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The Chapelwick Mysteries #2
Mystery at Maplemead Castle
Welcome to Chapelwick, a leafy English town in the hills of Shropshire, where chocolate pecan cookies come with a helping of sabotage.
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the troublemakers swinging from the chandeliers...literally.
A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death, and has done every night since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody's investigative powers are under strain (i.e. lost in a pink mist of lust and confusion). She needs her team on top form, but best friend Marina's cake pipeline goes AWOL, assistant Artie's distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug is scared witless by a lion.
Somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it? And is there a chance it could set Britannia free, or is she doomed to repeat her last fateful act forever?
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the troublemakers swinging from the chandeliers...literally.
A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death, and has done every night since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody's investigative powers are under strain (i.e. lost in a pink mist of lust and confusion). She needs her team on top form, but best friend Marina's cake pipeline goes AWOL, assistant Artie's distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug is scared witless by a lion.
Somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it? And is there a chance it could set Britannia free, or is she doomed to repeat her last fateful act forever?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2017
122 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Kitty French
36 books2,141 followersRomantic comedy and paranormal comedy writer for Bookouture. Wine drinker, fairy light addict, disorganised wife and mom.
Also writes romantic comedy as Kat French for HarperCollins.
Also writes romantic comedy as Kat French for HarperCollins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 8, 2020
It's no particular secret that Kitty French is an author who I'll drop pretty much whatever I'm doing to read: when it comes to rom-coms with exquisite humour, the most loveable of characters, and in the case of this series the dead as well as the living, the lady walks on water.
With a few threads left loose at the end of The Skeletons of Scarborough House, it was evident that my new BFF, Melody Bittersweet had much more to give. And she gives it in spades when she's summoned to Maplemead Castle where the new residents have discovered they're not alone in their abode.
"...we're going to show them why they need us."
Cue the fun from trapeze-swinging ghosts, Melody, Marina and Artie, her one-eared pug, her ex-boyfriend and her future boyfriend...or husband, because god almighty please let them get their happy ever after and make ghostbusting babies as Melody and Fletcher are killing me with their chemistry, his mouth and all the sexual tension.
This series has quickly become one of my favourites and I love how Kitty is giving us the chance to get to know each character intimately, which explains the dynamic between them and injects the emotion and, whilst I laughed my arse off at the humour, I also had a bloody good sniffle.
"Don’t let me fall."
"I’ll catch you."
I know they say I want, doesn't always get, but I don't care, I do want. I want much more from these characters who have worked their way into my heart: Melody, her friends and family, the ghosts, and Fletch--beautiful, funny, dirty Fletch. And I have no doubt that however long the wait, it'll be worth it.
"To know a Bittersweet woman is to love her."
Copy received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
With a few threads left loose at the end of The Skeletons of Scarborough House, it was evident that my new BFF, Melody Bittersweet had much more to give. And she gives it in spades when she's summoned to Maplemead Castle where the new residents have discovered they're not alone in their abode.
"...we're going to show them why they need us."
Cue the fun from trapeze-swinging ghosts, Melody, Marina and Artie, her one-eared pug, her ex-boyfriend and her future boyfriend...or husband, because god almighty please let them get their happy ever after and make ghostbusting babies as Melody and Fletcher are killing me with their chemistry, his mouth and all the sexual tension.
This series has quickly become one of my favourites and I love how Kitty is giving us the chance to get to know each character intimately, which explains the dynamic between them and injects the emotion and, whilst I laughed my arse off at the humour, I also had a bloody good sniffle.
"Don’t let me fall."
"I’ll catch you."
I know they say I want, doesn't always get, but I don't care, I do want. I want much more from these characters who have worked their way into my heart: Melody, her friends and family, the ghosts, and Fletch--beautiful, funny, dirty Fletch. And I have no doubt that however long the wait, it'll be worth it.
"To know a Bittersweet woman is to love her."
Copy received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
March 17, 2017
4.5 - "All in a days work, ghostbuster." Stars!
Kitty French takes her readers back to the marvelously mad world of Melody Bittersweet with the second book in the Chapelwick Mysteries series. Mystery at Maplemead Castle see’s our intrepid investigator looking into the life and loves of long dead Britannia Lovell.
Arty and Lois Letterman get more than they bargained for with the Castle after buying over the internet, its not until they move in they discover that there are more than just flesh and blood residents in the building. Having rented out the place to a film crew, they task Melody, and her arch-nemesis/ex-lover Leo Dark to rid the place before filming starts and the actors arrive.
"You don’t even need the ghosts to make you weird you do a great job all on your own…"
We get the added bonus of plenty of interaction with Melody’s partners in crime Marina and Artie, as well as learn more about new potential love interest/frenemy reporter Fletcher Gunn, and I like the way the characters stories are starting to develop around the investigations that Melody gets involved in.
I seem to have come away with more questions than answers… I can sense the pieces of the puzzle hovering around my head like hornets and I know that this case isn’t likely to get resolved without someone getting badly stung…
I really enjoyed this book, the author manages to inject plenty of laughs but then in the next breath have you sniffling into a tissue, and the pure bawdy Brit humor is a massive plus for me because it just gives everything a really authentic comfortable feel when you are reading. The relationship that is building between Melody and Fletcher is starting to gather a little more steam as well, and I hope that the author actually lets the rabbit and the dangling carrot finally unite in the next book.
"I don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you…"
"Coming. You’d definitely be coming."
Another all-round winner for me, Kitty French on a bad day (and this definitely isn’t one of them) is still better than most authors at their best, and I cannot wait to see what adventures Melody and the crew go on next.
"You’re the best friend I never had."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
Kitty French takes her readers back to the marvelously mad world of Melody Bittersweet with the second book in the Chapelwick Mysteries series. Mystery at Maplemead Castle see’s our intrepid investigator looking into the life and loves of long dead Britannia Lovell.
Arty and Lois Letterman get more than they bargained for with the Castle after buying over the internet, its not until they move in they discover that there are more than just flesh and blood residents in the building. Having rented out the place to a film crew, they task Melody, and her arch-nemesis/ex-lover Leo Dark to rid the place before filming starts and the actors arrive.
"You don’t even need the ghosts to make you weird you do a great job all on your own…"
We get the added bonus of plenty of interaction with Melody’s partners in crime Marina and Artie, as well as learn more about new potential love interest/frenemy reporter Fletcher Gunn, and I like the way the characters stories are starting to develop around the investigations that Melody gets involved in.
I seem to have come away with more questions than answers… I can sense the pieces of the puzzle hovering around my head like hornets and I know that this case isn’t likely to get resolved without someone getting badly stung…
I really enjoyed this book, the author manages to inject plenty of laughs but then in the next breath have you sniffling into a tissue, and the pure bawdy Brit humor is a massive plus for me because it just gives everything a really authentic comfortable feel when you are reading. The relationship that is building between Melody and Fletcher is starting to gather a little more steam as well, and I hope that the author actually lets the rabbit and the dangling carrot finally unite in the next book.
"I don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you…"
"Coming. You’d definitely be coming."
Another all-round winner for me, Kitty French on a bad day (and this definitely isn’t one of them) is still better than most authors at their best, and I cannot wait to see what adventures Melody and the crew go on next.
"You’re the best friend I never had."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
March 19, 2017
Let's see I need to write this review as a normal book blogger and not a crazy Melody Bittersweet fan. Seriously, I do wonder how Kitty French manages to write this book without sitting and laughing at the dialog herself, or perhaps she does break down it laughter, who knows? All, I know is that this book is just as fun as the first book in the series!
Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' GhostbustingGhostbusting Agency is back to fight ghosts, thou fight them is the wrong word, rather trying to figure out their tragic past so that they can move on. In this book, Melody, Marina, and Artie have to try to figure out what happened all those years ago when trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death. Was it really an accident? Besides this, she also has to deal with her ex Leo Dark who also is there, but Leo does seem to have a hard time separating work from pleasure, and work time romance is a bit hard when one of you are dead. Then, there is journalist Fletcher Gunn, the non-believer when it comes to ghosts, who is there to follow Melody for a reportage. He may not believe that she sees ghosts, but that doesn't stop them from getting a bit carried away when they are alone together. Then, there is the ghost lion...
Mystery of Maplemead Castle is a fabulous book. I loved the first book, but darn it, I think this one is even better. But, I think that's because of all the Fletcher and Melody action all through the book. Yes, the book is so much more than just Fletcher and Melody making out, but Leo has a tendency do stumble over them when they are..busy, and that often leads to hilarious moments. Seriously, the book has so many hilarious moments, witty dialog that I'm sitting here just smiling when I think of some of them. It's such a wonderful book, and I can't wait for the next to come out!
Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' GhostbustingGhostbusting Agency is back to fight ghosts, thou fight them is the wrong word, rather trying to figure out their tragic past so that they can move on. In this book, Melody, Marina, and Artie have to try to figure out what happened all those years ago when trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death. Was it really an accident? Besides this, she also has to deal with her ex Leo Dark who also is there, but Leo does seem to have a hard time separating work from pleasure, and work time romance is a bit hard when one of you are dead. Then, there is journalist Fletcher Gunn, the non-believer when it comes to ghosts, who is there to follow Melody for a reportage. He may not believe that she sees ghosts, but that doesn't stop them from getting a bit carried away when they are alone together. Then, there is the ghost lion...
Mystery of Maplemead Castle is a fabulous book. I loved the first book, but darn it, I think this one is even better. But, I think that's because of all the Fletcher and Melody action all through the book. Yes, the book is so much more than just Fletcher and Melody making out, but Leo has a tendency do stumble over them when they are..busy, and that often leads to hilarious moments. Seriously, the book has so many hilarious moments, witty dialog that I'm sitting here just smiling when I think of some of them. It's such a wonderful book, and I can't wait for the next to come out!
March 22, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Melody and crew feel like old friends at this point, and I was so pleased to be aquatinted with them again. Not much has changed since the first book, Melody is still a sugar addict who daydreams of sexy superheroes, Marina is still a vixen in stilettos, Artie is still slowly gaining confidence and may be ready to dip his toes into the dating pool, and Silvana and Dicey are still up to their old tricks. This time around the Girls Ghostbusting Agency is tasked with clearing a gorgeous castle of its lingering spirits and things are seriously complicated. Leo Dark is also underfoot and Fletcher Gunn is writing yet another piece for the newspaper. One ex boyfriend and one potential new love interest for Melody is overwhelming enough, but a ghostly love triangle, with the terrifying bonus of a lion is enough to push sweet Melody over the edge.
I can’t get over how hilarious this was! I laughed even harder than I did during the first book, at one point I was crying with laughter, full blown hysterics. There is an over abundance of witty, snarky banter between all of the characters, but when Marina and Melody go off on a tangent, I lose it. They get naughty, sassy and are downright incorrigible but I love every minute of it. Fletch played a large presence in this one and the heat between him and Melody was awesome! Their banter was amazing as well, their chemistry is sizzling and the way he manages to make Melody tangle herself in verbal knots is beyond funny. I think I’ll chuckle to myself anytime I hear/see the word rhubarb.
I now know that I can only start a Kitty French book when I have nothing else to do because I hate having to put it down. For such a quirky, fun loving read, there were some heartfelt and tender moments, I swear this series has it all. This book was an utter delight and I can’t wait for the next one. I dare you to read this without cracking a smile, I’m still smiling and giggling hours after finishing.
Melody and crew feel like old friends at this point, and I was so pleased to be aquatinted with them again. Not much has changed since the first book, Melody is still a sugar addict who daydreams of sexy superheroes, Marina is still a vixen in stilettos, Artie is still slowly gaining confidence and may be ready to dip his toes into the dating pool, and Silvana and Dicey are still up to their old tricks. This time around the Girls Ghostbusting Agency is tasked with clearing a gorgeous castle of its lingering spirits and things are seriously complicated. Leo Dark is also underfoot and Fletcher Gunn is writing yet another piece for the newspaper. One ex boyfriend and one potential new love interest for Melody is overwhelming enough, but a ghostly love triangle, with the terrifying bonus of a lion is enough to push sweet Melody over the edge.
I can’t get over how hilarious this was! I laughed even harder than I did during the first book, at one point I was crying with laughter, full blown hysterics. There is an over abundance of witty, snarky banter between all of the characters, but when Marina and Melody go off on a tangent, I lose it. They get naughty, sassy and are downright incorrigible but I love every minute of it. Fletch played a large presence in this one and the heat between him and Melody was awesome! Their banter was amazing as well, their chemistry is sizzling and the way he manages to make Melody tangle herself in verbal knots is beyond funny. I think I’ll chuckle to myself anytime I hear/see the word rhubarb.
I now know that I can only start a Kitty French book when I have nothing else to do because I hate having to put it down. For such a quirky, fun loving read, there were some heartfelt and tender moments, I swear this series has it all. This book was an utter delight and I can’t wait for the next one. I dare you to read this without cracking a smile, I’m still smiling and giggling hours after finishing.
May 26, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Melody Bittersweet and her cohorts are back! I'm so thrilled to see them all again. You can expect lots of out-loud laughter when reading this. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the flow of the pace moving at a good clip with an eclectic mix of characters you will love. The mystery is light but everything works here to create an unputdownable experience. This is one I hope many will love like I do. Bring on book three please!
Melody Bittersweet and her cohorts are back! I'm so thrilled to see them all again. You can expect lots of out-loud laughter when reading this. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the flow of the pace moving at a good clip with an eclectic mix of characters you will love. The mystery is light but everything works here to create an unputdownable experience. This is one I hope many will love like I do. Bring on book three please!
March 15, 2017
4.5 stars
“I genuinely cannot fathom what goes on inside your head, ghostbuster,” he says. “You’re the most unusual person I’ve ever met.”
This series just gets better and better! Bravo Kitty French, this second instalment was just brilliant. What a fabulous time we spent back with characters that now feel like best friends, seeing their journey continue, revelling in how everyone is getting on and what’s happening with them, personally as well as their new ghost hunting shenanigans. Melody, Marina and Artie, we want to join your crew! Melody, we want to come drink champers round the kitchen table with your mum and gran.
“Gran, are you offering to lend me your gimp mask?”
“Don’t judge me, darling, I’ve been married for over sixty years, how else am I to keep the spice in our marriage?”
What we loved is how book two builds on the development of characters and their relationships. Book one felt like an introduction and the slow build has encouraged and solidified this deep connection we now feel. Kitty French has made us care deeply for all her characters whilst laughing our arses off and feeling the subtle vulnerability and emotional angst threaded through the story. We definitely saw a different side to the arrogant heart-breaker, Leo as well as journalist and sceptic, Fletch…
‘Needless to say, my mum and gran can’t abide him; he never misses a chance to take pot-shots at us and our industry in the press.’
This is pure British comedy with an ongoing romantic possibility that we yearn for, but for once the anticipation is just as delicious and addictive as a loving end, when and if that comes.
‘He’s offering to be my summer fling, but not my winter coat. My fair-weather lover. Can I do that? I worry that my heart cannot withstand him, but then I also worry that he will for ever be my missed regret.’
The supernatural elements are marvellous and we loved the mystery in this one, it was circus-fantastic, yet so sad and quite distressing too. A perfect blend. It’s fanciful, silly, sweet, funny, emotional and exciting. It’s eccentric and quintessentially British. We bloody love this series! This RomCom is without question a feel-good read that’ll have you smiling and laughing out loud, it’s so different to what’s out there at the moment and we’re loving that!
‘Fletch and I have an inexplicable connection and it’s bloody inconvenient for both of us.’
Mystery at Maplemead Castle (#2) available to purchase below
Amazon US
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The Skeletons of Scarborough House (#1) available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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March 19, 2017
Having thoroughly enjoyed The Skeletons of Scarborough House, I couldn’t wait to read Mystery at Maplemead Castle to see what giggles and ghostly shenanigans were going to take place this time. This book was so much fun, and if you liked the first book, you’ve got to read this one too.
I’m still giggling at some of the images this book has left me with, such as Robert Downey Jr. and his iron helmet, which made me laugh out loud, a proper head in my hands giggle to myself. Then there were furry bat pyjamas, sexy superheroes, Poldark, a tiny dog and a huge ghostly lion encountering each other. I can’t help but think that Lestat the pug isn’t quite Scooby Doo though. Melody’s initial response to the lion had me in stitches, and brought back a memory from almost 20 years ago when I discovered a dead mouse in our house. My hubby had no idea what was going on at the time, while he watched me go through every possible emotion in the space of a few seconds. He thought I’d completely lost the plot.
I love Melody Bittersweet. She makes me want to live in the book and be her best friend. If she was of this world, rather than a fictional one, then we’d definitely be friends, as we’re so similar, although I grew out of seeing ghosts when I was a teenager. I think I was quite a weird kid at school, a strange combination of shy, chatty, geeky and quirky. This book had me laughing at my lack of coordination during sports at school. When I saw a ball coming towards me, it took all my willpower not to duck or run away from it. I really wish more bullies at my school were deterred by the film Carrie.
This book also had me craving a Curly Wurly. Imagine my sheer delight the following day when I discovered a Curly Wurly in the bottom of my chocolate drawer. It was even in date. I was very impressed, and happily munched on it, despite the sticky toffee giving me toothache. Nom, nom, nom.
I LOVED the ending and seeing what Melody learnt from the ghosts. It was so touching and emotional, and I even had tears in my eyes. This book is a fun mix of nostalgia, mischief and romance …oh, and mysterious ghostly shenanigans, of course.
I’m now really looking forward to the next book in this series. At the time of writing this review, the first book, The Skeletons of Scarborough House is just 99p on Amazon Kindle, and definitely worth every penny.
I’m still giggling at some of the images this book has left me with, such as Robert Downey Jr. and his iron helmet, which made me laugh out loud, a proper head in my hands giggle to myself. Then there were furry bat pyjamas, sexy superheroes, Poldark, a tiny dog and a huge ghostly lion encountering each other. I can’t help but think that Lestat the pug isn’t quite Scooby Doo though. Melody’s initial response to the lion had me in stitches, and brought back a memory from almost 20 years ago when I discovered a dead mouse in our house. My hubby had no idea what was going on at the time, while he watched me go through every possible emotion in the space of a few seconds. He thought I’d completely lost the plot.
I love Melody Bittersweet. She makes me want to live in the book and be her best friend. If she was of this world, rather than a fictional one, then we’d definitely be friends, as we’re so similar, although I grew out of seeing ghosts when I was a teenager. I think I was quite a weird kid at school, a strange combination of shy, chatty, geeky and quirky. This book had me laughing at my lack of coordination during sports at school. When I saw a ball coming towards me, it took all my willpower not to duck or run away from it. I really wish more bullies at my school were deterred by the film Carrie.
This book also had me craving a Curly Wurly. Imagine my sheer delight the following day when I discovered a Curly Wurly in the bottom of my chocolate drawer. It was even in date. I was very impressed, and happily munched on it, despite the sticky toffee giving me toothache. Nom, nom, nom.
I LOVED the ending and seeing what Melody learnt from the ghosts. It was so touching and emotional, and I even had tears in my eyes. This book is a fun mix of nostalgia, mischief and romance …oh, and mysterious ghostly shenanigans, of course.
I’m now really looking forward to the next book in this series. At the time of writing this review, the first book, The Skeletons of Scarborough House is just 99p on Amazon Kindle, and definitely worth every penny.
February 6, 2025
Melody Bittersweet is back with her friends and one-eared Pug, Lestat to clear Maplemead Castle from a circus troupe of ghosts and their lion. Yes, there’s a ghost lion named Goliath who Lestat makes his displeasure about known. Melody’s ex, Leo Dark, and reporter Fletcher Gunn are also back which I thought added more interesting aspects to the story.
I enjoyed this book very much and couldn’t wait to find out the backstory of the ghostly circus performers and the author didn’t disappoint. This story had me laughing out loud, especially when Lestat squares off to a ghost lion and made my eyes tear up when I learned the tragic story of Britannia as well as learning more about Fletcher’s back story. He really grew on me in this installment and I am eager to see if he and Melody continue to connect. Surprisingly, I also felt less irritation and annoyance towards Leo this time around.
I liked Melody and found her easy to relate to and appreciate the care and concern she demonstrates for both the living and the deceased. I keep hoping that Marina and Artie will get together too but so far, they remain steadfast colleagues.
This story offers the perfect blend of fun, charm, mystery, intrigue and romance fans of cozy mysteries will expect. The characters are easy to connect with and relate to and the plot flows smoothly. If you prefer audiobook formats, the narration of this book was expertly performed by Cat Gould.
This book ends on the assumption that Melody and her crew will be starting another case but so far I have been unable to confirm there will be a third book in this series. I hope there will be because it would be a great disappointment to see this series stall with so many unanswered questions.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this story was fantastic and I highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, romances, stories featuring dogs with or without both of their ears and ghosts.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
I enjoyed this book very much and couldn’t wait to find out the backstory of the ghostly circus performers and the author didn’t disappoint. This story had me laughing out loud, especially when Lestat squares off to a ghost lion and made my eyes tear up when I learned the tragic story of Britannia as well as learning more about Fletcher’s back story. He really grew on me in this installment and I am eager to see if he and Melody continue to connect. Surprisingly, I also felt less irritation and annoyance towards Leo this time around.
I liked Melody and found her easy to relate to and appreciate the care and concern she demonstrates for both the living and the deceased. I keep hoping that Marina and Artie will get together too but so far, they remain steadfast colleagues.
This story offers the perfect blend of fun, charm, mystery, intrigue and romance fans of cozy mysteries will expect. The characters are easy to connect with and relate to and the plot flows smoothly. If you prefer audiobook formats, the narration of this book was expertly performed by Cat Gould.
This book ends on the assumption that Melody and her crew will be starting another case but so far I have been unable to confirm there will be a third book in this series. I hope there will be because it would be a great disappointment to see this series stall with so many unanswered questions.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this story was fantastic and I highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries, romances, stories featuring dogs with or without both of their ears and ghosts.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
March 24, 2017
Easily one of the funniest books I've ever read. There is so much about this book that just hit my funny bones in the right way and the amount of times I was giggling out loud to myself was great.
I never knew ghostbusting could be so much fun, maybe I should go watch that film! In fact until I started reading these Chapelwick Mysteries, I never realised I could potentially enjoy a story which featured ghosts. And its the way that the ghosts are portrayed that makes my skepticism towards all things supernatural stay at bay while I read this book.
For Melody Bittersweet is just an ordinary girl, but with a rather extraordinary ability, as she introduces herself in book 1, she states "I see dead people". It just so happens she see the ghosts that surround us all as living beings, and she can converse with them as though they are still living. Of course to her friends she looks as though she is talking to herself, but luckily at her Ghostbusting agency, Marina her best friend and new friend Artie are quick to back her up and offer assistance as they try to solve the mysteries that keep some ghosts routed to the here and now, instead of free to go wherever is they are meant to!
Now in Mystery at Maplemead Castle there aren't just human ghosts that Melody has to deal with, there is a rather unusual ghost called Goliath, who I loved Melody, and also Leo (a rival ghosthunter)'s first encounter with . For the ghosts in question that are causing havoc at Maplemead castle are a ringmaster and two trapeze artists, and Goliath is a ghostly lion!
One of my favourite scenes involves Lestat, Melody's pug who has never really seemed to notice ghosts before, has an encounter with Goliath. I was laughing my head off at it, and just one of so many amusing moments. Pretty much anything Melody says while she is around skeptical reporter Fletcher Gunn is funny, as she can't seem to think straight. There is undeniable chemistry between them, despite Fletcher thinking Melody is a charlatan!
It was great to be reunited with characters from The Skeletons of Scarborough House, and although this is book two of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The mystery in this book is not related to the previous, and all the relevant details for the recurring cast are repeated, so that newcomers can know all the useful informations about them.
I loved meeting the ghosts in this book, and their story was really enjoyable. I also loved the renewed rivalry between Leo and Melody, and also Melody and Fletcher, and Fletcher and Leo...all around fun with the interactions between the three.
Overall I just found Mystery at Maplemeads Castle to be a highly entertaining story, from a series I can't get enough of, and is a series I would urge you to take a chance on if you like laughing, are interested in ghost busting, mysteries or all around fun story writing, great dialogue and just slightly over the top characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I never knew ghostbusting could be so much fun, maybe I should go watch that film! In fact until I started reading these Chapelwick Mysteries, I never realised I could potentially enjoy a story which featured ghosts. And its the way that the ghosts are portrayed that makes my skepticism towards all things supernatural stay at bay while I read this book.
For Melody Bittersweet is just an ordinary girl, but with a rather extraordinary ability, as she introduces herself in book 1, she states "I see dead people". It just so happens she see the ghosts that surround us all as living beings, and she can converse with them as though they are still living. Of course to her friends she looks as though she is talking to herself, but luckily at her Ghostbusting agency, Marina her best friend and new friend Artie are quick to back her up and offer assistance as they try to solve the mysteries that keep some ghosts routed to the here and now, instead of free to go wherever is they are meant to!
Now in Mystery at Maplemead Castle there aren't just human ghosts that Melody has to deal with, there is a rather unusual ghost called Goliath, who I loved Melody, and also Leo (a rival ghosthunter)'s first encounter with . For the ghosts in question that are causing havoc at Maplemead castle are a ringmaster and two trapeze artists, and Goliath is a ghostly lion!
One of my favourite scenes involves Lestat, Melody's pug who has never really seemed to notice ghosts before, has an encounter with Goliath. I was laughing my head off at it, and just one of so many amusing moments. Pretty much anything Melody says while she is around skeptical reporter Fletcher Gunn is funny, as she can't seem to think straight. There is undeniable chemistry between them, despite Fletcher thinking Melody is a charlatan!
It was great to be reunited with characters from The Skeletons of Scarborough House, and although this is book two of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The mystery in this book is not related to the previous, and all the relevant details for the recurring cast are repeated, so that newcomers can know all the useful informations about them.
I loved meeting the ghosts in this book, and their story was really enjoyable. I also loved the renewed rivalry between Leo and Melody, and also Melody and Fletcher, and Fletcher and Leo...all around fun with the interactions between the three.
Overall I just found Mystery at Maplemeads Castle to be a highly entertaining story, from a series I can't get enough of, and is a series I would urge you to take a chance on if you like laughing, are interested in ghost busting, mysteries or all around fun story writing, great dialogue and just slightly over the top characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 3, 2020
I have had Mystery at Maplemead Castle on my reader for a long long time and I've decided to read it on Halloween...what's better than to read a cozy mystery novel on that night?? I tell you, NOTHING!!
I had a good time reading about Melody Bittersweet and her Ghostbusting agency on the previous book in the series, but this one was even better.
The Bittersweet ladies has a gift, they can see and talk to ghosts.
Melody chose to help people to get rid of ghosts that haunt their places.
In this story she has to deal with a group of ghosts, three circus performers and a lion, that haunt Maplemead Castle, his ex boyfriend, Leo Dark, and the infuriatingly gorgeous reporter, Fletcher Gunn.
I've enjoyed and appreciated Kitty French writing and humour, she made me ignore everything else while reading her story. I really wish she will give us more ghostbusting adventure in the future.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
March 25, 2017
I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could! I thought it would be impossible for Kitty French to top the fabulousness of the first Chapelwick Mystery, but she has managed it. Once again, I found myself so invested in the plight of the ghostly characters in the book that I had tears streaming down my face while reading the climactic scene where they get the closure they need to move on. The endings of these books are always SO satisfying!
The spirits who are haunting Maplemead Castle are a trio of circus performers who comprised a love triangle when they were alive. Bewitching trapeze artist, Britannia, her besotted Italian partner, and her ringmaster husband are doomed to repeat the events of the night when they all perished over and over again, and the American couple who just bought Maplemead wants the troublesome ghosts gone so that they can rent the castle out to a film crew. They call in Melody "I See Dead People" Bittersweet and her team of ghostbusters as well as Melody's ex, fame-hungry TV personality Leo Dark, and his twin sidekicks. To say that Melody is not thrilled to have to share the job with Leo is an understatement, and she's further peeved when Fletcher Gunn, the reporter who's intent on proving she and Leo are both frauds, is assigned the story.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how the author peeled off more layers of the Leo and Fletch characters and gave the reader greater insight into what makes them tick. At various times throughout the story, they're emotionally vulnerable and we see that beneath their quips and bravado they have hearts. I like that both men are flawed and multi-dimensional; sometimes they're jerks and make Melody's life miserable and other times they step in and do the right thing. Although Melody seemed to finally get closure on her breakup with Leo and she took a few steps forward with Fletch, the author still left the door open for Melody/Leo and presented a pretty compelling reason as to why Melody/Fletch will never work. So, there's no clear romantic end game for Melody, which is fun for me as a reader. I go back and forth rooting for both guys.
These books are such a wonderful blend of humor, pathos, thrills, and chills, and I love that the author always surprises me. I keep thinking about Melody and her adventures long after I've finished the stories and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!
The spirits who are haunting Maplemead Castle are a trio of circus performers who comprised a love triangle when they were alive. Bewitching trapeze artist, Britannia, her besotted Italian partner, and her ringmaster husband are doomed to repeat the events of the night when they all perished over and over again, and the American couple who just bought Maplemead wants the troublesome ghosts gone so that they can rent the castle out to a film crew. They call in Melody "I See Dead People" Bittersweet and her team of ghostbusters as well as Melody's ex, fame-hungry TV personality Leo Dark, and his twin sidekicks. To say that Melody is not thrilled to have to share the job with Leo is an understatement, and she's further peeved when Fletcher Gunn, the reporter who's intent on proving she and Leo are both frauds, is assigned the story.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how the author peeled off more layers of the Leo and Fletch characters and gave the reader greater insight into what makes them tick. At various times throughout the story, they're emotionally vulnerable and we see that beneath their quips and bravado they have hearts. I like that both men are flawed and multi-dimensional; sometimes they're jerks and make Melody's life miserable and other times they step in and do the right thing. Although Melody seemed to finally get closure on her breakup with Leo and she took a few steps forward with Fletch, the author still left the door open for Melody/Leo and presented a pretty compelling reason as to why Melody/Fletch will never work. So, there's no clear romantic end game for Melody, which is fun for me as a reader. I go back and forth rooting for both guys.
These books are such a wonderful blend of humor, pathos, thrills, and chills, and I love that the author always surprises me. I keep thinking about Melody and her adventures long after I've finished the stories and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!
March 20, 2017
If you're a fan of British rom-com with a paranormal twist, then you are going to love this series. I've fallen in love with all of the characters and their crazy antics.
March 16, 2017
4.5 stars
“I genuinely cannot fathom what goes on inside your head, ghostbuster,” he says. “You’re the most unusual person I’ve ever met.”
This series just gets better and better! Bravo Kitty French, this second instalment was just brilliant. What a fabulous time we spent back with characters that now feel like best friends, seeing their journey continue, revelling in how everyone is getting on and what’s happening with them, personally as well as their new ghost hunting shenanigans. Melody, Marina and Artie, we want to join your crew! Melody, we want to come drink champers round the kitchen table with your mum and gran.
“Gran, are you offering to lend me your gimp mask?”
“Don’t judge me, darling, I’ve been married for over sixty years, how else am I to keep the spice in our marriage?”
What we loved is how book two builds on the development of characters and their relationships. Book one felt like an introduction and the slow build has encouraged and solidified this deep connection we now feel. Kitty French has made us care deeply for all her characters whilst laughing our arses off and feeling the subtle vulnerability and emotional angst threaded through the story. We definitely saw a different side to the arrogant heart-breaker, Leo as well as journalist and sceptic, Fletch…
‘Needless to say, my mum and gran can’t abide him; he never misses a chance to take pot-shots at us and our industry in the press.’
This is pure British comedy with an ongoing romantic possibility that we yearn for, but for once the anticipation is just as delicious and addictive as a loving end, when and if that comes....
Click here for full review at TBB
Mystery at Maplemead Castle (#2) available to purchase below
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February 22, 2019
I'm actually surprised at how clever the writing is in this series. I actually laughed out loud several times while listening to this.
March 30, 2017
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the troublemakers swinging from the chandeliers ... literally. A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death, and has done every night since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Maplemead Castle is the second book in the Chapelwick Mysteries series and it's every bit as brilliant as the first one. Melody and her little band of misfits are fast becoming firm friends and it's great to know I can rely on them when I need a laugh.
Maplemead Castle was bought by an American couple, sight unseen, over the internet. As you do. But they quickly realise all is not right. For this case, Melody is forced to work together with the ever annoying ex-boyfriend Leo and with irresistible reporter Fletch. No problems there then.
The story of the ghosts haunting Maplemead Castle is incredibly sad once again. Britannia used to be a trapeze artist who plunged to her death and she has done every night since. But was it an accident? Thank goodness for the humour or I'd be bawling like a baby.
Leo gets in far over his head. Melody doesn't even know where her head is at most of the time, as having Fletch around is utterly distracting. While I wouldn't mind having a Fletch of my own (sorry OH), it was Artie and Lestat who stole the show for me.
Personally, I felt this one was a bit too heavy on the romance. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery aspect and trying to figure out exactly what happened. And of course, the ever-present humour. I don't know how Kitty French comes up with some of these things but her brain must be the most wonderful place.
All in all, captivating, full of witty characters and I can't wait to see where the crew ends up next time. There's a next time, right?
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy, which I chose to review.
Maplemead Castle is the second book in the Chapelwick Mysteries series and it's every bit as brilliant as the first one. Melody and her little band of misfits are fast becoming firm friends and it's great to know I can rely on them when I need a laugh.
Maplemead Castle was bought by an American couple, sight unseen, over the internet. As you do. But they quickly realise all is not right. For this case, Melody is forced to work together with the ever annoying ex-boyfriend Leo and with irresistible reporter Fletch. No problems there then.
The story of the ghosts haunting Maplemead Castle is incredibly sad once again. Britannia used to be a trapeze artist who plunged to her death and she has done every night since. But was it an accident? Thank goodness for the humour or I'd be bawling like a baby.
Leo gets in far over his head. Melody doesn't even know where her head is at most of the time, as having Fletch around is utterly distracting. While I wouldn't mind having a Fletch of my own (sorry OH), it was Artie and Lestat who stole the show for me.
Personally, I felt this one was a bit too heavy on the romance. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery aspect and trying to figure out exactly what happened. And of course, the ever-present humour. I don't know how Kitty French comes up with some of these things but her brain must be the most wonderful place.
All in all, captivating, full of witty characters and I can't wait to see where the crew ends up next time. There's a next time, right?
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy, which I chose to review.
May 10, 2018
So so good!!!
I'm so in love with this series, these ref, these characters !!!
Miss Kitty I'm so ready for book 3!!! Can't wait!
I'm so in love with this series, these ref, these characters !!!
Miss Kitty I'm so ready for book 3!!! Can't wait!
April 24, 2017
Having previously read The Skeletons of Scarborough House (book one in the series and previously called Melody Bittersweet & the Girls Ghost Busting Agency) I was super excited to read book two. I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to see what mysteries Melody and her team would have to solve next and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
In this book we join Melody, Marina and Artie who are called in to help an American couple, Lois and Barty who have bought a castle that’s over run with ghosts, but not only are there ghosts to contend with, Melody ends up having to work with her ex Leo Dark and handsome reporter Fletcher Gunn who does not believe in anything superstitious. To say things could get complicated is a bit of an understatement.
I absolutely adore Melody, she is a fantastic character and so much fun. She loves anything sweet and adores Marina’s Nonna’s baking, she has a secret obsession with super heroes and is also a bit smitten with Fletcher Gunn. Melody is so funny and I found myself laughing out loud so many times with this book. Her thoughts and some of the things she comes out with honestly cracked me up. Marina and Artie are fab too, Marina’s quite sassy, she likes high heals and is quite forward speaking. Artie on the other hand is quite shy and self conscious but in this book he’s starting to come out his shell a bit which is lovely to read.
Mystery at Maplemead Castle is such a fun book I devoured it. It really does make you laugh and I’d say this one is maybe a little bit sexier than the first with the attraction between Melody and Fletch which I really enjoyed. Obviously there’s a mystery to solve and I loved trying to figure out how or what the out come would be and although this is such a fun book there is element of sadness which brought a little lump to my throat. But really this and The Skeletons of Scarborough House are real feel good books, I found myself still giggling sometime after finishing and I really can’t wait to read book three.
In this book we join Melody, Marina and Artie who are called in to help an American couple, Lois and Barty who have bought a castle that’s over run with ghosts, but not only are there ghosts to contend with, Melody ends up having to work with her ex Leo Dark and handsome reporter Fletcher Gunn who does not believe in anything superstitious. To say things could get complicated is a bit of an understatement.
I absolutely adore Melody, she is a fantastic character and so much fun. She loves anything sweet and adores Marina’s Nonna’s baking, she has a secret obsession with super heroes and is also a bit smitten with Fletcher Gunn. Melody is so funny and I found myself laughing out loud so many times with this book. Her thoughts and some of the things she comes out with honestly cracked me up. Marina and Artie are fab too, Marina’s quite sassy, she likes high heals and is quite forward speaking. Artie on the other hand is quite shy and self conscious but in this book he’s starting to come out his shell a bit which is lovely to read.
Mystery at Maplemead Castle is such a fun book I devoured it. It really does make you laugh and I’d say this one is maybe a little bit sexier than the first with the attraction between Melody and Fletch which I really enjoyed. Obviously there’s a mystery to solve and I loved trying to figure out how or what the out come would be and although this is such a fun book there is element of sadness which brought a little lump to my throat. But really this and The Skeletons of Scarborough House are real feel good books, I found myself still giggling sometime after finishing and I really can’t wait to read book three.
July 11, 2017
Love this series!!!! I totally want something to happens with fletcher and melody!!!!
It's funny fun and adventurous.
It's funny fun and adventurous.
March 29, 2017
Another fabulous read from Kitty French. Thank you to bookouture for allowing me an ARC. Full review to come on blog tour.
March 15, 2017
***Actual rating: 4.5/5***
The Mystery at Maplemead Castle is a place where ghouls rule and rival ghost whisperers duel. It’s bursting with personality, non-stop hilarity, and the eccentricities are just tripping off the page!
Chapelwick is the home of the Bittersweets, no nonsense ladies with an intuition for all things other-worldly. There’s the champagne flute wielding grandmother, a pancake flipping mother, a converse wearing daughter and her dog she lovingly named after a fictional vampire (I’m 100% convinced that pooch could have his own series!)
Melody might be the youngest of the clan but she has fiercely inherited her ‘gift’ from a long line of independent Bittersweet women. She embraces a contented sense of fashion offset by a lack of passion sense, at least where recurring mania for the journo-inferno that ‘lights her fire’ is concerned. Yes, self-control reaches breaking point as the Melody/Fletcher connection becomes feverishly intense and risqué humour positively thrives with their dialogue exchanges.
When she isn’t failing spectacularly at applying ‘Fletcher Gunn avoidance tactics’, Melody can be found sniffing out baked goodies faster than her one-eared, keg-bellied pug, Lestat, or chasing the next peculiar presence with her ghostbusting fellowship, who are every bit as quirky as she is.
They’re a cracking bunch of individuals, with the stress on individual! A strong cast is needed to cope with the unwanted, wisecracking visitors residing Maplemead Castle, and I’m not talking about the American couple who bought the property over the internet!
What I love about the Chapelwick Mysteries is in addition to the funnies is a compassion shown for the tormented souls who linger to replay the most traumatic moment of their life. The ‘troupe’ of lodgers this time provides an assembly of raw emotions. Despite their poltergeist activities and sardonic retorts when acquainting themselves with the new people that come and go, they are driven by their own tragedy, eternally trapped by the final moment of the end of their lives.
Melody, for all her unintentional inappropriate timing and clumsy approach to life (and death!) situations, is compelled to delve into the source of conflict which is something other people often miss; people like her adversary and ex, Leo Dark, and his snarky devotees who Melody refers to as his ‘fem-bots’. The tottering clones make some fleeting but smashing appearances, and we are treated to a new performance from Leo altogether: is there a lighter side to Mr Dark?
Miss Bittersweet may be a tad unsubtle at times, sugar-crazed certainly, and so impulsive the heckles of hindsight are frequently heard, but she’s a flurry of unpredictable fun, delivering an amusing, amorous, and pretty darn awesome diversion.
(I requested a copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley and it’s my pleasure to provide an unbiased review.)
The Mystery at Maplemead Castle is a place where ghouls rule and rival ghost whisperers duel. It’s bursting with personality, non-stop hilarity, and the eccentricities are just tripping off the page!
Chapelwick is the home of the Bittersweets, no nonsense ladies with an intuition for all things other-worldly. There’s the champagne flute wielding grandmother, a pancake flipping mother, a converse wearing daughter and her dog she lovingly named after a fictional vampire (I’m 100% convinced that pooch could have his own series!)
Melody might be the youngest of the clan but she has fiercely inherited her ‘gift’ from a long line of independent Bittersweet women. She embraces a contented sense of fashion offset by a lack of passion sense, at least where recurring mania for the journo-inferno that ‘lights her fire’ is concerned. Yes, self-control reaches breaking point as the Melody/Fletcher connection becomes feverishly intense and risqué humour positively thrives with their dialogue exchanges.
When she isn’t failing spectacularly at applying ‘Fletcher Gunn avoidance tactics’, Melody can be found sniffing out baked goodies faster than her one-eared, keg-bellied pug, Lestat, or chasing the next peculiar presence with her ghostbusting fellowship, who are every bit as quirky as she is.
They’re a cracking bunch of individuals, with the stress on individual! A strong cast is needed to cope with the unwanted, wisecracking visitors residing Maplemead Castle, and I’m not talking about the American couple who bought the property over the internet!
What I love about the Chapelwick Mysteries is in addition to the funnies is a compassion shown for the tormented souls who linger to replay the most traumatic moment of their life. The ‘troupe’ of lodgers this time provides an assembly of raw emotions. Despite their poltergeist activities and sardonic retorts when acquainting themselves with the new people that come and go, they are driven by their own tragedy, eternally trapped by the final moment of the end of their lives.
Melody, for all her unintentional inappropriate timing and clumsy approach to life (and death!) situations, is compelled to delve into the source of conflict which is something other people often miss; people like her adversary and ex, Leo Dark, and his snarky devotees who Melody refers to as his ‘fem-bots’. The tottering clones make some fleeting but smashing appearances, and we are treated to a new performance from Leo altogether: is there a lighter side to Mr Dark?
Miss Bittersweet may be a tad unsubtle at times, sugar-crazed certainly, and so impulsive the heckles of hindsight are frequently heard, but she’s a flurry of unpredictable fun, delivering an amusing, amorous, and pretty darn awesome diversion.
(I requested a copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley and it’s my pleasure to provide an unbiased review.)
March 20, 2017
Mystery at Maplemead Castle is the second book in The Chapelwick Mysteries and heralds the much welcome return of Melody Bittersweet and her ghostbusting agency. I was very excited to get my hands on this book after loving the first book The Skeletons of Scarborough House (previously titled Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghostbusting Agency).
If you haven’t read the first book don’t worry, this book works perfectly as a standalone–although you are really missing out on a treat and should read it–as French introduces the characters in the first chapter which also helped as a great refresher for those, like me, who have a terrible memory.
The second case Melody’s new ghostbusting agency has been assigned to is at Maplemead Castle. Owned by brash American couple Lois and Barty Letterman, they have let out the castle to be used as a film set but some of the actors won’t step foot inside the place until it is cleared of its resident ghosts. How difficult can this be for psychic Melody? Very, when you add into the mix rival psychic and ex-boyfriend Leo Dark, reporter Fletcher Gunn who Melody should hate but finds herself attracted to and the ghosts of a circus troup! This is an unconventional, eccentric mystery and it works brilliantly.
The characterisation in Mystery at Maplemead Castle is fantastic. Told in first person narrative by Melody, French has a way of writing that makes you feel as though you are conversing with an old friend. I was drawn in immediately and found it really difficult to put the book down. You can’t help but fall in love with quirky, sugar-addicted Melody, her mother, champagne-swigging grandmother, slightly-scary-but-lovable Marina and sweet, geeky Artie. Then of course there is Lestat; Melody’s food obsessed, farting pug! You could really see yourself having a pint down the pub with Melody and her friends and family. French has also taken great care with the peripheral characters including the ghosts Melody has to try and send back to the other side.
The humour is wickedly funny and starts from the very first page. I love the references to popular culture French uses, demonstrating her sharp wit. There is also a depth to this book and I found myself being really moved by the final chapter. I was also touched by Melody’s experiences of being ‘different’ to everyone else and how this has made her feel throughout her life. French effortlessly combines comedy with poignant moments.
I love everything about Mystery at Maplemead Castle! It is quirky,has great characters, ghosts, a mystery, will-they-won’t-they romance and is pee-your-Wonder-Woman-pants funny! Fantastic…roll on book three in the series!
A huge thank you to Kitty French and Kim Nash at Bookouture for the advance copy and the invite to take part in the blog tour.
If you haven’t read the first book don’t worry, this book works perfectly as a standalone–although you are really missing out on a treat and should read it–as French introduces the characters in the first chapter which also helped as a great refresher for those, like me, who have a terrible memory.
The second case Melody’s new ghostbusting agency has been assigned to is at Maplemead Castle. Owned by brash American couple Lois and Barty Letterman, they have let out the castle to be used as a film set but some of the actors won’t step foot inside the place until it is cleared of its resident ghosts. How difficult can this be for psychic Melody? Very, when you add into the mix rival psychic and ex-boyfriend Leo Dark, reporter Fletcher Gunn who Melody should hate but finds herself attracted to and the ghosts of a circus troup! This is an unconventional, eccentric mystery and it works brilliantly.
The characterisation in Mystery at Maplemead Castle is fantastic. Told in first person narrative by Melody, French has a way of writing that makes you feel as though you are conversing with an old friend. I was drawn in immediately and found it really difficult to put the book down. You can’t help but fall in love with quirky, sugar-addicted Melody, her mother, champagne-swigging grandmother, slightly-scary-but-lovable Marina and sweet, geeky Artie. Then of course there is Lestat; Melody’s food obsessed, farting pug! You could really see yourself having a pint down the pub with Melody and her friends and family. French has also taken great care with the peripheral characters including the ghosts Melody has to try and send back to the other side.
The humour is wickedly funny and starts from the very first page. I love the references to popular culture French uses, demonstrating her sharp wit. There is also a depth to this book and I found myself being really moved by the final chapter. I was also touched by Melody’s experiences of being ‘different’ to everyone else and how this has made her feel throughout her life. French effortlessly combines comedy with poignant moments.
I love everything about Mystery at Maplemead Castle! It is quirky,has great characters, ghosts, a mystery, will-they-won’t-they romance and is pee-your-Wonder-Woman-pants funny! Fantastic…roll on book three in the series!
A huge thank you to Kitty French and Kim Nash at Bookouture for the advance copy and the invite to take part in the blog tour.
July 24, 2021
I really enjoyed stepping back into the world of Melody Bittersweet and her ghost-busting agency! Melody is unapologetically British and I love her for it! She’s quirky and unique and in typical British style swears quite a bit 🤣 if she was real I’d like to think we would 100% be friends, though her job would scare the daylights out of me.
Mystery at Maplemead Castle was funny, flirty, and in the end quite unexpectedly sad. I loved the outcome and thought it was really emotional, so nice to see that side to some of the characters. And let’s not forget Fletcher Gunn. I love that man. I need many more books with him in because he turns me into a teenager with stars in my eyes! What a guy 😍
Mystery at Maplemead Castle was funny, flirty, and in the end quite unexpectedly sad. I loved the outcome and thought it was really emotional, so nice to see that side to some of the characters. And let’s not forget Fletcher Gunn. I love that man. I need many more books with him in because he turns me into a teenager with stars in my eyes! What a guy 😍
September 20, 2018
Song for summary: Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
I adored this book! The characters are crazy, loyal, and full of spunk; while the plot is a hilarious blend of ghosts, mystery, and romance. I definitely recommend for anyone in the mood for a fun cozy mystery. I look forward to reading the following books in this series!!
I adored this book! The characters are crazy, loyal, and full of spunk; while the plot is a hilarious blend of ghosts, mystery, and romance. I definitely recommend for anyone in the mood for a fun cozy mystery. I look forward to reading the following books in this series!!
February 20, 2017
I absolutely ADORED the first Melody book and was waiting eagerly for this. And wow! This one is even better. I did not realise just how much I had missed the characters and the author's trademark, chatty, witty style of writing until I started reading this and it was like reuniting with a old, beloved friend. LOVE everything about this series: the tongue in cheek humour, the banter, every one of the wonderful, larger than life characters, including the pug, the trusty old vehicle Babs, and each and every ghost. This series has something to satisfy every kind of reader: chuckles galore, ghouls, food( with special emphasis on Nonna's divine biscuits, so lovingly described that I can taste them), romance and plenty of mystery to boot. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series and cannot wait for more!
August 11, 2018
This is the second book in the Chapelwick Mystery series, and I enjoyed this one even more than the last. This is a fun, laugh out loud, paranormal mystery. The dialogue in this book had me snorting with laughter. Who would have thought a paranormal mystery would be that funny.
Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency is back and they have their second case. Melody, Marina, and Artie have to try to figure out what happened all those years ago when trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death. Along with Britannia, there are other circus performer's spirits living in the Castle, including a lion. She is having a tough time solving this case as she is working with her ex Leo Dark, whose television show will be taping in the Castle. Not only that, but it is hard to extinguish a ghost, when you fall in love with it. Melody has to do all the work on her own as Leo can't bring himself to complete his task. Then, there is journalist Fletcher Gunn, who is there to follow Melody for a story. He may not believe that she sees ghosts, but that doesn't stop them from getting a bit carried away when they are alone together. The sexual tension that was there in the first book, sizzles even more in this one.
Mystery of Maplemead Castle is a great story. The Fletcher and Melody story is much more present in this book and their dialogue is one of the things that makes me laugh. Leo has a tendency do stumble over them when they are engaged, and that often leads to hilarious moments. Artie meets someone he wants to date, Lestadt, the overweight pug is not as present in this book, there is a lion in the castle after all, and Marina's smart mouth is still there, all adding to the fun story. I am looking forward to continuing to read about Melody's adventures.
Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency is back and they have their second case. Melody, Marina, and Artie have to try to figure out what happened all those years ago when trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death. Along with Britannia, there are other circus performer's spirits living in the Castle, including a lion. She is having a tough time solving this case as she is working with her ex Leo Dark, whose television show will be taping in the Castle. Not only that, but it is hard to extinguish a ghost, when you fall in love with it. Melody has to do all the work on her own as Leo can't bring himself to complete his task. Then, there is journalist Fletcher Gunn, who is there to follow Melody for a story. He may not believe that she sees ghosts, but that doesn't stop them from getting a bit carried away when they are alone together. The sexual tension that was there in the first book, sizzles even more in this one.
Mystery of Maplemead Castle is a great story. The Fletcher and Melody story is much more present in this book and their dialogue is one of the things that makes me laugh. Leo has a tendency do stumble over them when they are engaged, and that often leads to hilarious moments. Artie meets someone he wants to date, Lestadt, the overweight pug is not as present in this book, there is a lion in the castle after all, and Marina's smart mouth is still there, all adding to the fun story. I am looking forward to continuing to read about Melody's adventures.
March 17, 2017
kfforever.com
Reviewed by Rachel & Sharon Thérèse
Last summer we read The Skeletons of Scarborough House which not only had us laughing out loud, but also left us with a sweet taste in our mouths! We wanted more where this had come from, so when our fairy godmother granted our wish with this follow-up in the Chapelwick series, we sighed. For those of you who are prepared to take on Ms French’s highly creative storytelling, we can’t recommend her latest ghostly tale narrated in mystical surrounding enough. It’s pure entertainment and titillated our imagination in such a way we wondered whether the author has a sixth sense or even in cahoots with her characters! Her Brit humour borders on the ridiculous but at the same time, verges on reality. Peculiarities in the vocabulary had us grabbing for our dictionaries after asking each other whether we knew the definitions. Suffice it to say, neither of us could suss out a word or two and had to resolve our quandaries by consulting the internet!
“You want me to out-fembot the fembots?”
Weird and wonderful; we were hooked lock, stock and barrel in the depths of haunting scenarios. It is difficult to describe in a review where many so-called characters are either ‘drop-dead’ gorgeous, or scare the living daylights out of the two spiritually prepared experts and have them running for cover! More importantly, what was brought to our attention from the beginning of the story and needs be mentioned is how Ms French has cannily written a standalone without making it repetitive for those who have read the first book. She’s gone to a lot of trouble to recap on the goings on for the new reader; names. . . there are a few bizarre ones, and places are easily put into context and not the slightest bit confusing! That being said, we do recommend reading The Skeletons of Scarborough House to get the whole phantasmal experience.
“Can’t offer you a cup of tea, I’m afraid, young lady, on account of the fact that we’re dead and the ruddy servants can’t hear a word we say.”
Melody is special in more ways than one. If she won our hearts in book one, in book two she could do no wrong. Alas, our heroine doesn’t consider herself to be exceptionally worldly in the running of her personal or professional life since her gift seems to be more of a hindrance than a help. Relying on her motley crew to guide her through thick and thin; they’re adorable, all superbly described—eccentricities included, and all have their jobs cut out for them. And if her gran isn’t knocking back a glass or three of bubbly or her mum isn’t tempting Melody with sweet delicacies, they’re giving her advise at Blithe Spirits.
“To love a Bittersweet woman is to love her. It’s our gift and our curse, Melody.”
How Melody’s dodges Fletcher, a reporter who’s been assigned to her latest case, had us in fits. She has no filter around him, targets herself for his amusement and has trouble controlling her libido. And then she’s got to deal with her foe, Leo Dark. Besides rubbing her up the wrong way, she also has to put up with his entourage of hangers-on. Being down-to-earth in a business like hers is nigh on impossible, but that doesn’t stop her being ambitious and totally lovable.
“You’re the queen of mixed messages.”
“And you’re the king of bad intentions.”
“Only where you’re concerned.”
There were a couple of moments in the story where we felt it lost its momentum. Because of this, our reading pace slowed down a tad; however, our impatience was probably due to the fact that we couldn’t wait to see if Melody and Fletcher would get their acts together. Do they? Don’t they? Not telling, but we will say in the hot department, these two guys’ chemistry sizzled off the pages. Told in first person in present is our fave storytelling technique and seeing as we’re suckers for banter, we couldn’t have asked for more. It’s abso-freakin’-lutely brilliant! Fast comebacks hilariously expressed and humour hovering on the brink of sarcasm overflow between all the well-developed characters. Ooh, and Lastat, pug extraordinaire, most certainly deserves pride of place on the cover! We’re itching to get our hands on book three Ms French! Bravo!
“Life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or gin and tonic. I prefer the gin myself.”
Reviewed by Rachel & Sharon Thérèse
Last summer we read The Skeletons of Scarborough House which not only had us laughing out loud, but also left us with a sweet taste in our mouths! We wanted more where this had come from, so when our fairy godmother granted our wish with this follow-up in the Chapelwick series, we sighed. For those of you who are prepared to take on Ms French’s highly creative storytelling, we can’t recommend her latest ghostly tale narrated in mystical surrounding enough. It’s pure entertainment and titillated our imagination in such a way we wondered whether the author has a sixth sense or even in cahoots with her characters! Her Brit humour borders on the ridiculous but at the same time, verges on reality. Peculiarities in the vocabulary had us grabbing for our dictionaries after asking each other whether we knew the definitions. Suffice it to say, neither of us could suss out a word or two and had to resolve our quandaries by consulting the internet!
“You want me to out-fembot the fembots?”
Weird and wonderful; we were hooked lock, stock and barrel in the depths of haunting scenarios. It is difficult to describe in a review where many so-called characters are either ‘drop-dead’ gorgeous, or scare the living daylights out of the two spiritually prepared experts and have them running for cover! More importantly, what was brought to our attention from the beginning of the story and needs be mentioned is how Ms French has cannily written a standalone without making it repetitive for those who have read the first book. She’s gone to a lot of trouble to recap on the goings on for the new reader; names. . . there are a few bizarre ones, and places are easily put into context and not the slightest bit confusing! That being said, we do recommend reading The Skeletons of Scarborough House to get the whole phantasmal experience.
“Can’t offer you a cup of tea, I’m afraid, young lady, on account of the fact that we’re dead and the ruddy servants can’t hear a word we say.”
Melody is special in more ways than one. If she won our hearts in book one, in book two she could do no wrong. Alas, our heroine doesn’t consider herself to be exceptionally worldly in the running of her personal or professional life since her gift seems to be more of a hindrance than a help. Relying on her motley crew to guide her through thick and thin; they’re adorable, all superbly described—eccentricities included, and all have their jobs cut out for them. And if her gran isn’t knocking back a glass or three of bubbly or her mum isn’t tempting Melody with sweet delicacies, they’re giving her advise at Blithe Spirits.
“To love a Bittersweet woman is to love her. It’s our gift and our curse, Melody.”
How Melody’s dodges Fletcher, a reporter who’s been assigned to her latest case, had us in fits. She has no filter around him, targets herself for his amusement and has trouble controlling her libido. And then she’s got to deal with her foe, Leo Dark. Besides rubbing her up the wrong way, she also has to put up with his entourage of hangers-on. Being down-to-earth in a business like hers is nigh on impossible, but that doesn’t stop her being ambitious and totally lovable.
“You’re the queen of mixed messages.”
“And you’re the king of bad intentions.”
“Only where you’re concerned.”
There were a couple of moments in the story where we felt it lost its momentum. Because of this, our reading pace slowed down a tad; however, our impatience was probably due to the fact that we couldn’t wait to see if Melody and Fletcher would get their acts together. Do they? Don’t they? Not telling, but we will say in the hot department, these two guys’ chemistry sizzled off the pages. Told in first person in present is our fave storytelling technique and seeing as we’re suckers for banter, we couldn’t have asked for more. It’s abso-freakin’-lutely brilliant! Fast comebacks hilariously expressed and humour hovering on the brink of sarcasm overflow between all the well-developed characters. Ooh, and Lastat, pug extraordinaire, most certainly deserves pride of place on the cover! We’re itching to get our hands on book three Ms French! Bravo!
“Life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or gin and tonic. I prefer the gin myself.”
March 17, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Melody Bittersweet is back with a bang; even more flamboyant and a MUCH looser mouth. Put it this way, I can no longer look at certain chocolate bars in the same way after reading this book. When I see them out and about in shops, I just burst out laughing and think of Melody Bittersweet and her antics. Although, the images my mind conjures up about her antics, leave such a mark on my imagination whilst taking my innocence along with it. HAHAH, sorry, I couldn't even type that with a straight face. Innocence my double decker....
In book one of the series, Melody Bittersweet had a love hate relationship with the sweet treats. Basically she loved them and hated anyone that went anywhere near them or attempted to eat them. Book two sees Melody's love of sweet treats rank even higher and it is absolutely hilarious. Some familiar faces join Melody as she takes on ghosts at Maplemead Castle, finding herself caught in the middle of a love triangle with the ghosts, AND her personal life (she doesn't want to admit it though). Melody and her team (including the pug who attempts to take down a lion...) have got their work cut out where these ghosts are concerned. None of the ghosts which to talk, and when they do, they think that the truth isn't what Melody wants to hear..so they refrain.
Having LOVED book one (as you already know), I was in a constant state of bouncing excitement whilst pestering Bookouture about the next book in the series (sorry Kim!). I couldn't wait to hang out with Melody again! Part of me was a little bit apprehensive about it though as I truly loved the first one and really hoped that Maplemead Castle wouldn't disappoint. It didn't disappoint, AT ALL. Kitty French managed to raise the bar even higher for herself with such a hilarious and intense storyline. Yes, Kitty French has a truly fantastic sense of humour and she has written Melody Bittersweet to be a character who everyone wants to be, however, Kitty French also knows when to switch the storyline from hilarity, to deep. I really don't know how she manages to do that so flawlessly. The history of the ghosts this time around, completely moved me and I did end up with something in my eye, cough. I couldn't help it though, it was beautifully described and totally unexpected.
Kitty French knows how to write THE perfect storyline; covering all basis with amazing humour, friendship, romance, dog love and sugar love, leaving the reader feeling as though they have just won a prize by reading this book. Even though Maplemead Castle is book two, Kitty French's unique writing style and vivid imagination made everything about the book feel brand new, once again.
I ADORE Melody, she is such a brilliant character in more ways than one, I would love it if she was a real person so that I could hang out with her for real! Kitty French has managed to have me crying with laughter and unable to conform to human duties, aka breathing, AND even looking at chocolate bars in a completely different way. I thought the first book was great and couldn't get any better, but oh my God THIS one is a-m-a-z-I-n-g!!! Absolutely fantastic!
THIS is by far one of my top 5 books of 2017. I have no idea how Kitty French manages to do it, but she does and she owns it. Absolutely BRILLIANT, I was devastated that the book had to end and I want another one in the series!!!!!! You'll be missing out if you do not have Melody Bittersweet in your life, seriously.
Thank you Kim at Bookouture!
Melody Bittersweet is back with a bang; even more flamboyant and a MUCH looser mouth. Put it this way, I can no longer look at certain chocolate bars in the same way after reading this book. When I see them out and about in shops, I just burst out laughing and think of Melody Bittersweet and her antics. Although, the images my mind conjures up about her antics, leave such a mark on my imagination whilst taking my innocence along with it. HAHAH, sorry, I couldn't even type that with a straight face. Innocence my double decker....
In book one of the series, Melody Bittersweet had a love hate relationship with the sweet treats. Basically she loved them and hated anyone that went anywhere near them or attempted to eat them. Book two sees Melody's love of sweet treats rank even higher and it is absolutely hilarious. Some familiar faces join Melody as she takes on ghosts at Maplemead Castle, finding herself caught in the middle of a love triangle with the ghosts, AND her personal life (she doesn't want to admit it though). Melody and her team (including the pug who attempts to take down a lion...) have got their work cut out where these ghosts are concerned. None of the ghosts which to talk, and when they do, they think that the truth isn't what Melody wants to hear..so they refrain.
Having LOVED book one (as you already know), I was in a constant state of bouncing excitement whilst pestering Bookouture about the next book in the series (sorry Kim!). I couldn't wait to hang out with Melody again! Part of me was a little bit apprehensive about it though as I truly loved the first one and really hoped that Maplemead Castle wouldn't disappoint. It didn't disappoint, AT ALL. Kitty French managed to raise the bar even higher for herself with such a hilarious and intense storyline. Yes, Kitty French has a truly fantastic sense of humour and she has written Melody Bittersweet to be a character who everyone wants to be, however, Kitty French also knows when to switch the storyline from hilarity, to deep. I really don't know how she manages to do that so flawlessly. The history of the ghosts this time around, completely moved me and I did end up with something in my eye, cough. I couldn't help it though, it was beautifully described and totally unexpected.
Kitty French knows how to write THE perfect storyline; covering all basis with amazing humour, friendship, romance, dog love and sugar love, leaving the reader feeling as though they have just won a prize by reading this book. Even though Maplemead Castle is book two, Kitty French's unique writing style and vivid imagination made everything about the book feel brand new, once again.
I ADORE Melody, she is such a brilliant character in more ways than one, I would love it if she was a real person so that I could hang out with her for real! Kitty French has managed to have me crying with laughter and unable to conform to human duties, aka breathing, AND even looking at chocolate bars in a completely different way. I thought the first book was great and couldn't get any better, but oh my God THIS one is a-m-a-z-I-n-g!!! Absolutely fantastic!
THIS is by far one of my top 5 books of 2017. I have no idea how Kitty French manages to do it, but she does and she owns it. Absolutely BRILLIANT, I was devastated that the book had to end and I want another one in the series!!!!!! You'll be missing out if you do not have Melody Bittersweet in your life, seriously.
Thank you Kim at Bookouture!
March 17, 2017
Book Review - Mystery at Maplemead Castle by Kitty French - 4 and a half Hilarious Hijinks Stars
I love fun and kooky paranormal tales, I love Kitty - so if you put the two together you have a recipe for success.
Those who have been with us from the start will already know and love Melody Bittersweet and her crew, Melody comes from a line of people who can see and talk to spirits and is hired as a ghostbuster of sorts to rid places of lingering spirits.
In this book we catch up with Melody, as she is hired to help Maplemead’s new owners get rid of their resident guests. This time though, there’s a catch in that Melody is hired alongside her ex Leo.
Throw in the handsome but sceptial reporter Fletcher, her italian mafiaso sidekick Marina, the wonderfully kookie newbie Artie and the most complex pooch in the world in Lestat and you have a world of fun and frolics to behold.
It such good fun to watch the back and forth between Fletch and Melody, the sexual chemistry that you can cut with a knife but then such a vast wasteland between their beliefs. Still you can’t help but root that one day everything will resolve itself. Especially when you see how protective Fletch is of Melody against Leo. I adored his #pretentiousknob hashtag.
Then there are the gaffes Melody makes as she tries to talk around Fletch and talks herself in circles, there are some absolute blinders including watching porn which to Melody’s own admission ‘The closest I get to porn is rewinding Poldark to watch him doing manly things with his scythe.’ This girl cracks me up.
So far so where’s the spooks - sorry, I digress because I love Melody and Fletch so, but we have quite a number of spooks in the house, all anchored for a reason. The main players are the beautiful Britannia, her husband and her lover. Now this is where the story shows it isn’t all sweetness and light. Indeed, the gradual unfolding of the mystery of why they all remained really hit me in my soft spot and very much proves that comedy is not all that Kitty can write. It’s beautifully resolved in quite a heartbreaking fashion.
As mentioned before, I’m a long time lover of paranormal comedy/ghostbusting with the likes of Michele Bardsley, Michelle Rowen, Victoria Laurie, Stephanie Rowe and Gerry Bartlett rating highly. I’m so glad to be able to add Kitty to my must read list with this series of surefire hits. I cannot wait to see what Melody gets up to next.
Just pretty please, can we get into Fletch’s pants next time? ;)
I love fun and kooky paranormal tales, I love Kitty - so if you put the two together you have a recipe for success.
Those who have been with us from the start will already know and love Melody Bittersweet and her crew, Melody comes from a line of people who can see and talk to spirits and is hired as a ghostbuster of sorts to rid places of lingering spirits.
In this book we catch up with Melody, as she is hired to help Maplemead’s new owners get rid of their resident guests. This time though, there’s a catch in that Melody is hired alongside her ex Leo.
Throw in the handsome but sceptial reporter Fletcher, her italian mafiaso sidekick Marina, the wonderfully kookie newbie Artie and the most complex pooch in the world in Lestat and you have a world of fun and frolics to behold.
It such good fun to watch the back and forth between Fletch and Melody, the sexual chemistry that you can cut with a knife but then such a vast wasteland between their beliefs. Still you can’t help but root that one day everything will resolve itself. Especially when you see how protective Fletch is of Melody against Leo. I adored his #pretentiousknob hashtag.
Then there are the gaffes Melody makes as she tries to talk around Fletch and talks herself in circles, there are some absolute blinders including watching porn which to Melody’s own admission ‘The closest I get to porn is rewinding Poldark to watch him doing manly things with his scythe.’ This girl cracks me up.
So far so where’s the spooks - sorry, I digress because I love Melody and Fletch so, but we have quite a number of spooks in the house, all anchored for a reason. The main players are the beautiful Britannia, her husband and her lover. Now this is where the story shows it isn’t all sweetness and light. Indeed, the gradual unfolding of the mystery of why they all remained really hit me in my soft spot and very much proves that comedy is not all that Kitty can write. It’s beautifully resolved in quite a heartbreaking fashion.
As mentioned before, I’m a long time lover of paranormal comedy/ghostbusting with the likes of Michele Bardsley, Michelle Rowen, Victoria Laurie, Stephanie Rowe and Gerry Bartlett rating highly. I’m so glad to be able to add Kitty to my must read list with this series of surefire hits. I cannot wait to see what Melody gets up to next.
Just pretty please, can we get into Fletch’s pants next time? ;)
March 21, 2017
I think I have found a new favorite series and author, as the Chapewick mysteries just crack me up.
An American couple bought the Maplemead Castle and it’s full of ghost, so they have asked Melody Bittersweet and her ghostbusting gang to come and see what they can do. Meanwhile, the lady of the house finds out that Leo is offering his help and they could have their place on TV. So they decided to let them both help them with their ghost problem.
There is more than one ghost but only one that seems to not want anyone there and the couple decides to go stay at a B&B while and make the ghostbusters stay in the house. Melody is also being shadowed for the newspaper by Flecher Gunn, so he stays too. Now Melody is stuck in their with her ex-boyfriend, Leo Dark, and with the one man who makes her forget that he is her nemesis, Fletcher Gun.
The Mystery at Maplemead Castle is full of laugh out loud moments with three circus performers (who are a bit of a love triangle) and a Lion. A ghost LION!!! They are not the only ghost but they are the ones who surround the mystery and are the ones that really need to go to give the home some peace and quiet. Not only do we get all those ghosts but Lestat, the pug, gets to stay in the castle and is a part of the action.
All the characters in this story are so much fun, well maybe not the fembots (the two ladies who are really strange and work with Leo), but they play their part. Melody is just so quirky and fun, Marina is her bestie and protector, Artie is coming out of his shell and a lot of fun, Leo is well, Leo and Fletcher Gun is just sexy, and some ghost and you got a story filled with lots of fun!
I can’t wait to see what trouble Melody and the gang can get into next!
An American couple bought the Maplemead Castle and it’s full of ghost, so they have asked Melody Bittersweet and her ghostbusting gang to come and see what they can do. Meanwhile, the lady of the house finds out that Leo is offering his help and they could have their place on TV. So they decided to let them both help them with their ghost problem.
There is more than one ghost but only one that seems to not want anyone there and the couple decides to go stay at a B&B while and make the ghostbusters stay in the house. Melody is also being shadowed for the newspaper by Flecher Gunn, so he stays too. Now Melody is stuck in their with her ex-boyfriend, Leo Dark, and with the one man who makes her forget that he is her nemesis, Fletcher Gun.
The Mystery at Maplemead Castle is full of laugh out loud moments with three circus performers (who are a bit of a love triangle) and a Lion. A ghost LION!!! They are not the only ghost but they are the ones who surround the mystery and are the ones that really need to go to give the home some peace and quiet. Not only do we get all those ghosts but Lestat, the pug, gets to stay in the castle and is a part of the action.
All the characters in this story are so much fun, well maybe not the fembots (the two ladies who are really strange and work with Leo), but they play their part. Melody is just so quirky and fun, Marina is her bestie and protector, Artie is coming out of his shell and a lot of fun, Leo is well, Leo and Fletcher Gun is just sexy, and some ghost and you got a story filled with lots of fun!
I can’t wait to see what trouble Melody and the gang can get into next!
June 19, 2017
I loved the first book in this series so I was so happy that NetGalley approved me for the second! You can check more of my review on my blog at https://spinesinaline.wordpress.com
This series is great for good laughs and great friendship, and some romance though it's still not fully realized in this book!! However, I did like that even though this one still has that will they-won't they infatuation side of it, we really got to see the romantic couple connect on a deeper level. It's still uncertain whether they'll be able to make things work but I so appreciated how they have almost become friends, and care about the well-being of the other.
My least favourite character from the last book was Leo so I wasn't thrilled that he showed up again but at least he was more tolerable this time around :P We kind of got to see a more human side of him, but still I'd be beyond pleased if he's missing from the next book (hint hint!!).
There were some things in this I liked better than the first and others that I preferred with the first book so it was on about even ground for me. I really liked the ghosts in this one, even more than the group from the first book! They are such a unique group of characters but I also really liked how much depth they were given (especially poor Britannia). Definitely lots of great friendships in this one!
This series is great for good laughs and great friendship, and some romance though it's still not fully realized in this book!! However, I did like that even though this one still has that will they-won't they infatuation side of it, we really got to see the romantic couple connect on a deeper level. It's still uncertain whether they'll be able to make things work but I so appreciated how they have almost become friends, and care about the well-being of the other.
My least favourite character from the last book was Leo so I wasn't thrilled that he showed up again but at least he was more tolerable this time around :P We kind of got to see a more human side of him, but still I'd be beyond pleased if he's missing from the next book (hint hint!!).
There were some things in this I liked better than the first and others that I preferred with the first book so it was on about even ground for me. I really liked the ghosts in this one, even more than the group from the first book! They are such a unique group of characters but I also really liked how much depth they were given (especially poor Britannia). Definitely lots of great friendships in this one!
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