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Haunted Bookshop Mystery #3
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure has just received a rare collection of Poe's complete works. Rumor has it a secret code, trapped within the pages, leads to buried treasure. But it seems everyone who buys...dies. Now Pen will need resident ghost P.I. Jack Shepard to help crack the case.
254 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
282 people are currently reading
1855 people want to read
About the author
Alice Kimberly
11 books356 followersALICE KIMBERLY is a pseudonym used by New York Times bestselling authors Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini. They first used it to launch their Haunted Bookshop Mystery series in 2004. Alice and Marc now write the series under their primary pen name
CLEO COYLE
and their Alice Kimberly titles have been re-released under their Cleo Coyle name. To learn more, visit their
CLEO COYLE
page here at Goodreads, as well as the pages dedicated to their two bestselling, long-running mystery series:
Alice/Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irresistible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy” and "coffee cozy" mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a quirky crew of baristas while helping the NYPD solve perplexing crimes.
In addition to their critically acclaimed mysteries, Alice and Marc have written multiple works of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. They are also accomplished tie-in writers who have created bestselling properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM.
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Alice and Marc live in New York City, where they haunt coffeehouses, hunt ghosts, wrangle rescue cats, cook like crazy, and write independently and together.
Alice/Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irresistible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy” and "coffee cozy" mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a quirky crew of baristas while helping the NYPD solve perplexing crimes.
In addition to their critically acclaimed mysteries, Alice and Marc have written multiple works of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. They are also accomplished tie-in writers who have created bestselling properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM.
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Alice and Marc live in New York City, where they haunt coffeehouses, hunt ghosts, wrangle rescue cats, cook like crazy, and write independently and together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
February 25, 2021
3.5 stars. I loved the Poe theme throughout, as I am quite the Poe fan. I never guess the culprit in these mysteries, but I certainly enjoy reading the characters figure it out. My one gripe is that they mentioned so many times Poe's lost love with his cousin and wife, Virginia, but he had a few other great loves, the most infamous being Annabel Lee. I found it hinting of not enough deep research to just go-to the wife and forgetting his other leading ladies.
February 22, 2011
I can't really put my finger on what bothers me about this series. I did just read the first three books all in a row in a weekend, so it may just be overdose. The first one was best, but they all get three stars thanks to my rating system and the good old vague three stars.
Maybe they go slightly downhill because there isn't too much new or developing throughout thus far, this woman in a small town has been connected with how many murders by now? Like six? And her husband's suicide? I would keep an eye on this lady. She's finally kind of begun to believe that Jack the ghost is real and not a figure of her imagination, but she still fights that she is attracted to him and keeps turning down any playing around in her dreams by saying she is married. I kept expecting this to become an actual discussion of if she is still considered married since death is clearly not the end. But it doesn't. Just another opportunity for 1940's noir detective slang. The slang is kind of fun, but it gets to be a lot.
I also got sick of the "clever" skipping around book titles thing...she puts out the new Dan Brown (omg this book is about a code too! See what they did there?) and lots of the format things were like this, throwing me out of the book. Do we really need two or three breaks in each book so that Pen can tell us about their accent? Or that one character won on Jeopardy? Or that Pen's aunt has Shirley Maclaine highlights?
Then, it may be nitpicky, but there is something so unfeminist about Pen's interactions with Jack. And it's not his 1940s views on women. It's how she always crumples when he is around and lets him take over, how she is useless when she is dreaming in his time, how she puts lights on when she breaks into a house, how she is always being attacked by large men with masks on, how she is only allowed to be something other than a delicate flower when Jack is telling her what to do/say or when she is being "mama bear" for her son. By the time she had been assaulted and arrested and rammed off the side of the road by another car, I was sick of it.
I will probably pick up another one in the series at some point, just to see if anything goes anywhere, but the mystery parts don't interest me, and while it was an enjoyable read, there are better things out there. I just want to know if she's gonna bang that ghost.
Maybe they go slightly downhill because there isn't too much new or developing throughout thus far, this woman in a small town has been connected with how many murders by now? Like six? And her husband's suicide? I would keep an eye on this lady. She's finally kind of begun to believe that Jack the ghost is real and not a figure of her imagination, but she still fights that she is attracted to him and keeps turning down any playing around in her dreams by saying she is married. I kept expecting this to become an actual discussion of if she is still considered married since death is clearly not the end. But it doesn't. Just another opportunity for 1940's noir detective slang. The slang is kind of fun, but it gets to be a lot.
I also got sick of the "clever" skipping around book titles thing...she puts out the new Dan Brown (omg this book is about a code too! See what they did there?) and lots of the format things were like this, throwing me out of the book. Do we really need two or three breaks in each book so that Pen can tell us about their accent? Or that one character won on Jeopardy? Or that Pen's aunt has Shirley Maclaine highlights?
Then, it may be nitpicky, but there is something so unfeminist about Pen's interactions with Jack. And it's not his 1940s views on women. It's how she always crumples when he is around and lets him take over, how she is useless when she is dreaming in his time, how she puts lights on when she breaks into a house, how she is always being attacked by large men with masks on, how she is only allowed to be something other than a delicate flower when Jack is telling her what to do/say or when she is being "mama bear" for her son. By the time she had been assaulted and arrested and rammed off the side of the road by another car, I was sick of it.
I will probably pick up another one in the series at some point, just to see if anything goes anywhere, but the mystery parts don't interest me, and while it was an enjoyable read, there are better things out there. I just want to know if she's gonna bang that ghost.
October 18, 2014
This series fulfills the perspective of a forty year-old in a ghost environment and needs to continue! The ethereal is abundant, even if not spooky or unexpected. Jack is original; teaching detective instincts through dreams of solved, 1940s cases. They are informative to me, never mind Penelope and evoke an even plain, upon which these ghost and corporeal friends meet in the same form. The son, Spencer is kept to the background as I prefer it and mercifully, so is their Aunt. I don’t find myself liking her nor the ice cream seller / mailman. Everything about these novels is orchestrated into a pleasurable journey that has enabled me to leave 5-star feedback.
I didn’t know “The Ghost & The Dead Man’s Library” is about Edgar Allan Poe. His innate vibrancy exudes delicious drama! His poetry was eerie, speculation about his short life persists, and one of the world’s most valuable books is his. Whether or not ‘The Poe Code’ is a real cipher among his volumes, I loved the subject. The Aunt receives Edgar’s volumes from an infirm friend and Penelope’s professor friend knows the legend and itches to crack it. A criticism from me emerges here. You would keep quiet about having this collection. A stockroom boy wouldn’t unwrap it for you with the warehouse door open and you couldn’t be bullied by telephone into selling any of the volumes. Tell callers they were mistaken, or declare books sold. It struck me as stupid that the Aunt kept being strong-armed into selling.
Unknown treasure by an eccentric author, is my idea of a riveting mystery! There’s crime in pursuit of it but for a change: here is a genuine, pure mystery! Concealing those responsible for the side action, is cleverly accomplished. This adventurous, atmospheric novel is woven skilfully.
I didn’t know “The Ghost & The Dead Man’s Library” is about Edgar Allan Poe. His innate vibrancy exudes delicious drama! His poetry was eerie, speculation about his short life persists, and one of the world’s most valuable books is his. Whether or not ‘The Poe Code’ is a real cipher among his volumes, I loved the subject. The Aunt receives Edgar’s volumes from an infirm friend and Penelope’s professor friend knows the legend and itches to crack it. A criticism from me emerges here. You would keep quiet about having this collection. A stockroom boy wouldn’t unwrap it for you with the warehouse door open and you couldn’t be bullied by telephone into selling any of the volumes. Tell callers they were mistaken, or declare books sold. It struck me as stupid that the Aunt kept being strong-armed into selling.
Unknown treasure by an eccentric author, is my idea of a riveting mystery! There’s crime in pursuit of it but for a change: here is a genuine, pure mystery! Concealing those responsible for the side action, is cleverly accomplished. This adventurous, atmospheric novel is woven skilfully.
July 17, 2014
A mystery within a mystery, June 11, 2012
By Ellen Rappaport (Florida)
This review is from: The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library (Haunted Bookshop Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)
The 2nd in this most creative mystery series-The haunted bookshop mystery series.
Peter Chelsey has decided to donate his entire Poe book collection to Penelope's aunt. Penelope goes to Peter's residence to accept his Poe collection. Shortly thereafter, Peter is discovered murdered.
There is such fullness in this book that it truly does become an addiction, so much more than just hard to put down. I found myself inside the bookshop with Penelope and could easily envision Jack. The reality is brought forth by this gifted author who never takes her readers for granted.
The mystery of Peter's death is only the beginning as Penelope and Jack's relationship developes. We are taken into another era with Jack (the 1940's) as we witness his past life. We are brought closer to the reality of Jack's murder and the circumstances surrounding it.
This book and this marvelous series is a MUST read for all lover's of cozies. Beware...this series is addictive. Mysteries and relationships on more dimensions than we would have dreamed of.
Ellen
November 7, 2021
I absolutely love these books! I’m so glad I just happened to stumble upon the first one. After that, I was hooked! This book, was so far my favorite. Penelope finds herself yet again in the thralls of another mystery. After an old friend of sweet aunt Sadies gifts her some rare Edgar Allan Poe editions the little bookshop in Quindicott get more than they bargained for. Are these books so special that someone is willing to murder over them? Could a centuries old mystery be the cause? This book will have you guessing till the very end.
March 24, 2010
An old friend of bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure's Aunt Sadie gives her a rare collection of Edgar Allan Poe's complete works. Shortly after giving Sadie the collection, Peter Chelsey is found dead. The police say it was an accident. Pen has her doubts, but doesn't want to get involved in yet another murder investigation. But when someone turns up dead shortly after buying one of the books in the collection, Pen is accused of stealing the book back since there is a rumor going around that there is a code contained in the collection that leads to a treasure. Pen wants to clear her name and sets out to do so with the help of the ghost of Jack Shepard, a hard-boiled PI who died in the 1940's. When she and then a friend of hers who is trying to solve the code are attacked, Pen knows she needs to find the killer before someone else is murdered.
I love this series by Alice Kimberly (the pen name of husband and wife team of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi). The idea of having a ghost help a living person solve mysteries is a refreshing touch and Jack and Pen have a nice chemistry together. Kimberly slides effortlessly from Pen's modern point of view (in the first person) and Jack's 1940's point of view (third person). The supernatural touches are just right - Pen can communicate with Jack both inside the bookstore (where he was killed) and outside, but outside she needs to carry a buffalo nickel to communicate with him and his awareness of what is going on is much more limited. Pen can travel into Jack's past cases through her dreams which is a nice touch, especially since his past cases always add clues to her current case. There's a nice sense of humor throughout the book. The mystery itself is well plotted, with a huge nod to "The Da Vinci Code", and the identity of the murderer will come as a surprise to most readers.
I highly recommend this addicting series.
I love this series by Alice Kimberly (the pen name of husband and wife team of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi). The idea of having a ghost help a living person solve mysteries is a refreshing touch and Jack and Pen have a nice chemistry together. Kimberly slides effortlessly from Pen's modern point of view (in the first person) and Jack's 1940's point of view (third person). The supernatural touches are just right - Pen can communicate with Jack both inside the bookstore (where he was killed) and outside, but outside she needs to carry a buffalo nickel to communicate with him and his awareness of what is going on is much more limited. Pen can travel into Jack's past cases through her dreams which is a nice touch, especially since his past cases always add clues to her current case. There's a nice sense of humor throughout the book. The mystery itself is well plotted, with a huge nod to "The Da Vinci Code", and the identity of the murderer will come as a surprise to most readers.
I highly recommend this addicting series.
November 22, 2010
What a fun read and the lingo used for the ghost, road weary PI Jack Shephard, is always fun to read and hear inside your own head. His words are always in italics, but they're also in Pen's head, but she often forgets that no one else can hear hima ultimately embarrassing herself to try to cover up her out-loud response.
This story line is a quick unfolding tale of a family that definitely takes the fun out of dysfunctional. An elderly fellow donates his highly valuable collection of first editions to Pen for her bookstore and due to the coveted "code" rumored to be held within leads to treasure, many of it's past owners are found dead, allegedly of accidental causes. Penelope believes differently and with the help of Jack's voice in her head, (so long as his buffalo nickel is in her possession) she sets out to prove that these deaths are no accident at all, but rather a well executed murder.
Light fare, quick reading, and just the ticket for getting yourself a night's entertainment or an easy way to read yourelf to sleep.
This story line is a quick unfolding tale of a family that definitely takes the fun out of dysfunctional. An elderly fellow donates his highly valuable collection of first editions to Pen for her bookstore and due to the coveted "code" rumored to be held within leads to treasure, many of it's past owners are found dead, allegedly of accidental causes. Penelope believes differently and with the help of Jack's voice in her head, (so long as his buffalo nickel is in her possession) she sets out to prove that these deaths are no accident at all, but rather a well executed murder.
Light fare, quick reading, and just the ticket for getting yourself a night's entertainment or an easy way to read yourelf to sleep.
April 28, 2013
You can find the full review on my blog, Chick Lit Café. http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/
Since I’m a fan of Alice Kimberly’s works, I knew this would be a quality read. And, of course, I was right. I had a lot of fun solving the “Poe Code” and tearing through the pages until the fearless protagonist found the hidden treasure. With a wealth of eclectic characters and fascinating trivia facts about Edgar Allen Poe, it’s a real winner for fans of jigsaw puzzle mysteries.
In addition to solving the “Poe Code” murder mystery, readers are also taken back in time to the events leading up to Jack Shepard’s death. Of course, we only get a little glimpses here and there, and we probably won’t find out whodunit until the end of the series.
Overall, this is a quality read that is sure to win over fans of cozy mysteries!
Since I’m a fan of Alice Kimberly’s works, I knew this would be a quality read. And, of course, I was right. I had a lot of fun solving the “Poe Code” and tearing through the pages until the fearless protagonist found the hidden treasure. With a wealth of eclectic characters and fascinating trivia facts about Edgar Allen Poe, it’s a real winner for fans of jigsaw puzzle mysteries.
In addition to solving the “Poe Code” murder mystery, readers are also taken back in time to the events leading up to Jack Shepard’s death. Of course, we only get a little glimpses here and there, and we probably won’t find out whodunit until the end of the series.
Overall, this is a quality read that is sure to win over fans of cozy mysteries!
August 4, 2018
If I've said it once, I'll say it again....I just love the modern day/1940's take on solving the mystery. You get the best of both worlds when Pen and Jack collide to crack the latest caper in Qiundicott. Throw in the other quirky characters and you get a story full of friends that can banter with the best of them, but when it comes right down to it, has each others back when needed! The mystery itself was full of surprises and clues to figure out along he way, all surrounding the goth writer Edgar Allen Poe! Visually the story is brought to life and you feel eerily creepy when in the decrepit mansion, very sterile while in the hospital and extremely 1940 gumshoe when taking a trip back in time with Jack. You can't go wrong with this series.
July 9, 2020
Penelope and Sadie are given a complete set of Phelp's Poe books. As their employee is unpacking the box he finds something which point to a puzzle in the books. But is it true? Why all the deaths related to these books? Penelope is arrested and has to set out to clear her name and solve the mystery with the help of Jack and her friends.
I enjoyed this book. I like that Jack had a case similar to this one and shows Penelope how to solve the mystery. I felt the mystery was well done. It kept me enthralled. I wanted to know if the puzzle existed and what was the solution. I also wanted to know who the murderer was. I am loving this series and cannot wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed this book. I like that Jack had a case similar to this one and shows Penelope how to solve the mystery. I felt the mystery was well done. It kept me enthralled. I wanted to know if the puzzle existed and what was the solution. I also wanted to know who the murderer was. I am loving this series and cannot wait to read the next one.
August 19, 2010
I just really enjoy this series. The books (including this one) are very light, quick, and enjoyable reading. The list of suspects are not complex. I have always been able to pick out the guilty party but there is always a little bit of doubt until the very end. I do enjoy the interplay between the main characters and the recurring supporting characters.
March 13, 2021
The Ghost and the Dead man’s Library
What a great read in these bookshop mysteries. A secret code in the Edger Allen Poe stories to find a treasure, enough for some to commit murder. Again that nice little insert at the beginning of each chapter. These mostly quotes by Poe himself.
What a great read in these bookshop mysteries. A secret code in the Edger Allen Poe stories to find a treasure, enough for some to commit murder. Again that nice little insert at the beginning of each chapter. These mostly quotes by Poe himself.
February 12, 2013
I found this one having not read the others in the series, and it was a nice way to start. The unique hook of having the ghost PI was interesting, and the interwoven case from 1946 had its charms. The mystery was fun and had just enough trick to it to make it a fun puzzle.
March 27, 2019
Awesome!
What can I say? I'm hooked!! These characters are very human, funny, full of quirks and each remind me of someone I know. Learn some things about Edgar Allan Poe, poor guy, sad life but how brilliant. Great read!
What can I say? I'm hooked!! These characters are very human, funny, full of quirks and each remind me of someone I know. Learn some things about Edgar Allan Poe, poor guy, sad life but how brilliant. Great read!
December 11, 2019
I am really loving this series and am looking forward to the next two. This us the one where the bookstore owners receive some highly valued books and Pen and her PI ghost mentor solve the Poe code related murders and mystery.
May 8, 2019
A ghostly gumshoe for a partner in a haunted bookstore and murder!
January 25, 2022
Pen and Aunt Sadie are gifted a collection of rare books from one of Sadie's old beaus. He is promptly found dead and the mystery begins. There is a second mystery surrounding some rare editions of Edgar Allen Poe's works. As usual Pen gets the help she needs from her ghost, Jack. Jack is my favorite character in these books. My favorite scene in this book is when Pen "gets assertive" with Spencer's principal.
September 5, 2019
This series is such an interesting twist to the paranormal/cozy cross over. You have the ghost of a PI killed in the late 1940's haunting a modern day bookshop and only one of the co-owner's, Penelope, can hear him and at times see him. Since she discovered that by carrying a buffalo nickel that once belonged to him in her pocket allows him to go where she goes, she doesn't leave home without it. In this book, Pen and her aunt go to collect some items to sell in the store from an old friend of the Aunt's, but when they discover his body things start going awry and once again it looks like Pen is going to be on the hook for the crime if she doesn't solve it soon! Well done and very entertaining reading as the story switches from modern day to the 40's and back again. The characters are well developed, likeable and relatable so you can't help reading just one more chapter until you finish the book!
May 20, 2013
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it would be better if you read book one.
This book is about a bookstore that has its own mystery.
The store inherits a complete Edgar Allen Poe series and everyone who buy one of the books dies. The owner tries to solve the case along with her very own specter who remains in the bookstore.
It's fun, entertaining and a good read. Go ahead and give it a try.
This book is about a bookstore that has its own mystery.
The store inherits a complete Edgar Allen Poe series and everyone who buy one of the books dies. The owner tries to solve the case along with her very own specter who remains in the bookstore.
It's fun, entertaining and a good read. Go ahead and give it a try.
May 15, 2020
I listened to the audiobook. It’s an enjoyable cozy with a literary theme, this time centered around a group of rare books of Edgar Allan Poe which someone is willing to kill for. It has plenty of action and twists. The characters are well written with plenty of personality, especially the resident ghost.
I felt the narrator did an excellent job bringing the story and the characters to life!
I felt the narrator did an excellent job bringing the story and the characters to life!
July 17, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim and I'm so glad I did! It was cheeky and fun. I enjoyed the banter between the main character and her ghost PI. Since I read book three first, I didn't have the context of their relationship but the book's storyline was a standalone so that didn't impact it all all.
October 26, 2021
Okay, another good listen. I was up almost all night because I didn't want to turn this off. When we finally got to the who-done-it, it was the wee hours of the morning. The author spins a gripping yarn and the narrators bring it to life. Great story for this time of year. Nicely spooky.
January 5, 2022
I adore the characters and story lines of this cozy series. The narrators are perfect. If you’re looking for an intriguing mystery that is easy to read and gives you all the feels, this is a perfect fit.
March 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The story was good, solvable by the perceptive reader but not super easy, likeable characters, good writing. I enjoyed the aspect of the ghost.
I just picked up the book so this was my first in this series but I will be looking for more.
I just picked up the book so this was my first in this series but I will be looking for more.
January 20, 2009
Second 'ghost mystery' I've read and it did not disappoint. Very 40s glam but modern too. Found myself smiling while reading.
March 31, 2022
I was thrilled with the twists, unexpected events and connections as well as all the questions answered in the end.
March 24, 2025
"The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library," by Cleo Coyle, writing as Alice Kimberly, is the third in the "Haunted Bookshop Mysteries." My mass market paperback copy has a grand total of 260 pages, including end pages.
Talk about a blast from the past! Penelope's Aunt Sadie is contacted by a former manfriend, with whom Aunt Sadie had a brief romantic relationship. He MUST sell various editions of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. After business has been concluded, Penelope and Aunt Sadie, begin the long drive back to Buy the Book.
However, Penelope realizes she left her purse in the home of the one selling the Poe books. So, she goes back, and discovers the one selling the books is dead. In other words, another murder.
From the very first book in this series, "The Ghost and Mrs. McClure," I have come to enjoy all of Penelope's adventures in sleuthing. Not to mention all the other characters. I admit, being a Gay man, myself, I enjoy all of J. Brainert Parker's appearances in this Cozy Mystery Series.
Given the challenges Penelope has had in her personal life, I love seeing how many good friends Penelope has now, not to mention seeing her Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem grow stronger and stronger with each successive installment.
Talk about a blast from the past! Penelope's Aunt Sadie is contacted by a former manfriend, with whom Aunt Sadie had a brief romantic relationship. He MUST sell various editions of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. After business has been concluded, Penelope and Aunt Sadie, begin the long drive back to Buy the Book.
However, Penelope realizes she left her purse in the home of the one selling the Poe books. So, she goes back, and discovers the one selling the books is dead. In other words, another murder.
From the very first book in this series, "The Ghost and Mrs. McClure," I have come to enjoy all of Penelope's adventures in sleuthing. Not to mention all the other characters. I admit, being a Gay man, myself, I enjoy all of J. Brainert Parker's appearances in this Cozy Mystery Series.
Given the challenges Penelope has had in her personal life, I love seeing how many good friends Penelope has now, not to mention seeing her Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem grow stronger and stronger with each successive installment.
August 28, 2021
I think it was the Poe connections that made this one just a little bit extra fun for me.
August 6, 2022
Good read
February 22, 2014
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library is the third book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery - Penelope Thornton-McClure and her Aunt Sadie are given a rare collection of Edgar Allan Poe's works. Within an hour, the gentleman who donated the books is found dead. Quickly thereafter, some of the leather-bound books are purchased for high sums of money. Before long, one of the buyers is found dead and Penelope is arrested for a crime she didn't commit. It was rumored the books contained a secret code which would lead to treasure. With help from her friends in her Quibblers group, she tries to solve the mystery and clear her name. Fun, fast-paced mystery. I love the relationship between Penelope and the Ghost of Jack Shepard, the hard-boiled Private Investigator who died of lead poisoning in her shop years ago and was now bound to stay there. He helps her solve the mystery as well, 1940's gumshoe style. As the book evolves, we learn a little more about Jack and what his life was like before his death. I would say however, that some of the risks she takes, leaving her son and committing petty crimes, especially when being watched by police and being out on bail are a bit farfetched but lend to the overall plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews