by Cynthia Chow

Here is another fun mystery that fits perfectly with the theme of Halloween. Details on how to enter to win a copy of this book at the end of this review along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL.

Ghostbusters have descended on South Bass Island just in time for Halloween. For a place that celebrates a “funeral” for the summer season and promotes legendary ghost, Charlie “Sleepy” Harlow, their presence is not met with open arms. The last time the Elkhart Ghost Getters (EGG) were in town to film their television show, they destroyed Kate Wilder’s future wine crop and are now banned from the winery. As someone who refuses to listen to any voice other than her own, Noreen Turner takes her crew there anyway, only to have a furious Kate throw them off her property. When Noreen’s body turns up in a coffin meant to symbolize the death of summer, it’s not surprising that the argument makes Kate the most probable culprit.

B&B owner Bea Cartwright thought her biggest problem was her neighbor’s terrorist cat, Jerry Garcia, peeing in inappropriate places—like on the manuscript fellow Literary Lady Marianne Littlejohn left for Bea to proofread. As she attempts to recreate, essentially rewrite, Marianne’s documentation of moonshiner Sleepy Harlow, Bea combines research on the man who lost his head to rival gangsters with the ghost hunting efforts of EGG. Though none of the show’s crew—not the handsome reinstated leader, nor a former rival and not the enslaved and overlooked intern—spend any time mourning Noreen’s loss, there’s no lack of alternate suspects.

Always in the background is Bea’s secret identity—a well-known, best-selling author who fled life in New York City because of a terrorizing stalker. The secret makes her flirtatious relationship with tavern-owner Levi Lozlov rather awkward. While ignoring the book club assignment, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the women are willing to investigate the Sleepy Harlow legend and how his reappearances may have played a role in Noreen’s death.

Kylie Logan has created a cast of characters with whom readers will feel invested, as their histories are played out throughout the series. The fun comes in watching Bea dance around her secret while never sure just how much her friends know. The plot, a surprisingly complex one in this third of the series, never suffers from the focus on character development. Literature, the struggle of authors, and friendship among women make this an absorbing read—a spookily good book with an even greater mystery.

To enter to win a copy of The Legend of Sleepy Harlow, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Sleepy,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 25, 2014. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL!

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).