Be My Ghost - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Be My Ghost (Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry

Rating:  Really Liked It!
Source:   Publisher

Description: Maureen's career as a sportswear buyer hits a snag just before Halloween, when the department store declares bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Finn's lost his way as a guide dog after flunking his test for being too friendly and easily distracted. Sadly, only one of them can earn unemployment, so Maureen's facing a winter of discontent in Boston--when she realizes she can't afford her apartment.

Salvation comes when she receives a mysterious inheritance: an inn in Haven, Florida. A quaint, scenic town on the Gulf of Mexico hidden away from the theme parks, Maureen believes it's a good place to make a fresh start with a new business venture. But she gets more than she bargained for when she finds a dead body on her property--and meets some of the inn's everlasting tenants in the form of ghosts who offer their otherworldly talents in order to help her solve the mystery...

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I love another series by Carol J Perry but what really sold me on this book was the failed guide dog side kick.

My Impression: I SO enjoyed this read! Maureen is a smart competent main character who finds herself in a completely unexpected position just as she loses her job.  Instead of going to visit her parents while she tries to regroup she suddenly finds herself owning an Inn in Florida without really understanding why and being a suspect in a murder.  

This book was so much fun!  Maureen's attitude towards ghost is skeptical at best at the beginning but also doesn't ignore very clear proof when she can no longer deny it.  Her questions on the practical running of the Inn were smart and practical as were her decisions.  Most of the staff is enthusiastic with the exception of the rather uptight manager, Elizabeth (or Queen Elizabeth as some people call her).  Finn is a fantastic side kick and I just want to reach into the pages and give him a big hug.  Her personality reminds me so much of the therapy dogs we see regularly though he is a tad more easily distracted.  

The primary mystery was good though it does lose some page time on the world building of the series and to a side mystery or two but honestly this didn't bother me in the slightest.  I did guess the who though wasn't 100% sure until the end and didn't know the why.  Not only did I enjoy this book from beginning to end but it's a series I'm super excited to see where it goes.  There are so many stories to explore and ghosts to get to know and I just can't wait for book 2!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Definitely!  I will read anything this author writes.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy a cozy with a side of ghosts you must pick this book up!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *