Nikki Knight owns Moonlight Mansion, which was willed to her from her grandmother, Audrey. Except that Audrey never left -- she's hanging around in ghostly form to help Nikki in whatever she needs. Along with people Nikki grew up with, and a talking Dachshund named Dash, she's finally starting to feel safe...
Until her ex-boyfriend shows up one morning with a timid woman named Marigold in tow. Nikki can't imagine what he wants...until he tells her that he wants $10,000 or he'll make her life miserable. Refusing to give him the money sets off a chain of events, not the least withstanding that she knows Marigold doesn't want to be with him, but can't figure out a way to free her from his grasp.
But it turns out she doesn't have to; circumstances are such that Marigold frees herself, but is still in the crosshairs of Brooksey, the local police officer who doesn't like Nikki, and is sure someone staying at Nikki's B&B is a killer. The problem is, so does Nikki. But how will she find the truth? Why, with the help of her cohorts in crime, of course...
This is the first book of Ms. Lyn's that I have read but it will not certainly be the last. I found the characters a breath of fresh air, with Nikki being both independent and quick with her wits, which comes in handy quite often. Dash is delightful, a dog that chooses to communicate only with Nikki, and the other main characters have quirks of their own that bring bang to the story.
The plot is done very well and the secondary characters are interesting, although some more than others. Like Nikki, I did not like the ex, but I imagine no one could. I really think she should have let Dash nip at him. I also like the fact that there really isn't an 'evil nemesis'; yes, Brooksey doesn't care for Nikki, but he doesn't seem to be aiming for her, either.
The tale was told nicely, with threads weaving in and out, until finally they come together at Nikki's convenience, and the story ends nicely, with everything back to normal -- or as normal as life can be for Ms. Knight. I loved this tale and I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.