#review #5stars Haunted House Ghost, by James J. Cudney (Braxton Campus Mysteries #5) #NextChapterPub

MY REVIEW:

Whew, I’m officially caught up on all the happenings at Wharton county! And, just in time for the next book in the series to be released. I’m also officially on the list of fans who would LOVE to see this series played out in a TV drama series. Talk about thought provoking and unguessable twists in each and every book. I’ve even found myself dreaming up what actors would play who’s parts. For me, that’s rare! One thing that I love about Braxton campus is that every single book is packed to the brim with well rounded dynamics. There’s family bonds, feuds and speculations. There’s scandals, shocks, secrets, and of course — dun, dun, dun — mysterious death around every corner.
Haunted House Ghost delivered all of these qualities and MORE. You see, Kellan is somewhat used to stumbling across freshly murdered people (I mean as used to something like that as any regular person can be. It’s clearly a shock every time!) but what he’s new to, is finding old ones.
Cold case mysteries are a whole different flavor of cookie to crack, but what’s worse, can the bones uncovered beneath the campus library be tied to all of the odd goings on at the home he’d just purchased?
Kellan is a family man. He’s an amazing father to Emma who is now seven. We’ve watched her grow throughout the books. She’s one of my favorite characters. He’s also now raising a teenager, thanks to the tenacious Nana D who volunteered him for the temporary task. Nana D has eased into her job as Mayor which gives her a bit more insight on the happenings at Wharton county. This ultimately helps Kellan in solving the complicated and twisty crime that may have happened nearly 50 years prior yet still bleeds into the present.
Kellan bought a house that is supposedly haunted, but the problem with that is Kellan doesn’t necessarily believe a true blue haunting to be the case. He feels like there is more to his house drama than a ghost. There’s a reason he’s being stalked and threatened in his own home, and he’s determined to find the tie between his house, and the skeleton found while renovating the library on campus. There are too many coincidences that tie into the infamous county judge Mr. Grey, as well as the family of his first wife who went missing the same year that the skeletons origins rooted back too.
Another awesome aspect about Haunted House Ghost that really sets it apart from the previous Braxton Campus books is the blossoming romance between Kellan and April, the county sheriff. Because he’s still working out the kinks of his estranged wife, Kellan is trying his best to take it slow with April. Which isn’t a hard thing to do, despite their eminent pull to one another, because time is of the essence and quite frankly neither of them have any. Every time they’re able to catch a few moments of privacy they’re interrupted, which really feeds to the build up of their relationship. I can’t wait to see where James J. Cudney will take this relationship in book 6! Hands down, another 5 stars! Way to keep the mysteries one of a kind James, I’m holding my breath for book 6!!

DESCRIPTION:

It’s Halloween, and excitement is brewing in Braxton.

While others carve jack-o’-lanterns, go on haunted hayrides, and race through the spooky corn maze at the Fall Festival, Kellan is moving into a mysterious old house. When a ruthless ghost promises retribution, our fearless professor turns to the eccentric town historian and an eerie psychic to communicate with the apparition.

Meanwhile, construction workers discover a fifty-year-old skeleton after breaking ground on the new Memorial Library wing. While Kellan and April dance around the chemistry sparking between them, a suspicious accident occurs at the Fall Festival.

Soon, Kellan discovers the true history and dastardly connections of the Grey family. But can he capture the elusive killer – and placate the revenge-seeking ghost?

Praise:

★★★★★ – “If you like cozies, you’re sure to enjoy this charmer.”

★★★★★ – “A real halloween treat!”

★★★★★ – “The perfect combination of suspense and thrills to the reader. The hilarity and heartwarming relationships of family, plus the drama of small town living makes for a fun read.”