I like E.J. Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse mysteries. In the latest, Bones Behind the Wheel, innkeeper Alison Kerby comments that “The National Language of New Jersey is Sarcasm.” That’s why I return to this series, for the humor. Bones Behind the Wheel wouldn’t be the tenth in a series if others didn’t enjoy the humor, the mysteries, or the ghosts.

Alison Kerby owns the Haunted Guesthouse, and, even in November people come to stay, maybe to experience the ghosts, maybe to walk on the Jersey Shore. This season, though, there is no shore while the state moves sand around to restore dunes after the erosion from Hurricane Sandy. Alison can live with that until the crew digs up a 1977 Lincoln Continental with a skeleton in it. And, the hole is on Alison’s property.

One of Alison’s resident ghosts, Paul Harrison, is delighted. He was a detective before he was killed, and he still encourages Alison to help him with investigations. Now, though, it’s Alison’s new husband, Josh, who is most interested in the case. He might not be able to see or hear the ghosts, but he’s found a way to communicate. Despite Alison’s comments that she’s not interested in the case, Josh and Paul are involved. When the car is taken away during the night, and then reappears a day later, they’re even more intrigued.

The cold case proves to be dangerous, and eventually Alison is dragged into the investigation, against her will. But, she’s always determined to protect her family. At times, she seems a little too protective, especially when she treats her new husband as if he was a child. She’s a snarky, sarcastic narrator.

Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse mysteries are offbeat. The character-driven stories feature amusing, quirky ghosts and a strong family connection. If you’re a fan of Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop series, you might want to try these books. Just remember, they’re more sarcastic and funny. Just what you might want in a series set at the Jersey Shore.

E.J. Copperman’s website is www.ejcopperman.com

Bones Behind the Wheel by E.J. Copperman. Crooked Lane Books, 2019. ISBN 9781683318873 (hardcover), 336p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.