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Sweetfern Harbor #4
Ghostly Tours
Sweetfern Harbor Bed and Breakfast Cozy Mysteries can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.Halloween draws closer and each day brings more imaginative ghost stories to Brenda Sheffield’s attention. She is well aware that the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast is conducive to the notions the place is haunted. When her young Reservationist Allie Williams asks her if she believes the inn is haunted, Brenda brushes it off. Just thoughts along those lines, causes her dread. She adamantly assures the young woman there are no ghosts roaming the hallways. Allie and Housekeeper Phyllis Lindsey come up with the idea to give candlelight tours during Sweetfern Harbor’s Halloween festivities. First, Brenda must find out all she can about her bed and breakfast from the local library.
When she meets with Mrs. Perch, Librarian, she is horrified to discover the sinister side of Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. She has no idea so many disturbing events occurred over the years in her beloved inn. Brenda finally decides to agree to the tours and excitement grows. Even Brenda is willing to partake as a Guide the first night. She easily gets into her role until foreboding washes over her outside the Eddy Room where a guest was found murdered not so long ago. She collapses when she spots something unexpected stretched across the bed. Detective Bryce Jones, a member of her tour group, takes command of the situation. The Halloween decoration is in fact a dead body wrapped as a mummy.
The next day when Brenda recovers from her shock, she meets with William Pendleton, lifetime resident of Sweetfern Harbor and historian. She needs more details regarding the history of the bed and breakfast. During their lunch together at the Pendleton home, more mysterious events unfold. William’s long-time Chef has mysteriously disappeared, as has his Chauffeur. Their disappearances add to the mystery of the identity of the mummy-like figure which Brenda feels sure are connected. If Brenda can discover what has happened to them, she may solve how a mummy ended up on one of her beds during a Halloween tour. There are no ghosts roaming throughout the stately Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, or so she hopes.
When she meets with Mrs. Perch, Librarian, she is horrified to discover the sinister side of Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. She has no idea so many disturbing events occurred over the years in her beloved inn. Brenda finally decides to agree to the tours and excitement grows. Even Brenda is willing to partake as a Guide the first night. She easily gets into her role until foreboding washes over her outside the Eddy Room where a guest was found murdered not so long ago. She collapses when she spots something unexpected stretched across the bed. Detective Bryce Jones, a member of her tour group, takes command of the situation. The Halloween decoration is in fact a dead body wrapped as a mummy.
The next day when Brenda recovers from her shock, she meets with William Pendleton, lifetime resident of Sweetfern Harbor and historian. She needs more details regarding the history of the bed and breakfast. During their lunch together at the Pendleton home, more mysterious events unfold. William’s long-time Chef has mysteriously disappeared, as has his Chauffeur. Their disappearances add to the mystery of the identity of the mummy-like figure which Brenda feels sure are connected. If Brenda can discover what has happened to them, she may solve how a mummy ended up on one of her beds during a Halloween tour. There are no ghosts roaming throughout the stately Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, or so she hopes.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2017
456 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 16, 2020
I've read a couple of books in this series and I think I like this one more than some of the others. It's a cool idea to have a haunted tour in a hotel, especially one with a haunted history.
April 15, 2021
I enjoyed this light hearted cozy mystery. It was a quick easy listen with no complicated twists, having said that there was no real suspects so it might have been better if it had been longer giving us more people to wonder about. Instead the story focused on all the previous murders at the hotel (not a place I would recommend staying at with that many murders) and which victim might be the ghost. Don't let the ghost talk put you off if you are not a fan of things that go bump in the night, as it isn't a paranormal story. You are introduced to a lot of the characters at the start of the book and it might be a bit confusing keeping them straight if you haven't read or listened to the previous books but it is a great addition to a fun and quirky series. And also includes a hint of romance.
Saving up for a wedding, Brenda gets talked into opening up the B&B for a ghostly haunted tour of the place. Having lost two guest from being spooked by a ghost, Brenda isn't sure it's a good idea but the B&B has a lot of history, not all of it good and curious visitors would pay good money to learn about. The problem with that is somebody thinks the haunted house is the prefect place to dump a body. The last thing Brenda wants is the possibility of another ghost to scare guests away, can she find out the identity of the murdered man and who killed him and explain the ghost sightings? Or will the B&B become a spooky house all year around?
I have heard a few books read by this narrator and they have all been a fun cozy light read and just perfect for her voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
Saving up for a wedding, Brenda gets talked into opening up the B&B for a ghostly haunted tour of the place. Having lost two guest from being spooked by a ghost, Brenda isn't sure it's a good idea but the B&B has a lot of history, not all of it good and curious visitors would pay good money to learn about. The problem with that is somebody thinks the haunted house is the prefect place to dump a body. The last thing Brenda wants is the possibility of another ghost to scare guests away, can she find out the identity of the murdered man and who killed him and explain the ghost sightings? Or will the B&B become a spooky house all year around?
I have heard a few books read by this narrator and they have all been a fun cozy light read and just perfect for her voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
February 11, 2019
A young couple runs down the stairs of the Sheffield B&B and wants to check out immediately. They feel a ghostly presence was in their room and no longer want to stay. Brenda worries that word will get out and no one will want to reserve a room at the B&B. Reservationist Allie has other ideas and suggests that since Halloween is just a few days away they have a candlelight tour of the B&B and play up the mysterious history of the establishment.
With everyone on board to make a go of the tour and with excitement growing, they soon have a full house the first night of the event. As Brenda is taking a group on one of the tours, she stands outside the Eddy Room and has an uneasy feeling. When she opens the door, they find a mummy stretched out across the bed. At first sight, it appears to be a Halloween prop, but on further investigation, Detective Bryce finds that it is actually a dead body wrapped to look like a mummy. Who is the mysterious mummy and how did he get in the locked room? Can Brenda and Mac uncover the mystery before the B&B loses customers?
If you are looking for Halloween mystery that will keep you guessing as to whodunit and why then this is the perfect read. As with the previous books in the series, the author keeps your interest with her well-written storyline, a cast of quirky characters, and tons of twists and turns.
With everyone on board to make a go of the tour and with excitement growing, they soon have a full house the first night of the event. As Brenda is taking a group on one of the tours, she stands outside the Eddy Room and has an uneasy feeling. When she opens the door, they find a mummy stretched out across the bed. At first sight, it appears to be a Halloween prop, but on further investigation, Detective Bryce finds that it is actually a dead body wrapped to look like a mummy. Who is the mysterious mummy and how did he get in the locked room? Can Brenda and Mac uncover the mystery before the B&B loses customers?
If you are looking for Halloween mystery that will keep you guessing as to whodunit and why then this is the perfect read. As with the previous books in the series, the author keeps your interest with her well-written storyline, a cast of quirky characters, and tons of twists and turns.
November 11, 2017
This was the first book I had read in the series, and I was a little confused at first how all the people fit together. But it was a delightful story about an Inn that had an unusual number of deaths associated with it over the years. The question was raised whether or not there were ghosts. What results is a great moneymaker for the inn-Halloween candle light tours. Popular with tourists and townspeople alike, the owner, Brenda, was a great tour guide until... Until she got to the room most recently associated with a murder and possible haunting. It was the discovery of a mummy on the bed that became her undoing. For it wasn't a mummy, but another dead body!
This was an entertaining mystery that was a little "lighter" than I would have preferred. However it had a good mystery, swift solution, and romantic tendencies. Checks a lot of boxes for me. I also enjoyed reading it close to Halloween. I would recommend this to mystery lovers of all ages.
This was an entertaining mystery that was a little "lighter" than I would have preferred. However it had a good mystery, swift solution, and romantic tendencies. Checks a lot of boxes for me. I also enjoyed reading it close to Halloween. I would recommend this to mystery lovers of all ages.
November 5, 2017
Spooky Cozy
This is the first book of the series that I have read and really enjoyed it. There are references to the past books so I am sure it would be best to read in order but it can be a stand-alone. I loved the spooky inn, the characters, and the thoughtful roll out of the murder. I also liked the short version which can be read in a couple of hours or so. I do not have a lot of time to read and these short cozy formats are great. I occasionally had just a bit of difficulty following, but on re-read, it became clear. The story ended well and I look forward to the next installment! This is a great addition to the Halloween season of cozy mysteries with just the right amount of spooky descriptive scenery, tension building language, plot twist, haunted mansion, and romance.
This is the first book of the series that I have read and really enjoyed it. There are references to the past books so I am sure it would be best to read in order but it can be a stand-alone. I loved the spooky inn, the characters, and the thoughtful roll out of the murder. I also liked the short version which can be read in a couple of hours or so. I do not have a lot of time to read and these short cozy formats are great. I occasionally had just a bit of difficulty following, but on re-read, it became clear. The story ended well and I look forward to the next installment! This is a great addition to the Halloween season of cozy mysteries with just the right amount of spooky descriptive scenery, tension building language, plot twist, haunted mansion, and romance.
August 22, 2021
Excellent book!!!!
I didn't want to sleep until i finished this book!!
Halloween has always been the spooky time of year. But for Brenda it got real, real fast. Luckily she had Bryce there to help very quickly, and Mac coming fast behind. When the B&B got put on lockdown for a while, Brenda had to regroup on some things.
It started with guests leaving quickly because of a certain room they were staying in, then Phyllis having an experience, so Brenda makes a decision to prove it's just the house settling, so she spends the night in the same room and it is not settled it's more and things get really weird in two different houses connecting to one house.
Halloween tours through the Sheffield inn is something people with never forget and add the other stories throughout history of the house.
You will need to read this book to get the STORY!!!!
I didn't want to sleep until i finished this book!!
Halloween has always been the spooky time of year. But for Brenda it got real, real fast. Luckily she had Bryce there to help very quickly, and Mac coming fast behind. When the B&B got put on lockdown for a while, Brenda had to regroup on some things.
It started with guests leaving quickly because of a certain room they were staying in, then Phyllis having an experience, so Brenda makes a decision to prove it's just the house settling, so she spends the night in the same room and it is not settled it's more and things get really weird in two different houses connecting to one house.
Halloween tours through the Sheffield inn is something people with never forget and add the other stories throughout history of the house.
You will need to read this book to get the STORY!!!!
December 4, 2017
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.
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.
January 24, 2023
This is the 4th book in this series and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You cannot go wrong with a Wendy Meadows book.
In this book, we are back at Sweetfern Harbor with Brenda Sheffield and her bed and breakfast. Her employees are excited as its Halloween and they've been talking about the possibility that the bed and breakfast just might be haunted and that having a haunted tour would not only bring in more people but much needed money for Brendas upcoming wedding.
On the first night of the haunted tour a body is found in one of the upstairs bedrooms that a previous guest said was haunted. Brenda is once again thrust into the role of investigator and is determined to find out what happened to the person in her bed and breakfast. Can she figure out who the person is and catch the killer before they get away, or even worse, kill someone else?
I really love this series. A good cozy mystery is the perfect quick read. The world building that Wendy does here is wonderful. I love the dynamic between Brenda and her friends that help her run the B&B and then of course her relationship that's been growing with Mac. I very much look forward to reading more from Sweetfern Harbor.
In this book, we are back at Sweetfern Harbor with Brenda Sheffield and her bed and breakfast. Her employees are excited as its Halloween and they've been talking about the possibility that the bed and breakfast just might be haunted and that having a haunted tour would not only bring in more people but much needed money for Brendas upcoming wedding.
On the first night of the haunted tour a body is found in one of the upstairs bedrooms that a previous guest said was haunted. Brenda is once again thrust into the role of investigator and is determined to find out what happened to the person in her bed and breakfast. Can she figure out who the person is and catch the killer before they get away, or even worse, kill someone else?
I really love this series. A good cozy mystery is the perfect quick read. The world building that Wendy does here is wonderful. I love the dynamic between Brenda and her friends that help her run the B&B and then of course her relationship that's been growing with Mac. I very much look forward to reading more from Sweetfern Harbor.
June 14, 2018
The ghostly happenings in Ellen's room
Much better read. Halloween and a chance to bring more money and notice to the Inn by giving ghostly tours. Especially when the newly found history of one room is revealed. However finding a body whilst giving a tour is definitely not on the schedule. Who is responsible and how are the questions on everyone's lips. Can they find the answers and end Halloween on a high note? A great little read that really doesn't tax the brain cells but still leaves you feeling satisfied. The characters are getting better as they evolve. Most importantly the book ends on a really sweet note. A worthwhile read.
Much better read. Halloween and a chance to bring more money and notice to the Inn by giving ghostly tours. Especially when the newly found history of one room is revealed. However finding a body whilst giving a tour is definitely not on the schedule. Who is responsible and how are the questions on everyone's lips. Can they find the answers and end Halloween on a high note? A great little read that really doesn't tax the brain cells but still leaves you feeling satisfied. The characters are getting better as they evolve. Most importantly the book ends on a really sweet note. A worthwhile read.
September 20, 2021
Brenda has some guests who have checked out in a rush. They claim there are ghosts at the B&B. Brenda has never heard of anything amiss before, but she checks out some historical information at the library. It appears that there have been deaths there. She decides to check out the ghost stories herself.
At the same time, she's been convinced to open her B&B for ghost tours. This cozy mystery can be read and enjoyed by almost any reader.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I'm not crazy about the narrator, but I thought the story was fun, particularly as Halloween is getting close.
At the same time, she's been convinced to open her B&B for ghost tours. This cozy mystery can be read and enjoyed by almost any reader.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I'm not crazy about the narrator, but I thought the story was fun, particularly as Halloween is getting close.
August 24, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Brenda's B&B is based within a very early historical home. There has been a lot of living and dying happening over the years of the house's existence.
Halloween is a good time to acknowledge the history of the house.
However, there's someone with an axe to grind, that takes this time to sow fear and discontent within in the small seaside resort. Luckily, Brenda is quick witted enough to be on alert and well, your best read the full story for yourself.
Brenda's B&B is based within a very early historical home. There has been a lot of living and dying happening over the years of the house's existence.
Halloween is a good time to acknowledge the history of the house.
However, there's someone with an axe to grind, that takes this time to sow fear and discontent within in the small seaside resort. Luckily, Brenda is quick witted enough to be on alert and well, your best read the full story for yourself.
October 28, 2017
Brenda’s bed and breakfast is the center of attention in Sweetfern Harbor. Murder has joined in with the Halloween Ghost tours. All manner of havoc is afoot. Ghosts are being seen everywhere by everyone, but they are not real, or are they. This is a fun book. A bit of Halloween merriment to enjoy. Oh, and a smidgen of romance is included just to round out the story. Highly recommend this book as a fun and enjoyable reading experience.
October 26, 2017
Wow, this is definitely a 5-star Plus read.
Wendy Meadows has written a terrific book in this installment of the Sweetfern Harbor Mysteries. The action is believable to the point of having the reader (me!) Shiver in anticipation and be a little nervous about turning the page. Awesome book, Wendy, thank you!!!!
Wendy Meadows has written a terrific book in this installment of the Sweetfern Harbor Mysteries. The action is believable to the point of having the reader (me!) Shiver in anticipation and be a little nervous about turning the page. Awesome book, Wendy, thank you!!!!
November 19, 2017
Another Great Installment
(The author gifted me with an advance copy for an honest review.) I absolutely love the Sweetfern Harbor series and its characters. It’s well-written, not gory or ghoulish, and the characters have depth. They’re people I wouldn’t mind knowing. These are fun, semi quick reads, with a good storyline and plot.
(The author gifted me with an advance copy for an honest review.) I absolutely love the Sweetfern Harbor series and its characters. It’s well-written, not gory or ghoulish, and the characters have depth. They’re people I wouldn’t mind knowing. These are fun, semi quick reads, with a good storyline and plot.
November 3, 2017
Haunted Hotel?
As Halloween approaches, Allie and Phyllis talk Brenda into having haunted tours in the hotel. What they don't count on is finding a dead man wrapped as a mummy in one of the "haunted" rooms. A nice little mystery that can be read in just a couple of hours.
As Halloween approaches, Allie and Phyllis talk Brenda into having haunted tours in the hotel. What they don't count on is finding a dead man wrapped as a mummy in one of the "haunted" rooms. A nice little mystery that can be read in just a couple of hours.
December 10, 2017
Very good
This was a good mystery. I love the characters. Relationships advance. You had me guessing a long time as to who was the murderer. You always describe the town and characters so well. Thanks again for your writing.
This was a good mystery. I love the characters. Relationships advance. You had me guessing a long time as to who was the murderer. You always describe the town and characters so well. Thanks again for your writing.
December 11, 2017
Sweet little story!
Here is a cute, sweet little story. It's a series about a beautiful Victorian Queen Anne and the woman who inherited it from her uncle. She finds friendship and love in her new home!
Here is a cute, sweet little story. It's a series about a beautiful Victorian Queen Anne and the woman who inherited it from her uncle. She finds friendship and love in her new home!
December 21, 2017
Another great story.
I really enjoyed the story. I love that it was about weddings and love mixed in with murder. I love the fact that Wendy doesn't just end it but continues on with the story to at least to a timely conclusion. Awesome.
I really enjoyed the story. I love that it was about weddings and love mixed in with murder. I love the fact that Wendy doesn't just end it but continues on with the story to at least to a timely conclusion. Awesome.
June 23, 2018
Ghostly Tours
Ghostly Tours was the best yet in the series. There was mystery, suspense, humor, and a bit of romance. The characters feel like family or old friends. A must read cozy.
Ghostly Tours was the best yet in the series. There was mystery, suspense, humor, and a bit of romance. The characters feel like family or old friends. A must read cozy.
May 5, 2019
This was a fun afternoon read. There was mystery, ghosts, murders, and romance envolved. This was a well written story that kept you interested. Was it a ghost haunting the place or was it a real person causing all the mayhem? This would be good to read during Halloween.
November 7, 2019
Wonderful reading
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author is a very talented writer. I have read many books by her. I enjoy reading her series , because she keeps the characters enjoyable and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author is a very talented writer. I have read many books by her. I enjoy reading her series , because she keeps the characters enjoyable and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone.
August 27, 2021
Love a good mystery!
Dreaming of owning a Queen Anne style home with all the ginger bread trim decorated for Halloween, picture the ghosts confined to the second just waiting to greet you. A surprise awaits you and you won't want to put this book down.
Dreaming of owning a Queen Anne style home with all the ginger bread trim decorated for Halloween, picture the ghosts confined to the second just waiting to greet you. A surprise awaits you and you won't want to put this book down.
October 28, 2017
Quick read
Are ghosts real? The inn has a history of murders all in one room. Will the Halloween tour but them to rest?
Are ghosts real? The inn has a history of murders all in one room. Will the Halloween tour but them to rest?
October 29, 2017
Great read
If like me you love a great cozy with stories and characters you will love then you need to read any of Wendy meadows books I read them all and can't wait till the next
If like me you love a great cozy with stories and characters you will love then you need to read any of Wendy meadows books I read them all and can't wait till the next
November 1, 2017
The story was great, a perfect halloween read. Spooky and it even had a little creepy to it too. Loved it, ccant wait to see what she writes next.
November 1, 2017
Forced
This felt incredibly forced due to the timely release needed for the holiday. The writing was also much more awkward and juvenile than the past three.
This felt incredibly forced due to the timely release needed for the holiday. The writing was also much more awkward and juvenile than the past three.
November 2, 2017
Enjoyed it.
January 13, 2018
Yes it was really good
A mystery in itself! Mack and Brenda get closer to a wedding date and another criminal is divulged! Ghosts galore really?
A mystery in itself! Mack and Brenda get closer to a wedding date and another criminal is divulged! Ghosts galore really?
May 8, 2018
This was really only a novella, having ten relatively short chapters and a quick read. I found it to be poorly written and quite stilted, so I was unhappy to have paid for it.
June 12, 2018
More details!
More details are finally coming through. The story is finally getting more depth & characters too. Quick reading for day at the beach.
More details are finally coming through. The story is finally getting more depth & characters too. Quick reading for day at the beach.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews