𝘉𝘦 𝘔𝘺 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 by Carol J. Perry⁣
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨⁣
⁣
This was a cute little paranormal cozy mystery. I loved loved the overall plot of our main character just inheriting an Inn and shorty after being there a murder occurs. I do think the murderer was pretty obvious but it was still an entertaining read. Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

I really loved this first book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed this one the plot kept me interested until the end which is not easy, and the characters were engaging and believable. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be well-written, engaging, and full of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.

I loved the characters' personalities, particularly Maureen's and Finn's. The way that Finn is so determined to help people even though he has a disability made me think of my own dog! And Maureen's determination to succeed despite her lack of experience was inspiring.

The plot was also very interesting: it revolves around an inn in Florida, where ghosts live and help out their deceased friends by offering them "talents" like being able to talk through walls or being able to see into the future. It seemed like a fun way for some characters who were not necessarily "goody-goody" types to use their special abilities as a way to help others solve crimes or find missing children!

Overall, I would recommend this book highly!

What an adorable little cozy mystery, perfect for spooky season that will keep you entertained and intrigued until the very end. I loved trying to guess the plot in the story in the culprit and overall had a great time reading it I would highly recommend this if you’re into cozy mysteries of any sort and want a quick escape from the real world. Loved this one so much!!!

This author is a favorite so when I saw this I had to grab it. I was not disappointed! A character at a crossroads, a mysterious inheritance and ghosts make up this mystery. The author writes the characters so full of life, even the ghost ones! A fabulous start to a new series by a well loved author!

I really enjoy this authors other series so I was pretty sure I would like this one and I was right! I really enjoyed this, loved the ghost that haunts the place. I think I would have liked the MC to be a bit more interested in sleuthing, she didn't really do a whole lot. I really liked Maureen though she was likable, I loved the bartender, and the older folks that work there. Can't wait to try the second book!

As a fan of Carol J. Perry's Witch City mystery series, I had high hopes for her first book in the Haunted Haven mystery series, Be My Ghost. I was not disappointed. This book was such an enjoyable read. I probably could've finished it in one day, but it was so good that I had to spread it out so it would last longer. I really like the main character, Maureen, and her dog, Finn. The only criticism I have for the book is how Maureen basically let the inn's manager, Elizabeth, treat her so horribly. Elizabeth acted like she owned the inn and like Maureen had no place there. That got on my nerves a little, but I still love the book. The murder mystery wasn't very easily solved and kept me stumped until close to the end. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series to see what other ghosts Maureen meets next.

I enjoyed this first in a cozy mystery series, especially the set up, the setting, and some of the characters. The ghosts are especially fun. I think for me the murderer was kind of obvious but I will probably read more.

I can not wait to read more from this series! In my opinion this series will be a perfect transition from summer to fun because of it taking ace in Florida but also have a paranormal theme. As any cozy reader knows the characters and setting are just as important as the mystery and book 1 definitely checks all the boxes!

Be My Ghost by Carol J. Perry is the first book in the new paranormal cozy A Haunted Haven Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book in this new paranormal mystery series will contain it’s own mystery that will be solved within so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. Of course there will be some character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series in order.

Maureen Doherty had been settling into her career as a sportswear buyer for a department store when she got the news that the store would be closing. Maureen really didn’t have anything else lined up so she continued working until the very last day that she could and wondered just what she would do next with only a small amount in savings and her parting bonus.

At just that moment when Maureen needs it most she receives a letter from a lawyer informing her that she has a mysterious inheritance waiting for her in Haven, Florida. Maureen is now the new owner of a cozy inn on the Gulf of Mexico. The only catch to the inheritance is the inn is supposed to be haunted but not believing in ghosts Maureen sees it as the opportunity for a new career path.

Be My Ghost by Carol J. Perry was a great opening to this new cozy series. I really enjoyed getting to know the main character and those around her all the while following a mystery. I thought this first book was a little light on the actual sleuthing but with a great setting and a lot of potential in the future I still enjoyed this one and will look forward to reading more in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book had so much potential but unfortunately didn’t hit the mark for me. Oh man, I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did, but the story just didn’t suit my taste.

Be My Ghost is the first novel in the Haunted Haven Mystery series by veteran writer Carol J. Perry. It’s the delightful story of Maureen Dougherty, who was previously a sportswear buyer at a large department store that recently closed. Maureen is informed that she has inherited an inn in Haven, Florida, after the death of Penelope Josephine Gray, and since she has nowhere else to go, travels with her dog, Finn, to take over the inn. Upon arrival, she finds that the inn is not only charming, but haunted. Not believing in ghosts, this doesn’t bother Maureen, but the general manager – the one who runs the place – does bother Maureen because she believes she should have inherited and holds a grudge against Maureen. Elizabeth is an unpleasant woman who causes problems with everyone. Unfortunately Maureen discovers a dead body and she is the number one suspect. Since it’s a small town, the police force is small and the police have their minds made up that she’s guilty and she must find clues to prove he innocence.

Perry does an excellent job of developing her characters. Maureen is very likeable, and has a business sense that may save the inn from Elizabeth’s poor management. Elizabeth is totally unlikeable and will remind you of someone you may unfortunately know. There are several good supporting characters, including ghosts that help Maureen solve the murder.

Readers who enjoy a bit of fantasy with a good story and good writing style will enjoy this novel in a fun new series. As a bonus, there are dozens of food references, and Perry has included recipes at the end.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
including ghosts that help Maureen solve the murder.

Readers who enjoy a bit of fantasy with a good story and good writing style will enjoy this novel in a fun new series. As a bonus, there are dozens of food references, and Perry has included recipes at the end.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Maureen Doherty loses her job as a clothing buyer in an upscale department store in Boston when the store closes. But then she receives an odd letter from a legal firm in Haven, Florida, stating that she's inherited an old inn and the remaining fortune of the late tenant. Packing up her things and her golden retriever, Finn, she heads for the sunny south to start a new life.

But when she arrives she finds the fortune isn't all that much; the inn is in need of a lot of work; several elderly people live on site in return for working there, and the manager seems to have nothing but disdain for her -- taking over the previous owner's office and giving Maureen room 27 -- which is reputed to be haunted by a nasty spirit.

After barely settling in she finds the body of a reputed ghost hunter on her front porch, and it seems he's been poisoned -- shortly after having a drink in the hotel's bar. Now the police are on her tail, wondering if Lorna or one of her employees could be the murderer. Could things get any worse?

Apparently so. She gets another big surprise when she finds that her own suite is haunted by a B startlet from Hollywood's Golden Era - Lorna DuBois. After proclaiming she doesn't believe in ghosts, she finds herself talking to Lorna and asking her advice. Between talking to a ghost and being a suspect on the police's radar for murder, Maureen's in a pickle, and if she can't find a murderer, her stay in Florida isn't going to be pleasant -- from the inside of a jail...

This is the first book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. I love books with ghosts (friendly) and I loved the plot in this one. It was a lot of fun to read, and the fact that Maureen goes through a lot of changes and seems to accept them shows me that she's able to give in situations and not afraid to take risks. She's a lovely person, and her dog is quite a character, too.

The elderly tenants are a hoot, but they in turn know what they're doing and who to talk to and whom not to. Gert is the funniest, but the others have their value also. I do like Ted quite a bit, he's open to new things and hopefully, will become Maureen's permanent partner-in-crime, if you know what I mean. Both romantically and in sleuthing.

I was able to follow the mystery easily and pretty much knew who the murderer was, and the reason behind it wasn't difficult to figure out; but I read a lot of mysteries so I'm always on the lookout for those things anyway.

When the ending comes it was done nicely and with everything falling into place right where it's supposed to. Again, I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series soon. Highly recommended.

A fun first in series! If you have enjoyed this author's Witch City Mysteries you will definitely want to read this one. This is a solid start to a new series where we get to know a variety of interesting characters (humans, pets, ghosts!) who become entangled in this well-planned mystery. You will be kept guessing until the very end and the author even includes a secondary mystery which will hopefully be solved within the next few installments. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

Who wouldn't love to inherit an old, haunted inn in Florida? Maureen inherits that and all the challenges that comes with it -including a controlling hotel/restaurant manager and several ghosts, both good and bad. I loved the characters in this one, especially the hotel regulars. Maureen was smart and assertive for the most part but I hated how she let Elizabeth talk to her. It was also different from the typical cozies in that I don't think they actually decided to investigate until the very end of the book. Still, the setting was well written and the cast of characters were charming so I will be back to visit.

Princess Fuzzypants here: When Maureen discovers she has inherited an old inn she is both delighted and dismayed. She cannot understand why someone she didn’t know would make her an heir. But her life is in flux so she and her pooch Finn pack up and move to the small Florida town of Haven. Upon arrival, she is pleased to see the inn is a slightly shabby old girl but with charm and possibilities. It even has long term tenants and some of them happen to be ghosts.

Not everyone is happy to meet Maureen especially the battle-axe manager who thought the inn should have been left to her. The other staff are quirky but willing. She is befriended by the ghost of a Hollywood starlet on her first night who proves to be of great assistance which Maureen will sorely need. Long a magnet for ghost hunters, the demise of a famous one on her first night not only puts a damper on her enthusiasm but also makes her an ideal candidate to frame for the murder.

With the help of bartender/chef Ted, and other assorted characters, both living and deceased, Maureen puts the pieces together and solves the murder with the who and the why. I confess, I had a pretty good idea of the who very early on but there were still a few twists in the why that were fun to discover. Along the way, she also helps a very unhappy ghost who has terrified both guests and staff for decades. It has a lovely little nugget that I suspect might be developed in future books.

As for the story itself, I am ready to book into the hotel for a long stay. Five purrs and two paws up.

I enjoy Carol Perry's Witch City Mystery books. So, when I saw book 1 of her new Haunted Haven series I jumped right on it. A must-read!

The Basics: When Maureen loses her job as in fashion marketing, she needs a new direction for her life. An unexpected inheritance gives her just what she needs....a new start in Florida for her and her Golden Retriever, Finn. As soon as she walks into her new inn, the adventure starts. The inn needs updating, the manager is snarky....plus her office is haunted. And....a guest drops dead. All on the first day..... New beginnings mean new challenges, right?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story kept my attention from start to finish, even though I pretty much figured out the mystery very early on. And, I got some unexpected laughter out of the audio book. Every time the narrator put in a "Woof!'' (Finn making commentary to his owner in the story), my Pom Chi would woof back. :)

I started reading a review copy of the ebook.....and finished with the audio book version. I really try hard to get books reviewed before release day when I have an ARC, but the continuing Covid mess and mucho overtime at work because of it has truly messed up my ability to meet deadlines. But in this case, the situation did give me the joy of sharing the audio experience with my enthusiastic dog, Princess.

CSE Cooney narrates the audio book (Tantor Audio). The audio is about 8 hours long and Cooney does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining listening experience.

Full stars from me. Full barks from Princess. It's a success, Carol!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy from Kensington, and listened to audio from Tantor Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Carol Perry starts a Haunted Haven mystery series with Be My Ghost. Maureen lost her career as a sportswear buyer and inherited a haunted inn in Haven, Florida. With her dog Finn she arrives at the inn and immediately discovers a dead body. Mysterious activities are going on with the ghost hunters. The police suspects Maureen of the murder although she didn't know the victim. Whodunit? Who are the ghosts? Cute cozy.

Be My Ghost: A Haunted Haven Mystery
By Carol J. Perry
Kensington
September 20021

Review by Cynthia Chow

When Barlett’s of Boston department store shuttered its doors after 85 years, thirty-something Independent Retailers Ready-to-Wear Buyer of the Year Maureen Doherty knows that even a generous severance pay won’t help her for long with an apartment lease. So it’s an unexpected but very fortuitous time for her to receive a letter from the Estate Attorney of one Penelope Josephine Gray, stating that Maureen has been named as the sole heir of the Haven House Inn. With nothing to lose, Maureen packs up and heads to Haven, Florida to evaluate her inheritance and what this could mean for her future. It’s that uncertainty that has Maureen drawn to a rest stop fortune-telling machine, where the motorized Zoltar presciently shoots out a long prediction that begins, “With a message from the dead On a journey you’ve been led.” Unable to deny its relevance, Maureen and her affectionate failed guide dog golden retriever Finn continue their journey to the unique historical inn.

Once at the Inn Maureen finds an abrasive restaurant manager and a historical building that seems to cater to the ghost-hunting crowd. While Maureen doesn’t believe in ghosts, she does believe in dead bodies, which is what the famous TV ghost hunter Conrad Wilson now happens to be as he sits on her porch. Almost as alarming as the police investigation ensuing on her new property is the presence of an undeniably real ghost in Maureen’s room, the formerly living B-movie actress Lorna Dubois. Preferring to remain in a youthful state that resembles Jean Harlow, Lorna dons versions of Maureen’s much more updated fashion and rather charmingly updates her on the Inn guests. Uber-planner Maureen has her hands full coming up with budgets and marketing plans that will pull Haven House Inn out of debt and profitable, and she has to decide whether or not to promote it as a ghost-friendly attraction. Resident cats Bogie and Bacall, a handsome bartender, and long-term chatty guests make for lively companions as Maureen follows the mystery of the late ghost expert while serving up profitable tasty Inn menus.

This first in the series by the author of the Witch City Mysteries introduces fantastic characters with so much potential for growth. While it shouldn’t be surprising that the ghosts here are presented in such unique and engaging manners, the Haven Inn living guests are just as complex and compelling. Maureen is funny and very intelligent, and she makes excellent use of her fashion retail skills to help her market and promote the Inn. Her relationship with Lorna develops into a friendship quickly, despite their (real) thirty-year age difference and differing living states. The daily tasks of running an Inn and Maureen’s creative ideas for meals are just as interesting and fun as her investigation into the death, which she has to admit has helped further put the Haven House Inn on the tourist destination map. While a possible culprit may seem identifiable early on, the motives and methods prove to be more than surprising. This is a wonderful start to a new series by an author with a talent for paranormal cozy mysteries.