Carol J. Perry

recipes, preternatural, cozy-mystery, Florida, friendship, friends, local-law-enforcement, small-business, small-town, innkeeper, inheritance, ghosts, restoration, amateur-sleuth, competition, fishing, investigations, pet-dog, cold-case, murder, suspense, Indian Mounds, antiques, archaeologist, verbal-humor*****

I read book one in 2021 and the next in 2022, so I feel safe in saying that this next one in 2024 is easily a standalone.
One cold case and one new murder are at the center of the investigations that affect the Inn. Also near the Inn are some seldom-seen helpful ghosts and more than a few suspects relevant to BOTH murders. Add in some antiques and plans for improvement to the Inn and here is a great story with some very engaging characters. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#HauntedHavenMysteries3… (meer)

Maureen is learning to manage the inn that was left to her by a stranger, but she's still wondering how to make it a permanent paying business. She loves her new home in Haven, Florida, and is becoming familiar with everything, including the fact her new plans for a gift shop on the premises is firming up.

While walking her golden retriever Finn on the beach one morning she sees what appears to be a body floating next to shore. She calls her friend Officer Frank Hubbard. He discovers that the dead man is Eddie Manuel, a charter boat captain, but doesn't know why he would be there, or who would have wanted to kill him -- because he's sure it wasn't an accident.

While Maureen tries to stay out of the investigation, she digs into her benefactor's old trunk and finds enough information on an old fishing tournament that she decides to revive in order to bring business to the town and, of course, to her inn. With the town and fishermen on her side, she has enough people to make it worthwhile.

But one of her guests is a photographer for a small birding magazine -- and once Maureen meets his boss, she thinks the man is creepy. Another guest who is an archaeologist, puts thoughts in Maureen's head that things around there aren't on the up and up, and Eddie might have stumbled across something he shouldn't have. Should Maureen stay out of it and just plan the tournament? Or should she go with her gut feelings and put herself in harm's way?...

This is the third book in the series and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love books that have friendly spirits in them, and even if the scenes were sparse, they were still fun to read. At times, Maureen's ghosts do give her the information and unexpected turns that she needs. I'd love to say more on the subject, but I don't want to spoil the book for others.

The plot was done very well, with enough twists and turns to keep me interested throughout. I love how the author weaves together different storylines that connect somehow, and eventually the key to finding the truth shows up in an unusual way.

By this I mean that when the climax does come, it is unexpected, although we are given a clue a little earlier on by what actually might occur, but it still surprises, and the ending itself is rather a treat to read. There is also an epilogue that tells us the outcome, and gives us something to look forward to in the next book, of which I eagerly await. Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.… (meer)

Can anyone tell me if this gets better?

It's really irking me that she rolled up on the places and started welcoming people. Yes, you inherited it but you've never been there! You haven't even walked in the door! So weird.

I spend a lot of time with my cat, he's clingy and I'm not a big fan of people so it works out. However, i don't narrate my actions or intentions and i sure am shit don't tell him to *look at signs* that I've *pointed out and talked to him about.* I understand the need for exposition but holy hell. Police officer drafting the lead is concerned about getting back to get dog after three questions? What? Someone else putting him in a room without taking his leash off? Is this classic "good person, bad person" crap?

Uughghhh....… (meer)

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. This is the first in a new series and this installment is mystery light. While there is a mystery and it definitely is wrapped up by the end of the book, this first book takes it's time introducing the heroine, her dog, the new town, the side characters, the inn - lots of set up. But the author did a great job of setting the scene and keeping the details interesting. Lots of cozy vibes made this a quick, fun read.… (meer)