Estimated read time: 6 min read
One Sentence Summary
A psychic detective uncovers a murder mystery when her neighbor turns out to be a ghost.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"The Ghoul Next Door" is a thrilling paranormal mystery novel written by Victoria Laurie. This book is the eighth installment in the "Ghost Hunter Mystery" series, which follows the adventures of professional psychic medium, M. J. Holliday. With a blend of humor, suspense, and supernatural elements, Laurie takes readers on a captivating journey as M. J. and her team delve into the eerie world of ghosts and ghouls.
Brief Synopsis
The story is set in a small town called Crystal Cove, located on the coast of California. Crystal Cove is known for its picturesque beauty, but it also has a darker side. M. J. Holliday, along with her partner, Gilley Gillespie, runs a paranormal investigation business called "Ghoul Getters." Their expertise lies in removing unwanted spirits from haunted properties.
When a local antique shop owner, Vera, contacts M. J. with a desperate plea for help, she can't turn her down. Vera believes her shop is haunted by the ghost of a former employee, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. M. J. and Gilley agree to investigate the haunting, unaware of the dangerous secrets that lie within the town.
As they delve deeper into their investigation, M. J. and Gilley uncover a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. They soon realize that the ghost haunting Vera's shop is not the only one with unfinished business. With their lives on the line, M. J. and Gilley must race against time to unravel the truth before it's too late.
Main Characters
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| M. J. Holliday | The protagonist of the story, a professional psychic medium with a quirky sense of humor and a strong intuition. |
| Gilley Gillespie | M. J.'s partner in the paranormal investigation business, a tech wizard with a passion for all things supernatural. |
| Vera | The owner of an antique shop in Crystal Cove, who seeks M. J.'s help to rid her shop of a haunting. |
| Dr. Steven Sable | A renowned paranormal researcher who assists M. J. and Gilley in their investigation. |
| Detective Honus Crouch | A skeptical police detective who becomes involved with the case and eventually joins M. J.'s team. |
Summary of Story Points Over Chapters
Chapter 1: A Desperate Plea for Help
- M. J. receives a call from Vera, who believes her antique shop is haunted.
- M. J. and Gilley agree to investigate the haunting.
Chapter 2: Uncovering the Ghost's Identity
- M. J. and Gilley discover the ghost haunting the shop is Rose, a former employee who died mysteriously.
- They start researching Rose's past to understand her connection to the shop.
Chapter 3: Secrets of Crystal Cove
- M. J. and Gilley uncover a hidden history of Crystal Cove, involving a series of unsolved murders.
- They suspect that Rose's death may be linked to the murders.
Chapter 4: A Twist in the Investigation
- M. J. and Gilley face resistance from the townspeople as they dig deeper into the mysteries of Crystal Cove.
- They receive a warning to stop their investigation or face dire consequences.
Chapter 5: Collaboration with Dr. Sable
- M. J. and Gilley seek the help of Dr. Steven Sable, a paranormal researcher with extensive knowledge of Crystal Cove's history.
- Dr. Sable provides valuable insights and joins their team.
Chapter 6: Unraveling the Truth
- M. J., Gilley, and Dr. Sable uncover evidence connecting Rose to the prominent families in Crystal Cove.
- They suspect a cover-up and a motive behind Rose's death.
Chapter 7: The Haunting Intensifies
- The ghostly activity in Vera's shop escalates, putting M. J. and Gilley in danger.
- They race against time to find the truth and put the restless spirits to rest.
Chapter 8: Confronting the Culprit
- M. J., Gilley, and Dr. Sable confront the person responsible for Rose's death and the other unsolved murders.
- A thrilling showdown reveals the shocking truth behind the hauntings and the motive for the cover-up.
Main Events
- M. J. and Gilley agree to investigate the haunting in Vera's antique shop.
- The discovery of Rose's ghost and their research into her past.
- Uncovering the dark history of Crystal Cove and its connection to the unsolved murders.
- Resistance and warnings from the townspeople as M. J. and Gilley dig deeper.
- Collaboration with Dr. Sable, who provides crucial insights.
- Unraveling the truth and connecting Rose to the prominent families in Crystal Cove.
- Escalating ghostly activity in Vera's shop, putting M. J. and Gilley in danger.
- Confronting the culprit behind Rose's death and the other unsolved murders.
Themes and Insights
"The Ghoul Next Door" explores themes of secrets, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. It delves into the idea that the past never truly stays buried and that the truth will always find a way to come to light. The story also highlights the power of friendship and teamwork in overcoming challenges, even in the face of supernatural danger.
Through the paranormal investigations, the novel offers insights into the complexity of human emotions and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It also explores the idea that the spirits of the deceased may have unfinished business, seeking justice or closure before they can move on.
Reader's Takeaway
"The Ghoul Next Door" is a thrilling and entertaining paranormal mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Victoria Laurie's skillful storytelling, witty dialogue, and well-developed characters make this novel a captivating read. With its blend of supernatural elements and suspenseful plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Conclusion
"The Ghoul Next Door" by Victoria Laurie is a gripping paranormal mystery filled with suspense, humor, and supernatural elements. M. J. Holliday and her team's journey into the dark secrets of Crystal Cove will keep readers hooked until the very end. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a delightful addition to the "Ghost Hunter Mystery" series.
The Ghoul Next Door FAQ
What is 'The Ghoul Next Door' about?
'The Ghoul Next Door' is a paranormal mystery novel that follows the story of M.J. Holliday, a professional psychic medium, and her partner Gilley Gillespie, a former cop. In this book, M.J. and Gilley find themselves investigating a haunted house filled with restless spirits and a dangerous ghostly presence.
Is 'The Ghoul Next Door' part of a series?
Yes, 'The Ghoul Next Door' is the eighth book in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series by Victoria Laurie.
Do I need to read the previous books in the series to understand 'The Ghoul Next Door'?
While it's recommended to read the previous books in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series to fully appreciate the character development and ongoing storylines, 'The Ghoul Next Door' can be enjoyed as a standalone novel as well.
Who would enjoy reading 'The Ghoul Next Door'?
Fans of paranormal mysteries, ghost stories, and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy reading 'The Ghoul Next Door'. It is also suitable for readers who appreciate strong female protagonists and a touch of humor in their books.
Are there any romantic elements in 'The Ghoul Next Door'?
Yes, 'The Ghoul Next Door' features romantic elements as M.J. Holliday navigates her relationship with her partner Gilley Gillespie. However, romance is not the primary focus of the story.
Is 'The Ghoul Next Door' a scary book?
'The Ghoul Next Door' is more of a lighthearted paranormal mystery with elements of humor rather than a terrifying horror novel. While it does involve ghosts and hauntings, it is not excessively scary or gory.
Can I read 'The Ghoul Next Door' if I don't usually read mysteries?
Yes, 'The Ghoul Next Door' can still be enjoyed even if you don't typically read mysteries. It combines elements of the paranormal with humor, making it an entertaining and accessible read for a wider audience.
Where can I purchase 'The Ghoul Next Door'?
'The Ghoul Next Door' is available for purchase at most major book retailers, both in physical stores and online. It can also be found in e-book and audiobook formats.
Is there a sequel to 'The Ghoul Next Door'?
Yes, there are additional books in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series following 'The Ghoul Next Door'. Fans can continue reading about M.J. Holliday and Gilley Gillespie's paranormal investigations in the subsequent books.
Are there any other books by Victoria Laurie?
Yes, Victoria Laurie has written several other books, including the Psychic Eye Mystery series and the Life Coach Mystery series. Fans of 'The Ghoul Next Door' may enjoy exploring her other works as well.
