The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait By Cleo Coyle: Review/Giveaway

Jun 19, 2021 | 2021 Articles, Lorie Lewis Ham, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of the post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a fun tote bag. We also have links to purchase the book from Amazon and an indie bookstore.

The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait
is the seventh book in Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. The series features bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure and the ghost of 1940s private detective Jack Shephard.

Penelope’s store is having an exhibit of original cover art. Together with two of her friends, mailman and Jeopardy! Champion Seymour Tarnish and literature professor J. Brainert Parker, she goes to pick up a shipment of the art from collector Walt Waverly. The exhibit is centered around an art book celebrating the history of American book covers, and the launch party will feature Walt’s extensive collection. Walt is happy to share his collection and to add price tags to it should any curious attendees want to take pieces home.

While picking up the art, Seymour becomes obsessed with another piece depicting Harriet McClure, a distant relative of Pen’s by marriage as well as a local recluse well-known for her many self-portraits. This particular portrait stands out for being a rare picture of Harriet in her youth. Seymour is determined to purchase it despite claims that it is haunted and possibly cursed. When Walt is found dead the next morning, and Seymour is later attacked in his home, they begin to wonder if the painting might really be cursed, and possibly even haunted. There was another buyer interested in the painting, and Pen wonders if that person might be behind the violence.

Jack recognizes the model in another one of the paintings and takes Pen with him in her dreams to show her what happened in the past to the model, who was also murdered. Together they solve Walt’s murder and discover the mystery behind the haunted portrait.

These books are a wonderful blend of cozy and noir, with great characters and well-plotted mysteries full of twists and turns. I adore Jack and it’s fun to travel back in time to his world, but also be able to enjoy a modern mystery in the same book. Even though I jumped into the middle of this series, I don’t feel lost, and I look forward to the time when I can go back and read the rest of the series. Cleo Coyle is one of my favorite mystery authors and she never disappoints!

To enter to win a copy of The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait and a fun tote, simply comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 5, 2021. U.S. residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

The first book in this series was featured on a past Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast. You can check it out here or use the player below:

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. Be sure to check out our new mystery podcast too with mystery short stories, and first chapters read by local actors. A new episode goes up this week.

You can use this link to purchase this book from indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy, and KRL gets a portion of the sale:

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

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. 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.

381 Comments

  1. Sounds interesting! Haunted portraits abound. Count me in!

    Reply
    • Hi, Glen — Belated thanks for the fun comment. We hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day. It’s a fun place to visit, we can tell you! Take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  2. Love this series, and who couldn’t use another tote! Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
    • This is such a great series!!! We all love Jack!!!

      Reply
      • Hi, Maureen — Cheers for the kind comment. And, believe me, Jack loves you back. 🙂 — Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest.

        Reply
    • Hi, Sally – Glad to know you’re a fan of Jack and Pen. And yes we do love our tote bags these days! Good luck in the contest. xoxo

      Reply
  3. A really neat series. The time travel dreams are so much fun.

    Reply
    • Hi, Alicia – Thank you so much for the comment. Glad to know you’re enjoying the books and the time travel aspect, especially. Marc and I have a great deal of fun sending modern Penny back to Jack’s 1940s New York. More to come in the series. We’re already working on next year’s book. Good luck in the contest and please do keep reading…and keep in touch!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  4. Sounds great! I love a cozy with a touch of the paranormal in it.

    Reply
    • Hi, Cherie – Glad to know you’re a fan of cozy’s with a bit of paranormal. That’s exactly what we’re writing. Our readers tell us they enjoy our ghost Jack especially. We hope you get a chance to enter or Haunted Bookshop world one day. Until then, take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  5. Sounds good, thanks for the drawing

    Reply
  6. Captivating series and Jack is very special.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much, Laini, so kind of you. (And Jack will enjoy that compliment.) Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  7. This series is new to me, and after listening to the excerpt from the podcast, I can’t wait to dive in. It’s a blend of cozy and noir that promises to be a real treat.

    Reply
  8. This sounds like a fun read.

    Reply
  9. Gotta love the idea of a cover art exhibit. Who isn’t guilty of judging a book by its cover?!

    Reply
  10. I love a book with paranormal aspects. How fun that an old picture is believed to be cursed or haunted. Old pictures have that quality about them that add a spookiness to them, so I think a cursed photo is a perfect background for a mystery. How fun to travel back in time to witness events as they unfold. Thank you for the chance.

    Reply
  11. What a great story line…I would love to win a copy of The ghost and the Haunted Portrait – a new author to me. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. This series is on my TBR. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    Reply
  13. Sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  14. Pen & Jack make a great team!

    Reply
  15. Another great book from Cleo Coyle. Would really love to read.

    Reply
  16. Thank you for the chance ? Jack is back! Yay! I missed Jack?

    Reply
    • I really enjoy this series.
      Lou817b

      Reply
  17. I was hooked with the word ghost in the title and your review! I’m new to the author but I will check out her other books now. I’d love to win and meet Jack and I also love that he can take Pen in her dreams with him to solve mysteries. How unique! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi, Sharon – Just wanted to jump in and thank you for the comment. Good luck in the contest. Either way, Marc and I hope you’ll get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world. It’s a fun place to visit and readers have fallen in love with our ghost Jack. We hope you will too. Take care!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  18. Love everything Cleo Cole writes. This series is great…and I’m very pleased it came back to life!

    Reply
  19. I love this series and am so glad that Jack and Pen are back.

    Reply
  20. I am thrilled Jack is back helping Pen solve another mystery.

    Reply
  21. I love this series. I’m so glad there is a new book out.

    Reply
  22. I’m new to this series. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  23. I LOVE this series!! Such a great story and the characters are excellent!

    Reply
  24. Sounds really good. Looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  25. I love this series. I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance. The ice cream sounds yummy too

    Reply
  26. Wow thank you fir all of this! I can’t wait to try your recipe for no churn coffee ice cream ! And…,love to you and Marc and of course Jack!

    Reply
  27. I love stories with a ghost! Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  28. I love this series. So excited to read this one! Thanks for the chance!!!

    Reply
  29. Thank you for the chance! I love all your books.??

    Reply
  30. I love this series!

    Reply
  31. Sounds terrific! Thanks so much. 🙂

    Reply
  32. Love haunted bookstores. Would love ? to read.

    Reply
  33. I love this author and both of their series. So glad a new book has been released. I’ve missed Pen and Jack.

    Reply
  34. Thank you for this generous opportunity!!

    Reply
  35. Looking forward to reading your new book. Best when on your success ? ?

    Reply
  36. I started out with Cleo and Marc’s Coffeehouse series and when I found this secon series I was thrilled! In these stories I simply love the character of Jack. Pen and the supporting characters are written so wonderfully well and the stories run so smoothly while you are trying to solve the crime along with the resident ghost. It’s such a unique premise in this series and I’ve been hooked since book 1 and just wondering how each book can top the one before but they always do! I can’t wait to read another best seller from two of my favorite writers! Congratulations to Cleo and Marc!

    Reply
    • Hi, Cynthia – Thank you so much for your longstanding support of our work! You have been a real “doll,” so say Jack! And you know Jack and Pen have been so much fun to write, especially when kind readers like you have made the experience such a pleasure. We’re already at work on the next Jack and Pen adventure, and we hope you enjoy that too. Cheers for the kind note and good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  37. I am a huge fan of Cleo Coyles! Congrats on a new book!

    Reply
  38. So glad Jack and Penny are back. I’ve missed them and would love to win the book and tote. Thank you!

    Reply
  39. I love Cleo Coyle. Never a disappointing read.

    Reply
  40. Can’t wait to read, love going back to the beginning it’s like hanging out with old friends!

    Reply
  41. Great prize package. the book looks really good.

    Reply
    • I am just about to re-read the Coffeehouse Mysteries Series, I haven’t gotten a chance to read any of the Haunted Bookshop series yet, but hopefully soon!

      Reply
      • Hi, Sara – Just jumping in to thank you for the Coffeehouse love. Marc and I hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world, too. Readers tell us they’ve fallen in love with our ghost Jack. We hope you will, too. Take care and good luck in the contest.

        ~ Cleo

        Reply
  42. Love your books and now I have to try your coffee ice cream….thank you for being you…

    Reply
    • Diane – you’re a sweetheart. What a lovely comment, thank you! xoxo

      Reply
  43. Read and enjoyed it !

    Reply
  44. Finished tonight. I’ll miss Pen and friends until the next one. Jack, see you in my dreams.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Barbara, so happy to know you enjoyed it! Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  45. I could not figure where to sign up winning a copy of your book. I have read most t of your books an in my mid eighties and hope I can enjoy more. Thank you

    Reply
  46. Would finally love to win this giveaway. It certainly is my type of book and I just love totes. Thank you

    Reply
  47. Can’t wait to read this one. A unique idea.

    Reply
  48. Love this series. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  49. This like a great book! Thanks for all you do for us loyal readers!

    Reply
  50. I love your books. They are absolutely the best.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Judy, that is very kind of you! Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  51. Sounds like a great new book, Debbie and I buy them and we swap. Would love to win the new one so I can share it with her.

    Reply
  52. Can’t wait to start this series. I love the Coffeehouse mysteries, so I’m sure that I will love these!! I also need a new tote!! Thanks Cleo!!

    Reply
  53. I absolutely love this series and so original!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Holly, your kind words are much appreciated. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
    • Thank you so much, Holly. Marc and I appreciate your kind words. (And, of course, so does Jack! :)) Take care, happy reading, and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  54. Finding this box was a mystery in itself! Hope it’s the right one to qualify me for contest??
    I’m really glad to see this new book. It’s sounds both intriguing and delightful. I’ve enjoyed the previous ones and especially like all the unexpected twists and turns

    Reply
  55. Love paranormal books and Jack and Pen. Always a great murder mystery. Can’t wait to read.

    Reply
  56. I love Cleo’s coffeehouse mysteries and want to start this one in the coming weeks. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    Reply
  57. This series is great! We all need a Jack in our lives.

    Reply
    • And Jack would agree with you, Sherri! Cheers for the lovely comment, and good luck in the contest, too. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  58. can’t wait to read! such a good author 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  59. Loved the new book

    Reply
    • Thank you, Jenny (and Jack thanks you, too) xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  60. Sounds great! I’m in!!!

    Reply
  61. The only thing better than books about Jack and Penn are the coffee house books. These books are fun and interesting from beginning to end. Always waiting for the next one!

    Reply
  62. I love all Cleo’s books. Read them all, and mom read them as well. I want the new one. Books keep he reading. Thank you.

    Reply
  63. Can’t wait to read it, this is a great series and so much fun!

    Reply
  64. Was sooo nice to have Jack back!! Now waiting for the next one!
    Love this series.

    Reply
  65. I really enjoy reading this series of books. I am anxiously awaiting my library to get a copy of it soon. Thanks!

    Reply
  66. Love the juxtaposition of present and past in one book! Love cozy mysteries! Thanks for the raffle!

    Reply
  67. This looks like a great book. I’ve only read one in this series; just checked another after seeing this one coming. I’ve read all of the Coffeehouse Mysteries; time to catch up with this series!

    Reply
  68. Love the Coffee series.

    Reply
  69. Sounds interesting

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  70. I would love to spend the holiday reading one of your books and trying out a new recipe while everyone is out to the fireworks’

    Reply
  71. I loved the book. I got it on audible. Can’t wait to get the next installment.

    Reply
  72. Love all your books, Cleo! Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  73. interesting book

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  74. This is a new series for me and one I can’t wait to start. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  75. I can’t wait to read the new one! Thanks for the informative review and contest offer!

    Reply
  76. I haven’t read any books from the series yet. It sounds like a fun read, combining ghosts and my favorite genre cozy mystery!

    Reply
  77. Very entertaining!

    Reply
  78. Love all the Cleo Could books! Everyone is a fun read.

    Reply
  79. Sounds good, it is going to have to go on the list of to read next.

    Reply
  80. I especially loved the ending of this book. I’m also excited to find a new podcast to listen to!

    Reply
  81. If Cleo wrote cereal boxes I’d read them. I love Jack and Pen

    Reply
    • LOL, Andrea, thank you so much! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  82. i mean I love Cleo Coyle. She is definitely my favorite author. Just waiting for her books to be made into movies on the Hallmark Channel!!

    Reply
  83. I loved this mystery and I love the series. I missed it when she wasn’t writing it but enjoyed her other series a great deal too. The characters are quirky and fun.

    Reply
  84. Sounds interesting. Count me in. I love your other series and have either bought the books or receive them from the library.

    Reply
  85. Some writers you know will deliver every time.

    Reply
    • What a nice comment, thank you, Earl! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  86. All of the books are great reading! Can’t wait to read this one, and very happy to enter the contest.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much, Gay, much appreciated. Good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  87. Love all of your books!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Cindy! We are delighted to know it. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  88. So excited for the chance to win. Love love love the books

    Reply
    • Thank you, Susie, and we love you for saying so!! Sending our author love right back to you. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  89. Excited to see another book in this series!

    Reply
    • Hi, Kathi — We’re excited that *you’re* excited, and we hope you get a chance to read the new entry. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT was great fun for us to write and the time slips of Jack taking Pen back to the 1940s are especially entertaining. We hope you’ll agree. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  90. Thank You for this chance – love your books!!

    Reply
    • Cheers, Bonia, thank you for the reader love. Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) send our own love right back to you. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
    • Please forgive my typo, Bonita << got it right this time. Cheers and good luck on the contest. xoxo

      Reply
  91. You keep em’ coming! All the books and series from Cleo Coyle are fabulous! So energized to delve into this! My students have succumbed to Coyle’s magic. When teaching creative writing, I use these series as role models for writing with passion. Thanks guys!!!

    Reply
    • What a beautiful comment. Thank you so much, Melissa. We are honored to know you are seeing good things in our work to share with your talented students. Please send them our very best wishes in finding their own creative joy. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  92. great books

    Reply
    • aw, thanks, Patricia, much appreciated!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  93. A great big thank you for all you do. I love reading now due to your fantastic books. Hugs!

    Reply
    • Oh, Tammy, you made our day. What a lovely comment. Thank *you* for the inspiration. Marc and I are have a great time writing our Haunted Bookshop and Coffeehouse worlds and it’s made even better when we hear from kind readers like you. Sending spirited hugs and caffeinated kisses right back to you. Take care, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  94. Cozy and noir nailed it to describe this series! Jack and Pen are the perfect team and I have loved all their adventures together. I also have read and reread all the Coffeehouse mysteries and I have to say that it only gets better with time.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Cathy, and we agree with the cozy-noir blend description. It fits what we’re doing in our Haunted Bookshop world, which is offbeat and quirky and (we hope) loveable and fun. We’re looking forward to a new book in our Coffeehouse series, as well. HONEY ROASTED will be out in January and we linked to it below for anyone who’d like to learn more about our other mystery series. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  95. I have read several books in this series and enjoyed them. I am sure this one is great, too!

    Reply
    • Hi, Nancy — Thanks for stopping by and we hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. The time slips of Jack taking Pen back to the 1940s are especially entertaining in this entry. And the story that takes place in Quindicott with our quirky townsfolk has some fine twists, especially at the end!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  96. This is my favorite storyline. Can not wait for the next book. I would recommend it to anyone and start from book 1.

    Reply
    • Hi, Diane — So nice to know you’re enjoying our Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop stories. I’m glad to tell you that Marc and I are already working on next year’s entry, and we’ll have more news soon that book. In the meantime, we hope everyone will enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. With mysteries past and present to solve, Jack and Pen are in rare form. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  97. Something very direct from Cleo Coyle. Sounds different & exciting!

    Reply
    • Hi, Patrice – Thank you! Marc and I are glad to know you’re intrigued by our series premise. We hope you get the chance to open the door to our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Jack and Pen are great fun to write, and their sleuthing adventures (past and present) are indeed a sidestep from the usual, but then we are an offbeat couple ourselves. Cheers and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  98. Oh yass! My favorite author does it again.

    Reply
    • aw, thanks, Diane! Sending author love your way. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  99. I’m so excited. I love this series as well as your coffee house series!

    Reply
    • Hi, Joann — Thank you so much for your kind enthusiasm. Marc and I sincerely appreciate it! We are already at work on a new Haunted Bookshop Mystery (coming next year) and Clare and Company will be back on the job in January in our new Coffeehouse Mystery, HONEY ROASTED. I linked to it below for anyone who’d like to learn more. In the meantime, take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  100. Love your Books! Can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
    • Hi, Laurel — Cheers for the reader love. Marc and I send our author-love right back to you. If you haven’t yet read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT, we hope you get the chance one day. It’s a fun mystery and Jack and Pen make a great sleuthing team (in the past and the present). Take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  101. I love Jack and Pen and would love to win this bag!!

    Reply
    • Thanks for the Jack and Pen love, Emily! They send theirs right back to you. Cheers for stopping by and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  102. This sounds so fun! I love all the books from this author and can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

    Reply
    • Hi, Marci — THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT was a great deal of fun for Marc and I to write. Jack and Pen make a great sleuthing team, and we hope you get a chance to read the story of their mysteries, past and present. The time slips of Jack taking Pen into his 1940s past are especially entertaining. Thanks for stopping by and good luck on the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  103. This sounds so good! Thank you for the chance.

    Reply
    • You’re welcome, Julie, and I hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day. My husband and I love writing the Jack and Pen mysteries. They make a great sleuthing duo and they’re just plain fun to read. Take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  104. Love both of the series! Can’t wait to read the latest.

    Reply
    • Hi, Caroline — We’re so glad to know you’re enjoying our mysteries. Marc and I hope you get a chance to read our latest Jack and Pen adventure. THE GHOST AND THE HAUTNED PORTRAIT was a great deal of fun to write and the past and present mysteries keep Jack and Pen on their sleuthing toes. Thanks for the kind comment and good luck!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  105. Love Cleo Coyle mystery books!

    Reply
  106. I love the old noir movies on tv and I am sure I would enjoy reading this book.

    Reply
    • Hi, Jackie — Marc and I love the noir films, too, and we hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day. We think you’ll enjoy it, especially the time slips to the 1940s. Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  107. Love all of your books!

    Reply
    • Thank you kindly, Jackie. Marc and I sincerely appreciate that, and we wish you luck in the contest. Cheers!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  108. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
    • You’re very welcome, Denise, good luck!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  109. New author for me, the book sounds so good.

    Reply
    • Hi, PJ — Happy to know KRL and Lorie have opened the door to our Haunted Bookshop world for you. We hope you walk through that door one day for a visit. Jack and Pen have wonderful sleuthing adventures (past and present), and we always have fun writing their stories. Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  110. Would you call this Noir?

    Reply
    • Hi, Katie — Our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries are a blend of cozy mystery with aspects of noir layered in. Jack is the ghost of a PI from the 1940s and his hardboiled outlook contrasts with bookseller Penelope’s modern more polite views. Sone have described our writing as cozy with an edge. All of our books carry substantial mysteries (that we take seriously) along with some suspense but with plenty of character-driven humor and loveable characters. We hope you get a chance to read our books one day. Until then, take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  111. I’ve read the book but I would
    love the tote bag. I’ll pass the
    book on to my local library so
    others can enjoy it already.
    It is an interesting series.
    thanks
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
    • Hi, Mary – Thanks for dropping by and entering. Good luck and cheers for supporting our work. Marc and I appreciate it!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  112. This is a new series for me, but sounds like one I would definitely enjoy. I like the paranormal aspect!

    Reply
    • Hi, Sharon — We’re delighted to know you’ve learned about our series through KRL and Lorie’s wonderful review. Marc and I hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Until then, take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  113. I am so excited that Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series is back!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Cynthia, believe me, I’m excited that *you’re* excited! And I’m happy to share that Marc and I are already at work on next year’s Haunted Bookshop adventure. More to come soon. Until then, take care and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  114. Love this book. I’ll read it again.

    Reply
    • You’re a sweetheart, Barbara, thank you! And cheers for your longtime support of our work. We can’t thank you enough for that. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  115. How fun does this new book sound! I am putting it on my reading list right now.

    Reply
    • Cheers, Gaila — Marc and I hope you get a chance to visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day. We always have great fun writing our Jack and Pen adventures. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is a twisty tale with mysteries past and present; and if you read it, we hope you enjoy it. Until then, take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  116. New to me series. Sounds interesting

    Reply
    • Thanks for the comment “K,” and I hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Jack and Pen make a great sleuthing duo, and Marc and I always have fun writing their adventures. Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  117. Can’t wait to read it.

    Reply
    • Hi, Melissa — Thanks for the comment, and we hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. Marc and I had great fun writing it!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  118. Love This series… can’t wait to read this

    Reply
    • Hi, Mary — Marc and I are so glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop novels. Jack and Pen are great fun to write and they are in rare form in THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT, solving mysteries past and present. We hope you get the chance to read it. Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  119. I look forward to these fun and cozy mysteries.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Candace, and we look forward to you reading them. It completes our process as writers, and we couldn’t be more pleased when we’re able to give readers joy. Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  120. Love the book cover. love books like this. This book looks and sounds like a fantastic best seller of a book. Would love to read and review book(s) in print format. Love the tote bag and could use recipe cards too
    Thanks
    Hope I Win

    Reply
    • Hi, Crystal – Thanks for the fun comment, and I hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day. The Jack and Pen sleuthing adventures are great fun and the quirky townsfolk of Quindicott, Rhode Island, are a loveable bunch. In fact, we wish we could live there! Cheers and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  121. I absolutely love this series. I was hooked from the very beginning and I was beyond thrilled when Jack and Pen had a new adventure!

    Reply
    • Cheers, Nicole! Kind readers like you are the reason we’ve been able to make Jack re-appear (LOL, perfect for a ghost), and we can’t thank you enough for that. We’re already at work on next year’s Haunted Bookshop adventure, and we hope you’ll continue reading our books for years to come. In the meantime, take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  122. thanks for the chance…love the books!!!

    Reply
  123. Love the series! Just waiting to see if I win before I go out & buy a copy. Cheap? Not me!

    Reply
    • Hi, Susan — LOL on your comment. Good luck in the contest, and either way, we hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. We had a lot of fun writing this entry and Jack and Pen are in rare form, solving mysteries in the past and present. Take care ~

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  124. #90 . . .not good odds! Still, I’d be delighted to win. I enjoy woo-woo mysteries, baking, and tote bags. Life is good; thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
    • Hi, P.J. — Thanks for entering, LOL on the woo-woo. We always have great fun writing the sleuthing duo of Jack and Pen, along with the quirky (but loveable) townsfolk of Quindicott, Rhode Island. We hope you get the chance to visit them all in our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Until then, take care and good luck!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  125. Love all Cleo Coyle’s books. Can’t wait to read the latest “Jack” book.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Debra, Jack is waiting for your return, and we hope you enjoy your new visit with him (and Pen and the rest of our quirky Quindicott crew). Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  126. I bought it and read it already and I absolutely loved it. Mine of course isn’t autographed and I didn’t get a tote! This was my first book I’ve read in this series!! Left me wanting more!

    Reply
  127. This is revised because the twitter ID was wrong the first time.

    I bought it and read it already and I absolutely loved it. Mine of course isn’t autographed and I didn’t get a tote! This was my first book I’ve read in this series!! Left me wanting more!

    Reply
    • Hi, Laurie – Thank you so much for supporting our work! Marc and I are delighted to know you loved our latest Haunted Bookshop entry. Jack and Pen have been so much fun to write and kind readers like you have made the experience a pleasure. We’re already at work on the next Jack and Pen adventure, and we hope you enjoy that too. Cheers for the kind note and good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  128. You sure hooked me with that cover. I have my fingers crossed

    Reply
    • Hi, Gloria — I’m so glad to know you like the cover! That’s especially important to Marc and I because one of the storylines in THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT involves the history of modern book covers. We hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Jack and Pen are a fun sleuthing duo, and we thoroughly enjoy writing them. Take care, thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  129. I love Cleo Coyles books! As soon as they come out I get and can’t put it down till I have finished. I feel like I’m right there with the characters.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Cindy. Marc and I appreciate your kind support as a reader, and we’re glad to know you feel as though you’re right there with our characters. That’s truly our goal with every book: to immerse you, the reader, deep into the adventure of our story from the beginning to the end. We’re looking forward to entertaining you for years to come. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  130. Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  131. Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Roberta, we hope you are able to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Our Jack and Pen adventures with mysteries in the past and present are great fun to read, and we hope you get that chance. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  132. This reminds me a little of a sitcom “The Ghost and Mrs Muir” which I loved!

    Reply
    • PC — The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (the original novel from 1945) was my inspiration for creating this series. I’ve written essays about its influence, and my husband and I always put a quote from the original novel in the front of every Haunted Bookshop Mystery as a tribute to author Josephine Leslie, who wrote her Ghost novel under the name “RA DICK.” Of course her book was not a mystery, not even close, and our Jack is not a ship’s captain. But we’re happy to cite the seed of our inspiration nonetheless! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest. If you are able to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day, we hope you enjoy it.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  133. Love this series AND the coffee house series.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Edith, Marc and I appreciate your reader love. And we send ours back to you. We’re glad to share that we are already at work on the next book in our Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop series. And Clare and Company will be sleuthing again in the new Coffeehouse Mystery, HONEY ROASTED, coming in Jan. (and linked below). Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  134. Love this series!

    Reply
    • aw, thanks for the reader love, Becky. Marc and I send our author-love right back to you. Good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  135. My twin sister introduced me to this series, love these mysteries.

    Reply
    • Hi, Lorrie — Please thank you twin sister for introducing you to Jack and Pen and our quirky (and loveable) Quindicott, Rhode Island, crew. We appreciate it! Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  136. I’m excited to hear of new title in this series. I love the repartee between the two characters. Makes me want to go back and reread the series.

    Reply
    • Hi, Kai — Thank you so much for the kind note. We hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. Jack and Pen solve mysteries past and present and there’s plenty of fun to be had while they’re doing it. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  137. love this author. Would love to win the book and tote.

    Reply
  138. I love this series.

    Reply
  139. Cute tote! I love these books!!

    Reply
  140. I love this series ??

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  141. I have loved all her books and can’t wait to read the next one.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the reader love, Teresa. Marc and I appreciate it. And we hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. The past and present mystery plots in the book have some fun twists and turns, and Jack and Pen are in rare sleuthing form. Good luck in the contest and cheers for stopping by.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  142. Thank you for this generous opportunity!!!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome, Linda, good luck in the contest. And if you haven’t given our books a try, we hope you will one day. Our Haunted Bookshop world has been great fun to write and we’re already at work on next year’s Jack and Pen adventure. Take care~

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  143. I love Jack! I am so excited to read the newest book.

    Reply
    • And Jack loves you back, Leanne. (He does enjoy attention!) Marc and I hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. We had a great time writing it, and we hope you have as much fun on the other end of the process. Thanks for the nice comment and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  144. Have been wanting to start this series and can always use another tote! Count me in.

    Reply
    • Hi, Judith — LOL, we do love our tote bags! We hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world one day. Jack and Pen are a fun sleuthing duo, and Marc and I have thoroughly enjoyed writing their adventures (past and present). Take care and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  145. Great article! I just got the book; can’t wait to read it! Yes, you should set aside time to read the rest of the books in the series – start from the beginning!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Lisa! Marc and I are happy to know you’ve been enjoying our Jack and Pen adventures. We hope you have fun reading HAUNTED PORTRAIT because it was great fun to write. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  146. I love this series- keep them coming–PLEASE!!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Susan! We will do our best to keep Jack and Pen sleuthing for you. In fact, we’re already working on next year’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery, and we hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck in the contest! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  147. Absolutely love everything written by Cleo Coyle, be it the Coffee Series or the Ghost Series! Love Jack and learning about his life and how different those days were! Can’t wait to read and would truly love to have an autographed book and tote to show everyone how good the books are for everyone to enjoy!!
    Thank you for the chance!

    Reply
    • Hi, Valerie – What a lovely comment! The longstanding support from kind readers like you have made it possible for us to continue writing, and we can’t thank you enough for that. I’m linking to a post about our upcoming Coffeehouse Mystery, HONEY ROASTED (publishing in January). And Marc and I are already at work on next year’s Jack and Pen adventure. We hope you enjoy them both. (And we hope never to let you down.) In the meantime, good luck on the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  148. Love your writing.

    Reply
    • The book sounds intriguing! My interest is immensely piqued by the “ghost” and “haunted”! Thank you for this thrilling giveaway.

      Reply
      • Hi, Emily — Thanks for stopping by. Marc and I hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world. Jack and Pen are a fun sleuthing duo, and we always enjoy writing their haunted adventures (in the past and the present). Take care and good luck in the contest!

        ~ Cleo

        Reply
    • aw, thanks for the reader love, Peggy. Sending author-love right back to you. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  149. Thank you for the chance

    Reply
    • You’re welcome, Jennifer. Good luck!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  150. Love,this series! So happy to see a new book!

    Reply
    • Hi, Lynne – Glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop world, and especially happy that *you’re* happy about our new entry. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT was great fun to write, and we’re already at work on next year’s Jack and Pen adventure. Cheers for stopping by and good luck on the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  151. Been reading Cleo’s books since the beginning. LOVE both the series and it would be amazing to get an autographed copy.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for the longstanding support, Belinda! Marc and I are sincerely grateful to readers like you who have been with us from the start and continue to cheer us on. We can’t thank you enough for that. Good luck in the contest. We hope you will continue to enjoy our work…and keep in touch! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  152. Sounds interesting! I certainly enjoy books by Cleo Coyle!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Robyn, much appreciated!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  153. I love her books but have not read of the new series. I look forward to exploring these new adventures.

    Reply
    • Hi, Angela – Thanks for stopping by. Marc and I hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world. Our sleuthing duo of bookseller Pen and her hardboiled ghost Jack have been great fun to write, and we hope you get a chance to meet them one day.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  154. I love this series!I am SO glad she brought Jack back!

    Reply
    • Hi, Jennifer — So nice to know you feel that way. Marc and I owe a great debt to readers like you who’ve supported our work and made it possible for Jack to re-appear (apropos given his current state). We plan on writing many more Jack and Pen adventures and our next Haunted Bookshop Mystery is already underway. (More news soon on that.) In the meantime, cheers for the kind comment and and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  155. I am loving this book and so glad Jack and Pen are back!

    Reply
    • Hi, Tina — Marc and I are delighted to know you’re enjoying our latest Jack and Pen adventure. We’ve been having a great time writing their stories again, and we’ve already begun next year’s Haunted Bookshop tale. We hope you’ll keep in touch and (of course) keep reading. 🙂 Cheers for the kind comment and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  156. Love your books and ghost mysteries are great! Count me in!

    Reply
    • Hi, Sherrie — Jack and Pen thank you (as do Marc and I). We’re so glad readers like you have supported our return to writing our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. We hope to continue writing them for years to come. Take care and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  157. Great book series.

    Reply
    • Hi, Cynthia – Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  158. Love reading all your books. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
    • Thank you kindly, Karen, good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  159. Love this series. Count me in!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Ellen! Marc and I appreciate the reader love.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  160. Time to get on the case in a haunting way! Looks intriguing!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Allison, Marc and I hope you get a chance to open the door to our Haunted Bookshop world. Jack and Pen are a fun sleuthing duo, and we love writing them.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  161. Sounds so fun, I’m loving the series!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Cherisse, glad to know you’re enjoying the books!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  162. I have loved everyone of the books in the series and I hope there will be many more. Keep writing excellent books.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Kenneth! Marc and I appreciate your kind words, and we are absolutely looking forward to writing many more Jack and Pen adventures. (We’ll do our best never to let you down.) Good luck in the contest, and we sincerely hope you’ll keep reading…and keep in touch!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  163. Sounds great

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  164. Haunted portraits is certainly unique! And the characters sound awesome!

    Reply
    • Hi, Lisa — Marc and I have loved writing Jack and Pen. They are indeed a unique sleuthing pair, so much fun to write. We hope you get a chance to meet them one day. Take care and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  165. Thanks so much for the chance. It looks amazing.

    Reply
    • Hi, Debra — You’re very welcome! Thank you for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  166. Can’t wait to read this! It has all the perfect elements for a summer diversion.

    Reply
    • Hi, Janet — Jack and Pen would love a vacation. Take them away with you this summer, and they’ll take you away, as well. (Good luck in the drawing.) xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  167. Awesome author!! I’ve not read this series yet, but it is on my TBR list!!

    Reply
    • We are delighted to be on your TBR radar, Rita. We have loved writing our Haunted Bookshop and Coffeehouse worlds, and we’re ever-grateful to our kind readers who have inspired us for years. We hope one day we will count you among them. Take care and good luck in the drawing. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  168. Can’t wait to read this book.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Susan, those are words that make every author happy! Cheers and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  169. These books are great – love Jack and Pen! I love all of Cleo Coyle books. It would be amazing to have an autographed copy!

    Reply
    • Hi, Ruth — So glad to know you’re loving our Jack and Pen sleuthing team. Marc and I are delighted to be writing them again. We’re already at work on next year’s Haunted Bookshop adventure (more news soon on that one). In the meantime, we hope you’ll keep in touch. And we wish you luck in the drawing! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  170. Love this series – can’t wait to read this book!

    Reply
    • Hi, Myrna — Glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop world. If you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT, we hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  171. I must check this author out. Thanks for the drawing.

    Reply
    • Hi, Karen — Happy to know you’re intrigued enough to check us out. And since most libraries carry our books, you can literally check us out! 🙂

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  172. The book sounds great. I love the cover.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Rita, we love the cover, too, and it’s a good thing. One of the themes in THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is the history of book cover design. If you get a chance to read it, we hope you enjoy it. Take care and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  173. These books are pure joy! Looking forward to diving in to another one.

    Reply
    • Oh, Pat, that is an amazing comment. Thank you and good luck in the drawing. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT was a great deal of fun to write, and we hope you get a chance to read it. Cheers! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  174. Not only do I enjoy reading the books, but the recipes are great.

    Reply
    • Hi, Elizabeth — Glad to know you’re enjoying what we cook up on the page as well as in the kitchen. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  175. I LOVE Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series! Can’t wait to read this one!

    Reply
    • Hi, Karen — So glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop world. Good luck in the drawing and if you get a chance to read our latest Jack and Pen adventure, we hope you enjoy it!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  176. Nice giveaway.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Roseanne, good luck in the drawing and thanks for stopping by.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  177. Great article, sums up the book nicely. Love me some Jack and Penny! Cleo Coyle is one of my all-time favorite writers. I’m never, ever disappointed.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Vicki ~ We’re with you. We thoroughly enjoyed Lorie’s review. Cheers for the kind words and the Jack and Penny love. Sending our author love back to you. We have a new Haunted Bookshop Mystery in the works for next year, so you won’t have to wait as long this time around. Good luck in the drawing and keep reading with joy! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  178. I love love all your books. Just recommended you to a friend looking for a great author… Thanks for keeping us in great reads! Waiting patiently for our library to get this one!! Happy 4th of July!

    Reply
    • Hi, Jo — Thank you so much for the reader love (and the kind recommendation). Sending author-love right back to you. Happy Fourth to you, as well!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  179. Love her books and have not read this one.

    Reply
    • Hi, Nancy – Thanks for dropping by. Good luck in the drawing. And if get a chance to read our latest, we hope you enjoy it!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  180. This sounds like a great series. I like that I can jump right in, even though I haven’t read the other books. Thanks for this chance to win.

    Reply
    • Hi, Michelle – Yes, no worries. Marc and I always do our best to create mysteries that can be read as stand-alone novels, even if they’re part of a series. We always add background info and introduce characters with new readers in mind. Good luck in the drawing. And if you get a chance to open the door to our Haunted Bookshop world, we hope you enjoy your visit!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  181. I’m in. Really enjoy this series!

    Reply
    • Thank, Kim, glad to know you’re enjoying the books. Good luck in the drawing! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  182. I love all of Cleo’s series (and am very jealous, as well 😉 ) but his is one of my favorite. As you described, that beautiful blend of cozy and noir is unique and delightful. So thrilled about the new book!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Catherine, we always enjoy returning to our Haunted Bookshop world, and we’re glad to know you’re a fan of Jack’s. It’s so good to have him back. And he’ll be around for some time. We’re already working on next year’s Haunted Bookshop adventure. (More news soon on that one.) In the meantime…

      Good luck in the drawing and we hope you’ll keep reading…and keep in touch!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  183. Jack is one of my favorite fictional characters and I could barely wait for the next one. I absolutely loved this book! Wonderful addition to a fantastic series!

    Reply
    • Oh, that is gratifying to know, Samantha, thank you so much! Marc and I are now working on next year’s “Jack and Pen” adventure, and we will have news soon for you. Good luck in the drawing, and we hope you’ll keep reading…and keep in touch! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  184. Luv these books. Great characters with intriguing mysteries. Feel like you are time traveling with Jack and Pen and solve the crime/mystery with them.

    Reply
    • What a great comment, thank you, Donna! Marc and I always have fun writing the Jack and Pen mysteries. We’re thrilled to know you’re enjoying them, and glad to tell you we’re already working on next year’s Haunted Bookshop adventure. Cheers again and good luck in the drawing. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  185. I’m adding a few new podcasts to my list! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks, Katherine, that’s nice to know! Cheers to Kings River Life magazine for their terrific “Mysteryrats Maze” podcasting. Reminds us of the great days of live radio and radio mystery theater. (Something our 1940s-era ghost Jack was more than passing familiar with!)

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  186. Cleo Coyle is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read her latest release!

    Reply
    • Hi, Kimberly – Thank you for the kind comment. Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. We had a great time writing it, and we hope you have an equally fun time on the other end of the process. 🙂 Take care and good luck in the drawing. xoxo

      ~ Celo

      Reply
  187. I always enjoy all the twists and turns in a new mystery!

    Reply
    • We do, too! Thank you, Karlene, and if you get a chance to read our new Haunted Bookshop Mystery, we hope you enjoy it. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the drawing.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  188. Looks great!

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  189. Cleo Coyle is an excellent author. All her books are a pleasure to read. I’m so glad this series came back to life!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Renee, for leaving such a sweet comment. Kind readers like you inspire us to keep writing, and we hope never to let you down. LOL on our “Ghost” books coming back to life. We owe our readers a debt of thanks for that, as well. Even after nearly a decade, we felt the love and support, and we can’t thank you and all our readers enough for that. Cheers and good luck in the drawing! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  190. Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to read this book too! As always, sounds great!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Lalita, Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy returning to our Haunted Bookshop world. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  191. I have read books from both the Haunted Bookshop and the Coffeehouse mysteries series. Always excited when a new book comes out.

    Reply
    • Hi, Carol — Thanks for stopping by and thanks especially for supporting our work. It is indeed exciting when a new book is released, and we’re already working toward next year’s Haunted Bookshop. Keep an eye out for our new Coffeehouse title, as well. HONEY ROASTED is coming this January. More news soon on both. Until then, good luck in the drawing! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  192. I can’t wait to start reading this series!

    Reply
    • Hope you enjoy it, J ~ thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!

      Reply
  193. I love this series and of course, love that Jack! Hoping to win a tote bag, so I keep entering, lol. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
    • Hi, Tari — Thanks for the reader (and Jack) love. Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) appreciate it. Good luck in the drawing. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  194. PS: I didn’t fill out the Twitter info or the at sign, must have auto filled since that actually isn’t even my Twitter, it’s my Insta

    Reply
  195. What’s not to love about Jack!! Love this series ???

    Reply
    • Thanks, Cyndi! (And we have it on good authority that Jack loves you back. ;))

      Reply
  196. I absolutely adore this author team. I’ve been a fan for over a decade. Good luck to all!

    Reply
    • aw, thanks, Tracy, we truly appreciate your longstanding reader love, and we hope never to let you down. May you always read our books with joy. xoxo

      Reply
  197. Fabulous! Always love a good read!

    Reply
  198. I will love this book for sure! I don’t have a twitter account or website…I love Cleo Coyle’s books.

    Reply
    • Hi, Donna, thanks for stopping by. Marc and I are glad to know you’re enjoying our work. Our latest Haunted Bookshop adventure was great fun to write. If you get a chance to read it, we hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  199. I can’t wait to read the new book. It sounds really interesting.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Shari, Marc and I had a great time writing this one. Jack and Pen are in rare form. If you get a chance to read it, we hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  200. I love this series and would love the tote!

    Reply
    • Glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop world, and good luck in the drawing!

      Reply
  201. I love the bantering and companionship in the series of books by this writing dynamic duo. The series are well written and capture the past without getting stuck and dwelling there before the next book is underway.
    Your recipes are amazing.
    Keep up your creative teamwork!

    Reply
    • What a lovely comment, thank you, Deirdre! Marc and I always enjoy writing the Jack and Pen mysteries, and we’re grateful to readers like you who give us the kind support that keeps us writing. We have a new Haunted Bookshop Mystery underway for next year. And for Coffeehouse Mystery readers, HONEY ROASTED is out in January. Cheers again, Deidre, we hope you’ll keep reading…and keep in touch! xoxo

      Reply
  202. I love the cover! The colors and design are great!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Jeanna, Marc and I love the cover, too. And we’re glad we do because one of the themes in our latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery is the history of book cover design. We had great fun writing this entry, and hope you get a chance to read it one day.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  203. I finished it yesterday! I couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns kept me in the book. Can’t wait until the next one comes out!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Natalie! Marc and I are thrilled to know you enjoyed it, and glad you’re already looking forward to Jack and Pen’s next adventure. (We’re working on it now, so we hope you won’t have long to wait.) More news soon on next year’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  204. Love reading her books. Can’t wait for this one.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Michelle, Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy it.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  205. I have no Twitter account or a website. Started reading it. Love ALL of these books! Jack and Pen are a great team in solving mysteries.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much, Bev, and if they could Jack and Pen would thank you, too. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  206. Looks like a good book to read!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Robin, we hope you get a chance to meet our bookseller Pen and her hardboiled ghost Jack. They are one fun pair to sleuth with. Cheers!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  207. Glad Jack and Pen are back! I’ve been waiting (and waiting) for the next mystery!
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Leigh – Thanks for your reader patience! Marc and I appreciate it, and we’re happy to tell you that we’re already working on next year’s new Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop Mystery. More to come soon…

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  208. I really enjoy this series! I’ve been reading it since the 1st book came out. I just love Pen & Jack!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Tara, Marc and I are delighted to know you’re such a longtime fan of Pen and Jack. We are already working on next year’s new Haunted Bookshop Mystery, and we hope you enjoy it! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  209. Love Cleo Coyle

    Reply
    • aw, thanks for the reader love, Beth. Sending author-love right back to you. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  210. Nice review and I really do love reading the stories written by Cleo Coyle. Am always impatiently waiting for the next book.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Renee! Marc and I appreciate the kind comment. As for our next books, FYI…

      We are happy to share that we’re already at work on next year’s Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop adventure. And our new Coffeehouse Mystery, HONEY ROASTED, is coming this January (we linked to it below for anyone who’d like more info). Lots of exciting storytelling ahead, and we appreciate your coming along for the ride. Cheers, Renee, good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  211. Can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
    • Hi, Roberta — We hope you enjoy HAUNTED PORTAIT. It was great fun to write, and we hope you have as much fun on the other end of the process. Cheers and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  212. Love this series. Just starting the latest one- don’t think I am going to be disappointed.

    Reply
    • Hi, Jean — Glad to know you’re loving our Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Thank you! Marc and I had a great deal of fun writing the latest. We hope you enjoy HAUNTED PORTRAIT and good luck on the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  213. I’m looking forward to this book! What a wonderful series.

    Reply
    • Cheers for the kind comment, Karlene. We hope you get a chance to read THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. The time slips of Jack taking Pen back to the 1940s are especially entertaining and the present-day mystery has some great twists for our quirky (but loveable) townsfolk of Quindicott. (You’ll see.) In the meantime, thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  214. I would love to win this offer. My library doesn’t yet handle this series of books.

    Reply
    • Hi, Karen — We love libraries, and our Cleo Coyle books are in many libraries and library lending networks across the country. We hope you get a chance to enter our Haunted Bookshop world. The Jack and Pen adventures are great fun, and we’re already at work on next year’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Good luck in the contest and thanks for stopping by.

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  215. awesome. would love to win. werdolex

    Reply
    • Hi, Alexis — Thank you kindly for your interest in our Haunted Bookshop world. We wish you luck!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  216. I just purchased this book, can’t wait to read it, sounds like a great one……………

    Reply
    • Hi, Susan – Thank you so much for putting Jack and Pen on your bookshelf. They are great fun in this entry, and we hope you enjoy your visit to our Haunted Bookshop world. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest!

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  217. Love Cleo Coyle – I started reading the Haunted Bookshop Mystery books from the very first one – adore this series. I also am a fan of all 18 “Coffeehouse” mysteries.

    Reply
    • Hi, Nancy – Thank you so much for the lovely comment, and thanks especially for your longtime support of our work. Marc and I are glad to know you’re a fan of our Coffeehouse books, as well. (As you may now by now….) We have a new one coming in January, HONEY ROASTED, which I’m linking to below for anyone who’d like more info. Cheers again for stopping by. We hope you continue to enjoy or books for years to come (and good luck in the contest)!

      Reply
  218. Love her books.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Robin! Much appreciated. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  219. Can’t wait to read this newest book. I loved Jack and Pen’s other adventures and I’m sure this will be just as exciting.

    Reply
    • Hi, Debbie – We’re glad to know you’re looking forward to reading THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. Marc and I had a great time writing this one. Jack and Pen are in fine sleuthing form as they set out to solve mysteries past and present. And there are some wonderful twists with the quirky (but loveable) townsfolk of Quindicott, RI. Thanks for stopping by today. We wish you good luck in the contest–and a joyful return to our Haunted Bookshop world. xoxo

      ~ Cleo

      Reply
  220. I just finished reading The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait and I think it was one of her best. I loved the series and along with many other fans waited years for the Bogus Bookseller. Honestly, I was disappointed with it, but The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait brought back all my love for Jack! (ok for Pen, Seymour, and Brainert too)

    Reply
  221. I would love to get started on this series of books!

    Reply
  222. This sounds like a marvelous series for me to jump into! A snarky ghost helper? Ahhh yes, I love that! Thank you for the chance, Cleo. I always love your blogs and your recipes.

    Reply
  223. We have a winner!

    Reply
    • I don’t see who the winner was. Could you please repost?

      Reply
  224. Because there were so many comments Cleo was happy to give out 2 prize packages!
    The winners are Melissa A Vatter-Miller and Ruth Bogoly! They have been notified.

    Thanks for commenting and I hope you all come back!

    Reply
  225. I tried to limit my reading each day so that I would not finish the book in two days . You want to keep reading but then it is finished too soon . Thank you and Marc for great series .

    Reply

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