Shock at the Sweetheart Ball by London Lovett [Review]

Shock at the Sweetheart Ball (Firefly Junction #20) by London Lovett
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: January 28, 2026

Firefly Junction Mystery
1. Death in the Park
2. Killer Bridal Party
3. Murder at the Inn
4. A Humbug Holiday
5. Calamity at the Carnival
6. Double Trouble
7. Havoc at Wildwood Manor
8. Fatal Feud
9. Trick or Trouble
10. A Crafty Killing
11. Death at the Museum
12. Murder at the Pumpkin Patch
13. Founders' Day Fiasco
14. Heat Wave Homicide
15. Terror at Thornbridge Hotel
16. Chocolate Festival Felony
17. Movie Night Madness
18. Figgy Pudding Disaster
19. Apple Cider Assault
20. Shock at the Sweetheart Ball - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Port Danby
1. Marigolds and Murder

London Lovett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Firefly Junction residents are abuzz with excitement for the town’s annual Sweetheart Ball. Local reporter Sunni Taylor is both covering the story and looking forward to attending the dance with her own sweetheart, Detective Brady Jackson. Ruby Orson, a member of the city council and a local interior decorator, is in charge of this year’s event, and she’s been gathering a flurry of enemies along the way. When Ruby winds up dead, Sunni switches gears on her story. Instead of covering the event, she needs to find a killer. But Ruby has so many enemies, it’s hard to narrow down the suspect list.

In the meantime, so much is happening in Sunni’s personal life, she hardly knows which way to turn. The murder is important but not nearly as stunning and life-changing as the things happening back at home. It seems Sunni Taylor is about to start a very new chapter in her career and life.

Thoughts on Shock at the Sweetheart Ball: I will admit to having a love/hate relationship with the end of a series. I hate to see a series end when I've enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed this one, but I do love when all those loose ends get tied up. Not that there were a TON of loose ends here, but we got resolution on THINGS and YESSSS!

First off, Sunni is doing her thing and helping investigate an unexpected death. To be fair, the death might not have been THAT unexpected since the person who met their untimely end was kind of horrible. In every way. Which means there were a fair amount of suspects. While Jax is doing his official investigating, he and Sunni are comparing notes and sliding potential clues at one another for follow-up. Which is cute. Because the couple who sleuths together and all that.

That said, Sunni and Jax did hit a bit of a bump in their relationship. Of the "are things going to move forward" variety. Jax has some hang ups about Edward's presence. Sunni is a little miffed that the thought of them taking the next step seems to spook Jax. It's something they both have to deal with and they do. Eventually.

A little mysticism, a long-awaited meeting, some relationship shenanigans, and a really sweet ending. Like I said, I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm happy with how everything turned out.

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner [Review]

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting (Retired Assassin's Guide #2) by Naomi Kuttner
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 23, 2025

Retired Assassin's Guide
1. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening
2. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting - Paperback | Kindle
3. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics

Naomi Kuttner
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.

But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date.

And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

Thoughts on The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting: Dante and his friends are drawn into another investigation on a suspicious death when one of the prominent orchid expert in town dies during the orchid convention. Of course, the only reason they suspect foul play is because Charlie saw the deceased's spirit right after he died and he was clearly trying to tell Charlie something of importance. Something Charlie, unfortunately, didn't catch in the chaos of the moment.

Now he, Dante, and Eleanor are trying to figure out who could have killed the professor. They're hampered by the fact it looked like an accident, the suspects are only there for the convention (which isn't going to last forever), and Inspector Avery is in town. He SAYS he's on vacation, but his mere presence means they need to stay mostly within the confines of the law. Mostly.

The good news is that Eleanor and Dante are experts at working around the law. They're flexible moral stance on rules and regulations give them plenty of wiggle room in all things investigative. Also, it's possible the Inspector really IS on holiday. So, you know, maybe he'll be more of an asset than an obstacle.

Meanwhile, Dante is venturing out into entirely new territory and he's...kind of terrible at dating. Small talk, too, but that's not a surprise. Eleanor is handing out sage advice while flirting with the Inspector. Charlie is his usual sunshiny, sweet self. Who just so happens to se ghosts.

I'm REALLY enjoying this series. Watching scarily intense Dante trying to blend in is a delight. His worry over his cat, his disaster of a date, and his extreme protectiveness of his new friends is *chef's kiss*

Spicy Little Curses by J.T. Geissinger [Review]

Spicy Little Curses (Scared Sexy #3) by J.T. Geissinger
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 24, 2025

Scared Sexy
1. Hot for Slayer
2. Falling
3. Spicy Little Curses - Kindle
4. Space Vampire
5. Beautiful Nightmare
6. My Boyfriends Are All Monsters

J.T. Geissinger
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Petra is skeptical when it comes to the French Quarter’s creepy urban legends. Until she meets Dax Rousseau, the proprietor of the House of Ink and Blood. The eldritch markings on his flesh tell more than the tale of a doomed bloodline. They come slitheringly alive. And the nearer Petra gets to the maddeningly sexy Dax, the closer she is to being the next victim of his ancient family curse.

Thoughts on Spicy Little Curses: I REALLY liked this one. Petra is bringing some hardcore skepticism to the French Quarter and she absolutely doesn't expect to run into any REAL dark magic or curses or anything of that ilk. Then she meets Dax and...well, he's kind of a grumpy, nearly anti-social hunk and she's ABSOLUTELY NOT ATTRACTED TO THAT. Except, she is.

Petra's also not intimidated by his scowling demeanor or his sharp words. In fact, she kinda likes the dark edge he has. Well, until something ghoulish singles her out when she's around the big guy.

On Dax's end, he's perfected the art of driving people away. He snarls and grumps and Petra doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Honestly, he kind of likes all her prickles and sharp edges even though he tries his hardest not to. Considering what happens to women who fall in love with Rousseau men, he's ABSOLTUELY NOT GOING TO GET INVOLVED WITH HER. Except she's not one to back down and for all his growling, he's not one to leave someone to die if he can try to help.

Dark magic, nasty curses, tattoos, ghostly goings on, a grumpy tattooist with a whole lot of smolder, and a lady who doesn't know when to quit. In a good way. GOOD STUFF!

Ride or Die by Hailey Edwards [Review]

Ride or Die (The Body Shop #5) by Hailey Edwards
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 20, 2025

The Body Shop
1. Fair Market Value
2. Amber Gambler
3. Midnight Auto Parts
4. Cheater Slicks
4. Ride or Die - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy
1. How to Save an Undead Life

Black Hat Bureau
1. Black Hat, White Witch

The Potentate of Atlanta
1. Shadow of Doubt

Hailey Edwards
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Kierce sacrificed himself to save Frankie, and now it’s her turn to rescue him. Whether he wants her to or not. That means venturing into Abaddon, the land of the dead, and hoping she can locate him within its shadowed depths before Dis Pater notices his favorite toy is missing. But Dis Pater isn’t the only deity she has to fear.

Frankie’s father has learned of her journey down to his domain, and he won’t take no for an answer when he welcomes her into his home. As if one MIA parent materializing wasn’t bad enough, her mother arrives with her own emotional baggage in hand. Forget the perils of traversing the underworld. Navigating this family reunion just might be what kills her.

Thoughts on Ride or Die: Oh.My.Goodness. Kierce is in a bad place (literally) after sacrificing himself so he didn't hurt Frankie and Frankie is VERY NOT OKAY WITH THAT. The being in a bad place part. I mean, she's also not thrilled with the sacrificing because seeing the guy she has feelings for (regardless of how hard it is for her to admit to said feelings) getting hurt for her is difficult, but being a God Blood does give Kierce a measure of immunity against death so there is that.

On the downside of things, having an immunity to death also means a person can be hurt and tortured in horrible ways and not die. Which is (unfortunately) also a reality when you're the Viduus of a death god.

Anywho. Frankie doesn't care what she needs to do to get Kierce out, she's willing to do it. Well, provided her siblings are also kept safe. It turns out she's not cool with sacrifice on any level, except maybe her own. That said, Frankie also gets hit hard with a whole lot of truths she wasn't looking for. Like who her parents are. Which was really something she wasn't expecting to find out so the truth of that kind of threw her (not to mention that her dad is kinda a douchenozzle with some mad scientist aspirations and NO THANK YOU. Her mom's pretty cool, though). However, finding out her parentage also put some things into perspective. Like why her abilities are a little off center and why she has the type of bond she has with Anunit.

Let's just say this was a VERY satisfying ending. Frankie gets answers (so many answers). The bad guys get their comeuppance (so much comeuppance). The past is unveiled and feelings are admitted to. That last part might have been the hardest for Frankie. She's a lady who likes to play her cards close to the vest and finding out what she found out about herself had her questioning a lot of things that were and could be. Fortunately, her friends and family pulled her out of her head and made sure she knows she's loved. GOOD STUFF ALL AROUND!

Robber's Road by J.L. Bryan [Review]

Robber's Road (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #22) by J.L. Bryan
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: September 18, 2025

Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
1. Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
2. Cold Shadows
3. The Crawling Darkness
4. Terminal
5. House of Whispers
6. Maze of Souls
7. Lullaby
8. The Keeper
9. The Tower
10. The Monster Museum
11. Fire Devil
12. The Necromancer's Library
13. The Trailwalker
14. Midnight Movie
15. The Lodge
16. Cabinet Jack
17. Fallen Wishes
18. Sunset House
19. The Funtime Show
20. Miracle Mountain
21. Mortuary Manor
22. Robber's Road - Paperback | Kindle
23. Evermore Plantation

J.L. Bryan
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

According to legend, a ghostly car haunts the old, rarely traveled road twisting through the woods outside town. Those who wish to see it must follow three rules: drive at night, turn off all the lights inside and outside the car, and silence the car's radio or sound system.

Driving in darkness and silence, navigating only by the light of the moon and the stars, generations of teenagers and other reckless thrill seekers have dared each other into trying to see the legendary car. Some have crashed and died, only adding to the road's stories of danger and death.

New problems bring paranormal investigators Ellie Jordan and Stacey Tolbert racing to the scene, where they face a crash course in how to stop a lethal, yet somehow beloved, supernatural legend before it drags more innocent lives across the finish line.

Thoughts on Robber's Road: I must say that I genuinely enjoy what Ellie and Stacey have to go through as they work on figuring out the whos and whys of the hauntings they're investigating. I mean, there's usually food involved (good food, based on Stacey's unwavering dedication to finding decent eateries in the places they're in) and a whole lot of research (which Ellie doesn't mind engaging in, but Stacey is not a huge fan of). Plus PLUS there is cool, creepy history they get to unearth.

Honestly, these investigations might be a little dangerous (most of the time), but food, library time, and piecing together fact from legend gets a thumbs up from me. (The danger part is a little problematic, tbh, but you take the good with the bad!)

So. This time around, Ellie and Stacey are investigating a haunting on a dangerous road. We're talking a literally dangerous road. One with no guardrails and hairpin turns. And once you throw in the ghostly car that likes to menace folks things get really weird. It also doesn't like survivors. Which means Ellie and Stacey have their work cut out for them as they race (kinda literally) to figure out what's what before another survivor is claimed.

Like I said, I genuinely enjoy all Ellie's adventures from the initial setup (and Ellie's vague distaste of all things outdoorsy) to the research to the piecing together of how to stop whatever it is they're dealing with. GOOD STUFF all around!

When the Baker Met the Dragon by Lila Appleton [Review]

When the Baker Met the Dragon (Leafshire Cove Monsters #3) by Lila Appleton
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 12, 2025

Leafshire Cove Monsters
1. When the Weaver Met the Gargoyle
2. When the Witch Met the Minotaur
3. When the Baker Met the Dragon - Paperback | Kindle

Lila Appleton
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She bakes warmth and comfort. He thrives on mischief and adventure. But love has a way of turning even the wildest hearts toward home.

I love my quiet life in Leafshire Cove—early mornings, the scent of cinnamon and honey, the simple joy of kneading dough while the village slowly wakes. Everything in my world is warm, steady, safe.

Except Cyrus, the dragon shifter next door.

With his roguish grin and endless charm, Cyrus runs a rowdy pub, flirts shamelessly with almost everyone, and lives for adventure. Our friendship is built on teasing banter and unspoken understanding.

But what most of Leafshire Cove doesn’t know—what I’ve only ever suspected—is that beneath his carefree façade, Cyrus is desperate to discover the history of his dragon bloodline.

Even if it means poking his handsome nose into dangerous places.

When a noble’s impossibly large pastry order threatens to overwhelm me, Cyrus offers to help bake. During the late nights in the kitchen, I start to wonder if I’ve been wrong about him—about us—all along. But when a mysterious merchant offers him the chance to uncover his true heritage, our burgeoning relationship goes up in flames.

I know some dragons are fated for distant skies, but could some of them—one of them—possibly be meant to stay?

Thoughts on When the Baker Met the Dragon: Kaya the baker and Cyrus the dragon are the next Leafshire Cove residents to figure out they're meant for one another. And they DO NOT make it easy on themselves.

First off, Cyrus thinks Kaya deserves someone better than a dragon shifter who knows nothing of his own people. He's also a bit of a flirt and Kaya is very much NOT that. So he does his best to keep their friendship on an even keel even while thinking naughty thoughts about the little baker. On Kaya's end, she thinks she wouldn't be enough for Cyrus's adventurous spirit. So she clings to the idea that they're better as friends and doesn't let herself imagine anything beyond that.

To be fair, it doesn't help that her friends (in an effort to help her keep her heart unbroken) warn her off him every chance they get.

Anywho. A big pastry order has Kaya and Cyrus spending time together when he offers to help her out. Being a gentleman, he also ends up accompanying her to deliver said pastries. Which leads to an overnight, out of town stay where they are forced to cohabitate. Which is fine. It's all fine. Probably.

THEN, a ghostly encounter with another dragon shifter has Cyrus going on a little adventure after a slight misunderstanding involving a kissing booth and a little case of dragonfire. And that's when things really take a turn.

Enjoyable, but MAN these two made things difficult for themselves. Still, I liked it. *thumbs up*

An Unfinished Murder by Jude Deveraux [Review]

An Unfinished Murder (Medlar Mystery #5) by Jude Deveraux
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 29, 2025

Medlar Mystery
1. A Willing Murder
2. A Justified Murder
3. A Forgotten Murder
4. A Relative Murder
5. An Unfinished Murder - Hardcover | Kindle

Jude Deveraux
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Retired romance novelist Sara Medlar has been comfortably sharing her large home with her niece Kate and her “honorary grandson” Jack. It’s a convenient arrangement given the Medlar Three, as they’ve become known, are often working closely together to solve mysteries in their small town of Lachlan, Florida. But when real estate agent Kate announces she’s been given the listing for the town’s storied Lachlan House, it sets off alarm bells for Sara and Jack. The infamous house has a dark history, one that’s certain to haunt them all.

With little memory of her childhood, Kate doesn’t understand what the fuss is about—until the trio visits the house and makes a grim discovery. Flooded by memories of the past, Kate realizes she spent time there as a child. But stumbling upon a skeleton dressed in a rotting tuxedo—a murder victim with connections to her father—causes Kate to wonder if the childhood she can’t remember might be one she’d rather forget.

As Sara, Kate and Jack delve deeper into the dead man’s history, they learn he was last seen at a party held at Lachlan House in the late nineties—a swanky soiree attended by his many enemies. With more than one motive in play, every partygoer is a suspect, and Sara is determined to find the culprit, even if it means digging up past secrets she’s worked hard to keep buried.

Thoughts on An Unfinished Murder: We're back with the Medlar Three and change is in the air. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, mind you, but the comfortable relationship between Sara, Kate, and Jack is shifting into something different. And change can be hard even when it's good. Heck, it can be nerve-wracking even when it's working toward something all parties want.

So. Jack was away for a while and his return caused some unexpected physical reactions in Kate of the HOO-BOY variety. This thrills Sara and Kate's father, but Kate and Jack still have to work up to actually being together. Meanwhile, a fantastic old house has fallen into Kate's realtor lap and she's THRILLED with it because she has memories of the place from when she was a kid. However, on the first outing she dragged Sara, Jack, and Randal to, they find a body in the old nursery. Sara being Sara, she immediately starts plotting how they're going to investigate.

All that plotting results in the house being fixed up and decorated and the group of individuals who were present when the victim became deceased being invited to a party. And then things got complicated.

Because there are secrets and more secrets and family ties that are hidden. As it turns out, the Medlar Three (along with Randal and others) are smack-dab in the middle of it all.

A very nice conclusion to the overall series. We get answers and closure and enough HEAs to go around. *thumbs up*

A Rooftop Ransom by Eryn Scott [Review]

A Rooftop Ransom (A Murder at the Morrisey #6) by Eryn Scott
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 26, 2025

A Murder at the Morrisey
1. A Body in 3B
2. A Secret Staircase
3. A Poisoned Package
4. A Crime in 5C
5. A Bullet in the Basement
6. A Rooftop Ransom - Kindle
7. A Death in 4D

Eryn Scott
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Meg Dawson’s summer is booked. Between working at an artist pop-up booth on the waterfront, helping Ripley solve the mystery behind her foster sister’s death, and finally getting to know her father, the last thing Meg has time for is a houseguest. But Laurie’s cousin Trenton needs a place to stay and Meg’s studio is technically empty for the summer.

It seems like the perfect situation … until it isn’t. As fun as Laurie’s cousin is, Trenton is also obviously involved in something shady. Meg’s suspicions become impossible to overlook when a man dies at the front door of the Morrisey, and his last words seem to implicate Trenton as his murderer.

Meg isn’t a stranger to investigations. This time, however, she doesn’t have Detective Anthony on her side. And while Trenton may be keeping secrets, Meg believes he’s innocent. She sets out to clear his name, but when the ordeal ends in a rooftop standoff, Meg might not be able to save the day, or even everyone she loves.

Thoughts on A Rooftop Ransom: We're back with Meg and her crew at the Morrisey and our girl is taking some big steps. While telling Detective Anthony about her ability to see ghosts didn't go well (and kind of broke Meg's heart a little since she considered the detective an almost-friend), Meg has realized that hiding that big a part of herself isn't helping her. If someone can't handle her ability, it's really on them, not her. So the circle of people who know what she can do is getting bigger.

On top of that, Meg's complicated feelings about her father are finally addressed. Which is to say that Meg blurts out her fears to Wyatt and he admits that he's terrified he's going to mess things up with her. Which AWWWW. So, yeah, those two are finally talking and seem to have found their groove.

MEANWHILE, Laurie's cousin is using Meg's studio while he's in town and he's charming and lucky and somehow ends up in the middle of what could be a murder investigation. Which is how Meg's ability comes to light with him since there's no one better to help investigate a sticky death than a lady who can talk to ghosts. PLUS, Meg is working to help Jade (Ripley's ghostly foster sister) figure out the details of her death. Which is dangerous in its own right.

A charming cousin, a whole lot of spilled secrets, Laurie's unwavering support, a few new ghosts, and a lady who is right in the middle of it all. *thumbs up*

Dragon Detective by Ava Ross [Review]

Dragon Detective (Monsters, PI #3) by Ava Ross
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 7, 2025

Monsters, PI
1. Secret Agent Gargoyle
2. Ice Lord Incognito
3. Dragon Detective - Paperback | Kindle
4. Top Secret Vampire
5. Ogre on Patrol

Ava Ross
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Will I be burned by the flames of Detective Dragon?

Hannah: The building I’m renovating to turn into a B&B in the cozy coastal town of Mystic Harbor, where humans and monsters live in harmony, is either haunted or someone’s trying to sabotage me.

After someone rips up my flower beds for the third time, and the local law enforcement can’t find any clues, I head to Monsters, PI, where I hire a much-too-gorgeous dragon shifter to determine if I’m a victim of crime or paranormal activity. After someone creeps through my building late at night, Reylor moves in with me to further his investigation. Now that I’m bumping into him in the kitchen and snuggling up with him on the sofa, is it my fault if I’m falling in love?

Reylor: I don’t believe in ghosts, though I do believe that whoever’s sabotaging Hannah’s building renovations needs to be locked up for good. From the moment I meet Hannah, I know she’s my fated mate. I’ll do everything to protect her and solve this crime. If that means moving in with her and watching over her twenty-four-seven, then I’m the right dragon shifter for the job.

And when the case is closed? I’m going to make Hannah mine.

Thoughts on Dragon Detective: The newest client Monsters, PI is taking on is Hannah who might (or might not) have a little problem with a ghost at the B&B she's renovating. It's also slightly possible it's not a ghost at all and someone is trying to drive her out of business before her business even gets off the ground. And that's why she now has a sexy dragon shifter shadowing her every move.

Now, Reylor doesn't believe in ghosts. So if ghosts aren't causing the mischief at the B&B, it has to be a person. A person who might escalate to more than just vandalism as time goes on. And that is NOT okay with Reylor. The vandalism isn't okay, either, but the thought Hannah might end up hurt (or worse) gets his dragony side all riled up. Not in a good way.

So now Hannah and Reylor are spending all sorts of time together. She's working on the B&B renovations and he's right by her side. On the downside, every time they think they have the culprit figured out, something new happens. There was A LOT Hannah was dealing with, tbh.

A little bodyguarding, more than a little vandalism, a ghost, a break in, a male who knows the lady he wants to show his hoard to when he meets her, and a lady who doesn't mind a hunky male helping around the house. In fact, she's more than willing to keep him around after the investigation ends. *thumbs up*

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening by Naomi Kuttner [Review]

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening (Retired Assassin's Guide #1) by Naomi Kuttner
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 14, 2025

Retired Assassin's Guide
1. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening - Paperback | Kindle
2. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting
3. The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics

Naomi Kuttner
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Dante has come to the small coastal town of Te Kohe, New Zealand, for a fresh start in life. But he doesn't want to open a BnB, or save a charming bookshop, or start a romance with a single mother in need of rescuing.

He just wants to forget about his past career (which involved a lot of dead bodies) and have everyone leave him the heck alone. Unfortunately for Dante, life has other plans...

Thoughts on The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening: I fully expected to enjoy this book (which is, you know, why I picked it up to read it), but I absolutely didn't expect to be so delighted by a retired assassin being forced to (gasp) begrudgingly interact with individuals PLUS use his (now retired) skills to help an absolute ray of sunshine beat a murder charge. Honestly, Dante was just fun. You know, for a guy who used to engage in wetworks and all. Throw in the folks around town who might or might not have just as colorful pasts as him (maybe not AS colorful, but there are definite shades of gray in more than one of the people Dante interacts with) and I was all in from the start.

So. Our erstwhile former assassin has chosen the small town of Te Kohe to enjoy his retirement in. Except, when a man has done what he did for a living, it's hard to let go. To find the rhythm of a non-assassin-y way of life. To not immediately assume anyone approaching him is a threat. But Dante is trying. He's going to his AA meetings (which are probably not what you think). He's learning the art of small-talk (he's not great at it, but he knows NOT small-talking makes him stand out and he really doesn't want that). He's trying his hand at gardening. Okay, he's leaving the actual gardening to Charlie, but he's REALLY good at making sure all the gardening implements are extremely sharp.

They he gets roped into helping one of the town bigwigs with security. And things go sort of downhill from there. Mostly because someone who is not Dante's client ends up deceased at the party Dante's running security on and he and his new sunshine gardener are the main suspects.

Dante knows he didn't do the deed and he's pretty sure Charlie didn't either. So when he's approached by a lady who is FAR more than she seems to help clear both his and Charlie's name, Dante grudgingly uses all his former skills to figure out who actually committed the crime. As an aside, it's a VERY BAD IDEA to catnap a former assassin's cat. Just saying.

A little subterfuge, a house that's been turned into a veritable fortress, a cat who chooses its person, ghosts, more ghosts, a gardener with a secret, a lady who is more than a match for anyone, and a retired assassin who's finding out it's hard to put the past behind you. Sort of. Let's just say that retiring and enjoying life is almost a full-time job in itself for Dante. *thumbs up*

Christmas in Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

Christmas in Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #6) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 22, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A Christmas choir. A festive fair. A reluctant medium with a Yuletide mystery to solve…

Becky James is determined to pull off the perfect Christmas. Her parents are coming to town, and it’s the first time they’ll be meeting her boyfriend—everything has to be just right. But when she’s roped into carol singing for Branden Bay’s Christmas Lights switch-on, disaster strikes. A choir member is found dead with one of Becky’s mince pies in her mouth… and now everyone is pointing fingers.

With tensions rising among the singers and the Christmas Carol service fast approaching, Becky must untangle the truth before the season of goodwill turns into a season of scandal.

Thoughts on Christmas in Branden Bay: Not going to lie, Becky seems to have a hard time saying No to people sometimes. In some instances this inability puts her in danger. This time? She gets roped into joining a Christmas choir just as her parents are coming home from their world tour.

While the timing isn't great, you'd otherwise think it's a pretty inconsequential thing to get pulled into. HA. Yeah, someone in the choir ends up dead and Becky's suddenly in the middle of another investigation. Seeing as how the woman who died was not universally loved by, well, anyone (except maybe her son), Becky has A LOT of people who could have done the deed. Not that the police believe foul play was necessarily involved, but once Becky gets an earful of the deceased's nightly singing, she knows she needs to figure things out.

On the upside, Bad Cop Brad might be possibly maybe coming around to believing that Becky can see (and talk to) ghosts. Or it might just have been his desire to close this particular case before his impending paternity leave. Only time will tell on that end.

While this book technically ends this series, Becky's ability has settled and is raring to go so there COULD be more ghostly shenanigans for her in the future. Plus, there's the thing with her parents. And H. I mean, I wouldn't mind reading more Becky and Connie cat as they put themselves in mortal danger and solve crime. Just saying.

Halloween in Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

Halloween in Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #5) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 16, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A Halloween ball. A deadly shooting. A reluctant medium with a ghostly witness…

Branden Bay’s grand Halloween Ball should be a night of magic and mischief—but for Becky James, it’s off to a terrible start. Stood up by her date, she arrives at the eerie Branden Bay Castle alone, dressed as a witch and hoping for a fun evening. But when local gangster Connor Davies—resplendent in his vampire costume—is gunned down on the castle steps, the night takes a terrifying turn.

With Connor fighting for his life, the only witness to the crime is the castle’s resident ghost. Becky must summon every ounce of courage to connect with the spirit before the killer strikes again. But as the shadows close in, she realises the next target might be her…

Thoughts on Halloween in Branden Bay: Becky and H are trying the long distance thing after H's recent transfer to another police force. His job being what it is, H unfortunately has to back out of their date to the Halloween Ball. Which puts Becky in a funk, tbh. To complicate matters further, the local bad boy (who may or may not be a gangster) shows an inordinate interest in Becky and her dateless status. Given that Connor is a bit (a lot) of a womanizer AND the brother of H's most recent ex AND technically still married, he brings a lot to the table.

Then he gets shot on the steps to the castle and Becky gets winged and suddenly Becky's back in the middle of an investigation.

Becky, along with her trusty crew plus an extra or two, start looking for clues. Given Connor's love of women, the list of suspects is long and varied. There's the soon-to-be ex who will get everything if he dies before the divorce is finalized. There's the obsessed stalker and the former flame and the various and sundry significant others of his conquests. While the castle ghosts might have answers, getting them to talk is proving hard.

A ghost hunt or two, plenty of folks with a past, a speed bump in a relationship, and a complicated case for Becky to work through. *thumbs up* 

The Ghost of Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

The Ghost of Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #4) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 13, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A ghostly replay. A deadly warning. A reluctant medium in the killer’s sights…

Becky James has finally accepted that spirits will always find her—whether she likes it or not. But when a ghost appears in her bathtub and forces her to relive his murder night after night, she knows this one won’t rest until she finds his killer.

Determined to free the unfortunate soul, Becky enlists her friends to help uncover the truth. But in a town as small as Branden Bay, secrets don’t stay buried for long. And when the murderer realises Becky is on their trail, she becomes the next target.

Can Becky unmask the killer before she joins the dead?

Thoughts on The Ghost of Branden Bay: Man, Becky has a SITUATION she's dealing with. Not only has her kind of slimy ex (admittedly, he's not too slimy, he just REALLY doesn't listen to Becky AT ALL and that strikes me as being problematic) shown up in Branden Bay, but there's a dead guy reliving his ending in her bathtub. To be fair, I think the ghostly apparition is more of an issue than the ex, but Marcus is so boneheaded he kind of blows up situations and makes them way worse. For him. And for Becky, I guess.

Anywho. I'm enjoying this series, so this next part is very much a me-thing, but Becky engages in one of my least favorite plot devices in this book. Which is where something happens that is entirely innocent and someone sees it and CLEARLY thinks more is going on than is and instead of explaining things, the person involved just...doesn't? They let it slide? A simple explanation at the time of the occurrence could have smoothed things over with H, but Becky freezes up when H meets Marcus for the first time and doesn't explain anything and ARRRRRRGH.

Like I said, that's a me-thing that I find bothersome. Becky set the record straight not too much later and things were cool with her and H. I just...talk, people. Use your words!

So. Becky has her irritating ex in town, there's a murder connected to said irritating ex, and the dead dude is hanging out in Becky's tub reliving his death moment. He's not a ghost exactly, but almost an imprint of the moment running on loop every day at the time of his death. That along with the fact that she wants to clear Marcus's name so he stops bugging her, has Becky searching for clues as to who would want to do the victim in.

I'm enjoying this series (yes, even with Becky's informational freeze in this book) and am quite pleased that Becky is finally admitting there may be something between her and H. *thumbs up*

Graveyard Dog by Darynda Jones [Review]

Graveyard Dog (Charley Davidson #13.9) by Darynda Jones
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 28, 2025

Charley Davidson
1. First Grave on the Right
1.5. For I Have Sinned
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead 
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
5. Fifth Grave Past the Light
6. Sixth Grave on the Edge
7. Seventh Grave and No Body
8. Eighth Grave After Dark
8.5. Brighter Than the Sun
9. The Dirt on Ninth Grave
10. The Curse of Tenth Grave
11. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
12. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
13. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
13.5. The Graveyard Shift
13.6. The Gravedigger's Son
13.7. The Graveside Bar and Grill
13.8. The Grave Robber
13.9. Graveyard Dog - Paperback | Kindle

Darynda Jones
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Michael Cavalcante has one thing on his mind when he knocks on Izzabel Walsh’s door at two in the morning, half-dressed and a bit toasted: fix the woman’s heater and get back to bed. He vows never to cover for his maintenance tech again, especially after he gets tased and knocked out with a frying pan for his efforts.

Izzy thought she was safe. She’d dyed her hair, changed her name, and moved 1,500 miles away, and still they found her. When a member of her ex’s motorcycle club knocks on her door in the middle of the night, supposedly to fix a perfectly good heater, Izzy panics. Not only have they found her, but they would soon discover she has a daughter. Aka, a weakness. Aka, leverage. She needs time to think. To plan. To figure out how to keep the sexy neanderthal quiet. But she has no idea how to, short of murder. Can she win him over to her side? Or will he be just like all the others once he finds out what she is capable of?

Michael has one chance to convince Izzy he doesn’t want to harm her or her daughter, but more than that, he wants to know who does. And why. And where he can find them. After all, how else is he going to make sure the two sprites, who have wound their way into his heart, are safe?

Thoughts on Graveyard Dog: It's always fun spending time in Charley's world where her tricksy daughter maneuvers people she believes will be needed in the upcoming battle on a game board only she can see. Admittedly, I don't KNOW only Elwyn can see it. Maybe others can too. But the powerful kiddo sees things and she puts things in motion to make those things come to fruition.

This time around, she KNOWS Michael and Izzy would be perfect for one another so she orchestrates a meeting between them. One in which Izzy brains Michael with a frying pan, ties him to her dishwasher, and makes plans to escape before anyone realizes anything is wrong. HA. Yeah, Michael's not thrilled with the braining part.

He is, however, enchanted by both Izzy and her too-wise-for-her-years daughter. Between Izzy's abilities and the walk-in setting up camp in her kiddo, he starts to get an inkling that maybe Elwyn had a hand in bringing them together. This is ultimately irrelevant since Izzy needs his help and he's not one to abandon people who need him.

A feisty spirit who might be older than they think, a kiddo who's good at trusting her gut, a bad guy with a birdhouse fetish, a man who is a protector to the core, and a lady who has a hard time trusting when good things happen to her. *thumbs up* all around.

Dead Before Midnight by Kelly Mason [Review]

Dead Before Midnight (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #0.5) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 24, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight - Kindle
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Constance, has spent two years convincing the ghost of her dear departed husband to move on to the other side. After he finally agrees to walk into the light, Constance decides to live the rest of her life to the maximum. She attends a New Year's Eve party, held in Branden Bay’s castle, dancing the night away, until a murder occurs. To her dismay, the ghost of the victim follows her home. Can Constance find the killer, so the victim can rest in peace and she can live - ghost-free?

Thoughts on Dead Before Midnight: This novella introduces us to Branden Bay and Constance, Becky's grandmother. Or re-introduces us if we read the BBPC series first. Regardless, we get a taste of the ability Constance passed down to Becky and a few glimpses of the goings on in town.

Namely, that council members are deeply annoying and need to be in the spotlight of EVERYTHING. This includes horning in on downtime at a New Year's Eve Party, trying to convince people that the winning cake was SURELY their recipe, and just being generally irritating. Unfortunately for Constance, she seems to cross paths with said council person far too often.

But enough about that. Let's talk about the dead guy at the party. When he dies and doesn't move on and realizes Constance can see him, he gets a little clingy. Which is problematic when Constance is out and about trying to enjoy herself. So Constance does what any good medium would do. She tries to figure out who offed the poor guy so he'll leave her alone.

A quick, fun peek at BB before Becky moves to town (and Constance moves on, so to speak) with a medium who is just wants to enjoy life. She just ahs to deal with a pesky ghost before she can do it!

The Haunting of Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

The Haunting of Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #3) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 9, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A haunted pier. A deadly secret. A reluctant medium in over her head…

Becky James isn’t thrilled about investigating Branden Bay’s historic pier—especially when locals whisper about a vengeful poltergeist. But with her sassy cat, Constance, by her side, she figures one harmless ghost hunt won’t hurt.

To her relief, there’s nothing supernatural about the mysterious accidents plaguing the pier. But when a body is discovered and the victim’s ghost shows up on Becky’s doorstep—she realises the real danger is very much alive.

Now, Becky has no choice but to unravel the truth before the killer strikes again.

Thoughts on The Haunting of Branden Bay: When the town council shuts down Becky's new cafe for lack of proper permits (understandable), Becky has time on her hands. So when one of her new friends asks her to help figure out if the pier is haunted, Becky doesn't have any excuses.

And when the security guard who was recently killed their starts hanging around, she REALLY doesn't have any excuses. Soon she and Jeff (her ghost hunting buddy!) along with Becky's intuitive cat, are climbing around on the pier trying to figure out what's what. Becky also does an unfortunate stint at the local fair ground in an undercover attempt. Let's just say that roller coasters aren't Becky's friend and leave it at that.

As she sorts through the scant clues she has, Becky also has to face what she feels for H. Attraction? Yes. But she's in deep denial about that. So when he shows up with another lady on his arm, she has what could possibly be a little case of jealousy to deal with. (I'm rooting for Becky and H to get their stuff together and figure things out, but Becky is not making it easy on the poor guy.)

A homemade bomb, some unfortunate cookies, a new roomie who's good with spreadsheets, a fair amount of suspects, and a lady who has very little regard for her personal safety. I don't much care for Tara, but I am enjoying this series!

The Body in Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

The Body in Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #2) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 7, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay
2. The Body in Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A reluctant medium. A restless spirit. A seaside café with a ghostly problem…

Becky James hoped running a cozy café would be a fresh start—especially with her sassy cat, Constance, charming the customers. But her plans for a quiet life take a chilling turn when a man’s body washes up on the shore.

The coroner calls it suicide. His widow insists it was murder. And when the victim’s ghost turns up, Becky realizes she’s the only one who can uncover the truth. But poking around puts her in the line of fire, and when her undercover sleuthing lands her in hot water, she’s suddenly the prime suspect.

Can Becky clear her name and catch a killer before her café dreams come crashing down?

Thoughts on The Body in Branden Bay: Becky's made some significant life changes recently and her new cafe is one of them. It's going well, her customers are happy, but Becky knows she'll need to make some upgrades to keep up with demand. First up: A fancy new coffee machine.

Unfortunately for her, said fancy coffee machine is outside her budget at the moment. Fortunately for her (although unfortunately for the victim), the widow of a man who'd recently drowned is willing to pay Becky to investigate his death. Initially reluctant (because she hasn't quite embraced her ability as a medium), she soon figures out the spirit of the deceased is going to continue to hang around until she figures out who did the deed.

With the help of her new friends, one self-proclaimed individual who is certain he's her protector, and H's family, Becky sorts through the clues, ends up  picked up by the police, has a terrible picture taken for the newspaper, and further cements herself as a medium. Which she is, but she still doesn't want to admit it. Enjoyable overall, but Becky takes SO MANY risks. I can kind of understand H's exasperation with her in that regard.

The Medium of Branden Bay by Kelly Mason [Review]

The Medium of Branden Bay (Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe #1) by Kelly Mason
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 4, 2025

Branden Bay Paranormal Cafe
0.5. Dead Before Midnight
1. The Medium of Branden Bay - Paperback | Kindle
2. The Body in Branden Bay
3. The Haunting of Branden Bay
4. The Ghost of Branden Bay
5. Halloween in Branden Bay
6. Christmas in Branden Bay

Kelly Mason
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Apparently, she can see dead people. Can she solve a cold case to finally get the ghosts off her back?

Becky James can’t believe the mess she inherited. Following a bad breakup, the former receptionist moves into her dearly departed grandmother’s house for a much-needed fresh start. But her new home quickly loses its charm when shadowy figures begin haunting the hall.

Stunned to realize she’s able to communicate with the deceased, Becky does her best to ignore the obnoxious souls interrupting her restful reset. But between an unsolved mystery, a lovable specter-seeing stray cat, and a tireless string of spooks, Becky hopes solving a young girl’s disappearance will pave the path to silence.

With spirits on all sides, will England’s newest supernatural investigator seize her powerful responsibility?

Thoughts on The Medium of Branden Bay: In the way of cozies (which I thoroughly enjoy, thankyouverymuch), Becky has inherited her grandmother's big Victorian house in picturesque Branden Bay. She had initially intended to sell it since she's a big city girl, but circumstances (by which I mean a breakup) has her pulling the house off the market and moving in. One life (and career) change coming up!

It isn't long before Becky's heretofore unknown medium-ship skills start acting up. She's seeing ghosts. In her house. Which is a little creepy. As it turns out, seeing ghosts runs in the family and Becky's just following in her grandmother's footsteps. To be honest, these aren't exactly footsteps she wants to follow, but those ghosts keep showing up and the only way she's going to get any peace is to figure out what they need.

So she starts investigating a missing persons case from years before. And she finds out her new friends knew the missing girl, her behind the garden neighbor had ties to the missing girl's family, and the girl and her father *probably* aren't just missing since she's seeing their ghosts. So, yeah, Becky has a lot on her plate even before you throw in the unexpected attraction she's feeling toward hunky H. Who might or might not be a suspect.

Enjoyable overall. Becky makes a few questionable choices that puts her safety at risk, but I guess when you're plagued by ghosts (she's not really being plagued, just spooked by them) a medium's gotta do what a medium's gotta do.

Halloween Vibes by Beth Dolgner [Review]

Halloween Vibes (Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast #7.5) by Beth Dolgner
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 29, 2025

Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast
1. Sweet Dreams
2. Late Checkout
3. Picture Perfect
3.5. Destination Wedding
4. Scenic Views
5. Breakfast Included
6. Groups Welcome
7. Quiet Nights
7.5 Halloween Vibes - Paperback | Kindle

Beth Dolgner
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

This Halloween, ghosts are on the case in Oak Hill, Georgia.

Emily Buchanan has always loved Halloween. It’s the perfect holiday for welcoming guests to Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast, but this year, someone is carving up more than jack-o’-lanterns.

When a body is found in the pumpkin patch on the town square, Emily learns the victim’s ghost is haunting the crime scene. With the help of her psychic best friend, Sage, Emily will communicate with the victim’s ghost to help catch the killer. Along the way, Emily must confront jealous ex-girlfriends and navigate a bitter family rift as she searches for clues.

And Emily really hopes the clues don’t point to one of her guests, who had a close tie to the victim.

As Oak Hill transforms from a quaint Southern town into a Halloween haven, Emily must rely on the ghosts of Eternal Rest to help her figure out the truth, all while keeping her guests happy and welcoming a new member of the family to her haunted house…

Thoughts on Halloween Vibes: 'Tis the season for some spooky fun and, wouldn't you know it, a body has been discovered in the town square. Emily's connection to this? One of her current guests is an ex-girlfriend of the deceased. And both she and her husband are acting a little squirrely.

Emily being Emily, she does what she has to do to make sure her guests are safe. So she starts investigating. She mostly finds a string of women who have a reason for wanting the victim dead. Which is problematic for a murder investigation. I mean, the guy left more than one unhappy ex in his wake. And this is before we get to his sister.

Anywho. Emily sorts through clues. Both Trevor and Danny have her back along with all her other friends. It isn't long before she's figured out who did the deed and adopted a cat. As one does. *thumbs up*

Quiet Nights by Beth Dolgner [Review]

Quiet Nights (Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast #7) by Beth Dolgner
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 29, 2025

Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast
1. Sweet Dreams
2. Late Checkout
3. Picture Perfect
3.5. Destination Wedding
4. Scenic Views
5. Breakfast Included
6. Groups Welcome
7. Quiet Nights - Paperback | Kindle
7.5. Halloween Vibes

Beth Dolgner
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A new ghost has checked in at Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast.

When a high-maintenance celebrity psychic and her reality TV show entourage show up at Eternal Rest Bed and Breakfast, it’s the least of Emily Buchanan’s worries. A frightening new presence is terrifying her guests and her ghosts.

After a dead body turns up, Emily’s best friend, Sage, is the prime suspect. As Sage works to recover her psychic abilities, it’s Emily who must communicate with the ghost of the victim to find out who the real killer is.

Along the way, Emily will discover that her guests have a lot of secrets. The biggest secret, though, is what really happened in her late husband’s fatal car crash. Emily finally gets the answers she has been seeking, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth…

Thoughts on Quiet Nights: Emily has managed to get her late husband's spirit through the barrier surrounding the town, but he's still scared and in hiding. Which is probably for the best because an entity followed him through when he crossed into town and it's...well, let's just say it has a lot going on.

You want to know who else has a lot going on? Emily. Not only is she dealing with guests who are less than honest about who they are, they're bringing a reality show star who can talk to ghosts and Emily's not at all sure she can actually talk to ghosts. After all, Emily KNOWS her ghosts are happy, but the psychic claims they're all in agony. As an added bonus, the psychic and Sage have a little history and Sage DOES NOT like her.

So when said psychic ends up deceased in the middle of Sage's locked office in town, you can probably guess who the police look at as a suspect first. Emily knows her friend, though, and she's determined to figure out who ACTUALLY did the deed. She does all this while dealing with a hiding Scott, a new entity in the B&B who might not be as friendly as her other ghosts, and a lot of secrets her guests appear to be hiding.

A solid ending to the over-arcing story of what happened to Scott that fateful night that gave Emily the closure she needed. Plus, she gets to help her friend avoid jail time, which is always appreciated, I'm sure! *thumbs up * all around.