The Spirit Moves is book 4 in Carol J. Perry’s Haunted Haven cozy mystery series, but is easily read as a standalone novel.
Maureen Doherty is the owner of Haven House Inn, and the inn, like many of the homes and other buildings in the town of Haven, Florida are haunted. When a local author is killed, Maureen finds her business in trouble as the fear of a murderer on the loose keeps the tourists away. With the help of some of the ghosts, she finds herself involved in solving the mystery.
This was my first book in the series and I found it an enjoyable mystery. The residents of Haven had a good sense of community and the ghosts at the inn made the story somewhat unique.
Aside from the mystery part of the story, there were a few other things that I liked, and didn’t like about the book.
One thing I really liked is how Maureen had to deal with the realistic issues affecting her business. I often find that either the main character in cozy mysteries rarely considers things that affect their business, or they seem to have an unending supply of money coming from somewhere, despite not being rich, so this was really refreshing.
I liked the side plot of a romance between Ted and Maureen, however I thought it was kind of weird that no one knew they were officially dating, and he is ready to propose? I found that a bit odd.
I also thought it was appalling that Maureen would take advantage of her gift shop to use it as her personal closet, and then return the clothes she had worn to sell them as new. I don’t know why that bothered me so much, it just seemed dishonest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Spirit Moves will be available on May 27 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 