My name is Penelope Thornton-McClure. For decades, customers believed our bookshop was haunted. I never did. Then one dark night, I met him. The ghost.
In 1949 Jack Shepard was a New York private investigator. While following a lead in a case, he was gunned down in our shop and never left. Now his spirit speaks to me at will—his will, not mine—blowing in and out of my head like a blustery gale.
As for my typical day, it begins in my hometown of Quindicott, Rhode Island. Most mornings I wake up to a warm bowl of Aunt Sadie’s slow-cooker oatmeal. After getting my son off to school, I head downstairs to help my aunt open the store. I always enjoy visiting with our regulars, including our resident ghost.
Jack’s appearances are unpredictable, though he often has suggestions for our business. Like the other day when I was restocking shelves, his deep voice suddenly rumbled—
You know what this dusty store needs, Penny?
“What’s that, Jack?”
Hard liquor. A few shots of hooch will make those boring book talks a lot more interesting.
“Maybe for you, but we’re a bookshop, not a tavern! Though I will consider serving wine if you’ll tone down the cold spots and stop putting noir novels in the cozy section…”
I can’t deny Jack’s big-city spirit is frustrated by his small-town afterlife, but one thing does make the dead man come alive, and that’s news of a crime. We’ve had some doozies around here, and suspicious deaths are Jack’s specialty. He always pushes me to get involved, follow clues, find answers, and do some good by bringing dark deeds to light.
Sure, when it comes to sleuthing, I’m the amateur—as Jack continually reminds me. Well, what does he expect? I’m a bookseller, not a professional investigator. A stack of novels, a pot of tea, and a long weekend is my idea of heaven, although there is one exception.
When I finally nod off at night, my gumshoe ghost sometimes sweeps me away to his memories of 1940s New York, where he shows me his past PI cases. These time-travel dreams (or whatever you’d like to call them) are exciting and educational. They’re Jack’s version of “PI School,” where he teaches me how to be a better detective.
Given our differences, we do argue at times. Yet, whenever I’m dealing with this dead man, I can’t help but feel exhilarated and (yes) even more alive. As for Jack, our detective work together (past and present) is less a calling than a boredom killer. Or as he puts it…
What else am I going to do in this cornpone town? Why, there isn’t a decent gin mill or racetrack in sight. Talk about dullsville.
“You know, Jack, with your attitude, you could have spent eternity in a far hotter place.”
You’re not wrong, doll. I once lost my shirt in a Miami craps game. But it’s about time we get to work on our new case, unless the idea of tracking down a cold-blooded killer scares you.
“Not much scares me anymore. After all, I live with a ghost.”
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win an autographed hardcover copy of THE GHOST AND THE DEAD LIBRARIAN. The giveaway will end October 17, 2026. Good luck, everyone!
THE GHOST AND THE DEAD LIBRARIAN
Series: A Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery, Book 1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: October 2026
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
In an utterly charming new mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle, a small-town Rhode Island bookshop owner investigates the death of an eccentric librarian with the help of a wisecracking, 1940s gumshoe ghost.
As a young widow, Penelope moved back to her quaint Rhode Island town to give her young son a safer home and her aunt’s dying bookshop new life. Using her late husband’s insurance money, Pen polished the store into a local treasure. But her updates did more than attract new customers. They roused a dead private eye from his big sleep.
With Pen’s affection for hardboiled detective stories, it’s no surprise she’s developed a fondness for the wisecracking yet oddly likeable spirit. Sure, Jack’s cold spots are exasperating, along with his proclivity for putting noir fiction in the cozy section. But murder was Jack’s business in life, and his PI skills come in awfully handy when the body of an eccentric librarian is found amid the bookshop’s aisles.
For years, Dory jokingly called herself “The Dead Librarian” because of her hobby of collecting and writing local obituaries. Now, in death, she’s discovered with her own eerily pre-written obit. Was it a suicide note? Jack and Pen say no and their certainty takes them from a ghost town’s ancient cemetery to a posh Newport mansion. When another body drops, a mysterious stranger makes Pen a shocking offer, one that may change her life—and Jack’s afterlife. But unless Jack can help Pen prove who “checked out” the librarian, a ruthless killer may close the book on her.
About the author
CLEO COYLE (cleocoylebooks.com) is the New York Times bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, collaborating with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million copies of their books sold, Alice and Marc have gained an enthusiastic following. THE GHOST AND THE DEAD LIBRARIAN, a Library Journal Mystery Pick of the Month, marks the launch of an exciting new spin-off series in Cleo’s beloved “Haunted Bookshop” world. Cleo also writes the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries with its 22nd entry, EAT, DRINK, AND GET BURIED, just released with more titles to come. Cleo’s novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus; received Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers; and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections. Alice and Marc have also created bestselling tie-in properties for NBC, Lucasfilm, Disney, Fox, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, they cook like crazy, drink a lot of java, and write independently and together.
i would love to read this! I had begun to read the first series several years ago, and enjoyed them. Thank you for the opportunity!
This series is a very good read. Can’t wait to read it.
I have heard a lot about this author pair but have not yet read one of their books. This new series would be a good place to start.
I am excited for this new series! Congratulations on the new release. khpinelake (at) gmail (dot) com
Just dropping in to thank Dru Ann Love for hosting Penelope and Jack (the ghost who loves to haunt her) on this awesome blog. Marc and I are delighted to be introducing our Haunted Bookshop world and its quirky cast of characters to new readers in this spin-off series with Kensington. And if you’re a longtime fan of our Jack & Pen mysteries, welcome back! Whether you’re new to us or an old friend, we hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE DEAD LIBRARIAN. It’s a fun read and especially atmospheric for this time of year. Happy Halloween & Happy Reading, everyone! ~ Cleo
I’ve love your Pen and Jack series from the beginning. So happy they’re back! Almost finished with “The Ghost and the Dead librarian” .Another amazing read.
I’m happy to see Jack again! And just in time for Halloween.
Cleo, thank you for participating on my blog.
Dru ~ It was our pleasure and thank *you* for all you do for the mystery reading and writing community! xoxo ~ Cleo
I always enjoy the tales of the Cleo Coyle writing duo, and look forward to this new spin-off series! Anticipation is part of the enjoyment!
Jack sounds like a real hoot! Perhaps he and Penny will rub off on each other for a better “life” balance.
I am excited about the new series. It sounds so good.
Love, love, love this series. I’ve started to re-read from the beginning. Jack and Pen are awesome and fun.
I really enjoy reading about Jack! love his attitude it’s a fun read ! Glad he’s back!! 😀
I love this series!
I love the repartee between Jack and Penny. And I especially love how Jack can transport her back into his memories of crimes and she becomes part of them. I am looking forward to reading this latest one! I love this series!
I would love to read this. I went to Barnes and Nobel today and wanted it but could not afford it. This looks like a really great book.
Welcome back, Jack and Pen!! It is wonderful to read about you again.
I love this series! I can’t wait to see what happens in this installment. I’m
Currently reading The Ghost and the Stolen Tears so I’m only one book away from this book.
Love this series. Can’t wait to see what Jack is up too.
A haunted bookshop! What a fun story! I have never read anything by Cleo before. But this looks like a fun read. Reminds me of the movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Thank you for a chance to enter the giveaway.
I would love to win this! Jack and Penelope are fun!
I love this series!!!! Jack Shepard reminds me of Jim Hutton as Ellery Queen.
Oh my goodness this sounds like an amazing story.
An exceptional series which I enjoy greatly. Love the characters and era.
Oh, Fudge! The ghost didn’t replace the librarian and serve some fudge.
Sounds like a fun story Thank you for the Chance. Deborah
This is a marveous series! I’m so glad it was “resurrected” several years ago.
I love this series, and am looking forward to the new book just in time for spooky season! Mystery, murder, ghosts, books, fun characters, what’ s not to love?!
Love Jack and Pen!
Woo hoo! Sounds like a great read!!
This is such a fun series. I would love to win this book! Thank you for the chance! 📚📖
I’d like to read this book. It’s a new series to me.
This sounds like a cute story. I love the book cover.
Love this series and so happy that Jack and Pen are back to solve another mystery.
I love the Haunted Bookshop series. It is fun, enjoyable, and engrossing.
I would love to win a signed copy of your book. I love all of your books, especially the coffee shop mysteries.
Looking forward to reading this!
OH MY I would love to read and review this book this book looks and sounds like an excellent read from reading book excerpt looking forward to reading
I love everything from Cleo Coyle and was so happy to find the Haunted Bookshop series!
I started the librarian series a few years ago and I’m looking forward to picking it up again!
I’m looking forward to reading this book.
I have been waiting for this. Love these guys!! And your coffee shop series. I would love a signed copy.
Can’t wait to read this new book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Love the cover. Sounds like a really good story
I’d love to win this giveaway!
Thanks for the chance ❤️
This sounds like a great read. I am a big fan of the coffee shop series.
What the world needs now is love. And a new Pen & Jack adventure. Thanks Cleo!
I’m so glad that this story has River – perfect blend of mystery and humor.
love this series listening now love to have book Version
A wisecracking gumshoe ghost, an eccentric librarian in a fall cozy mystery. Sounds like fun to me.
Sounds absolutely wonderful!!!!
Love the cover! Both gets my attention!!!
Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway!!!
Congratulations on your new book!!
Not only do the characters seem likeable, but the story also gives off positive — or should I say cozy? — vibes!
A new series is so exciting!!!! Cannot wait to read this! Congrats!!!!!
Love to win this one! Thank you! Diane
I am so happy to see the return of Penelope and Jack and all my other favorite characters. l would love to have an autographed copy. I am also looking forward to the newest coffee shop mystery.
I cannot wait to read this latest release. This is one of my favorite series!
I’ve read all the previous ghost stories and am now on Chapter 40 of The Ghost and the Dead Librarian, and I’m loving it! So very glad another great version of the series was added. Thank you so very much.
Great series! I love Jack!
I am SO excited for this next installment! I love all the Cleo Coyle mystery series. They are somehow able to combine page-turning-need-to-know-what-happens, with just the right amount of easy reading and humor. Can’t wait for more!
Thank you for your generosity! I’m super looking forward to this read!!! Love and light from deep in the Colorado Rockies.
Thanks for the giveaway! A new series! I can’t wait to read it. I love the concept of the PI being a ghost.
I love this series and am so excited for more Jack and Penny 💜
I have enjoyed the Coffee House Mystery Series and have read most of them. I am looking forward to the new series. Best of luck!
Sounds like a fun read!
I love the Coffeehouse series and am looking forward to reading the new series.
Definitely going to read this series! Have been a fan for years and really enjoy their books!
I know that you cannot see the huge smile on my face, but I assure you that it is there. I have been waiting for another book about Jack. Thank you for making some of my dreams come true. My other dream involves winning the giveaway!
can’t wait to read it. I love the original haunted bookshop series
I just love the bookshop mysteries. I enjoy to see Jack being Javk
jack being Jack. sorry I can’t type.
I love the Haunted Bookshop mysteries and can’t wait to read this new book. Thanks for providing us with wonderful fun reads!!!
Love reading about Jack. Thank you for this opportunity.
love this series. looking forward to the new book.
Love a chance to read this. Thanks for your great generosity.
Ooh I am so ready for a new chiller here in the October humidity of Hawaii! Thankfully there are cooling tradewinds, and white sandy beaches inviting readers to plunge into a new cozy. And this retired librarian can’t dismiss air conditioned libraries! Mahalo, thank you for the opportunity to win your newest mystery.
one of my favorite series. I’m excited to see the new direction
I have read all of your books for the Coffee House Series and really love them. I have not read this other series of yours. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book of yours. My reviews of all the Coffee House Series in both on Amazon and Goodreads.
I’ve enjoyed all the previous books in this series and am looking forward to reading “The Ghost and the Dead Librarian”
I’ve read most of the other series, this one is very different. I would like to give this one a try. Thank you for the contest.
I love the coffee shop series and plan to read this one soon! Have enjoyed every book of yours I’ve read.
This sounds like a good book to read.
This sounds interesting. Don’t know how I missed this series.
can’t wait to read this and am one-third through Eat, Drink & Get Buried. Loving to connect with characters I feel I actually know!!! Two in a row after a rather large, but interesting book club read.
Just turned 81 in September so this is like a birthday gift for me. Since seeing the Ghost and Mrs. Muir in my youth, I’ve been fascinated by stories of friendly ghosts. When I found the first haunted bookshop novel in the lounge at work I was hooked and have followed the series avidly since. Don’t know how many more you will produce or how long I will be able to enjoy them, just keep them coming. Thank you for providing an old woman with something to look forward to.
I’ve loved every book you’ve written so far and can’t wait to read this one!
I would so love to read this. An autographed copy would be icing on the cake. I am a big fan of Jack and Pen stories. I really enjoy her dream sequences a lot! I try with every newsletter because I like all your series’s. But to win a Haunted Bookstore book would put me over the moon happy.
I’m excited to see this next adventure, especially with the hints towards the new series! I’ve long been a fan of Jack and Penny and look forward to more Mysteries!
Looking forward to reading the next book about Jack & Penelope!
Looking forward to reading the next book about Jack & Penelope!
Would enjoy reading your book. I thought of the librarians where I went to school after reading the title. They fit the stereotype of librarians. LoL
I’ve been looking for a new series—can’t wait to start this one!
I’ve loved this series. Would be a start for a collection if I won’t a signed copy of the 1st in the series.
Would love a Copy!
I love this series as I’m a big fan of the 1940s. I also love the coffee house mysteries. Keep up the great work of giving us these fabulous books and wonderful characters.
This book sounds so good and interesting to read, it sounds like you could read the entire book in one sitting by keeping your attention.
Thanks for the chance to win. Enjoy all your books!
Oh how long I’ve been waiting for another in this series. I miss Jack! Love this series, but also all the others by you. Thank goodness you finally got Jack back out to save the day!
I haven’t read this series but love your other books. I will probably love this too.
I am excited to read this and others!
I have read all the books in the series and I’m really looking forward to reading more adventures of these two.
Great excerpt. I’d love to read this cozy mystery!
I’ve read every Coffehouse Mystery, so I’d love to read your other series.
I can’t wait to get this one, I love all of Cleo’s books. the stories are magical and well written, easy to follow, with twists along the way. You keep rooting for them to win and maybe fall in love. Thankyou for sharing your stories.
Wow! Love reading all your books & your newsletters!!!! Thanks, for the chance to win another one of your Awesome Reads!!!!!
A true fan of both of the series. I keep the coffee house books in my kitchen for great recipes. Now Jack and penny what can I say I love the underlined romance they have.
I love the underlined romance of Jack and Penny. Thank you great writing
Sounds like a fun read!
I love ALL of your books!!!!! Thank you so much for the chance to win!!!
If this compares at all to your first series, I’m in.
oh, goody!!!!! I adore Jack and Pen. the books are laugh out loud funny and nerve wracking scary. I have listened to most of them on audiobook, and they make me hapoy.
I love this series and can’t wait to read it.
Sounds like a really fun book.
This looks really good!
I wonder what sort of shenanigans would ensue if Jack and Aunt Dimity were on the same case? This book sounds intriguing and thanks for running the giveaway.
Where will signed copies be available …. in the event that I don’t win?
Can’t wait! My son knows that Cleo Coyle books are excellent choices for my birthday, Chanukah, Mother’s Day, or any of our gift giving holidays! I am so glad Jack is back! Thank you!
Excited and can’t wait to read!
Look forward to reading this- glad Jack is back.
I love these characters and can’t wait to read the new one.
More Jack and Pen
Can’t wait
Thank you
Love all your books – can’t wait to read this one.
I love the Coffee House Series. Can’twaitto read this new one!!
can’t wait to read this – with a bit of hooch of course
Can’t wait to start this new series!
This new series sounds “haunting”. Can’t wait to start it.
I am so exited to read the Dead Librarian being from a librarian family: me, my husband, one son, my sister and a niece! I am currently about a forth of way through this fun novel. Cant’ wait to see who dunnit!
I am thrilled this series is being continued.
I’m looking forward to reading the latest book in this series which I really enjoy. I also enjoy the Coffee House series.
I love bookstores, gumshoes, and cats!
I own all of the OG series in paperback. I’m so happy to see that world continue on. It’s a great bunch of characters & the banter & mystery are top notch!
I can’t wait to read this book. I haven’t missed one of your books yet.
can’t wait to hang out with Jack again.
Can’t wait to read the new series!
I LOVE the Coffeehouse mysteries and this book sounds so different with the ghost tie-in. There are so many story lines to explore! Can’t wait to start reading this one!
I am delighted to see these characters again in the spinoff from A Haunted Bookshop Myste. I just love Jack and Penelope. I
interesting
I haven’t read any of the Haunted Library books, but I would like to start! This one sounds interesting.
Would love to read this one. I suffer from depression at times and reading cozy mysteries help to boost my spirits.
Always love hearing what Jack’s up to, especially the 40’s flashbacks!
It’s always a day to celebrate when a new Haunted Bookshop book is released! I’ve loved this series and am very excited to read this one.
Can’t wait to read it.
Can’t wait to read it. I love this series.
Jack is back!!!
I really enjoy this series and have been looking forward to new additions.
A must read book! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
This sounds like a fun read – I love Bookshops and 👻👻👻!!
I wait with baited breath for the next one of these books come out. A very entertaining read that is hard to put down. I have discipline myself to only read a certain amount each day to make it last as long as possible. The characters are fantastic and Jack takes me back to the days of the pulp fiction I read as a teenager. Cannot get enough of this series.
We’ve waited a long time for this one! Love, love, love this series! Thanks for the chance to win.
Getting to hear what Jack has to say again is very exciting!
I can’t wait to read the new book. I even follow Jack on Facebook.
Thank you for a chance to get this delightful book
I’m ready for a new case with Jack and Pen.
I have loved the coffee house series. It is now time to branch out with this series, new to me.
It sounds like a fun read.
I’m up to date on this series and can’t wait to see what’s coming up for Jack and Penny.
I love the coffee house mysteries and excited to learn there is another mystery series. Cleo Coyle’s writing is fantastic! I love the perspectives.
I really enjoy these books. I can get lost in them for hours. Thanks for writing something so fun to read.
I’ve never met a Cleo Coyle book that I didn’t love!
I lovevthe new book soooo much! it’s on my Paperwhite Kindle. I don’t know how you do it, but these books just keep getting better and better with each instalmemt. I love all you Coffehouse mysteries too. Glad you’ll keep writing, ’cause I’ll keep reading, as long as my eyes let me
I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and look forward to reading this episode. It’s kind of a crazy idea but it’s handled so well I frequently chuckle at the antics.
I am so glad to see that this series is getting a new life! I love the banter between Jack and Pen. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I love the coffeehouse series. This sounds like a fine read as well! Looking forward to it. Would love to win an autographed copy.
I love Cleo Coyle’s books! All of them are magnificent works of art and mystery! Treat yourself or one you love to a wonderful, entertaining series of cozy mysteries and fun times with a set of quirky characters and a twisty, turny mystery to solve.
A new series, music to my ears/eyes!
This series was the first cozy mystery I read with paranormal elements. So enjoyable and highly recommended!
Love this series so much in our book club we always pause what we are doing to read this series!!! Can’t wait or get enough of Pen and Jack!! Cleo always delivers for a fun and suspenseful witty and clever characters!!! Big Fan of all!!
I hope I’m not too late to enter! This book looks like a fun read…nothing beats a New England bookshop as a location!
A mystery about obituaries is something I’m not dead set against. It promises to be a unique read and I’d love to see it and turn the pages over and solve the puzzle.
☕Love☕ Your mysterious book’s 📚 are fabulous 🎊
would adore winning an autographed book for my collection
Thanks so much for adding me to the giveaway
gkathgoldin@yahoo.com
Congratulations to DJ Helmer who won an autographed hardcover copy of THE GHOST AND THE DEAD LIBRARIAN!
This sounds so good – can’t wait to read it!