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Midlife Is Murder #1
A Spirited Swindler
Empty nested and excited to start a new chapter in life, Quinn is almost ready to open her new lakeside café in the small town of Bookend Bay.
Everything is perfect until she realizes she’s being followed.
Confronting the stranger sets Quinn on a course where her problems no longer revolve around selecting a feature scone. She’s suddenly questioning everything she believed about her marriage and her sanity.
Midlife isn’t supposed to bring a change like this!
When police question her about a murder, Quinn quickly realizes she can’t tell anyone but her best friend about the conniving, ghostly stranger who’s stalking her. No one would believe she’s been talking to a dead person, and Quinn is barely coping with the truth herself.
Things go from bad to worse when the ghost makes her agenda clear—an exchange of favors that could save or sink Quinn’s café before she serves her first spiced latte.
The closer she gets to the truth, the more afraid she becomes of a horrible secret that could ruin her life.
Now, she can’t help thinking some secrets should rest in peace.
If you like savvy, sleuthing best friends, midlife debacles, and ghosts with agendas, you’ll love A Spirited Swindler. Get it now.
Everything is perfect until she realizes she’s being followed.
Confronting the stranger sets Quinn on a course where her problems no longer revolve around selecting a feature scone. She’s suddenly questioning everything she believed about her marriage and her sanity.
Midlife isn’t supposed to bring a change like this!
When police question her about a murder, Quinn quickly realizes she can’t tell anyone but her best friend about the conniving, ghostly stranger who’s stalking her. No one would believe she’s been talking to a dead person, and Quinn is barely coping with the truth herself.
Things go from bad to worse when the ghost makes her agenda clear—an exchange of favors that could save or sink Quinn’s café before she serves her first spiced latte.
The closer she gets to the truth, the more afraid she becomes of a horrible secret that could ruin her life.
Now, she can’t help thinking some secrets should rest in peace.
If you like savvy, sleuthing best friends, midlife debacles, and ghosts with agendas, you’ll love A Spirited Swindler. Get it now.
206 pages, ebook
Published January 25, 2022
339 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Clare Lockhart
37 books57 followersClare Lockhart writes light-hearted, paranormal, cozy mysteries featuring middle-aged sleuths who are going through a few changes. Some are welcome (freedom to live the dream) and some not so much (supernatural abilities and a rash of murders).
If you like reading about best friends who find themselves in the odd pickle, twisty murder plots, and cheeky, paranormal visitors, then you’re in the right place.
Clare lives in a small town, a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario, in Canada, and has recently taken up sailing with her partner John. Sailing has to be one of her most challenging and rewarding life experiences. She loves to read, of course, travel and is a bit of a foodie.
Clare comes by her interest in the paranormal honestly. Her dad loved this stuff, so it was natural for her to believe there was more to our world than we perceive. Therefore, you may find a ghost, a psychic witch, and even a parallel universe in her stories.
She also writes time travel romance under the pen name Sharon Clare.
If you like reading about best friends who find themselves in the odd pickle, twisty murder plots, and cheeky, paranormal visitors, then you’re in the right place.
Clare lives in a small town, a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario, in Canada, and has recently taken up sailing with her partner John. Sailing has to be one of her most challenging and rewarding life experiences. She loves to read, of course, travel and is a bit of a foodie.
Clare comes by her interest in the paranormal honestly. Her dad loved this stuff, so it was natural for her to believe there was more to our world than we perceive. Therefore, you may find a ghost, a psychic witch, and even a parallel universe in her stories.
She also writes time travel romance under the pen name Sharon Clare.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this cute little story. Very much a family friendly type tale, although it is geared to ladies beginning to enter midlife. The main characters were friendly and relatable. I will look forward to reading more in this series.
March 2, 2023
A very good start for a series. I will read the rest.
January 29, 2022
I absolutely loved this book
This story was just amazing.I felt like I was right there,the characters are all so entertaining and perfect. The story had so many twists I just loved it. It kept me reading and guessing. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
This story was just amazing.I felt like I was right there,the characters are all so entertaining and perfect. The story had so many twists I just loved it. It kept me reading and guessing. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
January 6, 2023
This book was just okay for me. Wanted to like it more then I did. I felt the writing could have been stronger. Maybe I will try the next book in the series another time.
February 6, 2022
Who killed Beverly and why??? Stay out of funeral homes!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
February 19, 2022
Quinn Delaney is getting ready to open her new café, even though her husband Bryan was against the idea from the beginning. She's excited to go with this new chapter in her life, along with going through the first stages of menopause. When she's in front of her new building, she sees a woman watching her every move. Finally, the woman confronts her, tells her that her name is Beverly, and that her husband is in trouble.
When Quinn learns that Beverly was recently murdered, she wonders if this was an imposter and sets about to find the truth. But when she discovers that Beverly is a ghost, and wants very specific things from her -- and will give her in return information that proves her husband is innocent of the murder -- Quinn doesn't know how to handle it...until she talks with her best friend Toni, and together the two of them decide to figure it all out and save Bryan, and also Quinn's café, in the process. But it isn't going to be easy, and she'll have to be careful so the police don't suspect a thing...
I really liked the premise of this book, and I really would have liked it more if I could get past all the problems. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I didn't like Beverly at all, and having her permeate pages of the book only irritated me. She had no redeeming qualities, and I wish she'd just gone to the other side sooner than she did.
But that wasn't the only problem I saw coming, and I hate to put them forth, there's nothing else to be done about it. So please only read the following if you've already read the book:
Unfortunately, I notice details, and I couldn't get past these. I read the book because I was given a copy from AXPBooks.Com, but I didn't care for it at all. Others might have enjoyed this book immensely, but it just wasn't for me. Sorry.
When Quinn learns that Beverly was recently murdered, she wonders if this was an imposter and sets about to find the truth. But when she discovers that Beverly is a ghost, and wants very specific things from her -- and will give her in return information that proves her husband is innocent of the murder -- Quinn doesn't know how to handle it...until she talks with her best friend Toni, and together the two of them decide to figure it all out and save Bryan, and also Quinn's café, in the process. But it isn't going to be easy, and she'll have to be careful so the police don't suspect a thing...
I really liked the premise of this book, and I really would have liked it more if I could get past all the problems. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I didn't like Beverly at all, and having her permeate pages of the book only irritated me. She had no redeeming qualities, and I wish she'd just gone to the other side sooner than she did.
But that wasn't the only problem I saw coming, and I hate to put them forth, there's nothing else to be done about it. So please only read the following if you've already read the book:
Unfortunately, I notice details, and I couldn't get past these. I read the book because I was given a copy from AXPBooks.Com, but I didn't care for it at all. Others might have enjoyed this book immensely, but it just wasn't for me. Sorry.
November 14, 2022
A Clean fast paced cozy mystery with Paranormal characters. Nasty characters of all sorts, pass through. Some remained an unsolved mystery. This is a good read for someone wanting a light read.
April 19, 2023
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
The writing isn't bad, and bad writing is what usually prompts a 1-star rating from me. Unfortunately, the writing isn't really good either, and the story isn't strong enough to pull in my interest. The real weakness that generated my 1.5 star rating is the characters: I didn't like any of them.
I especially didn't like Quinn's mother. Quinn is the 49-going-on-50 main character; I don't know if her mother even has a name and I'm not interested enough to go back and find out. The mother is 77 years old and has been the victim of a computer hacker scam. Y'know what? Not all 77 year olds and their friends are ignorant of internet scams.
I really didn't like Quinn's husband, Bryan. It's not just that he's recently been unfaithful to her; it's that he's been emotionally unfaithful for years. He isn't supportive of her business venture and actively discourages her; what kind of partner treats the other like that? And what kind of person puts up with it? If she has the resources to open her own cafe, she doesn't need to stay with him. So why does she?
Maybe if Quinn herself had come across as more of a real 49-going-on-50 woman, she might have redeemed this, but she didn't. I stuck with it for 27%, hoping for improvement that never materialized (pun intended), then called it quits.
The writing isn't bad, and bad writing is what usually prompts a 1-star rating from me. Unfortunately, the writing isn't really good either, and the story isn't strong enough to pull in my interest. The real weakness that generated my 1.5 star rating is the characters: I didn't like any of them.
I especially didn't like Quinn's mother. Quinn is the 49-going-on-50 main character; I don't know if her mother even has a name and I'm not interested enough to go back and find out. The mother is 77 years old and has been the victim of a computer hacker scam. Y'know what? Not all 77 year olds and their friends are ignorant of internet scams.
I really didn't like Quinn's husband, Bryan. It's not just that he's recently been unfaithful to her; it's that he's been emotionally unfaithful for years. He isn't supportive of her business venture and actively discourages her; what kind of partner treats the other like that? And what kind of person puts up with it? If she has the resources to open her own cafe, she doesn't need to stay with him. So why does she?
Maybe if Quinn herself had come across as more of a real 49-going-on-50 woman, she might have redeemed this, but she didn't. I stuck with it for 27%, hoping for improvement that never materialized (pun intended), then called it quits.
February 10, 2022
A cozy mystery with so much going on that it's hard to stop reading! Quinn Delaney is opening a new coffee house without support of her husband. If that wasn't hard enough, menopause is rearing it's ugly head making her miserable at the most inconvenient times. But worst of all is the ghost who is making her do things in order to exonerate Quinn's husband for murder. Between getting the new business ready to open and tracking down things for the ghost, her husband leaving her seems like an afterthought. Thank heavens for good girlfriends who are willing to help no matter what!
This was a fast paced story filled with one surprise after another. Interesting characters and situations combine to make a fresh take on ghosts. Enjoyable with some pretty intense moments along the way.
This was a fast paced story filled with one surprise after another. Interesting characters and situations combine to make a fresh take on ghosts. Enjoyable with some pretty intense moments along the way.
May 10, 2022
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but never before have I read one quite like this. Usually the ghosts in paranormal cozy mysteries are friendly, or at the very least helpful...so NOT the case in this story! I felt bad for Quinn, having to deal with a poltergeist on top of having a crappy husband, while opening a new business in a small town where everyone knows everybody and their business! The book was fast-paced and action-packed, it never dragged on or got boring. And there were plenty of twists and unexpected events that kept you guessing until the very end! I would HIGHLY recommend this book for a good paranormal cozy mystery read!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
A Spirited Swindler, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised that the story was better than expected. Multiple story lines with some good characters but a bit of lecturing about phone scams. A quick read with good chemistry between the best friends. 4*
A Spirited Debacle, #1.5 - This novella takes place four months after Swindler ends, and is not as good as Swindler, definitely a Cozy. The ghosts in this series seem to be bossy and lazy. If I was worried about my kid in a certain location, I would not disappear and leave a mere mortal in charge. Toni does not get as much page time, which may not have helped this "the criminal voluntarily confesses" story. There is a lot of sugar addiction in this series, too. LOL. 3*
A Spirited Debacle, #1.5 - This novella takes place four months after Swindler ends, and is not as good as Swindler, definitely a Cozy. The ghosts in this series seem to be bossy and lazy. If I was worried about my kid in a certain location, I would not disappear and leave a mere mortal in charge. Toni does not get as much page time, which may not have helped this "the criminal voluntarily confesses" story. There is a lot of sugar addiction in this series, too. LOL. 3*
September 29, 2025
My first time reading anything from this author. I was looking forward to finding a good paranormal cozy series that didn't have a talking animal. I like those ok but just don't need another one. This book luckily did ok with the animal but sort of fell apart with the characters. I just didn't like any of them - except maybe the best friend. The husband can go away and no one would miss him. The ghost was horrible and self-centered beyond belief. The fmc just couldn't catch a break and flailed about a bit. I had trouble connecting with her or her myriad of problems. I'll keep the series on the list but probably won't continue with it.
August 22, 2024
Midlife is not what Quinn expected. In addition to hot flashes, starting a new café, and dealing with adult children, she discovers her husband has been having an affair when the ghost of his girlfriend appears. Betrayal, murder, and mystery with a funny and relatable main character.
It's a quick read. Cozy mystery with a paranormal spin. Wraps up a little too fast at the end, but I'm on to book 2.
It's a quick read. Cozy mystery with a paranormal spin. Wraps up a little too fast at the end, but I'm on to book 2.
February 20, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable, light paranormal cozy mystery with good characters and an interesting plot. Blackmail, murder, infidelity and a con woman ghost all combine in an entertaining story. The writing is excellent. Clare Lockhart tells a good tale. I received a complimentary copy from ASP and am leaving a honest voluntary review
November 24, 2022
A Spirited Swindler: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 1
This has been such a hoot! The characters are exciting and the plot winds around the mysteries. It was especially tender to share the close friendships between adult women. Especially close, supportive, and kind friendships. Looking forward to the next book in the series, I loved this one!
This has been such a hoot! The characters are exciting and the plot winds around the mysteries. It was especially tender to share the close friendships between adult women. Especially close, supportive, and kind friendships. Looking forward to the next book in the series, I loved this one!
April 9, 2023
Quinn is looking forward to the grand opening of her café until she is confronted by the ghost of the woman her husband had an affair with a few weeks earlier.
Now she has to do a favor for her in order to get proof her husband wasn't the one that killed her.
This was an okay story.
It just didn't hold my interest and I kept putting it down to do other things.
Now she has to do a favor for her in order to get proof her husband wasn't the one that killed her.
This was an okay story.
It just didn't hold my interest and I kept putting it down to do other things.
April 19, 2023
This story is by yet another "new to me" author and I liked this book quite a lot. The characters are interesting and challenging, the plot is easily followed with all the accoutrements of a good mystery, and the story has just a small slice of the paranormal throughout the narration. I definitely recommend this book.
June 14, 2024
Midlife is murder
Quinn Delaney is getting ready to open her dream cafe. When she learns her husband has an affair. Then the police show up at her door asking about her husband. They think her husband murdered a woman by the name of Beverly Foster. Beverly Foster is a ghost who asks Quinn's help. There are all kinds of suspects. The suspect is not who I thought it was.
Quinn Delaney is getting ready to open her dream cafe. When she learns her husband has an affair. Then the police show up at her door asking about her husband. They think her husband murdered a woman by the name of Beverly Foster. Beverly Foster is a ghost who asks Quinn's help. There are all kinds of suspects. The suspect is not who I thought it was.
September 10, 2025
What a charming mystery!
I laughed out loud, held my breath in fear, and cheered Quinn and Toni on in their adventure. I was not sure what to expect, but was completely satisfied with the story’s ending.
And now I am glad that I already have book 2 in my library and I can start reading it right away.
Thank you Clare
I laughed out loud, held my breath in fear, and cheered Quinn and Toni on in their adventure. I was not sure what to expect, but was completely satisfied with the story’s ending.
And now I am glad that I already have book 2 in my library and I can start reading it right away.
Thank you Clare
February 9, 2022
Great story.
With a different take on some classic elements of the PWF/ParaCozies, the story is captivating and begs to be read.
There are few words missing here and there, but apart from that is well written.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed
With a different take on some classic elements of the PWF/ParaCozies, the story is captivating and begs to be read.
There are few words missing here and there, but apart from that is well written.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed
October 12, 2022
A ghost, a cheating husband and blackmail
This clever novel kept me reading. A ghost delivers a message about a cheating husband and demands help. If you enjoy an adventure mixed with a bit of humor, this cozy is for you.
This clever novel kept me reading. A ghost delivers a message about a cheating husband and demands help. If you enjoy an adventure mixed with a bit of humor, this cozy is for you.
October 15, 2022
Fun read.
The book was a fun read. I like the fact the heroine was smart and funny. She figured out the strange things that were happening and didn't come unglued. Her friendship with Toni was genuine. Can't wait to read the next book!
The book was a fun read. I like the fact the heroine was smart and funny. She figured out the strange things that were happening and didn't come unglued. Her friendship with Toni was genuine. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 26, 2022
Really cute book
Quinn was working to get her dream cafe ready for its grand opening when she is contacted by a ghost who turned out surprisingly to be the "Other Woman" in her unsupportive husband's life. This is a cute murder mystery. I really enjoyed it.
Quinn was working to get her dream cafe ready for its grand opening when she is contacted by a ghost who turned out surprisingly to be the "Other Woman" in her unsupportive husband's life. This is a cute murder mystery. I really enjoyed it.
April 17, 2023
Wonderful mystery
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The characters really resonated with me. And the adventure and mystery kept my brain hopping. I recommend this book to everyone, mystery lover ,paranormal lover or not. You will thoroughly enjoy this book!
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The characters really resonated with me. And the adventure and mystery kept my brain hopping. I recommend this book to everyone, mystery lover ,paranormal lover or not. You will thoroughly enjoy this book!
April 22, 2023
So much fun!
I loved this book. The characters were lovely, the story was engrossing, and the cliffhanger makes me want more. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
I loved this book. The characters were lovely, the story was engrossing, and the cliffhanger makes me want more. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
August 6, 2024
Absolutely Amazing
This is absolutely amazing! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. The suspense and twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend reading.
This is absolutely amazing! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. The suspense and twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend reading.
July 20, 2025
Light and fun
I love a good cozy ghost murder mystery, especially when it isn't centered on Halloween! I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and a nice break between heavier topics. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I love a good cozy ghost murder mystery, especially when it isn't centered on Halloween! I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and a nice break between heavier topics. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
November 16, 2025
paranormal murder mystery
An interesting ghost story, murder and mayhem. The cat didn’t play much of a role, the heroine gets to eat sweets and desserts almost every meal and still has a waistline, color me jealous
An interesting ghost story, murder and mayhem. The cat didn’t play much of a role, the heroine gets to eat sweets and desserts almost every meal and still has a waistline, color me jealous
November 16, 2025
Ghostly swindler
Felt the book was not up to a better rating then 3 stars.. It didn't seem to have a natural flow. Seemed to jump around between the characters without fully establishing what each meant to the story.. Hopes for each future book to develop beter.
Felt the book was not up to a better rating then 3 stars.. It didn't seem to have a natural flow. Seemed to jump around between the characters without fully establishing what each meant to the story.. Hopes for each future book to develop beter.
November 22, 2025
Blackmail, murder and a ghost threatening our heroine.
Well told story. Nice plot with many surprises and an ending that leaves you asking for more. I plan on reading Book #2 as soon as I can get it!
Well told story. Nice plot with many surprises and an ending that leaves you asking for more. I plan on reading Book #2 as soon as I can get it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews