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Haunted Bookshop Mystery #8
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears
With the help of her gumshoe ghost, bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure sets out to clear an innocent woman of a shocking crime in this all-new entry in the “utterly charming” (Mystery Scene) Haunted Bookshop Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
Norma is a modern-day nomad. Living out of her van and teardrop trailer, she revels in self-reliance, solitude, and reading in the glorious peace of nature. Jovial, wise, and scrupulously honest, she’s become an uplifting presence in the little town of Quindicott, Rhode Island, where bookseller Pen is thankful to have her part-time help. But it’s Norma’s other job, working as a housekeeper at the Finch Inn, that gets her into terrible trouble. Norma is accused of stealing jewels from a guest’s room: the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set, inherited by a young socialite. Pen doesn’t believe Norma is guilty of the crime—though the evidence is distressingly strong. And when the spirited Norma vanishes before her arrest, Pen turns to another spirit…
Jack Shepard, PI, may have been gunned down decades ago, but his memory hasn’t been ghosted. Back in the 1940s, those same Valentino Teardrops starred in a bizarre case of betrayal and murder. From the look of things, history is about to repeat. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful.
Norma is a modern-day nomad. Living out of her van and teardrop trailer, she revels in self-reliance, solitude, and reading in the glorious peace of nature. Jovial, wise, and scrupulously honest, she’s become an uplifting presence in the little town of Quindicott, Rhode Island, where bookseller Pen is thankful to have her part-time help. But it’s Norma’s other job, working as a housekeeper at the Finch Inn, that gets her into terrible trouble. Norma is accused of stealing jewels from a guest’s room: the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set, inherited by a young socialite. Pen doesn’t believe Norma is guilty of the crime—though the evidence is distressingly strong. And when the spirited Norma vanishes before her arrest, Pen turns to another spirit…
Jack Shepard, PI, may have been gunned down decades ago, but his memory hasn’t been ghosted. Back in the 1940s, those same Valentino Teardrops starred in a bizarre case of betrayal and murder. From the look of things, history is about to repeat. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful.
268 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2022
153 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Cleo Coyle
54 books3,570 followersDon't miss the newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series (with more to come),
NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY,
a National Mystery Bestseller and triple #1 Amazon Category Bestseller. Join Cleo's Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways: Click Here to Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 30, 2022
I have been reading this series faithfully since the first book came out. Even when there was a 10 year break between books.The stories are always entertaining and fun to read! This series is definitely in my top 5 favorites!
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the 8th book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. This time Penelope and her ghostly PI, Jack, are doing some sleuthing to exonerate an innocent woman. It's not easy to prove someone innocent when they act guilty!
This newest story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. Plenty of sleuthing and suspects. The plot moves along at a nice pace with a few twists and surprises along the way. I love the basic premise of this series -- a long-dead PI assisting a bookshop owner to solve mysteries. Jack is such an entertaining character and I love the mix of old-time detective cliches and slang into the story.
The cover art for this series is always awesome. I usually buy the paperbacks each time a new book comes out and I also listen to the audio book through my local library. The audio books are always top notch and fun to listen to!
Another entertaining book in this series! And I see the next book -- The Ghost Goes to the Dogs -- is coming out in May 2023. Woot!! Already added to my TBR list!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing, but also have my own copy on pre-order! Will be re-reading this as soon as my physical book arrives! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the 8th book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. This time Penelope and her ghostly PI, Jack, are doing some sleuthing to exonerate an innocent woman. It's not easy to prove someone innocent when they act guilty!
This newest story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. Plenty of sleuthing and suspects. The plot moves along at a nice pace with a few twists and surprises along the way. I love the basic premise of this series -- a long-dead PI assisting a bookshop owner to solve mysteries. Jack is such an entertaining character and I love the mix of old-time detective cliches and slang into the story.
The cover art for this series is always awesome. I usually buy the paperbacks each time a new book comes out and I also listen to the audio book through my local library. The audio books are always top notch and fun to listen to!
Another entertaining book in this series! And I see the next book -- The Ghost Goes to the Dogs -- is coming out in May 2023. Woot!! Already added to my TBR list!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing, but also have my own copy on pre-order! Will be re-reading this as soon as my physical book arrives! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
February 27, 2024
3.5 stars but I'm feeling generous. Another fun mystery in the series. I enjoyed reading about Norma's vagabond lifestyle. I do continue to wish Penny would solve Jack's cold case in hopes he can rest in peace..I hope this is how they end the series.
September 29, 2022
Penelope McClure, along with her aunt Sadie own and run a bookstore in small-town Quindicott, Rhode Island. Pen is also mother to a young son, who, at the present time, is interested in forensics, which may or may not be a blessing. She's also in a relationship -- sort of -- with the ghost of a long-dead PI named Jack Shepard, whom only she can hear (and occasionally see). She's grateful for Jack's presence, as he's helped her in the past solve murders that stump the police.
Right now she's determined to see her part-time help who also works at the Finch Inn as a housekeeper. But when she arrives, the nomadic Norma, who lives out of her van and teardrop trailer, is nowhere to be found. What is found, however, is a spoiled social influencer who's claiming her priceless teardrop earring and necklace set is missing, and the housekeeper had a hand in it.
When Jack sees the set (through Pen's eyes) he recognizes it from his own time in the 1940s, and tells Pen that it brings nothing but trouble and death. But Pen is determined to find Nora, and with the help of not only Jack, but her friends mail carrier Seymour and Professor Brainert, who are also her childhood best friends, she sets out to find the woman before the police catch her and jail her for something she hasn't done.
But it is Jack's help, in the world they come together; the world of her dreams, that leads her to the history of the tears and the clues she needs to find Norma and solve the case. In his world, she comes across seedy characters, gamblers, killers, and thieves, all of whom play a part and show her that anyone can kill, even those who seem the least likely...
I have read all of these books and I must admit that I am a little bit in love with Jack Shepard (Oh, c'mon, you've all fallen for someone!). He brings the book to life, even being dead, and I love his self-assurance, his ego, and even his ability to keep Pen safe. Even being not of this life anymore, he has that something that makes him one of the best characters in a book.
I also found many parts of this book to be humorous; namely the banter between Seymour and Brainert, who have a sort of 'frenemy' association going on. Their conversations are the type you roll you eyes at, but enjoy nevertheless. In this book, they are spending more time together, and that first conversation gets smiles and continues throughout.
Even Pen's son Spencer gets into the act this time, and with relish. He's doing well in school and his desire to find a thief gets a little out of hand, but Jack thinks he's great and Pen never thought she'd be in the situation she finds herself. As a mother of boys myself, I can sympathize -- heavily.
But when Pen starts to realize that things are not as they seem, she soon finds herself in the middle of something more than a burglary, and it's up to her and Jack to figure out how to trap a killer...
I would love to say more about this book but I daren't do so, considering the fact I don't want to ruin it for other readers. I will say that this book is just as good as the previous ones, and for anyone who hasn't read the series, this book can be read as a standalone. It contains no spoilers from previous books. Ms. Coyle has a definite way with words, and I am always surprised at how she can connect the dark past of New York's 1940s with the present year and make it seem as if the two belong together somehow. Try to imagine yourself in the world of The Maltese Falcon. Loving classic films as I do, it is my own dream (although I don't have a Jack Shepard to help me!); and she makes it all so believable and realistic that the reader becomes part of the dream as well.
When she merges the two tales, it is almost a perfect fit, the seams coming in nicely and forming a final picture that gives us the murderer, the thief, and the reasons for everything that has come before. It is a book that stays with you and wanting more. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Right now she's determined to see her part-time help who also works at the Finch Inn as a housekeeper. But when she arrives, the nomadic Norma, who lives out of her van and teardrop trailer, is nowhere to be found. What is found, however, is a spoiled social influencer who's claiming her priceless teardrop earring and necklace set is missing, and the housekeeper had a hand in it.
When Jack sees the set (through Pen's eyes) he recognizes it from his own time in the 1940s, and tells Pen that it brings nothing but trouble and death. But Pen is determined to find Nora, and with the help of not only Jack, but her friends mail carrier Seymour and Professor Brainert, who are also her childhood best friends, she sets out to find the woman before the police catch her and jail her for something she hasn't done.
But it is Jack's help, in the world they come together; the world of her dreams, that leads her to the history of the tears and the clues she needs to find Norma and solve the case. In his world, she comes across seedy characters, gamblers, killers, and thieves, all of whom play a part and show her that anyone can kill, even those who seem the least likely...
I have read all of these books and I must admit that I am a little bit in love with Jack Shepard (Oh, c'mon, you've all fallen for someone!). He brings the book to life, even being dead, and I love his self-assurance, his ego, and even his ability to keep Pen safe. Even being not of this life anymore, he has that something that makes him one of the best characters in a book.
I also found many parts of this book to be humorous; namely the banter between Seymour and Brainert, who have a sort of 'frenemy' association going on. Their conversations are the type you roll you eyes at, but enjoy nevertheless. In this book, they are spending more time together, and that first conversation gets smiles and continues throughout.
Even Pen's son Spencer gets into the act this time, and with relish. He's doing well in school and his desire to find a thief gets a little out of hand, but Jack thinks he's great and Pen never thought she'd be in the situation she finds herself. As a mother of boys myself, I can sympathize -- heavily.
But when Pen starts to realize that things are not as they seem, she soon finds herself in the middle of something more than a burglary, and it's up to her and Jack to figure out how to trap a killer...
I would love to say more about this book but I daren't do so, considering the fact I don't want to ruin it for other readers. I will say that this book is just as good as the previous ones, and for anyone who hasn't read the series, this book can be read as a standalone. It contains no spoilers from previous books. Ms. Coyle has a definite way with words, and I am always surprised at how she can connect the dark past of New York's 1940s with the present year and make it seem as if the two belong together somehow. Try to imagine yourself in the world of The Maltese Falcon. Loving classic films as I do, it is my own dream (although I don't have a Jack Shepard to help me!); and she makes it all so believable and realistic that the reader becomes part of the dream as well.
When she merges the two tales, it is almost a perfect fit, the seams coming in nicely and forming a final picture that gives us the murderer, the thief, and the reasons for everything that has come before. It is a book that stays with you and wanting more. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
October 4, 2022
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the eighth book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series.
Quindicott, Rhode Island is home to a bookshop owned by Penelope Thornton-McClure. In this case she is once again working with her gumshoe ghost, Jack Shepard who was a PI in the 1940's but is still "around" helping to solve the case by putting thoughts and ideas in her head.
Her part-time helper is Norma who is a nomadic van lifer,nature enjoying kind of person.
Norma has been accused of stealing the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set. Pen is convinced Norma is innocent despite her nomadic ways.
The mystery has a few red herrings thrown in to get you off track. I love this series with it's bookshop owner and the ghostly Jack. You just never know where their investigations will take them and what kind of situations they'll be getting into to almost not escape from. There are some pretty close calls here. The pacing was great and it kept my attention. I recommend this book and series and look forward to more adventures with this pair in upcoming books.
Pub Date 04 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed a.re my own
Quindicott, Rhode Island is home to a bookshop owned by Penelope Thornton-McClure. In this case she is once again working with her gumshoe ghost, Jack Shepard who was a PI in the 1940's but is still "around" helping to solve the case by putting thoughts and ideas in her head.
Her part-time helper is Norma who is a nomadic van lifer,nature enjoying kind of person.
Norma has been accused of stealing the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set. Pen is convinced Norma is innocent despite her nomadic ways.
The mystery has a few red herrings thrown in to get you off track. I love this series with it's bookshop owner and the ghostly Jack. You just never know where their investigations will take them and what kind of situations they'll be getting into to almost not escape from. There are some pretty close calls here. The pacing was great and it kept my attention. I recommend this book and series and look forward to more adventures with this pair in upcoming books.
Pub Date 04 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed a.re my own
September 21, 2022
I've only read one other book in this series, and they can definitely be read as a standalone. Cleo Coyle does a great job of giving a mini intro to who the main character is and how she ended up back in Quindicott, Rhode Island.
I really enjoy the way the story is told, We actually get two cases, one in the current day, and one that is somehow connected that our resident PI ghost investigated while he was still alive. Jack can show Pen what happened with his cases while she's sleeping, and she can be an actual participant in what's happening around her. I loved the whole book, but these flashbacks are my favorite.
When one of the residents is accused of theft, and then disappears it's up to Pen with the help of Jack and her friends to figure out what's going on. Pen and her friends do some amazing detective work in discovering where Norma is and proving her innocence. I loved how the entire town stood up for Norma, not one resident believed that she had anything to do with stealing the jewels, and in the end, they all come together to help prove it and catch the real thief.
This is an amazing series, and I will absolutely be reading the other books in this series! I can't wait to see how Jack and Pen first came together!
I really enjoy the way the story is told, We actually get two cases, one in the current day, and one that is somehow connected that our resident PI ghost investigated while he was still alive. Jack can show Pen what happened with his cases while she's sleeping, and she can be an actual participant in what's happening around her. I loved the whole book, but these flashbacks are my favorite.
When one of the residents is accused of theft, and then disappears it's up to Pen with the help of Jack and her friends to figure out what's going on. Pen and her friends do some amazing detective work in discovering where Norma is and proving her innocence. I loved how the entire town stood up for Norma, not one resident believed that she had anything to do with stealing the jewels, and in the end, they all come together to help prove it and catch the real thief.
This is an amazing series, and I will absolutely be reading the other books in this series! I can't wait to see how Jack and Pen first came together!
October 4, 2022
I love everything about this series by Cleo Coyle, except that each book ends! I usually have to start over at the beginning and read it again, more slowly, savoring the atmosphere, the people, and the stories that the authors have crafted. The first time, I tend to rush through it to get to where the plot is taking me!
This one begins in New York City in the 1940s, where Jack Shepard, our favorite PI, is on another case. Then it moves to an autumn day in Rhode Island and a walk in the woods with PI Jack’s “Lucky Penny,” a bookshop owner with intelligence, class, and a son who keeps her on her toes. She also is the only person she knows who can hear Jack’s voice–and with the problems she’s about to have to deal with, she is glad to have his experience and advice. She is also glad to have the lessons he teaches her by taking her back to the 1940s with him, in her dreams.
This time, someone Penny likes and admires is suspected of stealing the infamous Valentino’s Teardrops. Jack had his own troubles due to those jewels back in his day, and is not happy that they have now crossed Pen’s path. It’s going to require other friends, and even her son’s budding skills, to keep more people from dying.
And as the authors write, “You can never really close the book, dear, because the warm feeling remains. That’s because you’ve made a new friend–two of them, really. The character you love, and the author, who likely has many more adventures for you to go on together.”
I always look forward to the next adventure Cleo Coyle has for us to go on together.
This one begins in New York City in the 1940s, where Jack Shepard, our favorite PI, is on another case. Then it moves to an autumn day in Rhode Island and a walk in the woods with PI Jack’s “Lucky Penny,” a bookshop owner with intelligence, class, and a son who keeps her on her toes. She also is the only person she knows who can hear Jack’s voice–and with the problems she’s about to have to deal with, she is glad to have his experience and advice. She is also glad to have the lessons he teaches her by taking her back to the 1940s with him, in her dreams.
This time, someone Penny likes and admires is suspected of stealing the infamous Valentino’s Teardrops. Jack had his own troubles due to those jewels back in his day, and is not happy that they have now crossed Pen’s path. It’s going to require other friends, and even her son’s budding skills, to keep more people from dying.
And as the authors write, “You can never really close the book, dear, because the warm feeling remains. That’s because you’ve made a new friend–two of them, really. The character you love, and the author, who likely has many more adventures for you to go on together.”
I always look forward to the next adventure Cleo Coyle has for us to go on together.
October 23, 2022
One of my favorite series ever! Jack is my favorite ghost PI and I love how he works together with Pen. I also love that we get to see one of his 1940’s cases and how it helps Pen with her modern day case. There were lots of twists and turns with this case and I enjoyed being along for the ride.
November 11, 2022
Penelope Thornton-McClure manages the Quindicott, Rhode Island bookshop she co-owns with her Aunt Sadie aptly named Buy the Book. She’s on her way to the Finch Inn to offer her part-time employee Norma full-time employment when she stumbles into the discovery by a socialite guest at the Inn of some missing jewelry. Norma works part-time as a maid at the Inn as well, and her last room cleaned was where the jewelry was stolen. However, Norma is nowhere to be found, since she is running an errand. The police arrive and search her cleaning cart and her room. They find one earring from the necklace and earring set known as the Valentino Teardrops. The search is on to find Norma and the missing jewels.
Norma is a nomad, meaning that she lives in a teardrop trailor and travels the country. She’s currently living in a room at the Finch Inn while in town for the winter. Her only living relative lives in a neighboring town, so Pen heads that way. She walks right into a shadowy figure killing whoever lived at what was supposed to be Norma’s sister’s house. Just who was the killer, and who is the victim? An unforgiving insurance adjustor shows up and accuses Pen of the crime, impounding her car in the process.
Pen isn’t alone as she continues to search for the thief and the murderer. She has Jack Shepherd with her every step of the way. Jack is the ghost of the private detective shot in Pen’s bookstore back in 1949. He is able to accompany Pen out of the store or share her dreams. This night he gives her the history of the Valentino Teardrops, once a gift to a Broadway actress and involved in a scandal in 1947.
What follows is a complex drama switching from the search for Norma in the present and the search for the thief in 1947. Nothing is as it seems nor is either story line straightforward. There are plenty of clues but only some lead in the right direction. We get to know more about Norma when some recordings of her at motivational meetings at the church are uncovered and posted to social media. Clearly she’s had some trauma in her past and learned to deal with it. Who now is accusing her of wrongdoing at the church?
Cleverly twisting and turning, the plot leads us forward into an intricate story. Well written and very descriptive, plenty of energy goes into the characterizations as well as the mystery. I listened to this on audiobook, which was well done by Traci Odom and who did a good job differentiating between the alternating narrations between the two characters Jack and Pen (although I missed the two narrators for previous books). In addition, their speech patterns were quite different, with Jack using jargon from the 1940s which he often had to stop and explain to Pen. It was fascinating what the two characters chose to describe to each other about their different eras.
This was illuminating in many ways and interesting to follow along. The past and the present came together, almost seamlessly, so that the Valentino Teardrops found their rightful place.
Norma is a nomad, meaning that she lives in a teardrop trailor and travels the country. She’s currently living in a room at the Finch Inn while in town for the winter. Her only living relative lives in a neighboring town, so Pen heads that way. She walks right into a shadowy figure killing whoever lived at what was supposed to be Norma’s sister’s house. Just who was the killer, and who is the victim? An unforgiving insurance adjustor shows up and accuses Pen of the crime, impounding her car in the process.
Pen isn’t alone as she continues to search for the thief and the murderer. She has Jack Shepherd with her every step of the way. Jack is the ghost of the private detective shot in Pen’s bookstore back in 1949. He is able to accompany Pen out of the store or share her dreams. This night he gives her the history of the Valentino Teardrops, once a gift to a Broadway actress and involved in a scandal in 1947.
What follows is a complex drama switching from the search for Norma in the present and the search for the thief in 1947. Nothing is as it seems nor is either story line straightforward. There are plenty of clues but only some lead in the right direction. We get to know more about Norma when some recordings of her at motivational meetings at the church are uncovered and posted to social media. Clearly she’s had some trauma in her past and learned to deal with it. Who now is accusing her of wrongdoing at the church?
Cleverly twisting and turning, the plot leads us forward into an intricate story. Well written and very descriptive, plenty of energy goes into the characterizations as well as the mystery. I listened to this on audiobook, which was well done by Traci Odom and who did a good job differentiating between the alternating narrations between the two characters Jack and Pen (although I missed the two narrators for previous books). In addition, their speech patterns were quite different, with Jack using jargon from the 1940s which he often had to stop and explain to Pen. It was fascinating what the two characters chose to describe to each other about their different eras.
This was illuminating in many ways and interesting to follow along. The past and the present came together, almost seamlessly, so that the Valentino Teardrops found their rightful place.
November 5, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
PI Jack Shepard is back for another case with bookseller Penelope Thornton-McClure (Pen). One of Pen’s employees has been accused of stealing some famous jewelry at her other job working as a housekeeper at The Finch Inn. One of the inn’s guests had an antique necklace and earring set known as the legendary Valentino Teardrops. The same gems that Jack was tracking back in the 1940s.
Norma hasn’t been in Quindicott long, but she has had influence within the little town. She is pretty laid back, knowledgeable on many subjects, and loves to read. She is a modern-day nomad traveling from town to town in her van and teardrop trailer. She works where she can and moves on whenever the mood strikes her. The problem is this time she moved on right after the jewels were stolen. Pen and many others believe she is innocent. She hopes teaming up with Jack she can uncover the real thief so that Norma can return to Quindicott.
I love this series, its characters, and this book!
Pen and Jack make such a great team and the way they communicate is unique. Jack can get in Pen’s head and take her back in history to participate in his case where they can get clues that help them solve the present-day crime. Both cases are full of twists and turns and have Pen and Jack escaping from some by the skin of their teeth moments.
What makes this story so good is that Cleo Coyle is an expert at setting the scenes. Whether present-day or 1947, at The Finch Inn or the basement of The Martin Beck Theater, or Sadie and Pen’s bookshop or a high fashion house, Ms. Coyle brings each and every person and place to life. I felt at times like I was an extra on a movie set and other times like I was right there in the moment watching everything play out in front of my eyes. The words had my imagination running at high speed as I truly escaped right into the pages of this book. I even got the shivers reading the passage that was similar to The Birds. The first scary movie I watched as a kid.
I am so happy the author and publisher brought this series back because I cannot get enough of my favorite gumshoe and bookseller. I enjoyed each one and encourage you to read them all but the author does a wonderful job of making each stand on its own.
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is a marvelous must-read mystery. I was engaged and entertained from the first page to the last. It is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. That is why you will see it on my Best Read of 2022.
I am excited to see we only have to wait until May 2, 2023, to get together again with Jack and Pen when The Ghost Goes to the Dogs will be released.
PI Jack Shepard is back for another case with bookseller Penelope Thornton-McClure (Pen). One of Pen’s employees has been accused of stealing some famous jewelry at her other job working as a housekeeper at The Finch Inn. One of the inn’s guests had an antique necklace and earring set known as the legendary Valentino Teardrops. The same gems that Jack was tracking back in the 1940s.
Norma hasn’t been in Quindicott long, but she has had influence within the little town. She is pretty laid back, knowledgeable on many subjects, and loves to read. She is a modern-day nomad traveling from town to town in her van and teardrop trailer. She works where she can and moves on whenever the mood strikes her. The problem is this time she moved on right after the jewels were stolen. Pen and many others believe she is innocent. She hopes teaming up with Jack she can uncover the real thief so that Norma can return to Quindicott.
I love this series, its characters, and this book!
Pen and Jack make such a great team and the way they communicate is unique. Jack can get in Pen’s head and take her back in history to participate in his case where they can get clues that help them solve the present-day crime. Both cases are full of twists and turns and have Pen and Jack escaping from some by the skin of their teeth moments.
What makes this story so good is that Cleo Coyle is an expert at setting the scenes. Whether present-day or 1947, at The Finch Inn or the basement of The Martin Beck Theater, or Sadie and Pen’s bookshop or a high fashion house, Ms. Coyle brings each and every person and place to life. I felt at times like I was an extra on a movie set and other times like I was right there in the moment watching everything play out in front of my eyes. The words had my imagination running at high speed as I truly escaped right into the pages of this book. I even got the shivers reading the passage that was similar to The Birds. The first scary movie I watched as a kid.
I am so happy the author and publisher brought this series back because I cannot get enough of my favorite gumshoe and bookseller. I enjoyed each one and encourage you to read them all but the author does a wonderful job of making each stand on its own.
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is a marvelous must-read mystery. I was engaged and entertained from the first page to the last. It is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. That is why you will see it on my Best Read of 2022.
I am excited to see we only have to wait until May 2, 2023, to get together again with Jack and Pen when The Ghost Goes to the Dogs will be released.
October 6, 2022
"But then life was like that, wasn't it?Driven by phantoms we didn't always understand."
Bookstore owner in a small Rhode Island village, Penelope Thornton-McClure and her son Spencer came to help Aunt Sadie a while ago, and to her credit, the bookstore is now thriving. In this, the 8th book in the series, Pen and her ghost PI Jack Shepherd trace a convoluted history of a set of jewels called Valentino's Tears; something Jack knows much about as he has been involved with the set before.
But when Norma "the nomad" is accused to stealing the set from their current owner and then....disappears... with a weird insurance claims adjuster who is hot on her tail certain she is the culprit, Pen and Jack move as quickly as they can to save their friend and give Quindicott residents reason to feel peaceful again.
I have been a fan of Cleo Coyle/Alice Kimberly for years! When this particular series began, as I am from RI I was all over it. I love the premise and look forward to my TBR of the previous book in the series as I await the March release of book 9. Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer:I recieved this book as a gift from the author. In no way did it effect my review which I did voluntarily]
Bookstore owner in a small Rhode Island village, Penelope Thornton-McClure and her son Spencer came to help Aunt Sadie a while ago, and to her credit, the bookstore is now thriving. In this, the 8th book in the series, Pen and her ghost PI Jack Shepherd trace a convoluted history of a set of jewels called Valentino's Tears; something Jack knows much about as he has been involved with the set before.
But when Norma "the nomad" is accused to stealing the set from their current owner and then....disappears... with a weird insurance claims adjuster who is hot on her tail certain she is the culprit, Pen and Jack move as quickly as they can to save their friend and give Quindicott residents reason to feel peaceful again.
I have been a fan of Cleo Coyle/Alice Kimberly for years! When this particular series began, as I am from RI I was all over it. I love the premise and look forward to my TBR of the previous book in the series as I await the March release of book 9. Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer:I recieved this book as a gift from the author. In no way did it effect my review which I did voluntarily]
October 7, 2022
Another good book in this series!! I've read them all and haven't gotten tired of Penny and her resident ghost, PI Jack Shepard. Fun, intriguing, mysterious and a darn good story!! 🤗
October 31, 2022
This is a great cozy mystery series and one of my all-time favorites! The mystery is unique and intriguing and the characters are likable and down-to-earth. Penelope McClure co-owns a bookstore with her Aunt Sadie. She has a son Spencer who in this book aids with solving the mystery. The best part is the ghost Jack Shepard who was a Private Investigator in the 1940’s and was killed in part of the bookstore building. Penelope is the only one who can interact with Jack. There conversations are often funny with the different words between the 1940’s and current vocabulary. The murder case in the book involved Jack in the 1940’s and parallels the current case. In The Ghost and the Stolen Tears, Norma is passing through town but works at the B&B and the bookstore temporarily. Some jewelry is stolen and Norma becomes a suspect. She has some secrets and it keeps the story very interesting. I had the audiobook and it is well done. #TheGhostAndTheStolenTears
September 28, 2022
I've only read a couple of these books, however, if found this story to be quite interesting.
Penelope is a good character, and this is a series that hold a lot of twists and turns.
I'm looking forward to catching up with other books in the series.
TheGhostandtheStolenTears #NetGalley
Penelope is a good character, and this is a series that hold a lot of twists and turns.
I'm looking forward to catching up with other books in the series.
TheGhostandtheStolenTears #NetGalley
June 2, 2023
3.5 rounded up. This series has a definite formula, but so do most cozies, and this one really works. Plus I can't think of another cozy mystery where there was a reference to The Yellow Wallpaper, or at least not one so pitch perfectly snarky.
November 11, 2022
Penelope Thornton-McClure with the aid of her ghost, Jack Shepard, PI sets to clear her employee, Norma from being a thief and a murderer. Norma does not stay in one place long. Norma is also employed at the Finch inn as a housekeeper. She disappears about the same time that the Valentino Tears are reported as missing. One classmate of Pen's som has been tracing pollution of a local waterway and directions to the location of Norma's home are on the picture which Pen makes sure is displaced at the Inn. Pen's son has been studying fingerprinting and finds the thief who has been stealing a teacher's grape drink and almost is expelled. But, he finds some prints which help the police find a murderer.
October 10, 2022
One of the best that I have read in this series.
October 10, 2022
LOVE this series! Can't wait for more!
August 10, 2022
I’ve read this series, but it’s been a long time ago. I was glad to dive into the series again even if I was a few books behind. It was like I had never left, and I got to know Jack and Penny all over again. That let’s you know that you don’t need to have read the previous ones to enjoy this latest. One thing I think is so clever is how the authors weave together Jack’s old case and Penny’s current one. They are both equally fun to learn about and deduce the killer. I knew one, but I couldn’t figure out the other. This is such a unique series, and even if you don’t like paranormal elements in your cozy mysteries, this is still so very worth reading. Fun, well-written, paranormal cozy. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 17, 2022
I enjoy the multilayered plots this team of authors weave. In this tale tears are stolen in Jack's active PI days and again in the current day. The interaction among Seymour, Brainert, and Pen are light and so typical of nerdy guys. Spencer plays a good role in this episode, too. I also appreciate the suggestion of reading stories by Cornell Woolrich (who wrote Rear Window, one of Hitchcock's entertaining movies).
December 17, 2022
I enjoy the interactions between the two MC. Jack is a great character and love how he helps Pen solves present day crimes. There are also interesting secondary characters. I hope for many more visits with Pen & Jack.
Thank you the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
The ghost and the stolen tears
Cleo and Jack have done it again. I love how he takes her back to when he was alive. Just the descriptions make you feel like you are there. Wish it wouldn't take so long between books!
Cleo and Jack have done it again. I love how he takes her back to when he was alive. Just the descriptions make you feel like you are there. Wish it wouldn't take so long between books!
Want to read
November 18, 2022Cleo Coyle is a favorite of mine! I have loved each and every novel by this husband and wife team! The coffee house mysteries and the haunted bookshop mysteries are always filled with crimes to be solved and delightful characters! This latest addition to the Haunted Bookshop The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is an exciting story of missing jewels and murder past and present!
January 19, 2023
This was a fun, cozy mystery. It reminded me of the kind of story my grandma would have enjoyed, but I mean that in the best way.
November 21, 2022
Read this review in its entirety atFresh Fiction
Cleo Coyle is back with the eighth book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series! With this latest installment, Penelope’s part-timer, Norma, gets accused of stealing jewels from her other job as a housekeeper. The Valentino Teardrops play an important role in the novel, which I thought was a very unique touch and explains the title of this book well. It’s an interesting concept I haven’t seen done many times in the genre, so it was nice to see Coyle’s take on it.
As always, getting into this series takes me a little bit. However, the details of Jack are always interesting to me. Because of his presence, there’s a mix of history and paranormal, which are two genres that don’t get lumped together very much in the Mystery genre. So with that, I feel that The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries stands out from the rest.
If you’re in for something drastically different from what’s already out there, I suggest giving this series a shot. Jack and Penelope were a blast together, and THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS doesn’t disappoint in giving readers a thrilling ride.
Cleo Coyle is back with the eighth book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series! With this latest installment, Penelope’s part-timer, Norma, gets accused of stealing jewels from her other job as a housekeeper. The Valentino Teardrops play an important role in the novel, which I thought was a very unique touch and explains the title of this book well. It’s an interesting concept I haven’t seen done many times in the genre, so it was nice to see Coyle’s take on it.
As always, getting into this series takes me a little bit. However, the details of Jack are always interesting to me. Because of his presence, there’s a mix of history and paranormal, which are two genres that don’t get lumped together very much in the Mystery genre. So with that, I feel that The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries stands out from the rest.
If you’re in for something drastically different from what’s already out there, I suggest giving this series a shot. Jack and Penelope were a blast together, and THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS doesn’t disappoint in giving readers a thrilling ride.
October 7, 2022
What a captivating and fun cozy mystery.
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the first that I have read in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series and will surely not be the last. I loved everything about this book. And look forward to going through the back list to see how this unexpected duo became a sluthing team.
Penelope Thorton – McClure is a woman with a lot on her plate. Not only does she own and run a bookshop with her Aunt Sadie, she’s a single parent, has a ghost detective that talks to her and is an amateur sleuth. I would like to add that you can very much tell that this is a well established series, however, coming in at book a does not take away from the story in the least bit. I was able to jump right in and felt like I had already known these characters for quite a while. With that being said, let’s get to the review part of this.
I love the combination of Penny and Jack. This partnership/friendship is very unique. I love the mix of Jacks, 1940s, slang and banter along with the present day way of speaking. I love that Penny took up for someone that she barely knew however, deep inside she actually knew the person very well. the story was plotted, very well, extremely entertaining, and as I have already said, very unique. I also enjoyed that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that Penny’s own son does a little investigating of his own. The flashback scenes are such an added touch to the story and let you see what Jack’s life was like during his time. Cleo Coyle has had me as a long time fan of the coffee shop mysteries and now I’m excited to dive into the back list of the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series.
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the first that I have read in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series and will surely not be the last. I loved everything about this book. And look forward to going through the back list to see how this unexpected duo became a sluthing team.
Penelope Thorton – McClure is a woman with a lot on her plate. Not only does she own and run a bookshop with her Aunt Sadie, she’s a single parent, has a ghost detective that talks to her and is an amateur sleuth. I would like to add that you can very much tell that this is a well established series, however, coming in at book a does not take away from the story in the least bit. I was able to jump right in and felt like I had already known these characters for quite a while. With that being said, let’s get to the review part of this.
I love the combination of Penny and Jack. This partnership/friendship is very unique. I love the mix of Jacks, 1940s, slang and banter along with the present day way of speaking. I love that Penny took up for someone that she barely knew however, deep inside she actually knew the person very well. the story was plotted, very well, extremely entertaining, and as I have already said, very unique. I also enjoyed that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that Penny’s own son does a little investigating of his own. The flashback scenes are such an added touch to the story and let you see what Jack’s life was like during his time. Cleo Coyle has had me as a long time fan of the coffee shop mysteries and now I’m excited to dive into the back list of the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series.
October 23, 2022
A ghostly good read doesn’t have to limit itself to the Halloween season. Cleo Coyle brings to life a dashing detective (Jack Shepard) and a feisty bookstore owner (Penelope), who work together to solve a local crime. Okay so the detective is a ghost and only Pen can hear the smooth-talking specter.
In this installment of the addictive series, I was happy to see Jack stretch beyond his ghostly confinement to provide very-much-alive assistance into Pen’s world to aid in a harrowing escapade. The story is full of solid characters, goofy sidekicks (you’ll love the movie game that Brainert and Seymour play), a couple of surprises you won’t see coming, and a lot of heart.
Each book in the series brings a deeper dive into Jack’s world and his relationship with Pen. I loved spending time in Jack’s decade where the lingo and setting drop the reader firmly into his era. Bringing Pen along through her dreams is skillfully crafted to allow for the suspension of disbelief, and the shock of waking up along with Pen into her reality is evidence of that craft. So turn off the phone and get away from the newsfeed for a while. Take your time and focus on the plot. And just enjoy a good story.
With a touch of his fedora, Jack fades away and leaves me with a sadness that he is not among the living to properly woo our dear protagonist. Maybe he’s waiting for me.
In this installment of the addictive series, I was happy to see Jack stretch beyond his ghostly confinement to provide very-much-alive assistance into Pen’s world to aid in a harrowing escapade. The story is full of solid characters, goofy sidekicks (you’ll love the movie game that Brainert and Seymour play), a couple of surprises you won’t see coming, and a lot of heart.
Each book in the series brings a deeper dive into Jack’s world and his relationship with Pen. I loved spending time in Jack’s decade where the lingo and setting drop the reader firmly into his era. Bringing Pen along through her dreams is skillfully crafted to allow for the suspension of disbelief, and the shock of waking up along with Pen into her reality is evidence of that craft. So turn off the phone and get away from the newsfeed for a while. Take your time and focus on the plot. And just enjoy a good story.
With a touch of his fedora, Jack fades away and leaves me with a sadness that he is not among the living to properly woo our dear protagonist. Maybe he’s waiting for me.
November 8, 2023
Jack and Pen do it again! With an employee friend of Pen's accused of the theft of historical, priceless jewels, the duo and company are on the case to prove her innocence. Of course, there is a link to a past case of Jack's, which takes Pen to the mean streets of NYC and a gritty case of "who dies next". I love the style of these books, and they always draw me into the story. The action is engrossing and the resolution is satisfying. Looking forward to the next and hoping for MANY more to follow.
October 15, 2022
I have loved this series, far more than I ever imagined. This book was no exception. Reading peripherally about Rudolph Valentino is like having a blast from the distant past. All the other shenanigans just fell in line with the story. The plot is easily followed, the characters pro and con were magnificent and the story flowed so well, it was over long before I wanted it to be. I definitely recommend this book.
October 2, 2022
When jewelry belonging to a social media influencer is stolen from her room at the Finch Inn, housekeeper Norma is accused of the theft. Pen and the folks of Quindicott don’t believe she’s guilty, but the evidence, although circumstantial, is hard to refute. When Norma disappears before the police arrest her, Pen and Jack are determined to figure out what really happened.
This is the eighth book in this series, and I enjoyed it as much as the previous books in the series. I like the recurring characters and the way they work to bring visitors and business to their community rather than just going along as they’ve always done. It’s been fun watching them grow and adapt as the series has progressed, and I appreciate that the author doesn’t feel it necessary for Pen to have a love interest other than her apparent ‘crush’ on Jack.
The mystery here is good, with several story lines to consider. I suspected the jewel thief and the killer almost from the start, and wasn’t surprised at the motive, but that won’t stop me from reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book by one of my favorite cozy authors.
This is the eighth book in this series, and I enjoyed it as much as the previous books in the series. I like the recurring characters and the way they work to bring visitors and business to their community rather than just going along as they’ve always done. It’s been fun watching them grow and adapt as the series has progressed, and I appreciate that the author doesn’t feel it necessary for Pen to have a love interest other than her apparent ‘crush’ on Jack.
The mystery here is good, with several story lines to consider. I suspected the jewel thief and the killer almost from the start, and wasn’t surprised at the motive, but that won’t stop me from reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book by one of my favorite cozy authors.
November 11, 2022
This is the eighth book in the haunted bookshop series. Penelope's part time employee, Norma, is accused of stealing jewels from a guest room at her other job at the Finch Inn. Penelope doesn't believe Norma is guilty, so she teams up with her resident ghost Jack Shepard whose knowledge of a case involving the same jewels in the 1940's comes in handy. I love this series so much. This is one of the only historical cozies that I truly enjoy. The characters are wonderful, and the mystery is always interesting.
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