I don’t really know what more I wanted from this series. One of the blog readers said they were dissatisfied with Traci Wilton’s latest mystery, Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past. I have to say, I agree. And, as much as I like the premise of a ghost living in a B&B in Salem, Massachusetts, and only the owner can see the handsome figure, neither Charlene Morris, owner of the B&B, nor Jack, the ghost, live up to my expectations. I’m not crazy about either of them by this third book. Charlene is trying too hard to please everyone, and Jack is jealous and spoiled at times. In this one, Charlene’s parents are visiting, and her mother isn’t easy to like either.

Charlene and her parents attend a holiday fundraiser at Bella’s Italian Ristorante. She’s eager to support Felicity House, a home for orphaned and unwanted children. Charlene has always enjoyed the restaurant, and David Baldwin has always seemed to be the perfect host. But, tonight she sees a different side of the man. He just won ten million dollars in the lottery. His trophy wife is poured over the bar, flirting with the bartender. His business partner is surly. David himself is a little uncouth when he chooses that night to pass out checks to people. But not everyone gets a check. David’s son, Kyle, is left out and ignored. And, no one is the crowd is happy with the size of the check they receive. It seems David promised amounts that are much larger than the actual checks. But, which angry recipient is upset enough to kill Baldwin in a hit-and-run accident right outside the restaurant?

Charlene can’t let it go, although she has guests at her B&B, her parents are visiting, and Detective Sam Holden doesn’t want her interfering in his latest case. However, she runs around town, asking questions. She doesn’t think she’s nosy. “She was involved.

I have always had a problem with amateur sleuths who think it’s their duty to be involved in an investigation, while neglecting their business. I don’t have a problem with amateur sleuths who become involved because someone they love is threatened or the police seem incompetent. Charlene Morris does not have a personal stake in this investigation until she’s threatened by the killer at the end of the book.

Maybe I’m a little harsh on this particular series. I enjoy mysteries that involve friendly ghosts who assist with the investigation. In this case, Jack is only there as a sounding board for Charlene. He’s not able to assist with this case.

As I said, I had high hopes for this series. The first mystery, Mrs. Morris and the Ghost, was very good. By the time this one was over, I was just hoping Charlene Morris would get over her past, and move on. I’m certainly moving on from this series.

The authors’ website is http://www.patricewilton.com

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton. Kensington Books, 2020. ISBN 9781496721556 (paperback), 328p.


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