The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell the 8th A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend this spirited cozy mystery series. Melanie “Mel” Turner learned construction from her father and she now runs Turner Construction which specializes in renovating historic homes. Mel is a smart and gutsy woman with special abilities that she inherited from her mother. I would like to see Mel embrace her gift fully. Mel recently became engaged to Landon Demetrius, a math professor. There is some tension between them over the renovation and Mel’s inability to set a wedding date. I thought The Last Curtain Call was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. I love the humor in the story that had me chuckling frequently. I also enjoyed all the paranormal activity in this story. Spooky sounds and a variety of ghosts liven up this tale. The mystery was entertaining with a variety of suspects, active investigating, and misdirection. Mel questions a diverse group of people in her quest to find the killer. There are ghostly clues and suspense. I like how everything tied together and wrapped up at the end. It was great that the author included Lily Ivory and Oscar from A Witchcraft Mystery series (just love that series). I cannot wait for the next A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. The Last Curtain Call is an enchanting cozy mystery with renovation rows, spooky specters, taboo tenants, a historic haven, and multiple murder mysteries.

5 stars

This is the eighth book in the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell.

Totally enjoyed this stunner of a book. I couldn’t put it down. The pages just flew by. I will definitely need to read more books from this series. It was just a fun ride.

Mel Turner has taken over responsibility for her father’s business and they got a contract to fix up an old movie house. When they get there, they discover a previous contractor had started the job but they were called in to finish it. This book just has it all. A ghost usher, a flapper ghost in Mel’s own house tied to the mystery of the movie palace. Just a bunch of fun stuff here.

If you like a bit of paranormal in your cozy, definitely try this one on for size.

Highly recommended.

If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out. What a fun read!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

A Haunted Theater and a Murder

Mel Turner’s Construction Company is expert at renovating old building. Now she has two projects. She and Landon, her boyfriend, have purchased an old house they plan to live in. Thing are going well, except Mel is finding that it’s not always easy to negotiate the details of a new renovation when you’re seriously involved with one of the partners. Maybe it’s a good training for marriage.

She’s also involved with the restoration of the rundown Cockett Theater. When she finds Hildy, a ghost living in the attic of her old house, the two restorations come together. Add in the murder or a squatter in the old theater and the stage is set for an interesting time, particularly because the previous owner of the theater died under mysterious circumstances.

This, as the previous books in this series, is a fun read. Mel is a true artisan bringing old houses to life. The fact that she can see and visit with some of the previous occupants is a bonus. In this story, Hildy, once a starlet, now living in the attic with her gorgeous dresses, is a fun character. She brings to life the old theater. However, the murder of a squatter in the theater is what keeps the story moving.

I enjoyed the characters and found the interaction between Mel and Landon over the renovations in their house very realistic.

I received this book from Berkley Publishing Group for this review.

Title: The Last Curtain Call
Author: Juliet Blackwell
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5

Mel Turner can't resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco art nouveau movie palace, back to life. But there's a catch for Turner Construction: Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren't the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater....

When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds it more challenging than she expected to be on the other side of a home renovation project.

When Mel discovers that the original owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn--one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.

This was my first foray into the Haunted Home Renovations Mystery series, but I had no problems feeling caught up on things. The novel’s voice is breezy and fun, and this was a quick, light read with some funny moments and a bit of a chill at times. Nothing deep or complex here, just a fun read.

Juliet Blackwell is a bestselling author. The Last Curtain Call is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Berkley in exchange for an honest review.)

It had been quite a while I’d read a book in this series, and to be honest, in the other series I’ve read of her before. Now that I’ve read this one, I don’t know why I haven’t. This one finds Mel and Landon at odds over some reconstruction on their new house, but of course it doesn’t take long before Mel finds a ghost or two and is drawn into a mystery. This book is a lot of fun, and I love how Mel seems to be able to juggle everything but still make mistakes once in a while. Well-written, fun characters, an interesting mystery and a great plot with moments of fun and moments of chilling terror, this is a cozy paranormal mystery not to be missed even if the end was a little fast. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I saw this book on Netgalley and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and it was every bit as good as the blurb made it out to be. This is my first entry into this series (this one is number 8!) so I can safely say that it can be read as a standalone.

I sat down one evening with some time to kill before LivePD started and ended up missing the show! This was just too good to put down. So much to like about it, from the great characters to the amazing plot to the wonderful setting in an old decrepit theater.

Mel is an expert in renovating houses (always a huge draw for me, I love old houses and I love when people restore them instead of ripping out the character and making it an open-plan-granite-countertop-marble-floor monstrosity. But that’s another topic.) So, when Mel lands the plum job of restoring an old run down theater that she once visited with her late mother, she goes to have a look.Purchased by a mysterious organization whose motives are unclear, Mel is wary, especially after another contractor was dismissed from the job seemingly without any reason. At the theater, Mel finds a lot of work that needs to be done, as well as a small group of squatters who have to relocated before work can begin.

While assessing what needs to be done, one of the squatters is found, strangled and set on top of the Wurlitzer organ, which rises slowly, revealing her dead body.

Meanwhile, Mel and boyfriend Landon have bought an old house and are renovating it when they discover the ghost of a flapper in the attic, surrounded by her dresses. One of the dresses has a long rip in it and Mel also tries to unravel why she is haunting the attic.

So, several things to solve in this book, and the pace swept along quickly, always a new clue popping up. I really enjoyed how it unfolded and the exciting conclusion capped off a really great book.

If I was to point out any shortcomings, it’s that the ending, while satisfying and thrilling, seemed to come about rather quickly. I do have to say that there was really no clue as to who the culprit was. Still, I enjoyed every bit of it and you can bet I’ll go out and catch up on the other 7 books!

THE LAST CURTAIN CALL, A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery, Juliet Blackwell (Netgalley) 5/20
Blackwell writes about two of my favorite topics—house renovation and ghosts. Best of all, she does it well, with in-depth characterization, rich history, and intelligent plotting.
Mel Turner has taken over her father’s renovation-contracting business, although he still participates. She’s engaged to a hunky math professor who worries about her affinity for ghosts but accepts it. I love that Mel is savvy and not prone to pulling stupid stunts. She does her research—and this time its for an early 1900s movie palace, complete with its own ghost story. The reader is given lovely glimpses into the city of San Francisco, the background of early movies, and insights into the immense undertaking involved in restoring one of these grand old palaces.
At the same time, she’s renovating her fiancé’s home—which has its very own ghost, an old-time movie starlet who reportedly killed her lover, then herself. The ghost is charming, but it’s the murder of a squatter in the movie theater that keeps the story rolling. The mystery is entirely about the journey through the theater’s history to uncover the motive for the killing—and the connection to Mel’s ghost. I’m just thrilled to go along for the ride!

Juliet Blackwell never disappoints. Her cozy mysteries with paranormal elements are on my must-read list.

In The Last Curtain Call Mel has two renovations to focus on and two ghostly mysteries. One is her own house that she and her fiance' Landon are renovating, where a 1920's era actress appears in a sealed off room in her attic.

The second is a local historical theater in much need of repair and a good ghost buster. That place is filled with spooks.

Blackwell's cozy mysteries handle death and spirits all the time but she does it in such a way that it's not heavy or frightening...but there are a couple scenes in the theater that might give your spine a few a shivers this time.

Filled with misdirection, and mystery on top of mystery, The Last Curtain Call will keep you glued to the page until the last mystery is solved and the culprit unmasked.

The Last Curtain Call even tossed in Lily Ivory, a character from Blackwell's other cozy mystery series, the Witchcraft Mysteries. It was fun to read that little crossover.

This series is filled with characters that continue to grow and story lines that continue to captivate.

Another fun offering in this series. The vintage theater was a great setting, and Mel navigating her relationship with Landon was a good subplot to the murder. This series is always a great mix of ghosts (and I am actually not a fan of ghost books, so that's saying something), the renovation industry, murder, and a touch of history. Plus Mel's awesome family, crew, and friends. Humor and work and death and justice. It's what I know I'll find in these books.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

I enjoy this series and loved connecting with Mel again. Since it had been a bit since the preceding book, there were gaps for me on what happened. If you haven't read previous books, you wouldn't be aware (or if your memory is better than mine, you may remember what happened). I am going back are reading that one.
However, I liked the current mystery and loved the ghostly one.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again Juliet Blackwell has taken me on a wondrous, edge of my seat thrill ride with her eighth story, Last Curtin Call, in the Haunted Renovation Mystery series. Mel Turner, et.al. kept me guessing through the entire story, turning pages as rapidly as possible through to the completely unexpected conclusion.

Ms Blackwell is a master at throwing in Red Herrings and misdirections (expertly intertwined with history tidbits) to keep the reader from correctly predicting “Who Done It”. Myself living just two hours East of San Francisco, I always enjoy the chronicles of the City and its surrounding towns, including all of the East Bay. I’ve also enjoyed witnessing Mel’s love life unfold, now that she has Landon in her life and they seem truly headed to the alter and their own HEA.

I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what’s in store next for Mel and the rest of her entourage.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in this series.
I was extremely excited to connect with Mel Turner, her dad, her uncle, and her step son, Caleb.
I missed a few important things, but I immediately reconnected with Mel and I really enjoyed this book.
The paranormal aspect of the story was great, I enjoyed meeting Hildey and was happy that Mel didn’t give up on finding the truth.
I’m looking forward to reading the books I’ve missed.

This series continues to impress with how well the characters change and grow. The story is well-written and all the plot points are tied nicely together. Sometimes this can be a problem with other authors, but not Juliet Blackwell! I look forward to watching Mel Turner continue to explore her ghost powers and grow her personal relationships.

I’ve followed the Mel Turner series from the beginning and always enjoy re-uniting with the characters. There was certainly a lot going on in this one. Ghosts in the new (to them) house she and fiancé Landon have purchased and a new renovation on a gorgeous old theater filled with ghosts and squatters and a murdered dancer. The book is a great paranormal mystery. The elements fit together well and introduces new characters along with favorite recurring ones. If this is your first read in this series, it will entice you into searching for the previous books.

Mel Turner's got a lot going on. Between being engaged, working on a renovation with her fiance, and avoiding actually setting a wedding date. And she's just discovered there's a ghost in her house. So why not take on renovating an old theater? With a shadowy investment group behind the wheel? And lots of ghosts? But that's what Mel does. And she's drawn into another mystery when one of the squatters who were in the theater ends up dead.
There was a lot going on in this book with a Kardashian-like family connection, murders in the past and present, and historical links going back three generations. There could have been some story parts cut out but was still a fast read.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out June 30th
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Mel Turner and her fiancé, Landon are working on renovating their home when Turner Construction is hired to renovate an old theater. Mel discovers that not only does her new home have a ghost, but so does the theater; and they might be connected. When a squatter at the theater turns up strangled to death Mel has to solve the murder and the ghostly infestation.
Her books are great paranormal mysteries, with suspense and a good mystery. Blackwell does a good job keeping the characters fresh and entertaining. #netgalley #thelastcurtaincall

I have read several of the series by this author, and especially like the ones set in the San Francisco bay area. (I was pleased that she even brought in a character from the Lily Ivory series, also set in San Francisco, to interact with Mel.). Melanie (Mel) Turner has taken over her dad's construction business, which concentrates on historic renovations. Mel also finds that she can see ghosts at the job sites, which often makes things complicated. The house that her fiance has purchased in Oakland has a talkative ghost who was a starlet in the 1920's, and coincidentally Turner Construction is renovating an old theater downtown. Is the theater haunted? Why did the previous construction crew leave the job? And can a ghost be responsible for a murder? So many cozy mysteries are predictable and formulaic, but not Juliet Blackwell's, so if you are looking for a relaxing read with a strong female protagonist, give this novel a try.. I'm glad that the publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is another solid mystery by Juliet Blackwell. Mel and her fiance are beginning renovations on their house and of course Mel makes some discoveries there that may connect to the major construction job that her company is starting. Turner Construction is taking over renovations on a movie palace that locals have saved from demolition and is currently fully occupied by squatters....and ghosts. This is a great mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are wonderful, I hope that some of the new characters in this book will appear in further books. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Mel's life!

As much I love catching up with the characters in this series, this specific book was a little short on the mystery side. It felt a little rushed and tied up in the end in a way that really didn’t make sense,

At first, I thought adding supernatural elements to a cozy mystery would seem gimmicky, but in this case, it's integrated quite well, and (somewhat) plausibly. An interesting twist on what cozy mysteries can bring. Am looking forward to reading more about these characters.