The Hostess With the Ghostess is the ninth (!) in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series by E.J. Copperman, but it’s also an excellent starting point. Particularly since it’s moved to a new publisher (Crooked Lane Books) and is appearing in hardcover for the first time. A new reader can find out everything they need expressed through Copperman’s breezy narration as characters are introduced and events recapped, and a long-time reader will appreciate the reminders, since it has been a couple of years since the last installment.

Alison Kirby runs a guesthouse on the Jersey shore. (A guesthouse is like a bed & breakfast without the breakfast.) She’s assisted by her teen daughter; they both see ghosts. The two ghosts originally in the house were the snarky Maxie and the wannabe detective Paul. In return for Alison helping Paul solve murders, the spirits do shows for the guests, who are attracted by the idea of staying in a place that’s haunted.

In this book, Paul, after finally figuring out how to leave the location of his death, has gone traveling, but his snotty brother Richard has shown up, recently deceased. A lawyer, he’d been defending an heiress accused of drowning her stepfather in the bathtub. As events unfold, Alison tries to figure out who killed Richard, who killed the stepfather, and where Paul is.

I’ve enjoyed most of Copperman’s other mysteries I’ve read — he’s also responsible for the Asperger’s Mystery series, the Mysterious Detective series, and the Agent to the Paws mystery series — and this was no exception. Since it’s a paranormal cozy, the reader needs to be able to accept the presence of ghosts to enjoy the stories, but they have different personalities and a limitation on magic ways to solve problems.

It’s the character interactions that make the read enjoyable, as Alison alternately argues with or questions a variety of annoying suspects and supporting cast, including a medium, the woman running the local paper, and a police detective. The light-hearted humor keeps the read entertaining and moving along.

Another fun entry in this paranormal cozy series. Alison Kerby and her daughter, Melissa, run a boarding house at the Jersey Shore that is inhabited by two ghosts, Paul and Maxie. Paul's brother is murdered and comes looking for help from Paul. If anyone remembers the movie or tv series Topper, you will recognize the light hearted tone, sarcastic but with a heart.

The Hostess with the Ghostess by E.J. Copperman is the ninth book in A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series. Alison Kerby owns the Haunted Guesthouse in Harbor Haven, New Jersey. The spook shows have lost their luster since Paul Harrison departed to see the world, so Alison has assembled the group to see how to improve them. They are talking when a new ghost arrives and introduces himself as Richard Harrison, Paul’s brother. He is looking for his PI brother because he needs his assistance. Richard was a criminal defense attorney defending Cassidy Van Doren who was accused of murdering her stepfather. It seems that Richard had stumbled upon something that would clear Cassidy of the crime, and Richard was silenced before he could reveal it. Alison, with the help of her ghostly sidekicks, sets out to find Paul as well as who framed Cassidy and murdered Richard. Someone, though, is not happy with Alison’s inquiries and attempts to derail her investigation. Where is Paul and will Alison be able to find him? Can Alison find the murderer so Richard can move on or will she become the killer’s next victim?

The Hostess with the Ghostess is the ninth book in the A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, and I suggest reading the books in order. Otherwise, the numerous characters can be confusing (at least for the first several chapters). The author does provide the details on how Alison along with her mother and daughter came to see ghosts. Other details include her purchase of the guesthouse and her recent marriage (hubby has a minor role in book). The first half of the book felt very circular (like I was on a merry-go-round). The same details are gone over again and again (lots of speculation and reiteration). The plot failed to move forward (and my attention started wandering because I was bored). Several times I wanted to give up on the book (but I persevered). Progress is made in the second half of the story. The mystery plays out slowly with clues provided as Alison discovers them or someone remembers to impart an important detail. One little tidbit gives away the identity of the killer. I am glad that Alison is more open to detective work (finally), but she needs to work on her questioning technique. Alison alienates people with the way she asks questions. I like the relationship between Alison and her daughter. Melissa is my favorite character, and I hope she will have a bigger role in the future. There is humor in the story thanks to the ghosts and their various antics. The Hostess with the Ghostess is a light-hearted cozy mystery with quirky characters (alive and dead), a mystery and zany humor that will appeal to many readers.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Alison Kerby's Haunted Guesthouse has been relatively peaceful as of late. With Paul off seeing the world, the resident ghosts are Maxie and her husband Everett. Alison's dad comes over to help with the ghost shows that are put on twice daily for the guests of the Inn. Suddenly a new ghost is on the scene. It is Paul's older brother, Richard who has been recently murdered. While working on a case of a rich man's death by drowning in the bathtub, Richard is killed because he is getting too close to the truth of the drowning case. Ghostly Richard seeks Paul professionally to exonerate the woman who is on trial for that murder. Alison has no way to contact Paul, and in desperation she takes a personal ad out in the local newspaper. She is surprised and pleased when Paul actually reads the ad and comes back to the guesthouse. Before long, Paul and Alison are back in the PI business, trying to solve both Richard's murder as well as the bathtub drowning murder.

With a mixed cast of ghosts, family, friends, and guests, the lively group insures that life is never dull! Paul and Maxie take over the legwork of the investigation, while Maxie and Richard search computer records. Of course Alison must continue to run the guesthouse, which includes helping each guest have the best experience possible. Richard has little patience for Alison stopping to help guests, but fortunately Paul is more understanding.

I like the humor throughout the book, especially when the medium who "knows" Paul is in pain, comes and talks to an empty wall!I also liked the complex interweaving of the two murders and the surprising conclusion. Alison and Paul make a great team, and each book involves additional help from other key characters. The series, and this book in particular, is enjoyable, and surprisingly believable because the author makes the ghosts seem like breathing people. A lighthearted way to deal with murder, death, and beyond!

The Hostess with the Ghostess, book 9 in the series is sure to be a hot with paranormal cozy fans.
Alison Kerby, her daughter Melissa and the rest of the gang are back in this para-cozy whodunit.
This book carries on with Alison and her haunted guesthouse- but her best friend and local ghost Paul is out exploring the world. When she received a visit from the "other side" she couldn't be more shocked to find out who it is.

Using the Ghoster-net, Alison needs to get Paul back and fast to help solve this unbelievable mystery.

I have read all the books in this series and this one is just as enjoyable as the others.
The author really tells a great story and her characters are absolutely believable.

I read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

This was a funny cozy mystery with interesting characters. It's a quick and enjoyable read, and I spent an afternoon enjoying it. I hadn't read all the books in the series, which left me a little confused at times, but not so much that I didn't enjoy the book.

Alison owns a Haunted Guesthouse where the guests love to come see the ghosts "perform" and show off. The ghosts are real, and they live there but some can come and go. They have helped Alison solve cases in other books. In this book, Paul, one of Alison's primary ghosts, returns to find that the case that needs solving is his own brother Richard's death. As Alison and her ghostly friends look into Richard's death, she's put in danger and the ghosts have to help her.

I enjoyed this charming book, and definitely recommend it. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Hostess with the Ghostess: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery
By E.J. Copperman
Crooked Lane
January 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

In the four years since her divorce, single mother Alison Kerby purchased, renovated, and established a successful Inn in her hometown of Harbor Haven, New Jersey. That success stems in no small part to it being marketed as a Haunted Guesthouse, with regularly scheduled ghost appearances by the residing specters. Much of the “life,” so to speak, has gone out of the hauntings ever since the departed private detective Paul Harrison departed once again, his newly freed spirit no longer anchored to the property. Paul’s ex-client and similarly deceased Maxie Malone does she can to make up his absence in her ghostly performances, but being a newlywed to yet another ghost has her a bit distracted. Alison could use a replacement for Paul’s focused presence, but she never expected that it would come in the form of his brother, Richard. Especially considering since the last anyone had heard, he was very much alive.

It seems that the formerly living attorney Richard Harrison had been in the middle of a vital case, and he demands that Paul help him with a client. Cassidy Van Doren may have been the first person to discover the drowned body of her stepfather in his bathtub, but Richard is certain that not only is she innocent, she is in danger of being murder herself. When Paul does return from his walkabout, he feels obligated to assist his older brother along with the help of his private investigator apprentice, a very reluctant Alison. As she and her precocious teenaged daughter begin eliminating suspects and tracking down alibis and motives, Alison worries that Paul’s regression into a submissive younger brother relationship may cause him to ignore his instincts and miss vital clues.

This continues to be a delightful and extraordinarily fun series that is difficult to summarize but so easy to enjoy. A newlywed herself, Alison has learned to manipulate Maxie into doing what the eternal young spirit might otherwise balk at, considering her self-involvement and dramatic tendencies. The family bond betwwen the Kerby women, including Alison’s similarly ghost-aware mother, is as relatable and as it is enviable to behold. It shouldn’t be too surprising that a Haunted Guesthouse attracts its share of eccentric guests, which leads to Alison essentially passing “do you like me” notes between senior singles. Author E.J. Copperman/Jeff Cohen continues to showcase his sharp and wry humor, blending them with moments of true emotion and sentiments. A multitude of unexpected turns will surprise even the most jaded of mystery readers, concluding with a finale as satisfying as it is just. The Haunted Guesthouse series is one that continues to entertain, with every new entry guaranteed to deliver its share of laughs of gasps.

This is the first book I have read in this series, and I can't wait to read more. The mystery was well written and a bit shocking. The reveal managed a nice balance between suspense and humor.

DNF @50%

I've seriously been trying to read this one for two weeks, and I just CANNOT get into it. Alas, I am going to have to throw in the towel and call it a day.

Another great entry in a most enjoyable paranormal mystery series. I have been a fan from the first book and had no trouble enjoying this one thoroughly. I would advise a reader new to this series to,, by all means, read this one now, as a standalone but make sure to then go back and read the rest In order. You won't be disappointed. Alison and her family are very well drawn and the mystery is well plotted. In this one Alison has to figure out how to find a missing ghost and how to keep from becoming one herself. Full of humor, a major plus for this reader.

I received this from NetGalley to read and review. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but jumped at the chance to read this one, mostly because I enjoy reading about ghosts and other paranormals. While I enjoyed this book, I think a reader should start from the beginning of the series and read the books in order, as that will help her/him better understand and appreciate this one. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but sometimes all the missing back stories and the multitude of characters got to be too confusing and difficult for me to fully understand and appreciate.

In this story, Alison Kirby, who runs a haunted guesthouse, where people can mingle with ghosts and the paranormal, tries to find a missing ghost, Paul, who, now that he can leave the property (he could not previously), has left to go out in the world beyond the guest house. Paul’s brother Richard, a lawyer who was recently murdered, has arrived at the guest house, and is convinced his then client is innocent of the crime for which she is on trial, and wants Paul, a former PI, to help his client find out what really happened. Alison, a reluctant PI herself, undertakes the mission to find Paul. As Alison gets into her investigation, it becomes apparent that the real murder does not want her snooping around finding answers.

This is a pretty good cozy mystery. As I said, it probably would help to read the series from the beginning, as it all might read better and be more enjoyable. I enjoyed watching the characters, who were able, mingle with the ghosts. The story moves along at a good pace. The cast of characters is quirky and funny. The plot well done and interesting. I think anyone who enjoys a good cozy as well as a touch of the paranormal will enjoy this one.
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Things are never quiet for long at the Haunted Guesthouse. Right as Alison Kerby finally gets some peace, long-time deceased Paul Harrison’s recently murdered brother, Richard, shows up looking for the ghostly detective. Paul left for parts unknown months ago, and Alison doesn’t know how to find him. She’s going to need to because Richard’s isn’t the only murder still left unsolved.

As she searches for Paul, Alison discovers that Richard, who was a lawyer, was working a case for a woman accused of murdering her stepfather. It quickly becomes clear that Richard was getting too close to the truth and was forcibly kept quiet. Now as Alison continues her investigation, she gets a creeping sensation that the murderer doesn’t appreciate her snooping around. If she doesn’t stop, she’ll be next victim.

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Series: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery - Book 9
Author: E. J. Copperman http://www.ejcopperman.com/
Genre: Paranormal/Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/

The Hostess With the Ghostess is an unusual mystery. Many of the main characters are dead, and most of those that are living cannot only see ghosts but can talk to them as well. Even the characters that can’t see or talk to the ghost have a valuable part to play in solving not one, but two murders.

Alison is a great detective, but a reluctant one. She doesn’t want to admit that she actually enjoys solving crimes with the dead detective, Paul. When Paul’s older brother, Richard shows up unannounced and dead, she finds herself once again jumping into a murder investigation and in desperate need of Paul coming to her rescue. With the help of several ghosts, her teenage daughter, mother, and father and her husband, she sets out to solve Richards murder and the one that got him killed.

Mr. Copperman has created a fast-paced story with original characters and a wonderful plot. The story has many twists and turns, none bigger than the ending. A cast of characters who are dead is unusual and keeps the reader on edge throughout the pages. Book nine in the “A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery” is a great addition to the series and will keep readers entertained for hours.

The Hostess With the Ghostess is a fun story. However, this is not a standalone book, and it will be helpful for readers to read the previous books in the series to get a good idea of who each character is and the part they play overall. This book and series are highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a good who-done-it and likes their characters dead and alive, and their stories with twists they didn’t expect.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

I’ve seen a few dazzling reviews for earlier books in this series so when the opportunity came, I couldn’t say boo to the latest paranormal cozy from the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery. A ghostly detective and a reluctant human partner with a wry sense of humor led me on a fun chase down of clues to the culprit in The Hostess With the Ghostess.

The Hostess With the Ghostess is book nine in the Haunted Guesthouse series. I leaped in and did alright, but I have to admit that it would have been better getting this series in order from the beginning when Alison bought the guest house and began seeing ghosts including the one of private detective Paul.

This installment is a reunion of sorts when Paul returns from ghosting about the world to find that his own brother is the latest case for him and Alison to tackle. In Paul’s absence, Alison has grown less hostile toward the idea of detective work and voluntarily searches for Paul to come help solve the murders that have occurred.

Alison’s posse of friends, family, and ghosts are a fun and varied group. I liked the addition of her quirky guests as well. Alison has some Jersey Girl moxy that gets her through the situations seeing ghosts can land her in and, with the help of everyone, she makes it through the investigation slowly, but surely. She and Paul make a good team- he felt like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes to me with his lack of social skills and single-mindedness toward his case along with his clever skills.

I confess there were times that my mind drifted and things seemed to lag, but at others, I was right back in it and excited to see what came next. This has ghosts and murder in it, but it’s a lightweight in tone. The clues to the mystery are trickled out as they are discovered or a character remembers to say something (looking at you Richard’s ghost) so it was not one that I could have figured out early on.

The Hostess With the Ghostess was a fun one and I definitely want to go back for more of this engaging paranormal cozy mystery series. I think cozy mystery fans would get a kick out of these.

The most lovely thing about these Ghost stories is how plausible they seem. E.J. Copperman writes a wonderful series and gets the characters both dead and alive just right. From the Innkeeper and her 13 year old daughter to the ghosts in residence and all those they encounter this series is a great one to get carried away in. This is a particularly interesting mystery, I found it complex and compelling and the side story moving. As this is one of several books in the series I have read I felt like it was a visit with old friends. Celebrating with them in their triumphs and feeling worried and anxious for them in their hardships too. So much to love about a haunted guesthouse, an investigative team of both living and nonliving and just the right amount of magic.

This is a humorous book with a huge spectrum of characters. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times as I read this book. I love the ghost of her dad!

This is perfect for some laughter. It's a good weekend read.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of my favorite series. Alison and family are back trying to solve Paul's brother's murder as well as the murder case he was working on. Lots of fun, laughs and suspects.

I don't read many para-cozies. And the ones I do, I prefer they deal with ghosts. That of course was bound to lead me to E.J. Copperman's Haunted Guest House Mysteries. THE HOSTESS WITH THE GHOSTESS has to be the most entertaining so far. A really fast paced story with fun characters, and a wonderful whodunit, E.J. Copperman's newest is a hit!

I have read every book in this series and this latest installment is another great addition to the series. The characters and plot were both well developed and interesting. It moved along at a nice pace and kept my interest. It’s another great installment to a well crafted series.

The Hostess with the Ghostess is the newest in The Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Series. Admittedly, I have only read one of the series before - the first one. However it was memorable enough that when I saw the name of the series, I knew which it was. I was hopeful that I would enjoy this cozy, and I was not disappointed.

Before we even get into the story, there is a long list of the Cast of Characters, including brief descriptions. I thought the author did a good job of not inundating the reader with all the characters right at the beginning, and confusing me, but it was nice to have the list as a reference since the list is quite lengthy.

I love the treatment of ghosts in these books. They are complete characters, with emotions. Of course, I'm one of those people that would travel to stay at a Haunted Guesthouse, so perhaps I am biased.

The plot is interesting with not one but two murders to solve. The characters are relatable, even the dead ones. Paul is concerned with his brother's problems, and desperate for his approval, just like a living person.

After this one, I will definitely be putting this series on my "to-buy" list. .The only thing I don't like is that Josh doesn't see the ghosts. Come on...can't he get conked on the head and see them too?!