If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell

An Obsidian Mystery
A Division of Penguin Publishing
A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery:
First in a Brand New Series
Release Date: December 7, 2010

Melanie Turner moves home after her mother's death to take over her father's construction business restoring historic homes and in a very short time has become pretty well-known for her work in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her next project is a run down mansion in Pacific Heights.  She agrees to take the job after one of the owners dies in the house during a crazy do-it-yourself demolition of the house.  

While working out the specifications at the house she is visited by the ghostly presence of the man who died.  He continues to follow her everywhere and she finally realizes the only way to get rid of this ghost is to solve his murder. The only clue she has is a box she found hidden in the walls of the house.  Mel needs to build a case to find the killer before she finds herself nailed by them too.  She also needs to help her ghost rest in peace.

A really good start to what looks to be a hauntingly wonderful series. Having worked construction myself  I know what damage power tools can do and the last thing you need is a bunch of drunks doing your demo, so I can totally relate to this story and know I will truly enjoy the series.  Ghosts really aren't my usual forte, but it is stories like this that can totally change my point of view.   Mel Turner and her family have grabbed my attention and they are the stars,  the ghosts are the supporting quirky characters every good cozy needs. Plus Mel's family is not your typical family next door and Mel's past is pretty diverse, so the author has plenty of room to take us in many directions as the series continues.  I really look forward to the next installment of Haunted Renovation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from Obsidian,  a Division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”