Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! On this rainy All Hallow's Eve I thought I'd share some favorite spooky reads.

 

I don't read horror, but I do enjoy a spooky read once in a while. If you want something spine tingling good you need to read the Pluto Snitch Mystery series by Carolyn Haines. THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED is the first book in the series. While Carolyn does write cozy mysteries, this isn't one of them! I'd classify it as Southern Gothic. Speaking of Gothic, I just finished reading THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright.You can check out my review Sunday!

If you're looking for a book set at Halloween you could try SHUDDER PULP by Vanessa Westermann, FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT by Ellen Byron, GHOST AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE by Carmen Radtke, ONE OF YOU by Lorie Lewis Ham, FATAL FUDGE SWIRL by Meri Allen or MINESTRONE MISCHIEF by Rosie Genova. You could also try TROUBLE BREWING by Heather Day Gilbert, DEATH RANG THE BELL by Carol Pouliot, MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE by Traci Wilton, or MIDNIGHT SPELLS MURDER by Mary Angela.

If you enjoy reading about the Headless Horseman you're sure to appreciate THE LEGEND OF ACORN HOLLOW by Maureen Klovers.  

If you want to mix Halloween and Christmas try MRS. CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE by Liz Ireland.

Of course any paranormal mystery would fit the bill, but especially one set at Halloween like the sixth Ghostly Fashionista Mystery, CORSETS AND CASUALTIES by Gayle Leeson. 

What about a whole series set in a town that is devoted to this holiday? CHAOS AT THE LAZY BONES BOOKSHOP by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in the Halloween Bookshop Mystery series.

There are so many wonderful books out there, books with ghosts, witches, and vampires, books set at Halloween, spooky books, funny books! No matter what kind of books you enjoy I hope you're able to curl up with a great one this Halloween!

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm very pleased to welcome Dr. Jack Strathmore to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Jack on the pages of the Salem B&B Mystery series by Traci Wilton. MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN is the seventh book in the series and was released last month. After the guest post is a reprint of my review which I previously shared on this blog on August 4, 2023.

So…some of you might be curious as to what I do all day. It’s not just unicorns and rainbows, being a ghost. It’s a lot of effort to put in, to be visible. It’s for Charlene’s sake that I dress with style. Like I used to do, when I was a doctor leaving for the office every day. Played golf, drank wine with Brandy Flint, went to Boston for the plays. God, I was such a schmuck. I had no idea my beautiful wife Shana was cheating. With Theo, of all people. I thought he was a friend.  

How oblivious must I have been to miss all the signs? I worked hard. I loved it though, helping people beat sickness. Beat death.  It’s a lot like being God. I didn’t really believe in the Big Guy but now I know different. Wished I’d been less self-absorbed when I was on earth. Love is what matters.

You know who I loved most? Amelia. My high school and college sweetheart. Shana was like a viper and separated us…but now that I’m dead, I see things with clarity. I let it happen. If I’d been true to Amelia, I might even still be alive right now.

When Charlene moved into my house—MY house!—I was so angry. Nobody could see me until Charlene. I was stuck here, because I’d been murdered here. She solved that mystery and we’ve been working together ever since.

I fear that I am in the way of her happiness now that she’s healed a little bit from Jared. I know Sam loves her. It really makes me mad. I want to hold Charlene. I want to be there for her—like I am now, but as a human man, not this worthless bodiless joke. We are happy though. We’ve made a family—Charlene, me, Silva, and Avery. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

Tell me what you think of how Charlene and I work together to save our friend Darren Shultz from Sam taking him to jail…Darren has secrets, true, but he is no murderer. Where would Sam be without us?

********************************************************************** 

Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN by Traci Wilton
The Seventh Salem B&B Mystery 

Having made millions selling flavored salts, Darren is following his dream by opening a classic cinema in Salem. Showing his favorite classic horror shows he's turned the old building into a showpiece serving popcorn with his gourmet flavored salts and his sister-in-law's homemade soft pretzels. Charlene forged a connection with Darren and his wife, Elise, and is excited to join in the soft opening. The film has barely begun when Elise appears to choke on her popcorn. Before the night is over Elise is dead, Darren is distraught, and a murderer may be on the loose. 

The Wolf Man is more than just a classic horror film, it's much deeper with many layers. The same can be said for MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN; it's not just a cozy mystery, it too is much deeper with many layers. In addition to the mystery, and just as important, is the relationship between characters and their growth. I love how Charlene has created a family with friends, guests, and a very special ghost. From dark despair at losing her husband she's created a wonderful new life.

The mystery was so clever, I was never sure who to trust. Lots of red herrings interspersed with Charlene trying to simply run her B&B. Of course, Charlene inserts manages to insert herself in the investigation as well. I absolutely loved the parallels drawn between this book and the classic film.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN takes a classic horror movie and melds it with the American Dream gone awry in a delightfully chilling cozy mystery.

*********************************************************************

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (A Salem B&B Mystery) by Traci Wilton

About Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (A Salem B&B Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 7th in Series
Setting - Massachusetts
Kensington Cozies (August 22, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 304 pages

Saturday night at the movies has some added flair now that Darren and Elise Shultz are reopening one of Salem’s classic theaters. Charlene is delighted to help the couple with their venture, and Darren has lined up a cult classic double-header featuring Lon Chaney in The Wolfman. But things get hairier than expected when Elise starts to choke on her popcorn mid-movie—and once the lights go up, she’s dead . . .

When tests reveal Elise's popcorn was poisoned, Detective Sam Holden eyes her husband as the guilty party. Charlene doesn’t believe Darren would hurt his wife—even if his company’s specialty seasoned salts were sprinkled on the fatal snack. But who else had a motive to do something so unsavory? With a little help from Jack, the handsome ghost who haunts her B&B, Charlene delves into the ill-fated couple’s past. And the more she learns, the more Charlene wonders if this time, she’s bitten off more than she can chew . . .

About Traci Wilton

From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone. Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it’s her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.

Author Links: 

Website https://www.tracihall.com/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tracie.hall.35/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/traciella/ 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Traciwiltonauthor/  

Twitter https://twitter.com/tracihallauthor  

Amazon https://amazon.com/author/tracihall  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tracihallauthor/  

Kensington https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author/traci-wilton/  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Apple - Kobo 

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Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman - A Review

 Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN by Traci Wilton
The Seventh Salem B&B Mystery 

Having made millions selling flavored salts, Darren is following his dream by opening a classic cinema in Salem. Showing his favorite classic horror shows he's turned the old building into a showpiece serving popcorn with his gourmet flavored salts and his sister-in-law's homemade soft pretzels. Charlene forged a connection with Darren and his wife, Elise, and is excited to join in the soft opening. The film has barely begun when Elise appears to choke on her popcorn. Before the night is over Elise is dead, Darren is distraught, and a murderer may be on the loose. 

The Wolf Man is more than just a classic horror film, it's much deeper with many layers. The same can be said for MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN; it's not just a cozy mystery, it too is much deeper with many layers. In addition to the mystery, and just as important, is the relationship between characters and their growth. I love how Charlene has created a family with friends, guests, and a very special ghost. From dark despair at losing her husband she's created a wonderful new life.

The mystery was so clever, I was never sure who to trust. Lots of red herrings interspersed with Charlene trying to simply run her B&B. Of course, Charlene inserts manages to insert herself in the investigation as well. I absolutely loved the parallels drawn between this book and the classic film.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE WOLFMAN takes a classic horror movie and melds it with the American Dream gone awry in a delightfully chilling cozy mystery.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman by Traci Wilton. This book is the seventh book in the Salem B&B Mystery series and will be released August 22, 2023.

Having made millions selling flavored salts, Darren is following his dream by opening a classic cinema in Salem. Showing his favorite classic horror shows he's turned the old building into a showpiece serving popcorn with his gourmet flavored salts and his sister-in-law's homemade soft pretzels. Charlene forged a connection with Darren and his wife, Elise, and is excited to join in the soft opening. The film has barely begun when Elise appears to choke on her popcorn. Before the night is over Elise is dead, Darren is distraught, and a murderer may be on the loose.

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold - A Review

 Review

 

MRS. MORRIS AND THE POT OF GOLD by Traci Wilton
The Sixth Salem B & B Mystery

 

It's St. Patrick's Day in Salem and Charlene is bringing all of her B&B guests out to celebrate. Although the reservations are muddled and the woman in charge seems a bit overwhelmed everyone seems to be having a good time. That is until a drunk relative of the organizer forces his way in and makes a scene. Determined to ignore him, Charlene has fun with her guests until the event ends. A scarf left by one of her guests leads Charlene back inside only to be pushed aside by someone in a hoodie as she discovers the family black sheep on the floor. At least no one is dead...yet. 

 

I love mysteries set around the holidays. While Christmas and Halloween themed ones are great, I appreciate when an author picks a less popular holiday. I was excited to discover the sixth Salem B & B Mystery is set during St. Patrick's Day! I enjoyed learning about the Irish influence in Salem as well as meeting new characters, the Gallagher and O'Brien families as well as the new B & B guests. I was especially amused at Charlene's attempt to make friends with the one guest who refused to be part of her happy hospitality family.

The mystery was complex with lots of familial undertones, in both the major plot and subplots as well. The sheer number of family members, all of whom could be suspects, added to the intrigue and the complexity. I always enjoy the rapport between Charlene and Jack and love how they work together to puzzle out the mystery.

 

Corned beef and cabbage, a creepy leprechaun, and family dynamics make MRS. MORRIS AND THE POT OF GOLD fantastic holiday mystery.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold by Traci Wilton. This book is the sixth in the Salem B&B Mystery series and was released last week.

It's St. Patrick's Day in Salem and Charlene is bringing all of her B&B guests out to celebrate. Although the reservations are muddled and the woman in charge seems a bit overwhelmed everyone seems to be having a good time. That is until a drunk relative of the organizer forces his way in and makes a scene. Determined to ignore him, Charlene has fun with her guests until the event ends. A scarf left by one of her guests leads Charlene back inside only to be pushed aside by someone in a hoodie as she discovers the family black sheep on the floor. At least no one is dead...yet.

Mrs. Morris and the Vampire - A Review

 Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE
The Fifth Salem B&B Mystery

With her B&B full of guests Charlene Morris is happy to be celebrating her second Halloween in Salem. While almost everyone is having fun at the Witch Ball, Charlene's friend, Brandy, is none too happy with her daughter's new boyfriend. The older man claims to be a real vampire and certainly seems to have the young woman enthralled. At midnight, the vampire makes a big show and vanishes. Since moving to Salem Charlene has learned that witches and ghosts are real...but vampires? When the undead reappears completely dead Charlene and her handsome ghost try to figure out who the man really was and what he was doing in Salem that got him killed.

Ghosts, Witches, and Vampires, oh my! The fifth Salem B&B Mystery provides thrills and chills as Mrs. Morris once again searches for a killer.

I like that Charlene is a smart and capable protagonist. She's not afraid to investigate, but she generally knows when to call for back up or even avoid situations she knows may be too dangerous. I like Brandy more and more with each book. She's every bit the modern witch and in MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE we get to see her in protective momma mode. While I'm a huge fan of Jack, I'm not sure I like the prolonged romantic triangle. It's certainly unique, considering one of the people involved is a ghost, and I'm not even sure how I'd like to see it played out. I love Jack and Charlene's relationship, but... Meanwhile her relationship with Sam is starting to get annoying.

I truly enjoyed the mystery and gradual discovery of how the vampires cultivated their mystique. There were plenty of suspects for an unlikable victim, several twists, and more than one surprise. What I didn't like was the fact that the killer was described as crazy when this person's behavior was rational and the crime took a lot of cunning and planning.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE is an atmospheric mystery that captures the fun of Halloween along with its scares.

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Mrs. Morris and the Vampire by Traci Wilton. This book is the fifth in the Salem B&B Mystery series and was released last month.

With her B&B full of guests Charlene Morris is happy to be celebrating her second Halloween in Salem. While almost everyone is having fun at the Witch Ball, Charlene's friend, Brandy, is none too happy with her daughter's new boyfriend. The older man claims to be a real vampire and certainly seems to have the young woman enthralled. At midnight, the vampire makes a big show and vanishes. Since moving to Salem Charlene has learned that witches and ghosts are real...but vampires? When the undead reappears completely dead Charlene and her handsome ghost try to figure out who the man really was and what he was doing in Salem that got him killed.

Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress - A Review

 Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE SORCERESS by Traci Wilton
The Fourth Salem B&B Mystery 

It's Independence Day and Charlene Morris has a new group of guests. As part of their stay Charlene arranges for the group to see an outdoor production of Salem's Rebels, a new play by the local theatre group. Although the historical event being portrayed went off without a shot fired, that isn't the case in the play as the charismatic lead actress crumples to the ground, shot dead by a real gun. Who could have brazenly shot the young woman in broad daylight at a crowded event. And why? Charlene is once again compelled to investigate, but will she go too far this time?

The Salem B&B Mystery series combines history and a touch of the paranormal into a modern day, fun, and compelling mystery. In this fourth outing we see Charlene get to know more Salem residents and see her letting go and having fun. We also see her overstep her bounds; at least I saw that. I was put off by her reaction when she was called out on her behavior, but perhaps that's the former police officer in me.

I find the relationship triangle (not quite sure I'd call it a love triangle...yet) between Charlene, her ghostly friend Jack, and Detective Sam interesting. With thoughts of her dead husband, it's more like a love square. Each man brings something different and all are lacking. I love the added dimension that Jack brings and the new ways he's found to help Charlene. I'm uncertain where the relationship between Charlene and Sam is going...if anywhere, but hope the mystery trumps all of her relationship angst. I did enjoy the complexity this mystery provided and as well as witnessing the many sides to the various personalities involved.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE SORCERESS is an intriguing mystery filled with complex characters. I am always happy to visit Salem am looking forward to seeing what Charlene gets involved with next.

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past - A Review

 Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST by Traci Wilton
The Third Salem B&B Mystery

It's Christmastime in Salem and B&B owner Charlene Morris is trying to keep spirits bright, a difficult task when her mother is in town. Attending a charity auction at a local restaurant should be a festive occasion, but when the lucky lottery winning owner hands out checks to certain guests, not everyone is happy. Charlene hears him call out two names before he rushes out into the street and is promptly struck down in a hit and run. The driver must have known he hit someone, yet didn't stop. Could the accident actually be murder? As Charlene provides her guests with a wonderful holiday visit she'll also deal with her critical mother, a dashing ghost, and a handsome detective who'd rather she not get involved in another suspicious death. She'll also find time to see which of the many people who had a beef with the not so lucky restaurateur could have actually killed him.

While nobody was visited by three spirits in order to change their ways, ghosts of the past played an integral part of the third Salem B&B Mystery, ghosts both literal and figurative. A man haunted by past actions, Charlene haunted by the love of her dead husband and the ghost of the charming doctor who lives in her home, and other characters haunted by their own pasts. Perfect fare for Christmas and the ending of a year.

I love Charlene's dad! Charlene and her mom have a difficult relationship, but I love how it's dealt with when she comes to visit. The highs and the lows are all shown, as well as the love deep down, despite their comments and behavior. Charlene's dad is the soothing balm they both need! Charlene's love life is an interesting muddle. Her continuing love for her dead husband, her friendship and attraction to a ghost, and her growing interest in a very live male make for some complex emotions. This book, however, has Charlene growing as well as investigating!

Current societal issues are smoothly integrated into the mystery, which was intriguing with lots of good suspects, many with bad behavior! The scene at the memorial was priceless. 

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST is a delightful holiday mystery that shows how the past influences the present.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton. This book is the third in the Salem B&B Mystery series.

It's Christmastime in Salem and B&B owner Charlene Morris is trying to keep spirits bright, a difficult task when her mother is in town. Attending a charity auction at a local restaurant should be a festive occasion, but when the lucky lottery winning owner hands out checks to certain guests, not everyone is happy. Charlene hears him call out two names before he rushes out into the street and is promptly struck down in a hit and run. The driver must have known he hit someone, yet didn't stop. Could the accident actually be murder? As Charlene provides her guests with a wonderful holiday visit she'll also deal with her critical mother, a dashing ghost, and a handsome detective who'd rather she not get involved in another suspicious death. She'll also find time to see which of the many people who had a beef with the not so lucky restaurateur could have actually killed him.

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost - A Review

Review

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST by Traci Wilton

The First Salem B & B Mystery

After the sudden death of her husband Charlene Morris finds remaining in Chicago to be too difficult. Ready to start a new life she buys a gorgeous old home, sight unseen, in Salem, Massachusetts. With a plan to turn the place into a classy Bed and Breakfast in time for Halloween Charlene knows she has her work cut out for her. What she doesn't count on is the handsome man in her house, a man who says it's his house, a man who's actually dead. Jack Strathmore, the previous owner, happens to be a ghost and is thrilled that Charlene can actually see him for he needs her help to find his murderer. As Charlene finds herself more and more attached to her handsome ghost she grows more and more determined to discover what happened to him. Will Charlene be able to open her B & B or will she alienate everyone with her probing questions about Jack, a man who supposedly died of natural causes? 

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST is a delightful first entry to a mystery series. We start with a likeable protagonist. Charlene Morris is a mature, capable woman recovering from a devastating loss, but looking to start fresh. We then discover a charming and very attractive ghost, although prone to bouts of jealousy and temper. Then there's a good looking detective who is keen to help our widow. And we can't forget the entitled cat who is also able to see the ghost. Add in a variety of interesting characters from the winery owner who may be a witch to the ghost's wife who certainly is a b.... well, you can finish the rhyme.

A gorgeous old home, a ghost, and Salem, Massachusetts, featured in one book will always pique my interest and this first Salem B & B Mystery didn't disappoint. I enjoyed watching Charlotte transform the house and make contacts in the town. Although I'm not a fan of love triangles, there is a compelling one here. It's actually kind of a square as four people are involved. Charlotte is still grieving her husband who was her soulmate. She had no interest in developing a new romantic relationship, even though lots of men have been flirting with her. Yet she's drawn to Jack like a moth to a flame. He's a ghost, they can't have a future together...or can they? And then there's Detective Sam Holden, a man who's not shy about letting Charlotte know that he's interested in her...and that he's willing to wait.

MRS. MORRIS AND THE GHOST adds compelling characters to a well plotted mystery to create an engaging read. The Salem B & B is off to a great start and I, for one, would like to book a reservation!

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Mrs. Morris and the Ghost by Traci Wilton. This book is the first in the Salem B&B Mystery series and was released yesterday.

After the sudden death of her husband Charlene Morris finds remaining in Chicago to be too difficult. Ready to start a new life she buys a gorgeous old home, sight unseen, in Salem, Massachusetts. With a plan to turn the place into a classy Bed and Breakfast in time for Halloween Charlene knows she has her work cut out for her. What she doesn't count on is the handsome man in her house, a man who says it's his house, a man who's actually dead. Jack Strathmore, the previous owner, happens to be a ghost and is thrilled that Charlene can actually see him for he needs her help to find his murderer. As Charlene finds herself more and more attached to her handsome ghost she grows more and more determined to discover what happened to him. Will Charlene be able to open her B & B or will she alienate everyone with her probing questions about Jack, a man who supposedly died of natural causes?