Dive into the spirited world of the Haunted Guest House Mysteries, where ghosts and giggles collide in a charming cozy mystery series! Crafted by E.J. Copperman, this delightful saga follows Alison Kerby, a single mom who transforms a creaky Victorian on the Jersey Shore into a guesthouse—only to discover it’s haunted by two lively spirits. With its blend of supernatural sleuthing, heartfelt humor, and small-town charm, this series is a must-read for fans of paranormal mysteries.
From its quirky characters to its ghostly investigations, Haunted Guest House Mysteries invites readers to solve crimes alongside Alison and her spectral sidekicks, Maxie and Paul. Whether you’re a cozy mystery buff or just love a good ghost story, this series promises a hauntingly fun escape.
How Haunted Guest House Mysteries Began
E.J. Copperman, the pen name of Jeffrey Cohen, launched the Haunted Guest House Mysteries in 2010 with Night of the Living Deed. A seasoned mystery writer with a knack for humor, Copperman drew inspiration from his love of blending the supernatural with wit. Set in the fictional Harbor Haven, New Jersey, the series reflects Copperman’s roots in the Garden State, where he was born and raised. His goal? To craft a cozy mystery that felt fresh by pairing ghostly antics with relatable, everyday struggles, making Alison Kerby a sleuth readers could root for.
Copperman’s background as a freelance journalist and screenwriter shaped his storytelling, infusing the series with sharp dialogue and cinematic flair. The idea of a haunted guesthouse sparked from his desire to explore how ordinary people cope with extraordinary circumstances—like sharing a home with opinionated ghosts!
The Heart of Haunted Guest House Mysteries
The series kicks off with Night of the Living Deed (2010), where Alison, fresh off a divorce, buys a fixer-upper to start anew with her daughter, Melissa. A bump on the head reveals she can see ghosts Maxie Malone, the house’s former owner, and Paul Harrison, a private eye, both murdered in the house. They enlist Alison to solve their deaths, launching her into a world of spectral sleuthing.
Other standout titles include An Uninvited Ghost (2011), where Alison tackles a murder tied to a reality TV crew, and Old Haunts (2012), which digs into Maxie’s ex-husband’s mysterious death. Bones Behind the Wheel (2019) unearths a decades-old murder when a skeleton-filled car is found buried behind the guesthouse. Each book weaves humor, heart, and mystery, set against the vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop.
Themes of family, resilience, and unlikely friendships shine through, with Alison balancing motherhood, ghost-whispering, and detective work. Copperman’s witty prose and paranormal twists keep the tone light, while the cozy mystery format delivers satisfying, small-town whodunits. Fans love the interplay between Alison and her ghostly companions, whose personalities—Maxie’s sass and Paul’s earnestness—add depth to every case.
Why Haunted Guest House Mysteries Resonates
The Haunted Guest House Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, blending paranormal elements with laugh-out-loud humor. Its appeal lies in its relatable heroine and the quirky charm of Harbor Haven, which feels like a character itself. The series’ screen adaptation, including efforts to bring Ghost in the Wind to the big screen, has broadened its reach, delighting audiences with its mix of spooky and funny.
Copperman’s ability to humanize ghosts while keeping mysteries engaging has earned praise from readers and critics alike. The series’ lasting charm stems from its heartwarming exploration of second chances and the idea that even the afterlife can be full of surprises. With 12 books and counting, it remains a beloved escape for mystery lovers.
- First Book Published: 2010 (Night of the Living Deed)
- Total Books: 12, plus novellas like A Wild Ghost Chase
- Setting: Harbor Haven, New Jersey
- Awards: Copperman won a Barry Award for a related short story
Ready to check into Alison’s haunted guesthouse? Grab Night of the Living Deed