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.

Enjoyable entry in series, from new perspective

This entry in the series is told from the perspective of Allisen's mother. It's a sort of "look back" tale that covers what went on during previous novels, but is done very well.

The mystery this time around was fairly interesting and opened up a bit more of the ghost world for followers of the series.

Unlike the other alternate-perspective entry in this series (from Paul's POV), this entry was read by the usual narrator and so characters actually kept their usual voices. That was a relief as I didn't enjoy the differences in the book read by a male.

Overall, a short and enjoyable listen.

A nice addition to the series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this book and the series. This one is different because it is told from another characters perspective. I highly recommend this book, but don't miss the others!

What did you like best about this story?

Besides the fact that its a ghost story, which is fun to begin with, this author writes in a tongue and cheek style that is so fun to read and Ms. Ranconi does it very well!

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't tell my favorite scene, its pivotal to the story!

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

I would have loved to have heard it all at once, but alas, I never have the time for that.

Any additional comments?

If you want a fun, fast moving read, buy it!

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.

Different Point of View

Told from the heroines mothers point of view, this one is more than a little enjoyable and brings back the era of Vietnam, something that many of us have forgotten.

Love the series!

I totally love this series. Great stories and great characters. It is fun and funny. Alison is a hoot and Amanda Ronconi does and great job. She makes this series come hilariously alive.
Thank you both!

cute

I like the narrator a lot. the story was cute. and it was fun to listen to.

Quick-witted and entertaining

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

Because I have listened to many others of the same author and know what to expect.

What other book might you compare An Open Spook to and why?

Others by E.J. Cooperman are similar in theme and style.

What about Amanda Ronconi’s performance did you like?

I always enjoy her narration. It's engaging because she brings out each character's personality, so you always know who's speaking.

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

Yes, and I pretty much did because it was fairly short.

Any additional comments?

I will keep purchasing these books because I love the characters!

Haunted Guesthouse series is a happy surprise

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

Her work is fantastic. The variety she manages is remarkable and she deadpans perfectly

Any additional comments?

I have only one small hope for future stories. Allison could be just a little more kind to the ghosts. Given the fact that they are stuck there, she would do well to be more diplomatic. Her relationship with Maxi is evolving into something fun. LOVE THAT!

Love this angle for this great series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you have been reading and are a fan of this series, you will know Loretta, Allison's mother. She is also a medium or seer of ghosts and she has the most adorable personality and I was very happy to read this addition in her voice and point of view. Endearing.

What did you like best about this story?

The best was that Loretta was the main character...and she is a "character" for sure. Fun addition to the series.

Which scene was your favorite?

The floating Roasted Chicken was really cute.

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

Oh yes, as Ive been leading to in previous comments...this is one of my favorite series and this book is a cherry on top.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy Molly Harper, Lucy March and that type of humor, strength in female characters and a "real feel" to relationships of all types then I have no doubt you will enjoy E. J. Copperman as well as I do.

A fun, intriguing, and important novella.

I was so impressed with the story and narrative.

not only was it fun but also very important when it comes to remembering those we have lost to wars.

highly recommend.

A nice side story.

Told from Allison's Mom's point of view. With a factoid thrown in at the end.

Until they come home

Fabulous. Done in Allison's Mother's POV. She's funny! Brilliantly thought provoking story that made me cry.

An enjoyable listen

This is a lovely novelette. I liked it because it is well narrated and provides an alternative view point from a different character in the series. It gently balances humour with poignancy. It's thoughtful simplicity is heart warming. An enjoyable listen.

enjoyable short story in the series

I enjoyed this short story in the series told from the mother's perspective, it was nice to get her side as a change of pace.
still told with the wit and humorous sarcasm as the rest of the series

Fabulous storyline

Enjoyed this audio book very much
Hopefully they will be more books
Must read on your list

Heavy subject. Lightly handled.

Once I got used to the slow delivery of Loretta's way of speaking, this was a good listen. Copperman made a good decision deciding to make this a separate short story, instead of a side story in a full Guesthouse novel. Very enjoyable.

Your beloved series with a twist

The change of narrator makes for a refreshing little novella in an arc I have enjoyed thoroughly so far. The reader does a great job of creating a different voice for Loretta. The plot is uncomplicated but with some very entertaining bits.

loreta narrates the story this time.

Any additional comments?

this is short story and still as good as all the previous ones.
once more a ghost is involved, he wants to move on to the next plain wherever that is.
enjoyed the story.

River ting

Could not turn this story off, to my family's annoyance I listened from start to finish and had an enjoyable afternoon with my feet up more please a big thank you from s very happy reader who enjoys crime and thrillers but enjoys s little light relief now and then ,😄