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Lin Coffin #5

A Haunted Invitation

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This is book 5 in the Lin Coffin series. Although the main mystery is solved in each story, the books should be read in order for the most enjoyment as story lines run from book to book.
Lin Coffin has been hired to landscape the front garden of an old Nantucket mansion. The owner of the home complains that workers are making noise late at night just outside her window, but no one else ever sees these men.
While Lin and her cousin, Viv, with the help of several others, work to solve the mystery of the strange late-night disturbances, a ghost appears and asks Lin for her help.
This story has ghosts and some mild paranormal elements.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2016

418 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Whiting

168 books319 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author and Amazon All Star, J A Whiting is the author of over 100 cozy mysteries. She lives with her family in Massachusetts. Whiting loves spending time with family, reading, traveling, cycling, following New England sports teams, exercising, and being outdoors.

For exclusive content and new book announcements please visit www.jawhiting.com and sign up for my mailing list.

Also please "like" my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jawhitingauthor

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5 stars
681 (60%)
4 stars
323 (28%)
3 stars
96 (8%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews40 followers
January 7, 2017
Asked to do a landscaping job, Carolin (Lin) Coffin finds herself in a mysterious ghost sighting. The owner of the property seems to be the only able to see a gang of men working next door to her home that is being renovated.

Lin soon finds herself seeing one man (ghost) but who is he? Could he be part of Nantucket's prohibition days? Or, is he on the side of the law and trying to stop the 'rum' runs? Perhaps, even something more personal?

Lin, with the aid of her cousin, Vivian and other trusted persons of the community, works hard to figure the mystery out. That is before someone else falls victim.

This was the fifth novel in this wonderful series. Always filled with interesting historical facts and entertaining ghosts. Lin always steps up to the challenge!
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,048 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2022
Another cute read by Whiting. I really enjoy quick reads that don’t require me to puzzle over things too much. This is such a book. I do like the paranormal portion, as well. I hope Lin (the main character) learns how to use her abilities even better in future books of this 15 book series.

Lin sees ghosts, but not all ghosts. She only sees the ones that show themselves to her. When any particular ghosts appears, it is up to Lin to discover who they are, what they want, and how she can help them. However, this time it was a wealthy lady in town that was complaining about men behind her home making all kinds of ruckus and keeping her awake every night. She’d call law enforcement each time, but when the cops would show up for the noise complaint, the workers would be gone without a trace. This greatly angered the lady and she voiced her concern to Lin. Lin suspected the men were ghosts, but every time Lin would go to where the men allegedly were, she’d see nothing and no signs of anyone having ever been there.

So, Lin and her bestie Viv were on the case. They began researching the incident and what gave Lin a huge clue was a sole ghost that appeared and pointed to a picture in a book. Lin then knew how to find the ghost’s name! (Unfortunate for Lin, the ghosts do not ever speak, so she uses surrounding clues and “feelings” she gets to research her info.)

Lin was given information/clues about this mystery by various people in the community. She ended up solving the mystery and lived happily ever after in peace…until the next ghostly appearance, that is.

Next book is the 6th called The Haunted Lighthouse.
Profile Image for Juliet Minerva Swift.
820 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2025
This was interesting as there is no murder per se, it’s more of a mystery with this woman seeing ghosts and Lin trying to figure out who they are and why.
I usually don’t like when history is part of the mystery much, but both in this book and in others of the series I was actually interested. The way Lin and Viv discover the story of the rum runners and why this woman was plagued by ghosts was really compelling.
And the ending made me so anxious! When Lin and this woman talk downstairs and Lin tells her the ghosts are haunting her, it was very thrilling! And it was so sad that the father ended up killing his wife.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 14, 2018
Old scores need to be settled before peace is restored.

Not my favourite in the series. Found it lacked substance and the plot seemed disjointed. A homeowner is constantly being woken up by workman. The only trouble is is that they are ghosts. Why are they here and what do they want. Can she and her cousin unravel the past to bring the answers to light? Still a good read but not a terrific one.
Profile Image for Sharen.
613 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2021
Love this series!

This is a great cozy series...A curl up in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea kinda book. And has, in my humble opinion, all the necessary components of a really good book...ghosts, a sweet dog and cat (who can see ghosts), mystery, evil doers doing evil deeds (but no graphic violence), romance (but no graphic sex), history of Nantucket Island, and a clear ending to each story (no cliff hanging ending). I am already looking forward to the next book.
958 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2022
Ghosts

Lin is fixing the garden of Polly Perkins who is having her father's house renovated, Jeff is doing some of the renovations with Kurt's crew. Polly keeps complaining about the noise the men working in the restaurant parking lot at night, police can't find anyone. Liv sees a new ghost, knows he has something to do with this new mystery. Lin and Viv start investigating Polly's family. Good mystery.
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
517 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2018
A glimpse into the prohibition era

Once again Lin is drawn into a mystery by the appearance of a ghost from the prohibition era. Lots of fascinating history about that time as she and her friends research the ghost (whose picture she recognised in a history book) and speculate why he has returned and needing Lin's help.
Profile Image for Linda Olds.
25 reviews
January 20, 2017
Intriguing

I love these characters! The history of Nantucket is fascinating, but the ghost stories are the biggest attraction for me. Can't wait to see what Lin and Viv get into in the next adventure
Profile Image for Delores.
9 reviews
April 24, 2018
Entertaining.

This book and all in the series are very entertaining. Will keep the reader guess I g till the end.. The girls and their boyfriends have such a great interaction. Anxious to read the next one.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
July 17, 2018
A Very Interesting Cozy

This was a interesting cozy with an intriguing storyline and characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries featuring paranormal elements.
Profile Image for chowchowgrl.
68 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2019
Ghosts in Nantucket

I’ve been spending all of my evenings lately in Nantucket with its history, gentle people, starlit night skies, and sad ghosts who find peace after Lin responds to their wordless visits.
Profile Image for Gabrielle David.
212 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2020
Nantucket ghosts — this time there are lots of them. It was a quick light read. I liked the preceding books better but this one was entertaining enough to make me want to read the next in the series.
160 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2021
How much more can JA Whiting improve?

I wasn't that crazy about the first book, but I am so glad I did. The characters are coming much more alive with each one. Now to get Leonard on board with his "talent" and poor old realtor.
209 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2021
Ghost , Ghost and more Ghost

Wasn't sure I'd like these mystery books with ghost in them as I'm not a fan of that kind of reading .But I find myself reading these books and can't stop . They're sweet , full of information ,and very intriguing. Can't put them down .
146 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2016
A very interesting book. I didn't want to finish it because it's the last book in the series, so far??? I'm hoping the author will be adding more.
Profile Image for Linda Rout.
94 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2018
Book 5

I really enjoy reading this series. Good fast reading lite mystery sweet romance good characters and story line. I enjoy all the books by this author.
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2019
Renovations lead to ghost appearances

While Lin often sees ghosts, she doesn't seem to be able to see ghosts that Mrs Perkins sees. Why not? Read on.
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,808 reviews
August 25, 2020
This has become a great series! I enjoy the story and the characters are strong and well written. The easiness of reading the story, makes for a great experience. Great Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for an4 sofi4.
151 reviews
April 19, 2022
I didnt read this I read "A coffin in the bus" on webtoon, it has 24 chapters.
2.5, not bad, not good
Profile Image for Sanderella.
522 reviews
February 2, 2023
This is a very good series, right up my alley. Ghosts, likeable characters, good story lines, beautiful setting ~~ (I'd love to go to Nantucket, but I don't do boats/ferrys)
On to the next!! 👸💜🐈
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,011 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2023
Very enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery.
156 reviews
June 30, 2024
Wonderful

These stories just keep getting better and better. I look forward to reading more stories from this series. Very entertaining!
Profile Image for Tomi.
1,519 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2024
Interesting read. New info about how the paranormal world works.
120 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2016
I patiently await book 6.

Just completed the Lin Coffin Series in 4 evenings. This is very light,b supernatural, mystery writing. By offering descriptive traits of each individual, the author helps the reader connect to book characters. This author creates visual images, as does Hugo's Hunchback of Nortre Dame. Truly enjoy visual images, while reading.
59 reviews
March 2, 2017
J A Whiting

Loved this Lin Coffin Mystery Book series. As usual, love the characters, including Nicky, the dog and Queenie, the cat. Had me reading steadily until the end
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2016

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
87 reviews
August 20, 2016
J A Whiting has done it again. Lin and Viv kept me curious to the last page

Lin and Viv have such an exciting life trying to put all of the puzzle pieces together. I feel like I'm right there edging them on until the mystery is solved. Nick adds to the excitement in is own way as only a dog cat do. Can't wait for the next book by J A WHITING.
725 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2016
Quick light ghost mystery

These books are wonderful for a quick light read on a rainy day. There is a simple mystery related to a ghost sighting, and our intrepid ghost whisperer saves the day. Well written and well edited, they are good of a kind.
4 reviews
September 2, 2016
Enjoyment



The Lin Coffin mysteries are both well written, educational and provide a wonderful picture in Nantucket of its history, culture over the century plus an wonderful and diverting stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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