Salem, Massachusetts B&B owner Charlene Morris is looking into a holiday hit-and-run, with a little help from her ghostly housemate . . . Charlene’s parents are in town for Christmas, and her mother is driving her up a tree. Her bed-and-breakfast’s resident ghost, Jack, isn’t fond of her either—and he’s showing it with some haunting high jinks. But when Charlene takes her mom and dad out for … her mom and dad out for dinner, the less-than-seasonal spirits take a deadly turn.
David Baldwin has just won a fortune in the lottery—and it adds a lot of drama to the charity auction he’s hosting at his restaurant. When he caps off the evening by playing Santa and handing out checks to some of the attendees, the mood shifts . . . and Charlene observes mysterious tensions between David and his flashy, bleached-blonde wife, his neglected teenage son from a previous marriage, and his hostile business partner, among others. And they’re only a few on the long list of potential suspects when David runs into the road and is mowed down by a fleeing motorist. Now it looks like it’s going to be homicide for the holidays . . .
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This is an entertaining, holiday cozy mystery. Charlene is settling into her bed and breakfast as well as the town of Salem and is hosting her parents for Christmas. Of course, as things are prone to happen in a cozy mystery, the holidays don’t go as planned. The death of a local restaurant owner leads Charlene to question whether foul play was involved. The more questions she asks, the more she comes to realize that he might not have been the person she thought he was. Charlene’s mission is to find out who killed the restauranteur, but also raise money for a children’s organization that lost out on a huge donation as the result of his death. Charlene’s parents are a nice diversion. Her mom is the type that comes off a bit harsh and critical but in reality, loved her daughter and wants what’s best for her. Charlene’s relationship with Sam is moving along. I realize that the series is premised on the fact that her bed and breakfast has a ghost, but I personally feel like the author needs to resolve the romantic feelings Charlene has for Jack as they are unrealistic and don’t really move Charlene forward in her life.
The mystery was well done with plenty of suspects and red-herrings thrown into the mix to confuse and misdirect the reader. It worked on me because I was surprised by the killer’s identity.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series in the next book so I will definitely be returning to Salem.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The opinions are my own.
Although, this is the third book in the series, I had no problem following along.
Charlene Morris, is the owner of a B&B in Salem, Massachusetts. The reason, she got a great deal on the house was because it came with a resident ghost, Dr. Jack Strathmore, who scared everyone else away, and was unknown at the time to Charlene when she purchased. Jack had been murdered in the house.
Charlene was a widow. Her husband, Jared, was killed in an accident, and Charlene decided to start fresh in Salem.
Charlene’s parents are visiting and she takes them out for dinner at Bella’s Italian Ristorante. There is a charity event being hosted by Bella’s to raise money for Felicity House for Children. David Baldwin, part owner of Bella’s, also took the opportunity to pass out envelopes to specific guests. David had just won the lottery, and there was hope of David giving a nice handout. Some were left out entirely, and others not happy with the amount they were given.
David acts like he’s seen a ghost, and runs out of the restaurant, and is struck by a car. In a short time, it is learned that David’s new wife closed up their account, and no one is receiving any money.
Despite Charlene being new to town, she has a knack for finding clues. Her mother has been reading lots of crime novels and doesn’t mind giving her two cents. Charlene takes it upon herself to help generate funds that Felicity House will no longer be receiving, which she conveniently is able to ask questions. Charlene thinks she’s solved who killed David, along with some help from her ghostly friend, Jack, and leaves word with the police, except; the police, may not show up in time, and Charlene with her mom might be next.
I love how mischievous Jack could be, with some laugh out moments. Despite being invisible to all but Charlene, he could move things and tease the cat, where everyone thought the cat was nuts. Charlene struggles to get back into dating, and having a jealous ghost to contend with doesn’t make it easy. The bantering between Charlene’s parents made me smile and reminded me of my own parents and I, also; sympathized with Charlene and her mom driving her nuts.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via Kensington Books and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Charlene Morris can’t help but get herself involved in investigating the murders that have taken place around her in her new home in Salem, MA. After the death of her husband she moved to Salem and purchased a haunted house that she has turned into Charlene’s Bed and Breakfast. The ghost responsible for haunting the B&B is Dr. Jack Strathmore who was murdered in the house. His murder was solved in the first book in the series, Mrs. Morris and the Ghost. Charlene is the only one who can see Jack’s ghost. She has befriended him and he helps her solve the murder mysteries.
This is a fun read! Ms. Wilton lays out the clues and leads her readers on an entertaining chase to solve the mystery.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is the third book in Traci Wilton’s Salem B&B Mystery series. Charlene Morris is a young widow who has established her bed and breakfast in Salem, Massachusetts, and has discovered that she is joined in her home by its late resident, Dr. Jack Strathmore. She has been in residence for only a few months, and for the holidays, her parents from Chicago are coming to visit. On one of their first evenings in town, Charlene and her parents dine at Bella’s Italian Ristorante for a charity event and are there to witness the death of its owner in a strange hit and run event. From here, the mystery begins and the avenues are many.
With an ex-wife, a trophy wife, a shady business partner, and the new win of a 10 million dollar lottery, David Baldwin has a myriad of suspects to his hit and run death. Add to that, the fact that he reneged on many monetary promises, there are a variety of those who may have been the driver in the fatal accident.
This story takes the reader down many paths, exploring the victim, the suspects, and delving into the relationship between Charlene and her parents. Toss into the mix her resident ghost as well as the dashing Detective Sam Holden, and you have a story that will keep you reading late into the night. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
Christmas is coming to Salem and Charlene is looking forward to the festive time at her new B&B. Too bad she won’t get the holiday cheer she wants. To start with her parents are staying at the B&B and, while her Dad is a mellow guy, her mother is driving her crazy with her abrasive demeanor. She needs a better functioning filter between her thoughts and her mouth. Charlene decides to take them to her favorite Italian restaurant which is hosting a fundraiser for a local children’s home. Her mother makes some not so nice comments to various people, complains about the food but, at the start, it’s a nice evening. Things go sideways when David, the owner (but really only part owner) hands out a portion of his new lottery winnings to select people – not family – and tensions heat up. Before Charlene can say ho, ho, ho, David sees something out of the front window that makes him bolt out the door. Next thing he is lying dead in the street but no car in sight. Hit and run and by whom? And so the mystery begins.
I really enjoy the puzzle and the relationship between Charlene and her ghostly housemate, Dr. Jack Strathmore, former owner of the house and tied to it for who knows how long. Let’s just say he’s a real hunk and he’s a bit jealous of Charlene’s police detective boyfriend. Sam is the opposite of Jack in looks but he’s a keeper. Only Charlene and her cat can see Jack but others can feel his presence.
The series can be read in any order but I’m in the ‘read them in order’ camp. I already have a spot on my TBR list set aside for #4, Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress due out 3/30/2021.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is book three in the A Salem B&B Mystery. This is one of my favorite series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Charlene is settling in her new B&B and ready for her first Christmas. Her B&B is booked and her parents are in town. While at a charity auction at a local restaurant, the manager of the place is hit in a hit skip. Was it truly an accident or an intentional hit. David recently won the lottery and had made promises to some of the locals and it was starting to appear he was not following through. Who would benefit, his new not so nice wife, his son, his business partner, or someone from his past. Charlene knows what it’s like to lose someone to a hit and run and sets out to get answers on her own.
There are plenty of suspects and twist and turns. The characters are likeable, but her mother does have her moments, her resident ghost is a character his self. I love the setting and am ready to book a trip to Salem. There is humor, I laughed out loud a couple times, and a touch of romance. I also enjoyed the side story with the families.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley.
This is the third installment in Traci Wilton’s Salem B&B Mystery series. Charlene Morris moved to Salem, Massachusetts, for a fresh start after her husband’s tragic death. She is now the proud owner of a B&B and is looking forward to her first Christmas in her new home. Her parents are also visiting, and she takes them out to eat at a local restaurant where she witnesses the restaurant owner, David Baldwin, being run over by a car. David had just won the lottery and was dealing with a cheating wife and several people who thought they deserved some of his money. While trying to solve the murder, Charlene also does her best to raise money for a local children’s home.
The Salem B&B Mysteries is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I enjoyed this third book immensely. The characters are engaging, the setting charming, and I was unable to solve the mystery, which is always a plus. The writing style flows effortlessly and the wintry Christmas atmosphere will leave you longing for the holiday season. Charlene is a character that you can definitely root for. She’s kind-hearted, intelligent, and determined. I enjoy her interactions with Jack. It was also fun getting to meet her parents. They really add to the story and I would love to see them again in future installments.
All in all, a delightful Christmas themed cozy mystery. I just read the synopsis of the fourth book and look forward to reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most entertaining series I’ve read! Would you like to have a ghost for a roommate? He will allow you to “cry on his shoulder”, let you tell him your problems, and “have a glass of wine” while doing so! Extremely well written with great characterization. If you want to leave “real life” behind pick up this book and laugh or gasp or cry or just enjoy the read. Enjoy!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is the third book in the Salem B&B Mystery series. No matter what Charlene always seems to find herself involved in trying to solve a mystery. It’s Christmas time and Charlene’s parents have come for a visit, what follows is a storyline that will have you laughing at times. What would a cozy be without a couple ghosts tossed into the mix, as with the previous books I enjoyed Charlene, Jack and Sam. I look forward to more of this series because I want to see where the author will take these characters. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and Kensington and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
I am really enjoying this series, and I was excited to see this third book added. I dived in and pretty much read it in one setting. I loved seeing Mrs. Morris’ parents; they were fun. The mystery was great, and I was surprised at the end by who the culprit was. There were a couple of places where I wish things were different. Charlene’s mother can be quite rude and cruel, but then other times she was nice and loving. She was too cruel, especially to Charlene, I think. I also am not really fond of Jack as a potential love interest. She can’t be with him, so I wish the slight feelings she has for him would go away. Other than that, I quite enjoyed this latest in the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Enjoyed reading this copy from Netgalley, I Love jack the ghost and his antics when Charlene’s parents visit. Charlene and her parents are at a charity event when the host whom seems more like scrooge as the night goes on, ends up being a victim of a hit and run. With the mystery surrounding his death and the fall out of his benefits not coming through for the charity among other things he promised , Charlene will do her best to set things right cause she has a huge heart and help find the murderer . Love this series , great characters , fun stories , love the bits of information of Salem , witches and the things the town does to honor its namesake.
Book 3 in my favorite series did not disappoint!! Charlene has her parents at the Bed And Breakfast for Christmas and trying to enjoy her time with them what could go wrong? At one of their first out dinners together they get to meet her friend David but it doesn’t go as poor Charlene planned and once again she’s left struggling with herself to try to move on from her need of investigating for the truth when David ends up dead! Trying to solve this murder at Christmas and dealing with her parents staying with her is a struggle, as well as her feelings for Jack ( who I adore). The ending was quite shocking and left room for a bit of a magical Christmas in Charlene’s world! Bravo to the authors for making this a mystery ending I didn’t see coming! I LOVE this series and highly recommend it to everyone!
Another great read. this is the third book in this series set in Salem Massachusetts. This time Charlene the B&B Owner/part time mystery solver gets involved with a hit and run case near the Christmas holidays while trying to solve the case with the help of her ghosts and deal with family driving her crazy all at the same time. A wonderful cozy mystery hope there will be more of this series very enjoyable.
cozy-mystery, bed-and-breakfast, family-dynamics, friendship, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth
The cozy is very good, the mother is awful, the resident ghost of the B&B sounds wonderful, and if I read another ad for the car Charlene drives I think I’ll screech. The publisher’s blurb is a good hook and the story has enough twists and red herrings to keep the guessing going. Generally a good read.
I requested and received a free Ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
All I can say is Wow, Another Awesome book in this series.
Charlene had moved to Salem and had bought a mansion to open a bed and breakfast. Her parents have been trying to get her to come back home with them. So she invited them to come to her new Bed and Breakfast for Christmas. This story shows her Mom and Dad there with her. Her resident ghost Jack, (who know one can see but her) and her cat Silva.
So we get to revisit friends we met in the last book as well as meet some new guests and her parents. During this book she has been thrown into another mystery to solve. I really don’t want to spoil the book for you but you really shouldn’t miss reading it.
Again I want to say I just could not put this book down. An awesome read. Thanks for sharing an ARC with me and this is my honest opinion.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past nicely rounded out my Christmas-themed reading this year. The Salem, MA, setting, especially at Christmas, gave it that small town cozy atmosphere, and the introduction of Charlene’s parents, along with other visitors at her inn, lent a homey, holiday feel. I enjoyed the interaction between Charlene and the various secondary characters, including watching her maneuver her mother’s contrariness, and dealing with Jack, her resident ghost, and his romantic feelings toward her. To balance this impossible relationship is sexy police detective Sam, whom Charlene finds herself alternately working with and against (because he wants to keep her safe) in the effort to solve the crime. With a cast of very likely suspects who all had good reason to want the victim (of questionable character himself) dead, the actual culprit surprised me at the end.
You won’t regret this visit to Salem and Charlene’s B&B
Charlene Morris has reinvented herself as a B&B owner after her husband is killed in a car accident. She’d never planned on giving up her life as a marketing exec to run her own bustling B&B, and she surely never expected to run it alongside her ghostly housemate, Jack.
While Jack usually doesn’t interact with the guests, he can’t help but entertain himself by driving Charlene’s mom a little bit crazy while she and Charlene’s dad are in town, visiting from Chicago for Christmas. Her mom is a bit of a challenge, to be sure, and now there is another murder to be solved, when local restaurant owner David Baldwin is mysteriously run down during a charity auction. As the list of suspects continue to grow, will Charlene and Jack be able solve the murder before Christmas is ruined for all?
The third novel in Traci Wilton’s Salem B&B Mystery series does not disappoint. Whether this is your first visit to Charlene’s B&B, or you are a repeat guest, you are in for a treat. Grab a cup of cocoa or a holiday Martini and settle in by a nice warm fire for this delightful read. The book is engaging and is difficult to set down once you start, so you may want to grab some holiday cookies to go along with your beverage!
While the story line builds upon the previous books, the novel can easily be read on its own. Favorite characters from the earlier stories reappear, including B&B staff Minnie and Will, Sam the detective (who’s not kept his interest in Charlene a secret), and others. You’ll also be introduced to delightful new characters, including Avery, a teen living at Felicity House (a home for children and teens). Traci cleverly embeds Salem’s setting and culture into this Christmas themed story as it twists and turns and keeps you guessing right until the very end.
*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Great story, and addition to this series. I absolutely love the holidays, and seeing how everyone does things differently. I also enjoyed the theme of this book. Most people have a ghost/thing in their past that they wanna keep hidden. I love that the B&B is up and running. It is definitely a place anyone would love to visit! Can’t wait to read more.
I really like this series. The characters are wonderful. This was another good story.
With the approach of Christmas, Charlene’s parents come to visit. While attending a fundraiser, Charlene and other community members find themselves a part of the mystery. During this book, we see more of Charlene’s good hearted nature and her growing friendship with Jack Strathmore too. I love trying to solve the whodunnit while Charlene is trying to put together the clues.