Charlene’s parents are in town visiting for the holidays. It’s the first time they get to see her new establishment. Her mother is driving her crazy so they all go out to dinner at a nice restaurant. They are enjoying their meal and the festivities when the owner heads outside and is killed in a hit and run. The owner had just won the lottery and was leaving the business, had burned quite a few bridges including his ex wife, son and business partner. There are too many suspects for the police, Charlene feels obligated to help. Especially when the owner was supposed to be donating a check to under privileged children and he failed to Charlene takes on raising money for the kids.

I just love Christmas cozies and this one certainly hit the spot. I've had my eye on this book for awhile and it absolutely did not disappoint.

Charlene is sweet, giving, and extremely thoughtful. She's everything that humans strive to be. This is the first book in this series that I've read and it was incredibly enjoyable.

Charlene'e parents are an absolute hoot and I got a kick out of Jack. What a wonderfully written ghost!

I really liked Sam a lot to. You can tell from word one gow much he adores Charlene. I know she's having a rough time with her grieving but I am hoping that there is a definite chance for the two of them.

The mystery was very Christmassy as it was a kind of reverse Scrooge. I loved it. What a great series! I look forward to starting over at the beginning and reading all of the books in the series.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and the author for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and completely honest.

Synopsis:

Salem, Massachusetts B&B owner Charlene Morris is looking into a holiday hit-and-run, with a little help from her ghostly housemate . . .

Charlene's parents are in town for Christmas, and her mother is driving her up a tree. Her bed-and-breakfast's resident ghost, Jack, isn't fond of her either--and he's showing it with some haunting high jinks. But when Charlene takes her mom and dad out for dinner, the less-than-seasonal spirits take a deadly turn.

David Baldwin has just won a fortune in the lottery--and it adds a lot of drama to the charity auction he's hosting at his restaurant. When he caps off the evening by playing Santa and handing out checks to some of the attendees, the mood shifts . . . and Charlene observes mysterious tensions between David and his flashy, bleached-blonde wife, his neglected teenage son from a previous marriage, and his hostile business partner, among others. And they're only a few on the long list of potential suspects when David runs into the road and is mowed down by a fleeing motorist. Now it looks like it's going to be homicide for the holidays . . . (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Charlene is getting ready for Christmas and her parents are coming for a visit. But all is not merry and bright when someone is killed in a hit-n-run. Now Charlene has to figure out who the murderer is. She will have help from Jack, her resident ghost, whether she wants his help or not.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place. The mystery is well plotted and not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The fact that there was a ghost was just icing on the cake.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Charlene Morris and parents are dining at Bella’s in Salem, Massachusetts. It is a charity dinner to raise funds for Felicity House. After an awkward moment involving envelopes, David Baldwin (the restaurant’s co-owner) starts acting odd. He takes off running outside where he is hit by a car which promptly takes off. David has just won the lottery which had people coming out of the woodwork with their hands out. He has a wife who was enjoying the riches, but she is also has a boy toy on the side. Charlene sets out to dig up the truth. She is also trying to raise funds so the kids at Felicity House can have a happy holiday since someone decided to put the kibosh on a donation. Can Charlene wrap up the mystery before Christmas Eve? Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton is the third novel in A Salem B&B Mystery series. I would suggest reading the series in order. I found myself a little confused for the first couple of chapters (and I have read Mrs. Morris and the Ghost). There were so many characters introduced that I found it hard to keep everyone straight (it gets better after the first couple of chapters). We get to meet Charlene’s parents who are in town for ten days (and Charlene is counting down the days). I like Charlene’s father, but her mother is a piece of work (a real negative nelly). I just love Jack, the resident ghost of the bed and breakfast. He is handsome, kind, caring, thoughtful, and amusing. Jack pulls some humorous pranks. I love the setting of Salem. It is a wonderful town rich in history. I enjoy the vivid descriptions of the area as well as Charlene’s beautiful bed and breakfast. Charlene actively investigates the hit-and-run. She asks questions and happens to overhear some pertinent information. There is a red herring or two along with plenty of suspects. I liked the mystery. You need to pay close attention to the clues if you are to identify the guilty party. I do not know why Sam bothers to tell Charlene to stay out of the case. He should know by now that she is not going to do it. I love how Jack helps Charlene work through the clues. I would like to see more of Jack in future books (he needs to work on his jealousy though). There is a great Christmassy atmosphere in the story. I thought it was wonderful what Charlene is trying to do to help Felicity House. Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery (except for Charlene’s mother). Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is a charming whodunit with flavorful pasta fagioli, a deadly hit-and-run, a glum mum, a jealous Jack, a dearth of donations, a handy new helper, and a Happy Holiday!

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. A great mystery that keeps you guessing until the end a great quick read.

This is a Christmas cozy mystery, and it is the 3rd in A Salem B&B Mystery series. I have read and review the 1st and 2nd book in this series as well. This book as more of Jack the ghost character in it. I love Jack's character. Charlene's parents are visiting in this book, and them visiting brings on problems. I love the characters in this book, and in this book there is a ton of new characters. I really enjoyed the mystery part of this book, and I think having Christmas in this book was really nice. I also love the cover of this book. I hope the next book brings in more Ghost characters into the book because I love the ghost parts of this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Traci Wilton) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton is the third book in the paranormal cozy A Salem B&B Mystery series. Each book in the series holds it’s own mystery that is fully solved so all books can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. There will be some character development that carries over book to book though for those that follow the series from the beginning.

The first book of the series introduced readers to Charlene Morris who after losing her husband had needed a fresh start in new surroundings so she decided to move from Chicago to New England. Charlene found a wonderful historic mansion in Salem and thought starting her own bed and breakfast in the touristy town would be the change she needed. What Charlene didn’t expect was to have her new B&B come with it’s own resident ghost.

Charlene’s first experience trying to help solve a murder came when she found that her resident ghost, Jack, had been murdered and needed help finding his killer. Now Charlene is faced with her third murder to be solved since coming to Salem when Charlene takes her visiting parents out for a holiday dinner. While out that night a man runs into the road only to be mowed down by a vehicle that then flees the scene and with many potential murderers on the loose Charlene needs to work fast.

Being someone that loves to read across multiple genres one of my favorite things to find is when authors blur the lines between them. Finding that the Salem B&B Mystery series had the touch of paranormal I had to pick it up and have now been following since the first book. The series has a great setting in Salem too with it’s rich history behind it giving many great set ups for the authors. Definitely a fun series I’d recommend to those that enjoy a quirky cozy with a touch of paranormal to it.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series to read. I love the main character, Charlene, though I do wish she'd move a little faster with Sam and leave behind any romantic feelings for the ghost, Jack. That's one aspect of the series that I feel has run its course. It's time for Charlene to move on with a man who's alive. I'll be honest, I never suspected who the killer turned out to be. It made perfect sense after the reveal and I could see how the clues were there all along, but the killer flew under my radar. It was such a great resolution and there was a great ending to the book. I'm really looking forward to the next one.

Once again, this cozy series is perfect for a pandemic read...after all, it lets you escape to the comforts of a lovely B & B in Salem, MA. I'd like to reserve a suite and stroll through the town exploring the shops and restaurants.

Charlene has her hands full at the B & B, which is filled with guests, including her beloved parents, Brenda and Michael. And, of course, there is Minnie, Jack, and Silva, as well as the latest addition, Avery, the young tattooed, spiky haired, nose ringed assistant.

Of course, much like the Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote, Charlene can't seem to stay out of trouble when it comes to murder in Salem. And, no matter how many times the handsome detective Sam warns her to mind her business, we all know that sleuthing has become her business...and, truth be told, she's good at getting folks to talk to her.

So, when she's witness to a hit-and-run accident/murder, it should come as no surprise that Charlene is determined to find out who was behind the wheel. Was it David's ex-wife, son, business partner, an old friend from the past, his current wife, or his current wife's lover....the list of suspects is long, and they each have motive...

With the approach of Christmas, Charlene's parents come to visit. While attending a fundraiser, Charlene and other community members find themselves a part of the mystery. During this book, we see more of Charlene's good hearted nature and her growing friendship with Jack Strathmore too. I love trying to solve the whodunnit while Charlene is trying to put together the clues.

I have to say this one threw me for a loop, no scratch that, it hit me a solid wham, and I blame it on the ghost, it did it, especially, with there being nuances of a relationship between it and Charlene, say what, really. This went against the natural order of things for me and, to be honest, I am still trying to figure out its role in the story, it sure dampened my interest quickly. This was interesting, it could have been a bit more exciting and intriguing, minus the jealous ghost, just saying.

Although it did not grab my attention, fans of cozy mysteries may enjoy it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST by Traci Wilton
The Third Salem B&B Mystery

It's Christmastime in Salem and B&B owner Charlene Morris is trying to keep spirits bright, a difficult task when her mother is in town. Attending a charity auction at a local restaurant should be a festive occasion, but when the lucky lottery winning owner hands out checks to certain guests, not everyone is happy. Charlene hears him call out two names before he rushes out into the street and is promptly struck down in a hit and run. The driver must have known he hit someone, yet didn't stop. Could the accident actually be murder? As Charlene provides her guests with a wonderful holiday visit she'll also deal with her critical mother, a dashing ghost, and a handsome detective who'd rather she not get involved in another suspicious death. She'll also find time to see which of the many people who had a beef with the not so lucky restaurateur could have actually killed him.

While nobody was visited by three spirits in order to change their ways, ghosts of the past played an integral part of the third Salem B&B Mystery, ghosts both literal and figurative. A man haunted by past actions, Charlene haunted by the love of her dead husband and the ghost of the charming doctor who lives in her home, and other characters haunted by their own pasts. Perfect fare for Christmas and the ending of a year.

I love Charlene's dad! Charlene and her mom have a difficult relationship, but I love how it's dealt with when she comes to visit. The highs and the lows are all shown, as well as the love deep down, despite their comments and behavior. Charlene's dad is the soothing balm they both need! Charlene's love life is an interesting muddle. Her continuing love for her dead husband, her friendship and attraction to a ghost, and her growing interest in a very live male make for some complex emotions. This book, however, has Charlene growing as well as investigating!

Current societal issues are smoothly integrated into the mystery, which was intriguing with lots of good suspects, many with bad behavior! The scene at the memorial was priceless.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST is a delightful holiday mystery that shows how the past influences the present.

**TRIGGER WARNING** A racial slur against the Roma is used in casual conversation.
**TRIGGER WARNING** Talk of pregnancy loss.

Salem B&B owner Charlene Morris is dealing with her first Christmas season while also entertaining her parents. While at a charity event, a local restaurant owner is hit by a car in front of everyone at the event. The only problem? No one saw who the driver was. Can Charlene help get to the bottom of the devastating event?

I feel like I'm in two minds about this installment in this series. I found it a bit hard to keep my attention on the book, but at the same time, I wanted to know what was happening. I felt like the characters we were introduced to in previous books were ignored in this one and that made me sad. I wanted to see more of both possible love interests (even if one is a ghost). I enjoyed Charlene's father but I found her mother unnecessarily cruel. I also found the use of a slur really unfortunate. It jolted me out of the story so fast and it was hard for me to get back into the story. At this point, I'm not sure if I will be continuing with this series.

*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

I really loved this third book in a new to my series. Tha characters and location really and to the story. I can't wait to read the next one. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

Another fun installment in the Salem B&B Mystery series! This one takes place at Christmas time and contains a well-planned mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This is book 3 in the Salem B&B Mystery series and it can be read as a stand alone. Charlene's parents are in town for the Christmas holiday and Jack, her resident ghost takes delight in frustrating her mother. Since mom is driving Charlene nuts she doesn't mind too much that Jack is moving items and hiding things. When the owner of a restaurant is run over the night of the charity auction, Charlene is determined to help the police solve the case. Jack is becoming more prominent and gaining more power in each story. A good mystery with lots of suspects. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A delightful Christmas cozy. Charlene is settling in to her amazing Bed and Breakfast in Salem MA. during Christmas time when she has to deal with her parents and witnessing a murder of a local restaurant owner, The book stared out a little slow but got better as the book went along. If you are looking for a great Christmas cozy I would recommend this book

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
I’ve read many cozy mysteries where the amateur sleuth runs a cafe or B and B, what makes this series a bit different is this amateur sleuth has a ghost for a side kick and it is this ghost whom she relies on to discuss her findings and clues.
This book is also set at Christmas time but I did not find it to be particularly full of the festive feels and references. If you just want a hint of Christmas then this could be the book for you.
Overall I don’t think I connected greatly with the story or characters, but I found it fairly enjoyable. I do own other books in the series so I will read those and decide whether I carry on with future books in this series.

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past
By Traci Wilton
Kensington
November 2020

Review by Cynthia Chow

On the 17th of December, Charlene Morris still isn’t quite feeling the spirit of Christmas. Her parents have been visiting Charlene in Salem, but in only two days her critical mother has been taxing her patience. At least the charity auction at Bella’s Italian Restorante benefiting the Felicity House for Children takes the focus off of Charlene, who donated stay at her Bed-and Breakfast for the cause. Attracting the most attention is David Baldwin, the part-owner of the restaurant and recent winner of a ten-million-dollar lottery. It seems that outrageous wealth has brought David neither luck nor happiness, as there’s no one seems happy with the gifts that he hands out. His new, younger wife is rumored to have returned after straying with her personal trainer, David’s son comes for a handout, and the restaurant co-owner seems less-than-pleased with their business agreements. So when David is soon killed by a hit-and-run accident there is no shortage of suspects, or those looking for an immediate payout.

Unknown to most but what shouldn’t be surprising for a witch lore-filled town like Salem, Massachusetts is that Charlene’s home is also the residence of Dr. Jack Strathmore, a ghost haunting the place of his murder. Jack isn’t shy about expressing his jealousy towards Salem Police Detective Sam Holden, and their romantic rivalry would be unreasonable even if Charlene wasn’t still mourning the death of her husband. When living Jack was somewhat younger than David, and the ghost’s knowledge of their high school proves to be as instrumental to their investigations as any paranormal interference. With a fortune at stake as the widow closes off the funds and charities are left hanging during Christmas, Charlene, Jack, Sam, and even her parents begin putting together puzzle pieces that will hopefully end in brining good will to all.

This charming third in the mystery sees Charlene moving through her grief and embracing her new life in Salem. The family she has created within her bed-and-breakfast helps her to mend bridges with her own parents, especially the mother who truly does want what’s best (or what she thinks is best) for her daughter. It may not be in the town of Chicago though, as Salem and its rich history is proving to be an entrancing draw for the recovering widow. Even Jack may finally be coming to accept his no-longer-living status, although that does not include being gracious to the police detective. Holiday celebrations, Christmas preparations, and charitable actions to those needing it ensure that this mystery is as seasonal as it is a compelling mystery read.