Be Our Ghost is the third installment of the A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery series set in the seaside community of Sully's Landing, Oregon and featuring Innkeepers Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza Harris. Things at the B&B have been busy but thanks to their new assistant, Cindi Metzger everything is running smoothly and their resident laughing ghost, Orville has been remarkably quiet.
Pushy Portland real estate developer Jason Northwood, has plans to build a huge, noisy arcade and bar in the heart of the charming downtown which will mean the loss of several popular businesses as well as destroy the cozy feel of the town. Tensions are running high among the townsfolk with the locals taking sides both for and against the development.
A late night meeting of the Planning Commission in Northwood's hotel suite, leads to an early morning discovery of the developer stabbed to death. The only real suspects in the man's death are the members of the commission which include Doug Griffith, owner of the hardware store and pub, and Liza's "special" friend.
Determined to clear their friend's name and track down the killer, Melanie and Liza, along with Melanie's furry sidekick, Max set out on a dangerous investigation. Despite the warnings of Melanie's romantic interest Officer Ben Carter not to get involved, the ladies soon discover that more than one of the prominent members of the town council have something in their past that they are desperate to keep hidden.
As in the past, Orville reappears with his haunting laughter and subtle clues that point the ladies in the right direction to solve the crime. The continuing secondary plot of the series, involves Melanie's search to find out what happened to her Mother who disappeared when she was just four years old. Her search via the internet continues across the pond in England and a startling discovery is made.
A fast paced plot that draws you in from the first page, the return of many well loved characters will not disappoint readers of the series.
Pushy Portland real estate developer Jason Northwood, has plans to build a huge, noisy arcade and bar in the heart of the charming downtown which will mean the loss of several popular businesses as well as destroy the cozy feel of the town. Tensions are running high among the townsfolk with the locals taking sides both for and against the development.
A late night meeting of the Planning Commission in Northwood's hotel suite, leads to an early morning discovery of the developer stabbed to death. The only real suspects in the man's death are the members of the commission which include Doug Griffith, owner of the hardware store and pub, and Liza's "special" friend.
Determined to clear their friend's name and track down the killer, Melanie and Liza, along with Melanie's furry sidekick, Max set out on a dangerous investigation. Despite the warnings of Melanie's romantic interest Officer Ben Carter not to get involved, the ladies soon discover that more than one of the prominent members of the town council have something in their past that they are desperate to keep hidden.
As in the past, Orville reappears with his haunting laughter and subtle clues that point the ladies in the right direction to solve the crime. The continuing secondary plot of the series, involves Melanie's search to find out what happened to her Mother who disappeared when she was just four years old. Her search via the internet continues across the pond in England and a startling discovery is made.
A fast paced plot that draws you in from the first page, the return of many well loved characters will not disappoint readers of the series.
Be Our Ghost by Kate Kingsbury is the third tale in A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery series. Melanie West and Liza Harris own the Merry Ghost Inn in Sully's Landing, Oregon. Jason Northwood, a developer, wants to build an arcade in town with video & pinball machines, karaoke, a bar and much more. Northwood would need a variance from the Planning Commission and city councilors to proceed with his plan. The day after Northwood held a special event for the people who will vote on his request, he is found dead from a stab wound to the heart. Doug Griffith was vocal against Northwood's project and had a history with the developer which puts him at the top the police's suspect list. Liza and Melanie with help from their resident ghost, Orville set out to prove Doug's innocence. Then their dog, Max vanishes from outside the bakery only to reappear several hours later with a warning note attached. This just makes the duo more determined to catch the guilty party. Melanie and Liza are out asking questions when the brakes give out on their car. Thankfully, they drive into bushes instead of over the cliff. When Liza goes missing, Orville provides a pivotal clue. Can Melanie get to Liza in time?
Be Our Ghost is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Melanie West and Liza Harris own the Merry Ghost Inn which is haunted by Orville. I enjoy the paranormal elements and would love to have more ghostly interactions. I am also curious to know more about Orville. I do not understand why Melanie criticizes Orville nor do I like it. There are many cozy moments with cooking, eating, gardening and chatting. Tea is consumed in large quantities. I was happy that Liza and Melanie actively investigated the murder. They questioned various people around town, but they need to work on their technique. There is misdirection and pointed clues. Readers will have no problem solving this whodunit before the reveal. I wish we had been given better closure on the case instead of supposition (what they think happened instead of facts). The ladies are told numerous times to stay out of the investigation which they do not heed (you would think they would be a little wary). Melanie is also searching for her mother. They finally have a lead and Melanie is hopeful. I could have done without the numerous descriptions of Cindi Metzger's clothing and the lamenting on her tardiness. She wears unique outfits each day which are described in detail. There is a Blueberry French Toast recipe at the end of the book. I am giving Be Our Ghost 3 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for an ethereal and easy to read cozy mystery with a supernatural element, then Be Our Ghost is for you.
Be Our Ghost is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Melanie West and Liza Harris own the Merry Ghost Inn which is haunted by Orville. I enjoy the paranormal elements and would love to have more ghostly interactions. I am also curious to know more about Orville. I do not understand why Melanie criticizes Orville nor do I like it. There are many cozy moments with cooking, eating, gardening and chatting. Tea is consumed in large quantities. I was happy that Liza and Melanie actively investigated the murder. They questioned various people around town, but they need to work on their technique. There is misdirection and pointed clues. Readers will have no problem solving this whodunit before the reveal. I wish we had been given better closure on the case instead of supposition (what they think happened instead of facts). The ladies are told numerous times to stay out of the investigation which they do not heed (you would think they would be a little wary). Melanie is also searching for her mother. They finally have a lead and Melanie is hopeful. I could have done without the numerous descriptions of Cindi Metzger's clothing and the lamenting on her tardiness. She wears unique outfits each day which are described in detail. There is a Blueberry French Toast recipe at the end of the book. I am giving Be Our Ghost 3 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for an ethereal and easy to read cozy mystery with a supernatural element, then Be Our Ghost is for you.
