Keeper of the Castle

Haunted Home Renovation, Book 5

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel's boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland. With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body. When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer and put the spirits to rest before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands.

©2014 Julie Goodson-Lawes (P)2014 Tantor

A little predictable

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

I have enjoyed this series so far. I like the main character and her style of wit and mystery solving.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the ghosts in this one. The knight spooking all of the men was great.

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

I liked the confused knight. I really did. He was just perfect.

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

Yup. I did.

Any additional comments?

While I had this one figured out pretty quick, I still enjoyed it. I would recommend it for some fun reading.

Another great addition

I love this series. It combines an entertaining mixture romance, mystery, construction info and ghostly interactions. I like how Mel approaches each ghostly appearance with enough modesty to know she still has a lot to learn and is not an instant expert. I also enjoy the interactions between Mel and her family and friends. I look forward to the next books in this series.

This series just keeps getting better!

This series is awesome! Love the San Francisco Bay Area setting. With each new story you grow more involved with Mel, her friends and family. And there is so much history imparted along with a great mystery being solved. And, Xe Sands narrates with such warmth and humor. 5 Stars!!!

The BEST of the Haunted Home Renovation Series!

If you could sum up Keeper of the Castle in three words, what would they be?

Fun light story

What did you like best about this story?

Juliet Blackwell has written a really fun Haunted Home Renovation series and this is the best book yet. The plot about the reconstruction of an ancient castle captured my attention quickly.

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!

Engaging story through to the end!

I continue to enjoy every installment of this series. It's a delight to have the multiple possible suspects and tons of motives, yet laid out with great humor and compassion.

The ghosts are getting bolder!

This time Mel is trying to put a stone structure together from a pile of rocks that don't match up, that has multiple ghosts, missing lunches, a dead Building Inspector and a boyfriend that is not happy about her running through buildings when people are trying to kill her. Toss in several sarcastic witty comments that she really never says "outloud" and the game is a foot!
The fun thing about her books is each book is about a different structure she renovates. The author also slips in about the other projects the contractor has worked on in the past and keeps you informed about the final outcome of them. It is a small but nice touch that demonstrates the consistency of her storyline. There is a big funny in this book that cracked me up. She finds a romance novel under the bed and starts reading it. (Lots more to it but I don't want to shoot out a spoiler to anyone who likes this series.)
Looking forward to book #7 that I just learned is coming out next year.

The main character is relatable and likable

Favorite series and favorite narrator!
There needs to be more of this series. Maybe a joint story with Lilly Ivory.

Relaxing fun mystery

This book is a not-scary occult mystery where the end is sort of a surprise and definitely funny. A fun read.

Think "Ghost Busters"

Juliet Blackwell always keeps you guessing. I love ALL of her series which are all paranormal (ghosts). This series showcases a woman working & a boss/owner of a business in a mans world. If you liked "Ghost Busters" you will like this series.

ending felt incomplete

loved the story until the end, it felt like the ending had been rushed. I hope she ties things up in the next book.