The Skeletons of Scarborough House: An absolutely hilarious cozy mystery

Kitty French

Jul 2016 · Bookouture

About this ebook

Welcome to Chapelwick, a leafy English town in the hills of Shropshire, where chocolate fudge cake comes served with a side of murder.

Scarborough House is haunted, and it’s not doing much for Donovan Scarborough’s investment portfolio. No one wants to buy a place with levitating crockery, or (the wrong kind of) rhythmic pounding throughout the night.

Luckily, Melody “I-See-Dead-People” Bittersweet has just launched her own ghostbusting agency with best friend Marina, geeky, keen Arthur, and a one-eared pug called Lestat. They’re quick to take the case, even if it has already sort of (definitely) been given to Leo Dark, Melody’s rakish, despicable ex.

Melody soon discovers the resident phantoms are three brothers, one who was murdered at twenty, while the others lived to old age. But did the family exile the right person, or did the true killer get away with it?

Donovan Scarborough doesn’t care who solves the case. Whoever gets rid of the ghosts gets paid.

Can Melody and her new crew untangle the mystery, and bring the brothers peace, before Leo? Or will his distracting sexiness and Melody’s bonkers family cause the agency to fall at its first hurdle?

This is the PERFECT choice for fans of HY Hanna, Janet Evanovich, MC Beaton, and Gina LaManna, who’ll find themselves completely hooked and crying with laughter as they join Melody and her crew on their spooktastic adventure.

This book was previously published as Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency.

What everyone’s saying about The Skeletons of Scarborough House:

‘I laughed so hard that I had to stop drinking my coffee for fear of spurting it all over my desk … I seriously can't remember the last time I laughed this hard … absofreakinglutely hilarious.’ 5* Well Read Pirate Queen

‘Absolutely fantastic from the first page. Did not stop smiling once. Emotional at parts but a super fun read throughout. The writing was amazing and had me totally hooked. Cannot wait for the sequel!’ Book Geek Writes

‘Absolutely hilarious … I have not laughed like that in a very, very long time … It’s a book that just keeps giving, right until the very end … Sheer brilliance!’ 5* The Writing Garnet

‘I couldn't put this book down … so many comical moments, I was either laughing or smiling. If you are in need of cheering up definitely read this book … brilliant!’ 5* Rae Reads

‘Unputdownable, captivating and laugh out loud funny!! A definite must read!! 5+ Stars!! … I loved this story!’ Words Turn Me On

‘One of my favourite new books … so much heart, so much joy, so much laughter, and warmth. It's funny one minute, and has you tearing up the next … absolutely love this book … amazing.’ 5* Bookish Escapes

‘An absolute scream from start to finish! … Should you ever find yourself in dire need of cheering up, this will do the trick - guaranteed! IT’S FUN, IT’S FRISKY and IT’S FABULOUS! I'm already little 'cray cray' for the next case. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!’ Little Bookness Lane

‘An absolute delight.’ 5* Bloomin Brilliant Books

Ratings and reviews

AudioBook Review Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 5 First introduction to this author and I adore her voice and quirky sense of humor. Melody Bittersweet, like her mother and grandmother before her, can see and communicate with ghosts. Her twenty-seventh birthday is full of revelations, if not a new love, and she’s decided that her talents should be useful to someone, somewhere. Thus the start of her new life with the push from her BFF, an intern brought to her by a spirit who can’t move on until his son finds himself, and a pug named Lestat. First case – an encounter with her ex, Leo Dark, in Scarborough House with a television crew and the intention to exorcise the ghosts and bump his ratings. But, others want Melody to investigate the house to help the three brothers, one of whom was murdered a century ago, no culprit to be found. When you add in the sparks between she and Leo to be the first to actually move the spirits along heat up, there is even more fuel on the fires here as there is a reporter, Fletcher, determined to uncover them both (but mostly Melody) as a fraud. Worst part – he’s got Melody thinking more of her feelings for the two men, as she bonds with the murdered brother and the wrongly accused murderer, with insight that neither Leo nor Fletcher has. She’s able to stay a couple of paces ahead of those who would exorcise the restless spirits, or try to disprove her skills, she’s able to sort the mystery and find an affinity for Fletcher, even as things seem to be hopeless. Full of laughter, heart and a touch of sweetness as Melody actually listens to the stories shared from those beyond, perhaps a first for them all, the story flies by in a never-ending series of moments to love. Narration for this story is provided by Cat Gould who manages to bring Melody to life, with all of her insecurities, embarrassing moments with family (those are hysterical) and occasional moments of precise dissection of a moment, feeling or clue. The changes in tone and inflection carry nicely to highlight the moments, and while her depiction of male voices isn’t the best I’ve heard, the interactions are lovely and the emotional content, as well as distinction between them is clear. A lovely start to a new series – this put the fun back into cozies for me with the unique premise, humor and touch of romance. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I loved this book. From start to finish. I loved the characters, and the situations they got themselves into. I cannot wait for book 2. I'm already addicted to Miss Bittersweet and co.

Great friendships, funny situations and interesting storyline. I couldn't put it down! Cannot wait for the next one.