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Haunted Mansion Mystery #2
Phantoms and Felonies
Avery Morgan has been hired to breathe new life into the Portage Path Women's Club, but first she'll have to deal with a dead body and a meddling ghost.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that's destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay...until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn't want him dead? His long-suffereing wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show's playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town's small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club's basement. Now she's a ghost who's also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that's destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay...until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn't want him dead? His long-suffereing wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show's playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town's small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club's basement. Now she's a ghost who's also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
12 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Ness
2 books41 followersAlso writes as Miranda Bliss, Casey Daniels, Zoe Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Lane, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan.
Lucy Ness is an established mystery author. She has written the League of Literary Ladies Mystery series and the Button Box Mystery series.
Lucy Ness is an established mystery author. She has written the League of Literary Ladies Mystery series and the Button Box Mystery series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 26, 2022
I’m getting tired of publisher’s only doing 2 and 3 book series. This series is so much fun and I hope there are some more books to come. I really like the characters and Clemmie is such a fun ghost to have around. The mystery was good, the culprit surprising and the ending exciting.
April 4, 2021
Event planner Avery is a lovely person. She works hard, and even when others try to derail her, she carries on and gets the job done. In Phantoms and Felonies, she has the help of a young flapper from the 1920s, Clemmie Bow, who was murdered at the club. In this paranormal mystery, readers get two puzzles to solve. First, who killed banker Bob Hanover during an event at the club, and who killed Clemmie Bow?
Suspects in Bob’s murder are vast. It could be anyone who attended the event that night, but it’s Avery’s aunt who the finger points at first. Just because she wasn’t supposed to be there, and she was found standing over the body. It’s no wonder Avery and Clemmie get straight to work. Being an event planner helps Avery have access to club members and guests who may have had it in for the victim. Using her gift for the paranormal to communicate with Clemmie and get the info she wouldn’t be able to otherwise goes a long way in helping solve this murder. Other suspects have genuine motives, Bob destroyed one person’s family business, a man’s writing career was sidetracked, and the man’s wife put up with his cheating far too long. This victim is not likable, and no one will miss him. The evidence isn’t set in stone. A weapon is found, but anyone could have gotten their hands on it. Other evidence is thin and could apply to almost any suspect.
With help from Clemmie and Avery’s paranormal-loving aunt and friends, she cracks the case but not before putting herself in harm’s way. No matter how good an event planner she is, Avery can’t plan what a killer put in a corner will do. Not all of the questions raised in Phantoms and Felonies get answered. We still don’t know who killed Clemmie, but we do get a better understanding of what happened to her. Will Avery and Oz continue their relationship? And most important, will Avery ever tell her aunt the truth about her psychic abilities? Hopefully, all of these questions will be answered in the next addition to the series. In the meantime, readers should grab a copy and enjoy getting to know these wonderful and interesting characters.
Suspects in Bob’s murder are vast. It could be anyone who attended the event that night, but it’s Avery’s aunt who the finger points at first. Just because she wasn’t supposed to be there, and she was found standing over the body. It’s no wonder Avery and Clemmie get straight to work. Being an event planner helps Avery have access to club members and guests who may have had it in for the victim. Using her gift for the paranormal to communicate with Clemmie and get the info she wouldn’t be able to otherwise goes a long way in helping solve this murder. Other suspects have genuine motives, Bob destroyed one person’s family business, a man’s writing career was sidetracked, and the man’s wife put up with his cheating far too long. This victim is not likable, and no one will miss him. The evidence isn’t set in stone. A weapon is found, but anyone could have gotten their hands on it. Other evidence is thin and could apply to almost any suspect.
With help from Clemmie and Avery’s paranormal-loving aunt and friends, she cracks the case but not before putting herself in harm’s way. No matter how good an event planner she is, Avery can’t plan what a killer put in a corner will do. Not all of the questions raised in Phantoms and Felonies get answered. We still don’t know who killed Clemmie, but we do get a better understanding of what happened to her. Will Avery and Oz continue their relationship? And most important, will Avery ever tell her aunt the truth about her psychic abilities? Hopefully, all of these questions will be answered in the next addition to the series. In the meantime, readers should grab a copy and enjoy getting to know these wonderful and interesting characters.
March 23, 2021
Phantoms and Felonies by Lucy Ness is a lighthearted paranormal cozy mystery. Avery Morgan has been hard at work to revitalize the Portage Path Women’s Club by booking events in the elegant Dennison mansion. They need a big influx of cash as well as new members, so Avery has come up with a twenties themed murder mystery event which is open to the public. Unfortunately, the local banker is found bumped off in the speakeasy in the basement of the mansion. Avery sets out to solve the murder with help from the mansion’s resident ghost, Clemmie Bow. Phantoms and Felonies is the second book in A Haunted Mansion Mystery series. I was able to read Phantoms and Felonies, but the task would have been easier if I had read Haunted Homicide. I just loved Clemmie Bow, the flapper ghost who has become Avery’s friend. I enjoyed the 1920s slang (it was the bee’s knees). The mystery has several suspects who all had motive to rub-out the banker. There are good clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal. I enjoyed the witty banter between Clemmie and Avery. They work well together and have a good friendship. There is humor throughout the story that will have readers chuckling. Aunt Rosemary was a hoot. Aunt Rosemary is a psychic who lives in Lily Dale, New York where Avery grew up. She believes that Avery has psychic powers as well, but Avery has always claimed she does not believe in all that “woo woo” stuff. Now, Avery works to make sure her aunt does not find out about Clemmie. I hope that Avery will embrace her gift as the series progresses. Phantoms and Felonies is an entertaining tale with a flapper phantom, an assertive aunt, a dashing detective, a bumped off banker, and a cat’s meow chick.
June 20, 2021
I definitely got the hang of this series with this second book. I like Avery and her attitude. I think she has the rights to do her amateur sleuthing, because once again, the murder happens at her watch and at the club's building. I mean, Avery's job is on the line here, if the club is going down the drain because of a SECOND murder within the span of several months.
Avery's medium aunt is introduced here as well, and I think Rosemary is going to make Avery's life a bit of a chaos if she stays but fun to read as well. On a different note, I still don't understand what Clemmie adds to the investigation, but I will take her as Avery's friend instead, albeit a dead one. Instead of a partnership if ANOTHER murder happens, you know.
I think I'm going to try this author's other series (using a different name)
Avery's medium aunt is introduced here as well, and I think Rosemary is going to make Avery's life a bit of a chaos if she stays but fun to read as well. On a different note, I still don't understand what Clemmie adds to the investigation, but I will take her as Avery's friend instead, albeit a dead one. Instead of a partnership if ANOTHER murder happens, you know.
I think I'm going to try this author's other series (using a different name)
April 27, 2021
This just didn't do anything for me. I like a cozy mystery if the characters are amusing and the plot is interesting. Neither was the case here.
May 20, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Phantoms and Felonies
Haunted Mansion Mystery #2
By Lucy Ness
ISBN#9781984806796
Author’s website: mystery-book-series.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Avery Morgan has been hired to breathe new life into the Portage Path Women’s Club, but first she’ll have to deal with a dead body and a meddling ghost.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that’s destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay…until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn’t want him dead? His long-suffering wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show’s playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town’s small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club’s basement. Now she’s a ghost who’s also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them. (Goodreads)
Review:
I liked this sophomore entry in the Haunted Mansion Mystery series y Lucy Ness. Phantoms and Felonies is full of likable characters and a delightful resident ghost and has a plausible mystery to unravel.
After the events of the series debut Haunted Homicide, The Portage Path Women’s Club is still in need of funding and a bit of an image makeover. New manager Avery thinks that a murder mystery dinner is just the ticket to infuse the rather stuffy institution with new life. When local banker Bob Hanover, the star of the play, is stabbed during the performance, and Avery’s aunt is caught with the murder weapon in hand, Avery cannot help but get involved with the investigation. With a handful of suspects, all with good motives, to choose from she sets out to unmask the real killer.
The first book in the series spent a lot of time introducing the characters and setting the scene of the PPWC but Phantoms and Felonies jumps right into the story. It can easily be read as a standalone. My favorite aspect of this series is the relationship that has developed between Avery and Clemmie Bow. A flapper era ghost tied to the mansion because she died in the illegal basement speakeasy is a wonderful premise, and slang-spouting Clemmie is a hoot. She makes a few appearances throughout the story, but I want more of her. Avery is a capable, likable protagonist. I like that she works with the police, not against them. Her open involvement investigating with Oz is a bit farfetched, but it works well in this setting. The ladies associated with the Women’s Club are varied, and a couple are downright unpleasant snobs. Avery’s Aunt Rosemary is over-the-top but entertaining.
The mystery is well thought out and executed. Though there are only a few suspects, the clues kept me guessing about the killer’s identity until late in the tale. Ness’s writing is lighthearted and breezy, and I enjoyed my time in Avery’s world. Phantoms and Felonies is a solid installment with what I hope will be a long running series. I recommend it to cozy readers, especially for fans of the paranormal.
Phantoms and Felonies
Haunted Mansion Mystery #2
By Lucy Ness
ISBN#9781984806796
Author’s website: mystery-book-series.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Avery Morgan has been hired to breathe new life into the Portage Path Women’s Club, but first she’ll have to deal with a dead body and a meddling ghost.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that’s destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay…until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn’t want him dead? His long-suffering wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show’s playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town’s small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club’s basement. Now she’s a ghost who’s also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them. (Goodreads)
Review:
I liked this sophomore entry in the Haunted Mansion Mystery series y Lucy Ness. Phantoms and Felonies is full of likable characters and a delightful resident ghost and has a plausible mystery to unravel.
After the events of the series debut Haunted Homicide, The Portage Path Women’s Club is still in need of funding and a bit of an image makeover. New manager Avery thinks that a murder mystery dinner is just the ticket to infuse the rather stuffy institution with new life. When local banker Bob Hanover, the star of the play, is stabbed during the performance, and Avery’s aunt is caught with the murder weapon in hand, Avery cannot help but get involved with the investigation. With a handful of suspects, all with good motives, to choose from she sets out to unmask the real killer.
The first book in the series spent a lot of time introducing the characters and setting the scene of the PPWC but Phantoms and Felonies jumps right into the story. It can easily be read as a standalone. My favorite aspect of this series is the relationship that has developed between Avery and Clemmie Bow. A flapper era ghost tied to the mansion because she died in the illegal basement speakeasy is a wonderful premise, and slang-spouting Clemmie is a hoot. She makes a few appearances throughout the story, but I want more of her. Avery is a capable, likable protagonist. I like that she works with the police, not against them. Her open involvement investigating with Oz is a bit farfetched, but it works well in this setting. The ladies associated with the Women’s Club are varied, and a couple are downright unpleasant snobs. Avery’s Aunt Rosemary is over-the-top but entertaining.
The mystery is well thought out and executed. Though there are only a few suspects, the clues kept me guessing about the killer’s identity until late in the tale. Ness’s writing is lighthearted and breezy, and I enjoyed my time in Avery’s world. Phantoms and Felonies is a solid installment with what I hope will be a long running series. I recommend it to cozy readers, especially for fans of the paranormal.
May 4, 2021
Synopsis:
Avery Morgan has been hired to breathe new life into the Portage Path Women's Club, but first she'll have to deal with a dead body and a meddling ghost.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that's destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay...until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn't want him dead? His long-suffereing wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show's playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town's small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club's basement. Now she's a ghost who's also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Avery once again finds herself having to solve another murder. This time, banker Bob Hanover is found dead backstage of a play that Avery’s Portage Path Women’s Club is putting on. She will have to look for clues and try to solve it, while still doing her job for the Women’s Club. She tries to help Oz, the sergeant working the case,to figure it out and catch the culprit. And she has Clemmie, the resident ghost that only Avercy can see and hear, to help her with the sleuthing.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and the descriptions took me on a journey to find the killer. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. You have to put on your thinking caps to try and figure out the killer.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am already looking forward to the next book and seeing what Avery and Clemmie are up to.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkeley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Avery Morgan has been hired to breathe new life into the Portage Path Women's Club, but first she'll have to deal with a dead body and a meddling ghost.
When a local theater troupe puts on a new play at the club, manager Avery Morgan is excited. This is just the sort of event that's destined to bring in potential new members. Okay, millionaire banker Bob Hanover has more bucks than talent and has used his position to grab the lead role, but that seems like a small price to pay...until Bob is found dead backstage.
Bob rubbed many people the wrong way, but would anyone want him dead? The short answer to that is: Who wouldn't want him dead? His long-suffereing wife had to put up with years of womanizing. The show's playwright has been tricked out of his one great idea by Bob, who claimed it as his own work. And Bob bankrupted one of the town's small businessmen. The choices are many and the time to find the killer is running short.
Avery is working overtime to keep the club open and find the killer. Fortunately, she has help with the latter task. Clemmie Bow was once a singer in the speakeasy in the club's basement. Now she's a ghost who's also a top-notch detective. Together Clemmie and Avery will find the killer—even if it kills one of them. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Avery once again finds herself having to solve another murder. This time, banker Bob Hanover is found dead backstage of a play that Avery’s Portage Path Women’s Club is putting on. She will have to look for clues and try to solve it, while still doing her job for the Women’s Club. She tries to help Oz, the sergeant working the case,to figure it out and catch the culprit. And she has Clemmie, the resident ghost that only Avercy can see and hear, to help her with the sleuthing.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and the descriptions took me on a journey to find the killer. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. You have to put on your thinking caps to try and figure out the killer.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am already looking forward to the next book and seeing what Avery and Clemmie are up to.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Berkeley Publishing Group, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
March 6, 2021
Avery Morgan's latest idea to revitalize the Portage Path Women's Club is to host a murder mystery dinner. She has to deal with a prima donna author, a banker turned actor with ideas of his own about the story, a club member who thinks the whole thing is a bad idea, and a number of other characters with their own agendas.
When the banker turned actor winds up dead before the play is well under way, Avery needs to help her boyfriend Oz find the killer. She really hopes that it isn't another club member which would really ruin her plans for good PR for the Club.
Avery is assisted by ghost Clemmie Bow who was killed in the speakeasy in the basement during the 1920s. Part of this case included keeping Clemmie secret from her Aunt Rosemary who is a noted medium from Lily Dale. Aunt Rosemary decided to surprise her niece by attending the mystery dinner but wasn't expecting to discover the body and be accused of murder. She has always thought that Avery had some psychic powers though Avery had constantly denied any such talent.
This was an entertaining cozy mystery with interesting characters and an engaging plot.
When the banker turned actor winds up dead before the play is well under way, Avery needs to help her boyfriend Oz find the killer. She really hopes that it isn't another club member which would really ruin her plans for good PR for the Club.
Avery is assisted by ghost Clemmie Bow who was killed in the speakeasy in the basement during the 1920s. Part of this case included keeping Clemmie secret from her Aunt Rosemary who is a noted medium from Lily Dale. Aunt Rosemary decided to surprise her niece by attending the mystery dinner but wasn't expecting to discover the body and be accused of murder. She has always thought that Avery had some psychic powers though Avery had constantly denied any such talent.
This was an entertaining cozy mystery with interesting characters and an engaging plot.
April 5, 2021
I was excited to see book 2 of the Haunted Mansion Mystery being released. I fell in love with the characters of Avery and her ghost side kick, Clemmie. Avery is the manager of an old fashioned women's club and lives on the top floor with Clemmie dropping in on a regular basis. Avery is having a fund raiser for their charity work and trying to convince the Board of Directors to open up the membership to all ladies in town. When the actor in their fundraising play is murdered it is up to Clemmie to show the clues and save the club. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 4, 2021
My favorite series is back with a bang!!!!! I've been looking for something light and breezy and this is just what I needed.
A cozy murder mystery with a perfect touch of comedy and romance. As usual, Club Manager Avery fasten ups to solve the murder mystery of Bob Hanover with her best friend...or should I say ghost friend Clemmie. And of course there's our Copper Oz Alterman . Amidst the chaos of a murder mystery, we're lucky to see the sweet and subtle moments of Avery and Oz regarding where they were left off in the last one.
I will not say much because as usual I adored the bubbly ghost and her witty comments.
The only person to bug me the whole time was Rosemary. I get ya Avery. ANYBODY would love to get away from that woman. Not that she's bad. But, there are people who are nosy. And then, there are people who are Aunt Rosemary. I mean, WOMEN LEAVE'EM ALONE FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE.
Last but not the least. Although I started reading the series accidentally. Yap. that's right. The title seemed interesting so I picked it up. And Trust me when they say , Some accidents might lead to something beautiful. Okay now I'm exaggerating.
OKAY THANKS BYE.
A cozy murder mystery with a perfect touch of comedy and romance. As usual, Club Manager Avery fasten ups to solve the murder mystery of Bob Hanover with her best friend...or should I say ghost friend Clemmie. And of course there's our Copper Oz Alterman . Amidst the chaos of a murder mystery, we're lucky to see the sweet and subtle moments of Avery and Oz regarding where they were left off in the last one.
I will not say much because as usual I adored the bubbly ghost and her witty comments.
The only person to bug me the whole time was Rosemary. I get ya Avery. ANYBODY would love to get away from that woman. Not that she's bad. But, there are people who are nosy. And then, there are people who are Aunt Rosemary. I mean, WOMEN LEAVE'EM ALONE FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE.
Last but not the least. Although I started reading the series accidentally. Yap. that's right. The title seemed interesting so I picked it up. And Trust me when they say , Some accidents might lead to something beautiful. Okay now I'm exaggerating.
OKAY THANKS BYE.
December 4, 2022
Exactly what I’m looking for in a cozy mystery! Where is book 3??
September 2, 2024
3.75 stars ⭐️
This was a nice mystery to read! It's cozy and quick to read.
This was a nice mystery to read! It's cozy and quick to read.
October 22, 2022
4 stars
Continue few months after the event of Haunted Homicide (my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), Avery Morgan try to keep Portage Path Women Club aka PPWC business stay afloat. With a hope to recruit more members, Avery decide to open an event in which members and non members alike can participate in drama stage with whodunnit theme, set in the Probation era when booze is illegal. Of course before the event start, there's drama ensues, and of course when the drama happen, there's bound to be a murder. The question is still the same, who kill Bob Hanover, the boss of Portage's bank-turn-to-main-character, and what is the motive?
Just like Haunted Homicide, Phantoms and Felonies is your standard classic whodunnit cozy mystery, although seems that there's many things happen beside the who do the murder and what the motive. For example, seems like Avery's medium Aunt, Rosemary happen to give Avery a surprise visit, just to be accused of murder because she happen to stumble Bob's dead body and hold the knife that kill our poor victim. But, turn that Rosemary is not the perpetrator but Avery's newly hired maid. But is the maid our killer? Because, it's not what it seems. With the help of Oz, Avery's new beau (not boyfriend yet) and the resident ghost, Clemmie Bow, Avery must interrogate and searching thoroughly, because Bob is exactly not a favorite person in the city. He have enemies, people who think he's a cheapskate and disgusting human being. Some have strong motives to kill him.
The book actually not only talk about the murder mystery, but also Avery's relationship with her Aunt, Rosemary, and of course her budding romance with Oz. But fret not, the mystery is still the main course. Like it's predecessor, Ness keep the mystery tightly and keep me guessing for whodunnit and whydunnit, and the result kinda caught me off guard. Add it with some woo woo happen, like..truly woo woo. The supernatural elements written more strongly than before with some seance elements. Although, I'm a lil bit disappointed because the apparition of our resident ghost is not that plenty. I really want to read more about Avery and Clemmie's dynamic, although I understand that Avery try to hide the fact that she indeed can communicate with the dead from her aunt. For a series that revolved around haunted things, this book seems like less haunted, lol.
Like Haunted Homicide, Phantom and Felonies also a solid cozy mystery with likable narrator and mystery to guess till the end. Since this series only have two books and no new book seems to be written in the future, I guess this is the end of Avery and her ghost resident's adventure in deduce who kill the poor persons in Portage Path Women Club. Or maybe, it's really bad for business if more people killed in the club in the future, heh.
Continue few months after the event of Haunted Homicide (my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), Avery Morgan try to keep Portage Path Women Club aka PPWC business stay afloat. With a hope to recruit more members, Avery decide to open an event in which members and non members alike can participate in drama stage with whodunnit theme, set in the Probation era when booze is illegal. Of course before the event start, there's drama ensues, and of course when the drama happen, there's bound to be a murder. The question is still the same, who kill Bob Hanover, the boss of Portage's bank-turn-to-main-character, and what is the motive?
Just like Haunted Homicide, Phantoms and Felonies is your standard classic whodunnit cozy mystery, although seems that there's many things happen beside the who do the murder and what the motive. For example, seems like Avery's medium Aunt, Rosemary happen to give Avery a surprise visit, just to be accused of murder because she happen to stumble Bob's dead body and hold the knife that kill our poor victim. But, turn that Rosemary is not the perpetrator but Avery's newly hired maid. But is the maid our killer? Because, it's not what it seems. With the help of Oz, Avery's new beau (not boyfriend yet) and the resident ghost, Clemmie Bow, Avery must interrogate and searching thoroughly, because Bob is exactly not a favorite person in the city. He have enemies, people who think he's a cheapskate and disgusting human being. Some have strong motives to kill him.
The book actually not only talk about the murder mystery, but also Avery's relationship with her Aunt, Rosemary, and of course her budding romance with Oz. But fret not, the mystery is still the main course. Like it's predecessor, Ness keep the mystery tightly and keep me guessing for whodunnit and whydunnit, and the result kinda caught me off guard. Add it with some woo woo happen, like..truly woo woo. The supernatural elements written more strongly than before with some seance elements. Although, I'm a lil bit disappointed because the apparition of our resident ghost is not that plenty. I really want to read more about Avery and Clemmie's dynamic, although I understand that Avery try to hide the fact that she indeed can communicate with the dead from her aunt. For a series that revolved around haunted things, this book seems like less haunted, lol.
Like Haunted Homicide, Phantom and Felonies also a solid cozy mystery with likable narrator and mystery to guess till the end. Since this series only have two books and no new book seems to be written in the future, I guess this is the end of Avery and her ghost resident's adventure in deduce who kill the poor persons in Portage Path Women Club. Or maybe, it's really bad for business if more people killed in the club in the future, heh.
April 14, 2024
In the second mystery in the Haunted Mansion series, Avery has made progress is reinvigorating the Portage Path Women's Club. They are renting out the building for events, fundraising to create a writing retreat and are currently hosting a murder mystery event. The basement has been transformed into a 1920s speakeasy (with expert advice from the mansion's resident ghost, Clemmie Bow) and a local theatrical group is ready to act out the mystery for the guests. The event has been sponsored by Bob Hanover, a wealthy banker who is also the husband of an officer of the club. Many people, however, are not happy with Bob, including the author of the play who resents Bob's efforts to change the script, a temporary worker hired to assist at the event, and Bob's wife who fears he is having an affair. All three state loud and clear--and in the presence of Avery--that Bob deserves to die and they would be happy to do it if given half the chance. I found this extremely annoying. I wish authors would have more faith in readers and allow for a little subtlety. Yes, we get it, you're mad at him. If anything happens to Bob you will definitely be a suspect.
And then SURPRISE! Bob is killed during the murder mystery evening. And standing over him with the knife in their hand is Avery's aunt who has come to support Avery in her first big event. Soon the aunt's friends have arrived to investigate the paranormal vibes that swirl around the mansion. Avery wants to protect Clemmie from discovery but it turns out that the seance the women conduct provides evidence to help find the murderer--if they can only correctly interpret the clues that are given. I like Avery as the protagonist and I am interested in her efforts to turn the women's club around, but overall the idea of such a club in today's world seems very anachronistic. Efforts to modernize the philosophy of the club would make this series more interesting to me. I'm glad the author did not develop the love triangle that was hinted at in book one. No additional books in the series at this time, but if a #3 comes out, I will probably check it out.
And then SURPRISE! Bob is killed during the murder mystery evening. And standing over him with the knife in their hand is Avery's aunt who has come to support Avery in her first big event. Soon the aunt's friends have arrived to investigate the paranormal vibes that swirl around the mansion. Avery wants to protect Clemmie from discovery but it turns out that the seance the women conduct provides evidence to help find the murderer--if they can only correctly interpret the clues that are given. I like Avery as the protagonist and I am interested in her efforts to turn the women's club around, but overall the idea of such a club in today's world seems very anachronistic. Efforts to modernize the philosophy of the club would make this series more interesting to me. I'm glad the author did not develop the love triangle that was hinted at in book one. No additional books in the series at this time, but if a #3 comes out, I will probably check it out.
February 13, 2022
Phantoms and Felonies by Lucy Ness is the second book in the "Haunted Mansion" mystery series, featuring Avery Morgan--manager of the Portage Path Women's Club (PPWC).
Things are looking up for the PPWC. As the new manager, Avery has breathed life into the stodgy institution, and her latest idea is a murder mystery play/dinner to raise funds for the club and to attract new members. The production isn't without drama beforehand, however, as the director, Fabian LaGrande, and the lead actor, wealthy Bob Hanover, butt heads over everything. When Bob is found murdered in the basement, where his character was to meet his end, there is no end of suspects. Bob rubbed everyone the wrong way, from his ex-wife to Fabian to his employees to people brought in to PPWC to work that evening. After Avery's ditzy Aunt Rosemary is considered a person of interest, Avery makes it her mission to find out who really murdered Bob. She is aided by the ghost of Clemmie Bow, a flapper who was murdered in the same basement a hundred years ago.With Detective Oz Alterman on the official investigation and Avery and Clemmie doing their own sleuthing, they may just wrap up this crime without anyone else getting killed.
I'm somewhat ambivalent about this one. I enjoyed the story, but there were enough plot points that annoyed me, such as Aunt Rosemary showing up out of the blue to "surprise" Avery and then inviting several of her friends to come and perform a seance in the club. My eyebrows rose when Oz invited Avery to 'tag along' while he was questioning people. At least he's not an ass. Speaking of asses, whatever became of Avery's nemesis from the first book? She didn't pop in once to gloat at things going tits up? Other than that, I do enjoy Clemmie's character and her interactions with Avery.
Waffling, waffling. I'll be generous and give this a score of four. I do love me a cozy with a ghost!
Things are looking up for the PPWC. As the new manager, Avery has breathed life into the stodgy institution, and her latest idea is a murder mystery play/dinner to raise funds for the club and to attract new members. The production isn't without drama beforehand, however, as the director, Fabian LaGrande, and the lead actor, wealthy Bob Hanover, butt heads over everything. When Bob is found murdered in the basement, where his character was to meet his end, there is no end of suspects. Bob rubbed everyone the wrong way, from his ex-wife to Fabian to his employees to people brought in to PPWC to work that evening. After Avery's ditzy Aunt Rosemary is considered a person of interest, Avery makes it her mission to find out who really murdered Bob. She is aided by the ghost of Clemmie Bow, a flapper who was murdered in the same basement a hundred years ago.With Detective Oz Alterman on the official investigation and Avery and Clemmie doing their own sleuthing, they may just wrap up this crime without anyone else getting killed.
I'm somewhat ambivalent about this one. I enjoyed the story, but there were enough plot points that annoyed me, such as Aunt Rosemary showing up out of the blue to "surprise" Avery and then inviting several of her friends to come and perform a seance in the club. My eyebrows rose when Oz invited Avery to 'tag along' while he was questioning people. At least he's not an ass. Speaking of asses, whatever became of Avery's nemesis from the first book? She didn't pop in once to gloat at things going tits up? Other than that, I do enjoy Clemmie's character and her interactions with Avery.
Waffling, waffling. I'll be generous and give this a score of four. I do love me a cozy with a ghost!
March 31, 2021
*I received an ARC of this title from the publisher*
It wouldn't be fair for Avery to have another one of her events for the Portage Path Women's Club end in murder. It would be unthinkable! But the night of the Portage Path Women's Club fundraising murder mystery dinner party ends with just that--and this murder wasn't the one they'd rehearsed.
---
Ness has dreamed up a delightfully campy cozy series filled with ghosts, seances, and meddlesome aunts who just happen to be mediums (the real deal, no less!). This is the second book in the series, and Avery is still in the process of coming into her own as a fledgling detective, event planner, and woman of psychic abilities.
The murder is what you'd expect from a cozy, but the characters that populate Portage Path and Avery's life make it a mystery well worth reading about. And the added elements of seances, contacting the victim for clues about the murderer, and a team of golden-years mediums just as eager to solve the case as they are to get Avery coupled up makes for a campy cozy series well worth your time.
(The chemistry between her and love-interest, homicide detective Oz leaves a lot to be desired, but it is still only book two.)
It wouldn't be fair for Avery to have another one of her events for the Portage Path Women's Club end in murder. It would be unthinkable! But the night of the Portage Path Women's Club fundraising murder mystery dinner party ends with just that--and this murder wasn't the one they'd rehearsed.
---
Ness has dreamed up a delightfully campy cozy series filled with ghosts, seances, and meddlesome aunts who just happen to be mediums (the real deal, no less!). This is the second book in the series, and Avery is still in the process of coming into her own as a fledgling detective, event planner, and woman of psychic abilities.
The murder is what you'd expect from a cozy, but the characters that populate Portage Path and Avery's life make it a mystery well worth reading about. And the added elements of seances, contacting the victim for clues about the murderer, and a team of golden-years mediums just as eager to solve the case as they are to get Avery coupled up makes for a campy cozy series well worth your time.
(The chemistry between her and love-interest, homicide detective Oz leaves a lot to be desired, but it is still only book two.)
November 17, 2021
4.5/5 Stars!
It's the return of Avery and Clemmie in another entry in the Haunted Mansion Mystery series: Phantoms and Felonies!
Our protagonist, Avery is working hard as her job as manager for the Women's club. Her latest idea: a murder mystery dinner event at the club! It's all fun, dinner, and mystery until one of the stars of the show is found murdered. It's up to Avery, with help from her ghost friend Clemmie and others to solve the murder.
The book has plenty of surprises and drama to keep readers reading. Avery and Clemmie's friendship as well as teamwork is wonderful to read. As well as a budding romance between Avery and Oz. You can't help but root for them.
I'm hoping to learn more about Clemmie's past as well.
The cover's artwork is stylish with a pleasant colorful. It gives the book a mysterious feel that invites readers.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend readers check out the first book, Haunted Homicide as well.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book for my review. I'm looking forward to more of Avery and Clemmie's adventures in the next book!
It's the return of Avery and Clemmie in another entry in the Haunted Mansion Mystery series: Phantoms and Felonies!
Our protagonist, Avery is working hard as her job as manager for the Women's club. Her latest idea: a murder mystery dinner event at the club! It's all fun, dinner, and mystery until one of the stars of the show is found murdered. It's up to Avery, with help from her ghost friend Clemmie and others to solve the murder.
The book has plenty of surprises and drama to keep readers reading. Avery and Clemmie's friendship as well as teamwork is wonderful to read. As well as a budding romance between Avery and Oz. You can't help but root for them.
I'm hoping to learn more about Clemmie's past as well.
The cover's artwork is stylish with a pleasant colorful. It gives the book a mysterious feel that invites readers.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend readers check out the first book, Haunted Homicide as well.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book for my review. I'm looking forward to more of Avery and Clemmie's adventures in the next book!
May 31, 2021
Lucy Ness outdoes herself with this second book in the Haunted Mansion series!
The Portage Path Women’s Club is having a murder mystery dinner fundraiser when fiction turns to truth and a real murder is discovered. Avery helps Oz, the police detective, investigate to get to the bottom of what happened.
I appreciated the theme to this one. I always enjoyed the tv shows that would have a real murder within a fabricated one at a mystery dinner. Without spoilers, I loved seeing Avery’s special visitor and learning more about them. I also love Avery and Oz’s blossoming relationship. I think they compliment each other well. Clemmie, the resident ghost, didn’t help much with the investigation but she is seen again throughout the book assisting with other things.
I truly enjoy how Ness writes the characters, each one popping off the page and feeling that if I put my book down they’d be standing right before me. Their personalities are terrific and well built. I’m looking forward to a third book!
The Portage Path Women’s Club is having a murder mystery dinner fundraiser when fiction turns to truth and a real murder is discovered. Avery helps Oz, the police detective, investigate to get to the bottom of what happened.
I appreciated the theme to this one. I always enjoyed the tv shows that would have a real murder within a fabricated one at a mystery dinner. Without spoilers, I loved seeing Avery’s special visitor and learning more about them. I also love Avery and Oz’s blossoming relationship. I think they compliment each other well. Clemmie, the resident ghost, didn’t help much with the investigation but she is seen again throughout the book assisting with other things.
I truly enjoy how Ness writes the characters, each one popping off the page and feeling that if I put my book down they’d be standing right before me. Their personalities are terrific and well built. I’m looking forward to a third book!
November 28, 2020
Phantoms and Felonies is the second book in a new cozy mystery series by Lucy Ness. When the Portage Path Players were engaged for a murder mystery dinner fundraiser, no one expected a real murder to take center stage. Avery had better solve this mystery pronto or the Portage Path Women��s Club could go under and with it her job.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a book that features a resident ghost from the Prohibition era, Avery’s aunt Rosemary who is a medium, and a quirky cast of characters? Add in a hunky detective love interest and every box for is checked for a fun and engaging read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own. Without a doubt, this series has the potential to become one of my favorites.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a book that features a resident ghost from the Prohibition era, Avery’s aunt Rosemary who is a medium, and a quirky cast of characters? Add in a hunky detective love interest and every box for is checked for a fun and engaging read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own. Without a doubt, this series has the potential to become one of my favorites.
March 14, 2021
This is starting to look like a fun murder mystery series.
Avery's new try of getting people interested in a Portage Path Women's Club involves a murder mystery interactive play at the mansion. Unforutenly, the play's murder victim ends up being an actual murder victim. To save the club, she has to find the murderer. Again.
As I read this, I wondered how long this club could last. Every time they try to do something, someone gets murdered. It's not a good look.
This book does bring up the resident ghost's death. Is there more to Clemmie's death than we were led to believe? Wonder if that question gets answered in the next book.
This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.
Avery's new try of getting people interested in a Portage Path Women's Club involves a murder mystery interactive play at the mansion. Unforutenly, the play's murder victim ends up being an actual murder victim. To save the club, she has to find the murderer. Again.
As I read this, I wondered how long this club could last. Every time they try to do something, someone gets murdered. It's not a good look.
This book does bring up the resident ghost's death. Is there more to Clemmie's death than we were led to believe? Wonder if that question gets answered in the next book.
This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.
March 28, 2021
I’ve really been into cozy mystery paranormals lately as they are usually so much fun. I’d read the first in this series, and I had to pick this one up as I quite enjoyed it. In this latest, Avery hosts a 20s-themed murder mystery party, only there is a real murder, and Avery and friend must solve it. I love how the author throws us red-herrings, and I end up not guessing who the villain is which is unusual for me. Another aspect to enjoy is the relationship between Avery and Oz; he doesn’t belittle her or make fun of her need to investigate. This book is a well-written, LOL, fun time sure to keep you entertained for hours. You don’t need to have read the first one to have read this one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 5, 2021
The local theater group is putting open a play at the local women's club.
Avery Morgan is the manager, who is in charge of the play and getting more interested generated for the w0men's club in general.
The theme is 1920'2 speakeasy times and the place is decorated to look like an old-time speakeasy,
( an illegal bar from hat time). The guests are wearing their 20's outfits. Everything seems to be going well. The play has started and the dinner is almost over.
Unfortunately the lead character is found dead right in the middle of the performance.
Avery is now working to find the killer before the women's club is doomed to close forever.
She has help from Clemmie, a ghost from the 1920's. Fun cozy!
Avery Morgan is the manager, who is in charge of the play and getting more interested generated for the w0men's club in general.
The theme is 1920'2 speakeasy times and the place is decorated to look like an old-time speakeasy,
( an illegal bar from hat time). The guests are wearing their 20's outfits. Everything seems to be going well. The play has started and the dinner is almost over.
Unfortunately the lead character is found dead right in the middle of the performance.
Avery is now working to find the killer before the women's club is doomed to close forever.
She has help from Clemmie, a ghost from the 1920's. Fun cozy!
April 20, 2021
[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
3.5 stars = Good+
A fun addition to the series. I am loving the relationship between Avery and Oz. I enjoyed getting a few new tidbits about Clemmie's story, even though I resented the intrusion into her relationship with Avery. The mystery was good and kept me guessing until the end. The paranormal pieces of this particular book went beyond just the presence of the ghost, adding in a séance and another ghost. I am enjoying this series and will definitely pick up book 3 when it releases.
3.5 stars = Good+
A fun addition to the series. I am loving the relationship between Avery and Oz. I enjoyed getting a few new tidbits about Clemmie's story, even though I resented the intrusion into her relationship with Avery. The mystery was good and kept me guessing until the end. The paranormal pieces of this particular book went beyond just the presence of the ghost, adding in a séance and another ghost. I am enjoying this series and will definitely pick up book 3 when it releases.
April 23, 2021
Phantoms and Felonies is the second in the Haunted Mansion Mysteries. Portage Path Women's Club business manager Avery Morgan decides to a theater troupe host a murder mystery dinner play at the old speakeasy in the basement of the mansion that the Portage Path Women's club calls home. It's a murder mystery set in a 1920's speakeasy. Which her "ghoul" friend Clemmie Bow. Clemmie worked in the speakeasy back in the 1920s, until her life is cut short. Now she's the resident ghost. The only problem is that Bob Hanover, a rich banker, and husband of one of the members, has decided to make himself the leading role in the play.
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars. I liked the first one in this series a little better but this was enjoyable nonetheless. Resident ghost Clemmie Bow is on hand to help Avery Morgan solve another murder at the Portage Path Women’s Club. This time it’s blow hard jerk Bob Hanover who is part of a theatre group that puts on a dinner and a murder mystery at the club. Unfortunately, actor- murder victim Bob turns out to be the real victim. Since Bob has alienated a lot of people, there is no shortage of suspects. Avery solves the mystery again with a little help from Clemmie, making a couple of fun ghostly appearances. I like this series and am looking forward to the next one.
June 24, 2022
Obviously with a series that involves ghosts, you expect a certain level of suspension of disbelief to be necessary for the plot to work. So that's not my issue with the series. It's the compromised crime scenes that drive me up the wall. I'm a geneticist turned forensic science teacher, my sister is a forensic DNA analyst and my uncle is a retired police chief. If murder investigations were handled as written here, there'd never be a conviction because of the level of mishandling. So if you don't know anything about proper procedure, you might find this series charming and not like nails on a chalkboard.
September 22, 2023
I had high hopes I guess... I felt like I was left hanging at the end about Clemmie and where her body really is or what really happened to her but I am guessing you have to read the other books in the collection. But anyway, I felt like there was a lot of back and forth about characters but the ending just came so abruptly and I am thinking, how did the Bartholomew's even know she was on to them and how did they know she was going to the costume store so they beat her there? Like... it didn't make sense to me. Also did they kill the costume clerk? Why wouldn't they have taken the jacket a long time ago... i dont know...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2021
The story was Well done - except for 1 crazy weird part: Only thing the took me back was the random statement on page 237 during a seance where the main characters dead parents are giving her reassurance that they supported her fir not going to college because
“-that college was incredibly expensive and that actually getting a job and working my butt off would give me more valuable experience than any school could.” WTF? I’m taken aback. One star ⭐️ for this bizarre statement in the book, on so many levels.
“-that college was incredibly expensive and that actually getting a job and working my butt off would give me more valuable experience than any school could.” WTF? I’m taken aback. One star ⭐️ for this bizarre statement in the book, on so many levels.
July 20, 2022
This is a good mystery set in an old mansion that dates back to before Prohibition, and features a speakeasy in its basement. Now it houses the Portage Path Women's Club, as well as a ghost. When Abby, the manager, puts on a theatrical mystery dinner, no one expects an actual murder to be committed right in the middle of the evening. Abby's aunt just happens upon the murdered man, and is immediately the main suspect for the murder. Abby must clear her aunt and find the real murderer before her aunt goes to jail and the whole Women's Club falls apart.
July 28, 2023
More like a 3.5
I enjoyed this one, but I enjoyed the first book in this series more. It was definitely interesting having the more supernatural elements explored in this one, but it felt like it was missing something for me. Coincidentally, some of the things mentioned in this installment coincided with a TV show I was watching, so that brought a little more entertainment to this story for me.
If more books in this series are released, I'd definitely be interested in reading them and seeing how our main character grows into not only her job, but her abilities.
I enjoyed this one, but I enjoyed the first book in this series more. It was definitely interesting having the more supernatural elements explored in this one, but it felt like it was missing something for me. Coincidentally, some of the things mentioned in this installment coincided with a TV show I was watching, so that brought a little more entertainment to this story for me.
If more books in this series are released, I'd definitely be interested in reading them and seeing how our main character grows into not only her job, but her abilities.
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