Read time: 2 minutes
📚 Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
🎧 Listened as an Audiobook
🔊 Narrated by: C.S.E. Cooney
⏱ Duration: 7 hours
Book Blurb:
Maureen Doherty and her loyal golden retriever, Finn, are gearing up for their first Christmas in sunny Haven, Florida—not exactly the winter wonderland they’re used to. As the new owner of the haunted Haven House inn, Maureen needs creative ways to fill rooms, and the local vintage theater’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” movie festival offers the perfect partnership. But when a fresh murder victim turns up at the theater—already notorious for its resident ghost—Maureen finds herself juggling promotion, guests, and a whole host of spirited (and ghostly) complications. With support from her spectral sidekicks and human friends, she’s determined to solve the crime before Haven House loses its holiday sparkle.
Let’s talk about the book:
I came for the promise of holiday coziness: Christmas lights on palm trees, ghostly shenanigans, and Maureen and Finn navigating the holiday rush with a side of supernatural chaos. What surprised me was how seamlessly the murder mystery wove its way through the festivities. Perry’s small-town Haven is endearing—a little sun-drenched, a little spooky, and full of oddball characters (alive and otherwise) who make every page pop. The parade of lovable ghosts feels like a warm hug, even when things get dicey. C.S.E. Cooney adds another layer of magic to the narration by bringing Maureen and the folks to life.
The pacing kept me hooked, moving between Maureen’s attempts to save her inn and the unraveling threads of both a new and an old murder. The setting is dripping with cozy, Gulf Coast charm, and by the end, I wanted to book a holiday at Haven House—even if it is haunted. The rapport between Maureen and her ghostly companions (plus her ever-faithful Finn) brings big heart, and while the whodunit isn’t the trickiest, the journey is the real treat. You’ll laugh at the ghosts sabotaging dinner, cheer for Maureen’s tenacity, and maybe even tear up at moments of unexpected connection.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. High Spirits is a breezy, charming read that serves up warm holiday feelings with a clever supernatural twist. Cozy fans, you’ll want this one for your winter TBR—bonus points if you love mischievous ghosts and loyal pups.
Who’s your favorite ghost?
Ready to check into Haven House for some festive frights and small-town murder? Let’s talk favorite cozy mysteries, ghostly sidekicks, or what makes a perfect holiday read—drop your thoughts in the comments!
Book Links
Amazon CA
Goodreads
Follow Carol J. Perry for more of her works on her author page
Other books in the series:
Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1)
High Spirits (A Haunted Haven Mystery #2)
Haunting License (A Haunted Haven Mystery #3)
The Spirit Moves (A Haunted Haven Mystery #4)
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