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Brenda Sheffield Rivers and her staff transform the entire Queen Anne structure into enough spooky figures and decorations to put everyone in tune with Fright Night. Every guest has arrived specifically to take advantage of the night.

Brenda, Phyllis and Allie prepare their tours. Their tall tales have been embellished until they almost believe them themselves. Brenda and her Detective husband are interrupted when Ryan Meyers alerts them that their room has been ransacked. Detective Rivers calls in assistance and combs the room for evidence of an intruder. None is found which causes Mac to believe the guests left their room unlocked by mistake. He assures Brenda he believes someone has pranked them as a Halloween act. Brenda leaves Mac to begin her first tour. She weaves frightening stories as she swings her lantern to cast shadows on her face and those following her.

By the time she gives her fourth tour, she hears rustling behind the hallway wall. She tells her tourists it could possibly be an entity hiding in the walls. She suspects a small animal has gotten inside somehow. When she takes her next tour group up, she and a couple of the followers hear a soft distinct cough. Brenda becomes distracted and then turns her astonishment into part of the scene she is playing out. Brenda knows there are no entrances that would allow anyone to squeeze behind the walls. Mac doubts her. He tells her she heard sounds from the raging storm going on outside. The party goes along well and when the last outside guest leaves, everyone else turns in for what is left of the night. Brenda and Mac opt to stay in Brenda’s former apartment on second floor. They are awakened by a blood-curling scream. Lauren Meyers races from the room she shares with her husband. Blood stains her nightclothes. When Mac enters the room, the body of Ryan Meyers is dead on the bed. Lauren swears she knows who the murderer is. She is adamant that her estranged father has escaped from the mental hospital and meant to kill her and not her husband.

As evidence is being collected, Brenda tells Mac she is going to search for whoever is hiding out behind the hallway wall. He tells her to go ahead but not to expect any great discovery. When she finds the secret panel that opens, she starts down the narrow passageway. The panel slips closed behind her and she finds herself face to face with a wild-looking man. She has no idea how he got into the unknown hallway nor his identity. She fears never being found since no one can tell that the panel is a door. Will the madman with the dangling knife from his pocket allow her to return to the lighted hallway? The one sure fact is she is face to face with Ryan Meyers’ killer.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2019

228 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Meadows

182 books432 followers
Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.

Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.

When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.

Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
372 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2019
While I really loved the bed and breakfast with Halloween theme background of the story, I found it too easy to discern the murderer. There really only was one choice. I would have enjoyed it so much more if there were several suspects that it could have been. I enjoyed it enough that I would purchase a second book in the series to see if it was more like what I was expecting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,004 reviews44 followers
April 15, 2019
For such a simple coastal town, and a sweet B & B, Sweetfern Harbor seems to draw out all sorts of crazies - in some cases only those who are very interested in a haunted Halloween adventure. Others drawn there are out to defend their own self interests in a twisted way.

Barbara and Mac found their way to their second chance at romance ad life together. Their work with the local police keep them interested in things other than their B & B.

Ryan and Lauren are a sweet couple who are among the adventurers come to take the haunted tours, eat festive Halloween themed foods, and enjoy themselves. Unlike Seth, the love of her younger life, Ryan has a love for Lauren for herself. Well, Seth had as well, until his wealthy family intervened, and he let Lauren drop like a hot rock. As one woman who recognized Lauren from her younger days says, in Ryan perhaps Lauren found the right man.

Perhaps Sweetfern Harbor really can be the start of a new beginning for Lauren.

Twists and turns, and unexpected hidden passages, and the twisted mind of a killer, as well as the twisted hopes of a past love visit less happy things to the town.

An edge of your seat tangled mystery, murder, and small town embracing of fresh starts - all wound up in a great KU read!

I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read the book on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. My review my own heartfelt fun and appreciation of a sweet yet sometimes lethal coastal town!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book117 followers
April 26, 2019
At the B&B, they're putting on a special Halloween Fright Night. The crew works extra hard to create decorations and food as well as prepare stories to tell on their ghost walk tour through the building. People are staying at the B&B just to have the complete experience. And what an adventure they get when, as the ghost tours are happening, strange sounds and laughter are heard that seem to be coming out of nowhere. It's all in good Halloween fun, right? But things are not as they seem when one of the guests turns up murdered. Then while doing an investigation, a hidden tunnel is found, but Brenda is not alone...

Who murdered the guest? Is it the crazy-looking guy in the tunnel? What is up with those strange sounds? Is anyone else in danger?

I enjoyed the setup of this book, as we get to meet each of the overnight guests as they sign in. It reminded me of Clue, where a strange cast of characters comes together, and in this fishbowl, much can go awry... especially on Halloween! This small town, even without B&B guests, has a fantastic set of quirky characters, and I love to see the interactions between couples and friends. Despite how murdery this town seems, I think it might be fun to live there.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at http://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,300 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2019
I have not read any booksin this series by Wendy Meadows, but that didn't seem to be a problem. It was easy to jump right into the story and get to know these well developed characters. It did appear to be fairly easy to discover who the killer was though - there really was only was one real choice.  A few more suspects to choose from would have been more challenging. The twisted mind of the killer, the intrigue, suspense, even secret passages made this a good mystery, 

The Sheffield Bed and Breakfast staff are hustling to get ready for their annual Fright Night Halloween Party.  As assorted guests start arriving, faint noises are heard in the walls but dismissed, pending a call to pest control the next day.  

The B&B is filled with couples, adventurers that have come to experience and participate in the haunted tours, eat festive Halloween themed foods, and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

This is a perfect 4-star Halloween mystery. The plot twists and turns kept my attention until the very end. This story was intense at times and much darker than other cozy mysteries I've read, more of a thriller cozy

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,267 reviews97 followers
April 27, 2019
As the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast gets things ready for their Haloween Fright Night, the guests are all checking in. Every one of the guests is excited about the Fright Night and how the B&B has been decorated. The night goes well, especially for Ryan and Lauren Meyers. Ryan wins the contest for a free weekend at the B&B with his zombie act. The act seems to upset Lauren some, but she brushes it off. Later that night Lauren wakes to a figure in their room, he has a knife and attacks Ryan. How did he get in their room? It was locked. Brenda and Mac rush to their room to find Lauren there and Ryan dead. But how did the killer get in the room? Brenda remembers on one of the tours she heard a cough behind one of the walls. How could that be? Later on, she goes searching for a hidden passageway. Does she find it? What else does she find? Why was Ryan killed? Lauren says it has to do with her past. What is her past? You will need to read the book to find out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
April 8, 2019
Halloween has rolled around once again and the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast is gearing up for their annual Fright Night event. New guests have arrived to stay at the B&B and are more than excited to take part in the holiday festivities. When both the chef and Brenda hear noises in the wall, they both pray that an animal or rats haven’t made a home. However, when a guest is brutally murdered in his locked room, it appears that something more sinister is happening. Once again Brenda, her detective Max, and the rest of the B&B staff are on the case to solve the murder.

I found this book in the series to be a bit darker than the other books especially in the manner of the murder. It had less humor than previous books, but still had a good amount of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. As always, the well-developed characters and plot of the story were spot on and kept me reading until the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
871 reviews93 followers
April 24, 2019
Although I own several kindle books by this author, I had not read the earlier books in this series. I found I was able to follow along without any issues, so it can be read as a stand alone.

Brenda Sheffield Rivers and her staff transform the entire Queen Anne structure into enough spooky figures and decorations to put everyone in tune with Fright Night. Every guest has arrived specifically to take advantage of the night. Between ransacked rooms, strange noises in the walls and finally murder , will Brenda figure out who the killer is ...

The characters are well developed and likable. This story drew me in right away, kept a steady pace enough so that I could not put it down until I finished it. I plan on reading the rest of this series as I already own several and liked that it was short enough that I could read in an afternoon.

I requested and received a advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2019
Very fast quick easy to read book. You can sit down and read in a few hours or one sitting.

This is my first in this series but not with this author. I can say that you can pick up and read from here and not be lost(book 14). The blurb above gives a lot of info about book which I just saw. I read book before seeing it. I think I would like to go back at same point and read previous book just for the progression.

I gave it only Three stars because I found that even though there is a wrap up at the end of the book, it left me with more questions than answers. I felt like there is a part two coming. I do not know if this is because I read an ARC copy and it was an earlier version. If changes were made an author would like me to reread that book, i would be happy to and revise my review.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Valerie.
738 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2019
Spooky

This is one of her best cozy mystery series. And this book was awesome,spooky and intense. With it being Halloween that just made to story so much more. Brenda is having a big Halloween weekend planned at the end with all kind of activities. Everyone from the guest to the town
is excited about it.
Brenda notices at the talent show her young guest is shook up as her husband is performing. But later they find their room ransacked. She wondered what is going on. The chef is hearing noises in the walls
When there is a guest murdered she knows there is more going on then rats in the walls. Mac and her have to work to figure out who did it before it happens again.
I really love and enjoy this series and all the characters.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews53 followers
April 15, 2019
Do as I say, not as I do.

A much better read than the last book. A traumatic childhood sets the scene for this murder.
Halloween and a party. What could be better. Although people are wondering about the scratch and sounds they keep hearing coming from the solid walls. The party is a huge success until screams come from one of the guests later that night. She is hysterical. Her husband is lying dead in the bed where she had awoken to see a figure with a knife stabbing at him. A mental institution, secret passages and someone intent on getting what they want. Even if it means another murder - hers. Will they stop the killer and find out the truth?
Profile Image for Pam.
338 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2019
I love this series. I wish I could move to Sweetfern Harbor!

In this one, Brenda and crew are getting ready for their Halloween Haunted event. The guests are all excited to see ghosts or find hidden rooms. Brenda does indeed stumble upon a hidden passageway while investigating the murder of one of the guests. She and the team try to act as normal as possible to keep from scaring the rest of the guests while still solving the murder.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Era Yuskristianti.
34 reviews
April 6, 2019
It's a good story. The crime mystery is cozy yet suspenseful. I like how the author describe the everything in details that captivate my mind. The story is even spookier since the story happen to be around Halloween. I imagine that the description of the guesthouse's Halloween decoration add the more spooky feeling. I just feel a bit disappointed because I can catch the culprit easily. So, it feels like there's no surprise when I reach the revelation. Even so, it's still a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
341 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2019
I'd like to start with saying that I really like the titles if Wendy Meadows' books. They give the reader an idea of what the book is about, but there's much more behind the title. The plot of the book left me wanting to read more. This was another great addition to the Sweetfern Harbor series that all Wendy Meadows' fans must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
229 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2019
This is a fantastic series by Wendy Meadows and I absolutely loved this book. The characters are real and interesting and I love the friendship between the main Brenda and Phyllis. The town of Sweetfern Harbor sounds quaint and lovely and a place I would love to visit. This story was a tad darker than the pervious books but fitting for a Halloween mystery. The twists and turns kept my attention until the very end. I had a hard time putting this down. I highly recommend this series!
145 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2019
Thisi is another fantastic boo in the Sweetfern Harbour Series. Brenda and Mac find one of their guests mirdered and this leads to the discovery of a hidden passage in thwor bed and breakfast. Another guest must face a very troubled individual from her past. Recommend this book abd series to anyone who likes a good mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,700 reviews26 followers
April 28, 2019
It's time for the annual Fright Night event at the B & B and this year the decorations are even better, to top it off all the guests seem like nice people! Alas someone turns up dead on Halloween night and in turn we find out about secrets that the Sheffield B & B as well as one of the guests. There was some great suspense, twists and of course as always some stella investigation work by Brenda!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
April 28, 2019
Book fourteen in the Sweetfern Harbor Mystery series a well written story that had me turning pages. Brenda Sheffield Rivers and Detective Mac Rivers have a case with hidden rooms and passages, murder, a mad man, suspense, drama, danger, a woman who has gone through so much in her life and will have to go through more before this case is solved. I enjoyed reading this book it kept me turning pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
416 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2019
Halloween 🎃 Thriller!
An eerie thunder storm adds drama to Fright Night at the Sheffield B & B and sets the stage for a haunting murder behind a locked door. A wonderful combination of suspense, intrigue, drama, hidden passages, secret pasts, and warm relatable characters made for a very enjoyable read. This is the first book I’ve read from the series but I plan on reading the rest. Enjoy!

I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
374 reviews
February 2, 2020
Intriguing suspenseful more intense

It this a bit more intense than previous books in the series. The father was scary unlike other murderers. There were great introduction of wonderful characters that were not used enough. There were thoughts that Brenda made but not followed through like Seth & the father. The ending was typical ending on a happy quirky note with Brenda & Max but fell flat as it seemed a conclusion was missing.
174 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
Of all the books in this series this one I believe is the best. It’s on Halloween when they’re doing the fright tours at the B&B. Chef Pierre Is hearing noises in the wall. He mentioned it to Brenda Brenda is thinking oh, I need to call the exterminator and have him come and look. She’s doing a tour and here scratches and a man. This in my opinion is fast action packed and scary at parts. Enjoy yes I highly recommend
Profile Image for Dan Hunt.
69 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
When a story is set during the Halloween season you never know what to expect especially from the pen of Wendy Meadows. This story has secret twists and turns that are surprising and suspenseful.Read and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,771 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2019
I’ve not read the earlier books in this series yet, but was able to jump right into the story and get to know the characters without any issues. The characters are well developed and likable. This story was intense at times and kept me turning the page! Totally recommend reading it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
919 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2019
The Sheffield Bed and Breakfast is bustling to get ready for the Fright Night Halloween Party. Strange sounds are heard and dismissed as assorted guests arrive. So begins another excellent novel by Wendy Meadows. I recommend all of the Sweetfern Harbor Mystery Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,024 reviews19 followers
April 28, 2019
A great series. The continuing story of Brenda and Mac and their close friends Phyllis and William. This story was unhappier than the other books, but the story was well crafted. Love the town and the citizens of Sweetfern Harbor. Enjoyed each one of the series and looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,615 reviews32 followers
May 1, 2019
I have read several of this author's series and I absolutely love this one. Halloween is such a great holiday and this is now a favorite of mine from this series. The characters are wonderful as usual and the story kept me guessing to the end!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2019
She does it again!

I really enjoy this series because it seems so syrupy sweet and clean-cut innocent. But underlying all that is sharp insightful observations on the nuances of the characters personalities as they grapple with very far-from syrupy or innocent situations & circumstances. All the main characters are real & appealing. Please keep this series coming,Wendy!!
1,063 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2019
Great read

I love this series Wendy Meadows and I can't wait to see what Brenda finds next if you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series is a must read
114 reviews
April 18, 2019
Another wonderful story

I am always amazed at the talent of this author. Even though the who was revealed fairly early, the why was left to the end. Chillingly realistic villain. Looking forward to the next storyline and new and repeating characters.
Profile Image for Barbara.
3,358 reviews80 followers
April 23, 2019
This slightly scary PG13 Halloween tale can be read in a day and is set in the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast in Sweetfern Harbor.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
13 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2019
Heart pounding

Another heart pounding surprising ending!
Love this author as she comes up with new and unusual stories and story lines and settings!
Looking forward to her next book!



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