A Sweet Murder

Storage Ghost Murder #1

by Gillian Larkin

Ever since the car accident that claimed her parents’ lives Grace Abrahams has been able to see ghosts. She meets them at storage locker auctions that she goes to with her brother, Frankie. In ‘A Sweet Murder’ Grace meets the ghost of an older woman – Connie Flamingo. Connie was the head of the hugely successful Flamingo Sweets. Connie can’t remember how she was murdered but knows that it was committed by someone close to her. As Grace investigates the mystery she soon finds out that many members of Connie’s family had plenty to gain from her death. Furthermore, investigating Connie’s death has an unfortunate side effect on Grace. As always, Pearl, the resident ghost at Grace’s shop, is on hand to offer advice.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Amazon, Paranormal

163 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2014

About the author

I'm an avid fan of mystery stories. I started reading Agatha Christie novels at an early age. My favourite fiction detective is Poirot, I love his fussy ways and his attention to small details. I love the TV series, 'Murder She Wrote' and have watched every episode. I like working out who the killer is, and what the clues are.

I live near Leeds, Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. My two daughters live with me and they are understanding about my passion for mystery shows! I've now discovered 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries'.

I've been wanting to write my own mystery stories for years - and now I finally have.

You can visit my website, and connect with me. To get a free pdf copy of 'A Different Shade of Death', sign up to my newsletter.

You can also follow me at my Amazon author page.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Murder (Storage Ghost Murders -Set #3- #1) by Gillian Larkin is a great fantasy cozy mystery. I love these fun mysteries, good mystery with humor, ghosts, and great plots. Love the characters too. Lots of fun.

[Klara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading The Write Dream in Short Story Mysteries, I picked this up next as recommended. I have to admit, it felt a bit strange jumping from 60-page cozy mysteries to a 180-page one-I was expecting the case to be solved much faster, since that’s what I was used to! But I ended up enjoying the longer format, since it gave me more time to get to know the victim and actually try to solve the mystery myself, especially with the murder element.

I felt sorry for Frankie in this story, and I was both surprised and pleased by how supportive and concerned Grace was about his clubbing. The ghost in this book was really interesting and not what I expected at all. She comes across as a tough, workaholic lady, but what she actually did really caught me off guard!

The plot itself felt more detailed and layered than the shorter stories, which I liked. There was more time to dig into clues and motives, even though the mystery was still solved pretty quickly in the end. I did find myself wishing for a bit more thriller or drama, but then again, this is a cozy mystery-so it delivered exactly what it promised: a comforting, engaging read.

Overall, this was a fun and satisfying mystery, perfect for when you want something a little longer but still cozy and light.

[Sandra Nedopričljivica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little bit predictable, I had this feeling while I was reading. But in spite of that, it was the good one. I like Pearl as a ghost making progresses and it's great that the author gives her a lot of space. Once cold, the second time emotional and warm with a constant dose of sweet brutality, that's the ghost I like to have as a friend.

[Bonnie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storage bins

My husband and I went to our first storage auction a few weeks go so I got a kick out of this book. Seems I am reading a lot of ghost cozy mysteries but they are so light and refreshing. Enjoy this book.

[Diana Blick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good of their kind

I'm still loving these little cozy mysteries; they are much better than most in the genre. I love that our sleuth has a real and believable reason for running into murders; the "accidental" way that most amateur detectives in books run into bodies everywhere just isn't believable sometimes. The connection of Grace and Frankie's business to the storage units creates a perfect way for her to meet and remain connected to ghosts who were murdered and require her help.

The plotting of this book is pretty good and the characters continue to develop book by book. The British ambience is very attractive since we get to see into the lives of ordinary English people, and of course the culture is quite different to the US where most books I read are set. I love Grace, our heroine, who is a bit timid, but do wish she would start standing up more to her overbearing and obnoxious brother Frankie who insults her every chance he gets. He does seem to care about her in his own way, but his teasing does not always come off as playful.

This story did end on a bit of a sour note for reasons that will become clear as you read, and I was slightly irritated by that since I read cozies for the "cozy" feeling at the end. Nevertheless, this series is very good of its kind; cozies are what they are--not great literature perhaps, but fun and nice to cozy up to on a cold winter day.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. 3 star.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited, A Different Shade Of Death (Storage Ghost Murder Book 2) {free with 2 other books with subscription, not ku} almost every one, sometimes if subscribed will get sent free books or notices when it's a free day. Every now and then something doesn't make sense, but might be reading out of order or could be the difference from story to story, some detail or other.

The Last Reading (Storage Ghost Murder Book 1)
A Different Shade Of Death (Storage Ghost Murder Book 2) {free with 2 other books with subscription, not ku}
A Sweet Murder (Storage Ghost Murder Book 3) *
Murder Vows (Storage Ghost Murder Book 4) *
A Deadly Lesson (Storage Ghost Murder Book 5) *
The Death Planner (Storage Ghost Murder Book 6) *
A Private Murder (Storage Ghost Murder Book 7) *

*Storage Ghost Murders - Box Set 1
A Sweet Murder- Murder Vows - A Deadly Lesson - The Death Planner - A Private Murder

Not to be confused with titles below, from Ghost Storage Mysteries Book 1
Jacob's Coins: A Cozy Ghost Mystery (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 1) - Lost And Found: A Cozy Ghost Mystery (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 2) - Tick Tock: A Cozy Ghost Mystery (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 3) - The Write Dream: A Cozy Ghost Mystery (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 4) - Daisy’s Chain: A Cozy Ghost Mystery (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 5)
Storage Ghost Mysteries - Box Set 2
Zach's Guitar (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 6) - Painted Lies (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 7) - Dead Wrong (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 8) - The Last Post (Storage Ghost Mysteries Book 9)

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Murder is a longer, more substantial addition to the fun Storage Ghost Murder Mystery series by Gillian Larkin. Grace and Frankie Abrahams are headed to a storage locker auction when Grace is hit by an overwhelming desire for sweets! Even at the storage locker site, she is consumed with the desire for more sweet snacks and finds herself indulging without thought. The cause turns out to be the influence of the ghost of Connie Flamingo who, in life, was the successful head of Flamingo Sweets – a huge & popular candy company.

Connie’s spirit is tied to this earthly dimension through a special chair that has been abandoned inside a storage locker. The chair was from the original Flamingo Sweets shop and it holds a very special secret. Connie’s spirit cannot let go of this world to go to the next life because of unresolved issues and unfinished business. Chief among these issues is how Connie died. Grace discovers Connie was definitely murdered but the ghost does not remember what happened or who did it. Grace must help Connie resolve her unfinished business and move along to the afterlife all the while fighting the uncontrollable urge to snack on sweet, Flamingo confections.

A Sweet Murder is several entries into the Storage Ghost Murder Mystery series. Although I personally prefer reading the books in order of publication, there is enough of what has preceded current action in the book to enable a first-time reader of the series to enjoy it on its own.

[Charlee · Rating 1 out of 5]

After a car accident claims Grace Abrahams parents, she is able to see ghosts. She meets them while looking at storage lockers at auctions with her brother, Frankie. She's visited by an older woman, a ghost by the name of Connie Flamingo, who is not sure how she was murdered but knows it was by someone close to her. Grace investigates to find out who wanted the lady dead and while doing so, it has an unfortunate side effect.

I tried. I really did, but unfortunately I will have to add this to my “abandoned” pile. Not something I do very often. I got this book for free through Kindle and thought it sounded like something I would like. The reviews were all positive and people seemed to really enjoy it. I wish I could say the same. I am a big fan of cozy mysteries, but I got about halfway through this one and realized I just couldn’t read anymore. The characters were all one dimensional and kind of annoying. Pearl, the resident ghost who hangs out at Grace’s shop, is the only somewhat loveable character in the book and even she would get on my nerves from time to time. The dialogue throughout the book is amateurish and awkward and the mystery itself is boring. I honestly just couldn’t get into this book and finally decided that I didn’t care who the murderer was, so I put it down.

A copy of this review has been posted on my blog
Once Upon A Book

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Storage Ghost Cozy Mystery series by Gillian Larkin! I love this series with Grace who can see and talk to ghosts. And Pearl, the resident ghost of the shop that Grace and her brother own.

This mystery had me changing my mind every chapter as to who the killer could be. The author gave us lots of twists and turns and I really couldn't make up my mind until it was revealed. I like a mystery that keeps me thinking!

All of the characters were well developed and interesting. Even if this was your first read in this series, you could enjoy the story without feeling lost trying to figure out what was going on. I love the idea of the ghost being attached to a certain item that is bought at a storage auction.

This is a fun series to read and I look forward to more stories with Grace, Pearl and Frankie. I am glad I found Gillian and her wonderful stories since I have enjoyed all that I have read so far.

If you like cozy mysteries, you will definitely love this one. I highly recommend this book along with others in this series!

[Kathleen Kurlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book from a selection of "free" books for my Kindle. This was a "cute" murder mystery book, but lacked a certain depth necessary to create a truly surprising mystery story. Perhaps the reason I failed to connect with the characters and the story is that the author is clearly from the UK and I found the British spelling of certain words to be distracting to me personally. I realize (realise to the Brits) that I'm making myself sound snobby and haughty as I'm sure British people likely find the American spelling of certain words to be equally distracting to them.

As a writer myself I hate to be overly critical of other writers as I know writers put their heart and soul into their work -- so I'll end with, while this was a cute story, I doubt that I would read any other titles by this author

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A stand alone book of a series about a young woman who can see and speak to ghosts that are attached to items found in storage units or old places. The dialogue is witty and I found myself smiling at the character's antics, thoughts and interactions with the various ghost she encounters. Our ghost whisperer believes that she acquired this skill after an accident that took the lives of both her parents. She works with an older brother who also contributes to the comic tone of the book. She believes she was destined to help the ghosts she encounters by finding out why they died or more accurately, how they were murdered. Its certainly no great work of fiction but the book is fast paced, with likable characters (alive and dead) and good story.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Patricia White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started reading this series with book 4. But I rec'd the boxed set with the first three and I can say I'm enjoying learning how Grace first started talking to ghost.

This is her first case and it's hard for her. Her parents just died recently, and this case brings back memories she shared with them. When Grace was younger around 4, her family (parents and brother) happen to go to the famous Flamingo Candy store. That's the store that is owed by the ghost. So Grace had met the ghost before. Happy memories. You think the ghost is nice..

But the ghost she tries to help isn't as innocent as she first seems. She's a real bugger!!! And can we say dysfunctional as far family goes with the ghost at the helm? Smh..... Good book..

[Juliana Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gracie can sense and talk to ghosts. Using some psychic abilities she can feel some of their emotions and past memories and then help to solve their unfinished business in the mortal world.
In this installment, Gracie mets Connie. The old lady was the owner of the Flamingo sweets company and don't remember how she died. Working if scraps of memories Gracie soon discover that the sweet industry and Connie were a harsh and sour combination. Money is behind this death.
The book is an easy and light read, despite of the topic. But the solving the mystery part was to weak, some suspects simply talked too much about their faults with Gracie. Who does that with a stranger?

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky story

I really enjoyed how grease helped com nite solve her murder. It didn't end the way I thought it would which is a good thing because I hate when books are predictable. I also thought I would be missing something as far as a piece of history with the main characters since I started with this book and not the first one. I didn't have that problem. I didn't get to fully understand pearls story but it still didn't make it difficult to follow what was happening.

[Nancy Hubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice change from the ordinary

Didn't read any of the earlier Gillian Larkin books, so wasn't aware of the kind of character history was part of this novel. I loved the difference of having a "ghost whisperer" as the novice sleuth. It's a fun book, and I plan to read others in this series.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This was the first book I have read in the series, but I felt I didn't need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. I loved the setting in the sweet shop. Grace was a likable character and I wanted to see her succeed. This was a fun, light mystery story.

[Rebecca Dauber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a page turner that kept me guessing right up to the end. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the candies and wish Flamingo was an actual candy company. I'd place an order!

[wendy stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet read

Very
Good writing couldn't put it down.I will be reading more from this author.you really get into the story. And the characters.

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another free book and I enjoyed it. It was a fun mystery with humor. Love the ghost stories. Gillian Larkin is a good writer. Loving it.

[Gary Updegraff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I like ghost stories and couple it with a murder mystery! That was twice the treat. The mystique of storage auction is a reality for me too !!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book.The ghosts and the characters ate so likeable. It was a fun read, can't wait to read the next one.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun "cozy" mystery. There were a few twists but nothing too shocking, for the most part, until the end.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the English brother and sister who were in the antics business and had a small shop.the ghosts were part of the mysteries.

[Robin Christofaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book!

[Ann Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit

It was better than the first one, kept me reading and guessing. Sorry that it ended.
I am anxious too read more!

[jeannette gschwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the time

Cute story kept your attention. Good story line ending definitely
not what I was expecting new author in my library

[L Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, light, easy to read mystery. Though the killer was who I thought it was.

[dawn dufresne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A++

Great book. Once you start you can't stop. Looking forward to the next ghost murders mystery book! Get yours today!