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A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery #1
Ghost a la Mode
A new series debut from Odelia Grey mystery author Sue Ann Jaffarian! Granny was famous for her award-winning apple pies-and notorious for murdering her husband Jacob at their homestead in Julian, California. The only trouble is, Granny was framed, then murdered. For more than one hundred years, Granny's spirit has been searching for someone to help her see that justice is served--and she hits pay dirt when she pops in to a seance attended by her great-great-great-granddaughter, modern-day divorced mom Emma Whitecastle. Together, Emma and Granny Apples solve mysteries of the past--starting with Granny's own unjust murder rap in the final days of the California Gold Rush. Along with a sprinkling of history, this spirited new mystery series features the amateur sleuth team of Emma Whitecastle and the spirit of her pie-baking great-great-great-grandmother, Granny Apples. Praise: "A delectable first in a new paranormal cozy series from Sue Ann Jaffarian."--Publishers Weekly "A fun new series. Ghostly puzzles are one of the trendy new themes in cozy mysteries, and this is a good one."--Booklist "Jaffarian has done a nifty job of incorporating Julian's history into her tale of unresolved ghosts, uncanny psychics, unsolved murders and unhappy divorcees, while handily introducing some characters, alive and dead, to carry the series forward."--North Country Times "Emma handles her 'gift' of seeing the dead with aplomb, and class. I'll look forward to seeing where the sequel will take Emma and Granny."--Deadly Pleasures "A charming tale, as appealing as apple pie. I predict a long life (and afterlife) for Sue Ann's latest series."--Harley Jane Kozak, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award-winning author of Dating Dead Men
"Take colorful characters in a charming setting, mix in a dash of romance, add a pinch of the paranormal, and serve it up like one of Granny's famous pies. I guarantee you'll be back for seconds."--Deborah Sharp, author of Mama Rides Shotgun
"Take colorful characters in a charming setting, mix in a dash of romance, add a pinch of the paranormal, and serve it up like one of Granny's famous pies. I guarantee you'll be back for seconds."--Deborah Sharp, author of Mama Rides Shotgun
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
108 people are currently reading
2961 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ann Jaffarian
60 books544 followersSue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries, as well as short stories.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
Sue Ann also writes the Winnie Wilde romance novellas.
Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker. You can visit her on the web at www.sueannjaffarian.com, www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com, and on Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
November 25, 2014
Wonderful sweet cozy mystery.
Smart adults living realistic lives struggle to come to terms with a ghostly presence. The ghost had an agenda that she really wants taken care of and has been waiting for generations. Emma is the one to help her and help her she does. Granny Apples, the ghost, is a funny stubborn living challenged being who has a flare all her own that makes it hard not to like her. Her wit, timing and unfiltered comments are perfect. Phil the pig headed straight man who doubts plus is a solid man, middle aged and sexy which is a nice switch from all the college aged characters I've been bombarded with lately. Emma and Phil are working through their issues, both are middle aged, with solid foundations and more brains then hormones.
Granny Apples needs help clearing her name of a murder she says she didn't do. Too bad it was over 100 years ago. With the help of several ghosts, a visit to the place of the crime and a couple of living friends, this case slowly unravels and turns into something so much more, something deadly.
I read this first book in the series after the second book. While I had no problems keeping up with book 2 I'd suggest reading them in order there is a lot of character development that is wonderful.
Smart adults living realistic lives struggle to come to terms with a ghostly presence. The ghost had an agenda that she really wants taken care of and has been waiting for generations. Emma is the one to help her and help her she does. Granny Apples, the ghost, is a funny stubborn living challenged being who has a flare all her own that makes it hard not to like her. Her wit, timing and unfiltered comments are perfect. Phil the pig headed straight man who doubts plus is a solid man, middle aged and sexy which is a nice switch from all the college aged characters I've been bombarded with lately. Emma and Phil are working through their issues, both are middle aged, with solid foundations and more brains then hormones.
Granny Apples needs help clearing her name of a murder she says she didn't do. Too bad it was over 100 years ago. With the help of several ghosts, a visit to the place of the crime and a couple of living friends, this case slowly unravels and turns into something so much more, something deadly.
I read this first book in the series after the second book. While I had no problems keeping up with book 2 I'd suggest reading them in order there is a lot of character development that is wonderful.
May 15, 2021
This is a cosy mystery with a paranormal twist. Emma is in the midst of a divorce from her husband a talk show host who has already moved on with his girlfriend and their young son. Emma's daughter is about to move away to University and live her own life.
Enter the 'ghost of Granny Apples' who is an ancestor of Emma's that was hung for the murder of her husband. Granny is keen to clear her name and needs to convince Emma to help her.
A fun adventure that combines murder and ghosts. A nice story.
Enter the 'ghost of Granny Apples' who is an ancestor of Emma's that was hung for the murder of her husband. Granny is keen to clear her name and needs to convince Emma to help her.
A fun adventure that combines murder and ghosts. A nice story.
March 4, 2016
Ghost a la mode by Sue Ann Jaffarian is the first book in A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series. Emma Whitecastle is in the process of divorcing her talk show husband and attends a seance with her friend where she is contacted by the ghost of Granny Apples, a relative who was wrongly accused of murdering her husband. Emma finds that she can see and converse with ghosts and decides to help Granny Apples clear her name. An interesting and fun book. I loved the various characters and the story kept me enthralled that I had difficulty putting the book down until I reached the end. A quick and very entertaining read.
October 20, 2016
I Loved Ghost a la Mode! For me it was a page turner. (I didn't get much work done because of it)
A fun ghost with a surprise ending! I recommended this to my daughters, they usually read sci-fi.
A fun ghost with a surprise ending! I recommended this to my daughters, they usually read sci-fi.
September 1, 2009
have to admit upfront that I'm not a big fan of ghosts or paranormal stories. They just aren't usually my thing, but I'm a huge Odelia Gray fan and would follow Sue Ann Jaffarian's writing anywhere. So I was pleasantly surprised to really like Emma Whitecastle. I like that she's a single mom who's middle-aged and trying to figure her life out. She's somewhat at the mercy of her parents and her famous ex-husband, but over the course of the book, starts to stand up for herself, with a little help from her many years dead great-great-great grandmother Granny Apples, aka Ish Reynolds, who she barely knows anything about at the beginning of the book. When Emma finds herself craving apple pie (what Granny Apples is known for) and feeling a chill in the air, she comes to realize, albeit reluctantly, that her ancestor needs her help, and, more importantly, deserves it, having gone down in history for murdering her husband, which she insists she didn't do.
Jaffarian weaves history and mystery together beautifully as Emma first gets accustomed to seeing ghosts, then has to figure out which are friendly and which aren't. Combine that with a spooky cemetery and some determined gold-diggers, and Emma's in danger, though she keeps poking and poking. She befriends a man who at first is wary of her, and Jaffarian weaves their budding romance into this historical whodunit. Once again, Jaffarian takes characters who aren't always heard from in our society (even though Granny Apples is actually fairly young, I couldn't help picturing her as elderly since she's been dead over a hundred years), such as those getting divorced, and turns them into intriguing characters I look forward to reading more about. Her note at the end of the book letting readers know they can take their own tour of Julian, California, the setting for Ghost a la Mode, adds a fun footnote.
Perhaps what's most impressive is that Jaffarian makes her ghostly characters as varied and fascinating as her living ones. We don't get to meet them for long stretches of time (they have to "recharge") but, coming from another era, give a little insight into what life was like at the time. The family dynamics here are also interesting as Emma grapples with being close to her parents while not following their advice to the letter. Seeing how Granny Apples interacts with Emma, their similarities and differences, as well as their struggles, was also a great delight in this mystery. Emma is also different enough from Odelia Gray to make this series stand out on its own.
Jaffarian weaves history and mystery together beautifully as Emma first gets accustomed to seeing ghosts, then has to figure out which are friendly and which aren't. Combine that with a spooky cemetery and some determined gold-diggers, and Emma's in danger, though she keeps poking and poking. She befriends a man who at first is wary of her, and Jaffarian weaves their budding romance into this historical whodunit. Once again, Jaffarian takes characters who aren't always heard from in our society (even though Granny Apples is actually fairly young, I couldn't help picturing her as elderly since she's been dead over a hundred years), such as those getting divorced, and turns them into intriguing characters I look forward to reading more about. Her note at the end of the book letting readers know they can take their own tour of Julian, California, the setting for Ghost a la Mode, adds a fun footnote.
Perhaps what's most impressive is that Jaffarian makes her ghostly characters as varied and fascinating as her living ones. We don't get to meet them for long stretches of time (they have to "recharge") but, coming from another era, give a little insight into what life was like at the time. The family dynamics here are also interesting as Emma grapples with being close to her parents while not following their advice to the letter. Seeing how Granny Apples interacts with Emma, their similarities and differences, as well as their struggles, was also a great delight in this mystery. Emma is also different enough from Odelia Gray to make this series stand out on its own.
March 8, 2012
Another two and half-er - because I wasn't overly tempted to abandon it. The writing style is pretty good, but I just didn't find the characters very believable.
The love interest is nasty and almost physically abusive to the main character, yet she finds him attractive? If someone manhandled me out of their home after I'd been invited in by another family member, I'd be tempted to call the police. What's with books that make violence (actual or hinted) a precursor to a relationship?
There were two things that really kind of bugged me. One was the use of the word hung instead of hanged. I know hung is becoming more acceptable, but I was always taught that curtains were hung and people were hanged.
Possible semi-Spoilers:
The other was this: why would ANYONE in their right mind offer their own legally registered pistol to an untrained, unlicensed person? Not only is it illegal, it's downright stupid and more likely to get the person seriously injured or killed than protect them. It was just one more thing that made the characters seem unbelievable to me.
Finally, when the heroine gets rescued, it happens off-screen, so to speak - and one of the characters who actually rescues her is one we never really meet during the book! I thought that was really odd.
The love interest is nasty and almost physically abusive to the main character, yet she finds him attractive? If someone manhandled me out of their home after I'd been invited in by another family member, I'd be tempted to call the police. What's with books that make violence (actual or hinted) a precursor to a relationship?
There were two things that really kind of bugged me. One was the use of the word hung instead of hanged. I know hung is becoming more acceptable, but I was always taught that curtains were hung and people were hanged.
Possible semi-Spoilers:
The other was this: why would ANYONE in their right mind offer their own legally registered pistol to an untrained, unlicensed person? Not only is it illegal, it's downright stupid and more likely to get the person seriously injured or killed than protect them. It was just one more thing that made the characters seem unbelievable to me.
Finally, when the heroine gets rescued, it happens off-screen, so to speak - and one of the characters who actually rescues her is one we never really meet during the book! I thought that was really odd.
June 21, 2016
The book was funny, I even liked the clairvoyance Emma is gifted with. It's a bit convenient for her to see and hear every ghost on the planet, but then again the ghosts are not the most helpful kind anyhow. I intensely disliked the name Granny Apples, but the ghost of Ish herself, I didn't mind. The other characters were okay too. The one person I didn't care for was Phil Bowers - typically for me with cozies. I never know what the hell they see in the romantic interest. This one was obnoxious.
My other problem, besides Phil Bowers, was the fact that Emma makes stupid decisions to move the plot along. Like when she thinks that the killer will be asleep at 1 AM, so let me take a jaunt in the cemetary - the same one where another character was killed, just the day before, in the NIGHT. Girl, where's your brain? She should have ended up like the first blonde in a horror movie, but she's the heroine. So there are other people to save her bacon. Ugh.
My other problem, besides Phil Bowers, was the fact that Emma makes stupid decisions to move the plot along. Like when she thinks that the killer will be asleep at 1 AM, so let me take a jaunt in the cemetary - the same one where another character was killed, just the day before, in the NIGHT. Girl, where's your brain? She should have ended up like the first blonde in a horror movie, but she's the heroine. So there are other people to save her bacon. Ugh.
February 20, 2012
This is another one of those free offerings from Amazon. I picked it because it looked cute and was free. After I got it, I realized it was by the same author as another book on my to-read list. THAT one I read a few days ago and liked well enough, though I didn't love.
This one? It was pretty awful. First off, "Granny Apples?" Really? I'm quite a fan of supernatural books. I don't mind ghosts in my fiction. But there's a way to go about it and there's a way to suck at it. If it's presented as if the main character believed all along, fine. If it's a different world where a lot of people believe, great. Even if it's one where the main character doesn't believe, but comes to believe, that's fine too. But not within just a few days of their first "experience." It's too unbelievable. Emma felt entirely too quick to just start believing in ghosts and be staunchly a believer. Her "conversion" wasn't believable at all to me.
The story was alright, I guess, but a little on the dull side. The people didn't feel very believable and I never quite warmed up to Phil like I think we were supposed to. A lot of the characters seemed to be portayed as one way, but they'd all then do something that seemed out of character.
Anyway, I didn't care for this one, but it was free, so I'm only out a few hours of time it took me to read it, so I guess that's fair.
This one? It was pretty awful. First off, "Granny Apples?" Really? I'm quite a fan of supernatural books. I don't mind ghosts in my fiction. But there's a way to go about it and there's a way to suck at it. If it's presented as if the main character believed all along, fine. If it's a different world where a lot of people believe, great. Even if it's one where the main character doesn't believe, but comes to believe, that's fine too. But not within just a few days of their first "experience." It's too unbelievable. Emma felt entirely too quick to just start believing in ghosts and be staunchly a believer. Her "conversion" wasn't believable at all to me.
The story was alright, I guess, but a little on the dull side. The people didn't feel very believable and I never quite warmed up to Phil like I think we were supposed to. A lot of the characters seemed to be portayed as one way, but they'd all then do something that seemed out of character.
Anyway, I didn't care for this one, but it was free, so I'm only out a few hours of time it took me to read it, so I guess that's fair.
October 28, 2011
I loved this book! I had so much fun reading about Emma and her finding her ability to hear and see ghosts with the help of Granny Apples.
All the excellent ingredients that I love in a book, good history lesson, a weensy start at a possible romance for the main character who really isn't looking for any kind of entanglement due to the poopcranium ex-husband. And an excellent mystery to solve.
There's humor, danger, suspense, and ghosts...it's all good and I cannot wait to read the next in the series, GHOST IN THE POLKA DOT BIKINI.
Five ghostly sparkly diamonds.....
All the excellent ingredients that I love in a book, good history lesson, a weensy start at a possible romance for the main character who really isn't looking for any kind of entanglement due to the poopcranium ex-husband. And an excellent mystery to solve.
There's humor, danger, suspense, and ghosts...it's all good and I cannot wait to read the next in the series, GHOST IN THE POLKA DOT BIKINI.
Five ghostly sparkly diamonds.....
July 4, 2020
I just love this book. It is a fun unique cozy mystery. I love how the ghost of Granny Apples helps her descendant solve her murder a century ago as well as the recent murder. It is an interesting page turner. Loved it
February 1, 2018
This one started out a bit slow for me. The middle of the book became funnier, and I enjoyed the interactions between the heroine and the ghost of Granny Apples. I did not care for most of the ending, because I hate it when a mystery writer goes from telling an interesting mystery to having a "Scooby-Doo" type ending. I guess I enjoyed the interaction between Granny Apples's ghost and her great(x3) granddaughter enough to read book 2 in the series, but hopefully the author improves her ending with the next one!
February 12, 2023
I like the author's Odelia Gray series, and this one has the same light touch; amusing read. I do wish, however, that Jaffarian would learn the difference between "lay" and "lie."
March 19, 2017
I'm not one for paranormal reads, but I enjoyed this one. At first I wasn't for sure with the MC seeing & talking to ghosts, but as the story went on I really didn't see to notice it. It just seemed like other people trying to help her out.
Emma Whitecastle learned to be a strong, no-nonsense character. At first she didn't want to be able to see & hear ghosts, but learned it wasn't a bad thing or didn't make her crazy.
I liked to that the story took place in the old historical town of Julian, California. I like reading about quaint little towns that make you want to visit. Which I very well may.
If you like paranormal cozy mysteries then this is one to read.
Emma Whitecastle learned to be a strong, no-nonsense character. At first she didn't want to be able to see & hear ghosts, but learned it wasn't a bad thing or didn't make her crazy.
I liked to that the story took place in the old historical town of Julian, California. I like reading about quaint little towns that make you want to visit. Which I very well may.
If you like paranormal cozy mysteries then this is one to read.
December 2, 2010
After a headline making separation and pending divorce from her philandering husband, Emma Whitecastle is looking for some distraction which is why she decides to attend a séance. She gets more than she bargained for when she discovers that her great great great grandmother was accused of murder - not only that but "Granny Apples" ghost appears to Emma, insisting that she was innocent and framed for murder and wants Emma to clear her name. So Emma finds herself knee-deep in ghosts, past murders, and current murders. Now Emma must convince people that there is a killer on the loose and that she isn't crazy.
"Ghost a la Mode" is the good first book in the new "Ghost of Granny Apples" series. Emma is a bit different from most cozy mystery heroines as she is about to be divorced but is very rich (author Sue Ann Jaffarian does an excellent job of making a likable heroine out of someone who easily could have been annoying). The book is filled with several interesting characters - both the living (Emma, Philip Bowers, Tracy, and Milo), as well as the dead (Granny Apples, Billy Winslow, Albert Robinson). The paranormal aspects are very well done - some of the ghosts are actively involved in helping Emma, others just ignore her, and others refused to help her (just like live people), and it is fun to read as Emma tries to communicate with the living and the dead at the same time. In fact, there is a gentle sense of humor throughout the book, particularly in reference to Emma's soon to be ex-husband, who is continually referred to as "that idiot on television". The mysteries (both the past and the present) are well written and plotted and nicely tie in together. The past mystery was easily solved, while the current mystery has a nicely done twist. The one thing in the book that really didn't work for me was the Emma/Phillip relationship, which felt rushed and would have benefited from being further developed perhaps over a couple of books.
"Ghost a la Mode" is a good first book in what looks to be a promising paranormal cozy mystery series.
"Ghost a la Mode" is the good first book in the new "Ghost of Granny Apples" series. Emma is a bit different from most cozy mystery heroines as she is about to be divorced but is very rich (author Sue Ann Jaffarian does an excellent job of making a likable heroine out of someone who easily could have been annoying). The book is filled with several interesting characters - both the living (Emma, Philip Bowers, Tracy, and Milo), as well as the dead (Granny Apples, Billy Winslow, Albert Robinson). The paranormal aspects are very well done - some of the ghosts are actively involved in helping Emma, others just ignore her, and others refused to help her (just like live people), and it is fun to read as Emma tries to communicate with the living and the dead at the same time. In fact, there is a gentle sense of humor throughout the book, particularly in reference to Emma's soon to be ex-husband, who is continually referred to as "that idiot on television". The mysteries (both the past and the present) are well written and plotted and nicely tie in together. The past mystery was easily solved, while the current mystery has a nicely done twist. The one thing in the book that really didn't work for me was the Emma/Phillip relationship, which felt rushed and would have benefited from being further developed perhaps over a couple of books.
"Ghost a la Mode" is a good first book in what looks to be a promising paranormal cozy mystery series.
November 9, 2015
3.5 stars. Very cute cozy mystery about reluctant Emma Whitecastle who can hear and see ghosts. I don't read many cozy mysteries, but since I enjoyed this, I may look at cozy paranormal mysteries.
Likes:
* Haunted by smelling apple pie
* Clairvoyant - see spirits
* Clairaudient - hear ghosts
Dislikes:
* Emma's lowlife husband, Grant and his bimbo girlfriend
With-reservations:
hauntings, violence, stalking, kidnapping, murder, suicide
Likes:
* Haunted by smelling apple pie
* Clairvoyant - see spirits
* Clairaudient - hear ghosts
Dislikes:
* Emma's lowlife husband, Grant and his bimbo girlfriend
With-reservations:
hauntings, violence, stalking, kidnapping, murder, suicide
February 18, 2012
Ghost A La Mode is the first book in a mystery series that features Emma and the ghost of her ancestor, Ish Reynolds also known as 'Granny Apples.' The book starts off a bit slow - there were some tropes that made me groan-- having Emma look into the mirror and describe herself and all the exposition at a family dinner that seemed addressed to the reader. Lazy writing tsk tsk.
But after a while, the story picked up and the characters became interesting. The plot isn't bad - Emma Whitecastle is in the middle of a divorce from her sleazy talk show host husband when she goes to a seance with her friend. During that seance, she's contacted by the ghost of her ancestor Granny Apples. Granny wants to clear her name- she's gone down in history as being responsible for her husband's death. Emma goes to the town of Julian where Granny lived, and discovers that there's more involved than just history - there's a modern mystery afoot dealing with the family land.
The book is overall a nice light read - it's got a bit of romance, lots of mystery, and interesting characters. It's also a free download for Kindle, so you can't go wrong. Get it here: Ghost a la Mode (A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery)
I will likely read the other books in the series at some point.
But after a while, the story picked up and the characters became interesting. The plot isn't bad - Emma Whitecastle is in the middle of a divorce from her sleazy talk show host husband when she goes to a seance with her friend. During that seance, she's contacted by the ghost of her ancestor Granny Apples. Granny wants to clear her name- she's gone down in history as being responsible for her husband's death. Emma goes to the town of Julian where Granny lived, and discovers that there's more involved than just history - there's a modern mystery afoot dealing with the family land.
The book is overall a nice light read - it's got a bit of romance, lots of mystery, and interesting characters. It's also a free download for Kindle, so you can't go wrong. Get it here: Ghost a la Mode (A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery)
I will likely read the other books in the series at some point.
April 5, 2012
With some books, you have to suspend reality a bit more than others. Ghost a la Mode is one of them. You, the reader, are asked to believe that 40ish Emma Whitecastle can suddenly see the ghost of her great-great-great grandmother when, at no time previously, has she had the ability. One trip to a psychic / séance and the woo-woo floodgates have been opened.
OK, it might be possible to work with that.
For more than a hundred years, Granny Apples has been waiting around for just the right relative to see her and to fight to defend her name in a murder that she did not commit. Granny was accused of killing her husband and before she was able to clear her name, she too was murdered. Now Granny, through Emma, must find a way to clear her name and get her homestead back to the rightful owners.
Parts are twisty and you have to keep a couple characters straight, but other than that, the book falls somewhere in the so-so range of cozy mysteries. Ghost a la Mode follows the usual formula of small town murder, pet, man rides to the rescue, and they all live happily ever after.
I did not find any of the characters compelling enough to run out right away and pick up the next book. If I happen to stumble on the next, I might read it. More humor or more suspense needs to be added to give it the extra spark that would make me want to be a loyal follower of this series.
OK, it might be possible to work with that.
For more than a hundred years, Granny Apples has been waiting around for just the right relative to see her and to fight to defend her name in a murder that she did not commit. Granny was accused of killing her husband and before she was able to clear her name, she too was murdered. Now Granny, through Emma, must find a way to clear her name and get her homestead back to the rightful owners.
Parts are twisty and you have to keep a couple characters straight, but other than that, the book falls somewhere in the so-so range of cozy mysteries. Ghost a la Mode follows the usual formula of small town murder, pet, man rides to the rescue, and they all live happily ever after.
I did not find any of the characters compelling enough to run out right away and pick up the next book. If I happen to stumble on the next, I might read it. More humor or more suspense needs to be added to give it the extra spark that would make me want to be a loyal follower of this series.
January 4, 2015
Upon starting this book I knew I’d picked up the right paranormal cozy mystery for my holiday reading. There’s just something about the tone, pace and style that feels right, you know? Ghost a la Mode has received variable reviews on Goodreads, but for me it really hit the spot. Then again, I’m willing to suspend a lot of disbelief in exchange for a good yarn and colourful characters, and that’s what I got!
With more than a little urging from ghost Granny Apples, Emma finds herself in her ancestor’s old gold rush town to investigate a hundred-year-old murder. Why? Initially, it was just because she had nothing better to do with her time, but Emma (and me) quickly becomes intrigued with the history of the town, her family, and the murder. It’s not one of those mysteries where you can work out whodunit before its revealed (because the reader doesn’t get exposed to all the facts until the end), but the sleuthing process was enjoyable enough to keep me turning the pages. I loved the search for clues, I loved the ghostly and lively banter, and I loved the main character (which is very important, of course) so I got plenty out of this book. Recommended as a casual read for lovers of the genre.
With more than a little urging from ghost Granny Apples, Emma finds herself in her ancestor’s old gold rush town to investigate a hundred-year-old murder. Why? Initially, it was just because she had nothing better to do with her time, but Emma (and me) quickly becomes intrigued with the history of the town, her family, and the murder. It’s not one of those mysteries where you can work out whodunit before its revealed (because the reader doesn’t get exposed to all the facts until the end), but the sleuthing process was enjoyable enough to keep me turning the pages. I loved the search for clues, I loved the ghostly and lively banter, and I loved the main character (which is very important, of course) so I got plenty out of this book. Recommended as a casual read for lovers of the genre.
May 4, 2015
I must be on a roll this year because every book that I've read has been a winner! I was thrilled when I won this book from Sue Ann Jaffarian! I read GHOST A LA MODE in two short sittings! It's funny & witty & totally entertaining! I was hooked by the quirky characters from page one. If life hadn't interfered I would have finished this book in one sitting. Granny Apples & her great-great-great granddaughter have me hooked! I can't wait to read the rest of this quirky Mystery series. I recommend this Cozy Mystery series who like a little supernatural mixed with humorours scenes! The catch frase in this story, for me, was "driving like Batman gone country!" I could see Batman dressed in a cowboy hat & boots wrangling with some serious bad guys!
April 1, 2010
This is the sentence on the back of the book that sold me: "This spirited new mystery series features the amateur sleuth team of Emma Whitecastle and the spirit of her pie-baking great-great-great-grandmother, Granny Apples."
My reading this book is I think a good indication of the state of my mind right now. Incapable of heavy, and in desperate need of fluffy characters with unrealistically manageable and tidy conflict. Though the "clever" title makes me think of trying to eat wispy threads of dead people and I am unsure about that.
My reading this book is I think a good indication of the state of my mind right now. Incapable of heavy, and in desperate need of fluffy characters with unrealistically manageable and tidy conflict. Though the "clever" title makes me think of trying to eat wispy threads of dead people and I am unsure about that.
March 18, 2018
An enjoyable read. Emma suddenly discovers she can see and hear her great great great grandmother, Ish Reynolds. Ish wants Emma to clear her name for a murder that she did not commit. Good characters and a good storyline. 3.5 stars
03.16.18
An enjoyable re-read. I want to continue the series and felt the need to catch up with the characters.
03.16.18
An enjoyable re-read. I want to continue the series and felt the need to catch up with the characters.
February 12, 2012
Really fun cozy mystery set in Julian, California. The author's descriptions of the old mining town in the mountains of San Diego County are spot on which made it more fun for me. I live about 30 miles from there and its a wonderful destination for a long weekend or even a Sunday drive.
February 2, 2012
Fun, fun cozy mystery ghost story. Couldn't put it down as I wanted to see how it turned out. Granny Apples is one heck of a character as a ghost. I think she must have been a real pistol when she was alive! I'd definitely read more in this series. Kindle freebie.
May 18, 2020
While not a true "believer", I did enjoy this ghost story. It was a good mystery, made quite humorous by the ghosts who frequented the story. A tiny touch of romance, a little bit of history, and a good "whodunit" mystery! Very enjoyable, quick, light and easy read. Hard to put down.
April 5, 2015
Pleasant Paranormal Romp
The perfect light-hearted ghost story to read on a Sunday afternoon or by the pool. Just the right mix of humor, mystery, and romance. If you aren't in the mood for "great literature" at the moment, this little story is perfect for you.
The perfect light-hearted ghost story to read on a Sunday afternoon or by the pool. Just the right mix of humor, mystery, and romance. If you aren't in the mood for "great literature" at the moment, this little story is perfect for you.
August 13, 2018
First book I have read by Sue Ann and it won't be the last. Great story, great characters (and ghost) and I love her writing style. It just flows and keeps your interest. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
March 25, 2013
I got this free on my nook and I actually really liked it. Not usually into too many cozy mysteries but I enjoyed this one enough to seek out the second one.
March 9, 2015
Very cute cozy! Loved it.
January 22, 2020
I really enjoyed book three of this series so jumped at the chance to listen to how it all began (book one) so glad I did because this book was just as good. The characters are so engaging I just love them, especially Granny Apples. The story is very clever the way Emma has to solve both an old murder with the help from ghosts and a new murder with bad guys shelve can actually send to jail, if they don't kill her first. I think this is going to be a great series and I am off to start book two.
When Emma heads to a seance as a favour to a friend she had no idea that the girls night out would change her life forever. She comes away with more than a few answered questions, namely the ghost of her great-great-great grandmother who needs her help. Granny Apples was hung for killing her husband and she wants Emma to prove her innocent and set the record straight. Granny Apples tried to get help from Emma's mother many years ago but has she now finally found the one person who can help her. Emma had to trace her roots back to a small town where she finds a whole lot more ghosts and ghostly mysteries one of them being a recently murdered man. Can Emma get help from the local living or will it just be the local ghost that keep her from harms way because someone wants what ever is buried in the small town town and will stop at nothing to get it.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing the ghostly presence running through the book to life, the living were good to.
When Emma heads to a seance as a favour to a friend she had no idea that the girls night out would change her life forever. She comes away with more than a few answered questions, namely the ghost of her great-great-great grandmother who needs her help. Granny Apples was hung for killing her husband and she wants Emma to prove her innocent and set the record straight. Granny Apples tried to get help from Emma's mother many years ago but has she now finally found the one person who can help her. Emma had to trace her roots back to a small town where she finds a whole lot more ghosts and ghostly mysteries one of them being a recently murdered man. Can Emma get help from the local living or will it just be the local ghost that keep her from harms way because someone wants what ever is buried in the small town town and will stop at nothing to get it.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing the ghostly presence running through the book to life, the living were good to.
March 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. I have to say learning at 30ish years that you can see and hear ghosts by going to a seance has to be scary. I think Emma handled as well as expected. I almost felt like I was in this book all day I have been like Emma wanting Apple Pie, it was hilarious that is how you know a book is good when you can crave what is in the book. I could not stop reading this book last night and was so mad I had 40 pages left by the time I forced myself to bed. At one point with all the ghosts I was so engrossed that I forgot I can't see ghost haha and almost didn't want to go to the bathroom.
In this series Emma is trying to solve her Great Great maybe another Great Grandma death she is accused of killing her husband which turns out to be false. A long the way she becomes friends with the person who ran the seance Milo and builds an even better connection with her BFF Tracy and a better bond with her mother. She does have a teenage daughter going off to college and soon to be ex husand who is a sleaze. I am glad to see her grow some courage and watch how she develops. I also like the side of love interest with Phil. Will definitely have to continue this series.
In this series Emma is trying to solve her Great Great maybe another Great Grandma death she is accused of killing her husband which turns out to be false. A long the way she becomes friends with the person who ran the seance Milo and builds an even better connection with her BFF Tracy and a better bond with her mother. She does have a teenage daughter going off to college and soon to be ex husand who is a sleaze. I am glad to see her grow some courage and watch how she develops. I also like the side of love interest with Phil. Will definitely have to continue this series.
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