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Haunting Danielle #19
The Ghost of Christmas Secrets
It’s hard to know who to trust when you’re worth billions. Christmas brings uninvited family members to Marlow House, vying for Chris Glandon’s favor. One of them may have already killed for it.
In the midst of the mystery Lily is distracted with one question—what isn't Danielle telling her?
In the midst of the mystery Lily is distracted with one question—what isn't Danielle telling her?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2018
548 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 4, 2018
The Ghost of Christmas Secrets is a well written and enjoyable novel.
My wife and I truly enjoy the “Haunting Danielle” series. We have read the first nineteen and have placed our request for the next which will be out in February. We enjoy the lack of profanity and the way Bobbie leaves sexual relations to, let’s say “The Theater of The Mind” instead of unnecessary description. Her story line flows so smoothly and naturally that before we know it the story has reached it’s end leaving us wanting more. If you have not read any of this series start at the beginning. you will enjoy it.
My wife and I truly enjoy the “Haunting Danielle” series. We have read the first nineteen and have placed our request for the next which will be out in February. We enjoy the lack of profanity and the way Bobbie leaves sexual relations to, let’s say “The Theater of The Mind” instead of unnecessary description. Her story line flows so smoothly and naturally that before we know it the story has reached it’s end leaving us wanting more. If you have not read any of this series start at the beginning. you will enjoy it.
March 22, 2023
It's hard to know who to trust when you're worth villains. Christmas brings uninvited family members to Marlow house vying for Chris Glandon's favor. One of them may have already killed for it. And the mystery Lily is attracted with 1 question what isn't Danielle telling her?
Hated Chris's uncles. Proves just keep toxic people away. And Walt and Danielle get eloped so they could do some hanky panky but are planning a wedding on Valentine’s Day.
Great book once again. And finally no death in Fredericksport.
Hated Chris's uncles. Proves just keep toxic people away. And Walt and Danielle get eloped so they could do some hanky panky but are planning a wedding on Valentine’s Day.
Great book once again. And finally no death in Fredericksport.
December 24, 2023
This one just didn’t hold my focus as much as the last one. I understand pushing the realm of possibility. But supernatural plot armor is where you lose me. 3/10 don’t recommend.
January 18, 2021
Where to start? I keep repeating myself when I say that this series can't get any better! It does! With every book the author takes us in a new direction. The characters continue to grow and reinvent themselves. The mysteries continue to confound me. And somehow the author continues to make disbelief the norm.
The truth about Zara was ingenious, although the reader should have seen it coming. The book was just so well written that I didn't even think of it. Chris, as a character, comes to the forefront in this book. His truly awful uncles were unbelievable. But Dani and her friends manage to thwart them. Near the end I had to go back and re-read the part where the thwarting took place. I thought at first that the story was mixed up and somehow an original draft and the rewrite were both put into the story. Then I realized that the author was going back to explain just how the ruse was pulled off.
I have to pace myself with these books. I buy one every couple of weeks so that I don't come to the end and discover that I have to wait months for a new title to be released. Please, please, keep writing this series, Ms. Holmes!
The truth about Zara was ingenious, although the reader should have seen it coming. The book was just so well written that I didn't even think of it. Chris, as a character, comes to the forefront in this book. His truly awful uncles were unbelievable. But Dani and her friends manage to thwart them. Near the end I had to go back and re-read the part where the thwarting took place. I thought at first that the story was mixed up and somehow an original draft and the rewrite were both put into the story. Then I realized that the author was going back to explain just how the ruse was pulled off.
I have to pace myself with these books. I buy one every couple of weeks so that I don't come to the end and discover that I have to wait months for a new title to be released. Please, please, keep writing this series, Ms. Holmes!
June 28, 2025
When Chris Glandon (aka Chris Johnson) lost his parents, his Dad's brothers tried to take his inheritance away. Here we are 20 years later, and the elderly uncles have regretted their actions, and want to make it all up to their nephew. So even though Danielle and Walt wanted a quiet Christmas alone, they have agreed to book rooms for Chris' uncles, and a few other guests. But, all is not what it appears to be. Can Danielle and Walt untangle the lies before it's too late?
September 2, 2022
Another fun cozy mystery. Love the characters and loving this series.
November 12, 2024
Another great one! So happy for Danielle and Walt! But I wish they would have shared their big news to celebrate. Can't wait for the next one!
December 2, 2018
At the beginning of this book, I was worried that everything had been pushed too far. You can't read these confections in book form without suspending your disbelief, and there have been all sorts of things to suspend it over, all of which I've been fine with. Ghosts + cozy mysteries = good entertainment in my opinion. But at the beginning of this story, so much ridiculously good fortune had fallen at Walt's feet in so little time, after having essentially gone through a miracle, that it seemed more than my disbelief could keep its mouth shut over. Thankfully, the story progressed beyond that set up relatively quickly to get into the heart of the mystery, and things kept improving from there. I wasn't surprised by the situation with Zara, and thought the truth should have occurred to everyone before it did, but I did enjoy observing how the author arranged things in order to make surprise a possibility. It was clever. Reading these books always feels a bit like watching episoes of a TV show, and I could imagine how effectively this would all play out on screen. Chris's uncles are truly awful; there's a point near the end of the tale where something one of them has said comes back to haunt them (ahem), and I believe it will haunt me for a while too.
After Walt's "second chance," (which don't get me wrong, was super sweet and satisfying) I worried it might be too hard to keep the formula of the series going. The last few books haven't been as strong as earlier installments, but this one gives me faith in the author's inventiveness. I feel like after we get past the next wedding, things will settle down enough to make Walt's transition less front and center and allow the characters to explore new territory. The continued revelations about what ghosts can and cannot do are always interesting, and I love it when even Eva, Marie and Walt encounter something new, so I hope there are more opportunities for that in the future. I swear though, if Danielle inherits one more thing, I'm with Adam--I won't be able to stand it. I still enjoy all of the characters, and am eager to learn more about the new additions and to see how Brian pursues his nagging suspicions.
After Walt's "second chance," (which don't get me wrong, was super sweet and satisfying) I worried it might be too hard to keep the formula of the series going. The last few books haven't been as strong as earlier installments, but this one gives me faith in the author's inventiveness. I feel like after we get past the next wedding, things will settle down enough to make Walt's transition less front and center and allow the characters to explore new territory. The continued revelations about what ghosts can and cannot do are always interesting, and I love it when even Eva, Marie and Walt encounter something new, so I hope there are more opportunities for that in the future. I swear though, if Danielle inherits one more thing, I'm with Adam--I won't be able to stand it. I still enjoy all of the characters, and am eager to learn more about the new additions and to see how Brian pursues his nagging suspicions.
April 18, 2019
So much was going on in this book it was hard to keep all the different storylines apart. But they all jelled together nicely in the end. These books get better and better and just when you don’t think the authors can do any better - she ups the game!
Fantastic series. I’ve already got two others reading them as soon as I finish each book. Keep them coming!
Fantastic series. I’ve already got two others reading them as soon as I finish each book. Keep them coming!
October 20, 2020
(Rating based only on this series) this one was so boring and obvious. Chris deserved better. I am all for a Chris centric story but this was lame. Chris has been given the shaft from day one of this intro to the series. At this point I want to write Chris and Adam fanfic where they have really cool adventures and aren’t just pawns in Danielle’s life.
January 5, 2020
Oooh Miss Bobbi you have to keep writing more about Walt n Daneille. I'm soo in love with Walt, has been since Book #1. I've lived every single one. With all the new an old characters, they feel like old friends now, especially Adam.
November 29, 2023
I liked this series until Walt became human. It was a fun cozy ghost mystery series with a hint of romance. But now Walt is perfect (no more insensitive remarks because he's a product of the 1920's) with all the powers of a ghost (he can still see other ghosts and talk to animals and freaking levitate objects!) in a gorgeous human body. All because he was murdered and that wasn't fair so he should get another chance (seriously??). And Danielle is perfect too, never greedy or rude and manages to lose those so totally annoying 15 lbs without exercising while eating a steady stream of cookies and chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls (I liked her until this). And now half the story is them being love stupid over each other. Ugh. The series was good when Walt had limits. Everyone does (no matter what anyone says you CANNOT have it ALL!). There are always trade-offs in life. But not in these books. This series has made the jump from relate-able characters to perfect plastic people. I'm done with it.
December 8, 2025
This wasn’t one of the stronger books in the series for me. I’ve been reading these for a while and I’m familiar with the characters, which is ultimately the reason I pushed through to the end. I like some of them and wanted to see where things would go.
But the pacing here felt slow with a lot of dialogue that didn’t add much or move the plot forward. And some of the back-and-forth felt oddly shallow and made everyone sound fairly unintelligent.
On the positive side, I did like the idea behind the setup. The way the threads eventually came together and the later explanation was smartly arranged, that part felt well thought out and enjoyable to read. The plot had potential, and you can see the foundation of a good mystery there.
Still, the story really started to pick up in the last few chapters, a long wait in a 40-chapter book. The twist was also quite predictable, so it didn’t hit as hard as it could have.
Overall, familiar characters made it bearable, but this one just wasn’t an enjoyable read for me compared to others in the series.
But the pacing here felt slow with a lot of dialogue that didn’t add much or move the plot forward. And some of the back-and-forth felt oddly shallow and made everyone sound fairly unintelligent.
On the positive side, I did like the idea behind the setup. The way the threads eventually came together and the later explanation was smartly arranged, that part felt well thought out and enjoyable to read. The plot had potential, and you can see the foundation of a good mystery there.
Still, the story really started to pick up in the last few chapters, a long wait in a 40-chapter book. The twist was also quite predictable, so it didn’t hit as hard as it could have.
Overall, familiar characters made it bearable, but this one just wasn’t an enjoyable read for me compared to others in the series.
March 21, 2024
This installment of the Haunting Danielle series seriously had me laughing out loud. The banter between Walt and Danielle is quick, witty, and flirty without being too much.
The plot twist had me quaking in my boots. I’m so glad things didn’t end up the way they seemed to be headed.
Holmes has created such a wonderful group of characters. They’re all so lovable, aside from those we are meant to hate. She really knows how to write a classic villain. I do find that the main character group, while wonderful, is completely unrealistic, as they are insanely rich, insanely gorgeous, and all have perfect ethics. Like where is the humanity? Adam is the only one, other than the ghosts, that acts even remotely “human.” lol
The books are comfy and easy to read/listen to. They bring me joy and make my lil heart happy.❤️
Ps. I miss Sadie… I feel like she hasn’t been as prominent in the past few books. We need her back ASAP.
The plot twist had me quaking in my boots. I’m so glad things didn’t end up the way they seemed to be headed.
Holmes has created such a wonderful group of characters. They’re all so lovable, aside from those we are meant to hate. She really knows how to write a classic villain. I do find that the main character group, while wonderful, is completely unrealistic, as they are insanely rich, insanely gorgeous, and all have perfect ethics. Like where is the humanity? Adam is the only one, other than the ghosts, that acts even remotely “human.” lol
The books are comfy and easy to read/listen to. They bring me joy and make my lil heart happy.❤️
Ps. I miss Sadie… I feel like she hasn’t been as prominent in the past few books. We need her back ASAP.
December 9, 2018
Loved this story!!!! What I really really like about these books are that the characters aren’t stupid...if something doesn’t seem right they look into it and not dismiss it....so your not saying to yourself “ oh please don’t do it, or how can you be so blind!” I love how they actually all talk together so nothing is misunderstood!!! I kinda figured out the roll of Zara’s character but why had baffled me...which is a good thing. I am hoping Noah becomes a regular in the books. Seems like a good guy. Also I am hoping they don’t stop....there are so many more stories that can be told...like babies and love matches...and maybe there is hope for Eva and Chris. I think they need to have their happy ending too, along with so many of the other characters. CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK!!!!! One of my all time favorite series!! Happy Reading :)
September 1, 2024
Okay, as a literary piece, cozy mysteries aren't exactly at the top of any list, but I really like this series. Has it been 19 already?
The mystery in this book centers around Chris Glandon (aka Johnson) and his nefarious and evil uncles who tried to get his fortune at the time he inherited. Right off the bat, they kill a woman whom they perceive as a threat to their getting their hands on Chris's fortune. Even though they are old and have plenty of money of their own, they want it ALL, and are plotting how to get it. They stay in Marlow House, so of course Danielle and Walt become involved.
What follows is a pretty good story, and I enjoyed the ending, as well as the evolution of the relationship between Danielle and Walt.
The mystery in this book centers around Chris Glandon (aka Johnson) and his nefarious and evil uncles who tried to get his fortune at the time he inherited. Right off the bat, they kill a woman whom they perceive as a threat to their getting their hands on Chris's fortune. Even though they are old and have plenty of money of their own, they want it ALL, and are plotting how to get it. They stay in Marlow House, so of course Danielle and Walt become involved.
What follows is a pretty good story, and I enjoyed the ending, as well as the evolution of the relationship between Danielle and Walt.
December 1, 2018
Fabulous!!!! Please don’t ever stop writing!
I’m so glad I found this series...I always race through each book, enjoying how the story flows and your characters interact so well, and then wait impatiently for the next book! I’ve even gone back to the first and re-read the series while waiting! I hope we get to enjoy watching Danielle and Walt’s relationship develop further, and I’m now wondering about what will happen with Eva, since that sneaky little mention of how she envies Walt’s second chance at life/with Danielle, and how she has “feelings” for Chris...could there be another romance blooming? 🤔
I’m so glad I found this series...I always race through each book, enjoying how the story flows and your characters interact so well, and then wait impatiently for the next book! I’ve even gone back to the first and re-read the series while waiting! I hope we get to enjoy watching Danielle and Walt’s relationship develop further, and I’m now wondering about what will happen with Eva, since that sneaky little mention of how she envies Walt’s second chance at life/with Danielle, and how she has “feelings” for Chris...could there be another romance blooming? 🤔
January 29, 2019
Let me start that I read all the books before and in order. I am hooked by the stories and characters and I really enjoyed the development of the characters, but this book... I am so sorry, but I am completely disappointed. A really wonderful thing will come up for Chris and how it is celebrated or let me say not celebrated is very sad. I felt this book was written in a rush and so is the acting of the characters. I probably will try the next one just to make sure it is only one book out of 20 that is not good, but when the next one gives me the same feeling then I will not continue with the series.
January 9, 2022
I like Walt a bit better since he occupied Clint’s body, but he is not the same jovial spirit.
Beginning dragged a bit, but kept me guessing. Who is Zora and why is she hiding? First, I thought it was because she didn’t want Simon and Lloyd to recognize her, but after a while I realized she actually was a ghost. All the ghost spotters saw her and since she wouldn’t be touched, no one realized she was vapor. Also, she never ate.
The ending was very clever and made the enjoyment soar. All the ghost seers and the ghosts worked together(along with the cats) to save Danielle, Chris, Chris’ fortune and bring Chris together with his brother. Very fun….
Beginning dragged a bit, but kept me guessing. Who is Zora and why is she hiding? First, I thought it was because she didn’t want Simon and Lloyd to recognize her, but after a while I realized she actually was a ghost. All the ghost spotters saw her and since she wouldn’t be touched, no one realized she was vapor. Also, she never ate.
The ending was very clever and made the enjoyment soar. All the ghost seers and the ghosts worked together(along with the cats) to save Danielle, Chris, Chris’ fortune and bring Chris together with his brother. Very fun….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
I give this book 100+ stars!!!
This ghostly mystery keeps you guessing, which
is a good thing!! I was so engrossed by this new
mystery. Just couldn't put it down! Loved the
twists and turns throughout the story line and
the plot was fantastic. It was so heart warming
the Danielle and Walt got married! That was one
if my favorite parts throughout the series seeing
their relationship build. This is my favorite series
and I can't wait for the next addition to come
out. Absolutely brilliant series!!!
This ghostly mystery keeps you guessing, which
is a good thing!! I was so engrossed by this new
mystery. Just couldn't put it down! Loved the
twists and turns throughout the story line and
the plot was fantastic. It was so heart warming
the Danielle and Walt got married! That was one
if my favorite parts throughout the series seeing
their relationship build. This is my favorite series
and I can't wait for the next addition to come
out. Absolutely brilliant series!!!
April 26, 2019
Bobbi Holmes Keeps Rolling Out the Hits.
Walt and Danielle are getting to know one another, and a set of secret stairs makes that much easier. Meanwhile, Chris's two uncles try and make nice, claiming they regret their past misdeeds. Chris isn't so sure, but they are his only relatives...
While we meet a variety of new characters, Holmes takes the time needed to create fully rounded ones. The story stays within the basic plot and setting and yet is still able to throw a few curveballs. Zara, you go girl!
Walt and Danielle are getting to know one another, and a set of secret stairs makes that much easier. Meanwhile, Chris's two uncles try and make nice, claiming they regret their past misdeeds. Chris isn't so sure, but they are his only relatives...
While we meet a variety of new characters, Holmes takes the time needed to create fully rounded ones. The story stays within the basic plot and setting and yet is still able to throw a few curveballs. Zara, you go girl!
January 12, 2021
This book was amazing. I love this series but do admit some books are better than the others. This one had excitement, and allowed you to really use your imagination to figure out what was happening. I was able to predict what was going to happen but that’s the love for the mystery. I highly recommend this series if you get attached to characters easily, because this series is so long you have a lot of time growing to learn about and love the characters instead of being sad when the book ends. Enjoy!!!
April 8, 2021
The Ghost of Christmas Secrets (Haunting Danielle book 19
This is another winner. I just love this Author and this series. I have read 19 books in 21days. Once I start her books I cannot put them down. I have so enjoyed her characters in this series and now they are like old friends. I was having trouble reading a book this last seven months until I found Bobbie Holmes and this series. I could finally read again. I highly recommend all her books and different series. Diana Romano
This is another winner. I just love this Author and this series. I have read 19 books in 21days. Once I start her books I cannot put them down. I have so enjoyed her characters in this series and now they are like old friends. I was having trouble reading a book this last seven months until I found Bobbie Holmes and this series. I could finally read again. I highly recommend all her books and different series. Diana Romano
May 22, 2021
Yeah, I don’t trust people who press drinks on me. The mystery in this story revolves around Chris. Danielle and Walt make wedding plans. The author is clearly uncomfortable with any intimacy or romance. Definitely leaves the reader wanting more, I mean come on!
Gee, Chris’s uncles aren’t at all behaving suspiciously with all of their questions and their complete about face in attitude. What are they need his money for anyway? They don’t have enough years left in their lives to spend any of it. Author likes to end her books with a tantalizing tidbit.
Gee, Chris’s uncles aren’t at all behaving suspiciously with all of their questions and their complete about face in attitude. What are they need his money for anyway? They don’t have enough years left in their lives to spend any of it. Author likes to end her books with a tantalizing tidbit.
December 25, 2022
I loved this installment! It’s got a series giveaway so you should read the previous books. This is normally not the case.
I can’t say much without giving some of the series away but I loved the evil uncles! The homicidal maniacs. This was a fun fast paced suspenseful mystery during Christmastime. I loved the Zara plot line.
This is a cozy type mystery. I haven’t read any sexy time. Mostly predictable. Still sweet and easy to read!
There are plenty of secrets bouncing around in this book. They all tie up in the end.
I can’t say much without giving some of the series away but I loved the evil uncles! The homicidal maniacs. This was a fun fast paced suspenseful mystery during Christmastime. I loved the Zara plot line.
This is a cozy type mystery. I haven’t read any sexy time. Mostly predictable. Still sweet and easy to read!
There are plenty of secrets bouncing around in this book. They all tie up in the end.
December 28, 2018
Family gatherings can be so stressful during the holidays, but even more so when family members are trying to kill you! Chris's uncles have come to Marlow House for Christmas because they care so much for their nephew. Everyone is skeptical, but it takes several ghosts and a cat to ensure that Chris and Danielle don't slip over to the other side prematurely. Diabolical happenings interspersed with the secret newlywed antics of Walt and Danielle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
This story was a fun cozy read as usual! That said, there were issues with the audiobook. The narrator inhales sharply every few seconds and it is all captured by the microphone, making the story pretty irritating to listen to. I've never noticed this problem with any of the other audiobooks (maybe the problem was that I was listening at 1.25x?). After a while I could mostly ignore it, but some parts are worse than others.
June 27, 2023
I was a little nervous that this book was going to move the series from the cozy to the more obvious romance but I was so happy to see it continue its cozy charm. The romance is sweet and extras are left to the imagination. The mystery is interesting as ever and has a few extra twists to make it interesting. I have loved this series from the beginning and look forward to each new installment. I cannot get enough of Danielle and Walt, the animals and the rest of the gang.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
April 11, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
Christmas means family, but when two old codgers, who believe they are owed their youngest brother's estate, decides they need to up their game to inherit an estate which has been already been declared Chris', then the Marlowe House group must up their game to ensure that Chris and Danielle are not killed by greed.
Christmas means family, but when two old codgers, who believe they are owed their youngest brother's estate, decides they need to up their game to inherit an estate which has been already been declared Chris', then the Marlowe House group must up their game to ensure that Chris and Danielle are not killed by greed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews