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A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #6
Inspector Specter
Just when she thought she’d seen everything…
Detective Lieutenant Anita McElone is one of Harbor Haven’s finest. She’s also a hard-boiled ghost skeptic. So when she shows up on the doorstep of Alison Kerby’s Haunted Guesthouse to ask for supernatural help in solving the murder of her former partner, it’s hard to tell which woman is more flabbergasted. But McElone is dead serious, so Alison promises to help in any way she can—even asking her resident ghosts, Paul and Maxie, for help with the case.
As Paul’s spirit source reveals some troubling information about the deceased detective, Alison wrestles with what to tell McElone. First, though, she has to find her…because the lieutenant has suddenly disappeared.
Detective Lieutenant Anita McElone is one of Harbor Haven’s finest. She’s also a hard-boiled ghost skeptic. So when she shows up on the doorstep of Alison Kerby’s Haunted Guesthouse to ask for supernatural help in solving the murder of her former partner, it’s hard to tell which woman is more flabbergasted. But McElone is dead serious, so Alison promises to help in any way she can—even asking her resident ghosts, Paul and Maxie, for help with the case.
As Paul’s spirit source reveals some troubling information about the deceased detective, Alison wrestles with what to tell McElone. First, though, she has to find her…because the lieutenant has suddenly disappeared.
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First published December 1, 2014
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About the author
E.J. Copperman
34 books840 followersLibrarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author
Jeff Cohen
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.
E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.
Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
December 11, 2014
4.5 stars. This was not my favorite of the series, but there were many things that I really liked. Lieutenant McElone bites the bullet in Inspector Spector and asks Alison for some ghostly assistance. I always relish when a muggle finally sees the magic. It's great when it happens to the bad guys (and the ghosts are more involved than ever), but there is something gratifying about seeing it happen with the good guys because it shows character growth. Baby Ollie was fun too, and I loved the contrast between Alison's child rearing and Ollie's mother's Type A parenting. I would have liked more interaction between the baby and the ghosties, though. My only complaints are with Maxie as I've tired of her adolescent petulance...plus the cause of her mysterious behavior turned out rather anticlimactic. Also, the murder suspect pool was a bit confusing -- they were confused, and I was confused. Ultimately I didn't even care who the murderer was. But I really enjoyed the action and interaction between McElone and Alison. There is also some great misdirection that really amped up the suspense.
December 29, 2017
Less than a week later and I remember nothing about these. :D
November 12, 2017
Inspector Specter by E.J. Copperman is the 6th book in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series. Ghost lady and owner of the Haunted Guesthouse, Alison Kerby is asked by Lieutenant Anita McElone to communicate with recently deceased Detective Ferris, whom she believes was murdered but whose death has been classed as an accident. I love this series. Alison is a reluctant P.I. but she gets a lot of help from her resident ghosts and I like that she accepts her limitations. A fun and very entertaining book.
February 21, 2015
I wouldn't place this series in my top list of favorites but it is one that I liked reading. Some of them have been so-so but would have to say that I enjoyed this one a lot more than a couple of the others. Couldn't exactly say why either. Maybe it was the addition of baby Oliver for a time. There is always a slightly sarcastic bent sprinkled through out the book which I like too. Anyway, I will check out the next one when it comes out.
January 25, 2015
This is a good, well-written series and this book in particular shines as Alison and Maxie finally stop with the immature sniping at each other. The mystery is well done too - lots of suspects and a curveball to keep things interesting.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109441...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/109441...
December 5, 2023
There are so many names to keep straight—like, I don’t know who’s who.
February 26, 2015
Love this series! Hope there are more written.
December 9, 2021
The Haunted Guesthouse series functions as a cozy mystery wrapped in modern fantasy and comedy. There is a cast of characters who can see ghosts and, to provide tension, a supporting cast of characters (including a female homicide detective) who cannot. Like a police department that occasionally uses a psychic on difficult cases, but doesn’t really buy into the belief in psychics, the Jersey Shores investigators in this mystery series are willing to accept some clues and assistance from Alison Kerby (Yes, named after George and Marion Kerby, the two ghosts in the Topper novels and films!) but they don’t really believe her completely.
The concept, except for Alison not being as bibulous as Cosmo Topper was, is as entertaining as the books and novels where Topper could see ghosts. And there are allusions in the book from other comedic genres that cracked me up. At one point, the narrator imagines a character as having a demeanor like Montgomery Burns (of The Simpsons infamy) when counting his animated billions. And for everyone who has ever been frustrated at how quickly a younger generation has adapted to technology, the narrator laments that her daughter, Melissa, could text the entire contents of The Brothers Karamazov in the time it took the reader to consumer a specific paragraph. There were several lines that tickled my fancy, but those are the two I can remember off the top of my graying head.
Another thing I like about the series is that she has fascinating rules for how she handles the supernatural. Ghosts gradually acclimate themselves to the supernatural world. They usually, but don’t always, appear exactly where they have been killed. Their memories only return gradually and, as investigator, often have large blank spots to work around (sort of like my foreign language vocabulary). They also have trouble moving during their nascent hauntings.
As for the mystery in Inspector Specter, a novel rather later in the series but the first I read, the mystery is somewhat interesting and features the classic trope of the devoted former partner and friend who refuses to believe that the partner has been “offed” as a “dirty cop.” The mystery featured sufficient “red herrings” to be interesting and the idea of being able to interrogate both sides of a suspected mob hit when those allegedly involved are all dead was pretty fascinating.
To be sure, I know Inspector Specter is not a monument/milestone for the mystery genre, but I enjoyed it enough that my rating is almost assuredly higher than the average readers. I like novelty mixed with allusions, characterizations, tropes, and twists. Inspector Specter gave me more than I expected.
The concept, except for Alison not being as bibulous as Cosmo Topper was, is as entertaining as the books and novels where Topper could see ghosts. And there are allusions in the book from other comedic genres that cracked me up. At one point, the narrator imagines a character as having a demeanor like Montgomery Burns (of The Simpsons infamy) when counting his animated billions. And for everyone who has ever been frustrated at how quickly a younger generation has adapted to technology, the narrator laments that her daughter, Melissa, could text the entire contents of The Brothers Karamazov in the time it took the reader to consumer a specific paragraph. There were several lines that tickled my fancy, but those are the two I can remember off the top of my graying head.
Another thing I like about the series is that she has fascinating rules for how she handles the supernatural. Ghosts gradually acclimate themselves to the supernatural world. They usually, but don’t always, appear exactly where they have been killed. Their memories only return gradually and, as investigator, often have large blank spots to work around (sort of like my foreign language vocabulary). They also have trouble moving during their nascent hauntings.
As for the mystery in Inspector Specter, a novel rather later in the series but the first I read, the mystery is somewhat interesting and features the classic trope of the devoted former partner and friend who refuses to believe that the partner has been “offed” as a “dirty cop.” The mystery featured sufficient “red herrings” to be interesting and the idea of being able to interrogate both sides of a suspected mob hit when those allegedly involved are all dead was pretty fascinating.
To be sure, I know Inspector Specter is not a monument/milestone for the mystery genre, but I enjoyed it enough that my rating is almost assuredly higher than the average readers. I like novelty mixed with allusions, characterizations, tropes, and twists. Inspector Specter gave me more than I expected.
January 31, 2017
Alison runs a haunted guesthouse on the New Jersey Shore, she is also a PI..... Alison lives with two ghosts: Maxie, who owned the house before Alison and Paul, the PI who was hired to protect Maxie when they were both murdered by poison.
Alison has a chafing working relationship w/ Detective McElone. The Detective hires Alison to look into the murder of her former partner, Detective Ferry, (now also a ghost), whose death by his own gun is being ruled as an accident.
In the midst of the investigation Detective McElone goes missing, the ghost of a local mobster, who had somewhat dubious ties to Detective Ferry, shows up.
I did not like the story, I found it disjointed and difficult to follow..... Nor did I care that Detective McElone went missing or that Detective Ferry had been killed (I can't even remember who done it).
Alison has a chafing working relationship w/ Detective McElone. The Detective hires Alison to look into the murder of her former partner, Detective Ferry, (now also a ghost), whose death by his own gun is being ruled as an accident.
In the midst of the investigation Detective McElone goes missing, the ghost of a local mobster, who had somewhat dubious ties to Detective Ferry, shows up.
I did not like the story, I found it disjointed and difficult to follow..... Nor did I care that Detective McElone went missing or that Detective Ferry had been killed (I can't even remember who done it).
March 22, 2022
Still getting a kick out of this series -- I've been taking advantage of the first 7 + 2 novellas being available on Audible Plus. This one has a bit more cussing in it than some of the previous books, but otherwise I'm just as captivated by Alison and her unique crew of humans and ghosts. Sounds zany and it is and a great 'take me away from it all' escape read. I especially love how Alison's ghost sighting abilities are developing through the series and that more people are in on the secret that isn't much of a secret any more.
November 12, 2024
Narration rating: 4/5
January 17, 2023
A nice continuation to the series with one more interesting mystery case.
The relations between main characters are developing pretty slowly, but that’s a good part. On the contrary, the mystery case is intense and unravels so fast and you never get bored.
The story is steamy and different to other books in the series. Now we deal with lieutenant disappearance, several deaths and interesting traps.
Ghosts are still the major part of the story, they help to solve the mystery, they bring new mysteries, while having fun and sometimes being sassy. I’ll just leave it here: Paul and Maxie are adorable!
The relations between main characters are developing pretty slowly, but that’s a good part. On the contrary, the mystery case is intense and unravels so fast and you never get bored.
The story is steamy and different to other books in the series. Now we deal with lieutenant disappearance, several deaths and interesting traps.
Ghosts are still the major part of the story, they help to solve the mystery, they bring new mysteries, while having fun and sometimes being sassy. I’ll just leave it here: Paul and Maxie are adorable!
December 15, 2014
Readers who love paranormal cozies will love E.J. Copperman's latest addition to the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, Inspector Specter. This is a series that not only gives readers plenty of ghostly goodness but one that is also full of wit and humor. Copperman's characters are multi-faceted whether alive or dead and his plotting skills are way above par. Readers looking for a perfect cozy read that might be a little hair raising, will love Inspector Specter!
What I liked:
This is one of those series' that kind of catches you off guard. When I first started reading it, I wasn't sure I would like it. The paranormal for me, usually consisted of werewolves and vampires, with a few witches thrown in for good measure. But this was a more old school approach. The paranormal element being, ghosts. But the Jersey Shore setting and the ghostly premise drew me in and I've never looked back. Copperman's humor is evident on just about every page and he is able to keep the story light, even though murder is the main theme.
Reader's who have been following the series will find some new developments in Inspector Specter. Up until now, Detective McElone has been very skeptical of Alison's ability to solve crimes with the help of her ghostly guesthouse inhabitants. But this time, she needs their help to solve the suspicious death of a friend. I liked the new relationship that Alison and McElone are developing. It was nice to see so much growth from all of the characters throughout the series, but this was the one I had been waiting for. I wanted McElone to accept that the ghosts were real and it was interesting to see how she proceeded.
As always Maxie and Paul steal the show in any of Copperman's books in the series. Maxie's erratic behavior does get a bit on my nerves sometimes, but she always makes things interesting. Paul is, of course, the voice of reason. And for a ghost, he is pretty darn good detective. I always enjoy the interplay between the ghosts and the live characters in each of these books. Copperman does a fantastic job of separating the ghosts, and making them act and seem like ghosts, while still integrating them into the daily lives of the other characters.
The mystery itself in this one was slightly confusing. I understood what had happened and that it was labeled an accident when it clearly was not. But the suspects had me a little befuddled. I had a bit of trouble sorting through their motives and reasons for their actions, but it all worked out in the end. This one takes several twists and turns but Copperman always makes it make sense in the end. It gave the book an air of unpredictability that was fun to experience as a reader.
Bottom Line:
One of my favorite parts of this series, is Copperman's wit and humor and as usual he did not disappoint in Inspector Specter. The ghosts and the living are once again cooperating to solve a crime and Alison's guesthouse is getting all the spookiness it needs to continue running smoothly. I liked the new bond forming between McElone and Alison and I'm looking forward to seeing where Copperman takes us next in this exciting paranormal cozy series!
What I liked:
This is one of those series' that kind of catches you off guard. When I first started reading it, I wasn't sure I would like it. The paranormal for me, usually consisted of werewolves and vampires, with a few witches thrown in for good measure. But this was a more old school approach. The paranormal element being, ghosts. But the Jersey Shore setting and the ghostly premise drew me in and I've never looked back. Copperman's humor is evident on just about every page and he is able to keep the story light, even though murder is the main theme.
Reader's who have been following the series will find some new developments in Inspector Specter. Up until now, Detective McElone has been very skeptical of Alison's ability to solve crimes with the help of her ghostly guesthouse inhabitants. But this time, she needs their help to solve the suspicious death of a friend. I liked the new relationship that Alison and McElone are developing. It was nice to see so much growth from all of the characters throughout the series, but this was the one I had been waiting for. I wanted McElone to accept that the ghosts were real and it was interesting to see how she proceeded.
As always Maxie and Paul steal the show in any of Copperman's books in the series. Maxie's erratic behavior does get a bit on my nerves sometimes, but she always makes things interesting. Paul is, of course, the voice of reason. And for a ghost, he is pretty darn good detective. I always enjoy the interplay between the ghosts and the live characters in each of these books. Copperman does a fantastic job of separating the ghosts, and making them act and seem like ghosts, while still integrating them into the daily lives of the other characters.
The mystery itself in this one was slightly confusing. I understood what had happened and that it was labeled an accident when it clearly was not. But the suspects had me a little befuddled. I had a bit of trouble sorting through their motives and reasons for their actions, but it all worked out in the end. This one takes several twists and turns but Copperman always makes it make sense in the end. It gave the book an air of unpredictability that was fun to experience as a reader.
Bottom Line:
One of my favorite parts of this series, is Copperman's wit and humor and as usual he did not disappoint in Inspector Specter. The ghosts and the living are once again cooperating to solve a crime and Alison's guesthouse is getting all the spookiness it needs to continue running smoothly. I liked the new bond forming between McElone and Alison and I'm looking forward to seeing where Copperman takes us next in this exciting paranormal cozy series!
November 27, 2014
Inspector Specter
By E.J. Copperman
Berkley Prime Crime
December, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-425-26926-8
Paperback, 293 pp., $7.99
Reviewed by Gloria Feit
Alison Kerby returns in the newest Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series by E.J. Copperman. Alison, a single mother in her late thirties, runs a guesthouse in her childhood hometown of Harbor Haven, on the Jersey Shore, inhabited by her and her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, as well as Maxie Malone, Alison’s resident Internet expert, and Paul Harrison, an English/Canadian professor turned detective, both of whom have lived there since before their deaths, and her deceased father. It would seem that Alison, her daughter and her mother are the only ones who can see the ghosts. She now acknowledges the ghostly residents, and advertises the inn as a Haunted Guesthouse, specializing in Senior Plus Tours which include twice-daily ‘spook shows.’ As the book begins, her paying guests number six (delightfully including Joe Guglielmelli and Bonnie Claeson, real-life former owners of the sorely-missed Black Orchid Books in Manhattan).
Allison is asked by Det. Lt. Anita McElone of the Harbor Haven Police Department to look into the death of Martin Ferry, McElone’s ex-partner in the Seaside Heights Police Dept., which those cops had labeled death caused by accidental discharge of his gun, but which she thinks is murder. Alison’s ability to conduct a proper investigation is hampered a bit by the fact that she has to baby-sit the eleventh-month-old son of her best friend, Jeannie, but with help from her ghostly assistants, she proceeds. There are disturbing hints that the detective may not have been completely honest.
Of her parents, Allison says “They have a great marriage, despite her being widowed.” Of her father particularly: “he almost never turns down a request I make (and never turns down a request Melissa makes; it’s like he was born to be a grandfather and, thanks to the miracle of ghost technology, is finally getting the chance to fulfill his true destiny.)”
The writing is wonderful, with the author’s s trademark laugh-out-loud wit and intelligence, well-plotted mystery and very well-drawn characters, alive or otherwise.
My preference in mystery genres generally does not include either “cozies” or books dealing in the supernatural (not that there’s anything wrong with those, and many of my best friends love them, I hasten to add). But this author’s writing overcomes any such reluctance on my part - - his books are always thoroughly delightful, and highly recommended. His dedication to several brilliant comics of years past ends with the words “there aren’t enough funny people in the world,” a deficit which he certainly helps to overcome.
By E.J. Copperman
Berkley Prime Crime
December, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-425-26926-8
Paperback, 293 pp., $7.99
Reviewed by Gloria Feit
Alison Kerby returns in the newest Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series by E.J. Copperman. Alison, a single mother in her late thirties, runs a guesthouse in her childhood hometown of Harbor Haven, on the Jersey Shore, inhabited by her and her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, as well as Maxie Malone, Alison’s resident Internet expert, and Paul Harrison, an English/Canadian professor turned detective, both of whom have lived there since before their deaths, and her deceased father. It would seem that Alison, her daughter and her mother are the only ones who can see the ghosts. She now acknowledges the ghostly residents, and advertises the inn as a Haunted Guesthouse, specializing in Senior Plus Tours which include twice-daily ‘spook shows.’ As the book begins, her paying guests number six (delightfully including Joe Guglielmelli and Bonnie Claeson, real-life former owners of the sorely-missed Black Orchid Books in Manhattan).
Allison is asked by Det. Lt. Anita McElone of the Harbor Haven Police Department to look into the death of Martin Ferry, McElone’s ex-partner in the Seaside Heights Police Dept., which those cops had labeled death caused by accidental discharge of his gun, but which she thinks is murder. Alison’s ability to conduct a proper investigation is hampered a bit by the fact that she has to baby-sit the eleventh-month-old son of her best friend, Jeannie, but with help from her ghostly assistants, she proceeds. There are disturbing hints that the detective may not have been completely honest.
Of her parents, Allison says “They have a great marriage, despite her being widowed.” Of her father particularly: “he almost never turns down a request I make (and never turns down a request Melissa makes; it’s like he was born to be a grandfather and, thanks to the miracle of ghost technology, is finally getting the chance to fulfill his true destiny.)”
The writing is wonderful, with the author’s s trademark laugh-out-loud wit and intelligence, well-plotted mystery and very well-drawn characters, alive or otherwise.
My preference in mystery genres generally does not include either “cozies” or books dealing in the supernatural (not that there’s anything wrong with those, and many of my best friends love them, I hasten to add). But this author’s writing overcomes any such reluctance on my part - - his books are always thoroughly delightful, and highly recommended. His dedication to several brilliant comics of years past ends with the words “there aren’t enough funny people in the world,” a deficit which he certainly helps to overcome.
March 12, 2017
Alison Kerby communicates with ghosts. In fact, two live with her in her bead and breakfast that is billed as a Haunted Guesthouse. The ghosts, Paul and Maxie, put on two spook shows a day for the guests. Paul, a dead PI, has gotten Alison to get her PI's license, and together they solve cases for the dead. Maxie, a wiz on the computer, does research for them. And the really good news is both Alison's mother and daughter can also see and hear ghost. That is good news since her father is a ghost who hangs around the family. But not everyone is willing to believe in ghosts let alone see and hear them. Case in point is police Detective Lieutenant Anita McElone. She has seen strange things go on at the guest house, and now refuses to go inside. So one hot summer morning McElone and Alison are talking outside on the porch when McElone reveals her former partner is dead and she intends to find out who killed him. Thus starts the cagey dance of non-believing yet wanting to cover all bases and ask for help from the ghosts. Alison is pleased the Detective believes in her enough to ask for help, and willingly does her best. Is the dead former partner (Detective Martin Ferry) a good cop or a dirty cop is one of many questions raised as his death is in some way linked to alleged mobster Harry "the Fish" Malone who died the same day.
Besides trying to help McElone, Alison is obligated to manage the guest house for her six guests, and has become the babysitter for her best friend's 11 month old boy (Oliver) when babysitters cancel on the eve of a planned 5 day cruise. Fortunately Alison's mom and daughter and even boyfriend Josh all pitch in to help with Ollie, because even Alison can only do so much. When McElone drops out of sight and an all out search for her becomes necessary, Alison can hardly take the baby to meet up with other mobsters!
There are 8 books in the series so far, and this is number 6. It is an interesting mystery with some unusual challenges along the way. I think this series is better when read in order and you can see how the characters, the PI business, and the guest house business all grow and develop into such an interesting series. I recommend this to cozy mystery lovers who don't mind a few non-threatening or non-scary ghosts. Good for all ages.
Besides trying to help McElone, Alison is obligated to manage the guest house for her six guests, and has become the babysitter for her best friend's 11 month old boy (Oliver) when babysitters cancel on the eve of a planned 5 day cruise. Fortunately Alison's mom and daughter and even boyfriend Josh all pitch in to help with Ollie, because even Alison can only do so much. When McElone drops out of sight and an all out search for her becomes necessary, Alison can hardly take the baby to meet up with other mobsters!
There are 8 books in the series so far, and this is number 6. It is an interesting mystery with some unusual challenges along the way. I think this series is better when read in order and you can see how the characters, the PI business, and the guest house business all grow and develop into such an interesting series. I recommend this to cozy mystery lovers who don't mind a few non-threatening or non-scary ghosts. Good for all ages.
December 21, 2014
If you like mobsters, cranky cops, detectives that aren’t really fond of you and are afraid of ghosts as well as ghosts, this book is for you.
E.J. Copperman spins a tale that has two ghosts, one a private eye and one a diva living in a guest house run by Alison Kerby. Along with her daughter, Melissa and her parents, one of whom is dead, Alison tries to find the killer of Lieutenant Anita McElone, previous partners. When it looks like her ex partner is a dirty cop, Alison turns to her two ghost friends Paul, the private eye and Maxie for help. This sixth book in the series is a great read as are the other five. I enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next one.
E.J. Copperman spins a tale that has two ghosts, one a private eye and one a diva living in a guest house run by Alison Kerby. Along with her daughter, Melissa and her parents, one of whom is dead, Alison tries to find the killer of Lieutenant Anita McElone, previous partners. When it looks like her ex partner is a dirty cop, Alison turns to her two ghost friends Paul, the private eye and Maxie for help. This sixth book in the series is a great read as are the other five. I enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next one.
February 4, 2016
The last person Alison Kerby ever expected to see standing at her door and asking for her help was Detective Lieutenant Anita McElone.
Anita's ex partner, Martin Ferry is dead and she needs help finding out what happened. Where does Alison fit into all of this, she can see and talk to Martin if his ghost is in his apartment.
Ghosts, detectives, an eleventh month old baby what else do you need to make this well plotted mystery with twists so fun to read.
Anita's ex partner, Martin Ferry is dead and she needs help finding out what happened. Where does Alison fit into all of this, she can see and talk to Martin if his ghost is in his apartment.
Ghosts, detectives, an eleventh month old baby what else do you need to make this well plotted mystery with twists so fun to read.
February 10, 2015
I enjoyed this one very much. I like the characters in the book, even Maxie. This adventure follows the death of Inspector Ferry, LT McElhone's previous partner. Along the way she gets abducted. Of course she gets rescued by her least favourite person, the mobsters are are busted and life and death go on.
May 29, 2015
Another good installment in the series. I listened to this one on audiobook and thought the narrator did a decent job.
September 2, 2017
This is a great cozy mystery series. If you live in New Jersey and like the shore area, you will love the references to local places. Funny ghost characters and live human ones too!
April 20, 2018
Really enjoyed this storyline.
September 6, 2018
Another wonderful book in this series. I am looking forward to reading more.
December 11, 2018
Another good read in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series. But this one is a little different. This time it's the police asking Alison for help.
February 3, 2024
The problems with these books:
100 pages too long.
Too many characters and more introduced.
Each character gets a say, expression, mood, and even the guests in some of
the books are involved in the case and their lives put in danger without their knowledge
because Alison the main character is stupid enough to keep inviting killers to her guest house to reveal them and puts everyone in danger.
More children show up to slow down the story. This whole book had her best Frien'ds baby on practically every page with in depth descriptions of the thing learning to walk the author is under the impression that her readers love kids. That would be wrong.
The main character Alison acts too much like she is the daughter and her 9-11 year old daughter is the mother. Allows her to get involved with the cases and get into dangerous situations. Which is probably why the books stopped being published.
Now we got another new character, Maxie's ghost boyfriend. He can now visit the guest house and the great amazing surprise was not so amazing or great.
The wet handcuffs were not funny. So what she dropped the handcuffs in the toilet and had to wash them off. Wow. I'm doubled over with hysterics.
And that is another thing. The author seems to have or makes her main character Alison have a very juvinile sense of humor. In another book people couldn't stop laughing that this ghost had been killed by a toaster dropped in the bathtub. I don't see anything funny about that.
Also, in this book I had trouble keeping up with all the bad guys. In the scene before the end Josh the boyfriend of main character Alison just suddenly seems to not be there. And at the end what the hell was Vinnie doing the whole time Buster was or was it Buster...confused. Not satisfied.
I think Alison's mother and daughter need to be removed from the story, and the ghost boyfriend doesn't get involved in anything and suddenly isn't a member of the ghost team because that is more dialoug and slowing down of the story. Alison's best friend, her hubby, and their kid need to move or be too busy to be bothered so there saves the dialoug there.
Just get on with it.
This series is no longer in print so I had to pay more than I wanted for the last two books that I did not already have. I will finish the series but if it starts up again I won't be continuing with it.
I do like some of it. I like the banter between Alison and the cop who's name I can't spell right now, and I like the ghosts. But I think the other characters really need to have lives of their own.
I am glad that Maxie is getting more of a character growth arc. She is really irritating and I'd like better for her.
Once Paul is able to leave the guest house he can do more investigating on his own and possibly they can keep the killers from the guest house so their guests are not in danger.
And no more children. Sick of kids.
100 pages too long.
Too many characters and more introduced.
Each character gets a say, expression, mood, and even the guests in some of
the books are involved in the case and their lives put in danger without their knowledge
because Alison the main character is stupid enough to keep inviting killers to her guest house to reveal them and puts everyone in danger.
More children show up to slow down the story. This whole book had her best Frien'ds baby on practically every page with in depth descriptions of the thing learning to walk the author is under the impression that her readers love kids. That would be wrong.
The main character Alison acts too much like she is the daughter and her 9-11 year old daughter is the mother. Allows her to get involved with the cases and get into dangerous situations. Which is probably why the books stopped being published.
Now we got another new character, Maxie's ghost boyfriend. He can now visit the guest house and the great amazing surprise was not so amazing or great.
The wet handcuffs were not funny. So what she dropped the handcuffs in the toilet and had to wash them off. Wow. I'm doubled over with hysterics.
And that is another thing. The author seems to have or makes her main character Alison have a very juvinile sense of humor. In another book people couldn't stop laughing that this ghost had been killed by a toaster dropped in the bathtub. I don't see anything funny about that.
Also, in this book I had trouble keeping up with all the bad guys. In the scene before the end Josh the boyfriend of main character Alison just suddenly seems to not be there. And at the end what the hell was Vinnie doing the whole time Buster was or was it Buster...confused. Not satisfied.
I think Alison's mother and daughter need to be removed from the story, and the ghost boyfriend doesn't get involved in anything and suddenly isn't a member of the ghost team because that is more dialoug and slowing down of the story. Alison's best friend, her hubby, and their kid need to move or be too busy to be bothered so there saves the dialoug there.
Just get on with it.
This series is no longer in print so I had to pay more than I wanted for the last two books that I did not already have. I will finish the series but if it starts up again I won't be continuing with it.
I do like some of it. I like the banter between Alison and the cop who's name I can't spell right now, and I like the ghosts. But I think the other characters really need to have lives of their own.
I am glad that Maxie is getting more of a character growth arc. She is really irritating and I'd like better for her.
Once Paul is able to leave the guest house he can do more investigating on his own and possibly they can keep the killers from the guest house so their guests are not in danger.
And no more children. Sick of kids.
January 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Mainly because the case centres around Detective Anita McElone and I Just love her reaction to both the ghosts and Alison and it was fun to learn more about her home life and even contained a few surprises and twists that I didn't see coming. I think she is my favourite character, no wait that is Maxie or Melissa, oh hang on Ollie had a bigger part in this book. Let Just say I like the characters and they are the reason I keep returning to this series. I just love the ghostly aspect the the stories, the way the ghosts get involved in the investigations and in this case taking down the bad guys. The mystery was busy with two murders to investigate, as well as all the guesthouse guests to spook but as usual it all gelled together nicely and held my attention until the very end. Off to see what the ghost are up to in the next book.
Detective Anita McElone doesn't do ghosts and she just about tolerates Alison 'the ghost lady's and her investigations, so when she turns up at the guest house asking for help, Alison knows it's serious. Her ex partner has been murdered but his work colleagues are writing it off as accident and she needs Alison to do what ever she does with her ghostly connections to find out what happened. The same night her partner died so did the man he was investigating and when McElone disappears things get very complicated. Was he on the take? And can Alison find the killer, track down McElone and babysit her best friends baby all while entertaining her guests. It's going to be tricky especially with the resident ghosts and partners in the detective agency distracted, Maxie acting weird, keeping secrets and rushing off and Paul has discovered electricity which seems far more interesting than keeping Alison safe from the mob.
I still really like the narrator and think she does a good job of giving each character there own voice and style.
Detective Anita McElone doesn't do ghosts and she just about tolerates Alison 'the ghost lady's and her investigations, so when she turns up at the guest house asking for help, Alison knows it's serious. Her ex partner has been murdered but his work colleagues are writing it off as accident and she needs Alison to do what ever she does with her ghostly connections to find out what happened. The same night her partner died so did the man he was investigating and when McElone disappears things get very complicated. Was he on the take? And can Alison find the killer, track down McElone and babysit her best friends baby all while entertaining her guests. It's going to be tricky especially with the resident ghosts and partners in the detective agency distracted, Maxie acting weird, keeping secrets and rushing off and Paul has discovered electricity which seems far more interesting than keeping Alison safe from the mob.
I still really like the narrator and think she does a good job of giving each character there own voice and style.
October 15, 2023
This is the 6th book in Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse series, and the first of the series I’ve read. I may have missed some nuances of character development, but the plot is understandable without having read the previous ones.
Alison Kerby runs a guesthouse. She can also see and talk to ghosts. Detective McElone doesn’t believe in ghosts but asks for Alison’s particular brand of help anyway as she seeks to solve the murder of a previous (work) partner.
I’ve given this a 4, but maybe it’s more of a 3.5. Having said that, I liked it enough to track down the first two titles in the series.
Pros. Undemanding, escapist cosy. Sometimes I want something to relax too, without graphic or otherwise disturbing content.
The ghosts are a varied bunch, with distinct personalities and abilities.
Indeed, all the characters have individual personalities. While I don’t necessarily like them, that does make them satisfyingly varied. If I find some of them annoying it’s because they’ve been written well enough to be annoying!
Cons. I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters and I didn’t feel invested in them. (I’d say I came closest with the Alison’s parents. How does that relationship work?)
What was the purpose of the Oliver subplot? Maybe it would have made more sense had I not come into the middle of a series. As it is, Ollie’s mother is spectacularly annoying, and the baby stuff irrelevant to the rest of the story.
Alison Kerby runs a guesthouse. She can also see and talk to ghosts. Detective McElone doesn’t believe in ghosts but asks for Alison’s particular brand of help anyway as she seeks to solve the murder of a previous (work) partner.
I’ve given this a 4, but maybe it’s more of a 3.5. Having said that, I liked it enough to track down the first two titles in the series.
Pros. Undemanding, escapist cosy. Sometimes I want something to relax too, without graphic or otherwise disturbing content.
The ghosts are a varied bunch, with distinct personalities and abilities.
Indeed, all the characters have individual personalities. While I don’t necessarily like them, that does make them satisfyingly varied. If I find some of them annoying it’s because they’ve been written well enough to be annoying!
Cons. I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters and I didn’t feel invested in them. (I’d say I came closest with the Alison’s parents. How does that relationship work?)
What was the purpose of the Oliver subplot? Maybe it would have made more sense had I not come into the middle of a series. As it is, Ollie’s mother is spectacularly annoying, and the baby stuff irrelevant to the rest of the story.
September 22, 2022
Plot. Alison Kirby, a 30-something divorced mother of a nine-year-old girl, purchases a large seaside fixer-upper house to create a vacation inn. During rehab of the property, Alison is hit on the head with a bucket of wallboard compound. She comes to with an amazing new ability. She can see ghosts. Two live in her home, a distinguished private investigator, Paul, and a saucy and misbehaving home decorator, Maxie. Alison makes a deal with her ghosts - she will help Paul with his private investigations if he and Maxie help her put on ghostly shows to keep a steady flow of guests for her inn. The novels traverse the lives of Alison, her daughter, mother, ghosts, and assorted quirky friends, like the local police chief and newspaper owner. Murders are solved, missing persons are found, and occasional mayhem ensues. The series, at this time, consists of 8 full-length novels and two shorts. More to come, no doubt!
Liked. Delightful listening. Sarcastic and funny lead character, excellent character development, a creative plot line for each book, no sex, no objectionable language.
Not so hot. A bit slow for my taste - not criticism, rather a preference.
Written by E.J. Copperman, narrated by Amanda Ronconi, Audible originals, first story released in 2013. Each novel is 8-10 hours of listening.
Recommended - nothing profound, simply fun reading.
Liked. Delightful listening. Sarcastic and funny lead character, excellent character development, a creative plot line for each book, no sex, no objectionable language.
Not so hot. A bit slow for my taste - not criticism, rather a preference.
Written by E.J. Copperman, narrated by Amanda Ronconi, Audible originals, first story released in 2013. Each novel is 8-10 hours of listening.
Recommended - nothing profound, simply fun reading.
April 18, 2022
This is a favorite series, especially now that I can listen to them. I adore cozy/amateur sleuth mysteries already. Add in the paranormal aspect of the main character can see and talk to ghosts and it's even better.
I like that Alison is a reluctant private investigator and eyes and ears for the ghost investigator who inhabits the guesthouse and states often that this will be the last time and she only wants to run her guesthouse. Then out she goes getting involved in the investigation.
I like that Alison really doesn't know how to cook, but her daughter is learning from Alison's mother who lives nearby so they aren't as dependent on the takeout menus.
Ghosts help with the investigations, each one having different abilities so they have their talents and limitations for helping.
In this book we get more backstory on Lt. McElone, the police detective who is Alison's help in the police department. McElone is grumpy and by the book which is how she is with Alison. We get other sides to her here.
Relationships are evolving and that's always a plus. It's a part of why I continue with a series as well as make them a favorite like Haunted Guesthouse is for me.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
I like that Alison is a reluctant private investigator and eyes and ears for the ghost investigator who inhabits the guesthouse and states often that this will be the last time and she only wants to run her guesthouse. Then out she goes getting involved in the investigation.
I like that Alison really doesn't know how to cook, but her daughter is learning from Alison's mother who lives nearby so they aren't as dependent on the takeout menus.
Ghosts help with the investigations, each one having different abilities so they have their talents and limitations for helping.
In this book we get more backstory on Lt. McElone, the police detective who is Alison's help in the police department. McElone is grumpy and by the book which is how she is with Alison. We get other sides to her here.
Relationships are evolving and that's always a plus. It's a part of why I continue with a series as well as make them a favorite like Haunted Guesthouse is for me.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
January 8, 2021
This edition of the series pays much homage to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Guessing it would really tickle your fancy if you were familiar with, or especially if you were from, Jersey Shore. If you’re not it’s reading about something that -at this point- seems a bit dated to be such big part the story.
The story was a good one. Liking the hint of romance ahead, not liking the hint of losing one of our ghosts. Detective McElone asking for help was a nice surprise. The last couple of chapters become a bit hectic if not convoluted, but cozy genre gets a lot of leeway.
Tiny additional thought: Had I known cultural hot buttons would be continually addressed, it would have been fun to have kept track from the beginning of the series. At this point I can only recall homeless people, a lesbian couple, a transvestite, mercy killing, adultery, and reality tv. No big deal is made of them, they are seamlessly incorporated into the plots, but the list the author is working from as he goes along would be fun to see.
The story was a good one. Liking the hint of romance ahead, not liking the hint of losing one of our ghosts. Detective McElone asking for help was a nice surprise. The last couple of chapters become a bit hectic if not convoluted, but cozy genre gets a lot of leeway.
Tiny additional thought: Had I known cultural hot buttons would be continually addressed, it would have been fun to have kept track from the beginning of the series. At this point I can only recall homeless people, a lesbian couple, a transvestite, mercy killing, adultery, and reality tv. No big deal is made of them, they are seamlessly incorporated into the plots, but the list the author is working from as he goes along would be fun to see.
November 2, 2025
I just love this series. The mysteries are great although the explanation for this one was a little far-fetched. But the plot was really good and compelling. The characters were wonderful. This story was about the police detective disappearing and it’s unfortunate because I adore her dry sarcasm which the reader of the audiobook just nails and would have liked her in the story more. The ghosts are so much fun and I like the guests, too. I think the main character is hilarious and I just love her snark. Her friends and family are also entertaining. I can’t gush enough about it.
I can’t wait to read the next one but I also want to savor them and not read the series too fast.There are only ten so I have just four left.
The reader, Amanda Ronconi, is great. She does the main character exceptionally well, the snark, sarcasm, and humor coming through perfectly. Her New Jersey accents are spot on and not too intense that they grate. I would listen to anything by her. She’s my favorite female narrator I think.
I can’t wait to read the next one but I also want to savor them and not read the series too fast.There are only ten so I have just four left.
The reader, Amanda Ronconi, is great. She does the main character exceptionally well, the snark, sarcasm, and humor coming through perfectly. Her New Jersey accents are spot on and not too intense that they grate. I would listen to anything by her. She’s my favorite female narrator I think.
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