solving. It offers the kind of comfort read that cosy fans expect. If you like stories that may remind you of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this could appeal to you. Also if you enjoy stories where houses have hidden rooms and passages. I know I do!
That said, the mystery itself felt middle of the road. While there were some red herrings sprinkled throughout, the resolution leaned on a confession rather than deduction, which made the payoff feel a bit underwhelming. The plot didn’t quite offer the kind of clever unraveling that makes this genre shine.
The characters were likable and fun, but I wonder if there are too many quirky characters in the first book. There's nothing wrong with the characters, I just thought maybe the two aunts were too similar. But that may even out as the series progresses, and I'm more that willing to embark on that journey.
For cosy fans, this will likely hit the spot for a light, undemanding mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley for a providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
That said, the mystery itself felt middle of the road. While there were some red herrings sprinkled throughout, the resolution leaned on a confession rather than deduction, which made the payoff feel a bit underwhelming. The plot didn’t quite offer the kind of clever unraveling that makes this genre shine.
The characters were likable and fun, but I wonder if there are too many quirky characters in the first book. There's nothing wrong with the characters, I just thought maybe the two aunts were too similar. But that may even out as the series progresses, and I'm more that willing to embark on that journey.
For cosy fans, this will likely hit the spot for a light, undemanding mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley for a providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
Carissa is moving back to her family home in Pelican Point after a horrible divorce. Her Aunts Runa and Hazel have decided to open the Blackwood Bed and Breakfast Inn and Herbiary in their family home. Carissa will help with the administrative part of the business. Here she meets cute handyman Noah, all 7 house cats, and she will be acquainted with the quirks that are the Blackwood house and those "bumps in the night."
The Blackwoods host a pre-opening cocktail night, and several of Pelican Point neighbors attend. The next day, Patty Fay Johnstone, a realtor, is found dead in her home from belladonna poisoning, and a tiger's eye crystal is found under her bed. All this points to the aunts, who are now the main suspects. 2 days later, once the guests have settled at the B&B, a guest dies during breakfast. He has also been poisoned.
I really liked this story. Reminded me of Practical Magic. Loved the aunts, Noah, the handyman, and the main cat, Pyewacket. The back story of Abraham Blackwood was very interesting and really tied in well with the actual murder.
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Blackwoods host a pre-opening cocktail night, and several of Pelican Point neighbors attend. The next day, Patty Fay Johnstone, a realtor, is found dead in her home from belladonna poisoning, and a tiger's eye crystal is found under her bed. All this points to the aunts, who are now the main suspects. 2 days later, once the guests have settled at the B&B, a guest dies during breakfast. He has also been poisoned.
I really liked this story. Reminded me of Practical Magic. Loved the aunts, Noah, the handyman, and the main cat, Pyewacket. The back story of Abraham Blackwood was very interesting and really tied in well with the actual murder.
Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
September 6, 2025
Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner is a cozy mystery set at a bed and breakfast with two eccentric sisters, an attic with a crystal ball, a hidden seance room, a garden of poisonous plants and a cat that seems to be everywhere all at once. It’s the first in the Haunted Dead and Breakfast series. The FMC is very likable and the side characters are just as good. There’s a family mystery, murder and a touch of flirting that makes this book a page turner. I will admit that I did judge this book by its cover. I do this with a lot of cozy mysteries. It’s stunning and it made me want to read it. I really enjoyed this book. I also like that at the end of the book, there are recipes of the goodies that were made for the bed and breakfast guests. Thank you NeGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.
December 13, 2025
Quite a struggle to read.
Our main heroine, Carissa, has had a bit of a bad year and she goes to stay with her aunts and help out with their new B&B.
Life’s too short to read bad books. So why do I keep doing it? One reason could be that another reader said something in a review that made me curious to find out.
This time, my curiosity wasn’t strong enough against an author that clearly did not keep notes during her writing. The story gives the vibe it is set in the present day and Carissa’s grandfather died six months earlier at the age of 80. That means he was born in the 1940s. His parents were married around 1895. Very few children are born after their parents have been married for over 40 years.
That reveal made me skip part of the book. I dropped the whole thing when one of the B&B’s guests had traded in his Lexus for a Tesla.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
Our main heroine, Carissa, has had a bit of a bad year and she goes to stay with her aunts and help out with their new B&B.
Life’s too short to read bad books. So why do I keep doing it? One reason could be that another reader said something in a review that made me curious to find out.
This time, my curiosity wasn’t strong enough against an author that clearly did not keep notes during her writing. The story gives the vibe it is set in the present day and Carissa’s grandfather died six months earlier at the age of 80. That means he was born in the 1940s. His parents were married around 1895. Very few children are born after their parents have been married for over 40 years.
That reveal made me skip part of the book. I dropped the whole thing when one of the B&B’s guests had traded in his Lexus for a Tesla.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
August 2, 2025
This was a fun first in series about a possibly haunted B&B in a small coastal town in California. Carissa Blackwood has moved in to the Blackwood family home turned B&B. Carissa as left her ex-husband as well as her job as a ghostwritter to help her aunts get the bed and breakfast up and running. It's their first official week being open and in preparation they have invited some townsfolk over for a soft opening.
One of those guests is found dead with some damning evidence implicating Carissa's aunt in the murder. Carissa starts to investigate her family history and her family history and in that secrets start to unfold. There are some interesting and fun characters in this book. The are a few story lines that are set up for a following book. I want to know the secret of Carissa's bedroom lights, and more about Noah's past. The B&B has themed rooms from horror movies, and I am really hoping there is a second book that will answer some of these questions.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
One of those guests is found dead with some damning evidence implicating Carissa's aunt in the murder. Carissa starts to investigate her family history and her family history and in that secrets start to unfold. There are some interesting and fun characters in this book. The are a few story lines that are set up for a following book. I want to know the secret of Carissa's bedroom lights, and more about Noah's past. The B&B has themed rooms from horror movies, and I am really hoping there is a second book that will answer some of these questions.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
September 25, 2025
This was a good supernatural tinged cozy mystery. I enjoyed it. I loved the B & B setting and the coastal town. I loved the aunts. I kind of disliked Carissa: she’s kind of dumb, seems a bit immature, and she doesn’t like cats. I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like cats. But the positives for this series debut made it a fun read and I will definitely give the second book (assuming there is one coming) a chance.
This was a very quick read/listen.
I liked the audiobook narrator a lot though her Scottish accent wasn’t great.
**Thanks to the author and Crooked Lane Books for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review. I also got the audiobook version from my library.**
This was a very quick read/listen.
I liked the audiobook narrator a lot though her Scottish accent wasn’t great.
**Thanks to the author and Crooked Lane Books for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review. I also got the audiobook version from my library.**
July 16, 2025
Okay. The story/ plot itself was actually so so good I was hooked! Although the writing itself was a little simple (hence why I flew through it) I do believe this book needs a good amount of editing before it hits the shelves. There were definitely a few inconsistencies BUT, none of them made any difference to the main plot and were easy to read around for the sake of finding out Who Done It.
I genuinely enjoyed this book from start to finish and the cliff hanger?!?! Okay Penny next book please and thank you
I genuinely enjoyed this book from start to finish and the cliff hanger?!?! Okay Penny next book please and thank you
March 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Only reason I picked this book was for the orange cat on the cover. I loved everything about this book. 2 eccentric aunts and their niece running an inn. Supposedly haunted and a murder mystery. Such a fun read. I loved all the characters especially Pyewacket the mysterious orange cat.
April 16, 2025
Good silly mystery fun! Carissa is helping open her aunts’ B and B but after a murder the night before opening, she’s a little on edge. Will she find the murderer? Can her sleuth idol, Nancy Drew inspire her to figure out the clues? Grab your cloche hat and find out! Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
April 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. Fun cozy mystery. Loved the setting, crystals & kitties.
Want to read
April 25, 2025𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓟𝓮𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓬!
September 1, 2025
Not even a cute cover with an adorable cat can make up for the mediocre writing and lazy storytelling. DNF
August 5, 2025
Review also appears on my 2 blogs Echoing Books & Echos of Books
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Now I always love reading cozy mysteries and I can tell you now I did enjoy this quick read. The first thing that pulled me to request this book on Netgalley was the cover. It is real quirky and I LOVED IT. Then came the summary of the book. It pulled me in even further so I went ahead ad requested this book. Even though I am real picking currently and I keep going to Thriller or certain classic books. I can tell you that this was a nice easy going read.
This reminded me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and all the Nancy Drew books I read when I was still in school. It was nice reading about the hidden rooms and passages. I also liked all the quicky characters in the book. The mystery was alright, could have been a bit more mysterious. At the end they did not actually deduce who the killer was, I mean the killer kind of confessed so the ending was kind of underwhelming. The ending also felt a little rushed for me.
As I said before I also liked the characters but a lot of characters appeared in the book. Especially if this is the first book in the series. Lets see though how the rest of the series will play out. As far as I’m aware this is my first time reading the book of this author but I have added them to my list of cozy mystery authors. I always like to go and search out a nice light cozy mystery especially after I read a hard thriller or horror novel. I’m glad I did but sadly I saw a few issues so I can only give a 3 star. Though I am still adding the rest of the series on my TBR pile so I can see how the series play out further.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Now I always love reading cozy mysteries and I can tell you now I did enjoy this quick read. The first thing that pulled me to request this book on Netgalley was the cover. It is real quirky and I LOVED IT. Then came the summary of the book. It pulled me in even further so I went ahead ad requested this book. Even though I am real picking currently and I keep going to Thriller or certain classic books. I can tell you that this was a nice easy going read.
This reminded me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and all the Nancy Drew books I read when I was still in school. It was nice reading about the hidden rooms and passages. I also liked all the quicky characters in the book. The mystery was alright, could have been a bit more mysterious. At the end they did not actually deduce who the killer was, I mean the killer kind of confessed so the ending was kind of underwhelming. The ending also felt a little rushed for me.
As I said before I also liked the characters but a lot of characters appeared in the book. Especially if this is the first book in the series. Lets see though how the rest of the series will play out. As far as I’m aware this is my first time reading the book of this author but I have added them to my list of cozy mystery authors. I always like to go and search out a nice light cozy mystery especially after I read a hard thriller or horror novel. I’m glad I did but sadly I saw a few issues so I can only give a 3 star. Though I am still adding the rest of the series on my TBR pile so I can see how the series play out further.
September 24, 2025
Ghostwriter Carissa Blackwood has left her cheating husband and has agreed to help her two eccentric aunts manage the Blackwood Bed ‘n’ Breakfast Inn in Pelican Point, California, a house they only recently inherited from their deceased father, Bram Blackwood. The old man dabbled in the occult, and his daughters haven’t fallen far from the family tree. Aunt Runa is into crystals and plans to hold séances at the reportedly “haunted” house. Aunt Hazel has an herbiary and offers herbal cures for everything from headaches to paranormal visions. But it’s Hazel’s poison garden that really concerns Carissa.
When one of the townspeople dies from poison after opening day her Aunt becomes a suspect. Now Carissa has to not only battle creepy sounds and flickering lights but also solve a murder!
This series debut is fun with a dash of creepy. The setting is fantastic. I love the description of Pelican Point as Carissa drives into town. We don't get to see enough of it as most of the action takes place at the Inn. But that's also a fun setting. The description of how the house is decorated, both inside and outside is great. Horror movie themes for the rooms are perfect. Carissa, however, gets a Nancy Drew one. Lucky.
The creepy moments, especially in the attic, are my favorite. The romance happens a little too easily but I do like the love interest. Carissa's Aunts are fun and quirky. I had a feeling about the villain early on but didn't guess their motive.
Murder At Blackwood Inn is a quick read and a good combination of creepy and quirky. It's available next week, just in time for spooky season!
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read. All opinions are my own.
When one of the townspeople dies from poison after opening day her Aunt becomes a suspect. Now Carissa has to not only battle creepy sounds and flickering lights but also solve a murder!
This series debut is fun with a dash of creepy. The setting is fantastic. I love the description of Pelican Point as Carissa drives into town. We don't get to see enough of it as most of the action takes place at the Inn. But that's also a fun setting. The description of how the house is decorated, both inside and outside is great. Horror movie themes for the rooms are perfect. Carissa, however, gets a Nancy Drew one. Lucky.
The creepy moments, especially in the attic, are my favorite. The romance happens a little too easily but I do like the love interest. Carissa's Aunts are fun and quirky. I had a feeling about the villain early on but didn't guess their motive.
Murder At Blackwood Inn is a quick read and a good combination of creepy and quirky. It's available next week, just in time for spooky season!
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2025
I'm hoping this is beginning of a series because this first book was really fun. Great main characters and towns people that could easily carry a series along. I did figure out the 'why' of the murders but was completely off base with the 'who'.
April 24, 2025
Offered more promise of being a good read than it was able to deliver. Sorry.
July 22, 2025
In Murder at Blackwood Inn, the first installment in Penny Warner’s new cozy mystery series, the author returns to the genre with a masterful blend of whimsical eccentricity, subtle suspense, and carefully-woven character dynamics. Warner, a multiple award-winning writer with a longstanding reputation in the field of mystery fiction, delivers a novel that succeeds not only in providing the essential comforts of a cozy read, but also in establishing the thematic complexity and emotional resonance that distinguishes the best examples of the genre.
Set in the fictional coastal town of Pelican Point, California, the novel follows Carissa Blackwood, a ghostwriter newly divorced and adrift, who retreats to her late grandfather’s Victorian bed-and-breakfast—recently inherited by her two aunts, Runa and Hazel. While the haunted setting and occult leanings offer the expected genre flavor—crystal energy, poison gardens, ghostly visitations—Warner astutely uses these elements not for pure spectacle, but as symbolic scaffolding for deeper explorations of grief, legacy, and familial eccentricity.
What elevates Murder at Blackwood Inn is Warner’s deft characterization. Carissa is not merely a proxy for the reader; she is a fully-realized woman confronting the dual hauntings of her past marriage and her complicated family legacy. The aunts, who in lesser hands might veer into caricature, are instead rendered with nuance and affection. Their offbeat spirituality and botanical peculiarities serve as narrative misdirection while also anchoring them firmly in the textured fabric of the novel’s world.
The novel’s mystery plot adheres to the structure readers expect from the cozy form—an amateur sleuth, a suspicious death, red herrings, and an eventual revelation—but Warner handles these conventions with precision and freshness. The murder, involving a rare poison traceable to Aunt Hazel’s garden and a charm belonging to Aunt Runa, provides just enough menace without betraying the genre’s emphasis on gentler suspense. Supporting characters, including the enigmatic handyman Noah and the affable newspaperman Aiden, contribute romantic and social tension, though they are wisely kept secondary to the central mystery and familial entanglements.
Particularly commendable is Warner’s integration of the supernatural. The ghost of Bram Blackwood, the family patriarch, is not simply a gothic garnish but functions as both plot device and psychological foil, prompting Carissa to confront questions of inheritance—literal and emotional. In this way, the novel gestures toward the deeper question at the heart of all effective cozy mysteries: What does it mean to belong, especially when that belonging is shadowed by suspicion?
Murder at Blackwood Inn succeeds on multiple levels: as an engaging puzzle, a portrait of intergenerational bonds, and a subtle meditation on the spectral nature of personal history. Warner’s prose is light but intelligent, her plotting brisk but never rushed, and her setting vividly immersive. With this series debut, she invites readers into a world that is strange, warm, and quietly haunted—and few will want to check out.
Verdict: A pitch-perfect introduction to a new series that promises equal parts charm, suspense, and emotional depth. Fans of the genre will find much to savor here.
October 5, 2025
Book Review: Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner
Rating: 4 Stars
I picked up Murder at Blackwood Inn expecting a cozy mystery with a few laughs, and Penny Warner delivered exactly that — in spades. I’m giving this one four stars because it’s a genuinely fun debut that hooked me with its atmosphere and charming cast, though a couple of small pacing quibbles kept it from being perfect.
The story follows Carissa Blackwood, a ghostwriter who’s had a rough year: she left a cheating husband and has reluctantly answered her aunts’ plea to help run the old family bed-and-breakfast in Pelican Point, California. The inn’s late owner, Bram Blackwood, had a reputation for dabbling in the occult, and his two daughters haven’t exactly left that legacy behind. Aunt Runa is all about crystals and séances, while Aunt Hazel runs an herbary — complete with a rather alarming poison garden. When a local resident turns up dead from a toxin that points straight back to Hazel’s plants, and one of Runa’s charms is found at the scene, the town is quick to suspect the aunts. With help from Noah (the intriguing handyman), Aiden (the ever-helpful newspaperman), and an unexpected spectral nudge from Carissa’s grandfather, Carissa sets out to prove their innocence before the inn suffers a more permanent vacancy.
What I loved: the setting is delightful — the house with its slightly spooky, quirky vibe are cozy in the best way. Warner populates the book with a great roster of eccentric secondary characters who add humor and heart without ever stealing the show. Carissa herself is a likable protagonist: relatable, clever, and motivated by loyalty rather than any cliched amateur-detective hubris. The mystery is well plotted; clues are paced nicely, and the reveal felt earned. Also, major bonus points for the recipes at the end — a sweet touch that makes the whole experience feel homier.
Why four stars and not five? A few stretches in the middle slowed the momentum for me, and a couple of red herrings felt a bit obvious. Still, those are minor complaints in an otherwise engaging and cozy read.
If you enjoy light, character-driven mysteries with a dash of the paranormal (and some tasty recipes to try afterward), Murder at Blackwood Inn is a solid pick. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I picked up Murder at Blackwood Inn expecting a cozy mystery with a few laughs, and Penny Warner delivered exactly that — in spades. I’m giving this one four stars because it’s a genuinely fun debut that hooked me with its atmosphere and charming cast, though a couple of small pacing quibbles kept it from being perfect.
The story follows Carissa Blackwood, a ghostwriter who’s had a rough year: she left a cheating husband and has reluctantly answered her aunts’ plea to help run the old family bed-and-breakfast in Pelican Point, California. The inn’s late owner, Bram Blackwood, had a reputation for dabbling in the occult, and his two daughters haven’t exactly left that legacy behind. Aunt Runa is all about crystals and séances, while Aunt Hazel runs an herbary — complete with a rather alarming poison garden. When a local resident turns up dead from a toxin that points straight back to Hazel’s plants, and one of Runa’s charms is found at the scene, the town is quick to suspect the aunts. With help from Noah (the intriguing handyman), Aiden (the ever-helpful newspaperman), and an unexpected spectral nudge from Carissa’s grandfather, Carissa sets out to prove their innocence before the inn suffers a more permanent vacancy.
What I loved: the setting is delightful — the house with its slightly spooky, quirky vibe are cozy in the best way. Warner populates the book with a great roster of eccentric secondary characters who add humor and heart without ever stealing the show. Carissa herself is a likable protagonist: relatable, clever, and motivated by loyalty rather than any cliched amateur-detective hubris. The mystery is well plotted; clues are paced nicely, and the reveal felt earned. Also, major bonus points for the recipes at the end — a sweet touch that makes the whole experience feel homier.
Why four stars and not five? A few stretches in the middle slowed the momentum for me, and a couple of red herrings felt a bit obvious. Still, those are minor complaints in an otherwise engaging and cozy read.
If you enjoy light, character-driven mysteries with a dash of the paranormal (and some tasty recipes to try afterward), Murder at Blackwood Inn is a solid pick. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 8, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner follows Carissa Blackwood as she goes to help her aunts run their bed-and-breakfast in a small coastal town off the northern California coast.
Who would want the Blackwood Bed 'n' Breakfast to be shut down for good?
Carissa Blackwood
Carissa Blackwood is the only child of the three Blackwood siblings. Her father is the only boy in the family and the youngest, and he doesn't really want anything to do with the house. Carissa was a ghostwriter before moving to Pelican Point, and she needs some fresh air. She never expected to actually need to solve a crime in real life since she did that for a living to sell books. I have to say that I do like Carissa, as she knows a bit more about solving crimes than the average amateur sleuth, but she still does need help. I like Carissa.
The Mystery
Carissa Blackwood didn't find the dead body of the townsperson who had recently died after attending an event at the Blackwood Bed 'n' Breakfast. However, that doesn't stop her from looking for and finding the culprit. Ms. Warner definitely had me going throughout this book. I literally had no idea who it could be, but I did have an inkling of who it could've been. Except I kept talking myself out of it until that person revealed themselves as the killer.
Four Stars
My rating for Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner is four stars. I am definitely going to be checking out some more of Ms. Warner's books. Ms. Warner is a fantastic author. She definitely kept me guessing on who had the best motive to be the killer.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner.
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner follows Carissa Blackwood as she goes to help her aunts run their bed-and-breakfast in a small coastal town off the northern California coast.
Who would want the Blackwood Bed 'n' Breakfast to be shut down for good?
Carissa Blackwood
Carissa Blackwood is the only child of the three Blackwood siblings. Her father is the only boy in the family and the youngest, and he doesn't really want anything to do with the house. Carissa was a ghostwriter before moving to Pelican Point, and she needs some fresh air. She never expected to actually need to solve a crime in real life since she did that for a living to sell books. I have to say that I do like Carissa, as she knows a bit more about solving crimes than the average amateur sleuth, but she still does need help. I like Carissa.
The Mystery
Carissa Blackwood didn't find the dead body of the townsperson who had recently died after attending an event at the Blackwood Bed 'n' Breakfast. However, that doesn't stop her from looking for and finding the culprit. Ms. Warner definitely had me going throughout this book. I literally had no idea who it could be, but I did have an inkling of who it could've been. Except I kept talking myself out of it until that person revealed themselves as the killer.
Four Stars
My rating for Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner is four stars. I am definitely going to be checking out some more of Ms. Warner's books. Ms. Warner is a fantastic author. She definitely kept me guessing on who had the best motive to be the killer.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder at Blackwood Inn by Penny Warner.
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 7, 2025
Murder at Blackwood Inn marks a promising and delightfully quirky start to a new cozy mystery series by Penny Warner. Set in the charming (and slightly spooky) town of Pelican Point, California, the story introduces us to Carissa Blackwood, a ghostwriter who retreats to the newly inherited Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn after a painful divorce—only to find herself entangled in a murder mystery with more than a hint of the paranormal.
Carissa’s two eccentric aunts, Runa and Hazel, are instantly lovable in their own strange ways: one want to host séances, the other runs a herbary with a rather alarming poison garden. When a local is found dead—poisoned by something from Hazel’s garden and with one of Runa’s charms nearby—Carissa is drawn into the investigation to clear her aunts’ names. Along the way, she gets a little help from the ghost of her own grandfather, Bram Blackwood.
The mystery itself is engaging, with just enough red herrings and secrets to keep you turning pages. The paranormal touches—ghostly sightings, spiritual charms, and eerie family secrets—are well-balanced, adding a fun and cozy gothic flair without veering into horror. The inn itself, steeped in history and occult rumors, is the perfect setting for a mystery of this kind.
While Carissa is a likable and relatable protagonist, her detective work sometimes feels more like casual sleuthing than true investigation. Much of her progress comes from chatting with locals rather than deep digging or clever deductions.
Overall, Murder at Blackwood Inn is a fun, atmospheric, and slightly spooky read that hits all the right cozy notes. With a unique cast of characters and a mystery wrapped in family secrets and spectral whispers, it’s a great choice for fans of paranormal cozies. I’m already looking forward to checking back in at the Blackwood Inn for the next installment.
3.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Carissa’s two eccentric aunts, Runa and Hazel, are instantly lovable in their own strange ways: one want to host séances, the other runs a herbary with a rather alarming poison garden. When a local is found dead—poisoned by something from Hazel’s garden and with one of Runa’s charms nearby—Carissa is drawn into the investigation to clear her aunts’ names. Along the way, she gets a little help from the ghost of her own grandfather, Bram Blackwood.
The mystery itself is engaging, with just enough red herrings and secrets to keep you turning pages. The paranormal touches—ghostly sightings, spiritual charms, and eerie family secrets—are well-balanced, adding a fun and cozy gothic flair without veering into horror. The inn itself, steeped in history and occult rumors, is the perfect setting for a mystery of this kind.
While Carissa is a likable and relatable protagonist, her detective work sometimes feels more like casual sleuthing than true investigation. Much of her progress comes from chatting with locals rather than deep digging or clever deductions.
Overall, Murder at Blackwood Inn is a fun, atmospheric, and slightly spooky read that hits all the right cozy notes. With a unique cast of characters and a mystery wrapped in family secrets and spectral whispers, it’s a great choice for fans of paranormal cozies. I’m already looking forward to checking back in at the Blackwood Inn for the next installment.
3.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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