Harper Harlow can see and talk to ghosts. She's built a business out of helping souls crossover, and even though the cases sometimes go wonky she's good at what she does. Jared Monroe wants to be a big city detective in a large market. Instead he's forced to take a job in the small community of Whisper Cove until the right position opens up. He doesn't believe in ghosts, and yet he can't seem to stay away from Harper. These two are on a collision course for each other but danger is in the way. Can they survive long enough to give in to temptation, or will their chance at romance be cut short? This is the first three books in the Harper Harlow mystery series. It includes Ghostly Interests, Ghostly Issues and Ghostly Deceits.
This is a 3-in-one box set. I was quite entertained by book 1. The opening sequence was very good. It drew me in to the story and was well-paced. I loved the banter and relationship between Harper and Zander. That was the mainstay of the story too. I also liked the sparks between Harper and Jared. The romance added to the plot. Unfortunately, in book 2, I felt that they all started acting like teenagers! The dialogue got increasingly silly and annoying and I did not finish the book. I didn't read book 3... I may come back to it later
This was an amazing set of stories! I really loved how the characters meshed so perfectly into their roles and with each other. The author did an excellent job of making you feel the dynamics as the interactions between your main characters happened. Each story is a stand-alone, which I so appreciate. Each story deals with a murder and subsequent ghost that Harper and her friends help. The core group is Harper, Zander (gay best friend), Mel (Zander's uncle and detective in their town), and Jared (new detective in town and future boyfriend of Harper). Gloria and Phil (Harper's parents) have supporting roles. Harper has seen ghosts since she was a little girl. Her grandfather who passed of natural causes came to her as a ghost to say goodbye. Since no adult would believe that a child could see ghosts, she was branded as the weird kid in school. Harper and Zander met in kindergarten and become and stayed best friends. Fast forward to them now in their late 20s or early 30s and living (they co-own the house they live in) and working together as business partners providing ghost busting services. And so, the stories begin. Story #1 a college student is murdered. And of course, we look to the campus for suspects. This is where Jared, on his first day on the job, comes into the story. He of course doesn't believe that Harper can see ghosts. Story #2 a high school student is murdered. We look at the high school for suspects. Jared now believes Harper can see ghosts. Story #3 Harper and Jared go on a week-long murder mystery vacation at a college buddies hotel not far from the town Harper and Jared live in. An old ghost reaches out and an actual murder happens. This is the first story that I have read that had a gay main character. I really enjoyed the dialog between Zander and Harper and later Jared. It was completely understandable and at times made me laugh out load. And perhaps it was the dynamics that made these stories much more than your standard paranormal murder mystery to help the ghost cross over so much fun to read. There is no graphic sex, violence, or bad language in any of the stories. I have already purchased the next set of three stories in the series. Can't wait to get started and see what adventures unfold.
So, I read this book for the first time in 2015. This was my two star review:
I was disappointed. It felt like a remake. It was just way too similar to another series that I read and actually enjoy. The writing was very juvenile. Authors should know how to use proper grammar. Using the wrong your/you're really annoys me.
I then accidentally bought the first three in the series is an omnibus thingie, because I was desperate for something to read and I do like this author. Well, I like her writing under another pen name better, but I've grown to love this one, too.
This time reading it through, I was not as disappointed. The editing was definitely better. It still reminded me of another ghost hunter with a gay best friend series, but I enjoyed it. I will read the next two and see if I still feel that way. This first book gets 4 stars.
Date I finished reading it for the second time - 04/21/2018
Book 2 - Ghostly Issues. So, I am glad that I continued reading this series. I did enjoy this installment. It's not one of my favorite series by this author, but I do enjoy it. Not so crazy about Jared's nickname for Harper, but I love the interaction between the characters. This book gets 4 stars.
Book 3 - Ghostly Deceits. 4 stars for this one, too.
These are wonderful characters full of fun and love and loyalty. She sees ghosts. He is her best friend forever. Her boyfriend is a police detective who never knew what hit him...it's love folks, pure and simple. The repartee comes at you fast and furious, but it's lots of fun, especially if you don't take yourself too seriously. The cases they solve are murder. Sometimes I guess the murderer right away, sometimes I don't. I don't care because I'm having fun reading these outrageous characters' stories. And, these stories put a smile on my face. Enjoy!!!
If you like supernatural stories you like this series
I chose this rating because I am entertained by these books I enjoy reading them I like the storyline and I like the relationship between Xander Harper and Jared, I've yet to meet a man who is a sensitive and emotional is and not afraid to admit his feelings like Jared, which is the only reason there's four stars instead of 5, but then again it is about someone who can see ghosts so it is what it is...
these three books were great! they remind me of the books "Pepper Martin" and "The ghost Hunter Mystery Series, and the sitcom "Three's Company. I was intrigued by the books as they had mystery, love, and friendship. trying to help ghosts while solving a murder and not get in the way is excellent. There were times I laughed so hard I was crying and couldn't catch my breath. I would recommend these books
Harper is one lucky lady.... she can talk to ghosts, She has a level ball and loyal best friend in Xander, and she gets the hunky police officer as a boyfriend… As one lucky lady. The series is funny, Fast-paced, and throws in a little paranormal mystery. Highly recommend.
Love the stories. Make me laugh without taxing my brain. Have listened to this narrator many times now - I don’t enjoy her character voices when they are shrill but it didn’t detract from the story.
Very entertaining stories, intricate mysteries with plenty of laugh not to mention romance. I loved these books. Kept me entertained and laughing the whole way through..Great characters.
Great characters and great story line didn't start off the best but by the fifth chapter of book one I was hooked!! First three chapters or books was a great read!! I would highly recommend it!
I was expecting a regular ghost story. Once I got into this series I discovered that the author had created a varied interesting cast of characters and situations. These are people I would like to invite to dinner.
This book is absolutely amazing! The chemistry between the leading character's is really bouncing of the page. The banter between them all is hilarious and Full on! Can't wait for the next instalment.
These are really enjoyable books. You'll fall for Harper, she is sissy and loyal. Best of all Harper talks to Ghost. Go on and get the books, you'll love them
I read these books individually and loved each one. Having them in an omnibus series is great! That way you can read 3 at a time, instead of downloading each one!
This was so captivating I could not put it down. If fell in love with all oh her books. I also love that her series cha cheers turn up in other of her series.
I've read the most of the books out for this series and though not my least favorite series, it isn't one of the top ones by this author either. It's got a decent enough foundation and I do appreciate the hilarity when Harper and her gay best friend get together.
If you're looking for easy cozy mystery reads with some paranormal thrown in - I'd recommend it.
If you love a quirky cosy mystery with some snarky repartee, than look no further. I went into this series hopeful, and after the first few pages I completely fell in love with these characters. Harper and Zander are BFFs and have a relationship that would drive me made, but it works for them. Think Aisling and Jerry level codependency and you’ll be close (nothing beats a Jerry level hissyfit, but Zander’s right up there).
Since this is an omnibus, I’ll just say that the stories are fun, fast paced and even though I guessed the identity of the antagonist pretty quickly, it didn’t matter and I had a fun time binging this whole volume in one big sitting. So if the Grimlock series by Amanda M. Lee tickles your fancy, than give this series a try.
4.5 stars ⭐️
2026 update: rereading for the first time, and I still enjoyed this as much as before.
What a treat!! Uproariously funny much of the time, fast paced, well written and totally delightful!! I would give this collection more than 5 stars if I could! Fabulous fun reading!