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Haunted Bookshop Mystery #6
The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller
This book will be published by Penguin Random House on October 2, 2018.
Penelope Thornton-McClure and her bookshop's ghost-in-residence Jack Shepard are back on a new case in this delightful paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
A big bestseller leads to small town trouble.
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful...
After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her.
Penelope Thornton-McClure and her bookshop's ghost-in-residence Jack Shepard are back on a new case in this delightful paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
A big bestseller leads to small town trouble.
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful...
After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her.
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First published September 25, 2018
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About the author
Cleo Coyle
53 books3,553 followersDon't miss the newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series (with more to come),
NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY,
a National Mystery Bestseller and triple #1 Amazon Category Bestseller. Join Cleo's Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways: Click Here to Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
July 16, 2021
3.5 stars. The writing style felt different than the previous books, perhaps because of the long hiatus. The mystery was great, and the happy ending was perfect.
September 25, 2018
I am not a patient book lover. I don't usually wait long periods of time for a new book in a series. But....there are a few favorites that I don't mind waiting on. The Haunted Bookshop Mystery series is one of those favorites. The husband and wife writing team wrote five books in this series from 2004-2009, and a sixth book was announced. I even knew the title. But.....no book. Assuming publisher/agent/contractual issues at work behind the scenes, I waited patiently. For almost 10 years.
Then......in February this year I saw the book once again had a release date. I have never pre-ordered a book so fast in my life! :) I love this cozy mystery series! The first five books have been waiting patiently on my keeper shelf for their new buddy to show up. And, today, my lovely brand new paperback copy showed up on my porch. Release day delivery is the bomb! I've had a digital review copy of this book on my computer for months....and I read the first half....but I wanted a real physical copy in my hand to finish the story.
This afternoon as soon as all my adulting was done, I shut myself in my room and finished the mystery book I waited 10 years to read.
Loved it!
Bookshop owner Pen McClure is haunted by the ghost of a 1940s detective, Jack Shephard. Jack can be a pain at times, but he also helps her when problems arise. Like murders, dead bodies, criminal investigations....run of the mill events around her store, Buy the Book. In this long-anticipated sixth book in the series, Pen is excited about brisk sales for a new racy bestseller, Shades of Leather, until a customer takes one look at the cover and runs out of the shop without paying for the book. That's just the first weird event. People associated with the book start dropping dead. Sex sells.....but sometimes it also kills. Pen & Jack are on the case again, hoping to track down what's so killer about the spicy new release.
It was so awesome to finally get to read another mystery with Pen and Jack! So worth the wait!
The first five books were published under the pseudonym Alice Kimberly. Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini published this new book under Cleo Coyle, the penname they use for their Coffeehouse Mystery series (another cozy series I love!).
Can't wait for the next book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Then......in February this year I saw the book once again had a release date. I have never pre-ordered a book so fast in my life! :) I love this cozy mystery series! The first five books have been waiting patiently on my keeper shelf for their new buddy to show up. And, today, my lovely brand new paperback copy showed up on my porch. Release day delivery is the bomb! I've had a digital review copy of this book on my computer for months....and I read the first half....but I wanted a real physical copy in my hand to finish the story.
This afternoon as soon as all my adulting was done, I shut myself in my room and finished the mystery book I waited 10 years to read.
Loved it!
Bookshop owner Pen McClure is haunted by the ghost of a 1940s detective, Jack Shephard. Jack can be a pain at times, but he also helps her when problems arise. Like murders, dead bodies, criminal investigations....run of the mill events around her store, Buy the Book. In this long-anticipated sixth book in the series, Pen is excited about brisk sales for a new racy bestseller, Shades of Leather, until a customer takes one look at the cover and runs out of the shop without paying for the book. That's just the first weird event. People associated with the book start dropping dead. Sex sells.....but sometimes it also kills. Pen & Jack are on the case again, hoping to track down what's so killer about the spicy new release.
It was so awesome to finally get to read another mystery with Pen and Jack! So worth the wait!
The first five books were published under the pseudonym Alice Kimberly. Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini published this new book under Cleo Coyle, the penname they use for their Coffeehouse Mystery series (another cozy series I love!).
Can't wait for the next book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 4, 2018
RRRAAAAAAARRRRGGGHH!!!! When is this book going to be available to read! I feel as if I have been waiting for THREE YEARS...oh wait, I have.
Make that TEN years!!!!
I just got this and I busted through it so fast... I have to stop and read it again!
I also have to go back and re-read the entire series because it has been so long I forgot what Pen and Jack feel like.
But it was fun. And if they make us wait another TEN FRICKING YEARS for the next book, I may claw my own eyes out.
Make that TEN years!!!!
I just got this and I busted through it so fast... I have to stop and read it again!
I also have to go back and re-read the entire series because it has been so long I forgot what Pen and Jack feel like.
But it was fun. And if they make us wait another TEN FRICKING YEARS for the next book, I may claw my own eyes out.
September 21, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jack and Pen fans Rejoice! This series is back with a brand new mystery! New readers Rejoice! The authors have written this mystery in a way that you can jump right in with this new mystery and feel right at home.
Penelope Thornton-McClure got more than she bargained for in her bookshop, but now that she has gotten to know Private Eye Jack Shepard she wouldn’t have it any other way. You see, Jack is a ghost from the 1940’s, killed in the shop in 1947, and he has saved her more than once. Together they have solved quite a few mysteries too.
A new book has just been released and it has been flying off the shelves. When a well to do customer falls apart in the store after a peek at the book jacket, Pen becomes concerned. That and the woman ran out of the store without paying for the book. When Pen tracks her down she makes a horrible discovery, the woman is dead and was killed not long before Pen’s arrival. The police say suicide but Pen doesn’t think so. There is a whole lot more about this bestseller than the story within the pages and with Jack’s help Pen is going find out what it is, even if it means making contact with a killer.
I was so excited to hear this series was returning. Book #5, The Ghost in the Haunted Mansion was released in 2008. Ten years later our patience has been rewarded. Don’t worry if you have forgotten details about the characters or if this is a new series to you. The characters are all introduced like this is the first book in the series. They are some incredible characters too. Jack, Pen, Aunt Sadie, co-owner of the bookstore, mailman Seymour, and Bookmark, the cat, are all back.
The author’s style of writing really set a scene and give readers a delightful mystery. Well-written and well-plotted the story is full of twists and turns that make the book very hard to put down. I really love the trips back in time Jack takes Pen on via her dreams. She and readers get to see how one of his old cases played out and helps her see clues to the current mystery.
These authors never fail to give readers an impressive mystery. I was so excited to start reading this book but was sad to see it end. I am so happy to have reconnected with these characters and truly hope we do not have to wait 10 years to visit Quindicott again.
Jack and Pen fans Rejoice! This series is back with a brand new mystery! New readers Rejoice! The authors have written this mystery in a way that you can jump right in with this new mystery and feel right at home.
Penelope Thornton-McClure got more than she bargained for in her bookshop, but now that she has gotten to know Private Eye Jack Shepard she wouldn’t have it any other way. You see, Jack is a ghost from the 1940’s, killed in the shop in 1947, and he has saved her more than once. Together they have solved quite a few mysteries too.
A new book has just been released and it has been flying off the shelves. When a well to do customer falls apart in the store after a peek at the book jacket, Pen becomes concerned. That and the woman ran out of the store without paying for the book. When Pen tracks her down she makes a horrible discovery, the woman is dead and was killed not long before Pen’s arrival. The police say suicide but Pen doesn’t think so. There is a whole lot more about this bestseller than the story within the pages and with Jack’s help Pen is going find out what it is, even if it means making contact with a killer.
I was so excited to hear this series was returning. Book #5, The Ghost in the Haunted Mansion was released in 2008. Ten years later our patience has been rewarded. Don’t worry if you have forgotten details about the characters or if this is a new series to you. The characters are all introduced like this is the first book in the series. They are some incredible characters too. Jack, Pen, Aunt Sadie, co-owner of the bookstore, mailman Seymour, and Bookmark, the cat, are all back.
The author’s style of writing really set a scene and give readers a delightful mystery. Well-written and well-plotted the story is full of twists and turns that make the book very hard to put down. I really love the trips back in time Jack takes Pen on via her dreams. She and readers get to see how one of his old cases played out and helps her see clues to the current mystery.
These authors never fail to give readers an impressive mystery. I was so excited to start reading this book but was sad to see it end. I am so happy to have reconnected with these characters and truly hope we do not have to wait 10 years to visit Quindicott again.
November 3, 2023
The Ghost and the Bogus Bookseller (Haunted Bookshop Mystery, #6) by Cleo Coyle.
This book was read after a 10+ year wait. It was well worth that wait and so glad I finally had my chance to read it.
Penelope McClure is the owner of Buy the Book in the small town of Quindicott, Rhode Island. Jack Shepard is the ghost that haunts her bookshop and travels with Pen to solve mysteries and this one is a doozy.
I was so thrilled to finally lay my hands on this long awaited book in a series I loved too many years ago. Needless to say I'll be continue reading this most wonderful series book by book as long as Cleo Coyle writes them. Continued success is my wish for this author(s). Highly recommended.
This book was read after a 10+ year wait. It was well worth that wait and so glad I finally had my chance to read it.
Penelope McClure is the owner of Buy the Book in the small town of Quindicott, Rhode Island. Jack Shepard is the ghost that haunts her bookshop and travels with Pen to solve mysteries and this one is a doozy.
I was so thrilled to finally lay my hands on this long awaited book in a series I loved too many years ago. Needless to say I'll be continue reading this most wonderful series book by book as long as Cleo Coyle writes them. Continued success is my wish for this author(s). Highly recommended.
November 4, 2018
Though not my first book by Cleo Coyle, this is my first in this series. I’ve already added the book one, THE GHOST AND MRS. MCLURE (written as Alice Kimberly), to my TBR.
Before getting into my review, I’d like to quickly say, I love books with short chapters, titled chapters (reminds me of my Nancy Drew days), and quotes (or other interesting information) before each chapter. This book has all three! A fun reading triad for me.
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER is a wonderfully crafted whodunnit. With the action taking off at a fast pace in the first chapter, I found myself turning the pages quickly in my quest to solve this mystery. I finished in one breathless, head spinning sitting.
While the whole 1940s gumshoe character was never a favorite of mine, I very much enjoyed PI Jack Shepard the ghost. There were so many times he had me laughing out loud. The relationship with Jack and series protagonist, Penelope “Pen” Thornton, was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to more adventures with them.
With a feeling of old meets new, THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER has a little something for every mystery reader.
Before getting into my review, I’d like to quickly say, I love books with short chapters, titled chapters (reminds me of my Nancy Drew days), and quotes (or other interesting information) before each chapter. This book has all three! A fun reading triad for me.
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER is a wonderfully crafted whodunnit. With the action taking off at a fast pace in the first chapter, I found myself turning the pages quickly in my quest to solve this mystery. I finished in one breathless, head spinning sitting.
While the whole 1940s gumshoe character was never a favorite of mine, I very much enjoyed PI Jack Shepard the ghost. There were so many times he had me laughing out loud. The relationship with Jack and series protagonist, Penelope “Pen” Thornton, was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to more adventures with them.
With a feeling of old meets new, THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER has a little something for every mystery reader.
October 7, 2018
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER by Cleo Coyle
The Sixth Haunted Bookshop Mystery
Jack Shepard, the ghost of a 1940s private detective is back on the scene. A slightly snobbish customer has fled Buy the Book, unpaid novel in hand. It's more than the theft that concerns Penelope Thornton-McClure, it's the older woman's reaction to the latest bestseller. Concerned, Pen, accompanied by Jack, tracks the woman down. What they discover is a slightly decrepit apartment, a talking bird, and a dead body. While it appears that the troubled customer committed suicide, the scene doesn't quite add up. Pen and Jack agree-it's murder!
Almost fifteen years ago I met a man. He was a little rough around the edges, but dashing, charming, and mysterious. I developed a major crush. Oh, I knew it would never work out between us, after all, he was dead...and fictional, but that didn't stop me from dreaming. Then he disappeared. For ten years I didn't hear from him, you might say he ghosted...but now Jack Shepard is back and better than ever!
After a ten year hiatus, the sixth Haunted Bookshop Mystery continues as if practically no time had passed and while readers may appreciate more subtleties if they've read the previous books in the series, especially how Jack and Pen met, it is certainly not necessary to appreciate this captivating new mystery that is both timely and timeless.
Cleo Coyle skillfully weaves a mystery filled with intersecting stories, past and present. It gives a look at literary snobbishness and academic condescension in the face of mass popularity as well as the perils of publishing. What's fascinating is how Jack shows cases from his past that shed light on the current mystery. The way in which Jack and Pen can be together is magical, and a fun trip to the 1940s for readers. But the mystery is just part of it.
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER illustrates how past choices can affect the present. It deals with love and loss, courage and partnership. Jack's been helping Pen, not only solve crimes, but believe in herself, heal herself and learn to love again. Welcome back, Jack.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Sixth Haunted Bookshop Mystery
Jack Shepard, the ghost of a 1940s private detective is back on the scene. A slightly snobbish customer has fled Buy the Book, unpaid novel in hand. It's more than the theft that concerns Penelope Thornton-McClure, it's the older woman's reaction to the latest bestseller. Concerned, Pen, accompanied by Jack, tracks the woman down. What they discover is a slightly decrepit apartment, a talking bird, and a dead body. While it appears that the troubled customer committed suicide, the scene doesn't quite add up. Pen and Jack agree-it's murder!
Almost fifteen years ago I met a man. He was a little rough around the edges, but dashing, charming, and mysterious. I developed a major crush. Oh, I knew it would never work out between us, after all, he was dead...and fictional, but that didn't stop me from dreaming. Then he disappeared. For ten years I didn't hear from him, you might say he ghosted...but now Jack Shepard is back and better than ever!
After a ten year hiatus, the sixth Haunted Bookshop Mystery continues as if practically no time had passed and while readers may appreciate more subtleties if they've read the previous books in the series, especially how Jack and Pen met, it is certainly not necessary to appreciate this captivating new mystery that is both timely and timeless.
Cleo Coyle skillfully weaves a mystery filled with intersecting stories, past and present. It gives a look at literary snobbishness and academic condescension in the face of mass popularity as well as the perils of publishing. What's fascinating is how Jack shows cases from his past that shed light on the current mystery. The way in which Jack and Pen can be together is magical, and a fun trip to the 1940s for readers. But the mystery is just part of it.
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER illustrates how past choices can affect the present. It deals with love and loss, courage and partnership. Jack's been helping Pen, not only solve crimes, but believe in herself, heal herself and learn to love again. Welcome back, Jack.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
September 30, 2018
The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller by Cleo Coyle is the long anticipated sixth book in The Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. Penelope Thornton-McClure co-owns Buy the Book with her aunt, Sadie Thornton in Quindicott, Rhode Island. A nicely dressed female customer is looking for a book recommendation and Penelope directs her towards Shades of Leather, the current bestseller. After the customer looks at the author’s photograph, she gets upset and takes off with the book—without paying for it. Penelope noticed that the woman left her gloves behind and they smell of cinnamon. One call to the bakery gets Penelope the customer’s name and address thanks to a raffle. Penelope with her resident 1940s ghost, Jack Shepard head to Emma Hudson’s apartment where they find her dead at the bottom of the steps. While Chief Ciders is quick to rule it a suicide, the sleuthing duo have their doubts. When a mysterious accident is brought to Penelope’s attention, she has a feeling that it is connected to Emma and Shades of Leather. Who is behind these strange killings and what do they have to do with the book? Penelope and Jack must work quickly before the killer claims another victim.
Fans of The Haunted Bookshop Mystery series have been waiting ten years for The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller. If you are new to the series or fail to remember all the details, do not worry. The author gives readers all the information needed on the main characters, the bookshop and the town. Penelope, Jack, Spencer, Aunt Sadie, Seymour, Eddie and Bookmark (the cat) are back for another adventure. Jack is a dashing character with a sexy voice and a chilling presence. He has a unique point-of-view being from a different era, provides humor and I love his 1940s lingo. Penelope is an intelligent widow who loves books. However, she has yet to recover from her husband’s suicide and this case brings back old feelings and memories. Penelope and Jack have a good working relationship. You can feel the chemistry between them, but they are separated by time. Cleo Coyle has a lively writing style which sets the stage for the book with her vivid imagery. Her writing allowed me to imagine the scenes in my head. The 1940 dream scenes came alive with her descriptions. We get a glimpse into Jack’s life and his old cases. They also provide clues to their current mission. The mystery is complex with various twists to it. I liked following Penelope and Jack’s investigation to figure out the who and why. There was some repetition of case details that I could have done without along with the cliché Chief Ciders. I liked that Seymour was included in the investigation. Spencer and his new friend, Amy Ridgeway added to the story. Amy is a precocious young lady and I liked how her story turned out (it will have you chuckling). Come along to Quindicott for an exciting venture with Penelope and her ghostly PI, Jack Shepard in The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller.
Fans of The Haunted Bookshop Mystery series have been waiting ten years for The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller. If you are new to the series or fail to remember all the details, do not worry. The author gives readers all the information needed on the main characters, the bookshop and the town. Penelope, Jack, Spencer, Aunt Sadie, Seymour, Eddie and Bookmark (the cat) are back for another adventure. Jack is a dashing character with a sexy voice and a chilling presence. He has a unique point-of-view being from a different era, provides humor and I love his 1940s lingo. Penelope is an intelligent widow who loves books. However, she has yet to recover from her husband’s suicide and this case brings back old feelings and memories. Penelope and Jack have a good working relationship. You can feel the chemistry between them, but they are separated by time. Cleo Coyle has a lively writing style which sets the stage for the book with her vivid imagery. Her writing allowed me to imagine the scenes in my head. The 1940 dream scenes came alive with her descriptions. We get a glimpse into Jack’s life and his old cases. They also provide clues to their current mission. The mystery is complex with various twists to it. I liked following Penelope and Jack’s investigation to figure out the who and why. There was some repetition of case details that I could have done without along with the cliché Chief Ciders. I liked that Seymour was included in the investigation. Spencer and his new friend, Amy Ridgeway added to the story. Amy is a precocious young lady and I liked how her story turned out (it will have you chuckling). Come along to Quindicott for an exciting venture with Penelope and her ghostly PI, Jack Shepard in The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller.
July 17, 2010
this is a wonderful series...quick reads and the character development absolutely ROCKS!!!!!
October 4, 2018
This series began years ago, but the author took a few years off. Now she’s back and continuing this charming cozy mystery series. I read the first book in the series when it was originally released. I loved it, but never had a chance to read the following books. I was thrilled to see a new book being released and I jumped at the chance to review it. It’s actually the 6th book.
It features a widowed bookstore owner, Penelope Thornton-McClure, and her sidekick, Jack Shepard. Jack is a ghost. He had been a private investigator in the 1940’s. Only Penelope can communicate with him. Not even her young son can hear him.
When a customer has an emotional breakdown after seeing the latest best seller, Penelope gets curious. Then, the customer turns up dead and Penelope enlists the help of her local ghost to find a killer. However, more bodies turn up dead and the sleuthing duo knows they have no time to waste in cracking this case.
Even though I missed a couple of books, it didn’t matter. I jumped right into the story and fell in love with Jack and Penelope all over again. I devoured this book. I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters and the story are well-written.
It’s actually two stories in one. Through a dream sequence, Jack takes Penelope back to his time in the 1940’s where he has a missing author to find. The author does an excellent job of bringing the 1940’s to life. Both the scenery and the dialogue feel authentic to the 1940’s. It does not disrupt the story to go between both time periods.
The Haunted Bookshop is a captivating, quaint series. I feel as if I was right there with the characters in trying to solve this case. The ending took me by surprise and I love when that happens. I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
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.
It features a widowed bookstore owner, Penelope Thornton-McClure, and her sidekick, Jack Shepard. Jack is a ghost. He had been a private investigator in the 1940’s. Only Penelope can communicate with him. Not even her young son can hear him.
When a customer has an emotional breakdown after seeing the latest best seller, Penelope gets curious. Then, the customer turns up dead and Penelope enlists the help of her local ghost to find a killer. However, more bodies turn up dead and the sleuthing duo knows they have no time to waste in cracking this case.
Even though I missed a couple of books, it didn’t matter. I jumped right into the story and fell in love with Jack and Penelope all over again. I devoured this book. I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters and the story are well-written.
It’s actually two stories in one. Through a dream sequence, Jack takes Penelope back to his time in the 1940’s where he has a missing author to find. The author does an excellent job of bringing the 1940’s to life. Both the scenery and the dialogue feel authentic to the 1940’s. It does not disrupt the story to go between both time periods.
The Haunted Bookshop is a captivating, quaint series. I feel as if I was right there with the characters in trying to solve this case. The ending took me by surprise and I love when that happens. I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
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.
March 21, 2021
What a delightful series, back after a few years between the 5th and 6th books. Penelope McClure returns to her hometown with her young son after her husband's death, joining an aunt running a bookstore and living upstairs. What she didn't expect was that the ghost of a PI named Jack Shepard, murdered in what is now the shop's event space in 1947, would be living there, too, and that the two of them would form a most unusual relationship. The plots are quirky and fun, as befitting a ghost and Mrs. McClure, and typically revolve around the shop and books, and the stories include tidbits about bookselling and the publishing business.
October 17, 2018
Jack is back!!! This book was well worth the wait. The mystery was good with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end (I think I figured it out about a chapter before Pen). Jack is by far my favorite ghost and I love his relationship with Pen and that he is able to use his past cases to help her in the present. I'm so glad there is another book planned.
October 11, 2018
Synopsis:
Penelope Thornton-McClure and her bookshop's ghost-in-residence Jack Shepard are back on a new case in this delightful paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
A big bestseller leads to small town trouble.
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful...
After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Pen and Jack make an awesome sleuthing duo and you can tell that they care about each other. Even though Jack has a gruff rough exterior, you can tell he has special feelings for Pen. I really like his 1940’s jargon, that made him seem more realistic to me. Pen is smart, hardworking and caring, and she cares a lot about Jack. I also enjoyed getting to know Pen’s aunt, Sadie and the mailman Seymour (he was one of my favorites). I thought they added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place. The mystery is carried on throughout the entire book and it was not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. The red herrings were plentiful and added to suspense.
I like the premise of the book: a 1940’s detective and a modern day bookstore, where there are plenty of mysteries. I really enjoy ghost cozies and this one is well written and quite enjoyable. It reminds me of some of my other favorites and that is a good thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted ghost cozy mystery. I am going to go back and read the other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Penelope Thornton-McClure and her bookshop's ghost-in-residence Jack Shepard are back on a new case in this delightful paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
A big bestseller leads to small town trouble.
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful...
After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Pen and Jack make an awesome sleuthing duo and you can tell that they care about each other. Even though Jack has a gruff rough exterior, you can tell he has special feelings for Pen. I really like his 1940’s jargon, that made him seem more realistic to me. Pen is smart, hardworking and caring, and she cares a lot about Jack. I also enjoyed getting to know Pen’s aunt, Sadie and the mailman Seymour (he was one of my favorites). I thought they added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place. The mystery is carried on throughout the entire book and it was not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. The red herrings were plentiful and added to suspense.
I like the premise of the book: a 1940’s detective and a modern day bookstore, where there are plenty of mysteries. I really enjoy ghost cozies and this one is well written and quite enjoyable. It reminds me of some of my other favorites and that is a good thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted ghost cozy mystery. I am going to go back and read the other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
October 24, 2018
Loved this book! I have been a fan of this series since my husband showed me the first book and said "Look at the title on this one, sounds right up your alley." Since then, I have made sure to buy the books as soon as they came out. Then, this sixth book was announced with no release date. Undeterred, I waited. And waited. It's been 9-ish years that I've waited and boy was I thrilled when I got the chance to pre-order this book. It was on my doorstep this afternoon and I could not stop reading it till I was finished. Such a great book! Pen and Jack are back solving a very interesting murder in her little town of Quindicott, Rhode Island. I really can not wait for the next book! Though, after reading this one, I want to go back and read the whole series again till the next one comes out!
October 10, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
So I can fully admit that this was the first book in the series that I have had time to read but it was still great regardless. I did not really feel like I was missing anything as I met Pen and her ghostly partner in crime. The combination of the two flows quite smoothly with the mystery as well as the book theme as they talk back and forth working to solve the murder that the cops claim is a suicide. Other characters are equally as fascinating making for a wonderful story that was just full of surprises with a twist at the end. If you like cozy mysteries with a ghost and book theme I bet you will really enjoy this one. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
So I can fully admit that this was the first book in the series that I have had time to read but it was still great regardless. I did not really feel like I was missing anything as I met Pen and her ghostly partner in crime. The combination of the two flows quite smoothly with the mystery as well as the book theme as they talk back and forth working to solve the murder that the cops claim is a suicide. Other characters are equally as fascinating making for a wonderful story that was just full of surprises with a twist at the end. If you like cozy mysteries with a ghost and book theme I bet you will really enjoy this one. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
October 26, 2018
Cleo Coyle returns with their sixth book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER. Eager fans have been anxiously awaiting this series. However, this is actually the first time I am reading this series. But as a fan of Coyle’s writing style, I found it remarkably easy to get into this series.
Penelope and Jack are back in this delightful story filled with mischief and mystery. What’s so special about their relationship is the fact that Penelope owns a bookstore and there is a ghost named Jack Shepard who haunts it. In his previous life, he was a private investigator and now, he helps Penelope solves mysteries in this series.
When Penelope suspects that something strange is going on with a bestseller, she enlists the help of Jack, who is always ready and willing to assist with his humorous charm and smart banter. Despite the fact that Jack is a ghost, he certainly makes a big impression and his presence is one that I definitely look forward to.
In terms of style, this series has a more 1940s feel to it because obviously that was when Jack was alive. But it also manifests itself in the bookstore as well, so even though the events are happening in present day, there is a potent old feel to the book.
So, whether you have been one of the loyal fans eagerly awaiting this book or a newcomer, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Pen and Jack’s antics as they solve this magnificent cold case.
Read this review on Fresh Fiction
Penelope and Jack are back in this delightful story filled with mischief and mystery. What’s so special about their relationship is the fact that Penelope owns a bookstore and there is a ghost named Jack Shepard who haunts it. In his previous life, he was a private investigator and now, he helps Penelope solves mysteries in this series.
When Penelope suspects that something strange is going on with a bestseller, she enlists the help of Jack, who is always ready and willing to assist with his humorous charm and smart banter. Despite the fact that Jack is a ghost, he certainly makes a big impression and his presence is one that I definitely look forward to.
In terms of style, this series has a more 1940s feel to it because obviously that was when Jack was alive. But it also manifests itself in the bookstore as well, so even though the events are happening in present day, there is a potent old feel to the book.
So, whether you have been one of the loyal fans eagerly awaiting this book or a newcomer, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Pen and Jack’s antics as they solve this magnificent cold case.
Read this review on Fresh Fiction
October 22, 2018
Enjoyed this long-awaited sequel to the Haunted Bookshop series. 4.5*
August 14, 2018
Penelope Thornton-McClure is a widow with a young son who moved to Rhode Island after her husband's death. After renovating the bookstore that she now co-owns with her aunt Sadie, she discovered that she can communicate with the spirit of a dead private detective, Jack Shepard, who was murdered on the premises back in 1947. She's become used to having him around, which is a good thing since it's apparent there's no lack of crime in small-town Quindacott, and he guides her as she conducts her own investigation along the way.
This time a distinguished older woman has entered her shop for a copy of the newest bestseller, Shades of Leather. But seeing the book has upset her as she exclaims that the young woman on the cover is herself. She runs out of the store, unpaid book in hand, and Penelope is so disturbed by her reaction that she vows to track her down (and, as Jack quite often points out, get the money for the book).
Seeing that the woman left her gloves behind gives her a reason to do so, and as she discovers the information she needs, she goes to the woman's residence - a run-down sort of older Victorian home - and she enters but only finds a parrot. Exploring further she notes that the woman has a wonderful collection of first editions, and exploring further still, she discovers the woman's dead body below a balcony, apparently from a fall.
But Penelope becomes suspicious, sure that any woman who left a dinner still cooking in a crockpot and no suicide note is a victim of foul play. While the police think differently, Jack's on her side as she begins her own probe into the death. She asks the help of her friend Seymour Tarnish, a local postman who has also agreed to temporarily take the bird; and what he discovers after reading the book makes him realize that another friend - J. Parker Brainert, a local college professor - is involved more than he's admitting. But when she finds that Professor Brainert might also be in danger Penelope (and Jack) step up their investigation to get a killer to confess before he or she can kill again...
It's been a few years since the last book in this series was published, and I, for one, am glad to see the resurrection has finally come about. The author has indeed given us a delightful book with Pen and Jack, and it is all that I've hoped for.
The mystery is written extremely well, and the characters are like old friends returned to us after a long absence. I find Seymour rather endearing this time, even in his penchant for kitsch. He's a staunch friend and intelligent enough to figure things out on his own.
This time out we also have a friend of Spencer's, Amy Ridgeway, a precocious twelve-year-old who manages to temporarily join the household and also endear herself to the family with a clear aptitude for learning about the bookstore and how it's managed. I can see her returning to future novels. There's also a bit of humor about something Jack's discovered that's a favorite of Spencer's and brings a bit of lightness to the story.
I also love the dream sequences between Pen and Jack where she's transported to his time, in the guise of helping her solve the murder of her own. It says a lot about the writing that it seems perfectly natural for Pen to transport between eras seamlessly and become a part of Jack's world as much as he has (or can, insofar as a ghost is able) become a part of hers.
The tale is woven tightly and there are plenty of twists and turns, with a lot of red herrings thrown in. While there are misconceptions throughout, this seems necessary for the story to succeed and only adds to the pleasure in reading. When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, everything falls into place nicely as it should giving us a final sense of satisfaction. It says a lot when you close a book and there is a smile on your face, as this one brought to me. Once again, I am glad to see this series brought to life and hope that it's a good, long one. Highly recommended.
This time a distinguished older woman has entered her shop for a copy of the newest bestseller, Shades of Leather. But seeing the book has upset her as she exclaims that the young woman on the cover is herself. She runs out of the store, unpaid book in hand, and Penelope is so disturbed by her reaction that she vows to track her down (and, as Jack quite often points out, get the money for the book).
Seeing that the woman left her gloves behind gives her a reason to do so, and as she discovers the information she needs, she goes to the woman's residence - a run-down sort of older Victorian home - and she enters but only finds a parrot. Exploring further she notes that the woman has a wonderful collection of first editions, and exploring further still, she discovers the woman's dead body below a balcony, apparently from a fall.
But Penelope becomes suspicious, sure that any woman who left a dinner still cooking in a crockpot and no suicide note is a victim of foul play. While the police think differently, Jack's on her side as she begins her own probe into the death. She asks the help of her friend Seymour Tarnish, a local postman who has also agreed to temporarily take the bird; and what he discovers after reading the book makes him realize that another friend - J. Parker Brainert, a local college professor - is involved more than he's admitting. But when she finds that Professor Brainert might also be in danger Penelope (and Jack) step up their investigation to get a killer to confess before he or she can kill again...
It's been a few years since the last book in this series was published, and I, for one, am glad to see the resurrection has finally come about. The author has indeed given us a delightful book with Pen and Jack, and it is all that I've hoped for.
The mystery is written extremely well, and the characters are like old friends returned to us after a long absence. I find Seymour rather endearing this time, even in his penchant for kitsch. He's a staunch friend and intelligent enough to figure things out on his own.
This time out we also have a friend of Spencer's, Amy Ridgeway, a precocious twelve-year-old who manages to temporarily join the household and also endear herself to the family with a clear aptitude for learning about the bookstore and how it's managed. I can see her returning to future novels. There's also a bit of humor about something Jack's discovered that's a favorite of Spencer's and brings a bit of lightness to the story.
I also love the dream sequences between Pen and Jack where she's transported to his time, in the guise of helping her solve the murder of her own. It says a lot about the writing that it seems perfectly natural for Pen to transport between eras seamlessly and become a part of Jack's world as much as he has (or can, insofar as a ghost is able) become a part of hers.
The tale is woven tightly and there are plenty of twists and turns, with a lot of red herrings thrown in. While there are misconceptions throughout, this seems necessary for the story to succeed and only adds to the pleasure in reading. When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, everything falls into place nicely as it should giving us a final sense of satisfaction. It says a lot when you close a book and there is a smile on your face, as this one brought to me. Once again, I am glad to see this series brought to life and hope that it's a good, long one. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2018
At long last, a return to Quindicott...and it was well worth the wait! Reading this book was like diving into a favorite meal, years after the last time--I gobbled it greedily sometimes, and savored it at others. It was absolutely delicious.
The plot of “The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller” is deceptively simple. There’s a body, and the local cops aren’t inclined to investigate it, so Penelope has to, while trying to drum up some help from some perplexingly reluctant friends. But the real beauty of any book by Cleo Coyle is the intricacy, the many details that unfold throughout the book, with plenty of plot twists and a red herring or three. That’s where the surprises and pleasures are, and you will enjoy it.
The partnership of Jack and Pen is, of course, what sets this series apart. Somehow, within the metaphysical limitations, it just makes perfect sense that these two should continue to get closer, and their relationship continues to grow. This is intriguing for many reasons - not the least is wondering what the future can hold for them! The authors know a thing or two about partnerships, having been married and writing partners for years, and their smoothness and wisdom permeate these pages. They are true professionals, and reading anything they write is always satisfying.
The plot of “The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller” is deceptively simple. There’s a body, and the local cops aren’t inclined to investigate it, so Penelope has to, while trying to drum up some help from some perplexingly reluctant friends. But the real beauty of any book by Cleo Coyle is the intricacy, the many details that unfold throughout the book, with plenty of plot twists and a red herring or three. That’s where the surprises and pleasures are, and you will enjoy it.
The partnership of Jack and Pen is, of course, what sets this series apart. Somehow, within the metaphysical limitations, it just makes perfect sense that these two should continue to get closer, and their relationship continues to grow. This is intriguing for many reasons - not the least is wondering what the future can hold for them! The authors know a thing or two about partnerships, having been married and writing partners for years, and their smoothness and wisdom permeate these pages. They are true professionals, and reading anything they write is always satisfying.
October 2, 2018
Ten years we all waited for the next book and you will not be let down. It was worth the wait.
Loved the book. I have been waiting for a long time to read about what antics Pen and Jack get into. When Emma comes into the store and see the cover of a book she goes off the deep end. She almost runs over someone in the street and then commits sucide? Pen knows there is somehting upand with Jack's help she will find out what is going on.
Then we have Amy who is a guest of Spencers. Will we ever hear from her mom?
All the characters are back..unt Sadie, co-owner of the bookstore, mailman Seymour, and Bookmark, the cat. The authors know how to tell astory to keep the reader turing the pages. There are so manyu twists and angels you will be shocked at the end.
It was fun to read Jack help her by letting her in on an old case. It really helped Pen with some clues.
Loved the book. I have been waiting for a long time to read about what antics Pen and Jack get into. When Emma comes into the store and see the cover of a book she goes off the deep end. She almost runs over someone in the street and then commits sucide? Pen knows there is somehting upand with Jack's help she will find out what is going on.
Then we have Amy who is a guest of Spencers. Will we ever hear from her mom?
All the characters are back..unt Sadie, co-owner of the bookstore, mailman Seymour, and Bookmark, the cat. The authors know how to tell astory to keep the reader turing the pages. There are so manyu twists and angels you will be shocked at the end.
It was fun to read Jack help her by letting her in on an old case. It really helped Pen with some clues.
September 30, 2018
Jack and Penelope are back, and I couldn't be happier! I've read every book in this series, waited a very long time for this book to come out, and I was not disappointed. Penelope is a strong woman who has the love and support of family and friends. I love the relationship between Penelope, and Jack, her "spirited" private eye. Penelope is the only one who can communicate with Jack, and he helps her to solve crimes, that she inadvertently gets involved in, by giving suggestions and clues of cases he solved in the past. This is a riveting book and series, and I was glued to the pages. I didn't want it to end. I hope there are many more books in this series, and I don't have to wait so long for the next one to come out!
November 17, 2018
It was a long wait but finally Penny and Jack are back. A bookstore client runs out of the store with an unpaid book, and when Penny follows her home, she finds the client dead on the ground. Did she leap off her balcony? But then, why would she leave a pot roast cooking in the kitchen? Penny and Jack soon find themselves trying to figure out who the woman was, why she reacted so strongly to the author's picture, and who really wrote the book.
It had been so long since I read the last one of the series, that I forgot Penny had a son. I soon regained the thread of the series, and I hope there's more. I'd like to see more books, although I guess a romance between Penny and Jack is unlikely.
It had been so long since I read the last one of the series, that I forgot Penny had a son. I soon regained the thread of the series, and I hope there's more. I'd like to see more books, although I guess a romance between Penny and Jack is unlikely.
October 24, 2018
So I probably wouldn't have given it 5 stars if I hadn't been waiting for forever to read this, but oh my gosh, it really was great. Yes, I had missed Jack and Pen so much, and it was great to be in their world again, and all of the other characters were their usual wonderful selves as well. The mystery itself was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed guessing my way through it. I would have gotten through faster, but I was enjoying the read too much to rush. I didn't have the solution figured out until Pen hit on it, and loved the whole concept. I understand that there is another one in the works, and I can't wait. Love, love, love this series!
January 17, 2019
This is one of my all-time favorite series and it has been nearly 10 years since I read book #5, because that has been the expanse of time since the last volume in this series. Thank goodness, Jack & Pen have returned, because they are a super investigative team and both of their lives are interesting reading! It did not feel like it had been nearly a decade since our last reading adventure! This is a good mystery book for people who enjoy friendly ghost stories (think Topper if you ever watched that TV show), old movies, and cozy mysteries, especially ones that have more than one mystery happening at a time. A book that makes me laugh out loud is a bonus!
October 8, 2018
It is so good to have this series back. I Loved this latest installment.
October 7, 2018
Another great book in this series. Will say the ending took me by surprise.
October 19, 2018
This is a excellent book.It's the ghost and Mrs. muir meets a murder mystery.It's a witty and fun book to read.All the books in this series(the haunted bookshop)are good.
September 2, 2018
This was a fun enjoyable mystery. In this book we follow Penelope who is a widowed mother and co-owns a bookstore with her aunt. She also works with the ghost of a private detective, Jack, who was killed on the premises in the 1940's. As the book starts, Penelope is helping a customer who becomes extremely distressed when she notices the author cover photo on a brand new bestseller. The customer claims that the photo is of her and runs out of the store. Pen and Jack decide to try and find the customer to see if she is alright and also to get payment for the book. When that same customer turns up dead, they go on their own investigation and try to unravel what happened. Many twists and turns lie ahead as pieces start to come together.
I really liked the humor in this book and it had a good solid mystery. I also appreciated the distinction of Jack's voice in keeping with the proper lingo from his time period. Overall, this was a fun fast read.
I really liked the humor in this book and it had a good solid mystery. I also appreciated the distinction of Jack's voice in keeping with the proper lingo from his time period. Overall, this was a fun fast read.
March 16, 2023
Below is my review from 2018 when I read it on my Nook. I am re-reading the series in audio format and doing what I typically don't do....reading/listening to the entire series one after the other. Sort of chain-reading/listening.
I can still absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
****
I have missed this series so much! So very glad it's returned. I have a crush on fictional character Jack Shepherd, who is a ghost from back in the day of dames, gams, noir mystery talk. It's a good mystery but it's the little touches that I adore. How Jack and Pen talk to each other, how he can bring her to his back-in-the-day via her dreams to make a point, how Jack is able to come along with Pen.
The characters are varied and vivid, the make you smile or grimace.
Pen has a lot on her plate being a small-business owner, a mom, an investigator much to the dismay of the local cops. She makes it all work and I didn't roll my eyes once with how it all works out. That happens in some of the books I read. I know there is no way a normal person could do everything that they do in the book like having snacks ready at the snap of a finger, decorations pulled from somewhere, different dishes for each holiday, kids disappearing or seemingly able to take care of themselves or even pets.
Pen follows the clues with Jack's help and makes for a good mystery.
I can absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.
I can still absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
****
I have missed this series so much! So very glad it's returned. I have a crush on fictional character Jack Shepherd, who is a ghost from back in the day of dames, gams, noir mystery talk. It's a good mystery but it's the little touches that I adore. How Jack and Pen talk to each other, how he can bring her to his back-in-the-day via her dreams to make a point, how Jack is able to come along with Pen.
The characters are varied and vivid, the make you smile or grimace.
Pen has a lot on her plate being a small-business owner, a mom, an investigator much to the dismay of the local cops. She makes it all work and I didn't roll my eyes once with how it all works out. That happens in some of the books I read. I know there is no way a normal person could do everything that they do in the book like having snacks ready at the snap of a finger, decorations pulled from somewhere, different dishes for each holiday, kids disappearing or seemingly able to take care of themselves or even pets.
Pen follows the clues with Jack's help and makes for a good mystery.
I can absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.
January 24, 2019
Oh my goodness, I was so glad to see Jack again! I have missed him so!!!
Penelope and Jack are one of my favorite sleuthing teams, and they are finally back and find themselves in one of their most challenging cases yet. It all starts when a customer comes into Penelope’s bookshop and runs out in a panic, while taking a book without paying for it. Little does Penelope know how complicated things are getting ready to get for her.
It was great seeing all the characters I have come to love again. As with the other books, readers get a glimpse into Jack’s past. That is one of my favorite things about the series. Penelope and Jack make such a great team together. It is the continued development of these two characters that make this one of my favorite series.
One of my favorite things about the book were the clever titles of each chapter with a quote from various people, characters, or books. It hinted at what each chapter would be about! It made the flow of the book seamless in my opinion.
This is a great mystery, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long before seeing Penelope and Jack again!!!!
Penelope and Jack are one of my favorite sleuthing teams, and they are finally back and find themselves in one of their most challenging cases yet. It all starts when a customer comes into Penelope’s bookshop and runs out in a panic, while taking a book without paying for it. Little does Penelope know how complicated things are getting ready to get for her.
It was great seeing all the characters I have come to love again. As with the other books, readers get a glimpse into Jack’s past. That is one of my favorite things about the series. Penelope and Jack make such a great team together. It is the continued development of these two characters that make this one of my favorite series.
One of my favorite things about the book were the clever titles of each chapter with a quote from various people, characters, or books. It hinted at what each chapter would be about! It made the flow of the book seamless in my opinion.
This is a great mystery, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long before seeing Penelope and Jack again!!!!
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