RIDDLE OF THE HAUNTED HOARD

A paranormal murder mystery featuring a tropical vacation, a hidden Caribbean treasure, and cosmic romance.

It’s 2006, and Pucci Riddle is a freelance writer with an intriguing secret: She can see ghosts. On a sunny holiday at a rum tasting, she’s approached by the spirit of a man named JD Langer, who needs help to solve a crime. It turns out to be JD’s own murder; they find his dead body on a bus, with an unusual puncture wound in its chest. Pucci unfortunately becomes a prime suspect in the homicide and must enlist the help of her old police-detective friend Olan Lathen; they all embark on a wide-ranging adventure that includes international travel and a hunt for secret treasure. As the book continues, Pucci finds herself on the run not only from the police, who believe she has something to do with JD’s murder, but also from something darker, something otherworldly. Overall, this isn’t a groundbreaking mystery, but it is a pleasant, charming, and humorous read. Despite its paranormal trappings, it takes obvious inspiration from tales of Nancy Drew; Pucci is revealed to be a sharp, smart, witty, and likable detective on a fun, and sometimes scary, adventure. The writing style in this book is reminiscent of YA thrillers, although it often discusses adult themes; the characters’ relationships feel airy and lighthearted, and Pucci’s inner monologue is always sensible and sincere. The plot moves along at a fast clip. The protagonist only becomes more endearing as the story goes on, and it has a carefree energy that readers will enjoy.

A simple but entertaining supernatural thriller with an appealing main character.