Author: Traci Wilton
Genre: Mystery
Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book
ISBN: 9781496741394
Kensington Cozies
368 Pages
$8.99; $6.99 Amazon
February 20, 2024
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Charlene and her handsome spectral friend, Dr. Jack Strathmore, are thrilled that their Salem, Massachusetts B&B is overflowing with mermaids in advance of the town's newest attraction -- a mermaid parade! Retired Hollywood actress Trinity Powers has even agreed to appear on the lead float to commemorate her breakout role as the eponymous mermaid in the blockbuster cult classic, Sirina. The parade also feature's Trinity's rival, and up-and-coming ingenue, who stars in the film's recent (and somewhat controversial) reboot. Though their rabid fan clubs seem ready to tear each other -- and the festivities -- apart, the vying actresses are keeping it cool, for now...
But when Charlene discovers a mermaid murdered, she realizes a killer is out to steal the show. With the help of Jack and Detective Sam Holden, Charlene plunges into the case, determined to stop a killer from striking again...
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After her husband was killed, Charlene Morris moved from Chicago to Salem, Massachusetts and opened a B&B, hoping to help her heal and discover a new life. She's made friends here, and along the way discovered that both witches and ghosts are real. Especially the ghost of Dr. Jack Strathmore, who haunts the home that used to be his, and has become Charlene's closest confidante. If only he were human again...
She has a full house with people attending the first mermaid festival that the town's hosted, including the star of the original film Sirena, about a mermaid and her adventures, Trinity Powers. But a surprise guest shows up with her entourage, Alannah, the woman who remade the sequel and believes she's better than the original actor. Now, the town is filled with people who are Team Trinity or Team Alannah, and the results aren't pretty...
Even the B&B has their share of them, but at least they are behaving themselves. Well, some of them, anyway...
When there's a murder and Charlene discovers the body, Detective Sam Holden tells her to stay away from it. But if the killer turns out to be someone who's one of her guests, how is she supposed to do that? As things progress, her friend Brandy also asks for her help in proving that one of her own friends isn't a murderer. Now Charlene is right in the middle, but at least she has ghostly help from Jack. However, things are heating up with Sam, and it's causing Charlene internal angst.
With everything going on, can she locate a killer before the person strikes again? And will she be able to keep her guests happy and herself away from the murderer?
This is the eighth book in the series and I have read them all. I also have loved them all. Charlene is progressing in her life in Salem, with staunch friends around her, and of course, Jack, who can be seen and heard only by Charlene and her cat, Silva.
This book has quite a bit going on in it, and I won't say too much about that in order not to spoil it for others. I will say that it is definitely worth reading, as Ms. Wilton has once again engaged us in a tasty tale that keeps us reading all the way through. The plot and subplots are all interesting, with enough intrigue, secrets, and lies to wield the story well, and when the killer is discovered, it all comes together nicely and leaves us wanting more. The ending gives us a hint of what is to come, and you will have to discover it yourself. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
More on Traci Wilton's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/w/traci-wilton/
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