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Canine Casper Cozy Mystery #4
The Ghostly Grounds: Vengeance and Dinner
Marie Fortune, 39, a successful dog groomer in Boston, leaves the stressful life behind and heads to a small town in coastal Maine to create a new life. She remains intent on renovating the old, historic house her great-aunt left her and giving it a new life as a B&B. Yet there was one thing she couldn’t plan for: the house is haunted. Two things, actually: her great-aunt also left her a dog—and he is far from a typical dog.
When Marie is invited to exorcise a supposedly haunted house, she encounters a twist she never could have anticipated. But before she can wrap her mind around the situation, a man turns up dead—forcing her to solve the case and to clear her own name.
A page-turning cozy, packed with mystery, love, hauntings, travel, pets and food—anchored around a small town and a B&B in need of renovation that will capture your heart—THE GHOSTLY GROUNDS is an un-putdownable cozy series that will keep you turning pages (and laughing out loud) late into the night.
When Marie is invited to exorcise a supposedly haunted house, she encounters a twist she never could have anticipated. But before she can wrap her mind around the situation, a man turns up dead—forcing her to solve the case and to clear her own name.
A page-turning cozy, packed with mystery, love, hauntings, travel, pets and food—anchored around a small town and a B&B in need of renovation that will capture your heart—THE GHOSTLY GROUNDS is an un-putdownable cozy series that will keep you turning pages (and laughing out loud) late into the night.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2021
About the author
Sophie Love
71 books275 followersA lifelong fan of the romance genre, Sophie Love is thrilled to release her debut romance series: FOR NOW AND FOREVER (THE INN AT SUNSET HARBOR—BOOK 1). Sophie would love to hear from you, so please visit www.sophieloveauthor.com to email her, to join the mailing list, to receive free ebooks, to hear the latest news, and to stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 10, 2022
WOW!
Fresh and exciting, this mystery with the perfect paranormal touch keeps its readers guessing throughout before the who and why are revealed. What a truly enjoyable book!
Fresh and exciting, this mystery with the perfect paranormal touch keeps its readers guessing throughout before the who and why are revealed. What a truly enjoyable book!
October 23, 2022
Where do I begin?
The premise behind this series is good, and it has potential. The books provide quick reads that are perfect for October. But story after story, the plot remains the same.
There is a murder, Marie innocently finds the body and that makes her a suspect, even though the police do not believe she is guilty. Then she defies police orders not to conduct her own investigation, by returning to the crime scene to do further investigations. She also interrogates people who end up getting upset. She always apologizes but points out she is a suspect, so she has to do something. Yet, she is also claiming she doesn’t want people to know she is a suspect, because she has to protect her business reputation. I could go on! She has the courage and spunk to pursue killers but she doesn’t want to confront a business competitor she knows is writing fake reviews. It’s maddening that the author thinks a 40 year old woman would act this way and that we, the readers, will keep buying books that repeat the same story as the previous book.
I could go on, but the biggest issue for me, (repeat story-lines and a 40 year old heroine acting like a 15 year old, aside) are the errors. The number of omitted words, misspelled words, wrong words for the situation, missing quotation marks, and periods in the middle of sentences, just to name a few, are unacceptable. They are a huge distraction to any story, even if it was a fresh one with a heroine who was consistent and believable.
The premise behind this series is good, and it has potential. The books provide quick reads that are perfect for October. But story after story, the plot remains the same.
There is a murder, Marie innocently finds the body and that makes her a suspect, even though the police do not believe she is guilty. Then she defies police orders not to conduct her own investigation, by returning to the crime scene to do further investigations. She also interrogates people who end up getting upset. She always apologizes but points out she is a suspect, so she has to do something. Yet, she is also claiming she doesn’t want people to know she is a suspect, because she has to protect her business reputation. I could go on! She has the courage and spunk to pursue killers but she doesn’t want to confront a business competitor she knows is writing fake reviews. It’s maddening that the author thinks a 40 year old woman would act this way and that we, the readers, will keep buying books that repeat the same story as the previous book.
I could go on, but the biggest issue for me, (repeat story-lines and a 40 year old heroine acting like a 15 year old, aside) are the errors. The number of omitted words, misspelled words, wrong words for the situation, missing quotation marks, and periods in the middle of sentences, just to name a few, are unacceptable. They are a huge distraction to any story, even if it was a fresh one with a heroine who was consistent and believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2021
Marie Fortune is trying to make June Manor a profitable business, as well as doing a bit of detecting, oh and also she sees ghosts. She seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong times lately, at least that’s what the Sherriff thinks. She’s also trying to juggle 2 men at once. Along with her dog Boo, she takes a ghost hunting job at the local lighthouse, but finds a body instead.
I really wanted to love this book, but I would have preferred more on the ghostly side of her story, rather than the detecting side. However, it’s a nice read and an enjoyable murder mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I really wanted to love this book, but I would have preferred more on the ghostly side of her story, rather than the detecting side. However, it’s a nice read and an enjoyable murder mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 7, 2021
June Manor, by the ocean, is a bed-and-breakfast owned by Marie Fortune. Marie inherited it from her Aunt June, who is now a ghost. As the novel begins, Marie gets a postcard from the mother she hasn’t seen since childhood—and then an unsettling visit from a boyfriend who’s just landed a television show. He asks Marie to come with him to LA, and Marie is torn, because she loves June Manor and her life in Port Bliss so much. She puts him off, and as a reader, I’m glad, because I love the novel’s setting and I want Marie to stay there!
Carl Melrose of the town historical society asks Marie to look into the possibility that a property he owns—Boggie Lighthouse—may be haunted. Word has gotten around that Marie sees ghosts and can get rid of them. But this isn’t exactly the truth, since Marie has no control over her “gift.” Marie comes across as a real person to me, as do her staff members, the local sheriff, and Carl. Things really get interesting when Carl and Marie find a dead body in the lighthouse, and later, when both of them see a ghost in the lighthouse at the same time. It’s a real vindication for Marie, who as you can imagine, is ridiculed (and even feared a bit) by townspeople.
The paranormal retains its mystery in this novel. I appreciate the author’s light touch of the supernatural. Marie sees the ghost of Aunt June on occasion, but when June opens her mouth, Marie hears nothing. In other paranormal cozy mysteries, where the protagonist talks to ghosts—and they talk back, our natural feeling of awe and apprehension is destroyed.
This author is a superb storyteller. I didn’t give her five stars for this reason: Her writing style has a repetitive quality, which distracts the reader. For example, on one page, the phrases “Behind this guest” and “Behind the check-in counter” and “…behind the desk” begin to grate on the ear. Too many “behinds.” Elsewhere, she uses “quickly” twice in the same sentence; “might be” twice in the same sentence; and “looked to be” twice in the same paragraph. There are typos, such as: “…Marie could read quite well—e wished” (should read “he wished.”); and “a wine cellar at first, but” followed by a blank space (should connect to the following paragraph). Perhaps these minor issues can be repaired by the author before publication time, as I am reading an ARC (advanced reader copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Carl Melrose of the town historical society asks Marie to look into the possibility that a property he owns—Boggie Lighthouse—may be haunted. Word has gotten around that Marie sees ghosts and can get rid of them. But this isn’t exactly the truth, since Marie has no control over her “gift.” Marie comes across as a real person to me, as do her staff members, the local sheriff, and Carl. Things really get interesting when Carl and Marie find a dead body in the lighthouse, and later, when both of them see a ghost in the lighthouse at the same time. It’s a real vindication for Marie, who as you can imagine, is ridiculed (and even feared a bit) by townspeople.
The paranormal retains its mystery in this novel. I appreciate the author’s light touch of the supernatural. Marie sees the ghost of Aunt June on occasion, but when June opens her mouth, Marie hears nothing. In other paranormal cozy mysteries, where the protagonist talks to ghosts—and they talk back, our natural feeling of awe and apprehension is destroyed.
This author is a superb storyteller. I didn’t give her five stars for this reason: Her writing style has a repetitive quality, which distracts the reader. For example, on one page, the phrases “Behind this guest” and “Behind the check-in counter” and “…behind the desk” begin to grate on the ear. Too many “behinds.” Elsewhere, she uses “quickly” twice in the same sentence; “might be” twice in the same sentence; and “looked to be” twice in the same paragraph. There are typos, such as: “…Marie could read quite well—e wished” (should read “he wished.”); and “a wine cellar at first, but” followed by a blank space (should connect to the following paragraph). Perhaps these minor issues can be repaired by the author before publication time, as I am reading an ARC (advanced reader copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2021
Book number four. Wow. This one cleared up many of the questions presented in the first three books, while also introducing new ones. Quite clever, as I think it allows the reader to ponder things just the right amount of time without getting bored or frustrated by having to wait another 2 or more books for answers.
The basic story remains the same with Marie running her bed-and-breakfast and her side job of ghost hunting, I mean cleansing. Of course the most important, and now expected part, Marie finds a dead body. Brendan returns and asks Marie to leave with him to pursue his television show. She declines but finds herself missing him quite a bit. I think we are beginning to see exactly where Brendan‘s loyalties lie. There’s also Bobby, a boy she’d grown up with who seems to be interested in her but she just can’t seem to completely reciprocate the feelings. In my opinion though, I feel like there are some sparks starting to fly between Marie and Detective/Sergeant Miles.
Marie also begins to learn things about herself that she was not aware of previously, at least consciously. Aunt June features more prominently in this book and we have the privilege to learn more about her. The story of Marie’s mother is still up in the air. Rebeka... I think there’s much more to her character and I think that somehow she is more involved than it appears right now.
Aside from clearing her name once again from a murder suspect, the best part was learning what the elusive Mr. Winslow has been doing. I must admit I was a bit surprised, but in a good way.
Over all, book number four seemed to be more about giving more depth to the characters and letting the reader learn more about each one. I really enjoyed this and I am looking forward to a really good story in the next book.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an e-copy of this book for my voluntary review.
#booksirens #SophieLove #vengeanceanddinner
The basic story remains the same with Marie running her bed-and-breakfast and her side job of ghost hunting, I mean cleansing. Of course the most important, and now expected part, Marie finds a dead body. Brendan returns and asks Marie to leave with him to pursue his television show. She declines but finds herself missing him quite a bit. I think we are beginning to see exactly where Brendan‘s loyalties lie. There’s also Bobby, a boy she’d grown up with who seems to be interested in her but she just can’t seem to completely reciprocate the feelings. In my opinion though, I feel like there are some sparks starting to fly between Marie and Detective/Sergeant Miles.
Marie also begins to learn things about herself that she was not aware of previously, at least consciously. Aunt June features more prominently in this book and we have the privilege to learn more about her. The story of Marie’s mother is still up in the air. Rebeka... I think there’s much more to her character and I think that somehow she is more involved than it appears right now.
Aside from clearing her name once again from a murder suspect, the best part was learning what the elusive Mr. Winslow has been doing. I must admit I was a bit surprised, but in a good way.
Over all, book number four seemed to be more about giving more depth to the characters and letting the reader learn more about each one. I really enjoyed this and I am looking forward to a really good story in the next book.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an e-copy of this book for my voluntary review.
#booksirens #SophieLove #vengeanceanddinner
October 6, 2021
Oh my! What fun! I've found a new author to enjoy. This is the first book I've read in this series, but found it to be light and enjoyable.
I met Marie and her dog Boo. They run a B and B in the house left to her by her great-aunt. The cast of characters is charming. The story revolves around a historic lighthouse and it's future. Will it be torn down to allow new development or preserved?
The book is filled with just the right mix of ghosts, romance, characters with selfish motives, beautiful scenery and characters that will have you cheering and wanting to move in next door.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and the opinions are completely my own.
I met Marie and her dog Boo. They run a B and B in the house left to her by her great-aunt. The cast of characters is charming. The story revolves around a historic lighthouse and it's future. Will it be torn down to allow new development or preserved?
The book is filled with just the right mix of ghosts, romance, characters with selfish motives, beautiful scenery and characters that will have you cheering and wanting to move in next door.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and the opinions are completely my own.
January 26, 2021
Marie has left Boston behind and is headed to a small town in Maine. Her great aunt has left her a house and she is excited to renovate it. She has plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast. While she is in the middle of the renovation she discovers that the house is haunted. While coming to terms with all of this and before she can attend an exorcism a dead body is found and she is the prime suspect. She needs to get the murder solved before she ends up in jail.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2021
Lots of interesting characters. A charming small town and a spooky old house. Fun read with an emphasis on ghost busting. A bit of romance and a pinch of humor combine with the mystery and paranormal to deliver a well rounded story.
Marie is gaining a reputation for getting rid of unwanted ghosts. When she's called in to find ghosts at the historic town lighthouse she discovers a dead body. When she becomes the prime suspect she has to investigate to clear her name.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marie is gaining a reputation for getting rid of unwanted ghosts. When she's called in to find ghosts at the historic town lighthouse she discovers a dead body. When she becomes the prime suspect she has to investigate to clear her name.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2021
Okay mystery, very little movement of overall story arc, basically it's just what it was in the first book. Same potential love interests, same people as secondary characters. Marie finds a body and feels she has to clear her name, even though the sheriff knows she didn't do it, a little more paranormal than before. I guess I wasn't impressed with the police work as to the building the death takes place in, so maybe she does have to do the detective work. A few open ended things that maybe the next will follow up on. I recieved a review copy for a voluntary honest review.
March 2, 2021
This is a fun cozy mystery. Set in an old seaside town in America - complete with lighthouse - there should be ghosts and one is reported at the lighthouse, but can Marie and her dog Boo find it? Did someone kill a guy to provide the lighthouse with one and can Marie clear her name. There are knots within knots and twists and turns before the end.
I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
November 9, 2021
Another silly murder with Marie, who is ghost cleansing with the dog. We find out more about her aunt, and Mr. Winslow, who has secreted himself into the room for months now. She spends time with Bobby the restaurant owner, but the spark just isn't really there. Ghost of her aunt shows up to give her peace. The lighthouse keeper is found dead, and in the middle of a protest, to save the lighthouse from demolition. And is there really a ghost in the Boagie Lighthouse.
January 31, 2021
I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. And I really liked the first one. It's well written and reads fast. Great characters, especially Marie and her dog Boo. Wonderful plot and tons of mystery and magic. No graphic sexual content and very little violence. I recommend for all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by author, Sophie Love! I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I may now. For sure, I am going to read the next one. This author writes with enthusiasm and she doesn’t have to use unnecessary profanity, sex or cult stuff to write a fantastic book! Thank you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2021
Full of errors
Once again, the typos and errors distract from a fairly good story. It seems like these books are being written in a hurry, and the author is more concerned with churning out books than with quality. I wish for some quality control to improve this series.
Once again, the typos and errors distract from a fairly good story. It seems like these books are being written in a hurry, and the author is more concerned with churning out books than with quality. I wish for some quality control to improve this series.
April 10, 2021
I really enjoyed the plot of the story. It was very well written and I cannot wait to read another book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2021
This book kinda dragged here & there & I found myself skimming it in some parts. It also gets a little old that Marie is constantly a suspect (even in the looses sense). But overall it was a decent read or if nothing else an all right way to waste a day & ½.
September 20, 2021
This book was OK. A little bit cumbersome and slow. Repetitve themes as the chapters go on with slow growth of said themes. I think being more concise and eliminating some bulky parts would really help.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 18, 2021
I loved this book! The story was very interesting and I could not put it down. The main character has an adorable and very helpful sidekick. What more could you ask for with ghosts and food. I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2021
I am really enjoying these books but I have to say I am only giving 3 stars as a rating because there are so many typos and grammar errors!! I think the author needs to get a good editor to catch these things.
February 9, 2021
Enjoying the Ghostly Grounds
I like the storyline and enjoy the continuing growth of the recurring characters. But I took away a star for the many spelling errors.
I like the storyline and enjoy the continuing growth of the recurring characters. But I took away a star for the many spelling errors.
February 19, 2021
I love following Marie around Port Bliss. Excited for Book 5 to find out about the “secret” cliff hanger...not to mention what happens with Brendan and Robby!
February 7, 2022
This would have been a 5 star if there were not so many grammar errors! The story is great, just needs to be proof read better!
July 3, 2022
Another charming book about a bed and breakfast, a cast of characters, a dog, and a murder. Fun read.
October 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this story around a murder in a lighthouse. The town is more involved in this story and I enjoyed that.
February 11, 2023
I can't wait to find out what they found underground is and what's been used for!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews