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A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #8
Spouse on Haunted Hill
Alison’s shady ex needs to use her haunted guesthouse as a hideout in the latest from the national bestselling author of Ghost in the Wind.
Where Alison Kerby’s ex-husband goes, trouble follows. This time, unfortunately, he’s brought that trouble right to her doorstep. On the run from a business deal gone bad, Steven, aka “the Swine,” owes some scary people a staggering sum of money. No need to panic, though. He has a Sell Alison’s Jersey Shore guesthouse to pay them off.
Before Alison has a chance to read Steven the riot act, he disappears—after a mysterious man trailing him ends up full of bullet holes. Now the police are next to darken her doorway. For all his faults, Steven is still the father of Alison’s daughter, so with the help of ghosts Maxie and Paul, Alison sets out to find her ex and clear him of the murder. But if the bad guys get to him first, he may not have a ghost of a chance...
Where Alison Kerby’s ex-husband goes, trouble follows. This time, unfortunately, he’s brought that trouble right to her doorstep. On the run from a business deal gone bad, Steven, aka “the Swine,” owes some scary people a staggering sum of money. No need to panic, though. He has a Sell Alison’s Jersey Shore guesthouse to pay them off.
Before Alison has a chance to read Steven the riot act, he disappears—after a mysterious man trailing him ends up full of bullet holes. Now the police are next to darken her doorway. For all his faults, Steven is still the father of Alison’s daughter, so with the help of ghosts Maxie and Paul, Alison sets out to find her ex and clear him of the murder. But if the bad guys get to him first, he may not have a ghost of a chance...
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2016
58 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Copperman
34 books839 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 122 reviews
February 9, 2017
I believe this is the last book in the series which makes me very sad. I really enjoyed the series, but this book seemed like the author just wanted to get it over with. The plot was boring and didn't lead anywhere, the big twists were expected, and everyone just seemed bored. I gave it three stars because I will miss these characters and the quirky little Haunted guesthouse. I won't count this book against them.
August 27, 2019
Much better than the last one. Fewer of the same old jokes that had become annoying more than anything. Really good mystery & actually fun to see more of The Swine. Great characters & a good way to end the series, but I think it continues. If it does I will be reading them. A solid 4.5 stars.
June 22, 2017
The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries are a good, solid paranormal cozy series. I love the characters - even the ghosts - and this entry in the series is no different.
Often by the time a series gets to book 8, it starts to get a little stale - later, rinse, repeat and all that. But I find this series continues to surprise me. This may be because I haven't been reading them back to back, but I don't think so.
In this installment, Alison's ex-husband has come back and thrown her in the middle as she tries to protect her daughter from his shenanigans. (heh, shenanigans in a review) She's in a tough spot as she's really like to just throw him to the wolves rather than try to protect him. In the meantime, Paul is trying to find a way to move on to the next plane of existence giving her limited assistance in trying to investigate the crime.
I had this book down as the end of the series, but after reading it, I'm just not sure. The ending is open to more books, but it also could act as a conclusion to the series.
Often by the time a series gets to book 8, it starts to get a little stale - later, rinse, repeat and all that. But I find this series continues to surprise me. This may be because I haven't been reading them back to back, but I don't think so.
In this installment, Alison's ex-husband has come back and thrown her in the middle as she tries to protect her daughter from his shenanigans. (heh, shenanigans in a review) She's in a tough spot as she's really like to just throw him to the wolves rather than try to protect him. In the meantime, Paul is trying to find a way to move on to the next plane of existence giving her limited assistance in trying to investigate the crime.
I had this book down as the end of the series, but after reading it, I'm just not sure. The ending is open to more books, but it also could act as a conclusion to the series.
May 7, 2017
I like mysteries. I like ghosts. I like independent women. I like angst filled teenagers (who are not currently living in my house).
Why did I not like this book?
I think it took a sharp down-hill turn when Daughter comes home from visiting the Ex (AKA the Swine) and tra la! The Ex gets off the plane with her.
"You have space for me, right?" should be answered with "I have space, but not for you. You're lack of room-planning is no longer my problem. Ask the taxi drivers, they know the best places. Bye bye!"
But no, he comes to her motel, and later he comes to her -bedroom- to reveal Teh Troubles. No. Just no. There's no flirting at all, there's no hint of kissing, but NO.
I made it a few chapters past this point, and then I gave up.
Why did I not like this book?
I think it took a sharp down-hill turn when Daughter comes home from visiting the Ex (AKA the Swine) and tra la! The Ex gets off the plane with her.
"You have space for me, right?" should be answered with "I have space, but not for you. You're lack of room-planning is no longer my problem. Ask the taxi drivers, they know the best places. Bye bye!"
But no, he comes to her motel, and later he comes to her -bedroom- to reveal Teh Troubles. No. Just no. There's no flirting at all, there's no hint of kissing, but NO.
I made it a few chapters past this point, and then I gave up.
October 6, 2022
This was an okay addition to the series but it was just so convoluted at time. Paul was distracted, Allison was Allison, the Swine was ehhh - it was just okay. On the plus side, the ending was good with two weddings :)
February 25, 2020
For the first 115 pages, I would have given this book 5 stars. But then we get to page 116, and I grew incredibly annoyed and it not only lasted but intensified as the story went on. Basically what happened, without spoiling much, Allison questioned someone she didn't think committed the murder. But then the person said something that - for some reason I couldn't fathom - meant the person did commit the murder. So, in the conversation, Allison spoke as though the person was guilty. The person not only didn't tout their innocence, they said things like, "I had to" and "It was him or me" and after Allison pointblank states this person offed the guy, the person says now they have to go on the run.
For the rest of the book, Allison never referred to this conversation. Not with Paul, the ghost detective, not with any of the living people involved, and not even with herself. For the rest of the book, Allison just knew the person couldn't have killed the guy because the person didn't have it in them. (Really? So why did she randomly think the person DID do it on page 116?) There was never a correction conversation or clearing-up-a-misunderstanding conversation. Nothing. It was this conversation of "You did it" and "I had to, now I have to go on the run" and Allison spending the rest of the book trying to find the actual murderer.
It makes zero sense and really set me off for the rest of the book.
Also, like other readers, for my personal preference, the writing is too interrupted with Allison's thoughts on everything. They are not peppered throughout, it's pretty much after every piece of dialogue. I constantly have to refer back to what the last piece of dialogue was when the next character responds - because there are so many sentences in between that often have nothing to do with the conversation.
I do like some of the characters, though. But that brings me to another irritation. A particular character that we've known for 8 novels now acted out of character for no reason other than to have the writing go the way the author wanted it to.
I do like some of the humor. I find it hard to ferret out what I liked enough to continue the series because of my irritation at what I've stated above. But I will read the next book. And I'll try to be nice in my next review because at this point, any annoyance I experience is my own fault for continuing to read.
For the rest of the book, Allison never referred to this conversation. Not with Paul, the ghost detective, not with any of the living people involved, and not even with herself. For the rest of the book, Allison just knew the person couldn't have killed the guy because the person didn't have it in them. (Really? So why did she randomly think the person DID do it on page 116?) There was never a correction conversation or clearing-up-a-misunderstanding conversation. Nothing. It was this conversation of "You did it" and "I had to, now I have to go on the run" and Allison spending the rest of the book trying to find the actual murderer.
It makes zero sense and really set me off for the rest of the book.
Also, like other readers, for my personal preference, the writing is too interrupted with Allison's thoughts on everything. They are not peppered throughout, it's pretty much after every piece of dialogue. I constantly have to refer back to what the last piece of dialogue was when the next character responds - because there are so many sentences in between that often have nothing to do with the conversation.
I do like some of the characters, though. But that brings me to another irritation. A particular character that we've known for 8 novels now acted out of character for no reason other than to have the writing go the way the author wanted it to.
I do like some of the humor. I find it hard to ferret out what I liked enough to continue the series because of my irritation at what I've stated above. But I will read the next book. And I'll try to be nice in my next review because at this point, any annoyance I experience is my own fault for continuing to read.
December 23, 2016
This book is full of gangsters, family, spouses to be, spouses that were, and surprising guests. The tempo is quick and the one-liners make you laugh throughout the novel.
Haunted Guesthouse owner, Alison is beyond upset when her daughter, Melissa (a 13yrd old) comes off the plane bringing her back from a week with her father, Steven (alias the Swine,) and is accompanied by no one less than The Swine, himself! Being that he has no luggage, Alison knows there is trouble.
And, she is right. Even the ghosts in her home and life agree. However, before this adventure is solved, there will be persons, having followed, Steven, former in-laws, best friends, Steven's girlfriend and buddies invading her guesthouse. Not to mention the police, three 'guests', and a puppy ghost? Yup, one full guesthouse. Too bad only three are paying!
Then there is the romantic side. Alison finds herself engaged, then married in a ...well, I'm not going to reveal the details but I had tears in my eyes ending.
E.J. Copperman is an author to keep your eyes on. This is the eighth novel in the series and makes you wish for a minimum of several dozen more. Check out his other tales. Enjoy and Laugh!
Haunted Guesthouse owner, Alison is beyond upset when her daughter, Melissa (a 13yrd old) comes off the plane bringing her back from a week with her father, Steven (alias the Swine,) and is accompanied by no one less than The Swine, himself! Being that he has no luggage, Alison knows there is trouble.
And, she is right. Even the ghosts in her home and life agree. However, before this adventure is solved, there will be persons, having followed, Steven, former in-laws, best friends, Steven's girlfriend and buddies invading her guesthouse. Not to mention the police, three 'guests', and a puppy ghost? Yup, one full guesthouse. Too bad only three are paying!
Then there is the romantic side. Alison finds herself engaged, then married in a ...well, I'm not going to reveal the details but I had tears in my eyes ending.
E.J. Copperman is an author to keep your eyes on. This is the eighth novel in the series and makes you wish for a minimum of several dozen more. Check out his other tales. Enjoy and Laugh!
March 3, 2017
Unfortunately for Allison, "The Swine", her ex-husband is back and in rare form. Embroiled w/ some very shady business dealings and in major debt to some very bad men, he high-tails it out to Allison's Haunted Guesthouse, very mistakenly believing that Allison will sell the guesthouse in order to bail him out of his deep debt.
Allison was a total "jerk" in this one.... She refused to really stand up to the bubba-head because of her daughter's feelings...... and for that reason - 1 star
The story was weak and I had a feeling that Copperman had run out of ideas when she wrote this one.... - 1 more star
The other characters were as wishy-washy in this as was Allison... - 1 more star
You can skip this one, you won't miss a thing: Unfortunately one of the last lines indicated that it would be a few more years before Allison saw her ex again.... Which will be too soon for me.
Allison was a total "jerk" in this one.... She refused to really stand up to the bubba-head because of her daughter's feelings...... and for that reason - 1 star
The story was weak and I had a feeling that Copperman had run out of ideas when she wrote this one.... - 1 more star
The other characters were as wishy-washy in this as was Allison... - 1 more star
You can skip this one, you won't miss a thing: Unfortunately one of the last lines indicated that it would be a few more years before Allison saw her ex again.... Which will be too soon for me.
August 29, 2017
I have been following the Haunted Guest House Mysteries and have looked forward to each new release. Usually I would rate them 5 stars but this one was not quite as good as the previous ones. I had a feeling that this might be the last one. Allison continues to struggle with "the swine" who is present in New Jersey this time and whose entanglements bring her in. Lissa has grown quite a bit and is becoming a good investigator in her own right (not to mention a fine cook who even outdoes her grandmother in that area). The "lives" of the ghosts continue to grow and maybe that is part of what was a bit disappointing. I want them to be the same Maxie and Paul as in the previous books. I strongly hope this is not the end of the series.
November 18, 2016
Oh boy are you all going to love Spouse on Haunted Hill by E.J. Copperman. This is the eight book in the A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series and oh my gosh I could not put it down. Just when I thought things could not get any crazier in Alison's life, this book was so much fun. Crazy, lovely, fun. Good mystery, great characters, lovely loose ends and full of great surprises. If you have a cozy mystery lover on your list this holiday season I can recommend these eight books as a great gift! Spouse on Haunted Hill could be a tv movie for sure and this one would be amazing to see on screen. It was so easy to picture each scene, character and setting. I so love this series!
December 9, 2017
Ok, I got through the first five chapters before I realized I just didn't want to read anymore and skipped to the end just to find out what happened. It got to the point where the main character kept talking to the reader like a child and kept explaining things... just got annoying. Add to the "Swine" even being in the picture was just ridiculous. I got the feeling the author was running out of things to write about and decided to bring in the ex-husband to wrap the series up. It's a shame because I always liked the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries series.
December 7, 2016
Not the end
Loose ends were all neatly knotted in what could have been a satisfying conclusion to the Haunted Guesthouse series, with Alison and the ghosts solving yet another mystery, this one involving her ex-husband The Swine. I was relieved to discover that there will be at least two more books in my favorite series.
Loose ends were all neatly knotted in what could have been a satisfying conclusion to the Haunted Guesthouse series, with Alison and the ghosts solving yet another mystery, this one involving her ex-husband The Swine. I was relieved to discover that there will be at least two more books in my favorite series.
January 2, 2018
After skipping the seventh book, I quite enjoyed this one. It's possible this was the last book in the series - it sure felt like things were being tidied up that way at the end. (Ok, apparently there are more books on the way - so now I'm wondering if the series was in limbo for a bit and the tidying was just in case.)
June 19, 2022
I'm kicking myself for not reading this book sooner. I blitzed the first 7 books in this series and I enjoyed them all immensely, but when I read the back blurb and realized that Alison's ex was back and causing havoc I faltered. Not a huge fan of the smarmy ex working his charms and appealing to the heroine's sympathies so I put off continuing the series. Sigh, I should have known Alison is spunky enough to handle a 'The Swine.' So, while not my favourite Haunted Guesthouse Mystery, it was still a page-turning, read-in-one sitting kind of book. Love the snarky humour and the host of secondary characters, both living and dead(!), who make this a real cozy and the mystery was as convoluted and chaotic as I've come to expect from this author.
Read
January 19, 2018Great series.
May 6, 2022
I have enjoyed this series very much.
October 3, 2024
The climax/denouement went on way too long, but otherwise a fun one.
September 27, 2025
I expected more, based on the Title. Maybe you will feel differently. Enjoy!
January 5, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sp...
Spouse on Haunted Hill
A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #8
By E.J. Copperman
ISBN#9780425283387
Ejcopperman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Where Alison Kerby’s ex-husband goes, trouble follows. This time, unfortunately, he’s brought that trouble right to her doorstep. On the run from a business deal gone bad, Steven, aka “the Swine,” owes some scary people a staggering sum of money. No need to panic, though. He has a plan: sell Alison’s Jersey Shore guesthouse to pay them off.
Before Alison has a chance to read Steven the riot act, he disappears—after a mysterious man trailing him ends up full of bullet holes. Now the police are next to darken her doorway. For all his faults, Steven is still the father of Alison’s daughter, so with the help of ghosts Maxie and Paul, Alison sets out to find her ex and clear him of the murder. But if the bad guys get to him first, he may not have a ghost of a chance…(Goodreads)
Review:
A swine of an ex-husband, mob ties, and a distracted ghost all come together to make an entertaining, well crafted mystery in Spouse on Haunted Hill.
Before I even open a book in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, I know I am in for a good time with proprietor Alison and her ghosts. The premise of a reluctant working mom who gets her private investigator’s license so that her housebound PI ghost can help other ghosts through her is great. In Spouse on Haunted Hill, the mystery hits much closer to home. Alison is surprised to see her ex-husband Steven, whom she not so lovingly refers to as “the Swine”, disembark their daughter’s flight. He tries to play it off as no big deal, but Alison knows her ex well, and trouble has definitely followed him from California to New Jersey. A business deal has gone wrong, and one of the investors wants his money back – money that Steven does not have. When Alison learns that his next plan involves her guesthouse, she is ready to kick him to the curb. But when a man who tailed Steven winds up dead, and Steven disappears, Alison cannot help but want to clear his name. After all, he is still her daughter’s father. In addition to Steven’s troubles, resident ghost Paul thinks he is ready to move on. Thus ensue mayhem, deduction, danger, and maybe a happy ending or two.
I am a fan of paranormal cozies, and what I especially like about this series is that Copperman portrays life with ghosts as completely possible. There is nothing cutesy or haunted house-ish here, just a relatable main character who happens to see and live with ghosts. There is even a ghostly dog that triggers Alison’s allergies. There are no hard and fast rules with the ghost world so readers never know what to expect, and the stories always seem fresh. Alison is a level headed protagonist who never really puts herself in those “too stupid to live” situations. Not to say she does not find herself in precarious and dangerous situations, she just can usually find a way out. I love her snarkiness, and her sense of humor appeals to me. Her family, including daughter Melissa, her mother, and ghostly father, are all a hoot. Resident ghosts Maxie and Paul offer totally different personalities and perspectives to the mix, and love interest Josh is sweet.
The mystery within the pages is well written and moves along at a brisk pace. There are so many viable scenarios and suspects to consider, and I did not see a final twist coming. I do not like Steven at all (I am sure we are not supposed to), but his smarmy moves and untrustworthiness provide a nice backdrop to the mystery.
I really liked Spouse on Haunted Hill and recommend it to fans of the series and those who enjoy a dollop of ghosts in their cozy.
Spouse on Haunted Hill
A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #8
By E.J. Copperman
ISBN#9780425283387
Ejcopperman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Where Alison Kerby’s ex-husband goes, trouble follows. This time, unfortunately, he’s brought that trouble right to her doorstep. On the run from a business deal gone bad, Steven, aka “the Swine,” owes some scary people a staggering sum of money. No need to panic, though. He has a plan: sell Alison’s Jersey Shore guesthouse to pay them off.
Before Alison has a chance to read Steven the riot act, he disappears—after a mysterious man trailing him ends up full of bullet holes. Now the police are next to darken her doorway. For all his faults, Steven is still the father of Alison’s daughter, so with the help of ghosts Maxie and Paul, Alison sets out to find her ex and clear him of the murder. But if the bad guys get to him first, he may not have a ghost of a chance…(Goodreads)
Review:
A swine of an ex-husband, mob ties, and a distracted ghost all come together to make an entertaining, well crafted mystery in Spouse on Haunted Hill.
Before I even open a book in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, I know I am in for a good time with proprietor Alison and her ghosts. The premise of a reluctant working mom who gets her private investigator’s license so that her housebound PI ghost can help other ghosts through her is great. In Spouse on Haunted Hill, the mystery hits much closer to home. Alison is surprised to see her ex-husband Steven, whom she not so lovingly refers to as “the Swine”, disembark their daughter’s flight. He tries to play it off as no big deal, but Alison knows her ex well, and trouble has definitely followed him from California to New Jersey. A business deal has gone wrong, and one of the investors wants his money back – money that Steven does not have. When Alison learns that his next plan involves her guesthouse, she is ready to kick him to the curb. But when a man who tailed Steven winds up dead, and Steven disappears, Alison cannot help but want to clear his name. After all, he is still her daughter’s father. In addition to Steven’s troubles, resident ghost Paul thinks he is ready to move on. Thus ensue mayhem, deduction, danger, and maybe a happy ending or two.
I am a fan of paranormal cozies, and what I especially like about this series is that Copperman portrays life with ghosts as completely possible. There is nothing cutesy or haunted house-ish here, just a relatable main character who happens to see and live with ghosts. There is even a ghostly dog that triggers Alison’s allergies. There are no hard and fast rules with the ghost world so readers never know what to expect, and the stories always seem fresh. Alison is a level headed protagonist who never really puts herself in those “too stupid to live” situations. Not to say she does not find herself in precarious and dangerous situations, she just can usually find a way out. I love her snarkiness, and her sense of humor appeals to me. Her family, including daughter Melissa, her mother, and ghostly father, are all a hoot. Resident ghosts Maxie and Paul offer totally different personalities and perspectives to the mix, and love interest Josh is sweet.
The mystery within the pages is well written and moves along at a brisk pace. There are so many viable scenarios and suspects to consider, and I did not see a final twist coming. I do not like Steven at all (I am sure we are not supposed to), but his smarmy moves and untrustworthiness provide a nice backdrop to the mystery.
I really liked Spouse on Haunted Hill and recommend it to fans of the series and those who enjoy a dollop of ghosts in their cozy.
May 25, 2017
I really hope this is the last of the series. It felt like a wrap up - the flashbacks, the slight foreshadowing at the end, characters moving on. Of course, if the author or publisher are feeling greedy from ratings and sales for this one, the series will go on. I feel that would be a mistake. I could possibly see an off-shoot series, based on one or more of the characters, but this haunted guesthouse series needs to end.
And I'd like to point out to the other reviews who refer to EJ Copperman as "she" - Copperman is a pen name for author Jeff Cohen (of the Aaron Tucker series). I'm actually surprised that anyone could think that these books were written by a woman. At no point in the series did I ever feel like this was written by a female.
Overall, I was "just ok" with this series - the guesthouse thing was ok, but I think the character of Melissa was too mature for her age. Allison had WAY too much lasting hate towards her ex and it got old and tired really fast. It was very distracting all through the series. Copperman/Cohen's habit of adding an unnecessary snarky description in the middle of a quoted conversation is very annoying. Maybe it would work once or twice, but it's all through all of the books. It is so distracting to me that I often have to go back and re-read the conversations again to keep track of seeing who is speaking and what they are saying. And overall, the picture Allison paints of people in New Jersey are really horrid. This is not the Stephanie Plum snark - this is unnecessarily rude.
There were a LOT of story lines in this book. More than usual, and it was a bit hard to keep track of them all, and lended even more to the feeling that this was the last book of the series, and was a wrap-up of the whole series. I would have rated up another star if the snark had been toned down. Even with all the story lines and the character developments, it was a good book. But the ex hate and the snark was just too much for me to rate it "I really liked it".
And I'd like to point out to the other reviews who refer to EJ Copperman as "she" - Copperman is a pen name for author Jeff Cohen (of the Aaron Tucker series). I'm actually surprised that anyone could think that these books were written by a woman. At no point in the series did I ever feel like this was written by a female.
Overall, I was "just ok" with this series - the guesthouse thing was ok, but I think the character of Melissa was too mature for her age. Allison had WAY too much lasting hate towards her ex and it got old and tired really fast. It was very distracting all through the series. Copperman/Cohen's habit of adding an unnecessary snarky description in the middle of a quoted conversation is very annoying. Maybe it would work once or twice, but it's all through all of the books. It is so distracting to me that I often have to go back and re-read the conversations again to keep track of seeing who is speaking and what they are saying. And overall, the picture Allison paints of people in New Jersey are really horrid. This is not the Stephanie Plum snark - this is unnecessarily rude.
There were a LOT of story lines in this book. More than usual, and it was a bit hard to keep track of them all, and lended even more to the feeling that this was the last book of the series, and was a wrap-up of the whole series. I would have rated up another star if the snark had been toned down. Even with all the story lines and the character developments, it was a good book. But the ex hate and the snark was just too much for me to rate it "I really liked it".
October 30, 2022
Spouse on Haunted Hill by E.J. Copperman is the 8th book in A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series. Alison Kerby's exhusband hides out at the Haunted Guesthouse after his business deals backfire and he owes a great deal of money to the wrong people and his partner is murdered. A nice addition to the series where the best parts are the ghosts and their attempts to move on. The mystery seemed more background in this book and Alison did not seem to be on top of things as usual and did not make good use of her ghosts. Her ex lived up to his nickname of "The Swine". Otherwise a fun book with many happy endings.
January 13, 2017
I have been reading this series since my husband bought the first book for me. I love reading about Alison and her ghostly friends. This was another wonderful book in the series!
Alison's ex-husband, AKA The Swine, comes for a visit when he has people who want him dead. He figures that hiding out with Alison will be the best way to get them off his case. However, when he ends up accused of murder, Alison and the ghostly duo help clear his name.
So glad to hear there will be two more books in this series! Can't wait to read them!
Alison's ex-husband, AKA The Swine, comes for a visit when he has people who want him dead. He figures that hiding out with Alison will be the best way to get them off his case. However, when he ends up accused of murder, Alison and the ghostly duo help clear his name.
So glad to hear there will be two more books in this series! Can't wait to read them!
December 12, 2023
I loved this book. How can an author keep fans returning again and again to a series and still keep it fresh and entertaining....by changing everything up and we certainly got that with this story. I love the characters of both the human and ghost kind, the interaction between them is so funny and somehow normal that it has me looking for the next book before this one is even finished. Even more so after this book, as I want to see what the changes mean for the series. The mystery kept me guessing and I had no clue who the killer was but then again I think I was a bit distracted like ghost Paul and was trying to figure out what the ex was up to. A fun series that I really enjoy and would recommend ever book in the series so far.
Ailson's ex husband turning up is never a good thing and this time it seems even worse than usual. He is in trouble with the wrong people and the only way to get out from under it a by selling Alison's home and business. Something she is not willing to do. Even when the trouble follows him and guys with guns start arriving at her guest house demanding to see him. When one of them turns up dead, the ex is the prime suspect but even Alison can't see him killing anyone but the one way to stop the father of her child from going to prison is to find the real killer and help him get out from under the trouble he is in. Even with the ghosts help things won't be easy because with her ex involved things are never easy.
I like the narrator. She helps the story flow with style, grace and humour and is perfect in the role of ghost lady.
Ailson's ex husband turning up is never a good thing and this time it seems even worse than usual. He is in trouble with the wrong people and the only way to get out from under it a by selling Alison's home and business. Something she is not willing to do. Even when the trouble follows him and guys with guns start arriving at her guest house demanding to see him. When one of them turns up dead, the ex is the prime suspect but even Alison can't see him killing anyone but the one way to stop the father of her child from going to prison is to find the real killer and help him get out from under the trouble he is in. Even with the ghosts help things won't be easy because with her ex involved things are never easy.
I like the narrator. She helps the story flow with style, grace and humour and is perfect in the role of ghost lady.
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.
December 6, 2016
This spirited eighth installment in the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries will have you wanting ghosts of your own!
In SPOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, author E. J. Cooperman delivers a para-cozy tale that will have fans of this series, and of the genre, thrilled! This story has amped up everything good from the first seven books to deliver to readers what just may be their favorite book in the series so far.
With series lead, Alison’s ex-husband back in town trying to hide out from people who would prefer him dead, Alison seems to be at wits end. I get the feeling she’d like to kill him herself, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to clear his name when he is accused of murdering someone! And, spectral fan favorites, Maxie and Paul are back to lend a helping hand.
This latest addition in the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries is everything readers have come to expect of E. J. Copperman and this series. With wonderful writing of a plot that will keep you turning the pages, SPOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL will be right at home with the other para-cozies on your bookshelves!
In SPOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, author E. J. Cooperman delivers a para-cozy tale that will have fans of this series, and of the genre, thrilled! This story has amped up everything good from the first seven books to deliver to readers what just may be their favorite book in the series so far.
With series lead, Alison’s ex-husband back in town trying to hide out from people who would prefer him dead, Alison seems to be at wits end. I get the feeling she’d like to kill him herself, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to clear his name when he is accused of murdering someone! And, spectral fan favorites, Maxie and Paul are back to lend a helping hand.
This latest addition in the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries is everything readers have come to expect of E. J. Copperman and this series. With wonderful writing of a plot that will keep you turning the pages, SPOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL will be right at home with the other para-cozies on your bookshelves!
September 1, 2017
An Ex, A Patent, Mobsters, Murder, and Ghosts
When her ex-husband (the Swine) shows up unwanted & uninvited, Alison is enraged. Things pretty much go downhill from there. One of the resident ghosts at her B&B, Paul the PI, is bored with his existence & inability to leave the property. He is horsing electrical devices & waiting for lightning in an effort to 'evolve'. Meanwhile the Swine has once again brought his shaky dealings and lies into Alison & 13-going-on-30 year old daughter Melissa lives. When mobsters show up and a murder occurs, Alison, Melissa, & ghosts work together to clear her ex's name. Some life-changing events as well as the central mystery & murder. Overall one of the best in the series to date.
Plenty of antics & drama in this installment. Well written with characters who have become regulars to readers. Several plot lines are tied up neatly, murder mystery included, although one is particularly bittersweet. An excellent addition to this charming series, I recommend they be read in order.
When her ex-husband (the Swine) shows up unwanted & uninvited, Alison is enraged. Things pretty much go downhill from there. One of the resident ghosts at her B&B, Paul the PI, is bored with his existence & inability to leave the property. He is horsing electrical devices & waiting for lightning in an effort to 'evolve'. Meanwhile the Swine has once again brought his shaky dealings and lies into Alison & 13-going-on-30 year old daughter Melissa lives. When mobsters show up and a murder occurs, Alison, Melissa, & ghosts work together to clear her ex's name. Some life-changing events as well as the central mystery & murder. Overall one of the best in the series to date.
Plenty of antics & drama in this installment. Well written with characters who have become regulars to readers. Several plot lines are tied up neatly, murder mystery included, although one is particularly bittersweet. An excellent addition to this charming series, I recommend they be read in order.
February 6, 2024
I really wanted The Swine to die. I liked this book a little better it was nice that Maxie made a big step in her character evolution and I am sappy enough to have enjoyed the scene which I can't spoil. I really like the banter between lieutenant McElone and the main character Alison. It is nice they are becoming friends. I don't like Alison much but I like the ghosts and McElone and Tony. Alison's kid Melissa wasn't too bad in this one but I still can't stand children.
This would have been a good end to the series as a whole but there are two more books. The series is no longer in print nor is it being published so there are no more stories and so the series is basically done it just would have been good to end with this book.
And I am disappointed in the ghost Paul who is always putting Alison in danger and keeping her on cases she doesn't want to be on yet when she is actively in danger of her life he is more worried about himself and his insane idea of getting to the next level of existance that he is not at all concerned about her or what he got her into.
This would have been a good end to the series as a whole but there are two more books. The series is no longer in print nor is it being published so there are no more stories and so the series is basically done it just would have been good to end with this book.
And I am disappointed in the ghost Paul who is always putting Alison in danger and keeping her on cases she doesn't want to be on yet when she is actively in danger of her life he is more worried about himself and his insane idea of getting to the next level of existance that he is not at all concerned about her or what he got her into.
April 27, 2018
I delayed reading Book #8when it came out in 2016, because it was supposed to be the last in the series and I couldn't being myself to say good-bye to this house filled with family, ghosts, guests, and mysteries. Then I noticed that there is a Book #9, so it should be safe for me to read this one. I love this series and always find the story quite interesting and entertaining. There are always some bits of humor that make me laugh. Even though I know there is a next book, I still felt bereft at the end--it is hard to explain how a person can get so attached to book characters. Perhaps it is a series disorder. if you have never read a A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery, it is fine to start with this one, because the author ties in the past details quite well and a reader must start somewhere. If you are looking for friendly ghosts like Topper, this could be a good read for you!
August 15, 2025
I read 1 & 2 of this series but didn't love it enough to buy the books. My local library/elibrary only had #8 so I figured I'd give it a try. I was able to follow the story easily which, to my mind, means it's a well written series. I believe a reader should be able to pick up any book in any series and enjoy reading it regardless of what's gone on in the past. This #8 in the series was able to do that. I still got annoyed at the main character's ditzy mother and the now-thirteen-year-old daughter who was given way too much power in the mother/daughter relationship but I enjoyed the way the ex-husband character played out. I won't explain about him because that would be too big a spoiler. A rainy day allowed me to read as much and as long as I wanted so finished it by evening. A decent read.
October 3, 2018
I love E.J. Copperman, let's just start there. The haunted guesthouse mysteries are wonderful and this latest add especially heartwarming. We get to meet the Swine and the ex lives up to his reputation in fine form. Dead bodies, identity theft, and lets not forget the fraud and all the lies. Lies on top of lies! The man is truly hopeless. I felt bad for Melissa, but hey, she's a smart kid. Wise beyond her years. All the dead people she listens to, no doubt.
I can't tell where this series is headed from here, and I can't wait to find out. The characters are consistent and feel like friends in no time. Even Maxi.
I can't tell where this series is headed from here, and I can't wait to find out. The characters are consistent and feel like friends in no time. Even Maxi.
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