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A highway home. A courtroom showdown. Can a road-tripping sleuth plead her case and solve a murder before her future gets dismissed?


Clara Kelly is cruising back to Long Island with her Civil War-era ghostly pal, William, riding shotgun, her Shih Tzu buckled in the backseat, and her Ghost Cat calling dibs on the dashboard. She’s headed for a face-off in court, where her sister-in-law is challenging her late husband’s estate. But as soon as the judge takes his seat, it’s clear the case is stacked against her.


When the proceedings break for lunch, Clara and William detour to a nearby restaurant—only to hit a deadly crossroads. A man drops in one of the conference rooms, and when his spirit approaches Clara for justice, she realizes she’s just been handed another case to argue: murder. Now, with time running out before the judge delivers a ruling that could wreck her future, Clara must follow the clues, cross-examine suspects, and overrule the dangers standing in her way.


Can she keep her case on track, solve the crime, and still make it back to court before the final verdict?


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


Buy Ghost Trip and pack your bags for a mystery that won’t quit until the last mile!

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2026

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About the author

Dina Marie

11 books29 followers
Dina Marie is the pen name of award-winning novelist Dina Santorelli, who has been obsessed with all things ghost since . . . well, forever. Married on Halloween, she likes vacationing in spooky cities and visiting cemeteries and haunted hotels. A recent visit to Salem, Massachusetts, inspired her Salem Spirits series, which she wrote, in part, for her mom, a lover of cozy mystery TV.

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5 stars
120 (75%)
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27 (16%)
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11 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Hall-Duenez.
530 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2026
I enjoy these cozy ghost stories. Everyone should get to have a William for a best friend.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,706 reviews19 followers
April 26, 2026
This book is definitely transitional I think. Clara has been on a journey escaping an abusive relationship, trying to find a place where she belongs, discovering a new ability and starting a new life and business along with her ghostly friend of course. Her many of those ongoing themes come to head when Clara and William are on a road trip back to NY to face off in court with her greedy ex in-laws who want to take away Kensington House and her business from her. There’s of course a ghost and a murder that adds stress to the situation as well as some fishy business goings on in the courtroom. Alls well that ends well though (hope that’s not too spoilery). I really enjoyed William being out and about in the modern world as well as ghost cat. It was lovely that Clara finally got some closure with her past and there’s much hope for the future. A lovely read and another wonderful story in the series! I received an arc via BookSirens this is my honest review.
1,229 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2026
Will Clara lose everything to her in-laws in the trial?

It is finally time that Clara Kelly has to go to court with her in-laws over what she kept from the inheritance when her husband died. However, she doesn’t go alone, William, Boy, and Ghost Cat are along for the road trip. It will be William’s first time to see New York City. These Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries are always an enjoyable read. They’re very well written so they are very easy to read and the plots flow along at a good pace and never bog down in details. Clara always remains true to who she is and what she believes and always does the right thing, even if she isn’t sure how it will turn out. By the way, I really love how Ghost Cat behaved in this story.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
April 18, 2026
Clara and the Ghost Team get their day in Court

Clara has been fighting her husband’s family for the custody of the property she has made into her home and a bed and breakfast in Salem. She must travel back to New York to plead her case. The first thing happening is she is pulled over by the police. Clara is confused since she is not speeding. The officer points out she is in a HOV lane. Though technically William is in the front seat, he is a ghost. The officer listens as she recounts the loss of her dad and later in the year her husband. He understands, but gives her a warning.

Clara stays in her family home. Memories of early holidays shine past the actual darkness in the home. She has not decided what to do with her home there, but will be taking items she wants to keep. While looking in boxes, she finds journals done by her mother. Her mother describes her stages of illness. Clara discovers in the journals both her mother and grandmother could both see and communicate with ghosts. In the journal her mom wonders if Clara’s pretend friend Mimi is really her first ghost.

Clara says hi to her neighbor, Mrs. Lane. William notices Mrs. Lane is sad because she lost her young son Tommy, when he ran away. Clara’s only problem is later seeing a paler young Tommy. When they speak she now knows she is Mimi and that Little Tommy had been murdered. She follows Tommy around and formulates a plan.
Clara hurries to court telling William her lawyer feels it should be an open and shut case. After a traffic delay, she has to hurry to the courtroom. Seeing her lawyer pacing and walking in circles concerns her. She approaches him and finds he cannot represent her in the case. He explains her husband’s family approached him and said if he continued they would ruin him. She says she understands and lets him go.

Now she has no lawyer and a very wealthy family ready to take back her Bed and Breakfast home in Salem. Is it possible the family also influenced the judge hearing the case? Could there be another murder in the future waiting for Clara and her Ghost Tea? You will find all these answers and more as you read Ghost Trip 7. I have really enjoyed reading this series and can say it doesn’t matter where you start in this Cozy Mystery Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Zankhana.
16 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2026
Book Review: GHOST TRIP by Dina Marie

Note: This ebook was provided to me by the author from BookSirens for an honest and unpaid advance review. This book was published on 15 Apr’26.

An ambitious, kind and gritty woman – Clara Kelly has a special ability. She can see ghosts. Not just human ghosts, but also animals’ ghosts. If the said ghost has been murdered then their ghost is visible to Clara. One of the ghosts – William is from the civil-war era and another ghost is that of a cat. These two stay with Clara and she loves their company and they care for each other dearly. And she has her own pet dog named Boy. She resides in Salem where she also runs a bed and breakfast. She needs to go to Long Island for the hearing of a property dispute with her late husband’s family. Long Island is also where she grew up, so she also dreads the incoming flood of memories of the late parents’ house – her childhood house.

This is as cosy as a murder mystery can get! As soon as they arrive in Long Island, she uncovers a few secrets of her own mother from her mother’s diary. When she reaches the court, the lawyer who was supposed to represent her case, backs off due to a threat from the Turners – Clara’s in-laws. They are pretty wealthy and quite influential to the extent of disrupting people’s lives. While she waits for the hearing, she goes for lunch at a nearby café, and while she's having lunch, a person dies mysteriously in the café. This book has not 1 but 2 mysteries and it was such a pleasant read. My rating for this book: 4 out of 5 stars.

I liked the whole plot build-up where it was hard to see whether it's an accident or a murder. If you love cozy murder mysteries, pick up this book. It’s perfect for a weekend read. Suitable for anyone who loves a good murder. No age restrictions here.
22 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
To summarize - I continue to recommend this series to all who want a nice relaxing read curled up on the sofa with a warm beverage of choice. It takes you on a journey through Clara's family disputes fighting for her dreams and hopes of a brighter future, accompanied by her chosen family in the form of a 19th century soldier, a ghost cat and a dog named boy (although in this book he is mostly absent).

To get into more details of my experience. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this. On one had I felt lacking due to the fact that I did not read the book leading up to this. In previous reviews I've said that the series can be read as stand-alone, and that still holds true. However having read all prior books except the sixth one I did feel as though I missed some crucial parts of the story line. That said, no fault of the author what so ever.

Another aspect in the rating for me was the dual focus of the sleuthing. In one sense I experienced the book a little more rushed that the previous I've read in the series, but on the other hand I did very much enjoy both the reference to Clara's past in the form of her imaginary friend as well as the character of Ken the lawyer ghost.

What I enjoyed most about the book is the inclusion of William in Clara's adventures. He is no longer confined to Kensington House, and instead get to experience the modern world. He is such an important character for me in this story line and I feel that this contributes a great deal to the series overall.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carrie.
204 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2026
Ever since I was first introduced to the Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries series in book 5, G is for Ghost, I became an instant fan of Dina Marie, with this being my new favorite cozy mystery series. In this book number 7, Ghost Trip, Dina Marie allows readers to jump right into the series and make sense of prior events in the other books.

With that said, I do highly recommend reading the first book, Going Ghost. That's because Ghost Trip does tie into this seventh book more than the other books (well, I've only read the first, sixth, and now this current one) as to why she is taking a trip back home to New York City. And there are a few minor spoilers as well explained in Ghost Trip.

Before I go further, I would like to thank Dina Marie, BookSirens and eLuna Media for providing this advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The series continues to be a very fun read. I read the majority over two days, finding it hard to put down. In this book, Clara solves two mystery deaths. But no spoilers from me. The main mystery finds Clara needing to solve a mystery in a short time, as everyone but Clara and William (yes, William and Ghost Cat tag along!) believe the death of a lawyer in a downtown NYC cafe was accidental. The second mystery involves one from Clara's childhood and could be considered a cold case. Plus Clara learns about a secret her mom kept from her. Whatever could it be? Hoping that Dina Marie will provide more in her next books!

In each book that I have read, I have discovered underlying themes and this one is no different. Clara is in NYC for a court date with the historic Kensington mansion's future at stake, as her ex in-laws are contesting Clara's legal claim. Clara faces off against her ex husband's very rich and very prominent family in the City, but learns to fight for herself and be heard, as well as the importance of moving forward from the past.

Like Dina Marie's other books in the series, if you are looking for a fun, cozy mystery read, I highly recommend Ghost Trip.
Profile Image for Kathy.
884 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
Clara Kelly’s powerful former in-laws are contesting her inheritance, so she’s headed to court to save her BnB. Along for the trip to NY is her ghost friend, William, and Ghost Cat. Visiting her childhood home, she finds her mother’s old journal that reveals something they have in common. She also learns the truth about her childhood imaginary friend. At court, everything seems stacked against her until a fortuitous event deems a necessary recess. Clara and William find a small cafe to wait out the break and Clara ends up meeting another ghost. With a limited time window, can Clara convince the police that the man was murdered without revealing her talent? And will she find a way to convince her in-laws to drop their suit?

Having a ghost or two in your corner never hurts, as Clara finds out in Ghost Trip. Ghost Cat came through in a big way and William’s friendship and support is always endearing. I loved Clara’s interaction with her former neighbor and the answers she was able to provide to a tragic situation. The mystery in the diner was intriguing and the clues let the reader solve it along with Clara. I also really liked the reveal about Clara’s mother. Some positive movement in the relationship between Clara and Sebastian with a Thanksgiving invite. I’m looking forward to seeing how that progresses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,117 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 27, 2026
All Clara Kelly wanted was to keep the historic Salem house and a tiny portion of her inheritance gained through the death of her abusive husband. Now his family is contesting even that minuscule amount, though by New York law, Clara is entitled to every holding the man had. Summoned to defend herself in court, Clara bundles up the family, ghost and corporeal alike, to head off on a road trip, hopefully to justice.

This is the seventh book in the Salen Spirits Cozy Mysteries. It's been a wild ride so far. I love that the author has found a legitimate way to incorporate a new setting without suddenly spiking the murder toll in Salem!

You could, I suppose, read this book as a standalone, but several story arcs are tied up, and it would spoil the previous six. Far better to read this series in order; it's so worth it.

As I write my review, I'm already missing the characters: Clara, William, Boy, and especially Ghost Cat and her hijinks. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to Dina Marie and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Profile Image for Tanja Glavnik.
765 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy
April 7, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Clara and William are back, this time finally going against her deceased husband's family to secure their future. But of course we also get the case du jour, in which a divorce lawyer drops dead at a chowder diner - and the killer's undoing is a dog tattoo!

The case itself is fairly straightforward and nothing too fancy, the important bit of the story really focusing on a simple fact:

how Clara's found and built family rallies around her. From William to Ghost Cat, it's heartening to see.

It's also incredibly illuminating to watch a literal multimillionaire whine about losing a property when they have so. many. others.

Thankfully, that chapter's closed now, and we can hopefully focus on the future! With Sebastian? Possibly!

Add in that Clara's also finally learning more about her gift - and her maternal family line - and you've got yourself a story.

Dina Marie does it again, writing colourful characters (main and side) and murder mysteries that entertain just as much as they reveal how easily people slip into murder. And that's probably the most important lesson of all.
175 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2026
Clara Kelly and William go on a trip to Long Island where she has a very eventful time. Clara is due in court with her ex-sister in law and her former in-laws. Clara and William along with Boy and ghost cat travel back to where Clara grew up with her dad and she makes a couple of unexpected discoveries while there, solving a decades old mystery. While on Long Island and during a lunch break from court, she and William went to a restaurant where Clara has to put her sleuthing skills to use again and solve another crime.

How does Ghost Cat just happen to be in the right place at the right time for Clara to get the best outcome because we all know her in-laws were bribing the law to get the very best outcome for themselves which is for Clara to have nothing that belonged to them.

Will Clara ever remember that William is a ghost and that talking to him out in public makes her look like a lunatic.

Clara learns something about her mother and her grandmother that she never ever expected.

It turns out to be a very interesting and fun adventure for her new life and new family!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarah Ward.
155 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 10, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC!

Another adventure awaits Clara and William, but now they're traveling to New York! The battle against her former in-laws is finally to take place and Clara is obviously nervous. She only wants Kensington House and they don't want her to have it. (Can you say spoiled millionaires?)

Clara comes back to her childhood home and all the fond memories come flooding back. But Clara discovers a secret that her mother kept from her. I won't give it away, but I want to know more!

We also have not one, but two murder mysteries in this book. Will Clara ever learn to talk to ghosts in public without looking like she's talking to herself? I think not.

This was overall another great installment in the Salem Spirits story. We learn more about Clara's past, encounter some ghosties, have a courtroom showdown and uh… Cats being cats lol.

I hope in the next book we can dive into her mother's past/secret and also more about William and clearing his name.
180 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2026
I love this series; it is one of my favorites. Clara inherited an historic home following her husband's untimely death. Her former in-laws are taking her to court for the home so Clara is taking a road trip with her best friend, William, who is a ghost, to fight for her home. Clara also must decide what to do with her childhood home she inherited from her parents. Once again, mysteries follow Clara.

I just adored this book that I received an advanced copy of. I've read every book in the series and I can't get enough. Learning about Clara's past a little bit, the mystery she stumbles upon, the court case. I thought I knew how the book was going to end and how the court session was going to go, but nope, not even close. I laughed, got a little teary eyed, and enjoyed the story thoroughly. I only wish it were longer because then I could read more, but the story was entirely complete, I just like it so much I want more.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,823 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2026
I absolutely love this series. Clara is facing a lot of hardships trying to keep Kensington house, especially since she gave so much of her inheritance to her in-laws so that she could keep Kensington house for herself and to stay with William. Her former in-laws are nothing but ruthless money grubbing people. They also have an underhanded attorney and a judge in their pocket. So how is Claire going to win this lawsuit? Enter Ghost Cat. Ghost Cat seems to show up at the perfect times. And so does a ghost that was murdered while Clara was eating lunch at a local café. If she was gonna solve a murder anywhere, doing it in this restaurant with these people in attendance, was nothing short of a miracle. She was even able to help solve a disappearance of her next-door, neighbor, son that was decades old. She even learned something extremely interesting about her mom. Things are finally looking up.
2,695 reviews52 followers
Review of advance copy
April 2, 2026
Out and about with William. I am so excited and enamored with this series. There

are many imitators, but this is the GOAT for me. Kudos author. The characters are extremely likable, and the storylines are intriguing and pull you into a page turner.

In this cozy Emily/Clara's ex's relatives want to disinherit her- pure evil and greed from wealthy people is disgusting. Along the way Clara is able to a help lost soul crossover. A very suspenseful story that kept Clara and William busy entertaining us cozy readers. Well done to both ghosts and humans alike! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and until the next book! One of my fave series. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jackie Welcel.
481 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
April 3, 2026
This is the 7th book in Salem Spirits Mysteries and they just keep getting better. Clara and William have to visit Long Island to hopefully get the case where her ex-in-laws are attempting to get the Kensington Mansion away from her. While in New York, there is a death and Clara realizes it was murder because the ghost appears. Besides this storyline, she is staying back at her dad's home, where she grew up. Clara finds some precious items that belonged to her mother and finds her special power has been hers for a long time. It was an interesting book, and I enjoyed that ghost kitty made the trip with them, and thank goodness for that. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,825 reviews9 followers
April 15, 2026
Clara Kelly is on her way back to her old home in Long Island as she has a court case pending between her and her dead husband Joe's family.
They want control of her B and B.
Whilst there she ends up in the middle of a murder investigation in a restaurant when a man passes.
Then it's back to court to thrash it out with the Turners.
Whilst at her old family home she helps her old neighbour Mrs. Lane find out what happened to her missing son Tommy and finds out some secrets about her mother from her diary.
It's an eventful and emotional journey back home and to the past.
This brought a tear to my eye, really enjoyed this as I have every novel in the series.
A great read.
Profile Image for Lynn.
748 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 24, 2026
This is book seven in the series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, it's best to read the books in order to best grasp the larger story going on through the series.

Finally, FINALLY, Clara is done with her nasty in-laws; all while solving two murders this time. One is decades old, while the other is mere minutes old.

I've love every single one of the books in this series, and eagerly waiting the next books.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for April Flach.
163 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
March 27, 2026
I have read all the books in this series, and this book was not as good as the rest. It's a little boring to be honest. The ending was predictable. There was no sluthing; she just asked the ghosts questions. There was no suspense. I honestly didn't care for the decades old case; spoiler alert and trigger warning: child ghost. I feel like the only reason I will be continuing the series is because I am already invested and want to know what happens with William.

I received a free advance review copy from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
867 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
March 27, 2026
I really really enjoy Dina Marie's books.

Everyone of them is unique and related with a wonderful story line.

Clara has to go defend her right to keep her B&B, and everyone, including Ghost Cat are going with her. Love the humor, and oh, the tears that come too. So sad about Mimi (Tommy.) And the Lawyer. Cruel in-laws… except the Grandmother who is friends, not with Clara but the other byline. Great story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Long Island Miracles, indeed!
839 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 1, 2026
Another exciting ghost story with William and Clara. Clara needs to go back to New York for a final hearing on the inheritance of her husband's property as her husband's family are contesting it. William and ghost cat accompany her on the drive. She's decided to take boxes with Christmas and Thanksgiving mementos from her childhood home back to Salem after the court appearance. It was interesting to learn her mother could also see ghosts. Will she be able to solve the ghost mysteries that find her before her court case is finalized.
304 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
April 14, 2026
Ghost Trip is the seventh book in the Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries by Dina Marie. Clara Kelly finally has her day in court when her late husband’s family sues her for ownership of the Salem House. In the midst of the legal drama, she unexpectedly finds herself solving a murder between court sessions. As one long-running plotline that has woven through several books comes to a satisfying conclusion, a new mystery begins to take shape. I was glad to see that there are at least two more books planned in the series. I have to admit, this is one series I’ll hate to see come to an end.
Profile Image for Johanna.
4,507 reviews74 followers
April 16, 2026
'Ghost Trip is the light-hearted seventh book in the Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries series. If you like endearing characters, unexpected journeys, and stories with a lot of heart, then you’ll love Dina Marie’s twist of fate.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
96 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2026
Clara Kelly and her friend William (a ghost) riding shot-gun, are on a road trip to Long Island for court to decide if she will keep the partial inheritance from her husband she asked for or if the family will get it all. Her Shih Tzu was buckled in the backseat, and calling dibs on the dashboard was her Ghost Cat.

Her lawyer was convinced by the in-laws to quit, a man drops dead in the restaurant at lunch time, only a few hours to help him before court resumes. What a mess. does she get her inheritance and solve the murder - read this fun loving story. Enjoy.
123 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 28, 2026
Clara's former husband's family are continuing their dispute of the inheritance Clara has received and they are deploying dirty tactics, in an attempt to separate Clara from retaining her rightful property.
However, the universe has other plans and Clara is once again embroiled in a murder mystery, at the most inopportune time, or is it? Read it and find out. You won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,958 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 5, 2026
This is a book from a series that I have been reading for a while. I thought this story was one of the best. Clara and William solved 2 cases of murder, plus saved her home. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am looking forward to Book 8. The stories are well written, and I like Clara, but I adore William. Definitely recommend reading the series and this book.
1,006 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
April 13, 2026
This is book 7 of Salem Spirits Cozy Mystery. Clara and Willaim are back again for another mystery or two. Clara must return to her childhood home when her sister-n-law tries to sue her. Another murder occurs along with the mystery of the missing child. I love that the auhor writes characters that come to life in the pages of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Boone.
547 reviews9 followers
April 15, 2026
I am still loving this series by Dina..in this book Clara, William, Boy and Ghost Cat embark on a trip to NY to battle the Turners in court!! Turners as in Clara's ex-husband family over Kensington place. As they are there, a murder happens, a past comes with some clues?? And now I patiently await the next book to see what mystery unravels about Clara's mom....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,372 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2026
Ghost Trip Book 7 of Salem Spirits Cozy Mysteries by Dina Marie keeps getting better with each new book. I think this is my favorite book in this series it's not only a fun cozy but makes you think, there's always more than one thing going on at a time. It's very smart, very enjoyable and extremely hard to put down!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,924 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2026
This book is another really good installment! The author is keeping things fresh with the twists and turns. This series progresses quite nicely, and I love seeing Clara grow. The tone is just right for me, light-hearted with a bit of humor, and lots of mystery. The plot is engaging and the solution satisfying. If you like ghost cozies, I think you'll like this series too! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews