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Book 105, 2016
Dec. 9th, 2016 10:22 pmI began reading Murder on the House late yesterday, took it to bed with me to continue reading, then finished it today. It's part of Juliet Blackwell's "Haunted Home Renovation" series.
Contractor Melanie "Mel" Turner has been asked to bid on restoring an historic home in San Francisco. It's allegedly haunted, and the owners want to turn it into a haunted B&B. When she first arrives at the house, the door is opened by Annabelle, a young girl, who leads her to an empty parlor. Mel soon learns that Annabelle is one of the ghosts, and the owners are astounded that she was able to see the girl so soon after arriving. Mel is eager to renovate the historic old home, but the catch is, she is expected to spend the night in the house, along with her competition, Josh Avery of Avery Builders. Mel brings along friends Stephen and Claire for support.
While there, a few small odd things happen. The elderly home owner, Mrs Bernini, goes out to walk in her gardens. Not long after, toys begin flying down the stairwell, and everyone flees the house in fear. They stop outside to regroup, and Mel sees Mrs Bernini walking along the pathway. When no one else can see her, Mel gets a bad feeling. All of them go to the garden and find the old woman at the bottom of an unused well.
With a murder investigation ongoing, renovations are put on hold, but Mel wants another chance to get into the home to try speaking to Annabelle again. She also takes the opportunity to question neighbors and friends of Mrs Bernini to see who may have had a motive to kill her.
I really enjoyed this book. This time, the ghosts weren't terrifying, but the mystery of what happened to Annabelle's family, as well as the mystery surrounding Mrs Bernini's death, was compelling. It was fun to reconnect with familiar characters and meet some new ones. I loved Mel's sarcastic wit, whether she was speaking to someone or simply thinking it.
Favorite lines:
♦ "You're right--the only thing that would have improved this evening would have been me shooting at people."
♦ "I don't suppose...I mean you wouldn't be interested in going over to the Bernini house with me, would you?" / "The haunted house you ran screaming into the night to escape? The one where a little old lady was killed last night?" / "That would be the one."
♦ "Yes, but I have an evil plan. I'll neglect my own work in favor of protecting you, and then when I go out of business, you'll feel so guilty you'll be compelled to sleep with me."
Excellent! Five stars!
*****
Contractor Melanie "Mel" Turner has been asked to bid on restoring an historic home in San Francisco. It's allegedly haunted, and the owners want to turn it into a haunted B&B. When she first arrives at the house, the door is opened by Annabelle, a young girl, who leads her to an empty parlor. Mel soon learns that Annabelle is one of the ghosts, and the owners are astounded that she was able to see the girl so soon after arriving. Mel is eager to renovate the historic old home, but the catch is, she is expected to spend the night in the house, along with her competition, Josh Avery of Avery Builders. Mel brings along friends Stephen and Claire for support.
While there, a few small odd things happen. The elderly home owner, Mrs Bernini, goes out to walk in her gardens. Not long after, toys begin flying down the stairwell, and everyone flees the house in fear. They stop outside to regroup, and Mel sees Mrs Bernini walking along the pathway. When no one else can see her, Mel gets a bad feeling. All of them go to the garden and find the old woman at the bottom of an unused well.
With a murder investigation ongoing, renovations are put on hold, but Mel wants another chance to get into the home to try speaking to Annabelle again. She also takes the opportunity to question neighbors and friends of Mrs Bernini to see who may have had a motive to kill her.
I really enjoyed this book. This time, the ghosts weren't terrifying, but the mystery of what happened to Annabelle's family, as well as the mystery surrounding Mrs Bernini's death, was compelling. It was fun to reconnect with familiar characters and meet some new ones. I loved Mel's sarcastic wit, whether she was speaking to someone or simply thinking it.
Favorite lines:
♦ "You're right--the only thing that would have improved this evening would have been me shooting at people."
♦ "I don't suppose...I mean you wouldn't be interested in going over to the Bernini house with me, would you?" / "The haunted house you ran screaming into the night to escape? The one where a little old lady was killed last night?" / "That would be the one."
♦ "Yes, but I have an evil plan. I'll neglect my own work in favor of protecting you, and then when I go out of business, you'll feel so guilty you'll be compelled to sleep with me."
Excellent! Five stars!
*****
