Miriam Webster and the Grand Old Lady Detectives [G.O.L.D.] take on their first case when the tenant in Shakespeare’s Cottage swears the Bard of Avon’s ghost is on the prowl.Miriam’s not a believer in ghosts, but when she and her companions catch a glimpse of a hazy figure that bears Shakespeare’s unmistakable likeness, she’s no longer sure what to think. When the ghostly apparition suddenly … suddenly disappears, it leaves them mystified.
Their investigation soon takes an even more bizarre twist when the ghost, to borrow a phrase from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “shuffles off this mortal coil.” A murdered ghost means the G.O.L.D. team have no choice but to involve homicide detective Henry “Hank” Miller who complicates matters, especially for Miriam.
A dead ghost is just one of many surprises for Miriam Webster and her sleuthing pals. Poking into the past, they soon discover the cottage’s previous occupants had a few skeletons in their closets. Do those old bones hold the key to uncovering the motive for a new murder?
As Shakespeare’s Cottage gives up its secrets, can they figure out who murdered Shakespeare’s ghost before there’s another victim?
Grab your copy of this delightful cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Anna Celeste Burke to find out!
Recipes included.
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“Guilt does wicked things to the imagination,” he muttered almost to himself.“
G.O.L.D (aka The Grand Old Lady Detectives) formed by Miriam and her friends at Seaview Cottages, have their first real case when one of their friends insists that “Shakespeare’s Ghost”is in her house, and it isn’t the first time! Robyn’s home is a mess, and the local constabulary doesn’t seem to believe her, until, the “ghost’s” body is found. Now what?
Delving deeper into the history of Robyn’s rental, they find the original owners’ history isn’t as pristine as they might want it perceived to be. Leave it to Miriam’s dog Domino to find the missing connection that begins to unlock the old history of the DeVoss house, and the tale gets “curiouser and curiouser”
How does Anna Celeste Burke do it? Write several series of books; keep the plots in line; and come up with twists that keep you guessing almost to the end. This is why I personally jump for joy when I see this author’s pre-release notice. I highly recommend these books. 5/5
Miriam, GO.L.D., and Charly’s Angels are back in the 2nd book of the series. This time they are trying to figure out what is going on in Shakespeare’s Cottage since Robyn insists there is a ghostly intruder. It was fun catching up with my favorite geriatric sleuths.
Once again Anna Celeste Burke has written a terrific book. The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I had figured out part of what was going on but I didn’t figure out the entire convoluted mess. It was interesting to see how all the parts fit together and led to “murder most foul.”
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost is a fast paced, witty, well written mystery with the Grand Old Lady Detectives. These ladies are smart and personable. I would be happy to number them among my friends. As always with Ms. Burke’s stories, this tale takes several unexpected twists. There is never a dull moment. The book grabbed my attention on page one and keep me reading until the end.
This is the 2nd book in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series, and I recommend you read A Body on Fitzgerald’s Bluff first. You’ll learn about the characters, The GOLD ladies, and Charly’s Angels.
In this installment, Miriam and the rest of the Grand Old Lady Detectives (GOLD) are hired by their neighbor because she swears she’s being haunted by Shakespeare’s ghost. Miriam doesn’t believe in ghosts, but when she and her friend get a frantic call saying that the ghost is there, they see him for themselves. When the apparition disappears, Miriam and the rest of the GOLD ladies are forced to admit that they might actually be seeing a real ghost.
Miriam and the rest of the ladies, along with the Charly’s Angels set to finding out what’s going on. Researching the cottage, they discover the owner’s of the cottage have had a horrible past that points back to their start while running alcohol during Prohibition, and ending with the disappearance of Cookie De Voss and the overdose of her husband Daniel.
With all the drama and mystery surrounding this case, Miriam and Hank are getting somewhat closer. Miriam’s in a much better place from the last book because now the truth is out about her husband’s death and the HOA adopted the 80-20 policy to allow people younger than 55 to live in the active community.
I was turning pages late into the night for this story, it is such a good mystery, the twist with the cottage is mindblowing, as is how it ties into the current smuggling case the police are also investigating. This series is a must read for fans of classic literature, and cozy mysteries. The author is blending them seamlessly.
** I read this story with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This book was as much fun as the first one! It is nice to read a series whose main characters are closer to my own age, as in Senior! Cozy readers are sure to enjoy the humor, as well as the mystery. Another win for Anna Celeste Burke!
amateur-sleuth, friendship, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, murder, senior-citizens
Great characters! Creative group sleuthing, twists and red herrings make for an excellent comfy read. Going to read another one of these now!
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost finds the residents of the 55 and older community investigating a murder alongside the police. I love that the characters in this book are older. They’re quirky, intelligent, and determined. The mystery is well written and this was a book I just sat down and read in one sitting. There are some delicious recipes included in the book! I highly recommend this book and the series!
To read this book or not that is the question and I would say read. I read book one and enjoyed it, so thought I would give this book ago too. Although there wasn’t as many suspects to keep you guessing as the first book I still enjoyed the way they solved the spooky going on.
The lady’s of Gold or as they like to call themselves Charlie’s angels are investigating the spooky goings on at Shakespeare’s cottage. Things keep moving in the cottage and the only explanation there friend and latest tenant of the cottage can come with is its Shakespeare’s ghost. The police fed up with phone calls sending them on wild goose chases refuse to look into it again, leavening the tenant to hire her friends but things turn deadly when it is proved its not a ghost
A fun light read with a little romance, recipes and a murder mystery to solve.
This was a delightful cozy mystery, filled with relatable Shakespearean quotes and interesting characters in the form of Grand Old Lady Detectives (G.O.L.D.). The amateur sleuths have been hired by Robyn, one of the residents at Seaview Cottages, to investigate the strange occurrences in her cottage. She is convinced that Shakespeare’s Ghost has been coming in and moving things around. At first, they are skeptical, but after receiving a late night call, the ladies of G.O.L.D. and their friends, Joe and Carl, are actual witnesses to this specter, fresh from vandalizing the cottage. Despite the police warning them to stay out of the investigation, they are determined to get to solve this, even more so when a dead body shows up in the cottage. I really enjoyed this story, filled with funny quotes and even funnier animal companions. The mystery kept the reader in suspense until the end. I look forward to reading further adventures of the G.O.L.D. group. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
“The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost” earns 5/5 Brilliant Bard Conundrums…Soooo Entertaining!
Excellent! Anna Celeste Burke always writes such clever and engaging stories, and this new series has leapt to my top ten for 2019. She grabs the reader with immediate action and never lets go. Robyn Chappell, a resident of the Seaview Cottages staying in the Shakespeare Cottage, is convinced that the ghost of the bard himself is living there, too. The police think she’s crazy, so “Who ya gonna call?” Grand Old Lady Detectives. The ladies quickly heads over to offer assistance, but, when they arrive to Carl and Joe chasing an eerie figure down the street, blood spots on Robyn’s porch, Neely’s story of being knocked down by someone, and the kitchen pantry in total disarray, something more corporeal seems to be at play. Robyn has had other break-ins and decides to officially hire G.O.L.D. to discover why she’s being targeted. But, it’s the discovery of a dead body and human remains that are of the most importance calling into question the owners and residents and putting the G.O.L.D. girls in peril. The mystery, often with a dead body or two, current or decades old, is always cleverly laid out with legitimate and red herring clues pointing to more than suspect challenging my inner detective topped off with a “Wow!” ending. But it’s the well-developed characters, often at a mature age, with which I can identify. I enjoy the first-person narrative that vicariously puts me, as the reader, in the middle and a generational perspective that I understand or have personal experience. It’s good to see a glimmer of romance woven through the drama, too. Anna’s writing style is excellent, entertaining and engaging, but I’d like to mention that I enjoy the chapter titles, and in this book she adds to the chapter intros quotes from Shakespeare that illustrate the drama. I love it…you’ve got to join in.
Also, The Bard would have been deliciously inspired by these easy-to-follow recipes: Strawberry Cake, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine, Anchovies, Garlic, and Herbs, Baked Ziti with Vegetables, and Triple Ginger Cookies.
“The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost” written by Anna Celeste Burke is the second book in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series. This was a quick read with many twists and turns to keep you guessing and turning the pages. The characters were well developed, quirky and very believable. The book will have you chuckling and smiling throughout. I recommend this book to cozy mystery readers that like a fun mystery. I can’t wait for the third book in this series.
Miriam has her hands full in this one! Ghosts, skeletons and so many secrets! I love her as the main character. There are so many suspects in this one. Is the apparition that haunts the cottage really a ghost? And is that “ghost powder” that is left behind? Lol. I love the grouping of elderly women ( G.O.L.D.) who are helping Miriam in her sleuthing .. These ladies really get into so many cases, usually finding bodies. This is an easy read with many wonderful characters and storyline. Im hoping that things will continue to grow with “hunky Hank” !! Great , fun book.
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost, the second book in Anna Celeste Burke’s Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series is a delightful and fun read. I love the quirky characters and all the mishaps that they get themselves into. The book has several twists and turns which keep the reader guessing until the end. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and enjoys animals in them too.
After the group of ladies helped to solve a recent murder (Book 1), they decided to call themselves G.O.L.D aka Grand Old Lady Detectives. This group includes: Miriam Webster, Charly Parker, Marty Monroe, Midge Gaylord, and Neely Conrad. In addition, the team has the added assistance of Carl Rodgers and Joe Torrance, who call themselves Charly’s Angels. Miriam’s Dalmatian, Domino and Charly’s Jack Russell Terrier, Emily are also very active members of the team too.
The ladies of G.O.L.D, have their first real case when one of their friends insists that “Shakespeare’s Ghost” is in her house, and it is not the first time this has happened! Their first paying client is Robyn Chappell, the current tenant of the Shakespeare Cottage, who believes the Bard of Avon’s ghost is haunting the cottage. While the team believes a ghost cannot be the cause of all the strange occurrences Robyn reports happening is highly unlikely, they soon find evidence and see things that make them wonder if it’s a possibility. ..
When the “ghost’s” body is found in Robyn’s pantry, the incompetent and insolent deputy sheriff, Darnell Devers, is on the case, but luckily, the lead homicide detective Hank Miller, who is both affable and a competent officer is also working the case. Will the local law enforcement take her seriously now? No one believed Robyn when she called them before….The G.O.L.D. team searches into the history of the property and discovers the owners have more than a few skeletons hidden in their closets. Domino and her pal, Emily, Charly’s Jack Russell Terrier, find a sinkhole near Robyn’s cottage and the “stick” Domino discovers and refuses to give up, turns out to be a human bone….
Do those old bones hold the key to uncovering the motive for a new murder?
As Shakespeare’s Cottage gives up its secrets, can they figure out who murdered Shakespeare’s ghost before there’s another victim?
These ladies of a certain age definitely know how to get things done! They call themselves G.O.L.D. (the Grand Old Lady Detectives) and they just got their first case. It seems one of their friends and neighbors is being haunted by Shakespeare’s ghost. Well Miriam doubts it is a real ghost until she spys him.
Of course the police detective is not very happy that these old ladies are trying to solve this case–so they get a bit sneaky which includes plying them with Miriam’s cookies and other assorted goodies. It seems Miriam is a really good baker!! You can find some of her recipes at the back of the book-but I digress!
Meanwhile there is a smuggling ring which the police are trying to stop—
Does the mystery of the haunting get solved by the police or the women-with the help of two of the men who live in the community? Maybe if they had listened to the cat–and Domino, who is a very intelligent dog—-
Plenty of twists and turns and laughs and a couple of “will they get out of this” minutes. All in all you are going to love not only this book but the entire series.
Cozy Mystery with Much Intrigue
In this episode, the gang is tracking down Shakespeare’s ghost. Imagine finding things moved about in your home and actually seeing Shakespeare’s ghost in your hallway! This book builds on the first episode but stands alone quite well. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost by Anna Celeste Burke is the second book in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series. I couldn’t have been happier to sit down and read the afternoon away.
The ladies of G.O.L.D. and Charly’s Angels are once again on the case as they investigate a spooky intruder at Shakespeare’s Cottage. I love the banter and humor when Carl and Joe are with the ladies. The plot is quickly paced with just enough twists to keep me guessing and turning the pages. The characters are becoming well developed now and I really enjoy spending time with these likable ladies and gentlemen. I also enjoy Detective Hank Miller and hope to get to know more about him in the following books as it looks like there may be a romance brewing between him and Miriam. The reveal was intriguing and unexpected as there was so much more than just a murder involved in this story. This book will not disappoint cozy mystery fans.
G.O.L.D. Takes On Shakespeare’s Ghost With The Help Of Charly’s Angels
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost is the second book in Anna Celeste Burke’s Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series. This book is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well plotted, and the affable characters are well developed. Red herrings, plus twists and turns, are abundant, and multiple suspects keep the reader engaged and guessing until the reveal which came as a surprise to me. As always, Ms. Burke has given readers a clean read with delightful and three-dimensional characters and vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was involved with the action along with the characters. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted whodunits.
Miriam Webster, a recent widow, moved into Hemingway Cottage, the retirement home her husband purchased, which is located in an active adult retirement community for the fifty-five plus crowd on California’s Central Coast, with Domino, her intelligent and high-spirited Dalmatian. Until recently, Miriam, who is only fifty years old, was worried her age or the fact that her husband was deceased would force her out of her home, but her friends helped her resolve that problem. After helping to solve a recent murder, Miriam, Charly Parker, Marty Monroe, Midge Gaylord, and Neely Conrad, who all reside in the Seaview Cottages community, decided to band together as the “Grand Old Lady Detectives” (a/k/a G.O.L.D.). Carl Rodgers and Joe Torrance, who also live in the community, have dubbed themselves as Charly’s Angels and help with investigations. Their first paying client is Robyn Chappell, the current tenant of the Shakespeare Cottage, who believes the Bard of Avon’s ghost is haunting the cottage. While the team thinks a ghost being the cause of all the strange occurrences Robyn reports happening is unlikely, they find evidence and see things that make them wonder if it’s a possibility. When a murder victim mysteriously appears in Robyn’s pantry, the inept and insulting deputy sheriff, Darnell Devers, is involved in the investigation, but fortunately, the lead detective is Hank Miller, who is both personable and competent. The G.O.L.D. team delves into the history of the property and discovers the owners have more than a few skeletons hidden in their closets. Domino and her pal, Emily, Charly’s Jack Russell terrier, find a sinkhole near Robyn’s cottage and the “stick” Domino finds and refuses to give up, turns out to be a human bone. Hank is attracted to Miriam and wishes she and her friends would steer clear of the investigation, but accepts the fact that that isn’t going to happen. He readily admits the G.O.L.D. team provides useful information that helps him, but worries about the situations they get themselves into.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It is sometimes difficult to understand who is speaking. The author needs a good proofreader and editor.
I like how the series is progressing but found the first one more interesting.
It has a well-crafted plot but I felt it was a bit tedious in places. I just could not buy into the characters believing a ghost could be involved.
I did like that the main character has resolved her issue and no longer has to worry about losing her home.
I do like the characters. Looking forward to the next one.
I was given an e-copy on date of publication from the author and these are my own opinions.