Title: The Ghost and Mrs. McClure
Author: Alice Kimberly
First published February 3, 2004
261 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.79
Overview
Penelope Thornton-McClure, the owner of a charming bookshop located in Rhode Island, has always been intrigued by the paranormal. The store has been rumored to be haunted for ages, and Penelope has always been fascinated by the ghost that resides there.
However, things take a mysterious turn when a famous author keels over and dies while signing books at the store. As the investigation unfolds, Penelope discovers that the first clue to the foul play may have come from none other than their resident ghost – a private investigator who was murdered on the very same spot over fifty years ago.
Will Penelope be able to unravel the case and solve the mysterious death of the author? Find out in Alice Kimberly’s thrilling novel, The Ghost and Mrs.
McClure.
Editoral Review
Alice Kimberly’s The Ghost and Mrs. McClure is a charming whodunit novel that successfully blends the genres of paranormal romance, suspense, and mystery.
Published on February 3, 2004, the novel was the first in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series and marked the debut of the pseudonym of American author Cleo Coyle, who co-wrote the book with her husband. Set in a quaint and picturesque town of Rhode Island, the novel follows the life of Penelope Thornton-McClure, a struggling widow who has recently inherited a bookshop from her great-aunt.
However, much to her surprise, she soon discovers that her bookstore comes with a resident ghost, who has been haunting the shop for decades. As Penelope tries to solve the mystery surrounding the ghost and the unsolved murder case of his former girlfriend, she finds herself drawn closer to him, forming an unlikely friendship with her spectral companion.
Despite its paranormal elements, the novel steers clear of horror tropes and focuses on the characters’ human emotions and relationships. Penelope is a relatable and endearing protagonist who juggles her responsibilities as a single mother, a small-town bookseller, and a reluctant amateur detective, all while trying to navigate her complicated feelings towards her ghostly friend.
The secondary characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own unique quirks and motivations, adding depth to the novel’s small-town charm. The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with just the right amount of action, suspense, and romance to keep readers engaged.
The murder mystery subplot is well-plotted, with enough red herrings and twists to keep readers guessing until the end. The writing style is smooth and polished, with rich descriptions that vividly bring the town and its inhabitants to life.
One of the novel’s strengths is its blending of historical and cultural elements, with references to the town’s colonial past, establishing a sense of place, and grounding the story in its time and era. The novel also touches on themes of forgiveness, grief, and the enduring power of love, making it a heartwarming and uplifting read.
However, one minor flaw of the book is the occasional uneven pacing, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped, while others linger. The author also tends to rely heavily on exposition, which can slow down the narrative’s momentum.
Overall, The Ghost and Mrs. McClure is a delightful and engaging read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal romance.
It is a testament to Cleo Coyle’s skill as a writer that the book succeeds in blending these genres and crafting a story that feels fresh and original. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, light-hearted read that still manages to deliver on suspense and emotional depth.
Rating: 4.5/5
