An Open Spook

A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery

By: E.J. Copperman

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In an all-new novella in E.J. Copperman’s “funny, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable” (Spinetingler Magazine) series, the storm of the century bears down on the haunted guesthouse, and stirs up a gale of memories for a troubled ghost.

Haunted guesthouse owner Alison Kerby may have only recently discovered her ability to communicate with ghosts, but for her mother Loretta, it’s been a lifelong gift. As Alison prepares her Jersey Shore guesthouse for what promises to be a huge storm, Loretta helps out by tackling a different issue when the winds blow in an unexpected visitor: the ghost of Sgt. Robert Elliot. His request? Help him find the POW bracelet from the Vietnam War that bears his name. But no sooner does Elliot make his appeal than he suddenly disappears, cutting off contact, and leaving Loretta to wonder...why here? Why now? And why the vanishing act?

The answers begin to materialize when Alison’s lone remaining guest shows up unwittingly holding a clue to the case - on his wrist. A coincidence? Hardly. And Loretta has good reason to believe that the sergeant’s spirit has a secret he’s yet to share. Something he’s been holding on to for more than forty years. Something he’s dying to put to rest.

©2013 Jeffrey Cohen (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Ghosts don’t always give it to you straight.

There’s a hurricane coming to New Jersey and they’re hunkering in. Now the ghost of a Vietnam vet wants something from the house; unfortunately a guest is wearing it.
Another great story!

Better than the main character’s point of view

I like this one book more than the others because it’s told from the mother’s point of view, not Allison. The series is good but hard to listen to sometimes because Allison is such a bi&@h. She is not likable.

Short story. I think this is my favorite.

Respect to our service people and also to our freedom of speech. I loved seeing them come together in mutual respect. Glad it was not lost in translation. It gave their gift some deep meaning. I can truly appreciate that.

Now I’m on to the next one!

Fantatic

Amazing book. Short but heartfelt and certainly worth the read, This whole series is very fun, I highly recommend it.

Told from Mom's Perspective

Short novella in the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series. This short story is told from the point of view of Loretta, Alison's mother. It involves a Vietnam war Veteran seeking his POW bracelet. Loretta is familiar with the bracelets and that era in general, so she offers some great insight. Quick read with a satisfying ending.

still fun but not really funny

changed pov - story now being told from the mother's (or grandmother) perspective; and this may be why it wasn't as funny?
it made for pleasant listening but not really engaging (good sleep story material)

Amazing tribute!

I enjoy the intrigue created in this series and have loved each one so far! This story and the tribute to those who served in and never returned from the Vietnam War is poignant and heartfelt. I too wore a POW bracelet. My soldier did come home after being in captivity, but so many didn't. Unknown numbers are still missing. Thank you to all who have served or are currently serving.

The biggest war that never was

It is mentioned that Congress never declared war on Vietnam, meaning it never really was a war, as far as technicalities are concerned. I remember as a child coming home one day after learning that it had NOT been declared a war and having been the offspring of two people that were too young to fight in the war when it happened the reaction I received when I said Vietnam WASN'T a war. On it's own, without the protests and the draft and all other elements it was not declared a war, but became the largest the nation has known since the civil war, it was a war fought at home, over seas, and behind closed doors. It brought our nation together and separated us as times are doing today. As a school teacher, ie. perpetual student, I learn new things every day. I had not known about the POW bracelets, but I see twofold how these could have been a memorial and a symbol of respect, while also holding out as a sign of protesting the government. As for the story, it was a nice way to bring awareness/remembrance to a shared or known past that boasted a lot of horrors. Ronconi does fabulously, always.

Having a Good Time

What made the experience of listening to An Open Spook the most enjoyable?

This is my first E. J. Copperman book, and I have enjoyed it. The characters ring true, the plot interesting and the narrator makes it wonderful.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I can't choose a favorite character because each is a person I would like to get to know - or definitely not.

What does Amanda Ronconi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

To me, Amanda Ronconi sounds authentic for her characters. Thanks for not doing the "wrong" accent for the location! It would have been a lot less fun without her narration.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was only 52 min, 12 sec into this short book and I had already purchased the rest of the series on audible.com.

Well Done! ☺️

Well done, cute, and very entertaining! This lighthearted series about ghosts in the guesthouse are very good listens and FREE with Audible Plus....this particular one was short and sweet. 😘