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A Tourist Trap Mystery #5.25
A Deadly Brew
As Halloween approaches South Cove, California, four couples get into the spirit of the holiday by conjuring up spirits. . .
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Built by one of the founders of South Cove, its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . .
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Built by one of the founders of South Cove, its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . .
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2018
457 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
103 books2,374 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
February 11, 2024
Time flies... I remember seeing this book's release marketing several years ago, thinking... sounds fun but I am way behind on too many series and this one is already midway. Flash-forward to last month when I'd caught up on Lynn Cahoon's many other series and began reading the debut in the Tourist Trap Mysteries. A Deadly Brew hit my queue this week, and as a short novella to expose readers to the characters and share a Halloween treat, it was fun and spooky (in a cozy way). Jill, Greg and three other sorta-couples visit a local house that's about to be torn down. A thrilling weekend getaway, especially with the rumors that it's haunted. Esmeralda, the town psychic, comes along, and she helps Jill connect to the house's past. Just how did that mystery woman die years ago? And what is up with the creepy caretaker! A quick read packed with tons of holiday fun.
December 21, 2018
Cute.
Four couples get together for a weekend of spooky fun for Halloween. They are investigating a house that is stood vacant for the past 15 years. No one knows what happened to the previous owner Maryanne Demerit. But they do know one thing... Maryanne was a witch!
This was a cute, short little read. it started off with ghosts and ghouls and kind of went into a who-done-it mystery. It was very much along the lines of the Goosebumps books that we used to read as children only this one is meant for adults. But it does have the same feel as the Goosebumps books.
I enjoyed it over all. Like I said it was a quick little read and definitely something nice and spooky for Halloween time, which is always a good thing 👻
I'm recommending this book to anyone who likes a nice quick, scary ghost story.
Four couples get together for a weekend of spooky fun for Halloween. They are investigating a house that is stood vacant for the past 15 years. No one knows what happened to the previous owner Maryanne Demerit. But they do know one thing... Maryanne was a witch!
This was a cute, short little read. it started off with ghosts and ghouls and kind of went into a who-done-it mystery. It was very much along the lines of the Goosebumps books that we used to read as children only this one is meant for adults. But it does have the same feel as the Goosebumps books.
I enjoyed it over all. Like I said it was a quick little read and definitely something nice and spooky for Halloween time, which is always a good thing 👻
I'm recommending this book to anyone who likes a nice quick, scary ghost story.
July 15, 2018
Intriguing Halloween novella in the Tourist Trap Cozy Series. Esmeralda uses her psychic abilities to find clues to a missing woman and a child. I thought this short story was absorbing and fast-paced. Never a dull moment! Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books and More, joins her police officer boyfriend, Greg, and three other couples for a weekend stay in a haunted house where there are mysterious goings-on. The mystery is great! I love this series and highly recommend it to other readers.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Press. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Press. Thank you.
August 30, 2018
Jill Gardner is taking the weekend off from her bookstore/coffee shop to have a getaway trip with her boyfriend and a group of their friends. It’s almost Halloween, so what would make a better getaway than a local haunted house? It’s about to be demolished to build condos so this is the perfect time to check it out while they still can.
They quickly learn about the last owner, Maryanne Demerit, who disappeared many years ago. Suddenly, strange things happen and the friends wonder if Maryanne’s ghost is trying to tell them something.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series set in the small town of South Cove, California. A Deadly Brew is #9.5 in the series. It’s a quick read but it gave me a chance to revisit my South Cove friends until book #10 is released.
It’s a bit different than the usual mystery stories in this series. This one has a touch of the paranormal added to it. It's an intricate story that intertwines the past with the present.
It’s a short novella which isn’t really connected to the rest of the series. It’s a nice way to get an intro into the series, but for me, it was a great way to meet up with old favorite characters and see what’s been happening with them. I read this in one sitting. It went by way too fast. Another novella is coming out soon and I’m looking forward to it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
They quickly learn about the last owner, Maryanne Demerit, who disappeared many years ago. Suddenly, strange things happen and the friends wonder if Maryanne’s ghost is trying to tell them something.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series set in the small town of South Cove, California. A Deadly Brew is #9.5 in the series. It’s a quick read but it gave me a chance to revisit my South Cove friends until book #10 is released.
It’s a bit different than the usual mystery stories in this series. This one has a touch of the paranormal added to it. It's an intricate story that intertwines the past with the present.
It’s a short novella which isn’t really connected to the rest of the series. It’s a nice way to get an intro into the series, but for me, it was a great way to meet up with old favorite characters and see what’s been happening with them. I read this in one sitting. It went by way too fast. Another novella is coming out soon and I’m looking forward to it.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It didn’t take long to read but that was because I kept wanting to read. I like the balance between the characters, especially Jill and Greg. Their differences are balanced with respect. I really enjoyed the mystery. I believe in haunts. I think we do leave imprints on places we lived or loved, especially if we experienced a lot of emotions there. My belief coupled with the author’s knowledge of Wicca made the story very interesting for me.
It is a clean cozy mystery. It is a good pick for late summer/fall reading. I think the YA crowd would enjoy it as much as older people.
Edited it to give a huge thank you to Goodreads and the author for the giveaway that I won this book from. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Enter Goodreads Giveaways. People do win!
It is a clean cozy mystery. It is a good pick for late summer/fall reading. I think the YA crowd would enjoy it as much as older people.
Edited it to give a huge thank you to Goodreads and the author for the giveaway that I won this book from. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Enter Goodreads Giveaways. People do win!
August 12, 2018
I did not realize this was a short story until after I read it. Somehow I managed to read ,4 short stories. It didn't take long to read about 4 hours for each book. The town of South Cove is having their Halloween party a week early due to conflict with other parties Jill with her boyfriend and 3 other decide to spend the weekend in a supposedly haunted house. The owner disappeared 15 years ago. They are locked in at night. Jill is visited by the ghost of the missing owner. She sees images of a curly-headed child. What does this mean? The group is determined to find the answer before the weekend is over. What happened to the owner and where does the child belong? I highly recommend this novella and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 16, 2018
A very good addition to the Tourist Trap mystery series. Set around Halloween, though the holiday didn't play a very big part. Was gratified to have Esmeralda as a major character in this one.
April 11, 2019
3.5 stars. A lot of fun. I’ve never read anything in this series but I think I would like to go back and start from the beginning. I really enjoyed this little novella.
September 4, 2018
A Deadly Brew
A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #9.5
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As Halloween approaches South Cove, California, four couples get into the spirit of the holiday by conjuring up spirits. . .
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Built by one of the founders of South Cove, its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed and I feel like they are old friends. Any time I get to spend with Jill and her friends is time well spent.
The writing style flows smoothly and this novella is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there with them in the haunted house. There is a mystery in this book, but it does not revolve around a dead body that someone stumbled upon. I find that very refreshing.
I would recommend this novella (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This a a great series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #9.5
Lynn Cahoon
5 Stars
Synopsis:
As Halloween approaches South Cove, California, four couples get into the spirit of the holiday by conjuring up spirits. . .
The house has sat empty for fifteen years, taking up prime real estate along the picturesque coastline. Built by one of the founders of South Cove, its last known owner, Maryanne Demerit, vanished without a trace. Now her home will be demolished for a condo development, but until then, it’s the perfect spot for a Halloween haunted house.
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Demerit home. But what begins as an all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved as Jill is contacted by the ghost of Maryanne . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed and I feel like they are old friends. Any time I get to spend with Jill and her friends is time well spent.
The writing style flows smoothly and this novella is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there with them in the haunted house. There is a mystery in this book, but it does not revolve around a dead body that someone stumbled upon. I find that very refreshing.
I would recommend this novella (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This a a great series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
July 27, 2018
This is a fun quick novella set at Halloween. I am a fan of this series and I think the novella's give fans and readers their South Cover fix until we get another full length book in the series. I love Jill and Greg. They are a fun couple and are surrounded by a terrific group of friends that add to the enjoyment of the book and series. The mystery is engaging and based upon what happened to the owner of an old house that is believed to be haunted. With Esmeralda along for the weekend, the group is hoping to see if the house is really haunted. There are a few little surprises along the way and I thought the mystery wrapped up neatly for a short novella. As I said, I am a fan of the series and find these novellas to be a great way to check in with the characters while I wait for the next full length book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
September 6, 2018
I have been so busy with back to school, working and some fun side projects recently and have not been reading at the speed I have been in the past, so it was lovely to sit down and read A Deadly Brew, which is a new release from Lynn Cahoon. Her tourist trap mystery series is a favorite of mine and my friend Lisa K turned me on to this series years ago. I am so delighted with the way that A Deadly Brew unfolds. I love the idea of going away for the weekend with friends and staying in a haunted house, figuring out a mystery and truly enjoying a fun Halloween, grown up style. I think that this was a great idea for a book, loved the setting, the mystery and the new elements that Lynn brought to this latest in the series. The cover is also great and loved how it looked on my table. I had been craving a fun fall read and this one is exactly that! Pick it up and enjoy it now!
October 1, 2018
Questo racconto mi è davvero piaciuto.
July 27, 2018
A perfect novella that is packed with intrigue and mystery.
This book is set in a supposedly haunted house, with four couples being locked in for 48 hours.
The story was interesting and I was surprised upon reveal.
This author always pens a delightful story and this did not disappoint me.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
This book is set in a supposedly haunted house, with four couples being locked in for 48 hours.
The story was interesting and I was surprised upon reveal.
This author always pens a delightful story and this did not disappoint me.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 14, 2018
A light spooky cozy mystery from the Tourist Trap mystery series caught my eye when I was hunting for an Autumn seasonal read. It was my first time with author and series and it was a great experience that has me eager to return for more.
A Deadly Brew is book 9.5 in the A Tourist Trap Mystery series. It probably wasn't the best place to start as it was obvious that the heroine and those in her circle had prior experiences together, but, that said, I had no trouble diving in because the author gave a brief intro to the characters and setting as it appeared in the story.
This was a quick read novella that falls between the usual novel-length mysteries. It was a lock in haunted house weekend for four couples. They wanted to explore the old house by the sea that would be torn down for developments and have a nice weekend getaway. But, strange things start to happen and Jill Gardner, local bookshop owner and amateur sleuth, begins to wonder if the ghost of the long time missing owner is trying to help her discover the truth of what happened back in the past.
The four couples were a fun group together and I liked the cold case and spooky manifestations. I thought their time at the old spooky place was fun and entertaining. The backstory and descriptions of the world and setting were minimal and things moved along swiftly with the mystery, but it worked just fine for an afternoon quick read. The heroine Jill was engaging enough and I liked the time with her boyfriend the town police detective, her friends and neighbor. It did have a nice twist or two even if it was a light-weight story.
I think those looking for a fun, light cozy mystery that would be perfect for Halloween would find this one a good bet.
A Deadly Brew is book 9.5 in the A Tourist Trap Mystery series. It probably wasn't the best place to start as it was obvious that the heroine and those in her circle had prior experiences together, but, that said, I had no trouble diving in because the author gave a brief intro to the characters and setting as it appeared in the story.
This was a quick read novella that falls between the usual novel-length mysteries. It was a lock in haunted house weekend for four couples. They wanted to explore the old house by the sea that would be torn down for developments and have a nice weekend getaway. But, strange things start to happen and Jill Gardner, local bookshop owner and amateur sleuth, begins to wonder if the ghost of the long time missing owner is trying to help her discover the truth of what happened back in the past.
The four couples were a fun group together and I liked the cold case and spooky manifestations. I thought their time at the old spooky place was fun and entertaining. The backstory and descriptions of the world and setting were minimal and things moved along swiftly with the mystery, but it worked just fine for an afternoon quick read. The heroine Jill was engaging enough and I liked the time with her boyfriend the town police detective, her friends and neighbor. It did have a nice twist or two even if it was a light-weight story.
I think those looking for a fun, light cozy mystery that would be perfect for Halloween would find this one a good bet.
August 27, 2018
A Deadly Brew is a great addition to the Tourist Trap series. This has been a fun and enjoyable series to read and I look forward to reading more in the future. Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California, seems like an old friend. When she, her boyfriend police detective Greg King, best friend Amy and her boyfriend Justin along with fortune teller Esmeralda and others decide to spend the weekend in a lovely old mansion on the coast that is about to be demolished so that condos can be built, things get a little crazy. It is almost Halloween and the house is supposed to be haunted so the gang is ready for some spooky fun. The former owner of the house disappeared fifteen years ago. No one has seen Maryanne Demerit but maybe her ghost will appear to the group. Maybe they can figure out what happened to her. This is a cute novella that is a quick read in the same style we have come to expect from Lynn Cahoon and the South Cove gang.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions are mine only.
September 11, 2018
A DEADLY BREW is the latest Tourist Trap Mystery novella by Lynn Cahoon. This fun, quick read definitely got me in the mood for Halloween with a ghost story as the central theme. I enjoyed how it started with the author’s dedication to her mother and their shared love of Dark Shadows. It brought back memories of my childhood when I would sneak over to my best friend’s house to watch that scary fun program! It wasn’t allowed in my home but I was intrigued by the peek into the supernatural and looked forward to the program each week.
Protagonist Jill Gardner, along with her boyfriend (the handsome detective Greg King) and 3 other couples are participating in a haunted house lock-in. The owner of the house disappeared fifteen years previously and had never been found. One of the friends participating is Esmerelda, who purportedly has psychic abilities and hopes to contact the owner from the “other side” to find out what happened. Most of the group is skeptical but when Jill starts experiencing strange things in the house, she finds her beliefs are challenged. Ms. Cahoon weaves in a tight tale of the cold case concerning the missing woman who was a supposed witch, a ghost searching for a lost child, and things that go bump in the night! Even though it is a short novella, I felt the story contained all the necessary elements to make it a delightful read: good characters, a mystery or two to be solved, clues sprinkled around, and an exciting conclusion. You’ll definitely want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows while reading this “spirited” book!
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Protagonist Jill Gardner, along with her boyfriend (the handsome detective Greg King) and 3 other couples are participating in a haunted house lock-in. The owner of the house disappeared fifteen years previously and had never been found. One of the friends participating is Esmerelda, who purportedly has psychic abilities and hopes to contact the owner from the “other side” to find out what happened. Most of the group is skeptical but when Jill starts experiencing strange things in the house, she finds her beliefs are challenged. Ms. Cahoon weaves in a tight tale of the cold case concerning the missing woman who was a supposed witch, a ghost searching for a lost child, and things that go bump in the night! Even though it is a short novella, I felt the story contained all the necessary elements to make it a delightful read: good characters, a mystery or two to be solved, clues sprinkled around, and an exciting conclusion. You’ll definitely want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows while reading this “spirited” book!
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2018
A Deadly Brew by Lynn Cahoon is A Tourist Trap Novella. Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California. Halloween is approaching, and Jill has various activities planned at the store for her patrons. This weekend, though, Jill and her boyfriend, Greg along with three other couples are going to spend the weekend inside South Cove’s “haunted” mansion. The house has been empty for the last fifteen years since Maryanne Demerit, the last owner, disappeared without a trace. This is the last opportunity for people to see the home before it is demolished for a new condo development. The house has been left as it was when Maryanne went missing. That night they break out the Ouija board and get a ghostly missive. It is just the first. It seems that someone is sending the group messages with clues. What will they uncover? The group is in for a hauntingly good time while locked inside the spooky manor.
A Deadly Brew is a well-written and engaging cozy mystery. I do not recommend reading A Deadly Brew on its own. The series contains well-developed characters and a charming small town. Lynn Cahoon created a ghostly short story that I found charming. The mystery is light and can easily be solved before the solution is revealed. However, that did not detract from my reading pleasure. I do wish the story had been slightly longer to allow the mystery to be more developed (twenty-five pages would have made a difference). A Deadly Brew is reminiscent of my favorite scary movie, Rose Red (starring Nancy Travis). A Deadly Brew is short, fun cozy mystery that will put you in the mood for Halloween (I want to start decorating). I cannot wait for the next installment in A Tourist Trap Mystery series.
A Deadly Brew is a well-written and engaging cozy mystery. I do not recommend reading A Deadly Brew on its own. The series contains well-developed characters and a charming small town. Lynn Cahoon created a ghostly short story that I found charming. The mystery is light and can easily be solved before the solution is revealed. However, that did not detract from my reading pleasure. I do wish the story had been slightly longer to allow the mystery to be more developed (twenty-five pages would have made a difference). A Deadly Brew is reminiscent of my favorite scary movie, Rose Red (starring Nancy Travis). A Deadly Brew is short, fun cozy mystery that will put you in the mood for Halloween (I want to start decorating). I cannot wait for the next installment in A Tourist Trap Mystery series.
December 5, 2020
I loved this novella, I wish that it were longer. Jill, Greg and two other couples decide to be locked into a haunted house for the weekend. The previous owner had disappeared without a trace.
I loved the touch of paranormal, great for a Halloween read. I found the story of the previous owner being unraveled intriguing. It was fun revisiting these characters and I will continue on with this series.
I loved the touch of paranormal, great for a Halloween read. I found the story of the previous owner being unraveled intriguing. It was fun revisiting these characters and I will continue on with this series.
November 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this Halloween story. For being a short story, it had a great storyline. This was my first time reading from this series. It made me want to start the series from the beginning. This one reads like a standalone.
August 15, 2018
Another great short story to supplement the Tourist Trap Mystery series. Fun plot involving an old house that is being rented out over weekends for people to camp and ghost hunt in while helping the town raise money for charity. Once again Jill stumbles upon information that indicates the previous owner may not have left of her own free will, but who is making the noises in the night? An interesting way to get to know the characters better and their personalities get fleshed out just a bit more. However, I have to warn you that this book is also a bit out of order. It fits in closer to the fourth of July themed book.
October 3, 2018
“A Deadly Brew” earns 5/5 Ghostly Weekends…Clever Fun!
Lynn Cahoon has penned a “short and sweet” spooky tale perfect for the holiday season! I am an eager fan of her Tourist Trap Mystery series (this book chronologically falls after the ninth book) and enjoy her signature writing style that always includes a clever mystery and well-developed characters to keep me engaged. Easily read in between “trick or treating” bell rings, “A Deadly Brew” is set in an old abandoned house soon to be demolished, but currently being used as a fund-raising charity event. Jill Gardner with her detective/boyfriend and six other new and old friends (one with self-proclaimed psychic talents, one with EMF equipment, and one with a gun) plan to spend the weekend “locked” in the rumored haunted house, and as a treat, maybe uncover answers to the mysterious disappearance of the last owner who was rumored to be a witch...so cool! It may be short, but this novella is not short on entertainment with engaging descriptions, mysterious events, and spooky “bumps in the night.”
Side thought on the Dedication: I, too, loved the 60s “Dark Shadows” television show, rushing home from school with my BFFs to watch Barnabas Collins, Josette, and Angelique. We even found onyx cabochon rings to show our devotion! We were “goth” before it was cool…Halloween was so much fun during that time of my life!
Lynn Cahoon has penned a “short and sweet” spooky tale perfect for the holiday season! I am an eager fan of her Tourist Trap Mystery series (this book chronologically falls after the ninth book) and enjoy her signature writing style that always includes a clever mystery and well-developed characters to keep me engaged. Easily read in between “trick or treating” bell rings, “A Deadly Brew” is set in an old abandoned house soon to be demolished, but currently being used as a fund-raising charity event. Jill Gardner with her detective/boyfriend and six other new and old friends (one with self-proclaimed psychic talents, one with EMF equipment, and one with a gun) plan to spend the weekend “locked” in the rumored haunted house, and as a treat, maybe uncover answers to the mysterious disappearance of the last owner who was rumored to be a witch...so cool! It may be short, but this novella is not short on entertainment with engaging descriptions, mysterious events, and spooky “bumps in the night.”
Side thought on the Dedication: I, too, loved the 60s “Dark Shadows” television show, rushing home from school with my BFFs to watch Barnabas Collins, Josette, and Angelique. We even found onyx cabochon rings to show our devotion! We were “goth” before it was cool…Halloween was so much fun during that time of my life!
October 5, 2018
This is an interesting Halloween novella in the Tourist Trap Cozy Series.Jill and friends are spending the weekend at a "Haunted House" that is scheduled to be demolished. The owner of the home disappeared 15 years earlier and has never been heard from again. Esmeralda uses her psychic abilities to find clues to this missing woman. If you have not read any other books in this series, this book might feel a bit rushed as you would not know the characters and this book does not give much information in that area. I have read them all and found this a quick and interesting story. There is no murder that they are solving, but more of a mystery. A nice story to keep me interested while waiting for the next full length novel to come out. The publisher, Kensington Books - Lyrical Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating and opinions are my own.
September 1, 2018
A little pre-Halloween spookiness fell into my lap via #NetGalley. It was enjoyable and very short but the creepiness I craved fell a little flat. The story of a group of friends spending the weekend in a haunted house before its demolition appealed to my sinister side but it was more of a mystery than a ghost story. Still a good read though.
February 10, 2019
Oh my gosh this was my favorite yet! I really wish this was full length! I love everything about it! All the characters together, the paranormal, the historical part. Everything was awesome!!!
February 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I adored the paranormal aspect of the book.
October 25, 2025
This was a fun short story. I enjoyed the creepy old house with the group of friends trying to figure out what happened to the previous owner.
September 16, 2018
Review: A DEADLY BREW by Lynn Cahoon
(A Tourist Trap Mystery #9.5)
When the opportunity for a weekend "lock-in" at an abandoned old house overlooking the Pacific Ocean arises, "Coffee, Books, and More" shop owner Jill Gardner and boyfriend Detective Greg King, plus three other pairs, decide to enjoy a "spooky" weekend close to Halloween. But the joke's on them as the owner, missing fifteen years now, wants her truth told, and reaches out to Jill to deliver her revelations. Delightfully spooky and heartwarming, A DEADLY BREW is a fast-paced cozy mystery.
(A Tourist Trap Mystery #9.5)
When the opportunity for a weekend "lock-in" at an abandoned old house overlooking the Pacific Ocean arises, "Coffee, Books, and More" shop owner Jill Gardner and boyfriend Detective Greg King, plus three other pairs, decide to enjoy a "spooky" weekend close to Halloween. But the joke's on them as the owner, missing fifteen years now, wants her truth told, and reaches out to Jill to deliver her revelations. Delightfully spooky and heartwarming, A DEADLY BREW is a fast-paced cozy mystery.
September 3, 2018
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this delightful story in exchange for an honest review! I haven't read this author before, though I've heard great things about her and this series. I never felt lost with this one even though I'd never read the series. I like cozies with a bit of "woo woo" and this just fit the bill. A group of friends gather for a weekend in a haunted house. The last resident disappeared, seemingly without a trace. She may be trying to contact them to set things straight. So much fun and highly recommended!
March 24, 2021
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, her boyfriend, and three other couples are spending the weekend in the Dermerit home. The house is due to be demolished in a month time, but has been given the go ahead by South Cove’s mayor to be used as a Halloween Haunted House for a few weekends before the demolition begins.
But what begins as a all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved.
This is one of Lynn Cahoon’s Tourist Trap novellas, which is well plotted, written and fun to read.
Loved it!
This ARC was given by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for a unbiased honest review.
But what begins as a all-in-good-fun fright fest turns into a mystery begging to be solved.
This is one of Lynn Cahoon’s Tourist Trap novellas, which is well plotted, written and fun to read.
Loved it!
This ARC was given by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for a unbiased honest review.
November 28, 2018
I've loved this series from the start and this novella is book 9.5 in the Tourist Trap Mystery series. It's Halloween in South Cove, California and Jill is turning the bookshop over to her staff so she and Greg can spend the weekend in a haunted house with 3 other couples. This is a nice cozy about a ghost who wants Jill's help solving her murder. A quick read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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