A Ghostly Light

restoration, family-dynamics, friendship, ghosts, abusive-spouse There's no doubt that this is a good and convoluted murder mystery. But some parts of it are just a little too pat. I loved it anyway and will probably reread it and enjoy it even more. I don't think that this one can stand alone very well like the others do. Xe Sands is who convincingly makes the story real with her narration.

A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell is the seventh book in A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series. Mel Turner, general contractor and head of Turner Construction, is starting a new project. Mel is working with Alicia Withers to turn the beautiful old Victorian Bay Light lighthouse and the keeper’s lodge into an inn (with restaurant) on Lighthouse Island. Alicia deserves happiness after escaping from abusive ex-husband, Thorn Webster. Mel and Alicia are touring the keeper’s house when Alicia goes still and pale. Thorn Webster steps inside the cottage and wants to speak with Alicia. Buzz, the security guard, escorts Thorn back to the dock, but Mel knows they have not seen the last of him. A little while later, the pair are at the lighthouse with Alicia at the top (Mel is having issues with heights since her last recent brush with death). Mel hears Alicia scream and then Thorn tumbles down the stairs. Alicia arrives on the scene with blood on her hands. Unfortunately, Alicia becomes the prime suspect in Thorn’s death (she had a good motive). Mel knows she did not kill Thorn and sets out to find the real culprit. Matters are further complicated by a couple of ghosts. Thorn is now haunting the island (and being a literal thorn in Mel’s side) and a female ghost in the lighthouse who has issues with men. Can Mel help find closure for the ghosts and capture Thorn’s killer? It looks like rough seas ahead for Mel in A Ghostly Light. A Ghostly Light is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery. The book contains good characters and the beautiful setting of San Francisco. Mel is a nice, strong female character with foibles that make her feel real. Mel is having issues with heights since her brush with death on a roof in the last novel. She is trying to overcome this weakness, but it is slow going (especially since she refuses most suggestions). I did feel that it was a little overplayed in the story. It was mentioned a few too many times. I enjoyed the humor provided by Mel’s family. It lightens up the story. Mel has such a great, diverse family (very lifelike). I am rating A Ghostly Light 4 out of 5 stars. The writing is good (as always), but the pace was a little slow. There is quite a bit of information (historical facts, character backgrounds) injected into the story that slowed down the flow. Included in A Ghostly Light is the murder, ghosts, treasure map, protestors, Mel’s issue with heights, Landon not being liked by all family members, various construction projects, and Mel needing a dress for the ballet. There is some repetition of information (needed to be eliminated). The identity of Thorn’s killer was a cinch to figure out. I could discern it before Mel left Lighthouse Island after the murder. The mystery of female ghost was appealing, and I was curious to see how it would unfold. I especially liked the treasure (something I would cherish). A Ghostly Light is the seventh book in the series, but you can read it alone. Readers are given all the necessary details needed to enjoy A Ghostly Light (though I have enjoyed reading all the books in A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series). I look forward to the next book in this engaging series.

Fantastic author