by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of A Deadly Brew along with a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Although Jill Gardner’s South Cove, California, bookstore Coffee, Books, and More will be hosting a day of Halloween-themed scary story readings and in-store trick-or-treating, her next two nights will be spent with three other couples slumber-partying it up at an authentic haunted house. The deteriorating home is being demolished to make way for new condos, but before that, it is being rented out at as spooky nights for charity. Jill’s police detective boyfriend Greg King is going along for protection and snuggly warmth, while bringing along their own male partners are Jill’s best friend Amy Newman and the police dispatcher and professional fortune teller Esmeralda. Esmeralda’s mysterious New Orleans friend – or possibly brother – Jake Gold actually proves to be less of a puzzle than the home’s previous owner Maryanne Demerit, who disappeared over fifteen years ago.

Explorations of the house reveal that Maryanne was a healer, or possibly a witch, but it takes a Ouija board session to discover that she is still very much a force within the house. As the Scooby Gang of investigators delve into records and Maryanne’s tragic life, a creepy caretaker locks them in every night, ominous dreams provide clues, and an even more haunting crib is discovered in the attic.

This romp of a mystery is the perfect short novel to cuddle up with on a night of fun scares and wisp of ghostly hauntings. The couples’ days are spent taking advantage of the scenic sights of the tourist-friendly California coast town, but the nights are full of deathly frights and genuine moments of jeopardy. The teasing banter between couples reflects their long history and strong friendships, one that has them relying on one another at critical moments as much for tension-relieving humor as for actual protection. Their enviable bonds and affection make this a genuinely heart-warming tale full of surprises, laughs, and spooky fun.

To enter to win an ebook copy of A Deadly Brew, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “brew,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 13, 2018. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so if you win we can get the book sent right out to you), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast, we just posted an episode featuring Cleo Coyle’s first Haunted Bookshop Mystery! They are also available on iTunes and Google Play.

You can use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.