Dancing with a Ghost

Restless Spirits Cozy Ghost #3

by Angela Pepper

Some secrets won't stay buried... Shy and sensitive art student Katie Mills is trying to escape the ghost who haunts her after dark. She travels to New Mexico to study with a master painter and rejuvenate under the big, blue southwestern sky. But the ghost who followed Katie to the desert isn't content with sampling the spicy cuisine and painting the local landscape. This restless spirit is only interested in justice. Katie is finally breaking out of her quiet shell and learning how to paint with abandon when one of the other guests turns up dead. In the wake of the tragedy, Katie surprises herself by finding comfort in a fellow artist's arms. But as new evidence surfaces and suspicion broadens, Katie doesn't know who to trust. And now the vengeful ghost she brought with her is demanding to be heard. Time is running out. Katie must find the courage to speak up and solve the ranch's deadly mystery before a killer takes another life.

Genres: Paranormal, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Ghosts, Audiobook

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Angela Pepper lives with her family in the rainy Pacific Northwest, surrounded by spoiled kitties, deer, raccoons, and the biggest woodpeckers you've ever seen.

Reviews

[Linda Langford]

I didn’t read far in this book. I didn’t like any of the characters or how they were portrayed. 😟 Not rating.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What’s creepier than having the ghost of your roommate haunt you? Taking a dead roommate's reservation for self-improvement. That is exactly what happens in Dancing With a Ghost by Angela Pepper. The story begins when art student Katie Mills travels to New Mexico to attend an art retreat at Spirit Ranch hosted by a master painter. Even though Katie is normally the shy quiet type, she blossoms under the desert and paints with abandon. After one of the other guests is killed, Katie becomes more outgoing, friendly, and adventurous as she investigates the murder. The most interesting aspect of the story is that it seems like Katie’s roommate is living through her to investigate her own murder, which transforms Katie’s personality into one more similar to her dead roommate’s personality.

Dancing With a Ghost is the third book in the supernatural suspense series called the Restless Spirits Cozy Ghost Mysteries, which is not the typical cozy mystery series with reoccurring main characters who solve mysteries. Rather, it’s a series based on the premise that ghosts of the recently departed will manifest themselves to help protect a loved one or to seek justice. The ghost in this story is of the seeking justice variety.

Marie Hoffman narrated the Audible version of this story and she did an excellent job. I gladly listen to another audiobook narrated by her and in this series. I can't wait to see whose ghost appears next to this entertaining series!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books in the series and this book is even better. There's an ominous air to the story right from the beginning and a sense that there is more going on than meets the eye, and there is, even without a ghost being involved.

There were layers to this story, more than I normally expect from a cozy mystery, but this story is also a bit longer than I expect from a cozy, so perhaps that makes sense.

Katie is more than a bit quirky, she comes across as very shy at times and yet at others she definitely isn't, in fact she's contradictory is many ways, she withholds information at times and I didn't understand why, it doesn't seem to serve a purpose.

The character interactions in this book are a highlight, it seems that everyone has something to hide.

The narration is well done, I liked the character voices and the delivery was a good match for the story.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of them, but this one? This one is the best. The foreboding atmosphere that is present from the first line of the story keeps you enthralled to the story. Nothing is what it seems, and Katie acts as an unreliable narrator as we never are sure about what's going on with her. Why so many lies? Is she really sick? Is her roommate's ghost following her? Is she possessed?

The rest of the characters are all keeping secrets, too. And we keep jumping from a theory to the next one, never sure if we can trust any of them. Except for Clive. You know from the very beginning that he's a really unpalatable man, but once you got a glimpse of his mind you are sure the man is a pest.

Was I surprised by the end? In a way, I was. Because the true killer was who I suspected to be, but the circumstances around the actual murder? That got me totally by surprise.

So, yes, I recommend this audiobook with all my heart.

Oh! And Marie Hoffman's narration was superb.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

DANCING WITH A GHOST is the third book in the Restless Spirits series. The books in this series are stand-alones and can be read in any order. There are no recurring characters, instead there is a recurring theme. The ghost of a friend/confidante entrusting the main character to find them justice after life.

Though it was obvious (at least to me) who killed Katie’s roommate, still it felt like there were always more layers to be peeled away and discoveries to be made as she investigated the girl’s disappearance. Secrets, lies, deceptions, and fears are powerful motivators.

The new friends she finds at the retreat make me smile. They are wonderfully flawed and powerfully strong allies to have in her court… now and in her future.

I loved this story and I look forward to who may be the next ghost in this series.

Narration: Once again I loved listening to Marie Hoffman’s reading in this series. My only frustration was her pronunciation of Marco – it sounded too much like Margo.

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: DANCING WITH A GHOST
Series: Restless Spirits #3
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Recommended for: 12+ due to murder/violence
Listenability: OK
Received from: Angela Pepper (as an Audible gifted copy)

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story offers a little bit of everything. There's a ghost, several dark secrets, a missing girl, a murdered art expert, a quirky painter, designer sex toys, a little romance and an exclusive retreat for aspiring artists.
I loved the intrigue and the mystery surrounding the "ranch" and the vibrantly portrayed cast of characters in this one. From the moment Katie Mills arrives at the Ranch until the climactic confession that ends it the story unfolded at a breakneck pace and kept me guessing what had happened to the missing roommate and subsequently, which of the residents or guests at the Ranch murdered one of their own.
An interesting and engaging if not quite "cozy" mystery.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I have listened to all books in this series now and, although this one wasn't my favorite of the three of them, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! I do feel the need to warn that if made into a movie it would be PG13-R depending on how they did it - there is more a lot of sexual content in this book and a scene where a couple of the art students pose nude for pictures. The narrator did a great job and was fun to listen to.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with a Ghost (Restless Spirits Cozy Ghost #3) was a great read by Angela Pepper. Katie Mills is a she and sensitive art student who is trying to escape the ghost who haunts her. She goes to New Mexico to study with a master painter. The restless spirit is only interested in finding justice. While on her retreat another guest ends up dead and Katie finds comfort in another artist's arms. The ghost is demanding to be heard, while Katie needs to find the courage to peak up. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie now in New Mexico hopes she has some reprieve from her ghost.
Just travelers, looking over her shoulder to be sure. Now to be herself, and freely paint. The place is called Spirit Ranch, the characters are very creative and lively. Her roommate Darlene is missing, and this retreat was paid for already. She knew differently, and didn’t want to lie, yet, seemed easier. Is the Ghost with her, and will she find the murderer.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 3 out of 5]

due to the unlikeable characters it was hard to read this all the way through , I did want to find out about Katie and the ghost she takes with her to a Artist retreat, revenge and deceit is on the ghosts mind , Katie is caught in the middle. The story line is okay but the characters Clive and Tilda were mean and unlikable making the story a bit uncomfortable reading through.

[Callie Pey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the other two, I have to say I really enjoyed the pacing of this one. I felt like I really got to spend time with Katie, Lee, and Marco and go through the twists of the two murder mysteries. Everything was layered so subtly that even I wasn't able to predict this one. I think it's my favorite of the series!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably my least favorite of the Restless Spirits novels. The characters are not very likable, including the main character, Katie. She is often judgmental and unpleasant. I am also at a loss as to why she consistently refers to Lee by his full name: Lee Elliot. Just a small annoyance, but it becomes VERY repetitive in the audio version.

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artful Dodging

Katie is haunted by her missing roommate. Or IS she her missing roommate? Author Angela Pepper's devious plots and wry humor are in evidence, but even at the end Katie herself remains a mystery despite solving the . . . mystery. Nicely narrated by Marie Hoffman.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

not as good as the wisteria series

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters make this book a fun read. The mystery is complex and complicated by unreliable narrators. I really enjoyed it! Check out the whole series, they’re excellent books!

[Ashley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved listening to this book. I thought it was the best of the first 3. Unique story that kept me intrigued.

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really good book very interesting and intriguing I liked how the character interacted and seemed funny with mystery and solving a murder with the help of a ghost

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Kindle Unlimited at this time possible although some of the others may be. Series include Complete Series: Restless Spirits of the Southwest which include Date with a Ghost, Interview with a Ghost, Dancing with a Ghost {which I received free review copy of collection}.

some KU some not all should be available in sets

Writer suggested reading order:

Stormy Day Mysteries
#1 - Death of a Dapper Snowman #2 - Death of a Crafty Knitter #3 - Death of a Batty Genius #4 - Death of a Modern King Stormy Day Mystery 4 Collection #5 - Death of a Double Dipper - coming early 2017

Wisteria Witches
#1 - Wisteria Witches #2 - Wicked Wisteria #3 - Wisteria Wonders 3-Book Series Bundle: Wisteria Witches #4 - Title to be announced - coming spring 2017

Ghost Mysteries of the Southwest (standalones)
#1 - Date with a Ghost #2 - Interview with a Ghost #3 - Dancing with a Ghost Complete Series: Restless Spirits of the Southwest

Eli Carter & the Ghost Hackers Paranormal Mysteries
#1 - The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night #2 - The Ghost Who Wasn't There #3 - The Dog Who Barked Fire Complete Series: Eli Carter & The Ghost Hackers

not sure where Girl in the Shadows goes
Angela Pepper aka Darcy Troy

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.