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Haunted Home Renovation Mystery #4
Home for the Haunting
San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can't help asking a few of her own—especially about the haunted house next door . . . the place local kids call the Murder House.
But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?
Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD's unofficial "ghost consultant," Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.
__________
Unabridged, 7 hours, 30 minutes
But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?
Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD's unofficial "ghost consultant," Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.
__________
Unabridged, 7 hours, 30 minutes
8 pages, MP3 CD
First published December 3, 2013
58 people are currently reading
1703 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,911 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
May 29, 2017
The story covers welfare fraud and youth problems. There are enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. This is the fourth book and I have two more to read in the series.
Mel is doing volunteer work by leading a group of unskilled workers to exhibit a handicapped home. Nearby is a large home that Mel sees movements in the window. She learns that house is unoccupied and a murder occurred.The House is known as The MURDER House. While cleaning out the shed on the property, a body is found. Mel's curiosity leads her to explore what happened at the house. Mel's sister arrived for a visit and Mel eventually learns that sister's life has not easy. Annette Crawford becomes a friend in this book and asked for Mel's help with spirit issues. I highly recommend the book and series.
Mel is doing volunteer work by leading a group of unskilled workers to exhibit a handicapped home. Nearby is a large home that Mel sees movements in the window. She learns that house is unoccupied and a murder occurred.The House is known as The MURDER House. While cleaning out the shed on the property, a body is found. Mel's curiosity leads her to explore what happened at the house. Mel's sister arrived for a visit and Mel eventually learns that sister's life has not easy. Annette Crawford becomes a friend in this book and asked for Mel's help with spirit issues. I highly recommend the book and series.
May 23, 2015
The opening sentence in the book reads as follows: 'You know yours job is tough when you find yourself escaping into a Port o'Potty for a minute alone.'
Mel Turner has volunteered at a local organization to help renovate homes of the elderly and disabled. She was talked into being a captain as she is the general director of Turner Construction which specializes in historic renovations.She is working with volunteers who have many questions.
Next to the house where they are working is a house that is called "the murder house" Many years ago, murder took place in the home where a mother and a child were found dead. The father was found dead on the floor near by with a gun in his hand. Two of the younger children escaped. Mel who recently found out that she see ghosts and can communicate with them, sees ghostly images looking out of the murder house watching the activity next door.
This is a favorite cozy paranormal series for me. I like Mel who is independent and follows her own path. In this book it seems she is resolved not to flee to a garret in Paris to be alone but has accepted her career path. There is family love as they sit around the kitchen table with her dad making the meals. The books always have humor. Two new character in this book that I felt added to the humor and story were her sister Cookie and a neighborhood boy mamed Kobe. Cookie is the opposite of Mel and the interaction between them was humorous at times. Mel loves Cookie but is also irritated by her. Kobe is a young boy from the neighborhood who is smart and streetwise but needs direction which he finds with Mel and her family. I hope he returns to future books as I enjoyed his character.
Annette the police woman who always comes to Mel's murder scenes, is now bending and showing some respect for Mel.
There was less interaction with ghosts in this book than in others. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. For a new reader to the series, I feel the books would be more meaningful if read in order. However a reader wouldn't be lost if jumping into this fourth book. When I have caught up with the books in this series, I want to read Juliet Blackwell's other series as I enjoy her writing.
Mel Turner has volunteered at a local organization to help renovate homes of the elderly and disabled. She was talked into being a captain as she is the general director of Turner Construction which specializes in historic renovations.She is working with volunteers who have many questions.
Next to the house where they are working is a house that is called "the murder house" Many years ago, murder took place in the home where a mother and a child were found dead. The father was found dead on the floor near by with a gun in his hand. Two of the younger children escaped. Mel who recently found out that she see ghosts and can communicate with them, sees ghostly images looking out of the murder house watching the activity next door.
This is a favorite cozy paranormal series for me. I like Mel who is independent and follows her own path. In this book it seems she is resolved not to flee to a garret in Paris to be alone but has accepted her career path. There is family love as they sit around the kitchen table with her dad making the meals. The books always have humor. Two new character in this book that I felt added to the humor and story were her sister Cookie and a neighborhood boy mamed Kobe. Cookie is the opposite of Mel and the interaction between them was humorous at times. Mel loves Cookie but is also irritated by her. Kobe is a young boy from the neighborhood who is smart and streetwise but needs direction which he finds with Mel and her family. I hope he returns to future books as I enjoyed his character.
Annette the police woman who always comes to Mel's murder scenes, is now bending and showing some respect for Mel.
There was less interaction with ghosts in this book than in others. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. For a new reader to the series, I feel the books would be more meaningful if read in order. However a reader wouldn't be lost if jumping into this fourth book. When I have caught up with the books in this series, I want to read Juliet Blackwell's other series as I enjoy her writing.
June 8, 2019
Another fun episode of house reconstruction. This time the haunted house was next door to a volunteer project &, of course, Mel gets sucked into a murder mystery. At least she gets a bit more chummy with the detective. Had to break one way or the other since this is the 4th time they met.
The half-assed romance is still dragging on which is annoying, but the mystery was pretty good, although I had trouble with the big reveal. The damage to those involved was well done. It was pretty obvious from just the couple of clues given about the state of one individual, although I don't know how it could have been done any better.
Still, I don't expect perfection from a cozy mystery. It was a pretty good romp & well narrated.
The half-assed romance is still dragging on which is annoying, but the mystery was pretty good, although I had trouble with the big reveal. The damage to those involved was well done. It was pretty obvious from just the couple of clues given about the state of one individual, although I don't know how it could have been done any better.
Still, I don't expect perfection from a cozy mystery. It was a pretty good romp & well narrated.
March 6, 2023
I enjoyed this one and thought it was the best in the series as yet. Mel’s management of her love life is really irritating though.
April 4, 2014
Juliet Blackwell's Home for the Haunting is yet another outstanding addition to her Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series. As you all might know, I am a big fan of the paranormal cozy mysteries, and this series, along with her other one, Witchcraft Mystery series, are among my favorites! Juliet knows how to blend is just the write amount of paranormal to make this mystery series amazing!
Mel Turner runs a home renovation business, but she also sees ghosts, it's a recent development. And you can imagine restoring old, historic houses, she sees quite a bit. And naturally as it is with mysteries, she always seems to stumble upon a dead body. She's even become friends--sort of--with one the local homicide detectives.
While working at her volunteer site, one of the volunteers finds a body. And an investigation begins nearly right away. What made this one interesting was the "Murder House" that sits right next door to where Mel was working. The story goes that the husband killed his wife, his daughter and then himself, while his other two children escaped. No one knows the reasons behind the murder, but the house as been haunted and untouched for years.
I'm always amazed at how flawlessly these two stories get interwoven together. There's two clear-cut mysteries going on and yet Juliet is able to draw them together. There's connections to them, as we learn as the story moves along. And I have to admit, as I tweeted while reading, that I absolutely LOVED having Annette--the homicide detective--watching the show Ghoul Getters, in order to understand how ghosts operate better. And as I said, Ghoul Getters is the show M.J. Holliday works on from Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter Mystery series! It was just a great little cameo, as I know Juliet and Victoria are pals, as we can see from Victoria's quote on the cover!
I was also pleased with seeing Annette, the tough as nails kind of woman, becoming more open and accepting of Mel's abilities. Mel doesn't like to broadcast what she can do, in fact she's still in the learning stages, another factoid that I love. But Annette shows us a somewhat, softer side to herself and I enjoyed that.
There was a bit of comedic relief in this one too. Mel's older sister, Cookie--that's her nickname--decides to pay a visit. And as you'll learn, Mel and Cookie don't always see eye to eye and are pretty much night and day when it comes to things. But it's always fun to watch other siblings squabble!
And yes, there was a bit of romance in there as well. Graham is still hanging around Mel and trying to woo her, much to her confusion. Mel definitely has her issues when it comes to opening up and having a relationship, but with her past marriage, you can easily see why. But sometimes, you gotta wonder why Mel just won't accept Graham's feelings at face value. I definitely have a soft spot for that man and give him many kudo points for his determination to truly win Mel over!
As for the who-dunit part of the mystery, I gotta say, I didn't see this one coming! I had my speculations but could never pinpoint the why to it all, the motive, as it were. But I was totally wrong! When the murderer is revealed, I got to say I was shocked, yet it does make sense once it gets all piece together!
Home for the Haunting was yet another delightful paranormal mystery! It is definitely one series I would recommend to any mystery or paranormal reader looking for a nice cozy mystery that involves a few ghosts and of course a murderous bad guy! And while this is a series that goes in order, you could really pick up any one of these at any time and read along. It's not the chronological type, but the plus side or reading in order, is always knowing what's already happened and who people are as they come up to page time. But still, they can be read as standalone, if that's something you might worry about!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Mel Turner runs a home renovation business, but she also sees ghosts, it's a recent development. And you can imagine restoring old, historic houses, she sees quite a bit. And naturally as it is with mysteries, she always seems to stumble upon a dead body. She's even become friends--sort of--with one the local homicide detectives.
While working at her volunteer site, one of the volunteers finds a body. And an investigation begins nearly right away. What made this one interesting was the "Murder House" that sits right next door to where Mel was working. The story goes that the husband killed his wife, his daughter and then himself, while his other two children escaped. No one knows the reasons behind the murder, but the house as been haunted and untouched for years.
I'm always amazed at how flawlessly these two stories get interwoven together. There's two clear-cut mysteries going on and yet Juliet is able to draw them together. There's connections to them, as we learn as the story moves along. And I have to admit, as I tweeted while reading, that I absolutely LOVED having Annette--the homicide detective--watching the show Ghoul Getters, in order to understand how ghosts operate better. And as I said, Ghoul Getters is the show M.J. Holliday works on from Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter Mystery series! It was just a great little cameo, as I know Juliet and Victoria are pals, as we can see from Victoria's quote on the cover!
I was also pleased with seeing Annette, the tough as nails kind of woman, becoming more open and accepting of Mel's abilities. Mel doesn't like to broadcast what she can do, in fact she's still in the learning stages, another factoid that I love. But Annette shows us a somewhat, softer side to herself and I enjoyed that.
There was a bit of comedic relief in this one too. Mel's older sister, Cookie--that's her nickname--decides to pay a visit. And as you'll learn, Mel and Cookie don't always see eye to eye and are pretty much night and day when it comes to things. But it's always fun to watch other siblings squabble!
And yes, there was a bit of romance in there as well. Graham is still hanging around Mel and trying to woo her, much to her confusion. Mel definitely has her issues when it comes to opening up and having a relationship, but with her past marriage, you can easily see why. But sometimes, you gotta wonder why Mel just won't accept Graham's feelings at face value. I definitely have a soft spot for that man and give him many kudo points for his determination to truly win Mel over!
As for the who-dunit part of the mystery, I gotta say, I didn't see this one coming! I had my speculations but could never pinpoint the why to it all, the motive, as it were. But I was totally wrong! When the murderer is revealed, I got to say I was shocked, yet it does make sense once it gets all piece together!
Home for the Haunting was yet another delightful paranormal mystery! It is definitely one series I would recommend to any mystery or paranormal reader looking for a nice cozy mystery that involves a few ghosts and of course a murderous bad guy! And while this is a series that goes in order, you could really pick up any one of these at any time and read along. It's not the chronological type, but the plus side or reading in order, is always knowing what's already happened and who people are as they come up to page time. But still, they can be read as standalone, if that's something you might worry about!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
December 20, 2015
This read just didn't hold my interest. I tried to finish this book but couldn't. Boring and to wordy no content.
June 24, 2020
Home For The Haunting] - Juliet Blackwell
3★
It appealed to me more than most cozies do simply because it had ghosts...although relatively tame ghosts. The combination of the ghost story...the historical house...and a quirky female contractor made the book an enjoyable read even for someone like me that would like a bit more spunk in their ghosts.
3★
It appealed to me more than most cozies do simply because it had ghosts...although relatively tame ghosts. The combination of the ghost story...the historical house...and a quirky female contractor made the book an enjoyable read even for someone like me that would like a bit more spunk in their ghosts.
December 11, 2013
Juliet Blackwell's fourth book in the Haunted Home Renovation series, Home for the Haunting is a great example of blending a mystery with the paranormal. Main character Mel Turner is fixing up a house for a disabled man, when the ghosts next door start trying to get her attention. When a murder victim ends up in an outdoor shed, Mel wonders if the ghosts have the answers. Readers who enjoy a good spooky story will enjoy this book to it's fullest. With an opening line like, "You know your job is tough, when you find yourself escaping into a Port o' Potty for a minute alone." what's not to like!
What I liked:
I enjoyed the little competition going on between Mel and her dad over the tv remote. Whoever finished their renovation project first got the remote for a week. It just kind of added a very normal thing to a very un-normal book. I liked all of the interactions between Mel and her family and with the group of volunteers who are helping her renovate the home of disabled man. I thought Blackwell did an excellent job making this story plausible even though there were ghosts involved.
I don't believe in ghosts, at least not the kind portrayed in this novel, so it's interesting that Blackwell could so easily convince me that the ghosts next door had something on their minds. I enjoy the paranormal elements that Blackwell adds to each of the books in this series to elevate the theme and engage the reader even when it seems she making the impossible seem possible.
I liked the overall theme of this one, from the past murders to the present one and how they were tied together. I thought Blackwell did a great job of keeping the reader in the dark about what was really going on. The murder victim in the shed was unexpected in a sense and there was certainly a lot of mystery surrounding the murder house and how it all fit together.
What I didn't like:
I don't have any complaints about this one. Mel can sometimes come off as a bit self-serving, but those attitudes were on the back burner in this and I liked it much better. I would like to learn more about Mel's gift and how it manifests itself in future books though.
Bottom Line:
If you like mysteries, ghosts and the combination of the two, this is a book you'll enjoy. I liked the home renovation aspects of the book as well, but felt the emphasis was squarely on the mystery in this one!
What I liked:
I enjoyed the little competition going on between Mel and her dad over the tv remote. Whoever finished their renovation project first got the remote for a week. It just kind of added a very normal thing to a very un-normal book. I liked all of the interactions between Mel and her family and with the group of volunteers who are helping her renovate the home of disabled man. I thought Blackwell did an excellent job making this story plausible even though there were ghosts involved.
I don't believe in ghosts, at least not the kind portrayed in this novel, so it's interesting that Blackwell could so easily convince me that the ghosts next door had something on their minds. I enjoy the paranormal elements that Blackwell adds to each of the books in this series to elevate the theme and engage the reader even when it seems she making the impossible seem possible.
I liked the overall theme of this one, from the past murders to the present one and how they were tied together. I thought Blackwell did a great job of keeping the reader in the dark about what was really going on. The murder victim in the shed was unexpected in a sense and there was certainly a lot of mystery surrounding the murder house and how it all fit together.
What I didn't like:
I don't have any complaints about this one. Mel can sometimes come off as a bit self-serving, but those attitudes were on the back burner in this and I liked it much better. I would like to learn more about Mel's gift and how it manifests itself in future books though.
Bottom Line:
If you like mysteries, ghosts and the combination of the two, this is a book you'll enjoy. I liked the home renovation aspects of the book as well, but felt the emphasis was squarely on the mystery in this one!
September 21, 2018
This is the first book that I've read in this cozy mystery series that wasn't on audio. I miss Xe Sands, because she always provides a terrific performance. But I'm happy to report that I enjoyed this 4th book in the Haunted Home Renovation series just as much even without the audio.
The MC's "why would anyone find ugly old me attractive" shtick is still annoying, and I'm still unimpressed with the romance, but there is enough fun stuff for this book to rise above those irritants. We get to meet Mel's super-annoying, super-girly sister, we get some new friends and the return of some old friends, and I especially liked getting to know Mel's frenemy Inspector Crawford a little better. We get a couple of new homes from different styles and periods with plenty of loving description.
The mystery is well developed and I was teased with lots of clues and red herrings to sift through. Whodunnit was one of my suspects, but not my favorite, so the reveal worked for me. Oddly, this is the first book where we spend very little time with the dead. The ghosts give little more than a cameo appearance in this book, and I missed them a little.
eBook version, borrowed from my public library.
I read this for the 2018 Halloween Bingo square Amateur Sleuth: this mystery will have a main character who is not a member of law enforcement. The MC, Mel Turner, owns a construction company but somehow finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery, recent or ancient, at every job site. Naturally, she usually manages to solve it before the cops do.
The MC's "why would anyone find ugly old me attractive" shtick is still annoying, and I'm still unimpressed with the romance, but there is enough fun stuff for this book to rise above those irritants. We get to meet Mel's super-annoying, super-girly sister, we get some new friends and the return of some old friends, and I especially liked getting to know Mel's frenemy Inspector Crawford a little better. We get a couple of new homes from different styles and periods with plenty of loving description.
The mystery is well developed and I was teased with lots of clues and red herrings to sift through. Whodunnit was one of my suspects, but not my favorite, so the reveal worked for me. Oddly, this is the first book where we spend very little time with the dead. The ghosts give little more than a cameo appearance in this book, and I missed them a little.
eBook version, borrowed from my public library.
I read this for the 2018 Halloween Bingo square Amateur Sleuth: this mystery will have a main character who is not a member of law enforcement. The MC, Mel Turner, owns a construction company but somehow finds herself in the midst of a murder mystery, recent or ancient, at every job site. Naturally, she usually manages to solve it before the cops do.
January 14, 2022
We finally got to meet 1 of the sisters. Cookie! She has a real name I don't remember and am to lazy to look up but after being told it. We are told she is know as Cookie and that's all we call her after that. I wonder when we'll meet the other one. We see less ghost in this one than we did in past books but they're still there
December 7, 2019
I enjoyed this book, although I will say not as much as any of her Witchcraft series. It was still an interesting mystery, Mel, an intriguing main character, and has a nice (somewhat predictable) twist at the end. I'm certainly willing to give another in the series a try after reading this one.
December 10, 2019
Ghostly fun, interesting houses and a decades old murder mystery.
December 22, 2019
Another fine entry in the Haunted Home Renovation Series.
Well written, crisp, concise. Mel continues to struggle with seeing ghosts and her relationship with Graham. There's an old murder to be solved, and Mel is in the thick of things.
This is a book where there's no flightness; the characters while with humor are mature and refreshing. While I am typically not a paranormal fan this series is so well written that it is a pleasure to read. I could barely put it down.
Well written, crisp, concise. Mel continues to struggle with seeing ghosts and her relationship with Graham. There's an old murder to be solved, and Mel is in the thick of things.
This is a book where there's no flightness; the characters while with humor are mature and refreshing. While I am typically not a paranormal fan this series is so well written that it is a pleasure to read. I could barely put it down.
June 11, 2021
This was a good book with the use of volunteering as well as a ghost. I like the way she work with the volunteers to see what they were good at. Mel is able to draw out people.
October 22, 2018
Oh, this one was fun! There were several good suspects, and I just flat didn't get ANY of them right. I love cozies which make me say, "Huh, didn't see that one coming!"
October 3, 2014
What can I say? I am not into ghost stories, but Home for Hunting is perfect for its genre and an enjoyable novel to listen to. I like Mel more and more as the series progresses. She is warm, her heart is in the right place, cares about issues beyond her everyday existence, but still manages to be fun. The theme of sibling rivalry is developed nicely and added another dimension to her character. The narrator in the audio version is wonderful; I can't separate her voice from Mel now.
October 28, 2014
Always an engaging story from this series. The stuff I like best are the renovation descriptions for preserving the old houses in San Francisco. The author really did her homework in bringing a realistic view of what might be involved.
I also like the way the the story unfolds and the descriptions of places, people and creepy factors given in each of these stories.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I hope it continues with the high standards I have come to enjoy!
I also like the way the the story unfolds and the descriptions of places, people and creepy factors given in each of these stories.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I hope it continues with the high standards I have come to enjoy!
October 29, 2022
Who knew house renovation could be so interesting. Mel is head strong and often puts herself in danger. But the ghost call to her,so she has to go.this was the forth in the series and well worth the read. A cozy mystery to curl up with. Now on to the next. It is now 2022 and my second time reading this because it is a great story.
May 17, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Juliet Blackwell, and I enjoyed it. I will have to look for more of her books. (Actually, I listened to it on Audio CD.)
January 9, 2014
I really enjoy this cozy series and am excited that it is now being offered on audiobook and really liked the narration.
May 7, 2024
I'm writing this review for myself so I will remember my thoughts on this book series. Take literally everything I say if you are not me and are reading this with a grain of salt because much of my irritation may be due to mystery tropes that mystery readers would be fine with (I'm a romance reader primarily). The problem with this series is that I spend 75% of each book annoyed at the heroine, but the last 25% is so satisfying that I forget my irritation! So here is my review that I jotted down while at 75% even though I left liking the book! 🤣 The plot is interesting enough with some twists and a satisfying sense of inevitability as they work to solve the murder and then it has interesting twists that overturn your expectations. The side characters are engaging and realistic. The problem I'm having is the heroine. She continuously does such annoying and stupid things! Example, I get that people have complicated feelings about their siblings, but her knee jerk aversion to her own sister upon seeing her after time apart was super gross! Sure I have family members who can get on my nerves after a while, but it takes a ridiculously large amount to make me basically flee someone on sight (murder attempt? Threats? Previous stealing of fiance? But to justify being rude and running away nearly in sight, there would have to be a good reason and it would have to be immediately explained to not feel incredibly off-putting). It doesn't seem like the sister dramatically betrayed her or anything. Her dislike of her sister seems rooted in her own insecurities. "Boo hoo my sister is prettier and more feminine than me" 🙄 . . . she's still your sister! Not your competition. Eww. Her treatment of men is also gross. Any attractive man seems to cause her to act stupid like they are a suitor while trying to push her supposed boyfriend Graham away for literally no reason. The fact that he's willing to put up with this woman's nonsense makes me lose respect for him. He totally deserves better. Even if Mel thinks he's too good for her or she's not ready or some nonsense, she needs to snap this man up before he runs from her BS and she ends up getting her wish and ending up alone 🙄
In short the book felt like 2 stars mid book but 3.5 for the last 25% so 3 stars it is.
In short the book felt like 2 stars mid book but 3.5 for the last 25% so 3 stars it is.
January 28, 2025
Ahoy there me mateys! I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood. I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt." That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it. It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts. Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time? I wanted to find out.
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is volunteering with a local charity to update a disabled man's home. She only meant to donate her personal construction skills but instead she has been convinced to run the project. While there, she learns about the next-door Murder House where a father killed members of his family. Only two of the children escaped. Of course while working on the project, she discovers a dead body.
At least Mel isn't a suspect this time. This book was the least favorite so far. The Murder House subplot was easily figured out so I didn't have a lot of suspense reading this. Mel is also hired as a ghost investigator for the police which I thought was a weird choice. I still enjoyed all of the characters and Mel but thought this book wasn't as well thought-out or written as the others. A lot of Mel's ghost skills were weird. Apparently all ghosts are different and so that is why there don't seem to be a whole lot of continuity in ghost rules.
This will not stop me from reading the rest of the series though. I am addicted to these cozy mysteries. Arrrr!
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is volunteering with a local charity to update a disabled man's home. She only meant to donate her personal construction skills but instead she has been convinced to run the project. While there, she learns about the next-door Murder House where a father killed members of his family. Only two of the children escaped. Of course while working on the project, she discovers a dead body.
At least Mel isn't a suspect this time. This book was the least favorite so far. The Murder House subplot was easily figured out so I didn't have a lot of suspense reading this. Mel is also hired as a ghost investigator for the police which I thought was a weird choice. I still enjoyed all of the characters and Mel but thought this book wasn't as well thought-out or written as the others. A lot of Mel's ghost skills were weird. Apparently all ghosts are different and so that is why there don't seem to be a whole lot of continuity in ghost rules.
This will not stop me from reading the rest of the series though. I am addicted to these cozy mysteries. Arrrr!
July 7, 2021
First, let me state, once again, that I never expected to enjoy this series of Cozy Mysteries as much as I do.
Second, I AM definitely a big fan of anything Juliet Blackwell writes, and I have a feeling I shall remain a fan of her writings until I take my last breath on Earth. Then again, given the nature of this Cozy Mystery Series, perhaps even after that.
"Home for the Haunting" is the fourth novel in the "Haunted Home Renovation" Series of Cozy Mysteries. Mel, our wonderful heroine, gets better at connecting with the ghosts that haunt the properties that she renovates (or, in this case, in the vicinity of the properties she renovates), but in this installment, she encounters a REAL horror: a visit from her big sister, Cookie!
She also decides that volunteering for charity may not be on the short-term or long-term plan lists. If you read this Cozy Mystery, you shall soon find out why.
The house next to the one she is renovating is infamously referred to as the "Murder House," which was the scene of a tragic family murder, twenty-five years earlier. Not to mention the seance used to connect with the dearly departed, yet lingering ghosts of the murdered family.
Although I publicly stated that the devouring began during the last few chapters, once I hit the halfway mark of any of the "Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries," the devouring has unofficially begun.
If you love reading about ghosts, you shall love this series from Juliet Blackwell.
And soon, I AM off to read the fifth installment in this series, "Keeper of the Castle."
Second, I AM definitely a big fan of anything Juliet Blackwell writes, and I have a feeling I shall remain a fan of her writings until I take my last breath on Earth. Then again, given the nature of this Cozy Mystery Series, perhaps even after that.
"Home for the Haunting" is the fourth novel in the "Haunted Home Renovation" Series of Cozy Mysteries. Mel, our wonderful heroine, gets better at connecting with the ghosts that haunt the properties that she renovates (or, in this case, in the vicinity of the properties she renovates), but in this installment, she encounters a REAL horror: a visit from her big sister, Cookie!
She also decides that volunteering for charity may not be on the short-term or long-term plan lists. If you read this Cozy Mystery, you shall soon find out why.
The house next to the one she is renovating is infamously referred to as the "Murder House," which was the scene of a tragic family murder, twenty-five years earlier. Not to mention the seance used to connect with the dearly departed, yet lingering ghosts of the murdered family.
Although I publicly stated that the devouring began during the last few chapters, once I hit the halfway mark of any of the "Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries," the devouring has unofficially begun.
If you love reading about ghosts, you shall love this series from Juliet Blackwell.
And soon, I AM off to read the fifth installment in this series, "Keeper of the Castle."
April 6, 2024
Series seems to be less and less about ghosts, haunted houses, and spookiness (which were prominent in the first 2 books) and more about relationships, family dysfunction, and San Francisco neighborhoods. The relationship involves Graham, the boyfriend, and the family dysfunction involves Mel's sister, Cookie. There is a supposed haunted house with mysterious figures sometimes appearing and volunteer groups help to renovate the area. Mel may or may not have seen a ghost during a seance, and she may have seen bluish figures hovering around a dead man, but nothing is clearcut. All in all, this book was a disappointment.
I did not know anything about the plot prior to reading it, but in March 2024 a similar event occurred in Hawaii when a father murdered his wife and 3 kids in an upper class neighborhood in Honolulu then killed himself. Now I wonder if the house will be haunted and what mysterious happenings will occur there in the future.
Glaring error on p. 270: "The X-rays showed that while Monty had suffered a serious contusion and a major lump, there was no concussion." Concussions are diagnosed through a careful compilation and analysis of symptoms, not by X-rays. Sometimes a CT scan and/or MRI can assist in diagnosing a concussion, but never X-rays. Author or editor should have known this.
I did not know anything about the plot prior to reading it, but in March 2024 a similar event occurred in Hawaii when a father murdered his wife and 3 kids in an upper class neighborhood in Honolulu then killed himself. Now I wonder if the house will be haunted and what mysterious happenings will occur there in the future.
Glaring error on p. 270: "The X-rays showed that while Monty had suffered a serious contusion and a major lump, there was no concussion." Concussions are diagnosed through a careful compilation and analysis of symptoms, not by X-rays. Sometimes a CT scan and/or MRI can assist in diagnosing a concussion, but never X-rays. Author or editor should have known this.
March 12, 2018
This series is a lot of fun. Blackwell's characters are better written than I've come to expect in series. They all feel fairly real. The good guys get cranky, the bad guys aren't totally evil, and I like that. I could do with less explanation of what went before, but any author who writes a series has to contend with honoring returning readers as well as new ones. Still, the cover states pretty clearly that this is part of an ongoing series, so I'm for letting newcomers figure it out.
That said, a brief synopsis. Graham talks Mel into coming to a monastery reconstruction site he's working on because they've gone through too many contractors due to ghosts. She doez, and as she's talking to Graham and a couple of others, a rather unpleasant building inspector is killed and the current sire foreman is accused.
Mel turns down the job, but the owner talks her into taking it on, so she moves up to Marin for the nonce.
The job includes a house schedule, complete with daily sherry hour; a fierce Highland warrior ghost who attacks men, but can tolerate women; a weeping woman in red who causes all in her presence to feel deep, gnawing hunger and grief; and a vast of living humans with their own secrets and goals.
That said, a brief synopsis. Graham talks Mel into coming to a monastery reconstruction site he's working on because they've gone through too many contractors due to ghosts. She doez, and as she's talking to Graham and a couple of others, a rather unpleasant building inspector is killed and the current sire foreman is accused.
Mel turns down the job, but the owner talks her into taking it on, so she moves up to Marin for the nonce.
The job includes a house schedule, complete with daily sherry hour; a fierce Highland warrior ghost who attacks men, but can tolerate women; a weeping woman in red who causes all in her presence to feel deep, gnawing hunger and grief; and a vast of living humans with their own secrets and goals.
February 6, 2018
Mel Turner is helping our fix up a house when a body is found in a shed next door. She sees ghosts in the house next door and finds out a family was killed in the house. Two of the children survived, one is helping her at the house she is working on and the other is the body found in the shed. The detective on the case asks her for help. She works on trying to figure out what is going on.
In the meantime her sister shows up and causes her some problems. Her sort of boyfriend returns from a trip and she is dealing with her feeling for him, she likes him but is not yet ready to get too involved. She starts helping out one of the local young kids who is hanging around the jobsite and ends up conducting a séance to help determine what the ghosts want. She finds out that the father did not kill the family as suspected and then figures out who the real killer is which puts her in danger.
Her father is also doing some charity fix up work on the house across the street and she is trying to fix him up with the elderly lady who lives there.
A fun mystery with a talk of house renovation and some ghostly happenings.
In the meantime her sister shows up and causes her some problems. Her sort of boyfriend returns from a trip and she is dealing with her feeling for him, she likes him but is not yet ready to get too involved. She starts helping out one of the local young kids who is hanging around the jobsite and ends up conducting a séance to help determine what the ghosts want. She finds out that the father did not kill the family as suspected and then figures out who the real killer is which puts her in danger.
Her father is also doing some charity fix up work on the house across the street and she is trying to fix him up with the elderly lady who lives there.
A fun mystery with a talk of house renovation and some ghostly happenings.
September 30, 2021
Another book in the series of Mel Turner, ghost whisperer, Construction Boss, come detective. This obviously is one of the first books, however I started with about four in the series after this, so I am doing catch up. Her boyfriend Graham, is much in the mix in this one.
Story, Mel and family are pulled into volunteering to help fix up two peoples homes, however, it just happens there is a ghost house next door, and of course the first thing Mel practically does, while on her volunteer job is, find a dead body. Which, ties into the haunted house.
Supposedly father of the house had killed wife and one child, and other two children escaped, father commits suicide, supposedly. Mel with friends holds a seance and sees that is not the true story. As always, Mel makes new friends, as well as pulling old ones into her mix. Big sister arrives home, and wants to get interested in all Mel does, they both appear to be a little envious of each other. This trip brings them a little closer together.
Not my favourite book in the series as I guessed who dun it from the beginning, but another nice fluff story none the less.
Story, Mel and family are pulled into volunteering to help fix up two peoples homes, however, it just happens there is a ghost house next door, and of course the first thing Mel practically does, while on her volunteer job is, find a dead body. Which, ties into the haunted house.
Supposedly father of the house had killed wife and one child, and other two children escaped, father commits suicide, supposedly. Mel with friends holds a seance and sees that is not the true story. As always, Mel makes new friends, as well as pulling old ones into her mix. Big sister arrives home, and wants to get interested in all Mel does, they both appear to be a little envious of each other. This trip brings them a little closer together.
Not my favourite book in the series as I guessed who dun it from the beginning, but another nice fluff story none the less.
October 19, 2025
Murder House and a Predictable Twist
Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell was another slow-burn mystery with a soft thread of romance woven between Mel and her love interest. While the setup is intriguing, I found the mystery itself fairly easy to unravel. The moment the little girl says, “Daddy killed Mama,” it was clear that the true culprit would turn out to be someone else entirely, most likely another family member. The twist, when it came, didn’t surprise me.
That said, the atmosphere was enjoyable, and the pacing better than in some of the earlier books. I appreciated that this installment offered more balance, with less coded language about race and even small moments where Blackwell seemed to defend communities of color, which was a step in the right direction. The returning POC characters still don’t feel fully realized, but the story held my interest.
Overall, it’s a solid, middle of the road read, nothing groundbreaking, but consistent. Other than a predictable ending the book was a satisfying read.
Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell was another slow-burn mystery with a soft thread of romance woven between Mel and her love interest. While the setup is intriguing, I found the mystery itself fairly easy to unravel. The moment the little girl says, “Daddy killed Mama,” it was clear that the true culprit would turn out to be someone else entirely, most likely another family member. The twist, when it came, didn’t surprise me.
That said, the atmosphere was enjoyable, and the pacing better than in some of the earlier books. I appreciated that this installment offered more balance, with less coded language about race and even small moments where Blackwell seemed to defend communities of color, which was a step in the right direction. The returning POC characters still don’t feel fully realized, but the story held my interest.
Overall, it’s a solid, middle of the road read, nothing groundbreaking, but consistent. Other than a predictable ending the book was a satisfying read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
I like this story as it made Mel less of a busybody because she was asked to investigate. I also like how all her friends and family have just accepted her gift and all its quirkiness. I do appreciate that Mel is trying to learn about her skill and gift but reaches out to others when she needs advice or additional expertise.
The story was interesting, but it was way too predictable. Almost to the point of being a side plot while Mel’s visit from her sister took more center stage. Cookie’s visit allowed us the reader to see a different side of Mel, her dad and to some extent the paranormal world. I did like the fact the author kept the relationship real and honest.
The only thing I can’t figure out is why the character of Graham still exists. He was absent from most of this book and wasn’t missed. I feel like Mel has more chemistry with the police detective than with Graham and can’t figure out why the author is trying to make that romance work.
The story was interesting, but it was way too predictable. Almost to the point of being a side plot while Mel’s visit from her sister took more center stage. Cookie’s visit allowed us the reader to see a different side of Mel, her dad and to some extent the paranormal world. I did like the fact the author kept the relationship real and honest.
The only thing I can’t figure out is why the character of Graham still exists. He was absent from most of this book and wasn’t missed. I feel like Mel has more chemistry with the police detective than with Graham and can’t figure out why the author is trying to make that romance work.
April 18, 2019
I do like Melanie and her stepson. Their relationship is pure and he loves her like another mother. Graham is always irresistible. It was nice to meet a new family member "Cookie" though she is given as Miss. Beautiful who gets any guy.
This Time Melanie is doing some volunteer work and helping renovate homes for those in need. She is assigned Monty's house while her dad is doing Etta's house. They are neighbors and in this progress we learn about the "Murder House" a home where a father killed his wife and daughter while his young son and other daughter were able to escape. Of Course Melanie runs into a dead body though technically it was one of the volunteers and we get a new mystery to solve. I have to say I was suspicious of this murder house. And the ending made sense.
Overall I would recommend this whole series it seems light and fun.
This Time Melanie is doing some volunteer work and helping renovate homes for those in need. She is assigned Monty's house while her dad is doing Etta's house. They are neighbors and in this progress we learn about the "Murder House" a home where a father killed his wife and daughter while his young son and other daughter were able to escape. Of Course Melanie runs into a dead body though technically it was one of the volunteers and we get a new mystery to solve. I have to say I was suspicious of this murder house. And the ending made sense.
Overall I would recommend this whole series it seems light and fun.
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