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Haunted Home Renovation Mystery #8
The Last Curtain Call
A new ghoulish mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Ghostly Light featuring Mel Turner, a ghost-whispering contractor.
Mel Turner can’t resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco Art Deco movie palace, back to life. But there’s a catch for Turner Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren’t the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater.…
When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds being on the other side of a home renovation project more challenging than she expected.
When Mel discovers that the former owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn—one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.
Mel Turner can’t resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco Art Deco movie palace, back to life. But there’s a catch for Turner Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren’t the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater.…
When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds being on the other side of a home renovation project more challenging than she expected.
When Mel discovers that the former owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn—one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.
318 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
203 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,918 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
April 21, 2020
I have read several of the series by this author, and especially like the ones set in the San Francisco bay area. (I was pleased that she even brought in a character from the Lily Ivory series, also set in San Francisco, to interact with Mel.). Melanie (Mel) Turner has taken over her dad's construction business, which concentrates on historic renovations. Mel also finds that she can see ghosts at the job sites, which often makes things complicated. The house that her fiance has purchased in Oakland has a talkative ghost who was a starlet in the 1920's, and coincidentally Turner Construction is renovating an old theater downtown. Is the theater haunted? Why did the previous construction crew leave the job? And can a ghost be responsible for a murder? So many cozy mysteries are predictable and formulaic, but not Juliet Blackwell's, so if you are looking for a relaxing read with a strong female protagonist, give this novel a try. I'm glad that the publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
The latest addition to the "Haunted Home Renovation" series from Juliet Blackwell, The Last Curtain Call, may be the best one yet! As someone who has renovated many houses, I can relate easily to Mel and her father. As characters, they are wonderfully human; the dynamic between father and daughter is filled with everything real parents and children experience. As for Lando, Mel's finance, he is protective but not smothering so, and it is obvious that he loves and cares about Mel.
The introduction of new characters is always fraught with pitfalls. Ms. Blackwell is a professional at skirting these types of issues and allowing readers to enjoy and get to know new characters without making them so dislikable as to be affronted. Mixing in the renovation of an old vaudeville era theater gives readers a glimpse into history and murder while keeping them entertained and interested.
The victim is very likable, and it was a shame in some ways to see her die. There weren't too many suspects or motives; most readers will be thrilled when the killer is unmasked. If they haven't figured out who the culprit is before the final chapter, they will be happy to realize that deep down, they suspected the killer all along but didn't know it until the end. Murder, ghost, and renovation/restoration make for a captivating story, and The Last Curtain Call keeps readers on their toes. Adding in a resident ghost to Mel and Landon's new (old) home is delightful, and I hope we get to hear more from this new character in future books. I am overjoyed to recommend this book and the entire series to readers who enjoy ghosts, renovation, phenomenal
characters and electrifying plots filled with action.
The introduction of new characters is always fraught with pitfalls. Ms. Blackwell is a professional at skirting these types of issues and allowing readers to enjoy and get to know new characters without making them so dislikable as to be affronted. Mixing in the renovation of an old vaudeville era theater gives readers a glimpse into history and murder while keeping them entertained and interested.
The victim is very likable, and it was a shame in some ways to see her die. There weren't too many suspects or motives; most readers will be thrilled when the killer is unmasked. If they haven't figured out who the culprit is before the final chapter, they will be happy to realize that deep down, they suspected the killer all along but didn't know it until the end. Murder, ghost, and renovation/restoration make for a captivating story, and The Last Curtain Call keeps readers on their toes. Adding in a resident ghost to Mel and Landon's new (old) home is delightful, and I hope we get to hear more from this new character in future books. I am overjoyed to recommend this book and the entire series to readers who enjoy ghosts, renovation, phenomenal
characters and electrifying plots filled with action.
July 1, 2020
The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell the 8th A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend this spirited cozy mystery series. Melanie “Mel” Turner learned construction from her father and she now runs Turner Construction which specializes in renovating historic homes. Mel is a smart and gutsy woman with special abilities that she inherited from her mother. I would like to see Mel embrace her gift fully. Mel recently became engaged to Landon Demetrius, a math professor. There is some tension between them over the renovation and Mel’s inability to set a wedding date. I thought The Last Curtain Call was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. I love the humor in the story that had me chuckling frequently. I also enjoyed all the paranormal activity in this story. Spooky sounds and a variety of ghosts liven up this tale. The mystery was entertaining with a variety of suspects, active investigating, and misdirection. Mel questions a diverse group of people in her quest to find the killer. There are ghostly clues and suspense. I like how everything tied together and wrapped up at the end. It was great that the author included Lily Ivory and Oscar from A Witchcraft Mystery series (just love that series). I cannot wait for the next A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. The Last Curtain Call is an enchanting cozy mystery with renovation rows, spooky specters, taboo tenants, a historic haven, and multiple murder mysteries.
November 1, 2020
Mel Turner is the head of her family's construction company. She is asked to bid a job to restore an old vaudeville era theatre complete with beautiful decorating touches from the time when theatres were show places. ( Where I live several of these have been restored and they are really something, and of course, like the one in the book some of them are considered haunted.)
Mel can see ghosts and there are some in the building. However, the real problems start when a homeless person is killed.
Apart from that there is something fishy about the group funding the project for the theatre renovation. Plus there is a ghost of a starlet from the hey day times of the Crockett theatre haunting Mel's house.
Lots of story threads keeps it interesting! Fun haunted construction series set in San Francisco.
Mel can see ghosts and there are some in the building. However, the real problems start when a homeless person is killed.
Apart from that there is something fishy about the group funding the project for the theatre renovation. Plus there is a ghost of a starlet from the hey day times of the Crockett theatre haunting Mel's house.
Lots of story threads keeps it interesting! Fun haunted construction series set in San Francisco.
August 20, 2020
3.5 Stars
Enjoyable cozy. I like Mel's character and her "gift". Keeps you not knowing when one of the ghosts will show up and what will happen when they do.
Enjoyable cozy. I like Mel's character and her "gift". Keeps you not knowing when one of the ghosts will show up and what will happen when they do.
June 20, 2021
I loved this 8th in the series as I have the whole series so far. Mel has her hands full, planning a wedding, construction on her new home, bringing back to life a new movie theater filled with squatters, ghosts and throw a dead body on top, Mel is pulled in all directions.
I love these characters, I love the whole family relationship. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing, with everything explained nicely in the end. I will definitely continue on with this series.
I love these characters, I love the whole family relationship. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing, with everything explained nicely in the end. I will definitely continue on with this series.
May 28, 2023
I really love this series! This ghosts in this one were scarier than in any of the previous books. There was an epilogue in this book which hasn’t happened before, so I really hope this isn’t the last one in the series.
June 26, 2020
Will review at www.fantasyliterature.com.
May 29, 2020
Blackwell writes about two of my favorite topics—house renovation and ghosts. Best of all, she does it well, with in-depth characterization, rich history, and intelligent plotting.
Mel Turner has taken over her father’s renovation-contracting business, although he still participates. She’s engaged to a hunky math professor who worries about her affinity for ghosts but accepts it. I love that Mel is savvy and not prone to pulling stupid stunts. She does her research—and this time its for an early 1900s movie palace, complete with its own ghost story. The reader is given lovely glimpses into the city of San Francisco, the background of early movies, and insights into the immense undertaking involved in restoring one of these grand old palaces.
At the same time, she’s renovating her fiancé’s home—which has its very own ghost, an old-time movie starlet who reportedly killed her lover, then herself. The ghost is charming, but it’s the murder of a squatter in the movie theater that keeps the story rolling. The mystery is entirely about the journey through the theater’s history to uncover the motive for the killing—and the connection to Mel’s ghost. I’m just thrilled to go along for the ride!
Mel Turner has taken over her father’s renovation-contracting business, although he still participates. She’s engaged to a hunky math professor who worries about her affinity for ghosts but accepts it. I love that Mel is savvy and not prone to pulling stupid stunts. She does her research—and this time its for an early 1900s movie palace, complete with its own ghost story. The reader is given lovely glimpses into the city of San Francisco, the background of early movies, and insights into the immense undertaking involved in restoring one of these grand old palaces.
At the same time, she’s renovating her fiancé’s home—which has its very own ghost, an old-time movie starlet who reportedly killed her lover, then herself. The ghost is charming, but it’s the murder of a squatter in the movie theater that keeps the story rolling. The mystery is entirely about the journey through the theater’s history to uncover the motive for the killing—and the connection to Mel’s ghost. I’m just thrilled to go along for the ride!
April 23, 2020
I loved the history throughout the latest Mel Turner Mystery, The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell. It’s fun to see Mel take on renovating her future home and a historic theater at the same time! These wouldn’t be Mel’s renovations without a haunting of some kind. I really enjoyed the ghost backstory of Hildy Hildecott. She gives Mel a dress that leads to a character crossover where Mel visits Aunt Cora’s closet to consult another Blackwell character, Lilly Ivory from the Witchcraft Mysteries series. It was fun to see these characters interact. I love how soothing seeing Mel with her family is, keeps the ghost busting from being too scary. As usual Blackwell crafts stunning imagery of the renovations, making me feel like I’m actually in an old theater in San Francisco. The book moves quickly and the plot is developed thoroughly keeping me entertained as a reader. Looking forward to seeing what else Blackwell has in store for Mel in the next one!
February 19, 2022
I don't normally care for anything tagged as 'paranormal,' but I find this series about a woman-run construction company thoroughly enjoyable. The main character, Mel(anie) Turner, has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. She's encountered a ghost from the flapper era as she begins renovation of her new home. Additionally, as her construction company begins work on renovation of an historic theater, her ghost vibes are on high alert. Weird things are happening and they seem, somehow, to tie back to her ghost at home.
July 10, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mel Turner and her crew are renovating the Crockett Theatre. They hit a snag when they find out there are squatters in the building. When one of the squatters winds up dead, there is no shortage of suspects. I love this series. The characters are so wonderfully written and I always enjoy the mystery. I love Mel and Landon's relationship and can't wait to read more in the series.
June 4, 2020
I saw this book on Netgalley and couldn't wait to get my hands on it and it was every bit as good as the blurb made it out to be. This is my first entry into this series (this one is number 8!) so I can safely say that it can be read as a standalone.
I sat down one evening with some time to kill before LivePD started and ended up missing the show! This was just too good to put down. So much to like about it, from the great characters to the amazing plot to the wonderful setting in an old decrepit theater.
Mel is an expert in renovating houses (always a huge draw for me, I love old houses and I love when people restore them instead of ripping out the character and making it an open-plan-granite-countertop-marble-floor monstrosity. But that's another topic.) So, when Mel lands the plum job of restoring an old run down theater that she once visited with her late mother, she goes to have a look.Purchased by a mysterious organization whose motives are unclear, Mel is wary, especially after another contractor was dismissed from the job seemingly without any reason. At the theater, Mel finds a lot of work that needs to be done, as well as a small group of squatters who have to relocated before work can begin.
While assessing what needs to be done, one of the squatters is found, strangled and set on top of the Wurlitzer organ, which rises slowly, revealing her dead body.
Meanwhile, Mel and boyfriend Landon have bought an old house and are renovating it when they discover the ghost of a flapper in the attic, surrounded by her dresses. One of the dresses has a long rip in it and Mel also tries to unravel why she is haunting the attic.
So, several things to solve in this book, and the pace swept along quickly, always a new clue popping up. I really enjoyed how it unfolded and the exciting conclusion capped off a really great book.
If I was to point out any shortcomings, it's that the ending, while satisfying and thrilling, seemed to come about rather quickly although I do have to say that there was really no clue as to who the culprit was. Still, I enjoyed every bit of it and you can bet I'll go out and catch up on the other 7 books!
I sat down one evening with some time to kill before LivePD started and ended up missing the show! This was just too good to put down. So much to like about it, from the great characters to the amazing plot to the wonderful setting in an old decrepit theater.
Mel is an expert in renovating houses (always a huge draw for me, I love old houses and I love when people restore them instead of ripping out the character and making it an open-plan-granite-countertop-marble-floor monstrosity. But that's another topic.) So, when Mel lands the plum job of restoring an old run down theater that she once visited with her late mother, she goes to have a look.Purchased by a mysterious organization whose motives are unclear, Mel is wary, especially after another contractor was dismissed from the job seemingly without any reason. At the theater, Mel finds a lot of work that needs to be done, as well as a small group of squatters who have to relocated before work can begin.
While assessing what needs to be done, one of the squatters is found, strangled and set on top of the Wurlitzer organ, which rises slowly, revealing her dead body.
Meanwhile, Mel and boyfriend Landon have bought an old house and are renovating it when they discover the ghost of a flapper in the attic, surrounded by her dresses. One of the dresses has a long rip in it and Mel also tries to unravel why she is haunting the attic.
So, several things to solve in this book, and the pace swept along quickly, always a new clue popping up. I really enjoyed how it unfolded and the exciting conclusion capped off a really great book.
If I was to point out any shortcomings, it's that the ending, while satisfying and thrilling, seemed to come about rather quickly although I do have to say that there was really no clue as to who the culprit was. Still, I enjoyed every bit of it and you can bet I'll go out and catch up on the other 7 books!
June 21, 2020
It had been quite a while I’d read a book in this series, and to be honest, in the other series I’ve read of her before. Now that I’ve read this one, I don’t know why I haven’t. This one finds Mel and Landon at odds over some reconstruction on their new house, but of course it doesn’t take long before Mel finds a ghost or two and is drawn into a mystery. This book is a lot of fun, and I love how Mel seems to be able to juggle everything but still make mistakes once in a while. Well-written, fun characters, an interesting mystery and a great plot with moments of fun and moments of chilling terror, this is a cozy paranormal mystery not to be missed even if the end was a little fast. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 5, 2020
I'm a huge fan of Juliet Blackwell and love both her paranormal cosy series.
This is the last in "Haunted Home Renovation" and, even if it's not the best instalment, it was a gripping and entertaining read that I read in one setting.
I was more than happy to meet again the great cast of characters, found the plot interesting and the paranormal aspect creepier than usual.
The mystery was solid and the solution came as a surprise. Unfortunately the mystery investigation often takes the backseat to other subplots even if they're all somehow related.
I had a lot of fun reading it and it's strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is the last in "Haunted Home Renovation" and, even if it's not the best instalment, it was a gripping and entertaining read that I read in one setting.
I was more than happy to meet again the great cast of characters, found the plot interesting and the paranormal aspect creepier than usual.
The mystery was solid and the solution came as a surprise. Unfortunately the mystery investigation often takes the backseat to other subplots even if they're all somehow related.
I had a lot of fun reading it and it's strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 29, 2020
5 stars
This is the eighth book in the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell.
Totally enjoyed this stunner of a book. I couldn’t put it down. The pages just flew by. I will definitely need to read more books from this series. It was just a fun ride.
Mel Turner has taken over responsibility for her father’s business and they got a contract to fix up an old movie house. When they get there, they discover a previous contractor had started the job but they were called in to finish it. This book just has it all. A ghost usher, a flapper ghost in Mel’s own house tied to the mystery of the movie palace. Just a bunch of fun stuff here.
If you like a bit of paranormal in your cozy, definitely try this one on for size.
Highly recommended.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the eighth book in the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell.
Totally enjoyed this stunner of a book. I couldn’t put it down. The pages just flew by. I will definitely need to read more books from this series. It was just a fun ride.
Mel Turner has taken over responsibility for her father’s business and they got a contract to fix up an old movie house. When they get there, they discover a previous contractor had started the job but they were called in to finish it. This book just has it all. A ghost usher, a flapper ghost in Mel’s own house tied to the mystery of the movie palace. Just a bunch of fun stuff here.
If you like a bit of paranormal in your cozy, definitely try this one on for size.
Highly recommended.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 27, 2020
This is another great installment of the Haunted Home Renovations series. I loved seeing how Mel's paranormal talents are developing over the course of each book as much as I enjoy hanging out with the regular cast of characters. As always, the mystery was intriguing and the historical detail was awesome. There was even a fun cross-over bit with Lily Ivory from the Witchcraft Mysteries. Lastly, Blackwell has a knack for great one-liners and funny observations about daily life. Such a great book!
May 15, 2021
Another solid entry in this paranormal cozy mystery series. I like my cozy mysteries with main characters who aren’t prone to doing stupid things, and who are capable. Mel, a builder and a person who sees ghosts, is both sensible and capable. I enjoyed the mystery in this one, which appeared to be two separate mysteries at first - one at Mel’s new home and one at an old theatre - but as events unfold we find them connected. This series (and the Witchcraft Mysteries) have become instant reads for me!
May 10, 2020
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in this series.
I was extremely excited to connect with Mel Turner, her dad, her uncle, and her step son, Caleb.
I missed a few important things, but I immediately reconnected with Mel and I really enjoyed this book.
The paranormal aspect of the story was great, I enjoyed meeting Hildey and was happy that Mel didn’t give up on finding the truth.
I’m looking forward to reading the books I’ve missed.
I was extremely excited to connect with Mel Turner, her dad, her uncle, and her step son, Caleb.
I missed a few important things, but I immediately reconnected with Mel and I really enjoyed this book.
The paranormal aspect of the story was great, I enjoyed meeting Hildey and was happy that Mel didn’t give up on finding the truth.
I’m looking forward to reading the books I’ve missed.
January 29, 2022
I'm currently not sure how different from Graham, Landon is. He's different but is he really that different. But If there is another book in this series, it'll be the wedding book but not all series you get to know how many books they'll be or over a year of notice when the next book is coming. So I'll keep checking. I had a lot of fun reading this series. I'm glad I came around juliet blackwell again and finally dug into this series.
September 30, 2020
This is, by far, my absolute favorite book in the series. I loved the mystery, all the nuance tying the theatre to other locations, and all the ghosts. Juliet Blackwell continues to have a fan in me.
August 27, 2021
Very scary
August 24, 2020
Another great book in this series. Love this series.
September 22, 2020
A very interesting story with so many ghosts for Mel Turner to take care of. A remodel of a very large historic theater with some long ago mysteries. I loved every minute of the read!
November 19, 2024
I absolutely love these books, especially the characters and how well they are written and work together. One of my favorite cozy authors
September 17, 2020
Setting this one in an old movie theater was a good choice. Very atmospheric. I was able to picture it in my mind through my reading.
My one disappointment was the development of Mel's relationship with Landon. I read this right after I finished Give Up the Ghost where Mel meets Landon. I was expecting their relationship to be developing and that he'd be a part of her ghost busting as he was in the previous novel (still waiting for the library to get A Ghostly Light so maybe the relationship changed in that book) I'd read. In this one he plays no substantive role at all.
Still, I liked the story, the setting, and having most of the secondary characters show up no matter how briefly.
My one disappointment was the development of Mel's relationship with Landon. I read this right after I finished Give Up the Ghost where Mel meets Landon. I was expecting their relationship to be developing and that he'd be a part of her ghost busting as he was in the previous novel (still waiting for the library to get A Ghostly Light so maybe the relationship changed in that book) I'd read. In this one he plays no substantive role at all.
Still, I liked the story, the setting, and having most of the secondary characters show up no matter how briefly.
January 24, 2021
The Haunted House Renovation series is an auto buy for me. I have read all 8 books in the series. This book might be one of the best of the series for me.
Several years ago, I went on a tour of a restored grand 1920's theater. It had a Grand Barton organ (only two remaining in US) that rose up from the pit. The interior was in Art Deco gold gilding. The ceiling had a dark blue sky with stars and clouds. Of course, there were ghost stories or sightings that were told. So when I read about Mel Turners restoring the Crockett Theater in San Francisco, it reminded me so much of what I saw on the theater tour.
Another thing, I liked so much was the visual images the book brought to me as I read. Am example would be a balcony filled with customer ghosts with vacant eyes yet jeering at her. Then there was Harold , the theater page ghost who was persistent to see the ticket stub. At her new home, that is being renovated before they move in, there is the 1920's flapper starlet ghost Hildy. Then how Mel would describe the interior of the theater. I could see it all. The balcony ghosts were a creepy visual.
I, also, like so much in the series, the meals her dad prepares at his home. Everyone is welcome and it always has a homey feeling of family, friends and shared meals. When Mel and Landon move into their new home, wonder how those scenes will continue because they are a strength of the series to me.
I enjoyed the read very much and am looking forward to the next book.
Several years ago, I went on a tour of a restored grand 1920's theater. It had a Grand Barton organ (only two remaining in US) that rose up from the pit. The interior was in Art Deco gold gilding. The ceiling had a dark blue sky with stars and clouds. Of course, there were ghost stories or sightings that were told. So when I read about Mel Turners restoring the Crockett Theater in San Francisco, it reminded me so much of what I saw on the theater tour.
Another thing, I liked so much was the visual images the book brought to me as I read. Am example would be a balcony filled with customer ghosts with vacant eyes yet jeering at her. Then there was Harold , the theater page ghost who was persistent to see the ticket stub. At her new home, that is being renovated before they move in, there is the 1920's flapper starlet ghost Hildy. Then how Mel would describe the interior of the theater. I could see it all. The balcony ghosts were a creepy visual.
I, also, like so much in the series, the meals her dad prepares at his home. Everyone is welcome and it always has a homey feeling of family, friends and shared meals. When Mel and Landon move into their new home, wonder how those scenes will continue because they are a strength of the series to me.
I enjoyed the read very much and am looking forward to the next book.
July 25, 2020
The 8th book in the Haunted Home Renovation series, and I wasn't that enamored with it. It was okay, but I think Mel's story has run its course. I enjoy the Witchcraft Mystery series with Lily much better and I did like that Lily had a good cameo in this one. But other than that, the mystery was rather predictable and Mel, well, Mel is still Mel. Her story has kind of stagnated. She's engaged now, but other than that not much more has developed with her. Maybe this is just the bridge book. Many series have one where not a lot happens with character development, but it serves as a bridge to get to the character to the next big thing. So I will be interested to see what happens in book 9.
July 7, 2020
This is a series that I really enjoy and can relate to (not professionally but as an old house geek), and I love that each book is fully capable of standing alone. This one ties Mel's own old house with a gorgeous old theatre and a full complement of ghostly presences. And the obligatory murder victim and investigation. Let the sleuthing begin and enjoy the ride. I did!
Xe Sands has perfected her artistic delivery and should receive more awards!
Xe Sands has perfected her artistic delivery and should receive more awards!
July 9, 2020
A good cozy mystery. I liked the setting of the theater. I liked the 20s starlet ghost, and some more info on Mel’s mother. The crossover with Lily’s series was pretty funny. I guess I feel bad but the actual murder mystery didn’t interest me as much as the interpersonal dynamics and Mel’s growth. Love this series.
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