Carol J. Perry’s Haunted Haven mysteries are some of my favorite cozies. I like the setting of Haven, Florida, the Haven House Inn, the ghosts, and the characters. There were a few too many characters in The Spirit Moves, and I had a hard time remembering which members of the local writers’ group wrote which genre, but the villain stood out as a character.

Maureen Doherty inherited the Haven House Inn from a complete stranger, Penelope Josephine Gray. She also inherited a few full-time residents who work there, take meals, and make a small salary. That includes executive chef Ted Carr, Maureen’s romantic interest. Maureen also inherited ghosts that haunt the inn, and Josephine’s trunk that contains history and secrets.

When local bookstore owner, Aster Patterson, invites Maureen to a meeting of the local writers’ group, she’s eager to hear what they write. But, it’s Aster who finds the body of a writer that no one in the group likes. And, then she moves into the inn, fearing the killer will be looking for her. But, Maureen fears the killer will also crash her business. She comes up with plans to help the town’s businesses, promoting it as a “dog friendly” destination, and planning for Bingo nights. But, what she really needs to do is uncover the killer.

As I said, there were a few too many characters in the writers’ group, all suspects. But, the setting, the town, the ghosts, and other characters are just as enjoyable as I remember. The Spirit Moves is a paranormal treat that includes recipes from the Inn and an author’s note about Florida as a setting.

The Spirit Moves by Carol J. Perry. Kensington Publishing, 2025. ISBN 9781496743626 (paperback), 352p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with only the promise of an honest review.