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Merry Ghost Inn #2
Doom with a View
With the arrival of six senior reading group members at the Merry Ghost Inn, the long-awaited Grand Opening week has finally begun for Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza. All is well with the Oregon coast-side B&B until Melanie's dog, Max, finds the dead body of one of their guests. Everyone at the inn immediately falls under suspicion, including the innkeepers themselves. Melanie and Liza are not sure who they can trust, and the idea of cohabitating with a murderer is enough to send chills down anyone's spine. To make matters worse, the curmudgeonly town detective wants them to steer clear of the investigation, but doesn't seem too inspired to solve the case in a timely fashion himself. To clear their own names and to avoid the blight on the inn's reputation that yet another dead body will bring, Melanie and Liza dive headlong into the murder investigation. With a little help from their chuckling ghost, Melanie and Liza dodge the detective, tip-toe around their suspicious guests, and still serve up delicious Bed & Breakfast meals on time in Kate Kingsbury's delightful second Merry Ghost Inn mystery, Doom with a View.
278 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2017
64 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kingsbury
63Ìýbooks559ÌýfollowersKate Kingsbury grew up in London, England, and at a very early age began telling stories to her school friends during the London Blitz of WW II while huddling in bomb shelters. Kate moved to the U.S. in the early sixties, and had passed her 50th birthday when she published her first book. Writing as Doreen Roberts, (her real name at the time) she published 26 romance novels for Harlequin/Silhouette. In 1991 her first Pennyfoot Hotel book was published and since then Kate has written 35 mysteries, including the Manor House mysteries, the Bellehaven House mysteries(written as Rebecca Kent) and the Raven's Nest mysteries, (written as Allison Kingsley.) Her new series, The Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries debuted in January, 2017 with Dead and Breakfast, featuring a B & B on the Oregon coast. She has one son, Regan, and lives with her husband, Bill, in the beautiful state of Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
August 23, 2017
Doom with a View is the second book in the Merry Ghost Inn cozy mystery series by Kate Kingsbury. In the first book Melanie and Liza had purchased the B&B that had it's own little twist of being possibly haunted and they had nicknamed their ghost Orville. While in the process of remodeling a skeleton was found and of course with the body being older the police weren't pushing the case to the forefront so the ladies were worried they wouldn't be able to open without the crime solved began questioning and searching the case themselves.
Now it's finally opening week at the Merry Ghost Inn owned by Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza and six senior reading group members have checked in to stay at the bed and breakfast located on the Oregon coast. All is going well for the ladies and their long awaited guests until the next morning they find the body of one of the guests outside having fallen from their balcony and fail to find a pulse.
As the police arrive they find that the death looks highly suspicious and think that the victim may have been pushed. With all of the guests under suspicion they are asked not to leave until the investigation is done. Melanie and Liza know that they have a whole new group booked at the Inn in the coming week so the ladies begin their own investigation to help the police wrap the case up quickly.
Having read both books in this series I can honestly call myself a fan really having enjoyed both installments now. This cozy mystery series has the elements that I enjoy from this genre with extremely likable characters and a unique setting with a bed and breakfast with it's very own laughing ghost that plays a small part in each read.
While I would highly recommend starting the series from the beginning to gain the character and world building that takes place over the course of both reads this one can be read as a standalone if preferred. The mystery within the pages of each book is fully solved in the individuals books so it wouldn't be totally necessary to have read the first. After having read both myself I definitely plan on continuing this series and look forward to see what will be in store for Melanie and Liza next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
Now it's finally opening week at the Merry Ghost Inn owned by Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza and six senior reading group members have checked in to stay at the bed and breakfast located on the Oregon coast. All is going well for the ladies and their long awaited guests until the next morning they find the body of one of the guests outside having fallen from their balcony and fail to find a pulse.
As the police arrive they find that the death looks highly suspicious and think that the victim may have been pushed. With all of the guests under suspicion they are asked not to leave until the investigation is done. Melanie and Liza know that they have a whole new group booked at the Inn in the coming week so the ladies begin their own investigation to help the police wrap the case up quickly.
Having read both books in this series I can honestly call myself a fan really having enjoyed both installments now. This cozy mystery series has the elements that I enjoy from this genre with extremely likable characters and a unique setting with a bed and breakfast with it's very own laughing ghost that plays a small part in each read.
While I would highly recommend starting the series from the beginning to gain the character and world building that takes place over the course of both reads this one can be read as a standalone if preferred. The mystery within the pages of each book is fully solved in the individuals books so it wouldn't be totally necessary to have read the first. After having read both myself I definitely plan on continuing this series and look forward to see what will be in store for Melanie and Liza next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
April 10, 2021
This is a cozy mystery. This is the 2nd book in the Merry Ghost Inn, and I have read the first book in this series already. I really loved this book. This series has two main characters a Grandmother (Liza) and a Grand-daughter (Melanie) that opens up an Inn on the Oregon coast after Liza's husband dies and Melanie got divorce. I found the pacing of this book very good, and the book made me want to keep reading to find out what happen. If you like cozy mystery with a little supernatural things going on then you should give this book a chance. (*)
August 31, 2017
As blustery Fall winds cool the Oregon coast, Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza, open the Merry Ghost Inn. They didn't expect to have the grand opening so late in the year, but their new business venture was delayed by six months after a fire damaged a large part of the building. With all the repairs and renovations finally completed, Melanie and Liza welcome their first guests, a senior citizen group from Portland. The six seniors are members of a book club and all live in the same retirement community. After just one day at the Inn, things go drastically wrong when one of the group, a cranky troublemaker that none of them really liked, is found dead in the driveway outside. When the police discover that Walter Dexter's fall from the second floor balcony wasn't an accident, Melanie, Liza and their assistant, Cindi, start investigating. Who sawed the balcony railings so that Walter would fall to his death? Could one of their seemingly harmless elderly guests be a murderer?
Doom With a View is the second book in the Merry Ghost Inn series. I haven't read the first book yet, but easily followed the characters and plot of this new book. I adore Melanie, Liza and Cindi. They are all different, but very strong, determined and intelligent women. I also enjoy how Liza is sure their resident ghost (they call him Orville) is real....but Melanie thinks it's some defect in the house. That sound of laughter they all hear....Melanie contends it couldn't possibly be a ghost. It has to be the house settling.
The book is a quick read at less than 200 pages. The mystery is fast paced and doesn't bog itself down in fluff and unnecessary details. It gets right down to business with the dead body popping up in Chapter 1. Boom -- dead guest. Right to the point. I have no problem with that. I don't like it when I'm reading a mystery novel and get through almost half of it before there is any mystery. This book cuts to the chase immediately. It doesn't just focus on the deceased guest and investigation though...there is plenty of speculation about Orville the Ghost, quite a bit of character development, interaction with side characters...good story building. I liked the fast pace, and the setting. The characters are quirky and interesting. The mystery had plenty of suspects and surprises. Max the dog is the required loyal fur face, helping his owners solve the crime and barking at empty space -- or is it Orville? :)
All in all, a fun cozy mystery! Once I started reading, I moved book one, Dead and Breakfast, to the top of my TBR pile. I want to enjoy more Melanie and Liza antics while I wait for book 3!
Kate Kingsbury is a pen name used by author Doreen Roberts Hight. She also writes the Pennyfoot Hotel series and Manor House Mysteries under the same pseudonym. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website:
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Doom With a View is the second book in the Merry Ghost Inn series. I haven't read the first book yet, but easily followed the characters and plot of this new book. I adore Melanie, Liza and Cindi. They are all different, but very strong, determined and intelligent women. I also enjoy how Liza is sure their resident ghost (they call him Orville) is real....but Melanie thinks it's some defect in the house. That sound of laughter they all hear....Melanie contends it couldn't possibly be a ghost. It has to be the house settling.
The book is a quick read at less than 200 pages. The mystery is fast paced and doesn't bog itself down in fluff and unnecessary details. It gets right down to business with the dead body popping up in Chapter 1. Boom -- dead guest. Right to the point. I have no problem with that. I don't like it when I'm reading a mystery novel and get through almost half of it before there is any mystery. This book cuts to the chase immediately. It doesn't just focus on the deceased guest and investigation though...there is plenty of speculation about Orville the Ghost, quite a bit of character development, interaction with side characters...good story building. I liked the fast pace, and the setting. The characters are quirky and interesting. The mystery had plenty of suspects and surprises. Max the dog is the required loyal fur face, helping his owners solve the crime and barking at empty space -- or is it Orville? :)
All in all, a fun cozy mystery! Once I started reading, I moved book one, Dead and Breakfast, to the top of my TBR pile. I want to enjoy more Melanie and Liza antics while I wait for book 3!
Kate Kingsbury is a pen name used by author Doreen Roberts Hight. She also writes the Pennyfoot Hotel series and Manor House Mysteries under the same pseudonym. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website:
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 29, 2017
Doom With A View by Kate Kingsbury is the second in the Merry Ghost Inn series and was a very enjoyable read. The renovations on the Merry Ghost Inn are complete, and the first group of guests has checked in. Unfortunately, one guest permanently checks out. I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy and enjoyable read. The storyline is well plotted and the characters were believable with interesting pasts of their own. The characters of Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, are the best part of this series for me. They love each other and share a very touching relationship. It seems like a realistic relationship with Melanie worrying about her grandma and Liza playing matchmaker. Their bickering and banter were fun to read about and it brought a lot of humor to the book. I can’t help but think of my grandmother as the writing invokes many memories.
The plot was smoothly written and quickly paced with twists and turns. Ms. Kingsbury's descriptive writing has built a world that makes me want to visit Sully's Landing and meet the other citizens that live and vacation there. The mystery will keep you guessing through the entire book. There were plenty of suspects to consider and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. There is also the ongoing mystery of the disappearance of Melanie’s mother many years ago. I like that that mystery has been carried on throughout the series and I’m anxious to find out what will be discovered. Last but certainly not least, the character of Orville the resident laughing ghost. He adds additional humor to the series and raises underlying questions regarding the mystery that surrounds him. I hope we find out more about his identity in future books. This is a fun, cozy series that holds unlimited potential and will provide readers the perfect escape.
A huge thank you to the author, Crooked Lane, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review an advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot was smoothly written and quickly paced with twists and turns. Ms. Kingsbury's descriptive writing has built a world that makes me want to visit Sully's Landing and meet the other citizens that live and vacation there. The mystery will keep you guessing through the entire book. There were plenty of suspects to consider and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. There is also the ongoing mystery of the disappearance of Melanie’s mother many years ago. I like that that mystery has been carried on throughout the series and I’m anxious to find out what will be discovered. Last but certainly not least, the character of Orville the resident laughing ghost. He adds additional humor to the series and raises underlying questions regarding the mystery that surrounds him. I hope we find out more about his identity in future books. This is a fun, cozy series that holds unlimited potential and will provide readers the perfect escape.
A huge thank you to the author, Crooked Lane, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review an advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2017
This was the second book in this series but the first one that I have read. It works perfectly as a stand alone mystery but it was so capturing that I will read the first installment as well.
Melanie and her grandmother Liza, the owners of the Merry Ghost Inn are welcoming their first group of guests to the B&B. The body of one of their guests is discovered outside the next morning and everyone becomes a suspect. There are many twists and turns in this smoothly told story that kept me on my toes. Some characters seem more suspicious than others but the reveal is a big surprise.
Orville, the ghost in the B&B is a fun addition that doesn't interfere with the mystery and makes for a nice part of the subplot. I am sure he will provide some interesting shenanigans in the future. Also the banter between Doug, the owner of the uncommon hardwarestore/bar combination and Liza made me chuckle. I hope we can look forward to some more interactions between those two.
This is an easy read with wonderfully drawn characters that will make you longing for more.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with a copy.
Melanie and her grandmother Liza, the owners of the Merry Ghost Inn are welcoming their first group of guests to the B&B. The body of one of their guests is discovered outside the next morning and everyone becomes a suspect. There are many twists and turns in this smoothly told story that kept me on my toes. Some characters seem more suspicious than others but the reveal is a big surprise.
Orville, the ghost in the B&B is a fun addition that doesn't interfere with the mystery and makes for a nice part of the subplot. I am sure he will provide some interesting shenanigans in the future. Also the banter between Doug, the owner of the uncommon hardwarestore/bar combination and Liza made me chuckle. I hope we can look forward to some more interactions between those two.
This is an easy read with wonderfully drawn characters that will make you longing for more.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with a copy.
July 7, 2017
I enjoyed this swift paced cozy mystery! The renovations on the Merry Ghost Inn are complete, and the first group of guests have checked in. The grand opening suffers a setback when a male guest is found lifeless in the driveway.
The main characters, Melanie and Lisa (granddaughter and grandmother) have grown in character since book one. They handle stress better and they're getting used to Orville, the ghost. The author does a great job plotting and kept me guessing as to who the killer was--a lot of people seemed guilty! I would enjoy staying at this haunted Bed & Breakfast on the beautiful Oregon coastline. This is a great book to spend a cozy afternoon reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane.
The main characters, Melanie and Lisa (granddaughter and grandmother) have grown in character since book one. They handle stress better and they're getting used to Orville, the ghost. The author does a great job plotting and kept me guessing as to who the killer was--a lot of people seemed guilty! I would enjoy staying at this haunted Bed & Breakfast on the beautiful Oregon coastline. This is a great book to spend a cozy afternoon reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane.
October 9, 2018
The renovations on the Merry Ghost Inn are complete, and the first group of guests has checked in. Unfortunately, the first night they are in residence, one of the guests falls off the balcony and is found the next morning dead in the driveway. This time, the guests are all suspects, so can not leave the Inn until the case is solved. This leaves Melanie and her grandmother, Liza worried about their next set of guests due in a week. Time to put themselves into investigator mode again.
The storyline is well plotted and the characters were believable with interesting pasts of their own. I love the characters of Melanie and her grandmother, Liza. They love each other and share a very touching relationship. It is a realistic relationship with Melanie worrying about her grandma and Liza playing matchmaker. Their bickering and banter were fun to read about and it brought a lot of humor to the book. I love the British expressions that creep into Liza's dialogue. I enjoy the burgeoning romance between Liza and the hardware store owner as well as the one between Melanie and the police detective. Their lighthearted teasing is cute. I can't forget about Orville, the resident laughing ghost. He adds additional humor to the series and drops hints for Liza to interpret. The ladies have found out that his name in life was Arthur, but they like Orville better and it seems he does as well. The plot was smoothly written and well-paced with just enough twists. The mystery will keep you guessing through the entire book. There were several suspects and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. I did not figure out the murderer until it was revealed in the story. I am also enjoying the ongoing side mystery of what happened to Melanie's mother. Melanie is beginning to ask questions and I hope this mystery is eventually solved. This is a fun, cozy series that has enough mystery surrounding it to make for an interesting series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. The narrator does a great job with the story and the voices of the various characters. When she says "bugger" I can see Liza speaking those words. I definitely recommend this book, and if you enjoy audiobooks, this is a good one to listen to as well.
The storyline is well plotted and the characters were believable with interesting pasts of their own. I love the characters of Melanie and her grandmother, Liza. They love each other and share a very touching relationship. It is a realistic relationship with Melanie worrying about her grandma and Liza playing matchmaker. Their bickering and banter were fun to read about and it brought a lot of humor to the book. I love the British expressions that creep into Liza's dialogue. I enjoy the burgeoning romance between Liza and the hardware store owner as well as the one between Melanie and the police detective. Their lighthearted teasing is cute. I can't forget about Orville, the resident laughing ghost. He adds additional humor to the series and drops hints for Liza to interpret. The ladies have found out that his name in life was Arthur, but they like Orville better and it seems he does as well. The plot was smoothly written and well-paced with just enough twists. The mystery will keep you guessing through the entire book. There were several suspects and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. I did not figure out the murderer until it was revealed in the story. I am also enjoying the ongoing side mystery of what happened to Melanie's mother. Melanie is beginning to ask questions and I hope this mystery is eventually solved. This is a fun, cozy series that has enough mystery surrounding it to make for an interesting series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. The narrator does a great job with the story and the voices of the various characters. When she says "bugger" I can see Liza speaking those words. I definitely recommend this book, and if you enjoy audiobooks, this is a good one to listen to as well.
August 10, 2017
Doom With A View is the second book in the A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery series.
Renovation and repairs from a fire have been completed and Mel and her grandmother, Liza are looking forward to hosting their first guests. The guests are comprised of 4 ladies and two gentlemen who all belong to the same book club and live in a retirement community in Portland.
To help kick off their new venture, Mel and Liza have hired their assistant, Cindi’s boyfriend, Nick Hazelton to do magic tricks. Nick’s act needs a little polishing, but Walter Dexter, one of the guests, can’t help heckling him. Nick kept his composure, while a couple of the other guests told Walter to be quiet and not ruin the evening for everyone.
The next morning as Mel is about to take Max, her rescue dog, for his morning walk she she’s what looks like a pile of clothes at the end of the inn’s drive. As she gets closer she sees that it is the body of Dexter. The police are called and when Ben Carter arrives he gets the basic information from Mel and begins to study the scene. He soon notices that the railing on the balcony is broken and after inspecting the railing he sees saw marks and the balcony is sealed off as a possible crime scene.
Mel and Liza begin to do a little sleuthing to so that the current guests can leave and they will be able to get ready for the group that is
coming in.
Nick is at the top of the list as they know nothing about him, or for that matter, not much is known about Cindi either. But as they begin to talk to the quests no one seems overly upset that Dexter has been killed.
Also, a continuing subplot is the ghost Orville, as they have named him. His jovial laughter continues to be heard in the inn. Even Mel is beginning to believe that the inn is truly haunted, especially when clues mysteriously start showing up. Also, Mel is still searching the internet for possible leads as to where her mother might be if in fact, she is still alive.
This is wonderful new series and thinks that those who don’t like “ghost stories� will enjoy this one. Orville is a happy ghost and is always laughing and at times when a laugh is needed, too.
Looking forward to the next book in this young series.
Renovation and repairs from a fire have been completed and Mel and her grandmother, Liza are looking forward to hosting their first guests. The guests are comprised of 4 ladies and two gentlemen who all belong to the same book club and live in a retirement community in Portland.
To help kick off their new venture, Mel and Liza have hired their assistant, Cindi’s boyfriend, Nick Hazelton to do magic tricks. Nick’s act needs a little polishing, but Walter Dexter, one of the guests, can’t help heckling him. Nick kept his composure, while a couple of the other guests told Walter to be quiet and not ruin the evening for everyone.
The next morning as Mel is about to take Max, her rescue dog, for his morning walk she she’s what looks like a pile of clothes at the end of the inn’s drive. As she gets closer she sees that it is the body of Dexter. The police are called and when Ben Carter arrives he gets the basic information from Mel and begins to study the scene. He soon notices that the railing on the balcony is broken and after inspecting the railing he sees saw marks and the balcony is sealed off as a possible crime scene.
Mel and Liza begin to do a little sleuthing to so that the current guests can leave and they will be able to get ready for the group that is
coming in.
Nick is at the top of the list as they know nothing about him, or for that matter, not much is known about Cindi either. But as they begin to talk to the quests no one seems overly upset that Dexter has been killed.
Also, a continuing subplot is the ghost Orville, as they have named him. His jovial laughter continues to be heard in the inn. Even Mel is beginning to believe that the inn is truly haunted, especially when clues mysteriously start showing up. Also, Mel is still searching the internet for possible leads as to where her mother might be if in fact, she is still alive.
This is wonderful new series and thinks that those who don’t like “ghost stories� will enjoy this one. Orville is a happy ghost and is always laughing and at times when a laugh is needed, too.
Looking forward to the next book in this young series.
March 10, 2018
First of all-Orville is a kick! He is the merry ghost of The Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries which Doom with a View is #2. The Merry Ghost Inn’s first guests arrive. As the opening had to be postponed because of a fire, Liza (the grandmother, but what a grandmother!) and Melanie (the granddaughter) welcome their guests near Halloween, and decide to throw a Halloween party. Well, as this is a mystery, there needs to be a dead person, and sure enough, one of their guests is found dead the morning after the party. Grumpy, the lead detective, has already warned Liza and Melanie to stay out of his way-no sleuthing is to be done by these two, but Grumpy is slow. Thus, Liza and Melanie have to help, don’t they? This cozy mystery is fun, but a wee bit nerve wracking with a possible murderer staying at The Merry Ghost Inn. Looking forward to #3. I am definitely a Kate Kingsbury fan!
July 21, 2018
One and half stars.
I've tried to read this book once before and marked it as 'couldn't get into it.' I thought now that I've read the first book and know the characters now, I would like it better. I really didn't. The first book was fun and breezy, even if the mystery was the least interesting part of it. This one seemed to drag. There's too much repetition and too little plot. The mystery itself seems like a second or third string plot line.
Melanie's search for her mother seems like a page suck; it takes time that could have been used on actually creating mystery and tension, and I, for one, am not interested in it. Also, Melanie's obsession with not being able to have biological children is annoying and completely unnecessary. Her ex-husband should be hated because he's a stalker with controlling tendencies, not because he once got them in an accident that left Melanie unable to have children.
I honestly hoped the ghost would play more of a role in the story. I was hoping for paranormal mystery after all, or I wouldn't have picked up this book. But the ghost is reduced to laughing and moving things around, and it is, once again, something that takes up pages the author could have better used on an actual plot line. I expect very little from cozy mysteries, but this was just boring.
I've tried to read this book once before and marked it as 'couldn't get into it.' I thought now that I've read the first book and know the characters now, I would like it better. I really didn't. The first book was fun and breezy, even if the mystery was the least interesting part of it. This one seemed to drag. There's too much repetition and too little plot. The mystery itself seems like a second or third string plot line.
Melanie's search for her mother seems like a page suck; it takes time that could have been used on actually creating mystery and tension, and I, for one, am not interested in it. Also, Melanie's obsession with not being able to have biological children is annoying and completely unnecessary. Her ex-husband should be hated because he's a stalker with controlling tendencies, not because he once got them in an accident that left Melanie unable to have children.
I honestly hoped the ghost would play more of a role in the story. I was hoping for paranormal mystery after all, or I wouldn't have picked up this book. But the ghost is reduced to laughing and moving things around, and it is, once again, something that takes up pages the author could have better used on an actual plot line. I expect very little from cozy mysteries, but this was just boring.
July 11, 2017
Over the weekend I read Kate Kingsbury's Doom with a View, the second in the Merry Ghost Inn Mystery series from Crooked Lane Books. This cozy was off to a good start with book one and I was really looking forward to reading book two. I enjoyed the mystery but was pleased to get to know the main characters a little bit better. The main character Melanie is in herself a complex character you can not help but feel for, her grandmother who insists on being called by her first name is a bit quirky and the young girl working for them has me intrigued and hoping for more with their stories in addition to the murder mystery. I think that the mystery of Melanie's missing mom, the laughing mysterious ghost in the house and Melanie's tragic past are far more interesting as a reader and then as a bonus you get a complicated mystery. All in all I think this was a good second in series and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead with the next set of guests who arrive at the Merry Ghost Inn. This book is out in September and can be ordered in advance now.
November 13, 2017
After the skeleton and fire in the first book Melanie and Liza are settling in with the opening week of the B&B, they have an assistant (who is a little startling when you first see her and she seems to dress as a Goth all the time but other than that she is a hard worker and they are grateful to have her), as this falls over Halloween they have set up a small party with their assistant's boyfriend doing a magic show - but one of the elderly book club visitors isn't getting into the swing of things and spends the whole time griping at the magician!
Unfortunately the next morning Melanie and her dog Max find the grouch dead on the drive and this appears to be no accident.Ìý So Melanie and Liza need to figure out if the Magician, their assistant or one of the other guests is a cold blooded murderer (add in Officer Grumpy who is telling them to stay well away from the investigation and the fact that none of the other guests appear to be telling the truth - oh their ghost still chuckling away and they have their hands well and truly full.)
Unfortunately the next morning Melanie and her dog Max find the grouch dead on the drive and this appears to be no accident.Ìý So Melanie and Liza need to figure out if the Magician, their assistant or one of the other guests is a cold blooded murderer (add in Officer Grumpy who is telling them to stay well away from the investigation and the fact that none of the other guests appear to be telling the truth - oh their ghost still chuckling away and they have their hands well and truly full.)
July 2, 2022
I liked this one better than the first. There’s a subplot of Melanie searching for her mom, the ex husband popping in and out of her life, and the murder of a guest. The grandmother- sigh. The jury is out on her.
October 10, 2017
The Merry Ghost Inn located on the coast of
Oregon has finally opened. The opening had
been delayed because a fire had destroyed
part of the Inn. With renovations completed,
the Inn is open for business.
The first visitors are a book club from Portland.
It is a group of six senior citizens who all live in
the same retirement community.
What could mar the new business....how about
the dead body of one of the book club?
Max, the Inn’s dog alerts them to his find. What
happen to the man??
The police discover the man fell from the upstairs
balcony. They also discover the railings were cut.
Who would want this man dead? It seems to be a
pre-meditated.
Melanie and Liza are warned to steer clear of
investigating the crime by the ill tempered detective.
Will his warning prevent them from investigating??
No way!!! They need to clear their names and save
the Inn’s reputation.
A well written mystery with a cast of colorful, vivid,
well created characters. Even the laughing ghost
finds it’s way into the story.
Great antics, anticipation, adventure, suspense
with twists and turns moving at a fast pace.
This is book # 2 the Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Doom with a View. Thanks to
the author via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for
this book. My opinion is my own.
Oregon has finally opened. The opening had
been delayed because a fire had destroyed
part of the Inn. With renovations completed,
the Inn is open for business.
The first visitors are a book club from Portland.
It is a group of six senior citizens who all live in
the same retirement community.
What could mar the new business....how about
the dead body of one of the book club?
Max, the Inn’s dog alerts them to his find. What
happen to the man??
The police discover the man fell from the upstairs
balcony. They also discover the railings were cut.
Who would want this man dead? It seems to be a
pre-meditated.
Melanie and Liza are warned to steer clear of
investigating the crime by the ill tempered detective.
Will his warning prevent them from investigating??
No way!!! They need to clear their names and save
the Inn’s reputation.
A well written mystery with a cast of colorful, vivid,
well created characters. Even the laughing ghost
finds it’s way into the story.
Great antics, anticipation, adventure, suspense
with twists and turns moving at a fast pace.
This is book # 2 the Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Doom with a View. Thanks to
the author via The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for
this book. My opinion is my own.
August 5, 2019
I couldn't resist downloading book two after having so much fun with the first book! I adored the idea of a haunted B&B, and the mystery of Orville and why he is there. They haven't fully explored that yet, nor the disappearance of Mel's mother, so there is even more mysteries to come.
I felt like this suffered in places as the dreaded 'book two' but it picked up by the end to have a good, well rounded mystery. It was great that EVERYONE had motive/means, and there was enough red herrings to keep me guessing. Throw in the on/off romance of Mel and Ben (which admittedly, hasn't steamed up yet) and I know there is plenty more to look forward to.
The characters as always were the delight in this one, and now we have Cindi added to the mix. Her past and her relationships hinder her in this book, but I think she's an interesting character with real potential for growth in the coming books. It's always a good thing when a book leaves you wanting more!
Can't wait to start the next one. four stars.
I felt like this suffered in places as the dreaded 'book two' but it picked up by the end to have a good, well rounded mystery. It was great that EVERYONE had motive/means, and there was enough red herrings to keep me guessing. Throw in the on/off romance of Mel and Ben (which admittedly, hasn't steamed up yet) and I know there is plenty more to look forward to.
The characters as always were the delight in this one, and now we have Cindi added to the mix. Her past and her relationships hinder her in this book, but I think she's an interesting character with real potential for growth in the coming books. It's always a good thing when a book leaves you wanting more!
Can't wait to start the next one. four stars.
November 7, 2021
3.5
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but there were a few things that irked me with this one. Without giving spoilers I'll just say that Melanie's actions both upon discovering the body and withholding information from the police were unbelievable and frustrating. Yes, I know this is a cozy and we have to give some leeway when it comes to procedure etc but this went way beyond that.
I liked the mystery and the characters and love Max the rescue mutt! The ghost aspect of this series is very subtle so if you're looking for a paranormal cozy this one doesn't quite fit the bill.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but there were a few things that irked me with this one. Without giving spoilers I'll just say that Melanie's actions both upon discovering the body and withholding information from the police were unbelievable and frustrating. Yes, I know this is a cozy and we have to give some leeway when it comes to procedure etc but this went way beyond that.
I liked the mystery and the characters and love Max the rescue mutt! The ghost aspect of this series is very subtle so if you're looking for a paranormal cozy this one doesn't quite fit the bill.
November 3, 2023
2.5 stars (Audible). If these weren't free on the plus catalog, I might not read/listen to them. Always a decent plot, but the story development + characters are often unpolished.
September 27, 2017
Doom With a View, Kate Kingsbury
I highly enjoyed Doom With a View, the 2nd installment of the Merry Ghost Inn Mystery Series. I would recommend this book (series) to anyone who enjoys a good Cozy Mystery! The Characters, Melanie and Liza are a great example of how a grandmother and grand daughter can be great friends, and I am really starting to like Ben, his character needs more page time in the next book! The inn's renovations are nicely described, so the reader can set the new scene in their minds.
The Merry Ghost Inn is finally opening for business after a terrible fire nearly destroyed the historical property and Melanie and Liza are about to burst from the excitement! Their inaugural group is a book club from a retirement community in Portland. The first night ends on a rather sour note when their grouchy guest, Walter, heckles the magical entertainment. Breakfast time comes and Max the dog is barking outside, so Melanie checks on her furry companion, only to find Walter, dead in the driveway, initially it looks like natural causes or an accident, those thoughts are dashed by a tampered with balcony rail, his death is deemed murder. Detective Dutton, the resident homicide investigator/pain in the back-side, is quick to begin questioning everyone and tells the ladies that no one can leave until they catch the killer and everyone is a suspect. Seeing as no one liked Walter, but no one has a clear motive, solid alibi, or any hard evidence, it seems that they are going to be spending a lot of time together. Between the Giggling ghost, handsome local L.E.O. Ben Carter, a possible sighting of her missing mother and living with a killer, the ladies are going to be lucky to get out of this alive! With new guests due to arrive on Sunday afternoon, Melanie and Liza are going to have to do a little investigating themselves, or their grand opening could be the nail in the coffin of The Merry Ghost Inn.
I received this book as an advance reader's copy for free. In no way did this effect my opinion or review.
I highly enjoyed Doom With a View, the 2nd installment of the Merry Ghost Inn Mystery Series. I would recommend this book (series) to anyone who enjoys a good Cozy Mystery! The Characters, Melanie and Liza are a great example of how a grandmother and grand daughter can be great friends, and I am really starting to like Ben, his character needs more page time in the next book! The inn's renovations are nicely described, so the reader can set the new scene in their minds.
The Merry Ghost Inn is finally opening for business after a terrible fire nearly destroyed the historical property and Melanie and Liza are about to burst from the excitement! Their inaugural group is a book club from a retirement community in Portland. The first night ends on a rather sour note when their grouchy guest, Walter, heckles the magical entertainment. Breakfast time comes and Max the dog is barking outside, so Melanie checks on her furry companion, only to find Walter, dead in the driveway, initially it looks like natural causes or an accident, those thoughts are dashed by a tampered with balcony rail, his death is deemed murder. Detective Dutton, the resident homicide investigator/pain in the back-side, is quick to begin questioning everyone and tells the ladies that no one can leave until they catch the killer and everyone is a suspect. Seeing as no one liked Walter, but no one has a clear motive, solid alibi, or any hard evidence, it seems that they are going to be spending a lot of time together. Between the Giggling ghost, handsome local L.E.O. Ben Carter, a possible sighting of her missing mother and living with a killer, the ladies are going to be lucky to get out of this alive! With new guests due to arrive on Sunday afternoon, Melanie and Liza are going to have to do a little investigating themselves, or their grand opening could be the nail in the coffin of The Merry Ghost Inn.
I received this book as an advance reader's copy for free. In no way did this effect my opinion or review.
September 30, 2017
Doom with a View is an enjoyable and delightful book. Its setting, The Merry Ghost Inn Bed & Breakfast in coastal Oregon, is perfect for the story of the mysterious death of a cantankerous member of a senior citizen's book club visiting the Inn for its grand opening. When the police announce that the death was a homicide, Melanie and her expat British grandmother, Liza, the owners of the The Merry Ghost Inn, decide to investigate to save its reputation. During their investigation, even more mysteries pop up, and everyone is suspect. There is also the matter of the Inn's ghost, named Orville by Liza. Orville makes himself known by his boisterous laugh, and even though Liza is a firm believer in Orville's existence, Melanie is not so sure and thinks it may be the plumbing in the Inn -- another mystery. This book left me guessing until its very satisfying end.
Doom With a View is the second in the Merry Ghost Inn Series (the first being Dead and Breakfast), but can definitely stand on its own, although it certainly makes you want to read the first book, as this one was so entertaining. Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, are both strong and likable characters, and I found myself really enjoying their relationship and banter. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Doom With A View, and know you will find it to be a fresh and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Doom With a View is the second in the Merry Ghost Inn Series (the first being Dead and Breakfast), but can definitely stand on its own, although it certainly makes you want to read the first book, as this one was so entertaining. Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, are both strong and likable characters, and I found myself really enjoying their relationship and banter. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Doom With A View, and know you will find it to be a fresh and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 1, 2022
Mel and Liza survived the murder plot of book 1 and the inn is finally open!
Doom with a View was every bit as cute as the first book, but I felt the murder plot was more cohesive in this story. 's mystery reached far beyond the scope of the town so it was hard for me to point the finger at anyone in particular, but Doom with a View benefits immensely from being a locked room mystery.
I really enjoyed following Mel and Liza run their business, it's cute as heck! They're just as OTT and cartoony as in the first book but I've elected to lean into it. (My only problems are how they leave the dog in the car a lot and the way they treat their goth staffer which would have me quitting ASAP)
This book got me keen for book 3 - I'm intrigued to see if Liza and Doug finally get together, and if we get answers about Mel's mother!
Doom with a View was every bit as cute as the first book, but I felt the murder plot was more cohesive in this story. 's mystery reached far beyond the scope of the town so it was hard for me to point the finger at anyone in particular, but Doom with a View benefits immensely from being a locked room mystery.
I really enjoyed following Mel and Liza run their business, it's cute as heck! They're just as OTT and cartoony as in the first book but I've elected to lean into it. (My only problems are how they leave the dog in the car a lot and the way they treat their goth staffer which would have me quitting ASAP)
This book got me keen for book 3 - I'm intrigued to see if Liza and Doug finally get together, and if we get answers about Mel's mother!
September 13, 2017
Bed and breakfast…and a dead body?
It is the Grand Opening of the Merry Ghost Inn B & B, and innkeepers Melanie West and her grandmother Liza are doing everything they can to make certain their first guests have a wonderful stay. All seems to be going according to plan until one of those guests is found murdered. With an inn now full of suspects who aren’t allowed to leave, a grumpy detective who is taking his sweet time solving the case, and the next round of guests scheduled to arrive in days with no place to put them, Melanie and Liza see no alternative but to dive headlong into finding the murder themselves.
Filled with wonderfully well-drawn and unforgettable characters, including a chuckling ghost who frequently makes himself known, and a mystery that kept me turning pages to the very end, Doom with a View, Kate Kingsbury’s second Merry Ghost Inn mystery, is an thoroughly delightful read.
(Advance Reading Copy obtained by request from NetGalley.)
It is the Grand Opening of the Merry Ghost Inn B & B, and innkeepers Melanie West and her grandmother Liza are doing everything they can to make certain their first guests have a wonderful stay. All seems to be going according to plan until one of those guests is found murdered. With an inn now full of suspects who aren’t allowed to leave, a grumpy detective who is taking his sweet time solving the case, and the next round of guests scheduled to arrive in days with no place to put them, Melanie and Liza see no alternative but to dive headlong into finding the murder themselves.
Filled with wonderfully well-drawn and unforgettable characters, including a chuckling ghost who frequently makes himself known, and a mystery that kept me turning pages to the very end, Doom with a View, Kate Kingsbury’s second Merry Ghost Inn mystery, is an thoroughly delightful read.
(Advance Reading Copy obtained by request from NetGalley.)
June 29, 2017
Doom With A View
Merry Ghost Inn, Book #2
Kate Kingsbury
5 Stars
Synopsis:
With the arrival of six senior reading group members at the Merry Ghost Inn, the long-awaited Grand Opening week has finally begun for Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza. All is well with the Oregon coast-side B&B until Melanie's dog, Max, finds the dead body of one of their guests. Everyone at the inn immediately falls under suspicion, including the innkeepers themselves. Melanie and Liza are not sure who they can trust, and the idea of cohabitating with a murderer is enough to send chills down anyone's spine. To make matters worse, the curmudgeonly town detective wants them to steer clear of the investigation, but doesn't seem too inspired to solve the case in a timely fashion himself. To clear their own names and to avoid the blight on the inn's reputation that yet another dead body will bring, Melanie and Liza dive headlong into the murder investigation. With a little help from their chuckling ghost, Melanie and Liza dodge the detective, tip-toe around their suspicious guests, and still serve up delicious Bed & Breakfast meals on time in Kate Kingsbury's delightful second Merry Ghost Inn mystery, Doom with a View. (Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I thought that they both showed growth from the previous book and it was nice to get to know them a little better. I enjoyed reading about all of the situations that they got themselves into and how they were relentless in trying to solve the murder. Although they did not always see eye-to-eye on everything and on the way they needed to conduct their investigation, they always respected each other and listened to each other’s ideas. Their bickering and banter were fun to read about and it brought a lot of humor to the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place around me.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects to consider (all the people staying at the inn) and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. And there is the ongoing mystery mystery of what happened to Melanie’s mother many years ago. I like that that mystery has been carried on throughout the series and I’ll be interested to find out what happens with that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. If you are not really into paranormal stories, this book is rather light in that aspect. I would like there to be more of a ghostly interaction, perhaps in future books.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Merry Ghost Inn, Book #2
Kate Kingsbury
5 Stars
Synopsis:
With the arrival of six senior reading group members at the Merry Ghost Inn, the long-awaited Grand Opening week has finally begun for Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza. All is well with the Oregon coast-side B&B until Melanie's dog, Max, finds the dead body of one of their guests. Everyone at the inn immediately falls under suspicion, including the innkeepers themselves. Melanie and Liza are not sure who they can trust, and the idea of cohabitating with a murderer is enough to send chills down anyone's spine. To make matters worse, the curmudgeonly town detective wants them to steer clear of the investigation, but doesn't seem too inspired to solve the case in a timely fashion himself. To clear their own names and to avoid the blight on the inn's reputation that yet another dead body will bring, Melanie and Liza dive headlong into the murder investigation. With a little help from their chuckling ghost, Melanie and Liza dodge the detective, tip-toe around their suspicious guests, and still serve up delicious Bed & Breakfast meals on time in Kate Kingsbury's delightful second Merry Ghost Inn mystery, Doom with a View. (Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I thought that they both showed growth from the previous book and it was nice to get to know them a little better. I enjoyed reading about all of the situations that they got themselves into and how they were relentless in trying to solve the murder. Although they did not always see eye-to-eye on everything and on the way they needed to conduct their investigation, they always respected each other and listened to each other’s ideas. Their bickering and banter were fun to read about and it brought a lot of humor to the book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place around me.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects to consider (all the people staying at the inn) and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out who the culprit was. And there is the ongoing mystery mystery of what happened to Melanie’s mother many years ago. I like that that mystery has been carried on throughout the series and I’ll be interested to find out what happens with that.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. If you are not really into paranormal stories, this book is rather light in that aspect. I would like there to be more of a ghostly interaction, perhaps in future books.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 1, 2018
The revelation of the killer is so unrealistic and they keep accusing people of murder with the excuse of “we are trying to find out the truth!� Aside from that I had a real issue on how the first book treated adoption. I gave the second book a chance but I couldn’t even enjoy the mystery because of how dismissive the main character was of the relationship between adopted children and their parents. Many women are not able to have children and she makes it seem like they are less of a woman because they can’t have children. Aside from that I did not like the gaslighting and abusive relationship that the mc has with her ex husband. Like I said, it shocked me how the mc treated adoption but the way the husband handles it is just abusive. I don’t think I’ll read the next book because it seems like the abusive husband and poor handling of adoption will be recurring topics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2017
It's the grand opening of A Merry Ghost Inn and Melanie and Lisa are ready to go.
When their guests arrive, everyone settles in for an exciting time.
Unfortunately, the death of one of the guests makes everyone a suspect and Melanie and her grandmother, Liza have to do everything they can to save themselves and their bed and breakfast.
This is the second book in this fun series and the first one I've read. I enjoyed the story and meeting all the characters that make up this charming story.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
When their guests arrive, everyone settles in for an exciting time.
Unfortunately, the death of one of the guests makes everyone a suspect and Melanie and her grandmother, Liza have to do everything they can to save themselves and their bed and breakfast.
This is the second book in this fun series and the first one I've read. I enjoyed the story and meeting all the characters that make up this charming story.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
September 24, 2017
Things aren’t always what they seem…especially when you’re dealing with a group of senior citizens!
Melanie and her Grandmother Liza are having the grand opening of their Inn on the coast of Oregon and throw a costume party with a magician for their first guests, all members of a reading club and all senior citizens. One guest in particular seems to take immense pleasure in heckling the magician and turns up dead the next morning, having taken a fall from the hotel balcony that shows sign of having been tampered with. Did the magician come back for revenge? Was it one of the frail, senior members of the book club? No one is speaking, at least not to the police, and with everyone in the Inn a suspect, no one can leave town. Before long lips the guests start making comments and talking to Melanie and Liza, who begin dissecting every work and trying to figure out who the murderer is before their next group of guests is set to arrive.
With some great breakfast menus and a cast of supporting characters that makes you want to book a visit to the Merry Ghost Inn, you'll find yourself immersed in the story and wanting to spend time with Melanie, Liza, their assistant Cindi, Max the rescue dog, and Orville the Inn's resident chuckling ghost.
While this is the second book in the series, I had not read the first one and I found that it is a great stand alone book and while it made a reference to some previous troubles that were addressed in the first book and it didn't require me to have read it. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this new book to read and found that it is one of the few cozies where I didn't feel like the main characters took dangerous and unnecessary risks in their sleuthing that put themselves in grave danger. A great read with a rescue dog, good food, wine, and Cindi spelled the right way! Already have the first on my must read list and can't wait for book three to come out and plan to check out Kate's other series, The Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries.
Melanie and her Grandmother Liza are having the grand opening of their Inn on the coast of Oregon and throw a costume party with a magician for their first guests, all members of a reading club and all senior citizens. One guest in particular seems to take immense pleasure in heckling the magician and turns up dead the next morning, having taken a fall from the hotel balcony that shows sign of having been tampered with. Did the magician come back for revenge? Was it one of the frail, senior members of the book club? No one is speaking, at least not to the police, and with everyone in the Inn a suspect, no one can leave town. Before long lips the guests start making comments and talking to Melanie and Liza, who begin dissecting every work and trying to figure out who the murderer is before their next group of guests is set to arrive.
With some great breakfast menus and a cast of supporting characters that makes you want to book a visit to the Merry Ghost Inn, you'll find yourself immersed in the story and wanting to spend time with Melanie, Liza, their assistant Cindi, Max the rescue dog, and Orville the Inn's resident chuckling ghost.
While this is the second book in the series, I had not read the first one and I found that it is a great stand alone book and while it made a reference to some previous troubles that were addressed in the first book and it didn't require me to have read it. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this new book to read and found that it is one of the few cozies where I didn't feel like the main characters took dangerous and unnecessary risks in their sleuthing that put themselves in grave danger. A great read with a rescue dog, good food, wine, and Cindi spelled the right way! Already have the first on my must read list and can't wait for book three to come out and plan to check out Kate's other series, The Pennyfoot Hotel Mysteries.
November 5, 2017
There are so many things right about this series!! The coastal, small-town setting, the relationship between Lisa & Melanie, an old B&B haunted by a charming ghost who laughs! Add in recipes, a dog, a missing mother, and some fantastic "side" characters, and the Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries are definitely winners in my book - a series with tons of promise that I will definitely follow. This being said, I thought the first book was better written than this one. While I still enjoyed Doom With a View and will keep reading future installments, the characters seemed to lose some depth in this one. In one of the first scenes, people step over a dead body to put the quiche in on time and then close their eyes in bliss when eating it, all while a dead body is lying in the rain in their driveway. Liza was much more of a caricature, the stereotypical match-making, kooky, older female relative. I would love to see more of her and her relationship with Melanie. One of my favorite things is her blossoming relationship with the hardware store/ pub owner, Doug - a fabulously drawn character!! Their dialogue is spot-on. I'd also like to see Melanie make some friends in town. The mystery in this book was well plotted with many red herrings, which came together very nicely in a satisfying ending. Overall, this is one of the best new series I've picked up in a while and I highly recommend it for a wonderful cozy read. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review - my opinions are strictly my own.
September 21, 2017
I'm always on the lookout for new cozies and this one sounded appealing with a B&B in a new location and a possible ghost. And since it's the second in the series, I figured it would be easy to jump in, which it was.
After some troubles while they were remodeling, they are finally ready for business. But shorty after their first group arrives, they notice tension in the group and then one of them dies, apparently of murder. After the previous murder at their location, Melanie and Liza are understandably worried about how this will affect their reputation both locally and professionally.
Although warned by the police to stay out of the investigation and not meddle, the ladies decide to help themselves, and the police, by quietly making inquiries. Their guests have been told by the police to stay put during the investigations but that means the next group of registered guests would have no place to stay. Melanie and Liza are also trying to get more information about the ghost who may or may not haunt the inn and Melanie begins a romance while dealing with some personal issues.
Melanie, Liza, Cindi their assistant, and all of the characters were enjoyable even though some were hard to like. Liza was quirky almost to the point of grating, Kingsbury is treading a fine line. The other characters though were engaging and interesting. The mystery kept me guessing though there were hints sprinkled throughout the story for readers who are paying attention. The personal issues that Melanie was dealing with dragged down the story a bit but they are interesting, just needed to woven into the story more carefully. As for Orville the ghost, is he real or not? I was leaning toward real by the end of the story but Kingsbury doesn't give a definitive answer. "Doom with a View" was a fun and interesting mystery.
After some troubles while they were remodeling, they are finally ready for business. But shorty after their first group arrives, they notice tension in the group and then one of them dies, apparently of murder. After the previous murder at their location, Melanie and Liza are understandably worried about how this will affect their reputation both locally and professionally.
Although warned by the police to stay out of the investigation and not meddle, the ladies decide to help themselves, and the police, by quietly making inquiries. Their guests have been told by the police to stay put during the investigations but that means the next group of registered guests would have no place to stay. Melanie and Liza are also trying to get more information about the ghost who may or may not haunt the inn and Melanie begins a romance while dealing with some personal issues.
Melanie, Liza, Cindi their assistant, and all of the characters were enjoyable even though some were hard to like. Liza was quirky almost to the point of grating, Kingsbury is treading a fine line. The other characters though were engaging and interesting. The mystery kept me guessing though there were hints sprinkled throughout the story for readers who are paying attention. The personal issues that Melanie was dealing with dragged down the story a bit but they are interesting, just needed to woven into the story more carefully. As for Orville the ghost, is he real or not? I was leaning toward real by the end of the story but Kingsbury doesn't give a definitive answer. "Doom with a View" was a fun and interesting mystery.
October 1, 2017
Melanie and her grandmother Liza are excited to finally be celebrating the grand opening of their B&B, The Merry Ghost Inn with their first group of guests. The senior reading group is entertained by a magician who is working hard to win over all of the guests despite the heckling he is receiving from Walter, the grumpiest member of the group. All Melanie and Liza's hard work seems to be paying off until Max, the dog finds Walter dead in the driveway the next morning.
Suddenly life at the Merry Ghost Inn becomes tangled in a murder, throwing Melanie and Liza's dream of running a successful B&B into possible ruin. They must figure out a way to help the police find the killer that is probably living in the B&B with them. All this must happen quickly before the next guests are due to arrive.
The women try everything from discussions with the guests to a seance to try to find the killer despite being warned to stay out of the case by the lead detective.
I really enjoyed the close relationship between Melanie and Liza. They have a strong bond but still lovingly squabble as relatives tend to do when you live and work closely together. I also enjoyed the snippets of ghostly suggestion without it seeming forced into the story.
I was sent a copy of this book for review. This did not influence my review in any way.
Suddenly life at the Merry Ghost Inn becomes tangled in a murder, throwing Melanie and Liza's dream of running a successful B&B into possible ruin. They must figure out a way to help the police find the killer that is probably living in the B&B with them. All this must happen quickly before the next guests are due to arrive.
The women try everything from discussions with the guests to a seance to try to find the killer despite being warned to stay out of the case by the lead detective.
I really enjoyed the close relationship between Melanie and Liza. They have a strong bond but still lovingly squabble as relatives tend to do when you live and work closely together. I also enjoyed the snippets of ghostly suggestion without it seeming forced into the story.
I was sent a copy of this book for review. This did not influence my review in any way.
October 1, 2017
Doom With A View by Kate Kingsbury is the second in the Merry Ghost Inn series and was a very enjoyable read. I love visiting the inn set on the Oregon coast and would love to book a visit myself to the inn.
Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, have finally opened the inn. Ms. Kingsbury has developed these characters well and it was great to get to know them better in this book. There first group is a seniors book club and on the first night one of their members is pushed from a balcony. Inspector "Grumpy" Dutton (as Liza calls him)is back to solve the case. The plot was smoothly written and quickly paced with twists and turns. Ms. Kingsbury's descriptive writing has built a world that makes me want to visit Sully's Landing and meet the other citizens that live there. There is mystery arc regarding Melanie's mother who disappeared when Melanie was a child that I am completely intrigued by and hope to learn more about with each additional book in the series. All in all, a lovely afternoon read and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books. All of the above opinions are my own.
Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, have finally opened the inn. Ms. Kingsbury has developed these characters well and it was great to get to know them better in this book. There first group is a seniors book club and on the first night one of their members is pushed from a balcony. Inspector "Grumpy" Dutton (as Liza calls him)is back to solve the case. The plot was smoothly written and quickly paced with twists and turns. Ms. Kingsbury's descriptive writing has built a world that makes me want to visit Sully's Landing and meet the other citizens that live there. There is mystery arc regarding Melanie's mother who disappeared when Melanie was a child that I am completely intrigued by and hope to learn more about with each additional book in the series. All in all, a lovely afternoon read and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 11, 2017
Doom with a View is the second book in the Merry Ghost Inn series by Kate Kingsbury.
I had not read the first book in the series and found this easy to read as a stand-alone story. I really enjoyed it and am now reading the first book to fill in the story about Melanie an Liza getting the Inn.
Melanie and Liza are having the grand opening of their inn and one of the guests suffers a misfortune.
Just like in life, if I’m going to be spending time with people, I want them to be likeable. I enjoyed the time spent with Melanie and her grandmother Liza. It seems like a realistic relationship with Melanie worrying about her grandma and Liza playing matchmaker. Cindi is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing if she continues to fit in. With the setting being an inn, it allows for a lot of different characters to come in and a lot of future storylines. And of course, there is Orville, the merry ghost.
A lot of books have contrived reasons for people not getting together and I’ve never seen the issue with Melanie before. It will be interesting to see how things play out between her and Ben.
The one thing that I didn’t like was when Melanie and Liza unnecessarily put themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. That is something that bothers me when intelligent women do silly things.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one to see what is in store for the Merry Ghost Inn.
I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I had not read the first book in the series and found this easy to read as a stand-alone story. I really enjoyed it and am now reading the first book to fill in the story about Melanie an Liza getting the Inn.
Melanie and Liza are having the grand opening of their inn and one of the guests suffers a misfortune.
Just like in life, if I’m going to be spending time with people, I want them to be likeable. I enjoyed the time spent with Melanie and her grandmother Liza. It seems like a realistic relationship with Melanie worrying about her grandma and Liza playing matchmaker. Cindi is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing if she continues to fit in. With the setting being an inn, it allows for a lot of different characters to come in and a lot of future storylines. And of course, there is Orville, the merry ghost.
A lot of books have contrived reasons for people not getting together and I’ve never seen the issue with Melanie before. It will be interesting to see how things play out between her and Ben.
The one thing that I didn’t like was when Melanie and Liza unnecessarily put themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. That is something that bothers me when intelligent women do silly things.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one to see what is in store for the Merry Ghost Inn.
I received this book as a gift and am voluntarily reviewing it.
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