There were two different mysteries (present and past) that were being solved. Although both were interesting the older mystery didn't hold my attention through all of the background information. I enjoyed the present day people (not much too that mystery) and would have liked to know more about them. Since this was the first book in the series I can only hope those characters get more time in the spotlight.

what i would call a "gentle" read if a murder mystery can be considered gentle. jordan is trying to escape the notoriety of a very public divorce and murder and finds herself in port chatham - the owner of historic home in serious need of 'fixing' up. while solving the mystery of the death in the home she bought 100 years previously, she discovers she can see ghosts. the characters are a little excessive and not always believable, but the stories of the past are very interesting. a good murder mystery.

Pure beach read...fluffy and entertaining. Set in a coastal Pacific Northwestern town, the book is part mystery, part paranormal, part historical fiction with a little (very little, thank God) romance thrown it. Fun, likeable characters. I'll be looking for "Ghost Ship" soon.

Cosy murder mystery is about right. Story has a few twists and the end came a bit sudden but otherwise a very nice nimbly kind of ghost story with the mystery thrown in, you could almost imagine shaggy and scooby showing up! Will definitely look for the next in the series. Final point, don't know who did the cover art, but it added to the whole feel of the book, so well done

HAUNTING JORDAN could be a paranormal amateur sleuth, but there is a grit to it that moves it to paranormal suspense. Jordan has been accused of the murder of her soon-to-be ex and there's a cop on her who won't believe she's innocent. All she wants is peace and quiet and thinks that life will be different and, hopefully, better, in Port Chatham.


That's not about to happen with ghosts in the house, the chief of police who already knows too much about her, a handyman/pub owner too charming for Jordan's own good, and a dog who has invited himself to be hers.


It took me a bit to get used to the way the story was told in long flashbacks, but getting the backstory of the two ghosts 'living' with Jordan made the enjoyment of the book that much better. I hope to see development of the demenor of the two sisters in future books in the series. They seemed completely different when they were alive than they do as spirits.


I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Glad I have GHOST SHIP on standby.




Five spirits from the past sparkly diamonds.....

I really enjoyed this first book in a new mystery series! I liked how the historical mystery was entertained with the contemporary mystery. it was pretty much everything you want in a cozy mystery, right down to the lovable/ heroic dog...plus ghosts. I did figure out who both murderers were, which is unusual for me. I loved the setting, but could have done with more descriptions of the locale. I'm excited to read the next book!!

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery. Lively characterisation, lovely descriptive writing plus I loved the sense of place that the author managed to convey.

I know that some other reviewers have muttered crossly about the plot (not the book's strongest point, but not terrible either) & about the jumps between time. I feel that the time jumps were important in helping to heighten the sense of drama in the novel -- by seeing through Hattie's eyes we are doubly motivated to solve the mystery of her murder. The author writes beautifully of Jordan's appreciation & awareness of the history of the town -- again, the jumps enable us to experience the vibrancy of the town as it once was -- Jordan's house renovation is not just a way to excise her own ghosts (so to speak) & a symbol of her new beginning but a connection to a meaningful past & an affirmation of her value. While she (& the house) have come through turbulent times, they will not only survive but flourish.

4 stars, maybe 4.5.