Pride and Poltergeists

by Maggie March

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a grumpy Victorian ghost in possession of a haunted mansion only wants to be left alone.


For Richard Lockwood, former Scotland Yard detective, that changed the moment Anna McGuffin walked through his door. Months of solving crimes together have turned reluctant roommates into something more. Witty banter. Lingering looks. Undeniable chemistry. And one very inconvenient obstacle—he's dead, she's not.


Anna and Richard's fledgling romance is forced to take a backseat when Professor Ridley, the manor's former tenant, appears as a ghost with unfinished business. Twenty years of stubborn pride kept him from apologizing to Eleanor Bennett, the bookshop owner he loved and lost. Now he needs Anna to find his hidden will before his scheming nephew takes everything and robs Eleanor of her inheritance.


It sounds straightforward—help a lovelorn ghost, find a missing will, thwart a greedy nephew. But someone wants that fortune badly enough to kill for it. As Anna, Richard, and Daisy close in on the truth, a killer closes in on them.


With danger mounting, Anna can't ignore the parallels to her own impossible love story. Watching Ridley wrestle with a lifetime of regret, she knows one thing for she won't make the same mistake. Now she just has to find a way to make the impossible possible.


Pride and Poltergeists is a paranormal cozy mystery brimming with romance, supernatural shenanigans, and laugh-out-loud moments—where ghosts have attitude, a certain dachshund keeps digging up trouble, and some apologies are worth waiting a lifetime for.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best yet!
I could not stop reading this book.
I put off “my chores” until I reached the end.
Professor Chester Ridley died at Lockwood Manor a year ago, but something about his death was unfinished.
He returned as a ghostly figure to become another roommate to Anna!
Just what she needed, another ghost to talk to.
There were questions and bits of undisclosed information about the professors death that did not sit well and it took Anna and Richard to discover just what was amiss.
Poor businessman ship, borrowed funds, unforgettable love, a missing will, greed and murder are pieces of the puzzle that must be put together to solve this mystery.
Wine, pizza, truth, greed and a small pistol turn the manor into a horror house for one realtor who recklessly tries to take out Anna and Eleanor.
An unsettled Chester defends his true love with all the strength a ghost can muster.
The truth is finally set free and Chester’s murderer is caught.
Lockwood Manor is quiet again except for the quiet bickering only Anna can hear and finds endearing like old married couples do.
Walking with the one you love even in death is simple satisfaction.
Not saying I love you, but knowing there is true love may be enough for now.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes with a breezy, witty voice, bestowing that voice onto her characters. Book 6 of the series is about Anna McGuffin, who since she was a little girl has been seeing dead people. However, unlike the little boy in The Sixth Sense, she has taken the "gift" with aplomb. Maybe she didn't need a psychiatrist because weird "talents" run in her family, as her cousin Lucy is a human lie detector. Anna has only been living in haunted Lockwood Manor in Lockwood Cove, Florida for less than a year, but has already been involved in four murder investigations. When the ghost of Professor Chester Ridley, the previous renter, suddenly appears in the Manor, a year after his death, Anna finds herself sharing her rental with two ghosts. She already has a sizzling relationship with Richard Lockwood, former Scotland Yard detective. Richard gives the professor an accelerated course in being a ghost. Why did he appear now? What does he remember before his death? Did he really die of natural causes, or did someone murder him and why? Excellent questions and will Anna with the help of Richard figure out the answers before someone tries to silence her? I was gifted with an advanced reader's copy as part of the author's review crew. This is my unbiased, voluntary and honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the Grumpy Ghost series just keeps getting better! I just finished Pride and Poltergeists and I can feel the warm glow of the slowly developing romance between Anna, who rents Lockwood Manor, and the resident ghost Richard Lockwood. Talk about an impossible love affair! But the last two books make subtle hints at rare situations where ghosts can come back from the dead. Intriguing. Meanwhile, there is a very sweet romance between a newly minted ghost hanging out at the manor and getting ghost lessons, and his living ex-girlfriend. The message is that you shouldn't let pride and stubbornness keep you away from the love of your life (or death). And there is mystery, possible murder, a will, and lots of shady characters in the story. Anna seems to be a murder magnet! And let's not forget the loveable (ghost) dog Daisy. I really love the characters and can't wait for the next book to see where the romance goes.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Ridley may be smart, but he learned that stubborn pride is stupid.

Professor Chester Ridley was Lockwood manor's former tenant and has been dead for 20 years, but it is just now that his ghost has returned to the manor due to unfinished business.

In this story Anna and Richard will learn what the professor’s unfinished business may be. Along the way they will have several mysteries to solve.

Teaching us that apologizing is better served quickly, and to not let stubborn pride get in the way.

There is so much I would like to say but will refrain from doing so, so I won’t spoil the story.

There are many twists and turns in the story to keep you turning pages and keep you wondering what is going on and who did what.

Read along and join the adventure with Anna, Richard and Daisy, in trying to figure out these questions and more.

I really enjoyed this book and I know you will also. They keep getting better and better.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is book 6 in the series, a new reader won't have any problems reading and enjoying this book. Anna is staying in a haunted house. She is a writer, trying to clean up her latest manuscript. She shares the house with two ghosts, Richard Lockwood, a man who died 130 years ago, and his wife's dog's ghost. She has affection for both of them.

Then, all of a sudden, another ghost joins them. This is the ghost of the man who lived in the house before Anna. He has unfinished business. He wrote a will, printed it out, and then died before officially signing it. He had a substantial estate that he wanted to leave to someone he hadn't spoken to in two decades. But the will is missing. Anna and the ghost of Richard Lockwood, who had been a Scotland Yard detective.

This is a fun, easy to read mystery. Anyone can read and enjoy this book.

Thanks to the author for providing me with an early version of the e-book.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I couldn’t put it down once I started it.
A strange appearance from Professor Ridley in the Lockwood Manor takes everyone by surprise. Yes he did live there. But now it becomes a very sad situation. Professor Ridley has a hard time excepting his presence, because he’s not sure what’s going on. He explains things are fuzzy which in turn leads Anna, Richard, and Daisy to look at what actually happened to the Professor. But Anna will help Professor Ridley as he needs her help with a woman he was very much in love with. The more things Anna looks into the good professor things don’t add up. That leads Anna to believe Chester didn’t die of natural causes.


Drama, laughter, danger; and so much more. A must read series. Please do yourself a great favor read them in order.
It’s just truly better that way.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Grumpy Ghost series by Maggie March. This is the 6th book in this series about Anna who can see ghosts and is living in a haunted mansion. A fun addition to this series where another ghost is now residing in Lockwood Manor, Chester Ridley who has died under circumstances that while at first see reasonable but once Anna and Richard ( the original owner of Lockwood Manor, and the other ghost living there) hear Chester’s story of the last day of his life, suspect that foul play may have been involved. Once again, Anna has to solve the mystery without the rest of the town suspecting she sees and talks to ghosts. I have really grown to love these characters and the town and this was one of the best stories yet.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grumpy Ghost Series is one that keeps getting better and better. Perhaps is because I love the characters more and more as the series progresses. The sixth book, Pride and Poltergeists written by Maggie March has another ghostly resident added to the story. Professor Chester Ridley, the manor's former tenant returns with some questions that need to be answered concerning his death and last will. He also has some love wisdom for Anna and Richard. While their romance is not forbidden it seems impossible so the talks, time together seems to be all that there is for them. Of course, Daisy is around too. Pride and Poltergeists grabs your attention from the beginning but soon grabs your heart. I love these characters. Oh, I think I already said that.

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna and Richard love the house she lives in, even though she's alive and he's dead. Things are going fairly well until they suddenly realize there is a new ghost in the house, a professor who lived there for 20 years. He has some unfinished business concerning his will that has disappeared. He wants to make sure the woman he's loved for decades gets to see it.
Once again, Anna and Richard have to figure out how to solve this mystery without getting Anna killed!
And the heat between Anna and Richard is off the charts!
So cute, fascinating and with quite a few twists and turns, you'll love this story.

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better, with the characters continuing to develop and the plots being creative and unique. Richard and Anna have an unusual relationship, to say the least, but it is one I hope Ms. March is able to expand on with her wonderful imagination and wit. I understand there may be only one or two books left in this series, which is disappointing since I love this couple and hoped their crime solving would last a long time. Highly recommended.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read!

Book 6 finds Anna and Richard arguing while trying to forget the attraction they have to each other. Add a new ghost; a former tenant whom Richard actually tolerated because the professor ignored him as he did his reading, studying and tv watching. The professor becomes quite agitated when he discovered he was dead and had been for almost a year. He was concerned about the whereabouts of the will he hand wrote and whether his estate was divided as he planned.

Anna and Richard team up again to help the professor and answer all of his questions.

A terrific read with lots of twists and turns.

I loved the book and think you will too.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent cozy mystery with a paranormal twist. Richard and Anna continue to entertain, with their unique relationship, adorable (ghostly) dog Daisy, quirky small town characters, and another ghostly former resident stirring up trouble. This series is so entertaining on so many fronts! Outstanding writing, witty banter, and a cozy mystery. You won't be able to put it down. Read them all, this is such a favorite series!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, while holding my interest to the very last page. Maggie March takes you away from every day problems and takes you on exciting and whimsical adventures. Lockwood Cove has become my home away from home. I love returning with each new book. Pride and Poltergeists was my favorite yet. Give it a try. I’m sure you will agree!

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better. Anna and Richard have another case to solve. The ghost of professor Ridley shows up and is bewildered and determined to find out what happened to the will he wrote the night he died. As always Anna and Richard work together to solve this mystery and right a wrong. I was gifted this book as an ARC. Truly and entertaining book that will keep you engaged. I highly recommend this book

[Debbie Flateau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Grumpy Ghost read! We meet another ghost at Lockwood Manor, Professor Chester Ridley, former tenant of the Manor. Anna, Richard & Daisy set out to help the ghost of the Professor. Love, romance, friendship and a murder all come into play in the story.
Pride and Poltergeists really grabs you in, you won't want to put it down. Highly recommend!

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!! When Anna has a new ghost housemate, there are questions of how the professor died and where is the missing will? It's up to Anna to figure out what happened and to make good on an apology that has been 20 years coming. Loved it!!!

[Rebecca Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite one so far I love the quirky characters and the Professor was another charming addition The book kept me reading even when I need to stop and do something else The ending was a total surprise I never saw it coming Can't wait for the next on

[Debbie Knisleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

love transcends death

As usual, this story was excellent. I just love the dynamic between Richard and Anna. The last scene was just so sweet, and when he called her darling, oh my! I really hope Anna finds a way they can be together, you never know what’s possible.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride and Poltergeists : The Grumpy Ghost book 6

Charming story of an author in love with the resident ghost. The bickering back and forth and her knack for getting into trouble is amazing. The story line however is quite tender.

[Maureen Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie March never disappoints. Anna and the Ghost of Richard Lockwood keep pages turning with wit, humor and dare I say a little steaminess. Helping another Ghost Professor Ridley turns into more than they bargained for. I highly recommend this read.

[Gail Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Mysterious Romance.

I love the stories . They are romance, wrapped around mystery with a side dish of humor. I could read them forever.

[Misty and Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Series!

Absolutely love the Characters! Could not put it down. Just a fun read and kept me guessing. Can't wait until book 7!