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Mountain Shadow Mysteries #1
Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Caroline just inherited the most haunted hotel in Colorado…
Caroline McCrithers has it all figured out. She’s got a five-year plan, a killer career, and she’s engaged to marry the man of her dreams. Learning her perfect fiancé is a catfishing fraud? Not part of the plan. When Caroline returns to the small town of Mountain Shadow to lick her wounds and help her spunky grandmother plan a funeral, she learns that she’s inherited an old hotel — and an ornery black cat. It was her aunt Lucille’s dying wish that Caroline restore the falling-down hotel to its former glory. The problem? The Mountain Shadow Grand might be haunted — by Aunt Lucille herself! When a greedy developer winds up dead, Gran becomes the lead suspect in his murder. It’s up to Caroline to solve the case, clear her grandmother’s name, and unravel the secrets of her haunted hotel. If you love twisty mysteries, feisty grannies, and haunted places, you’ll love the Mountain Shadow Mysteries. Grab your copy now!
Caroline McCrithers has it all figured out. She’s got a five-year plan, a killer career, and she’s engaged to marry the man of her dreams. Learning her perfect fiancé is a catfishing fraud? Not part of the plan. When Caroline returns to the small town of Mountain Shadow to lick her wounds and help her spunky grandmother plan a funeral, she learns that she’s inherited an old hotel — and an ornery black cat. It was her aunt Lucille’s dying wish that Caroline restore the falling-down hotel to its former glory. The problem? The Mountain Shadow Grand might be haunted — by Aunt Lucille herself! When a greedy developer winds up dead, Gran becomes the lead suspect in his murder. It’s up to Caroline to solve the case, clear her grandmother’s name, and unravel the secrets of her haunted hotel. If you love twisty mysteries, feisty grannies, and haunted places, you’ll love the Mountain Shadow Mysteries. Grab your copy now!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
601 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Tarah Benner
39 books350 followersTarah Benner is the author of more than 25 books, including Witches of Mountain Shadow, Mountain Shadow Mysteries, The Fringe, the Elderon Chronicles, the Lawless Saga, and more.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 12, 2026
I especially loved how this made me care about Caroline's grandmother and her sister. How this made me think about older family members and their lives. The beginning was touching for that reason.
It's not a surprise that this was a cozy book to read (being tagged as a cozy mystery and all...) and I had fun time with this one.
This wasn't the most believable story (books with an amateur sleuth rarely are), but there were also some other things that didn't feel believable. However I am fine with that when I am reading books from this genre.
This was an entertaining book!
It's not a surprise that this was a cozy book to read (being tagged as a cozy mystery and all...) and I had fun time with this one.
This wasn't the most believable story (books with an amateur sleuth rarely are), but there were also some other things that didn't feel believable. However I am fine with that when I am reading books from this genre.
This was an entertaining book!
May 17, 2023
Caroline's Non-Ending Bad Luck !! . . .
Caroline McCrithers thought she had everything worked out for her happiness. She had a good job and was soon to be married – until it all collapsed when she discovered her apartment had been trashed, everything of value stolen, and her valuable cherished family heirlooms, hidden in a shoebox under the bed, were gone. Only one person knew about them – her fiancé Todd Polinski was nothing but a fraud. She checked with the caterer, the manager of the wedding venue, the bakery, the florist, and the DJ, all of whom were to have been given a deposit weeks ago – but never received it. She had even given him her credit card to pay for their trip to Hawaii – and that had never been done either. And of course, his phone number is no longer in service. The thought of having to contact everyone to say the wedding was cancelled was mortifying.
Still in shock, her phone rings and her mother tells her that her great-aunt Lucille, Gran’s sister, passed away and suggested she check to see if she was left anything in the Will since there was no other family. Her mother didn’t have any idea when the funeral was and scurried off for drinks with her friends. Told to take time off work, with the boss’ implication she needed to come back refreshed and ready to work or she was fired, she headed to Gran’s house in Colorado to see if she could help with Aunt Lucille’s funeral. They both had to go to the lawyer to hear the Will, and they were the only two mentioned. Caroline received The Mountain Shadow Grand Hotel which needed lots of work – and Lucille had not paid the property taxes for years, so there was a lien against it. And she only has 1 month left to pay the taxes or lose the hotel. But developers would eagerly buy to tear it down to build condos. In fact, developer Jay Mathers had bought the lien and was waiting to swoop in and grab the land for only $20,000. Oh yeah, Lucille also left Caroline a cat.
It turns out that the hotel may be haunted. And when Caroline heads out for coffee, she sees a black SUV race down the street, stop suddenly, and a man stagger out wheezing and choking. Gran was standing on the sidewalk too. Officer Hamby, Mountain Shadow P.D., started asking questions and mentioned Jay Mathers as the victim! And Gram made a snarky comment. Caroline later met the contractor who would look over the hotel. The top floor was spooky and she swore she saw Great-aunt Lucille’s face in the mirror! Imagination? Or was this place haunted? Then her phone rang. Gran told her to call the lawyer they had talked to – because she had just been arrested for the developer’s murder! Caroline must find the real murderer to clear her grandmother’s name. And she definitely needs to look into the secrets of her apparently haunted hotel!
Caroline McCrithers thought she had everything worked out for her happiness. She had a good job and was soon to be married – until it all collapsed when she discovered her apartment had been trashed, everything of value stolen, and her valuable cherished family heirlooms, hidden in a shoebox under the bed, were gone. Only one person knew about them – her fiancé Todd Polinski was nothing but a fraud. She checked with the caterer, the manager of the wedding venue, the bakery, the florist, and the DJ, all of whom were to have been given a deposit weeks ago – but never received it. She had even given him her credit card to pay for their trip to Hawaii – and that had never been done either. And of course, his phone number is no longer in service. The thought of having to contact everyone to say the wedding was cancelled was mortifying.
Still in shock, her phone rings and her mother tells her that her great-aunt Lucille, Gran’s sister, passed away and suggested she check to see if she was left anything in the Will since there was no other family. Her mother didn’t have any idea when the funeral was and scurried off for drinks with her friends. Told to take time off work, with the boss’ implication she needed to come back refreshed and ready to work or she was fired, she headed to Gran’s house in Colorado to see if she could help with Aunt Lucille’s funeral. They both had to go to the lawyer to hear the Will, and they were the only two mentioned. Caroline received The Mountain Shadow Grand Hotel which needed lots of work – and Lucille had not paid the property taxes for years, so there was a lien against it. And she only has 1 month left to pay the taxes or lose the hotel. But developers would eagerly buy to tear it down to build condos. In fact, developer Jay Mathers had bought the lien and was waiting to swoop in and grab the land for only $20,000. Oh yeah, Lucille also left Caroline a cat.
It turns out that the hotel may be haunted. And when Caroline heads out for coffee, she sees a black SUV race down the street, stop suddenly, and a man stagger out wheezing and choking. Gran was standing on the sidewalk too. Officer Hamby, Mountain Shadow P.D., started asking questions and mentioned Jay Mathers as the victim! And Gram made a snarky comment. Caroline later met the contractor who would look over the hotel. The top floor was spooky and she swore she saw Great-aunt Lucille’s face in the mirror! Imagination? Or was this place haunted? Then her phone rang. Gran told her to call the lawyer they had talked to – because she had just been arrested for the developer’s murder! Caroline must find the real murderer to clear her grandmother’s name. And she definitely needs to look into the secrets of her apparently haunted hotel!
May 10, 2023
Some books take a while to really get going and catch your interest but this one captured me right in on the first page. It is one of those stories that keep you up late to find out what is next, and then pulls you on to the next “what’s next?” This is the first Tarah Benner book I have read and I hope Book 2 of this series comes out soon! Fortunately, there are more of her books from other series available, and I am excited to see where her writing takes me next!
May 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! Gran was something! I can't wait for the hotel to be up and running again! The ghost add a nice touch! I would definitely recommend and can't wait for the next one!!.
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.
May 20, 2023
"Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" is the first book in the Mountain Shadow Mysteries series by Tarah Benner. This captivating paranormal cozy mystery follows the story of Caroline McCrithers, a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits the most haunted hotel in Colorado.
Caroline had it all planned out—a five-year plan, a successful career, and an engagement to the man of her dreams. However, her perfect life unravels when she discovers that her fiancé is a catfishing fraud. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she returns to her small hometown of Mountain Shadow to help her spirited grandmother plan a funeral.
Little does Caroline know that she's not only inherited her aunt Lucille's old hotel but also an ornery black cat. It turns out that Aunt Lucille's dying wish was for Caroline to restore the dilapidated hotel to its former glory. The problem? The Mountain Shadow Grand might be haunted, and the ghost could very well be Aunt Lucille herself.
When a greedy developer ends up dead, Caroline's grandmother becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Determined to clear her grandmother's name and uncover the truth behind the haunted hotel, Caroline takes on the role of an amateur sleuth. As she delves into the mystery, she must navigate twisty clues, confront feisty grannies, and uncover the secrets that lurk within the walls of the Mountain Shadow Grand.
"Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" offers a delightful blend of mystery, paranormal elements, and charming characters. With its intriguing plot twists, spirited grandmothers, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy twisty mysteries set in haunted places. Join Caroline on her quest to solve the murder, unravel the secrets of the haunted hotel, and discover that sometimes life's unexpected detours can lead to exciting new beginnings.
If you're a fan of feisty grannies, twisty mysteries, and the allure of paranormal elements, "Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" will capture your imagination and keep you eagerly turning the pages.
Caroline had it all planned out—a five-year plan, a successful career, and an engagement to the man of her dreams. However, her perfect life unravels when she discovers that her fiancé is a catfishing fraud. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she returns to her small hometown of Mountain Shadow to help her spirited grandmother plan a funeral.
Little does Caroline know that she's not only inherited her aunt Lucille's old hotel but also an ornery black cat. It turns out that Aunt Lucille's dying wish was for Caroline to restore the dilapidated hotel to its former glory. The problem? The Mountain Shadow Grand might be haunted, and the ghost could very well be Aunt Lucille herself.
When a greedy developer ends up dead, Caroline's grandmother becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Determined to clear her grandmother's name and uncover the truth behind the haunted hotel, Caroline takes on the role of an amateur sleuth. As she delves into the mystery, she must navigate twisty clues, confront feisty grannies, and uncover the secrets that lurk within the walls of the Mountain Shadow Grand.
"Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" offers a delightful blend of mystery, paranormal elements, and charming characters. With its intriguing plot twists, spirited grandmothers, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy twisty mysteries set in haunted places. Join Caroline on her quest to solve the murder, unravel the secrets of the haunted hotel, and discover that sometimes life's unexpected detours can lead to exciting new beginnings.
If you're a fan of feisty grannies, twisty mysteries, and the allure of paranormal elements, "Better Off Dead: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery" will capture your imagination and keep you eagerly turning the pages.
December 11, 2023
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
This one was just too far fetched -- even for the paranormal sub-genre -- to round up to 3.0 stars.
Caroline gets scammed out of virtually everything she owns by her "fiancé" which was the first clue that she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I find it difficult to engage with ditzy main characters. That pretty much knocked a whole star off her crown.
She inherits a run-down, century-old hotel in Colorado from a great aunt, so she leaves Chicago for the little town of Mountain Shadow where her grandmother lives. Gran, at 92 years of age, is more than a little eccentric. Like, too eccentric for willing suspension of disbelief. And that 40-plus year old Pinto? If the grandparents bought it in '79, its reputation was already well known. Caroline's silence on the matter, as well as her willingness to drive it, struck me as more evidence that she's not MC material.
All of that is in marked contrast to her knowledge of poisons without even researching. 🙄
Officer Hamby's financial research proved to be woefully incomplete, something that shouldn't be permitted for a law enforcement character. Handsome is as handsome does, I guess. I could see Caroline being attracted to him but not the other way around.
Few typos, not enough to knock off points, but misuse of the phrase "fly-by-night" jumped out at me. There was also an instance where "loaned" was used instead of "borrowed."
The Leave It To Beaver reference was not lost on this reader. 🙄🙄
Ultimately not a series I'd be interested in continuing, but YMMV.
This one was just too far fetched -- even for the paranormal sub-genre -- to round up to 3.0 stars.
Caroline gets scammed out of virtually everything she owns by her "fiancé" which was the first clue that she's not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I find it difficult to engage with ditzy main characters. That pretty much knocked a whole star off her crown.
She inherits a run-down, century-old hotel in Colorado from a great aunt, so she leaves Chicago for the little town of Mountain Shadow where her grandmother lives. Gran, at 92 years of age, is more than a little eccentric. Like, too eccentric for willing suspension of disbelief. And that 40-plus year old Pinto? If the grandparents bought it in '79, its reputation was already well known. Caroline's silence on the matter, as well as her willingness to drive it, struck me as more evidence that she's not MC material.
All of that is in marked contrast to her knowledge of poisons without even researching. 🙄
Officer Hamby's financial research proved to be woefully incomplete, something that shouldn't be permitted for a law enforcement character. Handsome is as handsome does, I guess. I could see Caroline being attracted to him but not the other way around.
Few typos, not enough to knock off points, but misuse of the phrase "fly-by-night" jumped out at me. There was also an instance where "loaned" was used instead of "borrowed."
The Leave It To Beaver reference was not lost on this reader. 🙄🙄
Ultimately not a series I'd be interested in continuing, but YMMV.
June 11, 2023
From the darker looking cover (which I do love 'cause it's spooky-looking but not cozy if that makes sense?), I wasn't real sure I'd like this book, but I really ended up enjoying it a lot and now look forward to borrowing the next on KU when it's out. Caroline had the saddest story of a con artist that took advantage of her, but I was proud of how she took her new opportunity her aunt left her and went with it. I got a kick out of her Gran and when Aunt Lucille made herself known to Caroline who discovered she could see and talk to ghosts, I figured Gran's gonna be either jealous or happy she can't see or hear Lucille lol. The two didn't get along when Lucille was alive, but that part came out more toward the end, and I believe Gran might've softened a little toward her sister at that point.
That showdown was something else and caused powers in Caroline to wake up and really surprise her with what she'd been capable of doing. You'll have to read for specifics since I don't really wanna spoil the good stuff for anyone. I'd actually not seen the whodunit coming and figured it was someone else.
With Gran's help, it looks like the B&B's gonna get renovated and become a reality for Caroline. I'm eager to read on in the series and see if any other ghosts decide to drop by.
That showdown was something else and caused powers in Caroline to wake up and really surprise her with what she'd been capable of doing. You'll have to read for specifics since I don't really wanna spoil the good stuff for anyone. I'd actually not seen the whodunit coming and figured it was someone else.
With Gran's help, it looks like the B&B's gonna get renovated and become a reality for Caroline. I'm eager to read on in the series and see if any other ghosts decide to drop by.
July 8, 2025
This book starts off with a cool old hotel that has been shut up for something like 50 years, with a 4th floor that has been shut off for many decades longer than that. Some people say it's haunted. I don't usually read books where things are haunted, not because they aren't interesting and shivery, but rather I just don't think it's good for me to do so. Nevertheless, I got into this one and wanted to see "who dunnit," so I read it all. The main character is Caroline, who has had some bad things happen to her recently and when her 90-something great aunt Lucille left this old hotel to her in her will, Caroline hoped things might turn around for her. Well, she witnessed a man die on the street and later finds out he was murdered - and the story follows through with finding and eliminating suspects until the right one is found. There's a touch of semi-romance and a grandmother that is quite a character. I'm not a pet person so I wasn't enamored with the cat Caroline inherited. All in all, it was an interesting story.
May 20, 2023
A haunted hotel, a feisty granny and an intriguing murder mystery!
This book had an easy flow to it, pulling me in. The tone just right, the words well written. I do have to say, after the exciting start and before the body was found at around a quarter of the book, the story did sag a bit, but only temporarily. As soon as the body was found, things got very interesting and as soon as Caroline saw the ghost, things got even more interesting! Yes, Gran could have been a tad kinder to Caroline when she told her about Todd, but she’s there for her when it counts. She’s not a cute, sweet old lady, that’s for sure! She certainly brought some spunk to the story! I loved Caroline, Desmond, and Aunt Lucille. I loved the setting of that quaint mountain small town. And I was wrong about whodunit! I thought for sure it was … someone else. I can’t say because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone!
This book had an easy flow to it, pulling me in. The tone just right, the words well written. I do have to say, after the exciting start and before the body was found at around a quarter of the book, the story did sag a bit, but only temporarily. As soon as the body was found, things got very interesting and as soon as Caroline saw the ghost, things got even more interesting! Yes, Gran could have been a tad kinder to Caroline when she told her about Todd, but she’s there for her when it counts. She’s not a cute, sweet old lady, that’s for sure! She certainly brought some spunk to the story! I loved Caroline, Desmond, and Aunt Lucille. I loved the setting of that quaint mountain small town. And I was wrong about whodunit! I thought for sure it was … someone else. I can’t say because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone!
May 30, 2023
This was such a funny book. This sounds odd since it's more of a mystery and paranormal story. It's just that the grandmother is the absolute greatest. Usually, you read a story, and a character seems exaggerated due to the age - but she reminded me of my mother and grandmother (mine is in her 70s, though).
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the spookiness of the plot. I haven't read a cozy mystery (let alone a paranormal one) that has kept me invested as well as this one did.
Definitely going to be following the author for more books to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the spookiness of the plot. I haven't read a cozy mystery (let alone a paranormal one) that has kept me invested as well as this one did.
Definitely going to be following the author for more books to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2023
Enjoyable and light murder mystery with a few ghosts mixed into the plot.
I really enjoy Tarah's characters, and these new additions to Mountain Shadow are no different. The eccentric, charming little granny and a spunky cat that follows Caroline just about everywhere are two of the cutest secondary characters I have read in a while.
Caroline arrives at Mountain Shadow in a whirlwind, her city life in a mess and her quirky grandmother tangled up in a murder. Life at Mountain Shadow is anything but a quiet little town to hide out in.
This was a fun, quick read and I look forward to more in the series.
I really enjoy Tarah's characters, and these new additions to Mountain Shadow are no different. The eccentric, charming little granny and a spunky cat that follows Caroline just about everywhere are two of the cutest secondary characters I have read in a while.
Caroline arrives at Mountain Shadow in a whirlwind, her city life in a mess and her quirky grandmother tangled up in a murder. Life at Mountain Shadow is anything but a quiet little town to hide out in.
This was a fun, quick read and I look forward to more in the series.
December 8, 2023
Who did it?
She came to town after her great-aunt passed away and left her the old hotel. But then, right in front of her, a man dies and the police blame her gran. Gran's cookies were the last thing he ate and he died of poison which was found on Gran's plate and on top of her cookies. How is she going to find the real killer and get Gran out of trouble? And, how is she going to pay the back taxes on the hotel...the back taxes on which the dead man held the lien? Maybe the ghost of her great-aunt who is inhabiting the hotel can answer these questions.
She came to town after her great-aunt passed away and left her the old hotel. But then, right in front of her, a man dies and the police blame her gran. Gran's cookies were the last thing he ate and he died of poison which was found on Gran's plate and on top of her cookies. How is she going to find the real killer and get Gran out of trouble? And, how is she going to pay the back taxes on the hotel...the back taxes on which the dead man held the lien? Maybe the ghost of her great-aunt who is inhabiting the hotel can answer these questions.
December 19, 2023
Entertaining
Todd needs to get his comeuppance. Poor Caroline gets taken to the cleaners and loses her Aunt but maybe a change is needed. If Todd had not robbed her blind, she never would have contemplated staying in Mountain Shadow with gran, planning how she can refurbish the hotel left to her by Lucille, and potentially dating the hot police officer. Solving a murder is just extra but with her trusty, also inherited cat, she'll dive right in.
Got to give her credit, she may not have been smart romantically, but the does work through a murder investigation.
Todd needs to get his comeuppance. Poor Caroline gets taken to the cleaners and loses her Aunt but maybe a change is needed. If Todd had not robbed her blind, she never would have contemplated staying in Mountain Shadow with gran, planning how she can refurbish the hotel left to her by Lucille, and potentially dating the hot police officer. Solving a murder is just extra but with her trusty, also inherited cat, she'll dive right in.
Got to give her credit, she may not have been smart romantically, but the does work through a murder investigation.
May 15, 2023
Caroline inherits her Aunt's hotel. After her plans turn upside down, Caroline also finds herself investigating a murder her Gran is accused of committing. Alongside her Gran and her Aunt - who is the ghost - Caroline needs to solve the mystery without the risk of being charged for obstruction. A cosy read.
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.
January 27, 2024
Mountain Shadows Excitement
This book was really great. The main character wasn’t whiny, she felt like a normal person. And her lines of thought really felt like a real person. I did love the paranormal part of this book. I did get slightly tired of all the possible “suspects” but this book was worth trying to keep all the characters in order.
This book was really great. The main character wasn’t whiny, she felt like a normal person. And her lines of thought really felt like a real person. I did love the paranormal part of this book. I did get slightly tired of all the possible “suspects” but this book was worth trying to keep all the characters in order.
March 17, 2024
Spirits
Caroline grabs at the chance to get away. After realizing her "fiance" has spent all her wedding funds on everything but a wedding, and has stolen all her electronics, she's glad to get out of town to settle her aunt's affairs. Little does Caroline know, but she will talk to her deceased aunt again...
Caroline grabs at the chance to get away. After realizing her "fiance" has spent all her wedding funds on everything but a wedding, and has stolen all her electronics, she's glad to get out of town to settle her aunt's affairs. Little does Caroline know, but she will talk to her deceased aunt again...
June 1, 2025
not brilliant, but still enjoyable
Basically this is a cozy with familiar set ups, broken engagement, old business inheritance, good looking male. But it’s set among the paranormal , which makes it slightly different and more entertaining than the usual way this trope is written.
It’s completely clean, which is a pleasant bonus.
Basically this is a cozy with familiar set ups, broken engagement, old business inheritance, good looking male. But it’s set among the paranormal , which makes it slightly different and more entertaining than the usual way this trope is written.
It’s completely clean, which is a pleasant bonus.
May 24, 2023
This was a great start to a new series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me hooked from start to finish. I can't wait to see what happens next.
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.
July 12, 2023
Poor Caroline—her fiancé fleeced her and took off, she inherits a run-down hotel with a huge tax lien, then her 92 year-old grandmother gets arrested for murder. What else can happen?
Lightweight cozy. Easy to read and the characters are cute.
Lightweight cozy. Easy to read and the characters are cute.
December 8, 2023
Charming and interesting mystery
This book was quite enjoyable with quirky, likable characters and a murder to solve. Humorous, a beautiful setting and lots of suspects to choose from. I am excited to see what happens next.
This book was quite enjoyable with quirky, likable characters and a murder to solve. Humorous, a beautiful setting and lots of suspects to choose from. I am excited to see what happens next.
December 10, 2023
Cosy murder mystery
The start to a series of a Cosy murder mystery with paranormal characters. An unusual cat sidekick is a developing into a main character and is sure to be a favorite if not The favorite
The start to a series of a Cosy murder mystery with paranormal characters. An unusual cat sidekick is a developing into a main character and is sure to be a favorite if not The favorite
January 10, 2024
I enjoyed the book, good storyline and a little paranormal fun. I did not connect with the main character much and thought she was not too believable. I would like to see more of the grandmother as she sounds like a hoot and of course the residents of the Grand.
June 1, 2025
I found this book to be engaging and Caroline was able to work through the trauma of being swindled out of all her money and other valuables. This helped her adjust to a new life with a cancerous Gran, Ghosts and a old hotel. She was also able to not give up on solving a murder.
July 12, 2025
Good cozy mystery
This was an engaging story, with a touch of paranormal to add spice to the mystery. The characters are well developed, the town seems a character in itself, and there is a dog and a cat. Everything one would look for in a cozy mystery!
This was an engaging story, with a touch of paranormal to add spice to the mystery. The characters are well developed, the town seems a character in itself, and there is a dog and a cat. Everything one would look for in a cozy mystery!
January 15, 2026
Interesting characters
The characters were interesting and varied. I liked the two lead females. There relationship was well written and sweet. Look forward to reading more from this author.
The characters were interesting and varied. I liked the two lead females. There relationship was well written and sweet. Look forward to reading more from this author.
May 18, 2023
This story!!
Held me from page one! Left me wanting more!! Will definitely read each sequel to see how The Grand and Caroline grow.
Held me from page one! Left me wanting more!! Will definitely read each sequel to see how The Grand and Caroline grow.
June 9, 2023
Better Off Dead
This is a funny Cosy mystery. It has paranormal parts in the story.
I liked the characters. I will look forward to the next book.
This is a funny Cosy mystery. It has paranormal parts in the story.
I liked the characters. I will look forward to the next book.
July 17, 2023
Fun read!
Excellent mix of humor and mystery. Great character development. Easily kept my attention and kept me reading. I'm ready for the next book.
Excellent mix of humor and mystery. Great character development. Easily kept my attention and kept me reading. I'm ready for the next book.
October 3, 2023
Good story.
First time reading Tarah Benner. I enjoyed the book. Well written, good characters, and very original.
I look forward to reading more!
First time reading Tarah Benner. I enjoyed the book. Well written, good characters, and very original.
I look forward to reading more!
October 30, 2023
Fun cozy with a mysterious old hotel, ghosts, mysterious very old cat, feisty grandma and maybe a hint of romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews