The Hostess with the Ghostess

A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery #9

by E.J. Copperman

Solving a murder way too close to home, Alison Kerby can't catch a break.

If Alison Kerby really wanted peace and quiet, she never should have opened the Haunted Guesthouse. The Jersey Shore lodge's latest polter-guest is Richard Harrison, the recently murdered brother of long-time resident ghost PI Paul Harrison.

Alas, a beyond-the-grave brotherly reunion is nowhere in the foreseeable future--phantasmal Paul left the guesthouse months ago for parts unknown, and for all her ghost-whispering prowess, Alison has no idea how to find him. And she's going to need Paul, because Richard's isn't the only murder still unsolved.

Richard, a lawyer in life, tells Alison that he had been working the case of a woman accused of murdering her stepfather. When Richard got too close to the truth, he was permanently silenced. Now, as Alison searches for Paul, she gets a creeping sensation that the murderer doesn't appreciate her snooping around. If she doesn't succeed in her hunt, she has the feeling that she'll be the next to haunt the house.

Raise your spirits with The Hostess With the Ghostess, the latest installment of Barry Award-winning author E. J. Copperman's national bestselling Haunted Guesthouse mysteries.

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

325 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2018

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this funny, paranormal cozy mystery series! In this latest book, Alison Kerby is finally getting some peace following the disappearance of her resident spirit, Paul Harrison. But just as she thinks she has the guesthouse to herself sans spirit, Paul's brother Richard shows up searching for his brother. The only problem is that Richard has been murdered....he's dead. He wants his brother's help to solve not only his murder, but also the case he was working on when he was killed. Alison starts looking for Paul...and also checking into the case that got Richard killed. If she's not careful, she might be the next one to die!

This series mixes humor with mystery in such a great way! There are very few books that can make me laugh out loud, but this series always manages to do it. Always a delightful read! This one moved along at a nice pace, smoothly blending humor and mystery. Alison should have known she would never have a life without a ghost hanging about!

The cover art is great, as usual!

I have enjoyed each book in this series and look forward to the next one!

**I read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[The Sassy Bookworm]

DNF @50%

I've seriously been trying to read this one for two weeks, and I just CANNOT get into it. Alas, I am going to have to throw in the towel and call it a day.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in a long-running easy and funny paranormal. It took awhile to understand the title, a nice play on words. I have read only the first in this series and many of the ghosts were difficult to place in the tale. I feel while the story is complete, the services would be read in order.
Alison Kerby has a guest house which features ghosts for entertainment. She can see the ghosts, Paul Harrison is the primary ghost. He was a private detective before his death. He is now able to leave the premises and is off exploring the environment. His older brother's ghost, Richard arrives and he is looking for Paul. Richard has just been murder, he was working on a murder case and felt he was near establishing the innocent of his client. Richard wants Paul to investigate the murder so the client won't be convicted. How will Alison find Paul and will they be able to solve both murders. The ending is funny and great. I recommend the book and series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book.The opinions expressed are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most lovely thing about these Ghost stories is how plausible they seem. E.J. Copperman writes a wonderful series and gets the characters both dead and alive just right. From the Innkeeper and her 13 year old daughter to the ghosts in residence and all those they encounter this series is a great one to get carried away in. This is a particularly interesting mystery, I found it complex and compelling and the side story moving. As this is one of several books in the series I have read I felt like it was a visit with old friends. Celebrating with them in their triumphs and feeling worried and anxious for them in their hardships too. So much to love about a haunted guesthouse, an investigative team of both living and nonliving and just the right amount of magic.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews]

I don't read many para-cozies. And the ones I do, I prefer they deal with ghosts. That of course was bound to lead me to E.J. Copperman's Haunted Guest House Mysteries. THE HOSTESS WITH THE GHOSTESS has to be the most entertaining so far. A really fast paced story with fun characters, and a wonderful whodunit, E.J. Copperman's newest is a hit!

[Toni (T.C.) LoTempio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine entry in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery. EJ Copperman never skips a beat. The suspense - and the laughs - keep on comin'

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hostess with the Ghostess, book 9 in the series is sure to be a hot with paranormal cozy fans.
Alison Kerby, her daughter Melissa and the rest of the gang are back in this para-cozy whodunit.
This book carries on with Alison and her haunted guesthouse- but her best friend and local ghost Paul is out exploring the world. When she received a visit from the "other side" she couldn't be more shocked to find out who it is.

Using the Ghoster-net, Alison needs to get Paul back and fast to help solve this unbelievable mystery.

I have read all the books in this series and this one is just as enjoyable as the others.
The author really tells a great story and her characters are absolutely believable.

I read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allison Kirby runs a haunted guesthouse. She has several resident ghosts that provide ghost shows daily.
Then a new ghost shows up, Richard Harrison, recently murdered brother of Paul Harrison.
Paul is one of the usual resident ghosts but has been traveling and is not around when his brother turns up.
Paul is the investigator along with Allison and several of her friends. This time it is more complicated and Richard was a lawyer in life and was working on a case of a woman accused of killing her step-father. Obviously, Richard got a little too close to the truth since he was killed to stop the investigation.
Allison needs Paul's investigating skills to crack this case. Since Richard's murder is not the only thing that just doesn't make sense.
Witty, fun and different!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Hostess with the Ghostess” earns 5/5 Spooky Scenarios…Murderously Fun!

Ok, are you a newbie like me? Yes? Well, don't shy away from this ninth book even though it is well into E.J. Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse series. A few pages in enough background and character connections are revisited to effectively set up the story. Four years ago, Alison Kerby and her daughter Melissa returned to Harbor Haven, New Jersey, for a fresh post-divorce start. During renovations of the Victorian she hoped to turn into a guesthouse, Alison suffered a blow to the head that sent her life into an unexpected direction…she can see and hear ghosts, a skill she discovers is typical for the women in her family. We continue with an agreement struck between Alison and her first two ghosts, Paul Harrison and Maxie Malone. In exchange for helping to popularize her inn with a “haunting” experience for her guests, Alison agreed to become a licensed private investigator and set about uncovering details behind these two and other’s untimely demise. I love the premise and the quirky personalities of all the characters, and I am somewhat finicky about the paranormal in my cozies—no juvenile hocus-pocus for me. Copperman has spent several books developing a fascinating relationship between Alison and her more non-corporeal friends, clever banter and description, endearing dynamics between family and friends, and clever mysteries…it all works very well.

In “The Hostess with the Ghostess,” Richard Harrison, brother of the gone AWOL resident ghost Paul, unexpectedly appears…yes, a recent murder victim! Alison has difficulty finding Paul to help uncover what happened to his brother. I mean how do you go about tracking down a wayward ghost? But, she does discover that Richard, a criminal defense attorney, may have gotten too close, murderously close, as he looked into details surrounding his client Cassidy Van Doren, a young woman accused of murdering her stepfather. Now, he needs Alison and her ghostly sidekicks to help find out what happened to him as well as saving the young woman. Totally engaging! Well developed characters! Witty humor! Nail biting! Delightful fun! You'll be inspired and eager to read more from the series…

“Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. This voluntary review is my honest opinion and insights.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hostess with the Ghostess by E.J. Copperman is the ninth book in A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series. Alison Kerby owns the Haunted Guesthouse in Harbor Haven, New Jersey. The spook shows have lost their luster since Paul Harrison departed to see the world, so Alison has assembled the group to see how to improve them. They are talking when a new ghost arrives and introduces himself as Richard Harrison, Paul’s brother. He is looking for his PI brother because he needs his assistance. Richard was a criminal defense attorney defending Cassidy Van Doren who was accused of murdering her stepfather. It seems that Richard had stumbled upon something that would clear Cassidy of the crime, and Richard was silenced before he could reveal it. Alison, with the help of her ghostly sidekicks, sets out to find Paul as well as who framed Cassidy and murdered Richard. Someone, though, is not happy with Alison’s inquiries and attempts to derail her investigation. Where is Paul and will Alison be able to find him? Can Alison find the murderer so Richard can move on or will she become the killer’s next victim?

The Hostess with the Ghostess is the ninth book in the A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, and I suggest reading the books in order. Otherwise, the numerous characters can be confusing (at least for the first several chapters). The author does provide the details on how Alison along with her mother and daughter came to see ghosts. Other details include her purchase of the guesthouse and her recent marriage (hubby has a minor role in book). The first half of the book felt very circular (like I was on a merry-go-round). The same details are gone over again and again (lots of speculation and reiteration). The plot failed to move forward (and my attention started wandering because I was bored). Several times I wanted to give up on the book (but I persevered). Progress is made in the second half of the story. The mystery plays out slowly with clues provided as Alison discovers them or someone remembers to impart an important detail. One little tidbit gives away the identity of the killer. I am glad that Alison is more open to detective work (finally), but she needs to work on her questioning technique. Alison alienates people with the way she asks questions. I like the relationship between Alison and her daughter. Melissa is my favorite character, and I hope she will have a bigger role in the future. There is humor in the story thanks to the ghosts and their various antics. The Hostess with the Ghostess is a light-hearted cozy mystery with quirky characters (alive and dead), a mystery and zany humor that will appeal to many readers.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ghostification." This is most likely my newest favorite word. Guesthouse keeper, Alison Kerby and family (and believe me this family is very involved in Alison's world,) have a constant state of Ghostification going on in their Guesthouse. Which is known as the 'Haunted Guesthouse.'

The entire family, ghosts and alive, are feeling the vacancy of one of their founding ghosts, Paul Harrison. Paul has managed to be released from the small world of the guesthouse and has gone off to see the 'world.' Paul's imprint is felt even more empty when a 'new' ghost wanders in announcing that he is Paul's Brother, Richard. Time for Alison to find Paul.

Richard was murdered. In a very unique manner. The thing is that in his living life he was an Attorney for a woman on trial for the murder of her Step-Father, in a bathtub, while he was fully clothed. Richard believes to his very core that the woman is innocent. Time for his deceased Brother's Private Eye talents to be used. Alison, also, is a reluctant Private Eye.

With a household filled with guests and ghosts, Alison and family/friends are put to the challenge.

This series makes me laugh. The clever dialog, witticisms, and characters you encounter reading these novels, just make them among my absolute favorites. I hope, sincerely, there is another episode on the writing pad.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually not bad, for once, Allison didn’t grate on me as much as she normally did. With Paul missing for months, the ghost shows have been lackluster and Allison has slowly been realizing how much she took Paul and other ghosts for granted. She’s also had no investigations since he left. When a ghost who looks like Paul suddenly pops up, they realize that Paul had a brother, and he too has been murdered. Now there’s an investigation to find out who murdered Richard and most of all, to bring Paul home.
The mystery is medium to fast paced, familiar characters make an appearance, some were way to brief :) but in the end it was a convoluted (as usual) but enjoyable, ghostly romp.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how this paranormal series has escaped my attention . This is book 9 in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Series and I now have 8 more books on my TBR stack. E.J. Copperman pens several series and is a good cozy author. This book is easily a standalone read, explaining the ghosts and human characters backgrounds so you know what's going on. I like the fact that Allison runs the B&B as a haunted stop on senior tours. I also like the the interaction with her husband Josh who can't see or hear the ghosts living with them.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

This is the first book I have read in this series, and I can't wait to read more. The mystery was well written and a bit shocking. The reveal managed a nice balance between suspense and humor.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun entry in this paranormal cozy series. Alison Kerby and her daughter, Melissa, run a boarding house at the Jersey Shore that is inhabited by two ghosts, Paul and Maxie. Paul's brother is murdered and comes looking for help from Paul. If anyone remembers the movie or tv series Topper, you will recognize the light hearted tone, sarcastic but with a heart.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hostess with the Ghostess is the newest in The Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Series. Admittedly, I have only read one of the series before - the first one. However it was memorable enough that when I saw the name of the series, I knew which it was. I was hopeful that I would enjoy this cozy, and I was not disappointed.

Before we even get into the story, there is a long list of the Cast of Characters, including brief descriptions. I thought the author did a good job of not inundating the reader with all the characters right at the beginning, and confusing me, but it was nice to have the list as a reference since the list is quite lengthy.

I love the treatment of ghosts in these books. They are complete characters, with emotions. Of course, I'm one of those people that would travel to stay at a Haunted Guesthouse, so perhaps I am biased.

The plot is interesting with not one but two murders to solve. The characters are relatable, even the dead ones. Paul is concerned with his brother's problems, and desperate for his approval, just like a living person.

After this one, I will definitely be putting this series on my "to-buy" list. The only thing I don't like is that Josh doesn't see the ghosts. Come on...can't he get conked on the head and see them too?!

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once again Alison, her ghosts, & family:

Paul (the PI Ghost) has left; after their last case, Paul promised Alison there would be no more investigations and that she could spend her time & energy on the guests of her Haunted Guesthouse; while Paul would travel....

That was all fine & good until Paul's brother, Richard (a defense attorney) was murdered while investigating the case against his client. The client, a young woman, is accused of drowning her step-father in a bathtub.

As Richard insists on working with Paul, Alison is pressured into locating Paul. Alison places an ad in the local paper, knowing Paul is most likely still in the habit of reading it.

Paul show up and together Paul, Alison, Maxie, & Richard work on the case. Eventually the ghost of the stepfather shows up and does his best to undermine the entire investigation.

The story was totally preposterous... the characters, including Richard (who is an imperious bully) were pretty much fugly rude people and the conclusion takes place in front of all the guests who believe that it is the night's entertainment.

I didn't enjoy the book at all.... IMO, the author needs to rethink her series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 9th book in the series, it did not start well with me. Paul's brother Richard, (also recently murdered) has come looking for Paul so that he can help investigate a case Richard was involved in. I did not like the character of Richard at all, so that made it hard to want to continue. Also, although Alison has recently married Josh, he plays almost no part in the whole story. These books seem to be hard to come by, but if I can find the next one, I will read it.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've seen a few dazzling reviews for earlier books in this series so when the opportunity came, I couldn't say boo to the lastest paranormal cozy from the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery. A ghostly detective and a reluctant human partner with a wry sense of humor led me on a fun chase down of clues to the culprit in The Hostess With the Ghostess.

The Hostess With the Ghostess is book nine in the Haunted Guesthouse series. I leaped in and did alright, but I have to admit that it would have been better getting this series in order from the beginning when Alison bought the guest house and began seeing ghosts including the one of private detective Paul.

This installment is a reunion of sorts when Paul returns from ghosting about the world to find that his own brother is the latest case for him and Alison to tackle. In Paul's absence, Alison has grown less hostile toward the idea of detective work and voluntarily searches for Paul to come help solve the murders that have occurred.

Alison's posse of friends, family, and ghosts are a fun and varied group. I liked the addition of her quirky guests as well. Alison has some Jersey Girl moxy that gets her through the situations seeing ghosts can land her in and, with the help of everyone, she makes it through the investigation slowly, but surely. She and Paul make a good team- he felt like a modern day Sherlock Holmes to me with his lack of social skills and single-mindedness toward his case along with his clever skills.

I confess there were times that my mind drifted and things seemed to lag, but at others I was right back in it and excited to see what came next. This has ghosts and murder in it, but its a light weight in tone. The clues to the mystery are trickled out as they are discovered or a character remembers to say something (looking at you Richard's ghost) so it was not one that I could have figured out early on.

So, this was a fun one and I definitely want to go back for more of this engaging paranormal cozy mystery series. I think cozy mystery fans would get a kick out of these.

I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from NetGalley to read and review. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but jumped at the chance to read this one, mostly because I enjoy reading about ghosts and other paranormals. While I enjoyed this book, I think a reader should start from the beginning of the series and read the books in order, as that will help her/him better understand and appreciate this one. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but sometimes all the missing back stories and the multitude of characters got to be too confusing and difficult for me to fully understand and appreciate.

In this story, Alison Kirby, who runs a haunted guesthouse, where people can mingle with ghosts and the paranormal, tries to find a missing ghost, Paul, who, now that he can leave the property (he could not previously), has left to go out in the world beyond the guest house. Paul’s brother Richard, a lawyer who was recently murdered, has arrived at the guest house, and is convinced his then client is innocent of the crime for which she is on trial, and wants Paul, a former PI, to help his client find out what really happened. Alison, a reluctant PI herself, undertakes the mission to find Paul. As Alison gets into her investigation, it becomes apparent that the real murder does not want her snooping around finding answers.

This is a pretty good cozy mystery. As I said, it probably would help to read the series from the beginning, as it all might read better and be more enjoyable. I enjoyed watching the characters, who were able, mingle with the ghosts. The story moves along at a good pace. The cast of characters is quirky and funny. The plot well done and interesting. I think anyone who enjoys a good cozy as well as a touch of the paranormal will enjoy this one.
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[Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read the previous one in the series and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. The main character Alison Kerby can be a little annoying at times, but I love the New Jerseyisms she comes up with (the native language of New Jersey is sarcasm). And her husband Josh is a paragon, which isn't very realistic, but then we are talking about a book that has ghosts. The two murders were complex and I don't think some of the points were resolved satisfactorily. But the suspects were so shallow and richly villainous that I would have been satisfied with any of them being the murderer. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. In a nice twist, the character that the lawyer believed to be innocent was in fact guilty, but not of the crime she was charged with.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world of these novels is my happy place. The author’s wit is delightful. I felt like this wasn’t the best — way too much chit-chatting about the case and not enough happening — but still enjoyable.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a humorous book with a huge spectrum of characters. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times as I read this book. I love the ghost of her dad!

This is perfect for some laughter. It's a good weekend read.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the series. I love how the characters have evolved and changed.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Oh tangled webs we weave. This book was filled with webs of deceit, murder and lies. If you like books with ghosts and murder, this is the series for you. I've enjoyed each book in the series and look forward to the next one.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the title really makes no sense. The primary ghosts in this story are male, Maxi makes very brief appearances.

This is a very Alison centric story. The large cast of secondary characters all pop up, but briefly except for Paul because his brother is the ghost with the problem. You'd think this would give us an opportunity to learn more about Paul, but it's really minimal.

Alison is one of the most realistic cozy mystery characters I can think of. At times, she borders on being unlikable for such a character. She isn't always willing to help and on the go to solve crimes. She can be snappish and has other faults. They don't negatively affect the story for me, but I think I've noticed it in every book, briefly acknowledged it and shrugged it off.

It was nice having Paul's brother being the ghost with the problem and the story, despite having a very limited group of suspects, kept me engaged. It would be nice to have more character development in this series (besides Melissa becoming a better cook) and this set up would have provided an excellent opportunity for that and wasn't used.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been on the fence with this series for the last few installments. The series is good and the mysteries are fine I just don't feel much of a connection to the characters. Anyway, this installment is enjoyable. The mystery was okay. I figured out the murderer about halfway through but I will say there was an unexpected twist in the end that I wasn't expecting so that was fun. In hindsight, I should have seen it coming. I felt that there was a little too much going on and it made the whole solution confusing. I really had trouble understanding the motivation for the murders as well as understanding the characters actions. I can't say much more with out spoiling things. Let's just say that the relationships of the suspects/victims didn't ring true for me and leave it at that. I felt that this would be a good installment to end the series on if it is ending (I have no information on that). I will probably check out another one if it is not the end but I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting either. I guess you can say I am lukewarm on this series. On to the next read!

[Devi · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of those books you wished you didn't read. The Hostess with the Ghostess was ill-written and lengthy with literally no story to talk about in it. A play of ghosts and their antics, which were supposed to be the key element in the story line, ended up being ridiculous and over-exaggerated. Ghosts which was able to pass through walls but can also work effortless on laptops, use cell phones to send texts (also has their own cell phones) are over the top to say the least.
The story was not exciting enough to hold attention, the ending was like a hastily wrapped up package, and the characters a bit too sweet and a bit too perfect to be believable.
When I started the book, I had all the intention of going back from the start of the series and reading it all. But about 30% into the book and I knew I would struggle to finish it. But finish it I did so that I can give the complete picture in the review.
And my verdict is - STAY RIGHT AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year in October, I look for the perfect book for the season. "The Hostess with the Ghostess: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery" just seems to fit the bill! I am so excited to win this book through the First Reads program and am looking forward to getting it and to reading it.

I could not put this book down. The ghosts, the guest, and the owner. You didn't know what to expect next. It was a fun read.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read the first 3 of this series, and enjoyed them, but by book 4 I lost interest. I picked tis up at the library, desperate for more books, and got half-way though but couldn't summon up the energy to finish it. The humour is strained, the plot ridiculous, and the characters tend to caricature.