Home for the Haunting: Haunted Home Renovation Series, Book 4

Although I haven't read all the books in the series, this is my favorite. It has everything to keep the reader guessing. It's very descriptive and there is a strong visual sense of San Francisco, CA. Every story must have who, what, when, where, & why. This story weaves an interesting tale and very believable sense of time and place. I felt as if I was an observer in the story watching as the events unfold. Again the who and the why is saved for last. There's a lot of humor and introspection in this story. Mel is the owner of a Construction Contractor that returns Architectural homes to their original glory, but in this story she's doing volunteer work for the community. The home next to the one they are working on has a story that the neighborhood children have named the "Murder House" & every time the children walk by they sing a song to the tune of Lizzy Borden, a Historical murder in San Francisco. Mel has adjusted to life after divorce and living with her father when her sister decides to visit much to Mel's chagrin. There's romance & intrigue as Mel tries to balance her life with her ability to speak with the spirits. It's very tasteful & when the spirits have their answers they can move on just as the living who finally have their answers. She doesn't speak to the Spirits directly, but they allow her to be an observer in their 8?..world so she can find the answers that will set them free. There's romance as she is beginning to consider allowing someone into her life....but he has to understand her gift that allows her to communicate with another dimension....I loved this book... really interesting and enjoyable...I especially liked the characters....Annette was interesting and very dedicated, but open to a new and different possibility of thinking. She was one of of my favorites I definitely recommend this series....It's like potato chips, you have to read more than one.

I’ve read the first 4 of this series and this is by far my favorite, in fact this is a really good cozy mystery all on its own. I like the historical home renovation premise, but not so keen on the ghost aspect of the books. This book is an excellent solid mystery with really good characters. Juliet Blackwell’s books are very well written with strong characters. I’ve read 4 of her other series and although well written they not my cup of tea.I’ve read a fair amount of cozies and my favs are: (1) The Cat Who… series by Lilian Braun, with Jim Qwilleran, newspaper reporter, and his 2 Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum. (2) A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates, with Katie Lightfoot solving crimes using witchcraft with her familiar, a dog. These 2 series are very well written with great characters you get to know really well, animals included. I’ve just gotten into (3) Sophie Kelly’s Magical Cats mysteries. Well written and I like the characters and story lines, and the 2 cats in the books make the books really lovable.

I really enjoyed this story! Good characters, some fun people, funny scenarios, and a heartbreaking tragedy from the past are at the center of this novel. As usual, the author weaves in paranormal events and theories alongside architectural history, construction lingo and protagonist Melanie Turner's acerbic, relatable observations and asides. As does anyone who runs a busy small business in an urban setting, Mel's life is filled with a lot of human diversity, daily minutiae and the need to stay on top of many projects. So seeing ghosts doesn't help her get it all done, but rather than becoming a distraction, she's learning how to integrate it into her life and business.I like how some of the regulars are growing in a realistic way, such as Mel's former stepson. The slow moving romance with Graham is still there, but I did find the appearance of her sister Cookie distracting and almost pointless. I love how Blackwell creates interesting characters as regulars, semi-regulars and one offs. For example, the retired homicide inspector in this story who has an interesting second "career", and the current homicide inspector's little quirks get revealed. The state poet laureate managed to be both tragic and creepy, his wife was someone I wanted to hiss at, the elder characters shined, and the guilty party's behavior was revealed in a slow, steady, natural manner.As usual, I look forward to more!

The story covers welfare fraud and youth problems. There are enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. This is the fourth book and I have two more to read in the series.Mel is doing volunteer work by leading a group of unskilled workers to exhibit a handicapped home. Nearby is a large home that Mel sees movements in the window. She learns that house is unoccupied and a murder occurred.The House is known as The MURDER House. While cleaning out the shed on the property, a body is found. Mel's curiosity leads her to explore what happened at the house. Mel's sister arrived for a visit and Mel eventually learns that sister's life has not easy. Annette Crawford becomes a friend in this book and asked for Mel's help with spirit issues. I highly recommend the book and series.

Can not say enough about this series. A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery is interesting and fun with many twists and turns. It is different having a woman as a contractor that can feel and sometimes see ghosts that haunt very old homes that are being renovated in the Bay area. Mel and her family, friends, clients and love interest Graham, work to solve who has wronged spirits that just can't rest until somebody listens.

Another good story from Juliet Blackwell. I have enjoyed everything of Juliet's that I have read. Good characters and story lines.

I am enjoying these books. Good pace, fun read...and characters developing well. Could do with more of this kind of thing to read...

interesting book - great slice of American life

I really enjoyed this story

A very good read with a twist at the end! I shall definitely read other books by this author. Recommended!