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literary__escapism's review
4.0
The Ghost and Mrs McClure is the first in the paranormal cozy mystery series by Alice Kimberly.
Penelope McClure and her son are settling back in her home town after the death of her husband. She's co-owner of her aunts bookstore now, and trying to turn a profit. Unfortunately her first author on your turns up dead and the police are pointing their fingers at her and she must solve the murder before she's arrested!
I don't usually read paranormal cozy mysteries but if this book is an indication to this great sub-genre I need to read more.
I really enjoyed this first book. I liked Penelope and the relationship she develops with the ghost-in-residence, Jack. They are the perfect combination of sweet and snark and it's a delight to watch the interactions.
The murder mystery was really good and kept me guessing to the end. With the combination of interesting town folks and a background of the bookstore, it was a great read.
If you like cozy mysteries that centre around a bookstore I strongly recommend this series.
Penelope McClure and her son are settling back in her home town after the death of her husband. She's co-owner of her aunts bookstore now, and trying to turn a profit. Unfortunately her first author on your turns up dead and the police are pointing their fingers at her and she must solve the murder before she's arrested!
I don't usually read paranormal cozy mysteries but if this book is an indication to this great sub-genre I need to read more.
I really enjoyed this first book. I liked Penelope and the relationship she develops with the ghost-in-residence, Jack. They are the perfect combination of sweet and snark and it's a delight to watch the interactions.
The murder mystery was really good and kept me guessing to the end. With the combination of interesting town folks and a background of the bookstore, it was a great read.
If you like cozy mysteries that centre around a bookstore I strongly recommend this series.
demi_sewell's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh my gosh, I loved this book!! I could not put it down and loved how easy the chapters were to read. This is one of the books that you make yourself stop reading because it's already past 11pm and you've got to get up at 5am. 😆 I loved the characters, the ghost, and the individuality of the plot. I never would've guessed it! I am so curious to learn how Jack died and what is up with those dreams!?
snrmomfirst's review against another edition
Wasn’t expecting the old style detective book…just not my thing.
rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
tobyyy's review
3.0
I listened to this on audiobook awhile ago and just got around to listing it here! A decent story but I feel like I would’ve enjoyed it more reading it rather than listening to it. Sometimes the focus required for auditory processing takes away some of the fun of a story for me.
That being said, I definitely want to continue with this series!! — just not in audio format.
That being said, I definitely want to continue with this series!! — just not in audio format.
zermeena's review
4.0
This was a cute and light book. I was quickly absorbed in the life of Penelope McClure who is the . When a famous author dies in her shop, Pen is encouraged by the bookshop's resident ghost to investigate. The ghost is that of Jack Shepard who was a PI. Not coincidentally he is the protagonist in the book that is being promoted. My hope is that Jack and Pen will investigate Jack's murder - a very cold case at this point.
The best part of this audiobook is Traber Burns narrating the chapters that were from Jack Shepard's POV. There were a few points where the book when off the rails, but it soon got back on track. I plan to listen to the next book in the series.
Spoiler
widow of a suicideThe best part of this audiobook is Traber Burns narrating the chapters that were from Jack Shepard's POV. There were a few points where the book when off the rails, but it soon got back on track. I plan to listen to the next book in the series.
maferg01's review
4.0
This is a fun, light mystery with likable characters and interesting dialogue. Penelope is a cute bookstore owner who has a ghost who can speak only to her. Jack was a private detective from the 1940s who was killed in the bookstore during an investigation. He still speaks like he did when he was alive which adds interest to his charater.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a light read and likes mysteries.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a light read and likes mysteries.
booksandladders's review against another edition
3.0
I just want one cozy mystery series to not have misogyny, sexism, and police propaganda. This is not that series.
Plus the ghost peeps in on the main character while she showers.
Plus the ghost peeps in on the main character while she showers.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
A very good cozy series, get more!!
***********
Above was my review from 2007 when my daughter was wee and i didn't really have much time to write reviews let alone read many books.
I wanted to start the series again to refresh my memory and get ready for the newest. And to renew my crush on Jack Shepherd.
I like Cleo Coyle, I've been a fan of the Coffeehouse mystery series for a long while. That said, I am a bigger fan of the Haunted Bookshop series. I like cozies and paranormal, so this is the perfect mix. Plus characters I really like and want to learn more about. And there's Jack Shepherd, the ghost of the private investigator who was killed in what is now the bookshop back in the late 40s. I enjoy his manner and the way he thinks and talks. His description is pretty delightful too.
I really like how this series begins in this book. Penelope thinks she's going a bit wack-o or under too much stress when she hears the voice of Jack in her head. The reader gets to watch their relationship and co-existence grow and become accepted.
It's a wonderful mystery with fun characters.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
***********
Above was my review from 2007 when my daughter was wee and i didn't really have much time to write reviews let alone read many books.
I wanted to start the series again to refresh my memory and get ready for the newest. And to renew my crush on Jack Shepherd.
I like Cleo Coyle, I've been a fan of the Coffeehouse mystery series for a long while. That said, I am a bigger fan of the Haunted Bookshop series. I like cozies and paranormal, so this is the perfect mix. Plus characters I really like and want to learn more about. And there's Jack Shepherd, the ghost of the private investigator who was killed in what is now the bookshop back in the late 40s. I enjoy his manner and the way he thinks and talks. His description is pretty delightful too.
I really like how this series begins in this book. Penelope thinks she's going a bit wack-o or under too much stress when she hears the voice of Jack in her head. The reader gets to watch their relationship and co-existence grow and become accepted.
It's a wonderful mystery with fun characters.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.