Home for the Haunting

Haunted Home Renovation Series, Book 4

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can't help asking a few of her own - especially about the haunted house next door . . . the place local kids call the "Murder House." But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber.

Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim? Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD's unofficial "ghost consultant," Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

©2013 Julie Goodson-Lawes (P)2013 Tantor

Fun and Spooky

Where does Home for the Haunting rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks at the top. Juliet Blackwell is one of my very favorite authors. Her Haunting books will be my 2014 pick of the year for Best Series. Love them all

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it moves along at a fast pace and there is always something unexpected happening.

Have you listened to any of Xe Sands’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent. Xe Sands is a Rock Star in the Narrator world. Love every book she reads.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, but it was a little creepy but always ending well.

Any additional comments?

Fun and fast paced. Lots of interesting characters and tons of funny quips. I love that Mel can see and hear ghosts.

A Hauntingly Good Read

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

Xe Sands is an outstanding narrator!

Any additional comments?

Juliet Blackwell's series about Mel, a lady construction contractor who seems to be able to see and sometimes talk to ghosts, are fun reads. They are light and do not delve into the gruesome black areas that many ghost stories do. Its a great entertaining light read. Even my husband has enjoyed the series!

A pleasant cozy mystery and light read..

Any additional comments?

I am growing accustomed to quirky Mel Turner, building contractor of fringe and spangled dresses, and the quirky people in her life. The book moves along nicely. The Audible narrator could differentiate a bit more on some of the voices, but she still does good work. I'll continue to read the series.

Another good book

This is another good addition to a very good series. If you would like to spend your day with a cozy mystery this is a good one.

A good series!

If you've read any of my other reviews, you already know I like a fun listen. And these Blackwell books are that. They are fun. Xe Sands is very playful with the characters, but I'm fussy about readers and hear more vocal fry in every single character than I'd really like to hear from just one or two. It can sometimes be difficult to tell who is speaking.

The heroine seems to be pretty down to earth, if you don't count the wacky way she dresses. I could have lived without that character quirk - it seems a little forced, but it doesn't get in the way of the stories so I choose to wink at it.

The books themselves have romance and fun twists and it isn't easy to figure out who the bad guys are - always a plus. Blackwell isn't King or Koontz, but sometimes it's a relief not to have your socks scared off. And, really, who doesn't like a humorous ghost story?

PRETTY GO9D BOOK IN A REALLY GOOD SERIES

This is the only book in this highly entertaining series that neglects the San Francisco architecture and history found in the other books. Gppood ghost story. ltick with this series for pandemic esacape into the better books to come.

Stories are getting creepier

But still with plenty of hero Mel's self-deprecating humor. Tons of suspects to keep the reader guessing. SPOILER: Things also are steaming up a bit with Graham.

Great !

This is the second in the series that I have listened to. I find the main characters likeable- In this story, her sister shows up unexpectedly. A fun addition to the story.

Excellent mystery, writing, & voice read!

Excellent mystery, writing, & voice reader. Riveting dialog that keeps you wanting more. Could listen all day to this writer and reader. Witty, funny, character relations development, and a thriller packed all in one!

Great Story...well read

Enjoyable murder mystery. Very nicely read by Xe Sands. Leaves you wanting to hear the next story.