This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Mystery Romance, Paranormal Romance
Published by Tantor Audio
Released on January 16 2020
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
The Delight
Scarlett’s wedding plans come to a screeching halt when the perfect church for the ceremony appears to be currently occupied by a spiteful ghost bride. I was all anticipation for this latest installment featuring a gal with ghostly talents, her ghost friends, and her very understanding fiance to solve the latest murder mystery and it didn’t disappoint.
Review
Diamonds Are a Ghost’s Best Friend is the fifth installment of an ongoing series of ghostly murder mystery adventures that work best in order to get Scarlett’s romance and the progression of her grasp of her magic though yes, each book presents a resolution to the mystery by the end.
In this latest, Scarlett and Lucas are starting to plan their wedding and figuring out their future plans. Scarlett is reluctant to set a date and make plans because she knows that it will be the beginning to the end of her time in Beechwood Harbor and having to say good-bye to her flower shop, some good friends, and the good life she had there. She wants to be with Lucas in Seattle and share their lives, of course, and Lucas’ patience and understanding go a long way.
But, before she can get too worried about that, the perfect setting for their marriage is an iffy prospect with a ghost who will only cut out the antics if Scarlett solves her murder, Flapjack her ghost cat is acting mysterious, and what is with the weird vandalism to flower pots in her shop? Soliving the crime of a few years back is looking like a longshot, but with the help of her ghosts friends and Lucas, she will try. And, maybe figure out how to keep her snobby domineering mother from taking over her wedding.
Each of these is always fun and thoughtful at the same time. I enjoy the antics of Flapjack and the interactions with the other ghosts and its sweet to see Lucas and Scarlett together. The relationship has come a long ways from when Scarlett tried to hold Lucas at arm’s length and broke into a sweat over any type of commitment. She still takes a bit to come to grips with change, but its the more natural feelings anyone feels when they have enjoyed a place and made friends that they must leave behind. Lucas has always been so understanding and patient. He’s amazing when it comes to her being able to talk to ghosts and the magic she can wield and I love it when he goes along on some of her ghostly casework.
There are some scenes between Scarlett and Flapjack that are particularly poignant because her old cat is also struggling with the changes a wedding will bring in his usual crusty way. And, a scene with Hayward had me feeling strongly sentimental.
The ghostly mystery was actually less of a draw for me compared to everything else, but still a good element. This time, its a bride killed just before the wedding and no strong clues pointing toward any one of the suspects. I enjoyed following along as Scarlett and the others investigated.
This book felt like a wrap up to the series or maybe simply it was the end of a series arc with a new one beginning next. I’m not sure and haven’t seen anything to say for sure. Either way, it would be find in the sense that its good place to stop though I would happily keep reading books in the series.
Amanda Ronconi did another stellar job voicing the book and the characters. Honestly, I think more than half the shine I feel for these books is because of her work. From a laconic Flapjack, gentlemanly Hayward and spritely Gwen, sexy Lucas, and to wry Scarlett, I feel I’m right there with them on the case or in the flower shop.
All in all, it was sparkling and fun and I’m already wanting more as soon as I hit the end of this one. Well developed, humor-laced, and engaging characters make this a paranormal cozy mystery series that I can easily recommend.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #2
Literary Pickers #9 title with 5+ words
COYER Winter Friends #29
Audio #3
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Great review Sophia!!! I just love the way that Amanda Ronconi can make a book shine!!! I do love a good mystery though so I will look into this one.
She really does. I don’t think its a coincidence that everything I’ve listened to with her narrating tends to be a favorite. 🙂
This sounds like a lot of fun and I love that there’s a ghost cat.
Oh man, these are great, Mary, and Flapjack is a crack up. 🙂
Great review.
It was a fun one, Angela! 🙂
How fun, glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
Yes, this is a very entertaining series, Sarah! 🙂
I do want to read Danielle Garrett’s books and Ronconi is a fantastic narrator. Glad you enjoyed this one, Sophia Rose!
Yes, you are in for a treat. These are light and fun, Carole.
This is my favorite of her series. I thought you but maybe it was someone else told me there will be more; it was in the author’s newsletter. I felt like there were some real loose ends so I was glad to hear it. It will be a new story arc with married life and if they get moved to Seattle. Wonderful review!
LOL, yes, that was me. The newsletter came out after I wrote and sent this in to Shari. It was probably my favorite of the series, too.
I need to read more about this author!!
Oh yes, binge read-worthy. 🙂
Loved this one. I’m so happy to see the romance aspect of the series develop and grow.
Yes, I felt more convinced of their love being solid in this one than any before it. He was so supportive and she was definitely being unselfish about their arrangements.
What a cute cover! I’ll have to check out the first one in the series as I’ve never heard of this one before.
Ash @ JennReneeRead
Oh fun, glad to recruit you, Ash! 🙂
I am always up for a good mystery and the characters sounds like ones I would enjoy following on the case too.
I never thought I would get into cozy mysteries, but this is one of my favorite series. High entertainment value, Jenea. 🙂
Flapjack’s antics and interactions with the ghosts sound fun. I love when humor is integrated into a story. This sounds like an entertaining and engaging series/story. Wonderful Review Sophia!
Yes, that sarcastic ‘devil may care’ ghost cat is my favorite character. Humor is rich in these, Lindy. 🙂
Yeah this is one of her series I’ve wanted to try, thanks for sharing the review Sophia Rose
I started with this one before going back for her original series, Beechwood Harbor Magic, and the other offshoots. Fun ones, Debbie! 🙂
What a super cute cover! Love that little ghost. <3
I don’t know who designs her covers, but each one is adorable and fits the story.
Amanda Ronconi enhances the reading experience of any book for sure! I’ll have to listen to the audios since I love her narration.
You said it. I love her work and yes, you have to experience Scarlett and her ghost friends in audio, Rachel. 🙂
Agreed about the Flapjack scenes. I will be curious to see if we get anymore books in this series.
I spotted in her last newsletter that she has a cover and release date for a next in series this year so that is great. 🙂 I wonder if it will be set in Beechwood Harbor or in Seattle.
Sounds like a series that continues to be good. I listened to the first book in this series and plan to continue it eventually. This one sounds like a fun read with enough going on.
Yes, it gets better as it goes. I did have a good time with this one. 🙂