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His Ghoul Friday #1

A Tale of Mer-der

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Australian journalist Misty Friday has several problems, not the least of which is her name. Misty's mean boss sends her to an island resort in the Great Barrier Reef to investigate one paranormal event, but mermaids and murder throw her off the track. When Misty makes waves, she attracts the attention of the murderer and one mysterious stranger. Will Misty get to the bottom of this, or are there too many red herrings?

Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2018

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About the author

Morgana Best

200 books430 followers
USA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.

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5 stars
112 (42%)
4 stars
81 (30%)
3 stars
61 (23%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
1,700 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2019
Misty Friday. Paranormal reporter. Since she was no longer able to get a job at a reputable newspaper after her ex discovered she was a practicing witch.

Her boss, (Skinny) is sending her to the Whitehaven resort island to investigate and report on the unusual heat wave during the winter time there.

Once on the island, Misty has her hands full with investigating. There has been a murder, there's rumors of Mermaids, and large black cats on the island. And also rumors that there are people on the island that can shift into these other forms.

Someone doesn't want Misty investigating, and she has multiple attempts on her life to keep her quiet.

This is another fun story from Morgana Best. I recently discovered her works, Her writing style, humor, and imagination have made her one of my favorite new to me authors. Her stories are clean and fun reads that always have well developed characters and strong plot lines.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,771 reviews155 followers
March 31, 2019
A Tale of Mer-Der is the first book in the new His Ghoul Friday Book Series.

Meet Misty Friday, a paranormal reporter for the Ghoulzette (I love that name, but Misty doesn't) .

Misty's boss, Skinny, sends her to a luxury resort to investigate the heat during the wintertime.

When she gets there, she stumbles upon a dead body. There are rumors of large black cats and mermaids at the resort and there are attempts made on Misty's life, not to mention a "special book".

I love the characters in this book, they are complex yet fun. The plot and the story are well thought out and keeps you guessing until the end. I really enjoy the author's writing style . I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. If you love cozy paranormal books, you will LOVE this book as much as I did .
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
July 30, 2019
This book was a lot of fun for me to read. With witches, vampires, shifters and mermaids it is very much a paranormal cozy mystery. I wasn’t certain what to expect. The cover enticed me, (I think it may have been changed), though the witch on it gave it the illusion of possibly being for younger people. When I began reading I saw that it wasn’t juvenile. The story was a good one. I didn’t know who it was until right before the reveal. I think this was mostly because I was having such a good time with the story, I forgot to look for the killer. I really enjoyed Misty, Aunty June, Cordelia and even Skinny. I love the idea of working for a paranormal magazine. I think it’s a fresh idea that has loads of promising stories in it. I am definitely going to read more in this series. If you like paranormal cozy mysteries with humor thrown in, this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,335 reviews
December 5, 2019
Misty is a paranormal reporter, a witch. Her boss sends her out of town on assignment to look into why it’s summer in the winter time.
What could go wrong on assignment?
Seeing mermaids, and a murder is not what Misty expects to find.
A fun read with interesting characters.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,808 reviews46 followers
April 2, 2019
When Misty Friday gets sent to a tourist destination island in North Queensland, it is one of the best assignments she has gotten from the paranormal magazine where she works. Her boss, always cheap as possible, sends her to the cheapest luxury resort on the island, which is still a luxury resort. The story? Why is the winter like summer there? Only Misty is barely off the boat when she is involved in mermaid sightings and murder. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong in this fun first of a new series book by Morgana Best. With Ms Best's usual flair for humor and great storytelling, Misty's exploits will have you chuckling and laughing every chapter of the book. From underwear to mysterious strangers with dire warnings, Misty may be upset, but her need to please her cranky boss and be able to pay her mortgage keep her going no matter what happens. I can't wait to see what the second book in the series will be about after enjoying this one so much! A brilliant start to a new series!
55 reviews
April 2, 2019
New Series was just ok...

I read all Ms. Best's novels. Her Series are entertaining and the characters are unique.
This new series was just...ok. I wanted to like it, loved the premise.
The main character was a witch. She told us many times. The o my witchcraft she practiced was putting a leaf in her sandals.
Skinny was too annoying and abusive. I get She is the bad guy so to speak, but it was obnoxious.
The plot itself had potential. But lost itself.
Too much going on. It got confusing. Mermaids, shifters, the bookseller, Cavendish, mystery man...It left too many loose ends. Simplistic and complicated at the same time. Nothing really got explained. The book storyline was a bust. Ended up doing nothing.
I'll read the next one to see if it gets better. Hopefully it will all come together later?
As I said, it was not awful, just ok. Not up to par with her other books.
Profile Image for Renee Arthur.
433 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2019
Misty works for the Ghoulzette, a paranormal magazine. When her boss, Cordelia aka Skinny, sends her to Whitehaven Island for an assignment about a weather anomaly, she's not sure what to think. Before she even gets to Whitehaven, she meets a group from a photography club on the ferry and they're heading to the beach to see a mermaid. Like most people, Misty doesn't believe in mermaids but tags along anyway. While they don't find a mermaid, they do find the keeper of the botanical gardens dead. Not only does she want to unwind this mystery, her boss wants her to write about mermaids and tie them to the murder. Cordelia could care less if it's made up. She might be the boss, but she doesn't believe in anything paranormal. Misty has a crazy time on the island and almost ends up dead herself. I couldn't put this book down and would love to read more from this author. It hits all the right notes for me, including laughs!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
April 2, 2019
Have read something very, very similar to this

A good read but I have read something extremely similar to this. It really stopped me from enjoying it as I should. Nice characters but still need a bit more beefing up.
She has been forced to take this job as her ex-boyfriend had bad mouthed her to all and sundry. Now she has the boss from hell and works for a paranormal magazine. Her boss is sending her to do an article on the weather experienced at a group of islands. She doesn't expect to see photographs of what appears to be a mermaid on the ferry to the island. Nor does she expect to be one of a group to find a dead body. Mermaids, big black cats, usual plants that make people have shifter powers, attempts to kill her, a strange book and her aunt coming to make sure she's okay. Will she work out who the killer is or will the killer make her the next victim?
Profile Image for Rosemary.
379 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2019
This is going to be a fun series. Misty is a journalist for a paranormal magazine. Her newshound boss sends her on an assignment to check out a strange weather issue but Misty ends up finding and discovers much more unusual things..mermaids, vampires..and very large black cats . Oh did I mention that Misty is a witch? Once on the island she notices a dark figure following her. Who is this mysterious man and why is he following her? She knows no one on this island. As she begins to investigate the strange creature sightings, she is discovering some interesting secrets about the islanders. One thing she desperatly wants to find out is who is the sexy John Smith?? The story has some fun characters and is very well written. Its an easy read that you can flow through quickly because you will be laughing and turning pages without even realizing it !!!
6,202 reviews41 followers
April 30, 2019
Misty is a journalist working for a paranormal magazine and works for an ultra-nasty boss. She's sent to a posh island to find out why the weather is so hot in the winter and instead finds out about actual mermaids and shape-shifters.

Which results in some attempts on her life, the burning of the hotel room she is staying in, a strange book of blank pages that can display a message to her, a mysterious guy, vampires and maybe a mayor or a really rich guy that is the killer.

The thing that bothered me the most was that Misty is supposed to be a witch but there's no real evidence in the book at all that she actually practices any serious witchcraft. With all the danger she finds herself in you'd think she would at least try to use some 'powers' to help her but that doesn't happen.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,036 reviews65 followers
September 6, 2019
Misty Friday paranormal reporter, her boss is sending her to Whitehaven Island to investigate on why it's summer in the winter time.. but while she's there she's seeing the mermaids.. mermaids that are women one minute then change to mermaids. at one point being trapped in a cave.. but then being saved by a stranger just in the nick of time.. strange things keep happening on this island. I have to say I love Misty Friday oh and the panties that's so well funny stuff right there wow I love this book pick up your copy it is wonderful wonderful I can't say enough about this book.. you will see what I'm talking about when you grab your copy and read it the panties are so funny hilarious.. thank you Morgana best.
Profile Image for Pamela.
413 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2019
I first read a version of this book in an anthology several years ago. It was my introduction to Morgana Best. I loved The lengthen version. It really adds depth to Misty. Fun story with quirky characters. I’ve preordered the next book. Thanks, Morgana.

The anthology this story is from was my introduction to Morgana Best. I loved the rewrite. Misty is a fun heroine. There’s quirky characters, beautiful locations and a murder to solve. What’s not to love. I’ve preordered book 2. As in all Morgana Best cozies you can trust a good story without unnecessary swear words.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews103 followers
April 3, 2019
An assignment at a classy tourist resort to investigate the odd weather and paid for by the boss from Hades. What could possibly go wrong! Well, pretty much everything, like forgetting to pack underwear, then roasting the pair she was wearing, then having to buy the only offering at the resort which was size ginormous, then the growly dog ran off with them, and THEN getting caught by a very attractive man! And then came the dead body. And the mermaids.
So laugh your sox off while enjoying the mystery. I certainly did!
193 reviews
April 10, 2019
And above average writing with enough twist interns to be thoroughly enjoyable

This series follows a journalist for a paranormal magazine and her ”Evil” boss as she goes out of town on Assignment. You’ll also meet her friend Cordelia and “Auntie June”. Auntie June is it fun character and Even though this is a mystery with a merger involved it has touches of humor and is most enjoyable happy reading
Profile Image for Tiffany Coffman.
164 reviews87 followers
July 7, 2019
What a fun and cute cozy! Misty Friday and her Aunty June (who is this woman?!!?) are hilarious. This is the first book in the His Ghoul Friday series and I can't wait to read the rest of them. Misty is a journalist for a paranormal magazine and is a practicing witch. She is sent on assignment to a luxurious island and hilarity ensues! The author does a great job with world building in such a quick story and I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Sandy Jones.
406 reviews22 followers
September 1, 2019
This is a fun read. Misty is likeable and surrounded by interesting characters. It did seem really similar to the Misty Sales series. Or maybe I’m misremembering because the two characters share the same first name, but it seems like the other Misty also worked for a paranormal magazine and had an evil female supervisor who was also thin. Maybe it was another series, but I’m almost positive it was also written by Morgana Best.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2019
Fun and exciting!

Misty (a witch) works for the Ghoulzette, the paranormal magazine, as a paranormal journalist. When there’s a paranormal anomaly on Whitehaven Island, Misty is being sent there to investigate and report. But she doesn’t have a good feeling about this…

I immediately got that tingly feeling of excitement. That feeling of ‘yay this is going to be fun!’ The story deserves 5 stars. Such fun!
123 reviews
April 12, 2019
Outstanding New Mystery

A Tale of Mer-der, first book in a new series by Morgana Best, is "stay up all night to finish it" good! I absolutely LOVE Misty, and her coworkers are hysterically funny! I was WAY off with my guess of "who done it", and was blown away at the end! I cannot wait until the next installment! Fantastic book! Needs more than 5 stars!
1,024 reviews19 followers
April 13, 2019
Misty is a total riot. She is one person who everyone would like to have as a friend. Crazy follows her around and makes her days into asylum worthy stories. This story has it all shifters, mermaids, and paranormal events. This was a fun reading experience, want to read more about Misty and her adventures. A book worthy to be added to your TBR pile.
Profile Image for Maria.
213 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2019
What a wonderful story!

Mysterious weather, mermaids, shifting animals, and murder what more could a natural witch journalist for a paranormal magazine want for a great story? How about discovery of vampires, psychic books and a strange hottie that happens to help save her life.

Can't wait for the next book! 🤩
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
April 25, 2019
Misty Friday and her boss don't like each other. So he sends her off to the Great Barrier Reef to investigate a murder. There things don't go as planned and the murderer has her in his sites. Can she come out unscathed and catch the killer?
This is a humorous story. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
531 reviews
June 12, 2019
Mermaids and Australia

Fun, delightful read. Misty Friday is a journalist at a paranormal magazine. Even though Misty is a practicing witch, she has a hard time with the idea of paranormal creatures. Interesting! Mermaids have been spotted on the island where Misty was assigned to report on weird weather conditions. Have fun with this series. Looking forward to more.
1,406 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2019
Misty Friday is a journalist working for a paranormal magazine, Ghoulzette. Her boss sends her off to investigate a warm weather anomaly in the Great Barrier Islands. Instead Misty finds a dead body and mermaids. Fortunately Misty finds help in her Auntie June and a mysterious John Smith.

This is a fun story with great characters. It shows a lot of potential for a new series.
43 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2019
Misty Friday is a journalist with the paranormal magazine, Goulzette. She is sent to Whitehaven Island to find out why it is summer in the middle of winter.
While there, she ends up dealing with a murder, mermaids, shifters, warewolves and attempts on her life.
This was a real page turner. I loved it!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Tyrannosaurus regina.
1,199 reviews26 followers
September 18, 2019
Really not developed enough - both narratively and character-wise - with cliché tropes, obscure motives, and a witch protagonist who barely used it at all. I hadn't realised what a relief it was to be reading a series that didn't harp on the protag's weight until this reminded me that most do. Still, there were kernels of some really good ideas in there.
Profile Image for Sheila Burke.
1,250 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2022
Mermaids, shifters, and murder. A journalist, her weird faux-aunt, a harpy as boss, and a handsome stranger. Misty Friday has her hands full solving a murder, and writing a story to keep her boss happy. Life's not always easy, but definitely interesting as a reporter for the "Ghoulzette". Nice Quick read.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,120 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2019
Great start!

Misty Friday (yes her real name) is a journalist who works for a supernatural paper. Sent to a resort island for a story, Misty has no idea of the trouble she finds herself in. Fast paced action, with great characters, loved it!
Profile Image for Sheryl Carpenter.
11 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2019
Loved it

Murder and mayhem and a mysterious stranger who shows up just when Misty needs help. I sure would like an aunty like her though. She lavishly does on Misty and is psychic too! How cool is that? Enjoy and wish we could take a holiday there too!
109 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2019
Rewrite of a short story

I've read both versions of this and personally found the short story flowed much better. Not sure that I want to read the next rewritten short story in the series.
5 reviews
May 17, 2019
Easy, clean read

Ideal for young adult mystery fan or adult who seeks easy reading at the beach. Four stars for that level. Not a literary masterpiece, this is just a nice book. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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