Dead Bolt

Haunted Home Renovation Series, Book 2

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Turner Construction's latest restoration project is a historic Queen Anne Victorian in San Francisco. This time, general contractor Mel Turner has to work around the owners, who insist on sticking around-along with some ghosts that insist in their own way that the work stops.

The ghosts aren't the only ones standing in the way of the renovations. A crotchety neighbor, Emile Blunt, secretly wants this house and could be behind some of the disturbances. But when Emile is found dead, it's Mel who appears guilty. Now she must restore the building-and her reputation-before it's too late.

©2011 Juliet Goodson-Lawes (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Cleverly plotted with a terrific sense of the history of the greater Bay Area, Blackwell's series has plenty of ghosts and supernatural happenings to keep readers entertained and off balance." ( Library Journal)

Fun Series

I am glad I discovered this series. Light,easy and a bit different to be interesting.

GREAT PANDEMIC ESCAPE FICTION!ĺ

Second in the Hauntedp Renovation series, Dead Bolt continues the light romance and mystery themes with just enough S⁰an Francisco history and culture to keep us absorbed and eager for more. And if you like old houses, this book's for you!

Intriguing story

I still don’t care for the narrator, especially when doing men’s voices, I’m enjoying the series. I thought this one was even better than the last.

Another great book

I am a huge Juliet Blackwell/ Xe Sands fan. loved it. look forward to the next book in the series. this is the 3rd series by Juliet Blackwell that I have listened to. I love them all!!

Thoroughly enjoyable

This is a great listen. Fun story and perfect narrator for the book. I really enjoy this whole series.

Easy listen

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would like midway through the book for Mel to partner with Graham. Tease more and get together before the last three sentences of the book. When the summation happens in the end, it would be good to repeat to a couple people, the dad or Russian girl what bodies were there and why. Telling once right at the end when several intense things are happening with several people leaves you trying to say who what where. Some books that develop each character more and their connection with others helps in the summation.

Would you be willing to try another book from Juliet Blackwell? Why or why not?

Yes. This is the second of her books I have listened to. You can count on a light mystery. Easy listening.

What about Xe Sands’s performance did you like?

She does very well with all the characters. I have looked for other books she has narrated.

Do you think Dead Bolt needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, it could have a follow up, only if it is not going to tease the relationship the whole book.

Any additional comments?

There is so much potential for a more developed book. Why not develope more lines with different characters. More interaction with the dad and his friend, more with the stepson he could bond with Graham. Some sarcastic funny humor between the characters and crazy self talk would step this up from a fluffy light to a developed book that I would listen to more than once.

Built to last

I love this author to pieces. Which ever series I am reading of hers I always feel so connected to the characters. I also love that I don't always figure out who the murderer is before its revealed. The narrator gives the main character life with her spunky inflections.

Even better than the first one

Very enjoyable reading. It reached a clip where I found it hard to stop listening to the book. Usually I don't like this genre of fiction but I'm totally sold on Mel Turner's Haunted Renovations!

Great Followup to the First One

I was really worried this one wouldn’t live up the first one as it was such a nice surprise. This was a gem in the fact that the sequel not only kept the characters consistent but allowed some development in the characters.

First the real-world mystery which didn’t hold my attention at all honestly as I was much more interested in the past mystery and it was affecting the present. The suspect was obvious as I didn’t really see how it could be anyone else. I love the link between past mystery and a factual event. That was great.

Now let’s talk characters and their development. I enjoyed seeing the romance between Mel and Graham get ramped up another notch. It was great seeing Graham show his interest in Mel and her apprehension – it suited who I feel both their characters are. I adore Mel’s family and friends. They are so enjoyable and supportive of Mel. They provide such a nice break to story at the right time its needed. I don’t know what to think about Zach.

I really wanted to give this one 4 stars but I didn’t because I was wanting more interaction between Mel and the ghosts. I was disappointed in that extreme. It was nice seeing a different way of involving ghosts into the story, but I wanted more interaction.

I love the narration. The narrator is very different and fits the voice of Mel perfectly.

Picking up

If you could sum up Dead Bolt in three words, what would they be?

female mystery ghosts

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Interested, yes; on the edge, no.

What about Xe Sands’s performance did you like?

Love her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Maybe not. Probably big chunks, but one sitting would have turned it bore-some.

Any additional comments?

I hope the writer follows up with the witchcraft series rather than this one.