Ghost of a Potion

Ghost of a Potion by Heather Blake is the third book in A Magic Potion Mystery series. Carly Bell Hartwell is getting ready for her yearly hibernation (starts at midnight on Halloween and ends at 11:49 p.m. on All Souls Day). Halloween starts the next day and Carly stays inside her home to avoid ghosts (the ones that have not passed over). Carly had experienced a bad ghost seven years previously and has not been able to deal with them since then. That evening Carly is attending an event at the Ezekiel Mansion (they will own the house if the lost heir does not claim it by January 1). It was just restored by the Harpies—The Hitching Post Restoration and Preservation Society (what did you think I meant). Carly’s mother is trying to get her husband into the society (to keep him busy and out of her hair). Carly will be attending with her on-again-off again (currently on) boyfriend, Dylan Jackson (who is also an officer with the Hitching Post Police Department).

The evening does not start out well. Patricia Davis Jackson, Dylan’s mother, does not like Carly and hits Carly with a few zingers as a greeting (and tries to ruin her beautiful dress). A little while later they hear screaming. Patricia is standing over Haywood Dodd with a candlestick in her hand. Haywood is dead. Haywood was going to make a big announcement at 10 p.m. and he would not give anyone a hint. Patricia, of course, is the main suspect which means Dylan is not allowed to investigate the case. As for Carly, she saw the one thing she wanted to avoid—a ghost! Haywood Dodd’s ghost noticed Carly and followed her home (she ran the whole way). Carly has no choice but to help Haywood. Carly sets out to solve the murder with help from Dylan (and friends). It looks like Carly is not going to get to hibernate this year. She might even pick up a few more ghosts along the way that she will have to assist (much to her Cousin Delia’s delight).

Who wanted Haywood Dodd dead? What was Haywood’s big announcement and did it have anything to do with his death? You will just have to read Ghost of a Potion to find out. Ghost of a Potion is a hilarious book. Hitching Post, Alabama is a charming small town (with a lot going on). Ghost of a Potion has unique, quirky characters and a mystery that will leave you guessing (it is a windy path to the killer). I give Ghost of a Potion 5 out of 5 stars. Ghost of a Potion has humor, romance, magic, and a good mystery. The perfect ingredients for a delightful cozy mystery. While Ghost of a Potion is a part of a series, it can be read alone. However, I think you will want to read the whole series. I cannot wait for the next book in A Magic Potion Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of Ghost of a Potion from the author (I won a copy on Facebook) in exchange for an honest review.

This was Heather's best Carly Hartwell book yet as it delved in deep to an important detail, while still keeping to the true potion genre. I can't wait to see what comes next.