Charlene Morris knew Salem, Massachusetts had a spooky reputation. But when she decided to open her B&B there, she expected guests—not ghosts… find a handsome man with startling blue eyes in her bedroom. Terror turns to utter disbelief when he politely introduces himself as Jack Strathmore—and explains that he used to live here—when he was alive. He firmly believes that someone pushed him down the stairs three years ago, and he won’t be able to leave until someone figures out who. If Charlene wants to get her business up and running in time for the Halloween tourist rush, and get this haunting houseguest out of the way, she’ll have to investigate. Though truth be told, this ghost is starting to grow on her . . .
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A fun cozy mystery with a paranormal twist. When widowed Charlene Morris decides to remake her life by moving to Salem, MA, and opening a B&B, she never predicts that her first guest will be a ghost. Jack Strathmore was murdered in the house three years before, and he asks Charlene for help in discovering who killed him and why. Charlene already has her hands full finishing and decorating the B&B for its grand opening, establishing connections in town, and hoping her decision to leave her past life behind her and start anew wasn’t a rash one, but she is intrigued and begins to ask questions. Her investigations uncover secrets among prominent citizens of the city as well as Jack’s past. Can she find the killer before she is the next victim? And will Jack cross over once the mystery is solved? Charlene is coming to care for Jack and she knows she may have to lose him forever. And whose cat has decided to move into the B&B and make it her own?
A great start to a paranormal mystery series.
This is a series opener for a new paranormal cozy series which I enjoyed very much. The writer did an excellent job of setting the scene for a person who doesn’t believe in the paranormal and is suddenly thrown in the deep end. After coming to terms with a ghost being in her future B & B, I love the way she attempts to solve the mystery. I didn’t see the resolution coming, and it threw me for a loop in a good way. The only fly in the ointment for me was towards the end. Instead of finishing on a murder mystery ending, it felt more like a romance which I didn’t exactly see coming…maybe a little, but still. Not that that is a bad thing just that the whole book felt one way, and then it ended another way. However, I am definitely looking forward to the next book to see how the opening of Mrs. Morris’ B & B will go, what comes up next for Mrs. Morris, seeing everyone again, and how everything shakes out with the end of this one. I highly recommend this book! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
I thought this was a fun collaboration between two talented authors. The relationship between Mrs. Morris and her ghost, Jack was kind of funny, especially when he got jealous of any man who showed interest in her. Getting to the bottom of the mystery of Jack’s death so he could move on was well thought out and written. It will be interesting to see what the next book brings. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Haunting Cozy Mystery in Salem Massachusetts
When I first chose this title, I was afraid that it would be a remake of ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’. I could not have been more wrong. This is an excellent cozy mystery that takes place in Salem, MA near Halloween and it includes ghosts. The plot is wonderful and very well done. As clues are uncovered, more suspects appear with their own motives. The final reveal is very shocking and quite a surprise! I can’t wait to read more of this series. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost is an enjoyable new cozy mystery. Charlene Morris lost the love of her life eighteen months ago and every where she goes in Chicago there are reminders. She has purchased a massive mansion in Salem, based on pictures sent to her by the realtor, where she plans on opening a bed and breakfast. She wants it to be an elegant establishment. Having a resident ghost was not the plans even if he is handsome and charming. Dr. Jack Strathmore IV is convinced he was murdered three years ago and believes it is the reason for why he is unable to move on to the great beyond. Charlene is the first person who can see Jack and he needs her help. I like Traci Wilton’s conversational writing style. It is engaging and made this new cozy mystery easy to read. Charlene is a strong protagonist who is ready to move forward with her life away from her meddlesome mother. I found Charlene’s first reaction to Jack to be realistic and humorous. Jack is a great character. He has charm, wit, twinkling blue eyes and is a snappy dresser. Charlene sets out to discover who harmed Jack by talking with his wife, old friends, Detective Sam Holden, and the coroner. Charlene has all the subtly of a bulldozer. She is direct and pushy which leads to some ticked off individuals (but it is just her first time investigating). This whodunit can be solved before the reveal courtesy of the less than subtle clues. Charlene has a couple of men interested in her including Sam Holden. I would like less romance in future books (lots of flirting) and a more action packed mystery. I thought the story lagged during the middle and could have benefited from a peppier pace. The ending was a delight and left me smiling. A Persian named Silva joins Charlene in her new home. The cat’s antics had me giggling and I thought Traci Wilton captured a cat’s demeanor perfectly. I enjoyed the descriptions of Charlene’s beautiful new home, the furniture and the sights of Salem. The author took the time to establish the main characters and setting the stage for the series (wonderful world building). The first chapter of Mrs. Morris and the Witch is at the end of the book. Mrs. Morris and the Ghost has a magnificent mansion, a pretty Persian, flirtatious fellows, a gallant ghost, and a reluctant gumshoe.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost by Traci Wilton is the first in this new series. It is a easy to read cozy set in Salem, Massachusetts.
When Charlene, a young widow, decides to make a change in her life, she didn’t know it would include a handsome ghost, let alone, one who wants her to solve his murder that has been ruled as an accident. After all, she just wants to open her Bed and Breakfast and get back to her life.
There are plenty of twists and turns, likeable characters, along with a murder, and a possible romance.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.
A gem! For the first book in a new series this is more than promising and i enjoyed every minute of it even if i did had my suspicions about the culprit identity i still couldn’t stop reading..
Really, it’s perfect; the characters are growing on you, the rhythm is just what it needs to be between discoveries and new questions there is the right doses of humour and paranormal a fabulous entertaining cozy mystery.
Charlene is a wonderful character, easy to love. She is honest, loyal and she wants to do well despite still suffering herself . I loved how she reacted to the mysterious cat and with Jack.
Jack is a spirit but he has a sense of humour and got protective of Charlene…his link to the cat was also very cute.
The investigation part is wonderfully written, allowing us to discover the city and his inhabitants along with Charlene and we are hooked from the start to the last page.
Really with you want a cozy mystery with paranormal element this one you wouldn’t regret trying. To recommend
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost
A Salem B&B Mystery, Book #1
Traci Wilson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Charlene Morris knew Salem, Massachusetts had a spooky reputation. But when she decided to open her B&B there, she expected guests–not ghosts…
A grieving young widow, Charlene needed a new start–so she bought a historic mansion, sight unseen, and drove from Chicago to New England to start turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. On her first night in the house, she awakens to find a handsome man with startling blue eyes in her bedroom. Terror turns to utter disbelief when he politely introduces himself as Jack Strathmore–and explains that he used to live here–when he was alive. He firmly believes that someone pushed him down the stairs three years ago, and he won’t be able to leave until someone figures out who. If Charlene wants to get her business up and running in time for the Halloween tourist rush, and get this haunting houseguest out of the way, she’ll have to investigate. Though truth be told, this ghost is starting to grow on her . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
I thought that Charlene was a smart caring lady who is mourning the loss of her husband. She has moved to New England to get a fresh start, and she decides to open a B&B. There is one small problem, the house is occupied by a ghost named Jack. After getting over the initial shock of Jack being a ghost, Charlene agrees to help find out if Jack was murdered, in hopes of him being able to move one.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed getting to know Charlene and Jack and I liked how their relationship grew as the book went on. Detective Sam Holden is a great guy and he has shown some interest in getting to know Charlene better.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions kept me engaged from the very first page. The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was not sure of the culprit until it was revealed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Paranormal cozy ghost stories are some of my favorites to read and this book fit in that category very nicely.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost Is the first in the new Salem B&B Mystery series by Traci Wilton, the pen name for the collaboration of seasoned authors Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. Charlene Morris needs to begin again. She is still grieving her husband’s death in an auto accident and can no longer live where everything is a constant reminder of her loss. Her new beginning and leap of faith takes her from Chicago to Salem, Massachusetts, where she has used her life savings to purchase an historic mansion sight unseen. The description and pictures met her criteria, and the house has no big issues except that it is already inhabited by its deceased former owner, Dr. Jack Strathmore of the old Salem founding family. Being a member of the founding families appears to be a big deal to those she meets.
Jack is convinced he was murdered and feels he will not be able to leave the property until his death, which was already ruled to be of natural causes, is solved. With thoughts of opening her B&B Halloween weekend with a resident ghost frightening her guests, Charlene decides to help Jack solve his mystery. In doing so, she ruffles many, discovers a body, and nearly misses becoming a ghost herself. In unraveling the mystery she finds that the biggest enemy could be your closest family member.
This story has a host of interesting characters. There are those from old Salem families, relative newcomers, as well as one that exists merely on the edge. This is a twisting tale, taking many different directions before the exciting climax. I did enjoy this book and not only do I recommend it but I look forward to the next in this new series.
This is the start of what I think is a promising new paranormal cozy mystery. I enjoyed the setting and the characters along with the paranormal element. Charlene is a very likable character and I think the author did a good job with developing her as someone who is grieving but strong at the same time. I liked the secondary cast of characters that were introduced and think they will develop nicely over time. The mystery was well done and I almost guessed the identity of the killer. The author did a good job of dropping just enough twists into the clues to confuse me a bit. There is a potential romance for Charlene but I am hoping that the author doesn’t jump into a romance quite yet for Charlene especially with how the story between her and Jack progressed.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and found it well written and entertaining. I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes the series and characters so I will be reading more of the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
This is the first book that I have read by Author Traci Wilton and it definitely will not be my last! After losing her husband, Charlene decided to buy a beautiful, historic mansion in Salem, Massachusetts to turn into a B&B. Intending to open the B&B by Halloween, Charlene soon finds an uninvited guest in the mansion. Jack, the previous owner is unable to move on until whoever killed him is caught. Having very little choice in the matter, Charlene has to put her investigative skills to work and find the culprit so that Jack can finally move on, but does she really want Jack to leave? Will Jack help Charlene through her grief of losing her husband, if so at what cost? This cozy mystery was such a pleasure to read. I anxiously await the next book in this amazing series!
Desperately needing to move on from her deceased husband’s memories, Charlene buys a mansion in Salem, Massachusetts with the goal of opening a Bed and Breakfast by Halloween. Much to her surprise the house isn’t empty. The former owner is still there, even though he’s been dead for almost three years. Can she help him solve his murder before something else happens?
This book has all of the necessary elements of a good ghost story. Susceptible young widow, handsome friendly ghost and a sneaky cat. Then there’s the sexy cop, the hunky handyman and the flirty bartender. Swoon! But let not forget the ladies…the grieving widow, the scorned lover and the bitchy wife. With plenty of twists and turns to give you a crick in the neck this book will keep you turning the pages.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir meets Murder She Wrote in this charming series debut! You’ll love Charlene and Jack as they help each other heal from past hurts, track down a killer, and forge a friendship that transcends even death. History lovers will enjoy the Salem, MA setting, and anyone interested in antiques and old houses can live vicariously through Charlene as she gets her bed & breakfast up and running. A great beginning to a new cozy series!
Well I was led astray. I was wrong, wrong and wrong on who did it. So, of course, I love this book! Actually, I really enjoyed much more than the mystery. Charlene Morris lost her husband and decides to make a big change in her life. She moves to Salem and opens a B&B, which turns out to be haunted. Personally I would see that as a cool thing, especially there. The Ghost was not a witch though and he needs help. This is the extra whip cream and sprinkles on the mystery. Charlene has a lot of personal growth that she needs to go through. Happily the author decided to use that in the story. So we get much more than just a mystery. I stayed up reading this even though I’m doing a readathon later today, (it is 3:40am where I live). I really wanted to finish it. I’m happy I did because I was not disappointed with the ending. Sure, I would love to say why I enjoyed it but if I did, would you need to read the book? Would you want to? Not if I tell you everything. The last thing I want to say, for those who enjoy old movies like I do, I was reminded of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, (in the way the book made me feel as the movie did). Check this book out!
This book has popped up in suggested reads for me several times, but I only just picked it up.
I love the story of Charlene, grieving her husband and starting over in Salem. I love to see hoe Charlene begins to heal and flourish in her new bed and breakfast to be, and the friendship she begins with Dr. Jack Strathmore, previous owner and current ghost.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery, especially anyone who enjoys a paranormal twist.
Charlene buys herself an old home to open up a Bed and Breakfast in Salem, MA and boy is she in for a surprise when she meets the ghost living there. The Ghost asks her to find out more about his death and it sets Charlene on an investigation. Charlene is a great character whom I enjoyed meeting through the story. She cares about others whom she has met around town and employs some to assist in setting up her new Bed and Breakfast. It was enjoyable trying to piece together the investigation with Charlene! I look forward to continuing the series as I am sure more hijinx will ensue in Salem.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost is the first in the series and it grabs you right from the start. Charlene needing a change moves to Salem, MA to open a B&B, what she did not expect was the house’s former owner was still there and needed her help. I enjoyed the development of the character and how they interact with one another. I found the ending shocking and look forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. First of all, having a ghost in the book always makes for a good time. Second, I liked that his murder was not recent. It kind of added a different sort of adventure to the plot. I loved how Charlene moved for a fresh start, not knowing anyone, and how fun that she bought the house site unseen. The only thing I am not so sure about is the blooming relationship between Jack and Charlene. I just can’t decide how I feel about it yet. Overall, I loved the book and I cannot wait to have the opportunity to dive into book 2.
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost is the first in the new series by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton .The ghostly stories that are lighthearted in vein, as in Mrs. Morris and the Ghost, are usually a hit with me. I thought the location, (Salem MA.), and the plot were terrific and suited the murky atmosphere. The characters were very good, and the fact that I was wrong about the killer —really made me love this book! Such a fun read!
This is the first book in the series and a new author for me. When ghosts are mentioned in a book, immediately I think of it as paranormal and this is not a genre I would normally read. I agreed to read it because a friend gifted me the book and said it was amazing! I have to say she was absolutely right! It was cozy and funny at the same time. Charlene arrives in Salem to start a new life and open a B&B in an old mansion. What she didn’t expect was to have a ghost as her first guest. The ghost Jack is there because he can’t leave until he finds out what really happened concerning his death. He has been waiting for someone to come to help him figure it all out. Jack and Charlene quickly becomes friends as they navigate through this spooky but cozy mystery. Now I am on to book 2… “Mrs. Morris and the Witch”!
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