The Ghost in the Deed: A Haunted Records Paranormal Cozy Mystery

by Marcin Bijar

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2026

Reviews

[Lise]

When Clara Vale returned to her hometown, she intended to settle her great-aunt's estate and put everything about it in her rearview as quickly as possible. But when she found a disputed deed - part of her great-aunt's business- she couldn't leave an unrighted wrong.

There seems to be a new style of cosies that is dispassionate and removed from emotional stakes. This book follows that trend. Unfortunately, because of this mode, I struggled to empathise with the main character's plight. The story had everything I love in a mystery: a cold case layered with intrigue and ghosts, but it failed to draw me in. I was enamoured with the cover illustration as it beautifully amplified the core concepts of the novel.

Thank you to Marcin Bijar and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Beverly]

This was an interesting story with supernatural effects added. It seemed to go at a slow pace the whole way through. I'd prefer it not be so slow and dry. I couldn't invest in any character and I felt like an outsider, not drawn in to the story . The special effects with the water was very haunting and intriguing. I can't believe all the cover ups, lies , and deceit going on in a small town. Not your regular small town friendliness and banning together cozy I'm used to. Clara got constant threats throughout, and the last one could have been lethal. A slow moving suspenseful story.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review

[Mrs K.Bryant]

The Ghost in the Deed is the start of a series and is a story about Clara Vale and she goes back to her hometown for her Great Aunt Etta's Funeral. When she goes into a locked room of Vale Family records she discovers deeds and paperwork and when she touches she is met by a soaking wet Ghost. She starts to look into one of Etta's cases. Unfortunately she does not know who she can trust. Anything Clara finds she gives to Detective Jonah Reed. But what hidden secrets will she uncover?
I enjoyed reading this story and recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lora]

The Ghost in the Deed is the first installment in Marcin Bijar’s The Haunted Records Mystery series. Clara returns to Moonfall for her great-aunt's funeral and to settle her aunt’s small business. Unfortunately, she won't be able to return home anytime soon after discovering that her aunt‘s final case is a bit more complicated than she realized. The book is a small-town mystery with hints of the paranormal. I liked how Clara makes friends with the townspeople and, with their help, is able to solve the case. It is an interesting book, and I’m looking forward to the next entry in the series, which is set to be released in just a few days.

[Nordiana Baruzzi]

An unusual premise to a satisfying read. Not a real ghost story, but there IS a ghost.

When Clara Vale goes back to her hometown for her great-aunt's funeral she wanted to leave right away. Alas, the best plans of mice and men... She has to stay to settle the estate and inherits a 40-year-old mystery. What really happened to Nora Bell? Did she really run away, as the townfolks have been saying for 40 years, or was this a cover up story?

Not a really cozy mystery but an intriguing story nonetheless

[Michelle]

I’ve mixed feelings on the book. On the one hand the premise is pretty cool. I like a cold case that gets brought into the present unexpectedly and then solved. The characters are ok but they don’t quite jump off the page. I’m a character driven reader and I found them maybe underdeveloped is the word I’m searching for. It’s a bit slow but I chalk that up to first in a series world building. Good story I’m intrigued enough to want to read a book two. My two cents your mileage may vary. I received an arc via BookSirens this is my honest review.

[Lorraine O'Connor]

Clara arrived in Moonfall for her Great Aunt's funeral. They both are/were in the business of tracking down official documents. Her aunt left her the business and a big mystery to solve should she decide to accept it. The aunt got sick and died while she was in the middle of the case. Great storytelling and plot. Vivid characters. The story is told in the style of constant dialog between the characters. I'm not fond of the style so my rating is 4*.
Read on 07/27/26.
I am an ARC reader.

[Phthon]

This was an exquisitely engaging mystery. It sucked me in and would not let me go! I loved that Clara was so stubborn and would not let the records discrepancy rest. She doggedly followed trail after trail trying to find the truth. I loved that she formed a community around her of like minded individuals. This was fun to read and I hope there are more!