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Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #1
The Medium of Branden Bay: A Ghost Cozy Mystery
Becky - the medium who is petrified of ghosts! Becky moves to Branden Bay, leaving a fast paced life in London behind her. She's soon disturbed by shadows which lurk in her house. She's inherited more than her grandma's house and a sassy cat. She's been given the so-called gift for seeing the dead. But the only gift Becky wants is one that comes with fancy wrapping and a bow. To rid herself of the ghosts that haunt her, she must unravel a cold case mystery.
Is she able to overcome her fears to find the truth?
Is she able to overcome her fears to find the truth?
218 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2021
225 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Mason
23 books51 followersHi, I love writing mysteries and started with a paranormal series. In the last couple of years I have been writing 1920s mysteries. I love the atmosphere of the time, that has been depicted on our screens and in fiction. Of the fashion, the cars, the parties following the war which gave everyone that 'live for the day' attitude.
I set my books in Somerset close to where I live, although the towns and villages are fictional they are based on real places local to me. They have to be fictional as I change them to fit the story. I do use the real cities though, such as Bristol and Bath Spa. They are places I visit often and it's great to be able to spend time researching what the cities were like 100 years ago.
I hope you enjoy reading my books.
I set my books in Somerset close to where I live, although the towns and villages are fictional they are based on real places local to me. They have to be fictional as I change them to fit the story. I do use the real cities though, such as Bristol and Bath Spa. They are places I visit often and it's great to be able to spend time researching what the cities were like 100 years ago.
I hope you enjoy reading my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 29, 2021
Really good
Becky moves into her grans house and a Ginger cat adopts her. Becky calls the cat Connie after her gran. A few years ago two people went missing. Becky has a gift she inherited from her gran. She can help the dead, she refuses to accept she has a gift or that her gran had the gift. Anyway not only does she find out what happened to the two missing people she turns part of her house into a cafe and names it after her cat and her gran. This book was worth five stars and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Becky moves into her grans house and a Ginger cat adopts her. Becky calls the cat Connie after her gran. A few years ago two people went missing. Becky has a gift she inherited from her gran. She can help the dead, she refuses to accept she has a gift or that her gran had the gift. Anyway not only does she find out what happened to the two missing people she turns part of her house into a cafe and names it after her cat and her gran. This book was worth five stars and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 6, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Great story and likable characters. Was disappointed in the ending, thought it was predictable. But looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 22, 2021
Really enjoyable. Didn’t take as long to read, I picked this up in between others.
Fun story, great characters, looking forward to follow up books.
Kinda reminded me of the shows BBC shows in the afternoon during the week - quirky, no foul language, pretty to look at and just fun to watch.
Fun story, great characters, looking forward to follow up books.
Kinda reminded me of the shows BBC shows in the afternoon during the week - quirky, no foul language, pretty to look at and just fun to watch.
May 12, 2025
In the way of cozies (which I thoroughly enjoy, thankyouverymuch), Becky has inherited her grandmother's big Victorian house in picturesque Branden Bay. She had initially intended to sell it since she's a big city girl, but circumstances (by which I mean a breakup) has her pulling the house off the market and moving in. One life (and career) change coming up!
It isn't long before Becky's heretofore unknown medium-ship skills start acting up. She's seeing ghosts. In her house. Which is a little creepy. As it turns out, seeing ghosts runs in the family and Becky's just following in her grandmother's footsteps. To be honest, these aren't exactly footsteps she wants to follow, but those ghosts keep showing up and the only way she's going to get any peace is to figure out what they need.
So she starts investigating a missing persons case from years before. And she finds out her new friends knew the missing girl, her behind the garden neighbor had ties to the missing girl's family, and the girl and her father *probably* aren't just missing since she's seeing their ghosts. So, yeah, Becky has a lot on her plate even before you throw in the unexpected attraction she's feeling toward hunky H. Who might or might not be a suspect.
Enjoyable overall. Becky makes a few questionable choices that puts her safety at risk, but I guess when you're plagued by ghosts (she's not really being plagued, just spooked by them) a medium's gotta do what a medium's gotta do.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
It isn't long before Becky's heretofore unknown medium-ship skills start acting up. She's seeing ghosts. In her house. Which is a little creepy. As it turns out, seeing ghosts runs in the family and Becky's just following in her grandmother's footsteps. To be honest, these aren't exactly footsteps she wants to follow, but those ghosts keep showing up and the only way she's going to get any peace is to figure out what they need.
So she starts investigating a missing persons case from years before. And she finds out her new friends knew the missing girl, her behind the garden neighbor had ties to the missing girl's family, and the girl and her father *probably* aren't just missing since she's seeing their ghosts. So, yeah, Becky has a lot on her plate even before you throw in the unexpected attraction she's feeling toward hunky H. Who might or might not be a suspect.
Enjoyable overall. Becky makes a few questionable choices that puts her safety at risk, but I guess when you're plagued by ghosts (she's not really being plagued, just spooked by them) a medium's gotta do what a medium's gotta do.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 3, 2021
Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much I loved this paranormal cozy mystery. The story is narrated from the first-person perspective of Becky James, an ex-high-flying millennial who ditches her Thameside apartment when she inherits her grandmother’s home (and cat) in the sleepy seaside town of Branden Bay. But Becky soon discovers that’s not all she’s inherited when she discovers her newfound gift for seeing the dead. As Becky comes to terms with her ability to communicate with ghosts, she is forced to solve a spine-tingling mystery from the past.
Not only is Becky a fabulous character who jumps of the page, there is a wonderful sense of place, and Branden Bay is like a character in itself. Although the abundance of cream teas – and not to mention the delightful Constance the cat – set this firmly within the cozy mystery genre; fantastic plotting and rollercoaster twists and turns, means this cozy will give even the bestselling psychological thriller a run for its money.
The Medium of Branden Bay now sits right at the top of my favourites shelf for 2021, and I am so happy to learn there is a whole series available for pre-order
I recommend this book for fans of Stella Berry, Joanne Fluke, and M C Beaton.
Not only is Becky a fabulous character who jumps of the page, there is a wonderful sense of place, and Branden Bay is like a character in itself. Although the abundance of cream teas – and not to mention the delightful Constance the cat – set this firmly within the cozy mystery genre; fantastic plotting and rollercoaster twists and turns, means this cozy will give even the bestselling psychological thriller a run for its money.
The Medium of Branden Bay now sits right at the top of my favourites shelf for 2021, and I am so happy to learn there is a whole series available for pre-order
I recommend this book for fans of Stella Berry, Joanne Fluke, and M C Beaton.
November 28, 2025
Becky inherits a large Victorian house from her grandmother Constance. After Becky's relationship breaks up, she decides to live in the house and make a new life for herself in the seaside town of Branden Bay.
From the start of the book, Becky sees ghosts in the house who seem to be trying to tell her something. She reluctantly starts to realise that along with her talent for baking, she has also inherited the "gift" of communication with the dead from her beloved grandma.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery and a great start to the series. The heroine, Becky and her cat Connie are both very likeable characters and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
I prefer the book covers with a dark background, a cafe table and a moon rather than the cover design which has a young girl, a coffee cup and a piece of cake.
From the start of the book, Becky sees ghosts in the house who seem to be trying to tell her something. She reluctantly starts to realise that along with her talent for baking, she has also inherited the "gift" of communication with the dead from her beloved grandma.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery and a great start to the series. The heroine, Becky and her cat Connie are both very likeable characters and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
I prefer the book covers with a dark background, a cafe table and a moon rather than the cover design which has a young girl, a coffee cup and a piece of cake.
July 25, 2022
Becky and Connie start a new life.
Becky inherits her Grandmother's beautiful Brandon Bay Victorian home. Leaving her job and moving to Brandon Bay is stressful especially without a job in the offing. The first few days there are stressful without a presents in her home. The being doesn't speak but definitely wants something from her. In making new friends, Becky hears about two missing people. The man that appears around her house could be one of them. A beautiful fluffy kitten appears in her home and she wonders if it could be the spirit of her beloved Grandmother! Will the kitten help her find the answers and will a job turn up that will help her to save her home?
Becky inherits her Grandmother's beautiful Brandon Bay Victorian home. Leaving her job and moving to Brandon Bay is stressful especially without a job in the offing. The first few days there are stressful without a presents in her home. The being doesn't speak but definitely wants something from her. In making new friends, Becky hears about two missing people. The man that appears around her house could be one of them. A beautiful fluffy kitten appears in her home and she wonders if it could be the spirit of her beloved Grandmother! Will the kitten help her find the answers and will a job turn up that will help her to save her home?
September 6, 2021
is the first cosy mystery I've read and will definitely go for this genre in future. The Medium of Branden Bay has made sure of that! What an engaging storyline. The fantastic plot is supported by strong and intriguing characters and I was left wondering and guessing throughout the whole novel. It's full of twists and turns, humour, mystery and altogether a very satisfying read. I'm moving straight on to book2!
August 1, 2021
A truly elegant and charmingly classic cozey para full of intrigue,mystery , murder and ghosts. An array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters full of humor to keep things on the lighter side and a kitten side kick to keep our heroine company. Acquire " The Medium of Branden Bay " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
October 28, 2021
Read about the reluctant medium in this very interesting novel.
I liked the characters, the plot and basically everything about this story. There wasn't anything in the book that I disliked. Since I have seen ghosts myself I found it extremely interesting! I am looking forward to reading the next book!
I liked the characters, the plot and basically everything about this story. There wasn't anything in the book that I disliked. Since I have seen ghosts myself I found it extremely interesting! I am looking forward to reading the next book!
March 17, 2022
Becky's new life
The book was hard to put down which is great for me as a reader.
Becky and Connie Cat make quite a pair as finding out she has a gift. Being a non believer, finds herself seeing things that firstly scare her to end up accepting her role.
Fun to read, easy to read. Maybe a little easy to figure out but still kept me reading.
The book was hard to put down which is great for me as a reader.
Becky and Connie Cat make quite a pair as finding out she has a gift. Being a non believer, finds herself seeing things that firstly scare her to end up accepting her role.
Fun to read, easy to read. Maybe a little easy to figure out but still kept me reading.
July 4, 2022
Meet Becky, a lovable and reluctant medium. This is the first in a brilliant cosy mystery series and we discover her inheriting her Gran's house and exploring her new home, the seaside town of Brandon Bay as well as getting to know all the quirky characters that live there.
Plenty of mystery, thrills, new friends and the hint of a potential romance?
Unputdownable!
Plenty of mystery, thrills, new friends and the hint of a potential romance?
Unputdownable!
July 9, 2022
Promising new series
Becky James inherits a large Victorian house in a small town from her grandmother. Since she lost her job, she moves in and meets neighbors while determining what to do for a job. And she sees a ghost. Even though she denies any paranormal ability, she gets caught up in a mystery involving a missing girl. This was an easy, pleasant read.
Becky James inherits a large Victorian house in a small town from her grandmother. Since she lost her job, she moves in and meets neighbors while determining what to do for a job. And she sees a ghost. Even though she denies any paranormal ability, she gets caught up in a mystery involving a missing girl. This was an easy, pleasant read.
Read
July 16, 2022What a great read!!
It started a little slow, but just as fast it got very interesting. Becky and Connie were great together. She found answers, good friends and a new job. But the mystery is only just beginning. Can't wait to start the next book. Thank you Kelly Mason for a very well written and curiosity filled book. I've enjoyed reading it cover to cover.
It started a little slow, but just as fast it got very interesting. Becky and Connie were great together. She found answers, good friends and a new job. But the mystery is only just beginning. Can't wait to start the next book. Thank you Kelly Mason for a very well written and curiosity filled book. I've enjoyed reading it cover to cover.
May 19, 2023
4-1/2 stars
I like paranormal mysteries. This one does not disappoint. The characters are likeable, especially Constance the cat. I figured out early who was guilty, but I still enjoyed this story. The plot is good. I will be reading the next book as Becky learns more about her powers.
I like paranormal mysteries. This one does not disappoint. The characters are likeable, especially Constance the cat. I figured out early who was guilty, but I still enjoyed this story. The plot is good. I will be reading the next book as Becky learns more about her powers.
August 18, 2023
The Medium Of Brandon Bay
This was a story about a woman and lots of ghosts! She found out that her grandmother was a ghost
whisperer and she turned out to be one too! What a fun read and having a cat to help her figure out all the happenings in this town was just wonderful!I
Terrie Stamey
This was a story about a woman and lots of ghosts! She found out that her grandmother was a ghost
whisperer and she turned out to be one too! What a fun read and having a cat to help her figure out all the happenings in this town was just wonderful!I
Terrie Stamey
December 30, 2023
A rather unique storyline. Great read!
Our heroine, Becky, inherits her Grandma's mansion. She leaves the big city and begins her life in this small seaside community. She begins to meet many different people and off the adventure goes. Don't want to give anything away, so grab your copy and start reading.
Our heroine, Becky, inherits her Grandma's mansion. She leaves the big city and begins her life in this small seaside community. She begins to meet many different people and off the adventure goes. Don't want to give anything away, so grab your copy and start reading.
December 18, 2024
I thought this was great!
I love that its connected to her Lady Ellen series. I also like that they are quick reads. They’re perfect for when I’m between long series or just want to jump into something different. It, to me specifically, was predictable but that’s totally fine. No book is perfect. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
I love that its connected to her Lady Ellen series. I also like that they are quick reads. They’re perfect for when I’m between long series or just want to jump into something different. It, to me specifically, was predictable but that’s totally fine. No book is perfect. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
A quick introduction
Whilst this book didn't 'grab' me, it was an enjoyable enough read. Still needs padding out re the main characters I feel but as this was intended as the first of a series it was an OK introduction. I will try the next one in the hope that the lead becomes more likeable and the stories gain more substance.
Whilst this book didn't 'grab' me, it was an enjoyable enough read. Still needs padding out re the main characters I feel but as this was intended as the first of a series it was an OK introduction. I will try the next one in the hope that the lead becomes more likeable and the stories gain more substance.
November 22, 2021
A Ghost Cozy Mystery
Kelly Mason is a wonderful story teller. She writes fun mysteries with a little romance thrown in for fun. I have enjoyed a few of her books in recent months and will be reading a lot more...
Kelly Mason is a wonderful story teller. She writes fun mysteries with a little romance thrown in for fun. I have enjoyed a few of her books in recent months and will be reading a lot more...
February 24, 2022
Loved it
What a wonderful cozy. The story flows, the characters are well thought out and I love the cat. This is somewhere I would love to visit and these are people I would love to meet. Can not wait for the next installment.
What a wonderful cozy. The story flows, the characters are well thought out and I love the cat. This is somewhere I would love to visit and these are people I would love to meet. Can not wait for the next installment.
July 8, 2022
The Medium From Brandon bay
It kept you guessing from the beginning. It could have used a little more interaction with the ghosts but it was a very good read. Loved how the kitten was involved.
It kept you guessing from the beginning. It could have used a little more interaction with the ghosts but it was a very good read. Loved how the kitten was involved.
July 15, 2022
Fun
Becky is a bit too certain that there's no such thing as ghosts... But they do. She fights almost too hard against this, but I enjoyed the book enough that I'm going to look at book #2. The cat, Constance, is really well written.
Becky is a bit too certain that there's no such thing as ghosts... But they do. She fights almost too hard against this, but I enjoyed the book enough that I'm going to look at book #2. The cat, Constance, is really well written.
February 3, 2023
Great , easy read!
I enjoy cozy novels for their ease of reading and ability to put down and come back to over several days. With this one, I found myself looking for bits of time I could sneak in a few pages!
I’m already downloading the next one!
I enjoy cozy novels for their ease of reading and ability to put down and come back to over several days. With this one, I found myself looking for bits of time I could sneak in a few pages!
I’m already downloading the next one!
August 9, 2023
Good Mystery
A medium in denial, A ghost haunting her, A neighbor pushing her to believe in the unbelievable. Finally, the heroine gets interested in the cold case of a young woman who disappeared. The book ended up being a good mystery with interesting characters.
A medium in denial, A ghost haunting her, A neighbor pushing her to believe in the unbelievable. Finally, the heroine gets interested in the cold case of a young woman who disappeared. The book ended up being a good mystery with interesting characters.
July 31, 2021
New to me author. Really enjoyed this first in series book. I look forward to more.
August 10, 2021
Enjoyed the story and the characters, can't wait to see them develop in the next book.
August 11, 2021
Very enjoyable read
The characters are very likeable. I enjoyed the way The medium discovered and admitted she was a medium. I'm glad the cat was a main character.
The characters are very likeable. I enjoyed the way The medium discovered and admitted she was a medium. I'm glad the cat was a main character.
October 8, 2021
Sit a spell
I really enjoyed the book. Kelly did a great job of blending mystery, friends and yummy sweets together. So, sit a spell and read along.
I really enjoyed the book. Kelly did a great job of blending mystery, friends and yummy sweets together. So, sit a spell and read along.
August 1, 2022
Light and quirky murder mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews