Book Review: 'Old Haunts' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰✰½ Alison Kerby, the proprietor of a haunted Jersey Shore guesthouse, has her hands full with renovations while hosting guests at the same time, not to mention raising her daughter. She just barely has it all under control. What she doesn't anticipate is that things are about to get a lot more interesting when ‘The Swine’ (that's Alison’s ex-husband) suddenly shows up and books a room.

While her daughter is thrilled, Alison has reservations. However, it seems that Alison is not the only one dealing with memories from the past. Both resident ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are haunted by memories of their own exes. Maxie longs to know what happened to her murdered biker, and Paul just wants to know that his ex is doing okay.

Alison agrees find some answers to keep her ghosts happy; after all they have a daily haunting to put on for guests. In doing so, Alison finds herself in a heap of trouble. Between renovating, sleuthing, and raising her daughter, Alison must somehow tactfully keep The Swine at bay.

The Bottom Line: The third installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries filled me with laughter as I can easily relate to having problems with an ex-spouse. Copperman’s writing style is engaging and fun to read; I look forward to reading more installments in this series. This is the perfect beach read in the summer or cozy up to the fireplace on a cold winter evening with this entertaining mystery. Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and anyone who has ever had to deal with a narcissistic ex. 

Details: Old Haunts (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-24620-7

Book Review: 'An Uninvited Ghost' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰ Allison has her hands full renovating her guesthouse on the South New Jersey Shore and raising her daughter. With a new group of Senior Plus guests arriving and a reality TV show filming on the property as well, Allison doesn’t have time for an investigation. Nevertheless, when a blind ghost hires one of her resident ghosts to solve a possible crime, Allison is compelled to help. After all, the resident ghosts are the main attraction at her guesthouse, and if they are not happy, they might not cooperate. As Allison investigates, the paranormal world and reality collide into a mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. With so many characters and subplots, the story gets a little jumbled at times. Also, since a cat is prominently featured on the cover, I expected one in the book; no such luck. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun weekend or beach read. An enjoyable read recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal mysteries.

Details: An Uninvited Ghost by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2011. 304 p. ISBN: 978-425-24058-8

Book Review: 'The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt' by Riel Nason

✰✰✰✰✰ There once was a little ghost who was a quilt. While most ghosts are white sheets, including his mom and dad, this little ghost was a beautiful patchwork of squares. The little ghost who was a quilt was frustrated because he just wanted to be like other ghosts. He couldn't even fly as fast as them because his quilt was too heavy. However, there was one special day that made him happy every year, and that day was Halloween. And this year something special happened that made him the talk of the other ghosts.

The Bottom Line: Sometimes it's difficult to be different. However, as the little ghost who was a quilt found out, sometimes being different can be a gift too. Beautiful illustrations by Byron Eggenschwiler accompany this sweet tale of self-discovery, diversity, and gratitude. Highly recommended for little ghosts everywhere.

Details: The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt written by Riel Nason & illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. Hardcover picture book published by Tundra Books in 2020. 48 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2 

Book Review: 'Hardly Haunted' by Jessie Sima

✰✰✰✰  A house has a big problem; it’s been empty for a really long time. The house worries about maybe being haunted because she does not want to be. However, there’s no mistaking that her doors were creaky, the stairs squeak, and the pipes rattle. The house thinks that if she could just keep quiet, someone might move in. And it works…sort of. Sometimes we do actually get what we wish for, but it’s just not always in the way we want. 

The Bottom Line: This adorable haunted house tale is for anyone who ever wished they could change, but realized along the way that they are perfect just the way they are. Illustrated with just the right amount of spookiness, this picture book is sure to please kids in grades K - 2.

Details: Hardly Haunted illustrated & written by Jessie Sima. Picture book published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2021. 48 p. ISBN: 978-1-5344-4170-5 

Book Review: 'Super Family! (Simon & Chester Book #3) by Cale Atkinson

✰✰✰✰½ Chester adores his Grandma, but sometimes he wishes he lived in a "perfect" family like Amie's. Amie has a mom, dad, and siblings, and they do fun things on weekends. All Chester ever gets to do is watch old movies & do puzzles with his Grandma. Chester dreams that if he were part of a normal family, then he could do fun things too. 

Simon is skeptical, but he has to pack for SpecterCon, With Simon gone, Chester goes on a family outing with Amie. This is Chester's chance to have an amazing weekend, but just when they get to the water park, Amie's dad gets called away on business. Chester suddenly has his hands full helping Amie play with her siblings. By the time Amie's dad picks them up, Chester is exhausted, stinky, and has a new perspective.

Meanwhile, Simon is looking for an opportunity to impress the other ghosts at SpecterCon; after all, Simon haunts his very own house. Unfortunately, Simon's nemesis, Clancy, is not impressed. What will it take to get everyone to notice Simon? As SpecterCon continues, Simon realizes that maybe he had things all wrong too. Both Chester and Simon arrive back home with a new appreciation for what they have instead of what they wished they had.

The Bottom Line: Funny, sweet, and thoughtful, author Cale Atkinson takes the reader on a comic journey to see if the grass is indeed always greener on the other side. This humorous tale is enthusiastically recommended for young readers in grades 3 - 6.

Details: Super Family (Simon & Chester Book #3) by Cale Atkinson. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2022. 96 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-7243-9 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.] 

Book Review: 'The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story' by Charis Cotter

✰✰✰✰½ Alice and her friends had their whole summer planned, but now that her parents are getting a divorce, summer is ruined. She suddenly finds herself on a train to a small town where her mother has taken a job as a live-in nurse. The rich lady who lives there is known to be cantankerous and dislikes kids. The house is huge and spooky, but Alice quickly befriends the housekeeper's daughter, Lily. 

Soon Lily lets Alice in on a secret, there's a ghost in Alice's bedroom. But that's not the only secret being kept at the house. When Alice discovers a dollhouse locked away in the attic, things start to get really weird and spooky. As Alice drifts back and forth between real-time and era represented by the dollhouse, she starts to lose herself. Will she be able to find her way back to the real world? Or is she lost forever? Pick up this supernatural page-turner to find out.

The Bottom Line: There's nothing I love more than a good ghost story, and Charis Cotter is one of the best at telling them. With an eerie Gothic feel to this story, readers won't be able to put this one down. Enthusiastically recommended for kids, teens, and adults who enjoy suspenseful ghost stories and stories with the supernatural at work.

Details: The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter. Paperback published by Tundra in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6908-8 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'Amber and Clay' by Laura Amy Schlitz

✰✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to Ancient Greece through the poetry and prose of Newbery Medal Winner Laura Amy Schlitz. It was a time when people were restricted to the boundaries of class. A time when households owned slaves. Melisto was born into a noble family, but unloved by her mother; while Rhaskos was born to a slave woman, who loved him with all her heart. This girl and boy with nothing in common would someday forge a friendship that would free them both. This is their story told in their voices and in the voices of others like the Greek god Hermes and the philosopher Sokrates. This haunting tale of a wellborn girl and a slave boy illustrates power of friendship and love that knows no bounds.

The Bottom Line: Don't be dissuaded from picking up this book because of its page count; the mix of poetry, prose, and illustrations of archaeological exhibits makes for quick reading. The author deftly transforms the reader into the audience, and the story is like watching a play. Once I started reading, I was transfixed. Very highly recommended for young adults and adult interested in historical fiction, Greek mythology, and supernatural tales of friendship. 

Details: Amber and Clay written by Laura Amy Schlitz & illustrated by Julia Iredale. Advance reading copy published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 544 p. ISBN: 978-5362-0122-2 

[NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing. Some interior images were not final at the time this review was written.] 

Book Review: 'Trick or Treat' written & illustrated by Leo Landry

✰✰✰✰ When a little ghost named Oliver plans the spookiest party ever, he makes sure all of his spooky friends are invited to the empty house at the end of the street. However, after all the witches, skeletons, bats, and ghosts have arrived, there's one last knock at the door. Who could it be? When Oliver answers, he's surprised by two extra guests who say, "Trick or Treat!" What's a ghost to do? Trick them or give them a treat? Everyone is in for a fun surprise. To find out what is is, check out this Halloween treat and read on.

The Bottom Line: With simple text and playful, watercolor illustrations, Landry delivers a spooky and fun seasonal winner. Enthusiastically recommended for beginning readers in grades Pre-K - 1, especially for little ones a bit hesitant about Halloween.

Details: Trick or Treat written & illustrated by Leo Landry. Picture book published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children in 2012. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-547-24969-8

Book Review: 'Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story' by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰½  Rick Scroogeman thinks he's the life of the party. He likes to joke around with his friends, but can't understand why they don't appreciate his humor. That's because Rick is a twelve-year-old bully. He thinks teasing his fellow classmates at Oliver Twist Middle school is funny just as long as the joke's on them.

Rick doesn't tolerate it when other people tease him. Take Christmas, for example. Every year the other kids get their chance to get back at Rick when the class watches the classic old movie, A Christmas Carol. All the kids start calling him Scrooge, and Rick gets all prickly about it.

This year Rick is ready to retaliate with even more teasing. What he doesn't know is that things are going to be different. Just like in the movie, Rick is haunted by three ghosts who whisk him away to different eras and try to teach him a lesson. Will Rick change his bullying ways, or is he a lost cause? Only time will tell as Rick tries get back to his family in time to celebrate Christmas.

The Bottom Line: This ghostly retelling of a holiday classic (A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens) features a scary twist with a modern lesson to learn. Middle grade readers will identify with the characters on both sides of the bullying issue. Recommended seasonal reading for young fans of horror.

Details: Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story by R. L. Stine. hardcover published by Square Fish in 2016. 208 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-12955-0

Book Review: 'Sir Simon: Super Scarer' by Cale Atkinson

✰✰✰✰ Sir Simon is a ghostly Super Scarer. It's okay to be scared of him because that is his job. He has haunted lots of places. It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it.

Sir Simon was recently transferred to his first haunted house. That's the good news. The bad news is that a haunted house calls for extra Ghost chores like causing lights to flicker and stairs to creak. Once he's finished with chores, he can get back to his hobbies. Unfortunately, there's a problem named Chester. All Chester wants to do is play with Sir Simon. How will Sir Simon ever get his chores done? Check out this ghostly tale to find out.

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of friendship is not too scary. The illustrations are colorful and humorous. A seasonal, spooky read recommended for kids ages 4 - 8, especially for those a bit apprehensive about Halloween.

Details: Sir Simon: Super Scarer written & illustrated by Cale Atkinson. Hardcover picture book published by Tundra Books in 2018. 48 p. ISBN: 978-1-101-91909-5

Book Review: 'How to Make Friends with a Ghost' by Rebecca Green

✰✰✰✰½  Ghosts need friends just like we do. It might be a bit scary at first to be friends with a ghost, but this helpful guide will show you how. The tricky part is finding a ghost. Rather then looking for one, it's better to let the ghost find you.

Once you are acquainted with your ghost let the fun begin. Ghosts have special needs, and this how-to book will help you care for your new friend. You can make snacks for it, take walks with it, and tell it funny jokes. If you move or when you grow older, your ghost will still be there for you. Your ghost is your true friend to the end...forever.   

The Bottom Line: Rebecca Green's debut picture book is a delightful winner. This quirky and sweet tale of everlasting friendship is great for kids who are a little bit shy. This ghostly tale is not scary at all. Green used a soothing, limited color palette resulting in charming illustrations with a gothic, retro feel. Highly recommended for kids in grades K – 2. This is the perfect seasonal reading for kids interested in fantasy and make-believe.

Details: How to Make Friends with a Ghost written & illustrated by Rebecca Green. Hardcover picture book published by Tundra Books in 2017. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-101-91901-9  NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Night of the Living Deed' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰½ Alison Kerby is a recently divorced, single mom looking for a change. Deciding to follow her dream, she purchases a large Victorian house on the Jersey shore. With lots of hard work and determination, she plans to turn it into a guesthouse. However, when an accident leaves Alison with the ability to see and talk to ghosts, Alison suddenly has a problem. Her house is haunted!

The ghosts that occupy Alison's house insist they were murdered, and they won't leave Alison alone until she solves the mystery. As the deadline for completing the renovations looms near, Alison starts receiving threatening emails. With the safety of her daughter and herself at risk, will Alison be able to solve the mystery in time? Check out this quirky, spooky mystery to find out.

The Bottom Line: This is the first book of the entertaining Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. It's the perfect pick for weekend or beach reading. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.

Details: Night of the Living Deed (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2010. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-23523-2 

Book Review: 'Putting on the Witch' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰½ It's Brian's birthday, and the coven is invited to a Witches Ball. It's the opportunity of a lifetime to get glammed up and visit a magnificent, magical castle in an undisclosed location. It's also a great time to put their worries aside. With the troubling arrival of Dorothy's notoriously wicked father, the search for their missing spell book has gone cold.

The festivities are just beginning when Molly, Elsie, and Dorothy arrive. Unbeknownst to them Dorothy's ghostly mother, Olivia, has tagged along as well. It's all fun until a member of the Grand Council of Witches turns up dead. The obvious suspects are the members of our favorite coven. As they set out to clear their name, the castle is locked down for twenty-four hours and a real Spanish Inquisitor is released to conduct an investigation. With time running out, the coven must quickly solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt or the wrong person is blamed. It seems the clock is ticking all too quickly.

The Bottom Line: The third installment in the Retired Witches Mysteries is a house party style cozy that will keep you guessing with lots of twists and turns. Fans of paranormal cozies will enjoy this quick weekend read. Highly recommended for young adults too.

Details: Putting on the Witch (Retired Witches Mysteries) by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prim Crime in 2016. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26827-8 

Book Review: 'Looking for Mr. Good Witch' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰ When handsome, young male witches begin to turn up dead along the Carolina coast, everyone is baffled. It's difficult to kill a witch, so who could have done it? There's only one possibility...a rare sea witch. Sea witches must mate every one hundred years in order to continue living. So far, this sea witch hasn't found her perfect match, but now she has her sights on Brian Fuller.

Molly and Elsie have been hoping to retire soon. However, after their friend, Olivia, died and their spell book went missing, all plans for retirement have been put on hold. As they struggle to find the missing spell book and find replacements for themselves, they end up in the middle of another dangerous mystery. Olivia isn't much help in her ghostly form, while her daughter, Dorothy, struggles to control her new powers.

With strong forces working against them, Molly and Elsie must rely on their wits and wisdom to compensate for their faltering magic. Will it be enough to identify the sea witch and save Brian from her evil spell? This paranormal, cozy mystery will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow the twists and turns of this installment of the Retired Witches mysteries. 

The Bottom Line: This fun weekend read will enchant both adult and young adult readers. This mystery has plenty of action and suspense, with just a dash of romance mixed in. Highly recommended for cozy mystery buffs and readers interested in a bit of the paranormal. This engaging series has endearing characters, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. While I have been reading the books in order, it isn't necessary to do so. 

Details: Looking for Mr. Good Witch by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26826-1 

Book Review: 'Spell Booked' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰✰ Who knew witches have to find their own replacements before retiring to Boca Raton? I didn't, but that's exactly what Molly, Elsie, and Olivia are trying to do. Unfortunately, before they can even seriously begin to recruit and train new witches, Olivia ends up dead and their prized spell book has disappeared. With their magical powers beginning to fade, the witches must face an evil so powerful, that even the Grand Council is keeping quiet. Nevertheless, Molly and Elsie do their best to find their dear friend's murderer and defeat the rogue witch that is terrorizing their small town.

The Bottom Line: This charming, fast-paced cozy mystery was so much fun to read. This is the first book in the series, and I am really looking forward to reading the others. Enthusiastically recommended to fans of cozies who enjoy a paranormal twist. This is the perfect weekend read.

Details: Spell Booked (Retired Witches Mysteries) by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2014. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425268254

Book Review: 'Who Let the Ghosts Out?' by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰½ Max is just your average eleven-year-old with the same problems as any kid. However, he has one problem that you probably don't. His bedroom is haunted by two ghost kids. When the ghosts were alive, they used to live in Max's house. They have returned looking for their parents. Unfortunately, they don't live there anymore, and no one knows what happened to them. 

The only one who can see and talk to the ghost kids is Max. So it's up to Max to help them. Unfortunately, in order to find out what happened, Max must battle with the most evil spirit of all, Phears. Will Max be able to help the ghost kids find their parents and get his bedroom back?  Only time will tell. Pick up this quick read at your library today! 

The Bottom Line: This is the first book in the series. It will appeal to kids in upper grade school and middle school as the main character, Max, has the typical problems of any eleven-year-old. This is a fast-paced read. 

Details: Who Let the Ghosts Out? (Mostly Ghostly) by R.L. Stine. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2004. 144 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-74663-2 

Book Review: 'Seven Dead Pirates' by Linda Bailey

✰✰✰½ Lewis Dearborn is a shy young boy. Like many kids, he dreads going to school. When his family inherits a rundown seaside mansion, all his mother can do is make quick plans to sell it. Lewis, on the other hand, is in for the adventure of a lifetime. When Lewis quickly claims the tower room for his bedroom, he learns that it comes complete with ghosts. And not just one or two ghosts, but seven in all!

Seven pirate ghosts can be a little bit overwhelming until you get used to them. While Lewis' days are filled with school bullies and not being able to speak up for himself, Lewis' nights are filled with ghostly parties and fun. It isn't long before the pirate ghosts ask Lewis for help; they wish to return to the Maria Louisa, their long-lost ship. With the help of a peculiar classmate, Abriella, Lewis embarks on a mission to help the pirates out. Will he be able to find the courage to complete the task, or will he chicken out? Only time will tell, but Lewis better hurry up before another group of rowdy ghost pirates take up residence on the Maria Louisa.

The Bottom Line: This ghost story for middle grade readers is an adventurous tale of friendship and acceptance. Author Linda Bailey teaches us that it's perfectly okay to be different. Despite the slow beginning, the tale steadily picks up speed and finishes with an adventurous splash.

Details: Seven Dead Pirates by Linda Bailey. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 9781770498150 NOTE: I received a free advance reading copy from Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Inspector Specter' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰✰½ In the sixth installment of E. J. Copperman's A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery, we find Detective Lieutenant Anita McElone asking the 'ghost lady' for help in solving a case. Alison Kerby is shocked, but the lieutenant is not joking. It looks like McElone's former partner may have met with foul play. With Alison's ability to speak to ghosts and the help of Paul and Maxie, ghosts who reside at the guesthouse, the case should be a cinch to solve. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. This fast-paced mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Bottom Line: This charming cozy is the perfect weekend read for anyone who loves mysteries with a paranormal twist. Although I have not read the other titles in the series, I had no trouble picking up this installment and following along. In fact, I'm looking forward to reading the others as the characters are engaging and fun. Highly recommended for mystery buffs.

Details: Inspector Specter (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published Berkley Prime Crime in 2014. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26926-8

Book Review: 'The Ghost Prison' by Joseph Delaney

✰✰✰ Billy Calder is the new prison guard at the castle. Everyone knows the castle is haunted, but there aren't many jobs available for orphans. In fact, Billy is lucky to have found this one. After preliminary training, Billy is dismayed to be transferred to the night shift. Scary things have happened at the castle; people have died there. However, Billy doesn't have a choice. Billy has heard all the stories about the haunted cells in the castle. He also knows how to take precautions, until one night when he is the only guard on duty to make the rounds. Even though he has been warned to stay away from the Witch Well, it's up to Billy to feed the evil creature within. Whether it's nerves or something else, Billy makes a mistake that will change his life forever.

The Bottom Line: Supplemented with spooky black and white illustrations by Scott M. Fischer, this ghost story is fun for late night telling. This quick read will appeal to kids in middle school. 

Details: The Ghost Prison by Joseph Delaney. Hardcover published by Sourcebooks Fire in 2013. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-4022-9318-4

Book Review: 'The Swallow' by Charis Cotter

✰✰✰✰✰ Polly and Rose are two lonely 12-year-old girls who feel invisible to everyone. Set in the 1960s in Toronto during an outbreak of meningitis, the girls live right next door to each other. One day the girls discover that they can communicate through a shared wall in the attic. Besides being the same age, the girls learn that they are nearly exact opposites. Polly comes from a large family, while Rose is an only child. Polly is boisterous, while Rose is reserved. Polly wishes she could see ghosts, while Rose wishes she didn't. In fact, Polly is so convinced that Rose is actually a ghost, she sets out to prove it.

Follow Polly through the many twists and turns of this gothic ghost story with a surprise ending. You won't be disappointed.

The Bottom Line: This is a bittersweet story of friendship.Written from two points of view, each character has a distinctive voice. I enjoyed the use of mood, setting, and hints employed by the author to keep readers guessing. Readers will appreciate the short chapters making this book a very quick read. Check it out if you enjoyed the movie "The Sixth Sense." Very highly recommended for tweens interested in ghost stories and paranormal fiction. This would make a great gift.

Details: The Swallow: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2014. 322 p. ISBN: 978-1-77049-591-3  Note: I received a free copy from Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.