The Ghost Who Came for Christmas

Haunting Danielle #6

by Bobbi Holmes

It’s Christmastime at Marlow House Bed and Breakfast, and Danielle has a full house.

When a woman, stranded far from home, shows up on the doorstep and begs for a room for the night, how can Danielle tell her the inn is full and turn her away? After all, it’s almost Christmas.

The woman makes quite an impression on the other guests, especially when she mysteriously disappears. Is it foul play—or something supernatural?

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

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2015

Reviews

[Crystal FloridaGrams Of3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the plot of this and I almost cried when I got to Walt's Christmas gift to Danielle.
Onto the next. Glad we gained many new characters to the storyline.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this series is one of my favorite ghost series. Danielle moves into a house that used to be owned by her aunt without knowing there's a ghost there. With her gift of sight, she can see ghosts like Walt Marlow who died in that very house less than a hundred years ago. She turns the house into a bed and breakfast house over his objections since he feels like it's still his house.

Danielle also somehow comes with a trouble magnet. She keeps ending up in trouble, being framed for murder or thief, or whatever. So with Danielle's gift of sight, she's able to talk to ghosts and help the cops or at least the victims find peace by solving their murder. It's tough though when the cops think she's really guilty and tries to pin it on her. Although by now, the cops are starting to realize that she's actually a good lady. They have finally let up on suspecting her for every little thing. But there's also a good side to all of this trouble, she meets new friends that makes her happy.

I so love Danielle. I can't wait to see her to get a real love interest soon. There seems to be two guys that could be it. Marlow or the guy who can see ghosts too. I'm torn between the two of them. I mean at least the guy who can see ghosts is alive. Marlow is not, although I would love to see him happy too. They deserved it after all of that trouble! I've read all of the books available in this series and all of them are pretty good. Can't wait for the newest one to come out soon.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars... Christmastime is a time for bringing families and friends together for the magic of the holidays; add in a few ghosts, corrupt "spiritual" leaders, and a decades old mystery and you get a Christmas at Marlowe House... The mystery of this read took some time to untangle which I loved; the sentimentality of this read was truly sweet and endearing... It had all the hallmarks of a holiday cozy mystery with just enough "scare factor" to tantalize the senses... It was a fun and exciting read and the ending was simply beautiful; I just adore Walt! Another great addition to this series that keeps me coming back for more.:)

[a. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Characters were lackluster...
Lily is vapid and annoying.
Ian and Kelly were useless and did nothing to advance plot.
The plot itself was really boring, and I wanted to skip pages. Danielle was over the top. The typical role of bumbling law enforcement is over used in this series.
Also, the typos and grammatical errors in this series are ridiculous. I'm not certain there is a proofreader. The dialogue is... Flat. It's unrealistic. But the least enjoyable plot device is "Earthbound Spirits". I wish the author woukd drop this particular plot line. Also, the budding romance between Chris and Danielle reads like a really bad Romance novel.
Not the best one in the series. I really enjoyed the first 3. I am hopeful that the next book is better.

[Lisa Burgos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filled with intrigue, magic and mystery. A feel good story with Christmas magic which leaves you wanting for more. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed the many mysterious plots.

[Maryna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the spirit of winter holidays I wanted to read something that would be a real Christmas miracle story. This book was exactly what I hoped for.
It is number six in the Haunting Danielle series and definitely connected to the previous editions. It was okay to read it first, but staring from the first book is better to prevent getting the spoilers if someone wants to know the whole story from very beginning.

In this book several strangers end up in the B&B to celebrate Christmas together. They don’t know how unusual them coming together will be, even the ones who were having a special mission for this holiday season.

Speaking of which, I hope everyone is having a good one. May next year treat you with much kindness.

[Laura LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to have to say I believe this is the best one so far in this series. I just love how Christmas brings family and miracles. Friends, if you have not yet started this series I highly recommend you do.

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (Audible). Danielle's Christmas gift is no deaths of people she's related to or knows well. She's not even arrested! I think Joe + Brian need therapy, though, + maybe to head back to the academy because they're the worst cops ever.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better way to spend Christmas than with a bunch of strangers in a haunted bed and breakfast? You would think there would be lots of other ways, but for those who came to visit Marlow House, there was no one else to spend the holidays with.
In this sixth book in the Haunting Danielle series, Danielle opens her bed and breakfast up for a holiday celebration. When one of the guests mysteriously disappears without a trace, the hunt is on.
If you believe in miracles surrounding Christmas, this is the book for you.
I started this series a couple of months ago, and haven’t been able to put any of the books down once I start reading them. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

[Brooke]

All non-Walts to the back. Not here for Chris at all.

I like Brian's redemption arc. I can see it for them. The Chief seems too old for Dani. Joe is a firm hell naw.

But Walt is end game. I don't care how they make it happen. I'm invested in this ghostmance.

[Casey Montney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite one yet! There was a fair amount of misdirection and the sweetest ending. Can't wait for the next one!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as interesting as previous books, but still totally enjoyable.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky, perfect cozy read for the Christmas season ♥️🎄

💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕

"𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄", 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅... "𝒀𝒆𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆, 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒊𝒕, 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆".

🅼🆈 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: 🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺

When the resident ghost gifts you the most sweetest and priceless Christmas gift you couldn't even ever imagine. This book will have you feeling oh so much but also has that perfect balance of suspense/ crime thriller going into cozy spooky read vibe.

Ahhh... This one actually made me tear up and smile at the same time atleast twice but I'm not even counting the other many moments that had me smiling so much.

Romy, you're so freaking amazing for this series as the prefect narrator and I'm glad I'm listening to this series with you narrating in your animating voice that makes me feel captures the story oh so perfectly.

Danielle has guests booking her B&B left and right, so much so that she's all booked for the season.

I didn't exactly like third pov at first but now this series has set the tone such that I'm loving it. We also have povs from all our characters and I have loved this fact that our author gives us perspective from all angles which makes it more easy to know the mindset of everyone sometimes including the ghosts and the villains. 😱😉

Richard, Patricia, Chris and Anna all arrive at Danielle's B&B but it seems all of them are hiding some kind of secret.

My heart went out for Patricia and her little girl, Jessica but I was smiling so hard seeing some generous charity light up Patricia and her daughter's Christmas by gifting them the holiday stay.

But the real question is who could have done such a huge thing and being so kind. Is there a hidden agenda behind it all?

Richard might have come with a new assignment to convert Danielle to Earth bound spirits but you can feel that he's a sweet guy but just entangled with the wrong crowd. But there are also questions about his real motives and what he wants.

Then there's Chris and Anna who raise red flags right from the start. Chris is hiding a major secret which kind of affects Danielle and even Walt but not in any major way. And also that he's conspiring with Anna on something. But we don't understand what's going on there.

Especially the way Anna appears, raises alarm but there's also the fact that she's hiding something major and the secretive talks and quite looks exchanged with Chris and even Walt being unaware, you begin to wonder what next danger is waiting for Danielle.

I loved joining Danielle, Lily, Ian, Walt, Sadie and Max for this Christmas season. And the gifts were... Ahhh.... Had me smiling so hard.

Especially Walt's Christmas gift to Danielle.. It was the most sweetest and most beautiful thing he could do for Danielle.
Ahhh... What miracle can happen that could make Danielle and Walt possible as I want to see them together so badly.

But it's almost impossible lest something divine happens. Their chemistry and their banter is so entertaining and always has me giggling.

Can't wait to dive into the next one. This series is simply Unputdownable. Absolutely loved loved this one. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Elaine C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Boatman has a full house at her new B&B, Marlow House. It's her first Christmas since her husband died, which left her with no family. She's hoping to create an old-fashioned Christmas like the ones she remembered from her childhood. Even though most of her guests are singles, except for one mother and small daughter, everyone gets along like they've known each other for years. But are they really strangers? This book includes a little Christmas magic, a little paranormal, a little mystery and a little intrigue ... bringing you to a very satisfying ending!

[Stefanie Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it but I knocked off a star because it had so many new characters and I had trouble keeping up 🤣

Danielle has a full house for the holidays. Richard, who belongs Earthbound spirits, Chris, a mysterious man who can also see ghosts, Anna, who seems to know Chris, and a mother and daughter who won their stay at Marlow’s house by a mysterious organization.. so many secrets, surprises and even more ghosts.. they all come together for Christmas at the Marlow house.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[📖Moon Book Eater🍽️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an fun book. Ghosts, cults, and Christmas. What more could you ask for?

[Emiko Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series makes me happy and definitely makes me laugh! oh Walt!! 😃

[Avery Masson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet and heartwarming story. Cozy mystery.

[Rebecka Mimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute cozy mystery story. Love this series!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Christmas is my favorite time of year! I like the new guy in town so far. I wouldn't have changed one thing about the ending, it was perfect!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...I think he cares for her but has no faith in her..." this! Walt gets it. Looks like the ghosts are getting more advanced and more and more people can see them.

[Maggie Khermandayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wholesome storyline part of this series. I enjoy how they connect all characters and stories from the past books to current.

[Karolay Capellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much: it has completely stolen my heart. And The Ghost Who Came for Christmas is, by far, the coziest and most atmospheric book in the entire series.

In this sequel, after Danielle places an announcement in the paper inviting guests to an open house at Marlow House for the holiday season, she promises a traditional Christmas experience. Soon, a variety of guests arrive at Marlow House Bed and Breakfast, looking to enjoy the warmth and magic of the holidays. It’s heartwarming to watch as they get to know one another, form connections, and share the joys of the season. From a cozy Christmas Eve dinner to baking cookies and all the festive moments in between, the spirit of Christmas comes alive. However, things take a darker turn when one of the guests mysteriously disappears. Danielle, Walt, and the local police are drawn into an investigation to uncover what really happened.

The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is because, honestly, I didn’t love the mystery this time around. And even though I usually say I show up for the characters more than the mystery itself, I felt like this particular mystery just wasn’t as intriguing or compelling as the others in the series.

But let me tell you, the vibes? Chef’s kiss. The Christmassy atmosphere was absolutely perfect. When I started reading, I flew through a huge portion of the book even though the mystery doesn’t even really kick in until about 60% in. It starts off slow, and for a while, you almost don’t think there’s going to be a mystery at all. But I didn’t even care because I was so into the festive setting. This is 100% a book I’ll want to reread around Christmas this year because it just nails the holiday mood.

If I were rating based on vibes and atmosphere alone, this would’ve been a five-star read, no question. I might even bump it up to five stars on a reread just because of that.

And of course, I still adore Walt. I still adore Danielle. Oh my god! That ending… the Christmas gift Walt gave Danielle? I was almost tearing up. It was the perfect gift. So thoughtful. So emotional. I love how their friendship is growing and evolving. That sense of found family that this book gives? It got me right in the heart. I’m such a sucker for the found family trope, and this book delivered.

I definitely recommend this book. If you’ve already started the series, keep going. This one is a gem, and even with a less compelling mystery, it still shines with heart, warmth, and beautiful holiday magic.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, every book has been better than the previous, which is unusual. Most of us look forward to a sequel, but don't expect it to be better than the first. This series seems to be the exception for me.

In the previous year, Danielle Boatman has lost her husband, but found he was cheating on her. The pain of this betrayal has her selling the company they started and looking for a new start. It doesn't help that she can see ghosts who haven't moved on. However, she finds her new start in an unexpected inheritance from a Great Aunt by marriage, The Marlowe House. But Marlowe house comes with secrets and the town, a wide variety of characters. The main character is Walt Marlow, a Ghost, excuse me, a spirit (Walt does not like the term ghost) who died in his own attic at the age of 25. He has decided he doesn't want to "move on" to the next part of his journey. There's a touch of romance in the air, but where can a Spirit and a live woman's relationship go?

Christmas is one of Danielle's favorite times of the year and Marlowe House is full with a young family that won a vacation for the week. But Danielle hasn't had any sweepstakes or heard of any sweepstakes, so who wanted this woman to come to Marlowe House? Rounding out the guests are a young beach bum, looking for a little comfort and another man who isn't sure why he came. Then, a young stranded woman asks to stay. How can Danielle tell her the house is full? She takes the woman in and gives her the attic room. Then there is an argument between Chris, the beach bum, and the stranded woman, which is overheard by the local police. then the woman disappears. Danielle must learn the truth before the wrong person is blamed!

[Lexi Rose Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Christmas time and Marlow House Bed and Breakfast is open for business to give people an old fashioned Christmas. Danielle Boatman has a full house and even takes in a young woman so she’s not alone for Christmas. But as with everything in Danielle’s life it’s not that simple. The woman Danielle took in? Well she goes missing in the middle of the night and things don’t look good when a woman who matches her description washes up on shore nearby. Throw in another guest being poisoned and some long lost siblings and it’s anything but a normal Christmas.
I love that we have a potential love interest introduced in this book. Lowkey I would be happy with Walt and Danielle got together, but I doubt it with him being a ghost it’ll work out. He’s clearly in love with Danielle though. I love the new potential love interest with Chris and he can also see ghosts (which is a man that she needs because he won’t think she’s crazy). Also the long lost siblings trope was cute in this book. I think it really fit well with the Christmas spirit in this book (even if I did read it in April).
This is honestly my least favorite in the series so far. It’s still good, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t really find it too mysterious. Yeah a guest went missing, but I don’t feel like it’s fully explained reasonably. They got the cops involved. Even if they verified that the woman who washed up on shore wasn’t the guest, why did they just stop looking? I know the Chief knows to stop looking because of what Danielle says, but the rest of the cops just dropped it that easily because the Chief said so? Then there is the missing woman and how her ghost appeared briefly. Does she move on? Do they catch her killer? I don’t like how open this all is. (I was hoping they would cover it in the next book, but since I’m already almost done with that too and they haven’t touched it I doubt it will be touched.)

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like this series, but some of the parts are getting tiresome. For example, I hate when the same bad guy is featured over and over again. I need to have this wrapped up with a bow on top and move on to a different plot. The whole "Earthbound Spirits" theme has been running through all six books so far -- and promises to continue to the next one. I just want the ringleader to go to jail and get it over with. (As a side note, I also hate television shows that do this. There have been several that were really good until a malevolent evil is introduced and is there for an entire season. I dropped them and never watched them again.) I'm sure that if this part doesn't get wrapped up soon, I'm going to stop reading.

However, having said that, I did enjoy the rest of the story and the introduction of some new characters who can also see ghosts. Makes me wonder where this is going to lead. It's kind of a stretch that all these people "just happen" to be filthy rich. How convenient for our character to not have to work.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle has a full house for Christmas. And then one more. A woman shows up alone begging to stay. Danielle doesn't have room, but finally decides the woman can have the attic if she's that intent on staying. It's Christmas. Danielle can't turn her away. So that makes Chris, the guy who bounces from place to place seemingly without a job. A woman and her daughter who won the trip to Marlowe House even though Danielle didn't do a give away. Richard, a member of the loony scam church that would love to recruit Danielle as their next devotee.

As the holiday rings in, the tension rachets up, and when the straggler goes missing, well, everyone suspects the worst. Except for Joe Morelli, who is still the worst cop in any book, ever, and the name still drives me nuts.

I can't believe I've read six of these. Based on the first one, I almost didn't pick up number two. They're getting better. This one strays close to being a tear-jerker. You have been warned.

[Trever · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic Christmas cozy. Lots of characters gather at a haunted B&B, everyone bonds and has a really wonderful Christmas, and there is a mystery to solve. Actually multiple mysteries, as every character seems to have their own secret backstory. It was a lot of fun to listen to as an audiobook though also veered frequently into confusing, as the characters and their various plotlines tended to tangle up . My main fuss is that the "plot", as much as there was one, didn't really even begin until I was 5 hours into the 9 hour audiobook... You've got to be very patient with this one, and I can see many readers being frustrated with the slow progress and lack of a driving narrative. For myself, I was exactly in the mood for a "You are there" Christmas B&B vacation experience, so I enjoyed all that holiday detail a lot.

[Suzy Brookhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to entertain me and is pure fun.

The characters are great-and even the pets have personalities. Danielle, Lilly, Ian, Bryan, Chief and Joe add great fun to the series in different ways.


This book was fun-because it's the first one the bed and breakfast has guests and I could picture the Christmas setting. Also, Daniele has a lot of lover interests-but her feelings not sure off-which makes it even better.

So the story has more characters that make it very entertaining-and they are very interesting.- Including a handsome single man-that spars with Walt-LOL. Many guests who we uncover who and why they are there. The mystery is good as well-with many ghosts re-appearing. You definitely need to read the series in order due to this.

Fun, humorous and a feel good series-hasn't let up in opinion at all. Looking forward to book 7.