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readwitray's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Just glad it’s finally over….
I am always down for a cozy Murder mystery with a strong female lead who becomes an amateur sleuth.
This did not do it for me.
The FMC was so bland and had no growth. The side characters were more interesting than her and should have been the lead.
The FMC has a 1940s ghost who was a PI in her head and he can also pull her back in time….? 🤔
By the end I just wanted to know who the killer was.
I am always down for a cozy Murder mystery with a strong female lead who becomes an amateur sleuth.
This did not do it for me.
The FMC was so bland and had no growth. The side characters were more interesting than her and should have been the lead.
The FMC has a 1940s ghost who was a PI in her head and he can also pull her back in time….? 🤔
By the end I just wanted to know who the killer was.
katreader's review against another edition
5.0
THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT by Cleo Coyle
The Seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery
When Penelope Thornton-McClure and her friends drive out to pick up some paintings for her book shop's big event on cover art, she doesn't expect Seymour to fall in love with a haunting painting, which may be haunted. Captivated by what appears to be an early work of local legend, Seymour scoffs at the rumor that the painting is cursed. But a flat tire on a rainy night and the death of its seller are just the start of misfortunes for Pen and her friends. A case from PI Jack Shepard's past may help Pen as cover art, shady business dealings, and murder converge in this charming Rhode Island town.
Hardboiled and softboiled mysteries combine as 1940s PI Jack Shepard assists bookshop owner Penelope McClure in a new mystery. Readers not only get a thrilling cozy mystery, but a historical hardboiled PI mystery softened somewhat by the addition of the 21st century bookseller. The two mysteries run parallel with ties to each other and a means for Pen get a better understanding of her current problem. We can see how the past colors the present and future, in more ways than one.
Nothing is cut and dried in this seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery. I like how Pen follows red herrings herself and make mistakes while searching for the truth. Although Jack was guiding her from the onset, reminding her that things aren't always what they seem, Pen and readers alike jump to some wrong conclusions leading to more than one surprise.
I'm so happy to once again welcome Jack back. This gruff, but charming PI has me enthralled once again. I love how he is able to travel with Pen, but more, he can become a living breathing man when he brings Pen into his memories via her dreams. It's a fantastic method that both develops the plot and their relationship.
In addition to the fictional tale, there's a real caveat in THE GHOST IN THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. It's a sad fact that there are plenty of shady people in the publishing world and I'm pleased that this book takes an honest look at bad practices that haunt the publishing industry more than ghosts or curses. Reading this mystery may help one fledgling writer or artist avoid the real life monsters out there.
THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is a diabolically clever mystery with a reminder to never judge a book by its cover. It's a smart witty mystery, that also gives sage advice. I love this book and this series and look forward to seeing what Pen gets up to next. And Jack...I'll see you in my dreams.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery
When Penelope Thornton-McClure and her friends drive out to pick up some paintings for her book shop's big event on cover art, she doesn't expect Seymour to fall in love with a haunting painting, which may be haunted. Captivated by what appears to be an early work of local legend, Seymour scoffs at the rumor that the painting is cursed. But a flat tire on a rainy night and the death of its seller are just the start of misfortunes for Pen and her friends. A case from PI Jack Shepard's past may help Pen as cover art, shady business dealings, and murder converge in this charming Rhode Island town.
Hardboiled and softboiled mysteries combine as 1940s PI Jack Shepard assists bookshop owner Penelope McClure in a new mystery. Readers not only get a thrilling cozy mystery, but a historical hardboiled PI mystery softened somewhat by the addition of the 21st century bookseller. The two mysteries run parallel with ties to each other and a means for Pen get a better understanding of her current problem. We can see how the past colors the present and future, in more ways than one.
Nothing is cut and dried in this seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery. I like how Pen follows red herrings herself and make mistakes while searching for the truth. Although Jack was guiding her from the onset, reminding her that things aren't always what they seem, Pen and readers alike jump to some wrong conclusions leading to more than one surprise.
I'm so happy to once again welcome Jack back. This gruff, but charming PI has me enthralled once again. I love how he is able to travel with Pen, but more, he can become a living breathing man when he brings Pen into his memories via her dreams. It's a fantastic method that both develops the plot and their relationship.
In addition to the fictional tale, there's a real caveat in THE GHOST IN THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. It's a sad fact that there are plenty of shady people in the publishing world and I'm pleased that this book takes an honest look at bad practices that haunt the publishing industry more than ghosts or curses. Reading this mystery may help one fledgling writer or artist avoid the real life monsters out there.
THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is a diabolically clever mystery with a reminder to never judge a book by its cover. It's a smart witty mystery, that also gives sage advice. I love this book and this series and look forward to seeing what Pen gets up to next. And Jack...I'll see you in my dreams.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
writewanderread's review against another edition
4.0
It’s so good to have Penny & Jack back, along with the town and all it’s characters. I enjoyed the story and mystery. I hope there will be more books in this series.
zermeena's review
4.0
Bring back the original narrators! Traci Odom is great with "Rhode Island" accents, but she is a terrible Jack. It was like his character was missing was from the story. Other than that it was great story with plenty of twists and turns.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
It's funny that, as I started this audibook, I was just thinking that I hadn't seen much of Pen's in-laws. And they showed up in this one in all their snobby splendour. This family is written so well, I just want to smack them upside the backs of their well-coiffed craniums.
I had such a good time listening to this one. I do with all of them, but this one was particularly fun. A bit darker than usual but not exceptionally so. I felt for the characters under attack through small town bureaucracy and I always enjoy when Pen and Jack have adventures in her dreams from his memories. Learning more about pulp magazine covers and the artists who created them, seeing Buy the Book, the mystery bookshop Pen and Sadie own and operate, thrive.
On to #8, Ghost and the Stolen Tears, as I chain-read/listen to this fantastic series.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
I had such a good time listening to this one. I do with all of them, but this one was particularly fun. A bit darker than usual but not exceptionally so. I felt for the characters under attack through small town bureaucracy and I always enjoy when Pen and Jack have adventures in her dreams from his memories. Learning more about pulp magazine covers and the artists who created them, seeing Buy the Book, the mystery bookshop Pen and Sadie own and operate, thrive.
On to #8, Ghost and the Stolen Tears, as I chain-read/listen to this fantastic series.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is the 7th Haunted Bookshop cozy/noir mystery by the pseudonymous duo who write as Cleo Coyle. Released 4th May 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well developed series with an interesting paranormal twist. Protagonist Penelope is in "contact" with the consciousness of a long departed police detective who was killed almost 70 years ago. The books are set up in a way that very very cold case mysteries from decades ago get intertwined with modern day mysteries and bookstore owner Penelope saves the day by resolving the past and the present.
The mysteries are often convoluted and a bit contrived but otherwise "fair-play". The characters are so distinct and well rendered that keeping them clear from one another is never an issue. I like the sort of noir-1940's vibe that Penelope's internal dialogue adds to the book. Although it's the 7th book in the series, the mysteries are completely self-contained and it works quite well as a standalone. This would be a good jumping-in point for readers who haven't read the previous books.
The language is clean, the violence is low-key and off scene. It would make a good commute or work read. I really enjoyed the tie-ins with period pulp fiction and artwork. Lots of fun. The authors have done their research on the era.
Four stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of cozy mysteries.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is the 7th Haunted Bookshop cozy/noir mystery by the pseudonymous duo who write as Cleo Coyle. Released 4th May 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well developed series with an interesting paranormal twist. Protagonist Penelope is in "contact" with the consciousness of a long departed police detective who was killed almost 70 years ago. The books are set up in a way that very very cold case mysteries from decades ago get intertwined with modern day mysteries and bookstore owner Penelope saves the day by resolving the past and the present.
The mysteries are often convoluted and a bit contrived but otherwise "fair-play". The characters are so distinct and well rendered that keeping them clear from one another is never an issue. I like the sort of noir-1940's vibe that Penelope's internal dialogue adds to the book. Although it's the 7th book in the series, the mysteries are completely self-contained and it works quite well as a standalone. This would be a good jumping-in point for readers who haven't read the previous books.
The language is clean, the violence is low-key and off scene. It would make a good commute or work read. I really enjoyed the tie-ins with period pulp fiction and artwork. Lots of fun. The authors have done their research on the era.
Four stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of cozy mysteries.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
croberts17's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
calistaw's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
hopef's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75