“THE COLLISION OF TWO CASES FROM DIFFERENT TIMES ELEVATES THIS HAUNTING TALE…” –KirkusBookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure and her gumshoe ghost team up to solve the stunning mystery at the heart of a madwoman’s self-portrait in this all new installment from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle. While gathering a collection of vintage book cover paintings for a special event in … vintage book cover paintings for a special event in her quaint Rhode Island bookshop, Penelope discovers a spooky portrait of a beautiful woman, one who supposedly went mad, according to town gossip. Seymour, the local mailman, falls in love with the haunting image and buys the picture, refusing to part with it, even as fatal accidents befall those around it. Is the canvas cursed? Or is something more sinister at work?
For answers, Pen turns to an otherworldly source: Jack Shepard, PI. Back in the 1940s, Jack cracked a case of a killer cover artist, and (to Pen’s relief) his spirit is willing to help her solve this mystery, even if he and his license did expire decades ago.
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Penelope Thornton-McClure and her Aunt Sadie are getting their bookshop, Buy the Book, ready for a big event. A book signing with the authors of a new book featuring Pulp Fiction covers from the past. As a bonus for the event, a local collector of the vintage covers is lending the shop some of his collection. Pen and her friends Seymour and Professor J. Brainert Parker travel to pick up the artwork. When they arrive Seymour becomes enamored with a portrait of a young Harriet McClure who just happens to have been related to Pen’s late husband. The painting is said to be cursed but that doesn’t stop Seymour from buying it. Strange events start to happen shortly after the purchase but are shaken off as coincidence. Then the previous owner is found dead and the ghostly private eye Jack Shepard tells Pen he has a history with one of the pieces of art and he offers to help her solve the current case.
If you love old movies you are going to love this story. Even the current mystery had an old-timey feel due to the theme of vintage cover art. As soon as we meet Walt Waverly and enter his “sprawling Tudor home” and his library where he displays “a lot of” his art I felt we stepped back in time. The author describes everything in detail even the doorknobs “covered with a patina of green from age and neglect” and the “pristine condition” of his rare books and the Nathan Brock cover painting from 1948 that even got Jack’s attention. The words put the readers right there on the scene observing each and every moment. I was captivated by the entire experience.
Then with the P.I.’s mysterious way we actually travel back in time to tackle one of his old cases that was linked to that Nathan Brock cover. Again I was intrigued by the whole process and how those experiences helped Pen solve the current mystery. The way Pen and Jack communicate is very interesting but eerie too.
The story sheds a light on corruption in publishing and scams. Authors and artists are both affected. While this was not a new concept to me I felt educated by what happened to a couple of characters in this story. The old adage, “if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is” definitely applies.
I absolutely loved the ending. Yes, the killer was revealed but so much more happens to bring things full circle. I can’t say more, you need to read the book yourself.
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is an exciting addition to this great series. I am looking forward to the next adventure with Pen and her ghost gumshoe detective.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Penelope is bearing up for a big event at her cozy book store. Helping to launch a new coffee table book release the focuses on vintage book covers covering their history. An older gentleman is allowing them to borrow some of his collection to highlight this. After the first meeting he finds some more for them to use but when she goes back the next morning it is to find him dead on the floor when he was fine the night before. Pen’s ghostly sidekick Jack ties this current event to past events taking her back to see what happened way back when. This makes for a multi layered story as it all connects both the past and the present. Secrets buried for quite some start coming out making for quite a few surprise twists that lead to the ending that is a tad shocking to say the least. I must admit it made for an interesting story as we bounce back and forth in time. The ghostly sidekick adds a fun layer to the story that makes this a different type of cozy for those looking for a slight change. A highly recommended read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Just finished it, would read more by this author. Thoroughly enjoyed the book
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait by Cleo Coyle is the 7th A Haunted Bookshop Mystery. This enchanting cozy mystery can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a tome or two. This is an entertaining and unique cozy mystery series. I love visiting Penelope and Jack Shepard. Penelope and her two bickering friends are off to pick up some artwork that will displayed at Buy the Book as part of an exhibit. They end up finding the owner dead and it relates back to a case Jack investigated before his death. I like how the past and present tie-in together. It is neat how Penelope gets to “see” Jack’s memories. The interplay between Jack and Penelope is delightful. The mystery was complex which makes it fun to solve. There are good suspects, a red herring, and exciting twists. I appreciated that everything was neatly wrapped up at the end. The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is well-written with friendly, developed characters. Buy the Book is a wonderful place to visit with its charming owners. The romance between Penelope and Jack is special. We can see how love can transcend time and space (reminds me of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir). I enjoy the 1940s lingo. The authors captured how a 1940s PI would talk and act. This cozy mystery has good friends, close family, mysterious acts, a dead art collector, books, and humor. The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait is a unique cozy mystery with precious paintings, a dashing detective, ambiguous acts, concealed clues, treasured tomes, and a suspicious specter.
Another rollicking good time!
Cleo Coyle continues to show a deft hand with her characters. They are so good that fans were clamoring for the return of ghostly Jack.
Thank goodness they listened and brought the series back.
This is another tightly woken mystery, made clearer with Jack’s backstory.
Great fun
THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT by Cleo Coyle
The Seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery
When Penelope Thornton-McClure and her friends drive out to pick up some paintings for her book shop’s big event on cover art, she doesn’t expect Seymour to fall in love with a haunting painting, which may be haunted. Captivated by what appears to be an early work of local legend, Seymour scoffs at the rumor that the painting is cursed. But a flat tire on a rainy night and the death of its seller are just the start of misfortunes for Pen and her friends. A case from PI Jack Shepard’s past may help Pen as cover art, shady business dealings, and murder converge in this charming Rhode Island town.
Hardboiled and softboiled mysteries combine as 1940s PI Jack Shepard assists bookshop owner Penelope McClure in a new mystery. Readers not only get a thrilling cozy mystery, but a historical hardboiled PI mystery softened somewhat by the addition of the 21st century bookseller. The two mysteries run parallel with ties to each other and a means for Pen get a better understanding of her current problem. We can see how the past colors the present and future, in more ways than one.
Nothing is cut and dried in this seventh Haunted Bookshop Mystery. I like how Pen follows red herrings herself and make mistakes while searching for the truth. Although Jack was guiding her from the onset, reminding her that things aren’t always what they seem, Pen and readers alike jump to some wrong conclusions leading to more than one surprise.
I’m so happy to once again welcome Jack back. This gruff, but charming PI has me enthralled once again. I love how he is able to travel with Pen, but more, he can become a living breathing man when he brings Pen into his memories via her dreams. It’s a fantastic method that both develops the plot and their relationship.
In addition to the fictional tale, there’s a real caveat in THE GHOST IN THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. It’s a sad fact that there are plenty of shady people in the publishing world and I’m pleased that this book takes an honest look at bad practices that haunt the publishing industry more than ghosts or curses. Reading this mystery may help one fledgling writer or artist avoid the real life monsters out there.
THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is a diabolically clever mystery with a reminder to never judge a book by its cover. It’s a smart witty mystery, that also gives sage advice. I love this book and this series and look forward to seeing what Pen gets up to next. And Jack…I’ll see you in my dreams.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
If you can believe it, this is the FIRST book I’ve read by Cleo Coyle. I’ve been getting their newsletter for years, but with all of the books on my list, I haven’t gotten to read theirs! I know people love them, and now I know why! The Ghost and The Haunted Portrait is brilliant!
Since this is the first I’ve read by Cleo Coyle, it’s obviously the first I’ve read in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. I didn’t feel lost at all as I read the book. It’s very easy to get to know the characters. They leap off of the page with their big personalities and realistic foibles. That includes the ghost too! Yes, there’s a ghost, but only Penelope knows about him. Jack Shepard communicates with her as a voice in her head, so you can imagine why she doesn’t tell anyone else about him! Hearing voices? Not something you wanna share with your friends.
In addition to the wonderful characters, The Ghost and The Haunted Portrait has a well-crafted mystery. It really kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. Since I’ve read this, I am excited to read the first six in the series! This cozy mystery is the type I love. If you’re looking for a new cozy to read, you have to read this one! The humor, wonderfully written characters, and, of course, the mystery make this a book to read!
First of all I have to say how amazed and impressed I was with the range of quotes that begin each chapter! Varied sources from Shakespeare and classic lit to noir mysteries such as Chandler and Spillaine to pop culture (music and comedy) and even sports(Yogi Berra!)
Planning a spectacular book launch event at the bookstore she owns, Pen Thornton-McClure sets off to pick up display items. She takes along some extra hands in the form of well educated friends, a professor and a postal carrier. As soon as they arrive at the mansion to retrieve the items, paintings, things begin to heat up. Could it be possible one (or more) of those paintings is haunted, or worse, cursed?
Something is causing one disaster after another, although it seems to be helping sales.
From family disputes to random accidents to MURDER, the twists and action never end.
I enjoyed the travel via dreams back to 1947 with Jack and visiting another era, along with a crime to solve. This book is a delight for the senses.
The ending is one you can not predict.
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure and her Aunt Sadie are getting their bookshop, Buy the Book ready for an event showcasing the classic covers of Pulp Fiction books because of an upcoming release. When she and her two best friends head out on a road trip to pick up some art that’s being lent to them, they come back with one more painting than they’re supposed to. You see, Seymour must have a self portrait by Harriet McClure, a well-known local woman, and ancestor to Penelope’s late husband. Only this portrait isn’t like any of the others that are known around town, in this one, Harriet is much younger and there seems to be some strange things in the painting.
Well, this sets off a string of strange happenings, starting with the death of the man Seymour bought the painting from. We’re transported from the present time, to 1940’s NYC through the memories of the ghost that haunts Penelope. Yes, Penelope that has a ghost that haunts her, a gumshoe who actually had firsthand knowledge of the painter of some of the covers that are on display at the bookstore and of the woman in some of them as well. Come to find out, PI Jack Shepard actually worked a case involving the painter and a possible homicide.
This was such an interesting story. I’ve never read anything like it and reading that this is in fact the seventh in the series makes me want to read them all. You don’t need to read the previous six to get into this story, I don’t feel like I missed anything (other than a great series I wish I knew about before now) and I wasn’t lost at any point. I didn’t figure out who the killer was in this book, which is rare, and means that I was invested in the story, not trying to figure out the bad guy. The writing was good, the characters are interesting, and the storyline was chock full of twists and turns. What a great story.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.