Reviews

Haunting License by Carol J. Perry

pussreboots's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

smr234's review

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fast-paced

3.25

ssejig's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 Maureen is on her beach run one day when she discovers a body. It's Eddie Manuel. She didn't know him but she finds a newspaper article proclaiming him the winner of a fishing tournament that was to have been an annual event. Instead, it only took place once; in 2000. But it does spark an idea. Maybe she can do that again and earn some money for her inn. 
And that money would come in handy. She needs to any number of repairs and needs to add on. Because this inn, and these people (and ghosts) are becoming dear to her. As is the larger Haven, Florida community. And that's why she willing to help the local police (specifically Frank Hubbard) in various investigations. In fact, Hubbard asks her for her help because her "feelings" have been accurate in the past. But does that mean Maureen will go to far? 
Not as many ghosts in this book but I did not miss them much. 

sosocrafty's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious tense

4.0

jessicadillon's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.75

Another great addition to the Haunted Haven Mystery series! 
Great character developments and we finally see some more movement in Maureen's love life! I also enjoy the extra focus on cats within this book! Can't wait for the next.

lmerricks's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.5

rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition

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3.0

This book has a bit of everything for a cozy; not only a mystery, but also a cold case, ghosts, a slowly budding romance, some reno and new business vibes and a dramatic ending.  I do love the concept behind this book, the MC inherits a crumbling inn in a quaint Florida town.  She is doing whatever she can to drum up business and is also settling in with the town.  She's also getting along with and used to the ghosts that live in the inn (and even her own suite).  There was a lot of information about different bird species which I found quite interesting, without being overwhelming.

However, me personally, I feel like there is not enough character development for book 3 in a series, but many cozy readers don't find that necessary especially if they're mostly interested in the mystery aspect.  Also, this one was very slow moving with a lot of side plots that mostly meandered a bit too much for me personally.

In the past I have listened to the audiobook and I do think that would help a bit with the pacing, so I recommend going that route if you can!

booktrishandmagic's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

4.25

Haunting License is the third book in the Haunted Haven series. I really enjoy these cozy mysteries. The books just keep getting better as the series goes on! I’m really invested in all of these characters. And I know I’m not a fan of romance, but I’m really curious to see where Maureen’s love life is headed. 🤭 I absolutely love the Florida beach setting. The writing transports me right into the cozy inn, its the perfect ambiance. The plot is entertaining and spirited, definitely a page turner right from the start. The ending felt a little rushed, but it’s not much of a bother. I just really love being in Haven with all these characters and seeing what they’re up to! If you’re looking for a quaint cozy mystery, check out this series! 

virgilsaeneid's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

3.5

ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Haunting License is a Summery, cozy murder mystery that was an easy, quick read. It was short and simple, and a lovely introduction into the genre of cozy mystery for me. I hadn't realized Haunting License was the third book in a series until after I started reading it. Luckily, Perry concisely recaps important information in a way that makes this book easy enough to read as a standalone without having read the other books previously. I'd like to read the first two books after having read the third one.

That being said, I didn't feel particularly compelled by the characters, and the plot had a bit of a jarring pace. For a murder mystery, the murder got sidelined and not treated as a major aspect of the story. The main character also appears to exposition in dialogue both to herself and to other characters who are already aware of the information Maureen states- an issue that I believe could be fixed by including more brief, internal monologues, rather than verbalizing everything.

Despite this, Haunting License was still exactly what you would expect from a cozy mystery. I ended up rating it 3.5/5 stars.