An Uninvited Ghost
Haunted Guest House # 2
E.J. Copperman

Berkley Prime Crime
April 5, 2011 / ISBN 978-0425240588
Paranormal Mystery
Amazon

Reviewed by Linda Morelli

Newly divorced Alison Kerby returned to her Jersey Shore hometown with her ten-year-old daughter to start a new life by transforming a Victorian fixer-upper into a charming, profitable guesthouse. One small problem: the house is haunted by two ghosts, Paul Harrison, a steadfast private eye, and Maxine Malone, with whom he was working when they were killed. Paul and a pouty Maxine have agreed to help Alison provide a “haunting” experience for her houseguests. In return, Alison will work on an occasional mystery for Paul of the “otherworldly” nature.

Paul asks her to help Scott McFarlane, a sightless ghost who fears he may have killed 80-year-old Arlice Crosby during a prank. Then TV producer Trent Avalon learns that her place is haunted and asks for use of the guesthouse for his reality show. The senior guests are thrilled by the “double-billing” and Alison can use the money.

After the four cast members and a film crew arrives, Alison discovers that Arlice is alive and would love to attend that evening’s séance. When the old lady is killed at the guesthouse, her attorney hires Alison to find the killer. Then one of the reality show stars disappears and Trent asks for her help. Alison now has two cases, a house full of suspects, and a killer on the loose.

E. J. Copperman’s humorous paranormal mystery hooked me from the first page. An Uninvited Ghost has a tightly knit plot, studded with funny situations and charming characters. Alison’s wisecracking often made me laugh out loud, and though a ghost, Paul has much to teach Alison. Alison’s daughter and mother are wonderful additions, as is the determined female sheriff. Add to this a group of elderly folks just dying to see ghostly spirits and you have a thoroughly enjoyable read.

First in the series is Night of the Living Deed

Reviews of other titles in the series

An Uninvited Ghost #2
Chance of a Ghost #4
Ghost in the Wind #7
The Hostess with the Ghostess #9