Publication October 13, 2026
It sounded like a win-win. The chance to host the popular reality show "Sleeping With the Spirits" was an opportunity to not only bring in new customers but immediately add a tidy sum to the Secret Bookcase shops' bank accounts. Although Annie initially hesitated, the enthusiasm of her team for the idea quickly convinced her. After all, Halloween is quickly approaching. The cast and crew of the show would record an episode of the show overnight at the bookshop and provide guests with a special "haunted tour".
Only one problem. Well, actually there were many problems. The best laid plans go out the window when the show's star, Palmer, has an on-camera seizure and dies. The crew initially thinks it's all part of his act and are quick to announce it's ghostly doings. Even before Palmer is pronounced dead, Annie, who never believed for one moment the bookstore was haunted despite the occasional creaking and bumps in the night from the old building, isn't buying that theory, however. I won't detail the plot further, it's much to much fun to ruin by sharing, but will note that she almost instantly has a list of suspects. After it was determined for sure that the death wasn't accidental, Detective Caldwell asks Annie (and her detective partner Fletcher) to come aboard and assist in the investigation. It's already clear that not only doesn't the cast and crew get along but that there is a shadowy history there. One that perhaps hides a former murder?
Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable, fun plot that moves along quickly while still giving us breathing space to catch us up on the current relationship between Annie and boyfriend Liam. Seems they're, whoa, house hunting. What fun although they're discovering homes listed for sale go fast in their area. Will they actually be able to look at homes while Annie's focus is divided? Gotta give Liam credit that he seems to be laid-back enough to just go with the scattered flow. Not giving away any more of the plot other than that it's a mix of reality show non-reality, old grudges and egos, secrets of the past and present, jealousy, and how far someone might be willing to go to pave their way to a big paycheck. All the regulars are there and get some time, not to mention Annie's rather chaotic thoughts concerning Hal's continuing sage focused on his lineage. Thanks #StormPublishing and #NetGalley for the early peek at Annie's sometimes complicated life as well as for introducing her to me in the first place. Oh, and readers, make sure you read the author's comments. They add to the fun.
