A review by aubreysmith9412
Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore by Nellie H. Steele

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Anyone who knows me knows that my mother and I aren't strangers to reading books together. So when I came across this series, I thought I'd give it a go, and see if my mom and I would enjoy reading it together, especially considering it features a mother-daughter protagonist pair. 

As with most of these types of cozies, we're in a small town with a very quirky cast of characters. I grew up in a town like this (granted, mine was in the middle of the forest and not by the sea), and I know how they can be. But the first thing I noticed was just how fast gossip ran around this town. I'm well aware that privacy in a town like this is practically non-existent (my own grandmother is my hometown's most notorious gossip), but this was a little above and beyond the norm. And a little unsettling. 

Despite that, Lily and her daughter Cassie make a valiant effort to adjust, and become part of the town, and the community - despite living in a notoriously haunted house. 

The more they learn about the house, and the history of it, the more they become entrenched in the town's lore. And honestly, it's a very fascinating history! I couldn't help but find myself invested in pirate lore of the town, and especially of Whispering Manor - Lily & Cassie's new home. I'm very new to the pirate fascination, but I have to say I understand the appeal. 

The deeper Lily and Cassie dig, the more danger they find themselves in. And yet, that doesn't seem to stop the inquisitive women from wanting to find answers. 

As the mystery unravelled, I was gratified in knowing that I'd pieced together a handful of things that ended up being correct. Though there were a few glaring plot holes that made me roll my eyes, and speed-read to the reveal. 

Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery featuring a mother-daughter pair who have faced tragedy, and wanting a fresh start. And let me tell you, between the haunted house, pirate lore, and life-threatening danger, that is one hell of a fresh start indeed.