Penelope Thornton-McClure sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to twenty or more questions so that we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know Penelope.
What is your full name?
Penelope Thornton-McClure. Friends call me Pen. A very special friend calls me his lucky Penny.
How old are you?
In my thirties, though I sometimes wake up feeling as though I’ve lived two lifetimes.
What is your profession?
I’m in the book trade, and despite the digital revolution’s attempt to “ghost” me, I’m still here, a proud independent bookseller and co-owner of Buy the Book.
Do you have a significant other?
I’m a widow with no living significant other, though I do have a remarkable man in my life. He is (literally) out of this world.
What is their name and profession?
Jack Shepard is his name. Jack’s a private investigator. I mean, he WAS a private investigator, before he was gunned down in my bookshop back in 1949. These days, he is an unpredictable ghost with a wise-cracking wit and a proclivity for pushing me into crime scenes. But Jack’s tough-guy spirit can be tender, too, and he’s always ready with a kind word just when I need it.
Do you have any children?
I have a young son, Spencer, who believes he was named after Robert B. Parker’s Spenser: for Hire. He wasn’t, but I hate to dissuade him since he discovered the ABC reruns on the Intrigue Channel.
Do you have any siblings?
My older brother Pete died in a car crash back in high school. He was drag racing to impress a girl, a monumentally bad idea. Ever since then, his best friend, Eddie Franzetti, has been like a big brother to me. Eddie became a police officer in our little town. He is happily married with children, very settled, and completely unaware that I once had a mad crush on him.
Are your parents nearby?
Both of my parents are gone, but my Aunt Sadie has been a supportive parental figure, and I love her for that.
Who is your best friend?
May I pick two? Seymour and Brainert have been my BFFs since grade school. We always have each other’s backs. Seymour (a former Jeopardy champ) works for the post office. Brainert is an English professor at nearby St. Francis University. Their favorite pastime (other than bickering over trivia) is reading, and given my occupation, they have been quite a boon for my bookshop.
Do you have any pets?
Bookmark, sweet marmalade-striped feline, and ferocious mouse hunter.
What town do you live in?
Quindicott, Rhode Island
Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Quindicott is a quaint little town near the Atlantic coastline. We are a far cry from the posh mansions and pricey yachts of nearby Newport. But our modest, little community has a cozy charm all its own.
Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I live above the bookshop with my son and aunt, who was about to close the shop before I showed up with my big ideas. She owns the building, a two-story walkup, and while the rooms above the shop are far from posh, they are cozy enough for us. Downstairs, we made the bookshop our second home with polished oak bookcases, throw rugs, standing lamps, and overstuffed chairs. I used my late husband’s life insurance money to overhaul the place. We expanded our inventory, created an online store, and even purchased the storefront next door as an event space for author appearances and books signings—not to mention the occasional murder. (Okay, I mentioned it.)
What is your favorite spot in your home?
The bedroom. After my workday is done and I’ve tucked Spencer in, I settle under my covers with a good book. It’s better than vacation. Unless it happens to be one of those awful nights when I’m too disturbed to read—and that’s when my ghost appears. Jack always seems to know when I need a sounding board to help me think things through and sort things out.
Favorite meal?
The fanciest meals in town are served at the Finch Inn, an old Queen Anne Victorian that our friends, Barney and Fiona Finch, transformed into a gorgeous B&B with a new French restaurant built right next door. But (honestly) I would be just as happy scarfing down fried clams and onion rings at a picnic table next to our town’s Seafood Shack. A close second is a pizza with everything on it from Franzetti’s, the pizzeria owned by Officer Eddie Franzetti’s family.
Do you have any hobbies?
Reading. I’m an unapologetic bookworm, thank you very much, and there are hobbies galore (not to mention thousands of adventures and worlds to explore) in the pages of books!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Bedroom and books. Didn’t we cover this?
What music do you listen to?
I must admit, I’m not big on modern music. But the Big Band Swing of Jack’s era always cheers me up.
Do you have a favorite book?
Impossible to choose! The Thin Man and The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett certainly rank high, along with the works of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Mickey Spillane is a hoot. And the “Black Mask Boys” rule.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
A stack of books, a pot of tea, and a long, uninterrupted weekend—with one exception. When I finally nod off, my gumshoe ghost likes to take me away to his memories of 1940s New York and show me the stories of his past PI cases. These time-travel dreams (or whatever you wish to call them) have become quite entertaining!
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
The Ghost and Mrs. McClure. And guess what? The book is already written and published! It tells the story of how Jack came to haunt me. And how we solved our first murder mystery together. (A bestselling author dropped dead as a dumbbell during the premier book signing in our newly renovated events space. It turns out Jack knew the old guy, and my PI spirit had more than one theory on who gave him the expiration date.)
Amateur or professional sleuth?
Me? I’m the amateur—as Jack continually reminds me. He says my detective work is “hinky.” Well, what does he expect? I’m a bookseller not a professional private investigator. But I am willing to learn, and I have a distinct advantage. Unlike Jack, I’m alive, which comes in handy when one is trying to track down concrete clues on this mortal plane.
Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
My gumshoe ghost, of course. And for good reason. Jack is so bored with his small-town afterlife, solving mysteries with me makes him downright giddy. Whenever I need more “earthly” backup, I have my BFFs, the know-it-all mailman and the prickly professor. They are a clumsy pair, but their heart is in the right place. And while Officer Eddie can be a tad difficult, he has my back too.
In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
After my alarm clock scares me out of my wits, I yawn my way to the kitchen for a warm bowl of Aunt Sadie’s slow-cooker oatmeal. I get my son fed and off to school. Then I head downstairs to help Sadie open and run our bookshop. I always enjoy visiting with our regulars, including our shop’s resident ghost. Jack’s appearances are unpredictable, unless of course the news of a crime comes up—or I stumble upon a fresh corpse. Then PI School begins, and Jack is “on the case,” helping me follow clues, find answers, and (if this Penny is very lucky) do some good by catching cunning criminals and bringing dark deeds to light.
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait, A Haunted Bookshop Mystery #7
Genre: Cozy
Release: May 2021
Purchase Link
Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure and her gumshoe ghost team up to solve the stunning mystery at the heart of a madwoman’s self-portrait in this all new installment from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
While gathering a collection of vintage book cover paintings for a special event in her quaint Rhode Island bookshop, Penelope discovers a spooky portrait of a beautiful woman, one who supposedly went mad, according to town gossip. Seymour, the local mailman, falls in love with the haunting image and buys the picture, refusing to part with it, even as fatal accidents befall those around it. Is the canvas cursed? Or is something more sinister at work?
For answers, Pen turns to an otherworldly source: Jack Shepard, PI. Back in the 1940s, Jack cracked a case of a killer cover artist, and (to Pen’s relief) his spirit is willing to help her solve this mystery, even if he and his license did expire decades ago.
Cleo Coyle’s Haunted Bookshop Mysteries in Order:
Download a free title checklist with mini summaries of all 7 Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, featuring bookseller Penelope Thornton-McClure and her gumshoe ghost, Jack Shepard. To download the list as a free PDF document, click here or on the checklist image below.
About the author
Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating eighteen years in print. They also write the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, recently relaunched with the first new entry in nearly ten years, The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller, which became a national bestseller and was honored as a Best Book of 2018 by Suspense Magazine. Alice and Marc are also media tie-in writers who have penned bestselling properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. They live in New York City, where they write independently and together.
Learn more about Cleo’s books at HauntedBookshopMystery.com.
Sign up for Cleo’s Free E-Newsletter here. Fun contests, bonus recipes, and book news.
You can also follow Cleo on:
Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Pinterest – BookBub – Goodreads
And friend or follow the ghost of PI Jack Shepard on his own Facebook page.
Cleo Coyle’s Giveaway Prize Package:
* Autographed print edition of The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait
* Sturdy canvas “Jack is Back” tote bag
* Autographed set of Cleo’s collectible recipe cards
Leave a comment below for your chance to win Cleo Coyle’s prize package. Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends May 24, 2021. Good luck everyone!
I am a Cleo Coyle fan and own several of your books! Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Sounds like a fun series. Thanks, Dru, for introducing so many authors.
I discovered this series after reading as many Coffeehouse mysteries as I could (and making many of the recipes). I was going through Coyle withdroyle and was not disappointed with Pen and Jack. And sweet Spencer, too
Hi, Doreen – Just wanted to drop in and thank you for the lovely comment. Marc and I are happy to know that Jack and Pen have also become your friends. And we’re happy to announce that HONEY ROASTED, our 19th Coffeehouse Mystery will be out soon. Cheers for your kindness and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
I love this series and am so happy for the next book.
I’ve read all the Jack and Pen books and am so happy you have decided to revive the series. Thank
Hi, Barbara – Cheers for the nice words on reviving our Haunted Bookshop world. Or as we often put it, making our ghost re-appear. We can’t thank readers like you enough for your longtime support. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch. Good luck on the contest!
~ Cleo
Thank you, Brenda, for the sweet comment!
Thank you, Brenda!
I have read all of the Coffeehouse mysteries and have all read all of the Ghost mysteries. Can’t wait to read the next in each series. Love all your books! I have yet to guess, “who dun it”.
Hi, Sylvia – LOL on the whodunit! So nice to know that. Cheers to you for your support and encouragement. Marc and I sincerely appreciate it, and we hope you enjoy our brand-new Haunted Bookshop Mystery! Good luck on the contest and keep in touch! xoxo
~ Cleo
I’ve never read one of your books, but if your interview is a sample of your style I would love to get a start with both heroes
Thank you, Gloria. My husband and I enjoy writing both series, and we would be delighted to have you join our reading community. We hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop and/or Coffeehouse mysteries a try. Take care and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
I’ve enjoyed both series…the Haughted Bookstore, and The Coffeehouse. I look forward to each new installment. Thanks for starting up the bookstore series again. Much appreciated.
Hi, Deirdre – Marc and I owe a debt to readers like you who have stuck by the Haunted Bookshop world, patiently waiting for us to return to it. Now that we have, we’re all in and hope to continue it for years to come. We hope you’ll be right there with us, not only in Quindicott but in Clare Cosi’s Village Blend, as well. Thank you again and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I have been a fan of this series from the beginning.
Oh my gosh, love the books.
Hi, Lois – We must thank you sincerely for helping to give our Haunted Bookshop world such a great start, AND waiting so patiently for us to return to writing it. We hope you enjoy the latest. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT has plenty of humor, two twisty mysteries (one in Jack’s past and one in Pen’s time) and even a little sage advice. Cheers and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
My bookstore screwed up and I got my copy a week early! I was so excited!
Great to meet Pen! I am already a fan of the coffeehouse series, look forward to diving in. Thanks
Hi, Annette – LOL on your bookstore, Pen would laugh and say, hey, it’s a sale! Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) thank you sincerely for that sale, and for being excited. Such words make all authors happy. xoxo
I have enjoyed the series so far.
I love reading all her books and can’t wait for the next one to come out.
I have read some of the Coffeehouse series but this is my first introduction to the haunted bookshop series and I must say the interview is a brilliant and quirky way to capture interest. I love the character descriptions and am totally onboard with the idea of ‘time travel’ dreams so am excited to add this to my must read list📚📕📙🧡
Hi, Shannon – Thank you so much for the kind comment. Dru’s questions were fun to answer. She is such a wonderful blog host, and we always enjoy our visits to Dru’s Book Musings! We’re glad you’re intrigued enough to give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. We hope you enjoy our Jack and Pen sleuthing adventures. There are seven now, counting THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. And Marc and I are already working on ideas for the 8th book, which we hope to complete soon enough for publication next year. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
Love the Cleo Coyle books that I’ve read. Looking forward to reading “The Ghost And the Haunted Potrait”.
Thank you, Dianne!
Couldn’t agree more!
Your books are so creative. I love the recurring story lines of the main characters and their loyalty to each other.
Thank you!
Hi, Laura – Thank you so much for the kind comment. Marc and I appreciate it!
Hi, Linda — You’re a sweetheart. Thank you so much for dropping in and good luck in the contest!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
It was fun getting to know Penny. Thanks Cleo!
Dru – Thank you so much for hosting this fun Q&A with Pen (and Jack). They are glad to be back, sleuthing together again. And we always enjoy our visits with you!
~ Cleo
(Alice and Marc)
Thank you Cleo. I enjoy your visit too.
Sounds like a great new series. I have loved your books since the first coffee house book.
Love this series. Thanks.
Thank you, Anne!
Wonderful giveaway and a delightful author with fabulous books and series that are unique.
Thank you, Laini!
The answer to the question of Favorite Vacation Spot made me laugh. My husband thinks it describes me.
GB – Pen would love you as a customer. You’ll have to stop by her Haunted Bookshop and say hello (it does get a tad chilly when Jack’s around; just bring a sweater :)).
If you look into my blood work, you’ll find little letter Cs for Cleo Coyle! I’m a huge fan, and they know it! I love everything that they put out, and was so happy when Jack and Pen returned. They’re just tops with me!
aw, thank you, Tracy! We appreciate your continued support and encouragement. You’re tops with us, too. xoxo
~ Cleo
Cleo is such a talented writer and her baked goods are delectable and special. Many thanks for this great feature.
Hi, Ruth – Thanks for the nice words. If this were a book event, you know I’d have a plate of “Clare Cosi’s” pastries to pass around! Maybe someday we can all meet…and eat!
Great interview! Looking forward to some weekend reading. Jack and Penn together again!
Thank you, June, hope you enjoy the new Jack and Pen adventure! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoxo
~ Cleo
So excited to read the latest.
I was shocked to see how much I love this series. Jack captured by my heart. I’m a huge noir fan, and these books capture the best of cozy and noir.
Hi, Ramona – What a lovely note. Thank you! Jack would be so touched to know he’s captured your heart. To him you would be an absolute doll. And you are to us, too. Marc and I hope you will continue to enjoy our Haunted Bookshop series for years to come. So please do keep reading, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Thank you, Alicia!
I’ve has this series on my TBR list for a long time. It sounds absolutely delightful. Thanks for the chance!
Hi, Autumn – We hope you give it a try one day. The Jack and Pen adventures are a lot of fun. A charming town, plenty of humor, and intriguing mysteries in Pen’s present and Jack’s past. Take care, Autumn, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
Started reading this yesterday, enjoying it very much. Thanks.
Belated thanks to YOU, Gene, for the nice comment!
I have friends who read this series and now I want to read it, too!
I loved finding out more about the bookshop and family. This is a fun series. I would truly love to win this giveaway.
Hi, Michelle – Just dropping in to thank you for the comment and wish you luck in the contest. Marc and I hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try one day. The books are a lot of fun!
Hi, Judy – Sending a wave to you and your friends. Hope you give our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try one day. There’s plenty of humor, a charming little town, and quirky characters (as well as a stimulating ghost). Jack made us write that last part. xoxo
This is a new series to me. Looking forward to starting the series.
Hi, Dianne – Hope you do start it soon. The books are lots of fun, and Jack is unforgettable. xoxo
Stopping by to thank you all for the kind comments! Marc and I are reading every single one and enjoying them immensely. As Dru noted, our prize package giveaway will remain open until May 20, and we’ll be sure to stop back again. Good luck to you all, and we hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT!
~ Cleo
I love the books! Parkers Spencer is one of my favorite characters. Great namesake even if Spencer isn’t named after him.
Thanks, Stephanie, so glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop series. LOL on Spencer. xoxo
love all your series look forward to them all
Thank you, Judy!
I love snarky ghosts lol! Can’t wait to read this book!
Hope you enjoy it, Deborah. Jack’s got a heart of gold, too, underneath the wisecracks. And that’s why we all love him. xoxo
Pen & Jack make a great team!
Thanks, Jana, we’re glad you think so! Marc and I do our best to put our own “kindred spirits” into everything we write. xoxo
This is a new to me series and I must say I am intrigued. I just joined your newsletter and I am looking forward to learning more about your books.
Thanks, Cherie, we hope you give them a try. Marc and I are finishing up our 19th Coffeehouse Mystery and THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT (just released this month) is the 7th in our Haunted Bookshop series. So you have plenty of stories to choose from. xoxo
Loved getting to know Penelope through the interview. So happy Jack is back! Can’t wait for the opportunity to read “The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait”. Most definitely on my TBR list.
Shared and hoping to be the extremely fortunate one selected. Thanks for the chance!
2clowns at arknasas dot net
Hi, Kay – Thank you so much for stopping by to comment. We appreciate your interest in our work. Cheers for sharing the news and good luck in the contest!
Love the cozy mystery books ! It is a nice escape from reality these days !
Hi, Laurie – To quote Dru herself, “Reading is a wonderful adventure!” — Indeed it is!
I’ve been a fan of Cleo’s since God was in short pants! I’d be delighted to win; thanks for the chance.
pjcoldren[at]tm[dot]net
LOL, P.J., thanks again!
I love Big Band music! The link was an absolutely wonderful idea. It was fun to listen to at work because YouTube kept playing similar tunes!
Hi, Lynnette – Glad you enjoyed it. Big Band Swing is truly a joyful noise. xoxo
Hi Cleo. I love your books and recipes. I have tried several of them. Hope you have a wonderful summer. 🙂
Hi, Denise – Thank you, and we hope you have a wonderful summer, too. It’s a great time to settle back in a lawn chair with a cold drink and read, read, read! xoxo
Sounds good.
Thanks, and we hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. Laughter is a great way to feel a little less anxious. xoxo
This sounds like a fun series to get into Cozies are my favorite books to read
Hi, “CozyFan” — We hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try. They take place in a charming little town, full of eccentric characters, have lots of humor, and a ghost with a heart of gold (Jack made me write that last part :)). xoxo
I enjoy this series and can’t wait to read the newest installment!
Hi, Janine – Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. It was great fun to write, and we hope you have as much fun on the other side of the process! xoxo
I would simply love to sit outside that beautiful window and read this book with such an alluring picture. Your website and recipes are so delightful . Thank you, for hours of continuous enjoyment whether reading or cooking.
Sounds like a fun read.
Hi, Sue – It is indeed a lot of fun. And we hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try one day. Seven books and counting. Can hardly wait to start writing the eighth.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Linda!
I love Jack and Pen! So glad they are together again. Next, I would love an interview with both of them.
Hi, Emily – If Dru invites us next year, perhaps a double interview will be on the agenda. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks so much for loving our characters. We love you for saying so. Please do keep reading, keep in touch…and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I’d love to read this! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
Thanks, Kara! We hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try one day. Good luck in the contest!
sounds like a great read! love the interview!
Hi, Jess – Thanks for the kind comment. Our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries are lots of fun, and we hope you’ll give them a try one day. Take care and good luck in the contest!
Started this series a few months ago. Love Jack!!❤ Would love this.
Hi, Linda – Marc and I are so glad to know you’re loving our Haunted Bookshop series, and Jack in particular. He has a way of haunting us, and we hope you’re enjoying being haunted by him, too. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch, and we wish you luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I’ve been waiting for this Jack Shepard book! So excited it is here for us to read.
Hi, Maureen – Thank you so much for your patience! Marc and I are so glad to know you’ve been waiting for the new book, and we hope you enjoy it. (You know thinks you’re a doll!) xoxo
P.S. Maureen — You know it’s JACK who thinks you’re a doll! (He was annoyed I left out his name in the previous comment, so I thought I’d better add a P.S. to correct it. LOL! )
This series is new to me. I enjoy and have all of your coffee house mysteries.
Hi, Melody — If you like our Coffeehouse Mysteries, Marc and I invite you to give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. The stories are lots of fun and Jack is a fun ghost to have haunt you. We should know, he’s haunted us for years!
I Love this series and most of all Jack.
Hi, Pam – Thank you so much. And Jack thanks you too. He loves it when “dolls” like you pay him such kind compliments. xoxo
I love the series, Jack & Pen are awesome together. Can’t wait to be able to read the new one. I also love the Coffee House Mysteries, can’t wait for the next one.
Hi, Judith – Thank you so much for the lovely comment! Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT. And we’re pleased to tell you a new Coffeehouse Mystery is coming soon. It’s title is HONEY ROASTED. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch, and we wish you luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Sounds very good , great review thank you
Penney
This series is new to me. Sounds interesting.
I’m not much on ghosts, so I was leery when I read the first one. I had enjoyed the coffee shop ones & I enjoyed Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, so I decided to give them a try. I was pleasantly surprised.
Hi, Marlene – Jack will be glad to know you approve of him. xoxo
P.S. Please forgive the typo, Marlane, Jack was giving my fingers the Big Chill. 🙂
I am so excited for the new release. I can’t wait to see what new adventures Pen gets into with Jack. One of my favorites series.
Hi, Margaret — Cheers for the very kind comment. Marc and I are grateful to fans like you who have encouraged us to bring the series back to life (a fitting phrase for a set of books who feature the spirit of a dead man). But we do love Jack, and we know you do, too. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy our Haunted Bookshop world for years to come. Please do keep reading and keep in touch, and good luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I am a fan of Cleo Cole, but not have read all her books. This sounds like an excellent one to read. Also, my first tie entering a cotest
Hi, Diana – Thank you kindly for being a fan and for taking the time to enter this (your first!) contest. We wish you luck and hope you will continue to enjoy our work for years to come. xoxo
I hope to win! I am a Cleo Coyle fan and this book sounds so good!
Thank you, Carol Sue!
You know I’m a fan! Can’t wait to start another of your series especially when there are many books out already since I LOVE to binge!!!
Hi, Jessica – Cheers for all your wonderful support and encouragement! I’m excited to know you’ll be entering our Haunted Bookshop world for the first time. I hear you on the binge reading. It’s a great thing to know that characters you come to know and love will be continuing their adventure after you turn the last page. We have written seven books thus far in the Haunted Bookshop mystery series, and we’re already brainstorming the eighth, which we hope to have finished in time for publication next years. So keep reading, keep in touch, and we wish luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love these books
Thank you, Jaye, Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) appreciate it!
Love this Q&A so much!
Thank you, Jaimie!
I was so happy when I started reading Cleo Coyle books!!! I’ve read all but the latest. The only problem is I have to wait for a new one to come out. ( it’s ok I listen to the older ones audiobooks to tide me over!)
Hi, Laurie – Well, that makes our day that the only problem is waiting for a new book! Every author loves hearing words like that. Thank you so much for the reader love. We send it back to you and we wish you luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Love your books can’t wait to dive into this one!!!it’s my happy place!
Your happy place is our happy place. Thank you so much! xoxo
nice interview
Thank you, bn
Great interview loved it. Book sounds and looks like a fun, intriguing and mysterious book that calls to me. Would love to read and review in print format
Hope I Win contest 1
Hi, Crystal – Our Haunted Bookshop world is lots of fun, the little town of Quindicott is charming, the quirky characters are beloved by many, and we can’t get Jack to stop haunting us. In short, we hope you get a chance to try it one day!
I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the contest.
Thanks for stopping by, Mrs. Gilly.
I got hooked on the series after reading The Ghost and the Bogus Bookseller. I try to read in order but it’s easy to jump in and out.
I really enjoy the coffee shop mystery as well as my favorite ghost jack and his mystery. I look forward to getting new books from cleo and transporting to another world.
Hi, Diane — Thank you so much for letting other readers know that they can enjoy our books in or out of order. That’s how we write all of our mysteries. They can be read as stand-alone novels because we do our best to include enough background information so that new readers will not be lost. And it’s helpful to longtime readers who may have not read a book in our series for a year or more. We’re so glad you enjoyed The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller. Jack is back and we hope he never disappears again (or, at least, for a very long while). xoxo
Cute interview! Pen saying book, bed and tea are her vacation is perfect after this last year. Imagine being quarantined above a book store! That would take the pain out of it for sure. So glad to have Jack back. He is such a flirt.
Not sure when I found the coffeehouse series but I’m glad i did and that i found Jack and Pen too. Love these alternate worlds.
Hi, Marie — Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! You made me laugh with the idea of Pen being quarantined above her bookstore. That would be an amazing vacation for her (and many of us)! And, yes, Jack is a shameless flirt. And he makes us laugh with his wisecracks, but he has a heart of gold underneath, and that’s why we love him. Cheers for stopping by. We hope you continue reading will keep in touch and we wish you luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I have been enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading this latest book!
Hi, Karlene – Glad to know it, and we hope you enjoy our newest Haunted Bookshop adventure. Jack and Pen are in rare form. xoxo
I love book of these series. Thanks for the chance to win. I can’t wait to read them
Hi, Deb – Thanks for dropping in and we hope you’ll give our Jack and Pen Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try one day!
As a longtime reader and fan of the Coffeeshop mysteries with Claire Cosi I’m delighted to learn about the Haunted Bookshop series; I’m running out of books to read with my coffee so now I can read these in bed with tea.
Hi, Susan — LOL on picking up Pen’s tea drinking! And Marc and I are glad to know you’ll consider giving our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries a try. We love writing them, and our longtime readers of the series say they truly enjoy the charming little town of Quindicott, the quirky characters, the twisty mysteries, and (especially) our ghost Jack, a wisecracking flirt with a heart of gold underneath. Good luck in the contest and may your spirits always be lifted by our work. xoox
~ Cleo
I love your books! Thank you for the opportunity to win one!!
Cleo is a great author. Her n Marc together are amazing! Look forward to their books….
Hi, Pattie – Thank you so much, you’re very kind!
Love this series! Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you, Cheryl, we’ll do our best!
Hi, Cyndi – Thank you so much for the reader love, sending it back to you! xoxo
I am so thrilled Jack and Penelope are back!
Hi, Erma – Thank you! We’re thrilled that you’re thrilled. xoxo
started with Cleo’s coffee cozy series and now this one with ghost detective. Terrific
Hi, Ann — So glad to know you’re enjoying our caffeinated Clare and Company tales and just as pleased to know you’ve discovered our Haunted Bookshop world. Thanks for dropping by and good luck in the contest!
Hi, I have read all of your books and love them! The recipes are delicious, too.
Thank you, Judi! Marc and I appreciate it!
I think I need to read this series. Love the characters
Hi, Cat – We hope you do give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. Pen and Jack make a great team. And we now have a lot of readers who wouldn’t mind Jack haunting them! xoxo
This is one of my favorites, from the beginning. Jack definitely has appeal!
Hi, Margaret – We’ve been writing Jack since 2004, and we’re grateful that you were not only with us from that beginning but that you’re still here in 2021, happy to have him haunt you again. Cheers! We hope you keep reading, keep in touch, and we wish you luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I read both series. Love the recipes from Clare Cosi! Jack is quite the sharp wit.
Hi, Amy — Jack is indeed the sharp wit, and he’s got a heart of gold underneath, which is why we all love him. Thank you so much for reading both series. And Clare is cooking up some new recipes for our 19th Coffeehouse Mystery HONEY ROASTED. We hope you enjoy the eating and the reading! xoxo
This is the very last day to enter and I’m SO glad I received the email today. Jack and Pen are two of my favorite characters…real, flesh and blood (and spirit in Jack’s case) people who have the same problems we all have with the exception of the occasional murders. Thanks for keeping them alive, even Jack! Looking forward to reading the latest in the series. I’ve read all the others!
Love reading all your books. It’s very hard for me to put your books down once I start reading . in fact, no one gets food unless they fix it themselves until I finish reading your book
Charmian – You cracked me up with the “no one gets food” comment. LOL! We should send Clare to your house when you’re reading about Jack and Pen. That makes our day. Thank you so much for the nice words! And we certainly hope you’ll continue to enjoy our books. Please do keep in touch! xoxo
~ Cleo
Hi, Sandra — Thank you so much for the lovely comment. (We extended the contest a few days, thanks to Dru for allowing us do so.) Marc and I sincerely appreciate your kind words about Jack and Pen. We’re so grateful to readers like you for supporting the series, and we’re having such fun writing them again. We hope you enjoy the latest. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT has some wonderful twists and a great backstory with Jack’s case. Take care, keep in touch, and we wish you luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
These Haunted Bookshop Mystery series is addictive! You just can’t read one! Can’t wait for the next installment 😉
Hi, Paula — “Addictive” is a beautiful word to an author writing a series. We’ll take it! Thank you so much and good luck in the contest. xoxo
Love the new Haunted Bookshop book! I had pre-ordered it. Also have read all the others and all the coffeehouse books. I am a huge fan!
Hi, Roberta — We can’t thank you enough for your incredible support. Marc and I truly enjoy writing both fictional worlds, and we’re thrilled to know you enjoy them both. We’ll do our best to never let you down, and we certainly hope you’ll keep reading…and keep in touch! Good luck on the contest, too. xoxo
~ Cleo
I have almost all the Murder Mystery series books and just started the Ghost series. My favorite author by far. I just wish Hallmark makes these books into movies someday soon
You’re very kind, thank you!
I couldn’t wait for the next “Jack” book and am devouring it as soon as I finish my current book (like Pen, reading is my favorite hobby.) In fact, I’ve kept a log of every book I’ve read since 1976 ( I was a sophomore in college!) Lots of Cleo Coyles…
Love your books! Thanks for keeping us on our toes.
Hi, Shari — Thanks for the book love and we’ll do our best to keep readers hoppin’ and happy. xoxo
Glad to know it, Cindy. Marc and I are flattered to be included in such an impressive reading log. Since 1976, wonderful! We’re delighted to know you’ll be reading our new Haunted Bookshop entry, and we certainly hope it lifts your spirits. (Pun intended!) Take care, keep in touch, and (needless to say) keep on reading. xoxo
~ Cleo
I love your books! Thank you for the opportunity to win one!
Hi, Janye – Than you for the reader love and we wish you luck!
Looking forward to reading this new book in the series.
Hi, Brenda – Marc and I had a lot of fun writing this entry. If you get a chance to read it, we hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for a chance to win a generous and enjoyable gift!!!! I am loving the new novel as always!!!!
Oh, thank you, Lynn, so happy to know you’re enjoying the new mystery! And thanks so very much for your longtime support of our work. You have long helped inspire us to continue doing our best work. xoox
~ Cleo
Really enjoy your books and characters a lot. What a nice give away!! Thank you for the chance to win.
You’re very welcome, Donna, and thank YOU for the kind words about our books and characters. We sincerely hope you’ll continue to enjoy them for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
I can’t wait to read a new Cleo Coyle story – I love them!
Hi, Kathy – Oh, that is sweet, thank you!
I own all the Haunted Bookstore Mysteries, and I wish I had a Jack on my life. I wouldn’t come between Pen and Jack, of course, but a Jack clone wouldn’t be bad. The Haunted Portrait was worth the wait – I love all the characters and want to vacation in Quandicott. Kudos!
Hi, Julie – Well, you know, Jack does enjoy hearing how much he’s loved by readers. And he’s been known to haunt them, too. If you feel a chill this summer, it may not be your air conditioning. 😉 Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave such a nice comment. Marc and I appreciate it, and we hope you’ll continue coming back to Pen and Jack’s little Rhode Island town for years to come. xoxo
Love Love Love this series!! Jack and Pen complement each other in their knowledge of their respective crafts-he has the P.I. skills, and she has the book know how to investigate as well. with encouragement from Jack.
Hi, Rose — Thank you so much for the reader love–and helping us welcome Jack and Pen back to sleuthing again! xoxo
~ Cleo
A great edition to a fantastic series! Looking forward to more
Oh, Dennis, thank you so much!
I can not WAIT to read the new book!! Cleo Coyle books and recipes are my favorite!!
Thank you, KIm!
Love your books. I look forwarding to reading each and everyone. Love all the recipes too.
Thank you, Amanda!
Bookmark sounds like an excellent feline! Thank you for the interview!
Thank you for that wonderful interview. This is a great series can’t wait to read this latest book
Thank you, Vicki!
Hi, John, we all love Bookmark, even Jack. Thanks for the fun comment!
I’m happily married, but I do love Jack!
LOL, Glenda, we won’t tell. xoxo
I have enjoyed all Cleo Coyle books! I’m looking forward to finding this latest book in my library. Feels like I have waited forever!
Hi, Kaholly — We appreciate your reader’s patience, and we’re glad to finally deliver another Jack and Pen sleuthing adventure to you. Marc and I had a great deal of fun writing it, and we hope you enjoy reading it. Please do say hello to your librarians for us! xoxo
~ Cleo
Love the series and Dru loved your interview! Can’t wait to read the book!
Thank you for the chance
Thank you, Amy, and cheers again to Dru for the fun questions!
Love your books. Once I start reading one–I can’t put it down.
Hi, Vivian — That could be because we put glue on the covers. Kidding, kidding. Honestly we’re flattered by your kind words, thank you. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch!
I have read all the previous six and pre-ordered your seventh from Amazon for my KINDLE and can’t wait to read it. i love all the characters and truly can lose myself in the books….
Hi, Sharon — That is amazing for us to read, that you lose yourself in our books. In our own way, we lose ourselves in the writing. We can only hope something magical happens in that process. Thank you for the wonderful comment. xoxo
i am so happy jack is back !!!
We’re happy that you’re happy, “mysmith” — Cheers for letting us know. xoxo
I just received my previously ordered copy. I refuse to devide my attention between this newest mystery in my favorite haunted bookshop, and any distractions. So, I am planning a “me ” evening with chocolate flavored coffee, a few cookies, and lots of time to read this newest tale. I am so excited!!! It will be an absolute treat I am sure. Keep up the good work writing these wonderful tales!!!
Hi, Rhonda — We are so pleased to know you’re on your way to enjoying “me” time with our characters. This entry presents a few mysteries, and Jack will be taking you back to his time (along with Pen). We hope you enjoy it, and we thank you sincerely for the kind comment. Keep reading, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Haven’t read any of this series. Sounds fun! One of the things I love about your series is your great sense of humor while presenting a good story. Hope I win!
Hi, Martha — Oh, thank you. And there is plenty of humor in our Haunted Bookshop world. We hope you give a try one day and finally meet our bookseller Penny and the ghost Jack who haunts her (and so many readers who tell us they’ve fallen in love with him). We hope you do, too, and good luck in the contest. xoxo
~ Cleo
Love your coffee series! I am currently reading Brewed Awakening. Can’t wait to start your Haunted Bookshop Mysteries.
Hi, Laurel — Brewed Awakening was a special book for Marc and I, as you can probably tell by now. We talk about that a bit in the front matter. When you have time, we hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop world a try, too. The little town of Quindicott is charming, there is plenty of humor with the quirky cast of characters, and Jack is a ghost with a heart of gold (so readers tell us, and we can’t help but agree). Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love your books! Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you, Patti, for taking the time to stop by and comment. We appreciate it! xoxo
This is a fairly new series to me and I love it!!
Hi, Joanie – That’s wonderful! Thank you for letting us know. We hope you continue to enjoy it! xoxo
Can’t wait to read it! Thank you for offering the giveaway!
You’re very welcome, Lori, good luck!
I really love when you have these interviews. It’s really nice to know more about our favorite characters. Thanks.
Thank you, Sharon, for dropping by!
I love the coffee shop mysteries by cleo coyle and im very interested in seeing how much ill enjoy this series.
Hi, Alexis — Glad to know you’re enjoying or Coffeehouse Mysteries with Clare and Company. We have a new one coming soon. It’s titled HONEY ROASTED and we’ll be sharing more about it soon with readers. In the meantime, we hope you’ll give our second series a try. The Haunted Bookshop world is a lot of fun and we hope you enjoy it!
I am SO ready for your new releases!! Can’t wait! Always a great read & i tell all my friends to read them. Thanks for working so hard on them.
Oh, thank you so much, Jo, for spreading the reader love. We truly appreciate it!
never was into mysteries TILL NOW thanks for writing them
Ha! You had us worried there for a second. Glad to know you’re enjoying our work, Beverley, that’s a huge compliment and we sincerely thank you for it. xoxo
I love that she likes swing music. I do too. The Big Band Era and The Swing Years are awesome.
They are indeed, Laurie, if you didn’t click on the live link in the interview, scroll back up and try it. The link leads to a fantastic music video on YouTube that I know you’ll enjoy! xoxo
One of the fun things about the Ghost series is the melding of 1940s events, style, personalities, and language with current times. Pen’s occasional shock at Jack’s choice of costume for her is delightful. Not to mention his shock at certain novelties in the present day – bottled water for sale?! Love it!
You’re so right, Deborah, thank you for the insightful comment! Marc and I are delighted to know you’re enjoying our work, and we hope you continue to revisit our Haunted Bookshop world for years to come. Thanks for dropping by, good luck in the contest, and please do keep in touch! xoxo
~ Cleo
Half way thru Haunted Portrait❤️❤️❤️❤️
SWEET! Thanks, Frances, and we’re glad to see those hearts. xoxo Hope you continue to love the read. xoxo
Just finished The Ghost and Mrs McClure to refresh my memory on how Jack and
Pen met. Can’t wait to read their new adventure.
Hi, Mary — We loved writing that first book, and we hope you enjoy our 7th. Jack and Pen have come a long way, but they still have far to go, and we look forward to telling their stories. We’re happy to see you coming along for the ride, thank you! xoxo
I am curious. Do you really have a ghost Jack? I get visited by my past dogs, so I do believe. I would love to be able to talk with people I’ve lost
Hi, Marci — Jack haunts us in a fictional sense. I’m glad to know the spirits of your beloved dogs are still with you. We feel that way about the rescue cats that we’ve lost over the years. And you’re so right about the people we’ve lost. But sometimes we can talk to them in our dreams. xoxo
This is such a likable character I can’t wait to read.
Thank you, Katie, and we hope you enjoy the book!
Even in an interview the two of you physically have me laughing out loud! But now I’m “mad” at you… fried clams and onion rings made me instantly crave them! It’s 10:19 PM— what the h—-eck am I supposed to do about that? 🙄😬
Hey, Tracy – Well, I’m a little late reading this, but you can always try sending Door Dash to Quindicott to bring you back the Seafood Shack special. (Wouldn’t you love to see Google trying locate our fictional town.) Cheers for the chuckle! xoxo
~ Cleo
Love this series! Great Q&A post from Pen too!
Thank you, Julie!
Great Q & A, I am a big fan of Jack’s.
Nice to know, thank you!
What a great interview. Its a way to get to know the small minute details about the characters that are not often talked about in the book.
So true, Dianne — Dru keeps authors on their toes, making us think about and answer questions as our characters is as fine a writing exercise as any. Cheers for the nice comment. xoxo
Thank you for the greet interview to read. I love that your cat’s name is Bookmark. Of course I love books so I want to get busy on all the books this summer. I can’t wait to read them. Oh yes, I also like that your partner is a ghost. moonwisp@
Hi, Lisa — Penelope would be so pleased with you comment. And Jack would, too. He’s a spirited guy, you know. xoxo
Thank you for the chance! I have enjoyed your books and recipes. Your coffeehouse mystery series introduced me to cozy mysteries and I have been hooked for years!
Hi, Vonnie — What a great comment! Marc and I can’t thank you enough for being such a loyal reader of our work. Cheers to you. We hope you’ll keep reading us for years to come, and keep in touch! Good luck in the contest, too. xoxo
~ Cleo
Love to learn more about the characters. Love both your series.
Thank you, Lynn!
Love the books! The Robert B Parker Spencer books are one of my favorite series of books! It’s a great namesake even if that isn’t who Spencer is named after.
Hi, Stephanie – Agreed. And that’s why Penelope keeps her lips zipped. Her son “Spencer” is only too happy to believe he’s named after Parker’s legendary “Spenser” detective.
Those Jack dreams sound really interesting!
And they ARE very interesting and we love writing about them, Pat!
As a child of the 40s, I was allowed to hike on my own to the local library where I got to color a country on a map for every book I read. I figure I’ve managed to visit as many for real in the last 6 or so decades. Both have given me much pleasure.
Hi, Judy — We are honored to know our work has given you pleasure. That alone gives us joy. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment and for sharing that beautiful memory. Libraries are a special place, and we’re pleased to know one of them had an important role to play in helping you enjoy a lifelong love of reading. We hope you’ll keep on reading for years to come, and please do keep in touch! xoxo
~ Cleo
What a nice giveaway.
Thank you, Susan!
I have to confess I get so excited about you getting a new book out… I get anxious waiting for the next one to come….. so I’m super excited and looking forward to reading this one
Thank you, Amber, we hope you enjoy it!
I enjoy both series. I love the character development…
Thank you, Gail, that means a lot to us, because we truly enjoy writing our characters, and we’ve come to think of them friends.
What fun! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a sounding board like Jack? And some great help in sleuthing, too! Love the day-to-day happenings in Pen’s life! Thanks!
Thanks for the fun comment, Allison, we agree, Jack would be handy to have around. That’s for sure. And after seven books, he’s definitely grown on Penelope! xoxo
Jack Rocks!!!! ❤️
Thank you, Erin, he’ll be pleased to know that (after we explain the modern slang, of course). xoxo
I would love to win your give away book and bag. I love your books and want to read more.
Hi, Carol – We hope you’ll read more, too! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest. xoox
I hadn’t discovered your books before this but I can’t wait to read some, they sound so good.
Thank you, Bonnie, we hope you give us a try. Our books are a lot of fun. Our Coffeehouse Mysteries and our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries are easy to learn about, to. Visit us at http://www.HauntedBookshopMystery.com and http://www.CoffeehouseMytery.com
Hi, Bonnie — We hope you do give our books a try. You can learn more at our website: http://www.HauntedBookshopMysteyr.com See you there!
I tripped across one of your books at a used book store and have slowly acquired them all.
!! I like to collect paperbacks which means having to wait …. I was surprised to get your newsletter mentioning the new Haunted bookshop edition as I was beginning to give up hope for Jack and Pen. Thank you
Hi, Rita — Yes, indeed, after starting the series in 2004, we are happy to be continuing the Jack and Pen adventures. And we hope you enjoy them all!
I love the giveaway items and what a great series, sounds like it will be fun to read.
Thank you, Stephanie!
Love all your & am eagerly awaiting each new one
Thank you, Rosemary!
Love both of your series!!
Thank you, Angelia!
Anxiously awaiting the latest in the series. Never thought
I would look forward to reading about a ghost. Keep them
coming. thanks. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Cheers, Mary, so happy to know our ghost is haunting you, too. We hope you enjoy our latest Haunted Bookshop “ghost” story and we will absolutely keep them coming. If you keep reading, we’ll keep writing (no doubt, Jack will make sure of it). xoxo
~ Cleo
Loved all the Coffeehouse mysteries. Now I have a whole new series to read. Interview was great, I like learning about my favorite authors.
I’ve been curious about this series since reading the coffee house series. Thanks for the opportunity to find out a little more about it! It’s definitely on my TBR list now. It seems like such fun!
Hi, Tiffany – We’re glad you had a chance to learn a little more, and we hope you’ll visit our Haunted Bookshop world one day soon. It is a lot fun with a charming little town, lots of humor, quirky characters, and storyline that unfold mysteries in the Jack’s past and Pen’s present. Thanks for dropping in and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Hi, Melissa – You’re so sweet, thank you! We’re so glad you dropped by and we hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. Jack and Pen are a fun couple! xoxo
I’ve been a fan of this series since the beginning. I really enjoyed the interview with Pen.
Cheers to you, Jeanne, for sticking with us since the beginning. We can’t thank you enough for your patience and return to the series after so many years. We hope you enjoy HAUNTED PORTRAIT and we wish you luck in the contest. xoxo
~ Cleo
Thanks for coming back Jack! I’ve finished Kiss Me Deadly and am ready to read your new adventure!
I love all your books!! I take your books on the train to work to read and some I am able to listen to in the car on cd from my library. I would love to win the series and tote♡♡ Marc and you are awesome couple and so are your recipes. Thank you.
Hi, Mary – Thank you so much for the sweet comment! Marc and I are tickled to know our characters go to work with you on the train. We hope they are good company. Keep reading, keep in touch, and good luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Hi, Jessie – From Spillane to Shepard. Jack would be pleased. Hope you enjoy Haunted Portrait and thanks for stopping by to comment. Good luck on the contest, Jessie! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love this series. I’m so glad it’s back. I love Jack. If this series ever ends there will have to be a long lost grandson from a son Jack didn’t know he had, come into Penelope’s life.
Hi, Cynthia — What a sweet comment! Marc and I know how important reader love and loyalty is to keeping a series going, and you’re (clearly) very much a part of that. We can’t thank you enough for that. ~ LOL on the grandson. We’ve had other readers suggest this, and it’s occurred to us, too. But…Pen is pretty attached to the original (and so are we), so we’ll be doing our best to keep him haunting Pen (and you) for years to come. Cheers for stopping by. Keep reading, keep in touch, and good luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Looking forward to reading this!
Thanks, Jessica, we hope you enjoy it!
I’ve read almost all of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, relying on my local public library for copies. I love the series and have been a “taste tester” for some of the recipes. Our library doesn’t have the Haunted Bookshop series, so I rely on Paperback Swap for them. I have a few on order and am really looking forward to reading them (you know, when I finish all the other mysteries I have stacked in my closet).
We love librarians, Austin. They are the coolest people on the planet. Blow a kiss to them for us, and ask about the library network. Many libraries around the country have our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries in their card catalogs. Cheers!
The best of all summer reads! So glad to have Jack back! 🙂 Looking forward to re-reading the series and catching up, and it will be into the nights! That’s okay–midnight with a ghostly date is a great thing!
“Midnight with a ghostly date” — That’s wonderful, Karen! (Jack would love that.) And, you’re right, ghost stories make great summer reads. In Jack’s case, he brings his own air conditioning. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
Maybe Penelope will be my lucky penny and help me win this contest!
You never know, Karen, good luck!
Love the both the Coffehouse mysteries and the Ghost / Haunted series with Pen and Jack. I have missed going to the library to keep up.
Hi, Patricia – We hope you’ll find a way to catch up and enjoy our latest books. We’re having a good time writing them, and we love hearing from readers. Keep reading and keep in touch!
I love mysteries and the addition of a team of ghosts makes the story more interesting!
Jeanna – Jack is back! And we couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the comment.
I agree with Penelope’s idea of a good time “A pot of tea and a stack of books”! Also, Penelope is my mother’s name
Hi, Jennifer – Penelope is a beautiful name, isn’t it? A classical name, and we’re glad to borrow it from you mom. xoxo
Thank you for this chance! Love the books.
Thanks for dropping by to comment, Vicky, good luck!
This is by far my favorite series, I sometimes read Jack’s noir slang over and over just to savor the coolness of the words!
Cindy – You made me laugh out loud with your comment! Jack is a cool character and he’s fun to write. Marc and I are so happy to hear you’re having as much fun on the other side of the process. Cheers for taking the time to stop by and leave such a happy comment. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch! xoxo
~ Cleo
Oh boy! Can’t wait!
Thanks, Barbara, neither can we — we’re already brainstorming the story for the 8th entry in our Haunted Bookshop mystery series. Stay tuned for more ghostly fun next year, too. xoxo
I can’t believe I haven’t found this series before now. It has everything I enjoy in a series.
Your books are amazing! I’ve read many of the Coffee shop books. Haven’t started this series yet. I can’t wait to check it out. 😁😁😁
Hi, Sharon — That’s nice to know. Marc and I hope you’ll give our Jack and Pen “Haunted Bookshop Mystery” series a try. The charming town of Quindicott is full of quirky characters, the stories include plenty of humor, and the twisty mysteries (in the present as well as in Jack’s past) make the books fun, as well. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
I’m a true follower of the coffee house mystery I have yet to read the bookstore mysteries. I must start with the first book.
Hi, Jodi – The first book is titled THE GHOST AND MRS. MCCLURE and Marc and I hope you enjoy it enough to continue with the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth…and our latest, out this month: THE GHOST AND THE HAUTNED PORTRAIT. Cheers for the kind support of our Coffeehouse Mysteries, as well. Our new book in that series, HONEY ROASTED, will be out soon. We hope you enjoy it, as well. Thanks for stopping by. Keep reading, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
I love the Coffee House series – I’ve introduced my tea drinking sister to the series. I look forward to immersing myself into the Haunted Bookstore series!
Hi, Rita – Caffeinated cheers for the Coffeehouse love. We hope you enjoy our Haunted Bookshop world, as well. It’s full of quirky characters, good mysteries, and lots of humor. We love writing it, and we’re grateful to longtime fans for encouraging us to bring it back. (When you meet our ghost Jack, you may agree. We’ll see!) Thanks again for the support and encouragement and say hello to your sister for us! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love the Coffee House series and have introduced by tea loving sister to it. I look forward to immersing myself into the Haunted Bookshop series.
I am a huge fan of your coffeehouse series and I don’t know how I missed this series. Books and a cat…can it get any better than that? Going to start looking for these later today. What’s the first one in the series?
Thanks for your patience with my reply. The first book in the series is titled THE GHOST AND MRS. MCCLURE. You can learn much more about all the books in the series by visiting our website for the Haunted Bookshop world. http://www.HauntedBookshopMystery.com — We hope you’ll give them a try and stick around. We’re already working on the 8th book, which we hope to have ready for publication next year. Cheers for stopping by and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Sounds interesting
Thanks, Gwendolyn
Love your books!! So excited to read this one!!
Thank you, Wendy, Marc and I (and Jack and Pen) hope you enjoy our latest Haunted Bookshop mystery! xoxo
The characters you create are fabulous. They are the perfect people to sit down an have a cup of coffee with.
Hi, Peggy – That is a beautiful compliment. Marc and I know we are writing the kinds of books that people return to because of the characters, so your comments means the world to us. Thank you! xoxo
~ Cleo
You are new tome and I hope to read more
Hi, Debra – Glad to meet you. My husband and I hope you’ll enjoy meeting our characters one day. We write The Coffeehouse Mysteries and Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Both series are fun adventures with lots of humor and heart, and we hope you’ll give them a try. Take care and good luck in the contest. xoxo
I look forward to every new adventure …. I was hooked from the very first!
Oh, thank you, Carol, that’s wonderful to know. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch. Take care and good luck in the contest. xoxo
~ Cleo
I love the Coffee house books, the characters are like real people to me. I am not getting the same vibe from the book store series. Seems cold and dated. Sorry
Hi, Rosemary – Not every book is for every reader. We have a new Coffeehouse Mystery coming soon, HONEY ROASTED. Watch for it and we’ll have more news soon on the series you do like.
I have loved this series the moment I picked it up. It combined the elements of an old Hollywood film noir movie with the modern mystery series that grabbed my attention right away.
BRAVA, RHONDA! That’s exactly what we’re doing. Thank you so much for being such a perceptive and supportive reader. It’s kind readers like you who keep writers going, and we can’t thank you enough for that. Take care, keep in touch, and good luck on the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Love Cleo Coyle’s books!! I’ve not read this series (yet….). Thanks for the chance to win!!
Hi, Rita – Thank you so much for reading (and loving) our Coffeehouse series. We appreciate it. We hope you’ll give Jack and Pen a try. Their Haunted Bookshop world is endlessly entertaining. The little town of Quindicott and its quirky inhabitants have endeared themselves to many readers. And we hope you’ll be among them in the future. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
~ Cleo
I love this series! I started reading it years ago when it first started. I was so happy when it returned and I can’t wait to read this new book.
Hi, Denise – We owe you a special thank you because you’re among the readers who started so long ago with our Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, and waited with extreme patience for us to bring Jack and Pen back. We thank you for welcoming them (and us) back so warmly. Cheers and we hope you enjoy our latest Haunted adventure! xoxo
~ Cleo
I’d read Cleo if she wrote cereal boxes and I’m excited to see this new book…and can’t wait for “Honey Roasted’ either
Hi, Andrea – You’re a sweetheart! LOL on the cereal boxes, hey, you never know. 🙂 Cheers for your very kind support. Readers like you keep Marc and I inspired, and that makes all the difference. Thanks for dropping by, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Love your coffee house series
Thanks, Gail, we have a new title coming soon, HONEY ROASTED. Watch for it, we’ll have more news soon. xoxo
I love your books especially on audio
Thank you, Ellen! xoxo
Can’t wait to read the new haunted bookshop. I’m looking forward to the new coffee house mystery.
Thanks, Louise! We’re excited to have new books in both series, and we’re already brainstorming next year’s titles. We hope you enjoy them all. xoxo
Wow – a ton of comments! Bad odds forme, I suspect. As a reviewer (you know me, Cleo) this sounds like it’s totally up my cozy-noir alley. I hope I’m lucky enough to win, and thanks for the opportunity to try my luck.
Hi, P.J. – Thanks for taking the time to drop by and enter. Good luck!
I love Cleo’s books so much and can’t wait for Honey Roaster. Thank you so much for the giveaway chance.
Thank you, Nancy, we’re glad you’re looking forward to our new Coffeehouse Mystery. We can’t believe we’ve reached number nineteen in that series. And we’re glad we’ve brought back our Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, as well. With kind readers like you supporting us, we may just get to nineteen books in our second series, as well. Only 12 more books to go, LOL!
Oh boy love a new book. Give me mysteries anytime to help my time go faster. Liz
Thank you, Liz, we couldn’t agree more! (And our Penny would be glad to sell you her favorites!)
I love all of your books can’t wait to read the new ones
Thank you, Teresa!
Love this series! Already purchased the new book. Saving it for recovery from surgery next month. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi, Renee — Thank you so much for purchasing our new Haunted Bookshop Mystery! Marc and I are so sorry to hear about your coming surgery. We’re glad to know Jack and Pen will be keeping you company post-op. We hope they lift your spirits, bring you lots of healing laughter, and help your health and strength return in record time.
Sending love and light your way.
xoxo
~ Cleo
So glad Pen and Jack are back! I’ve had this book on pre-order for sooo long! I’ve missed them
Oh, Linda, THANK YOU for pre-ordering! And thanks a million for giving Jack and Pen such a warm welcome back to sleuthing again. xoxo
~ Cleo
I LOVE this interview! Penelope sounds like a hoot! I have not read this series yet, but am a fan of the Coffeehouse Mysteries. Such a great writing team, who would have thought it was 2 people!?!? I’ve known for years, but it was such a surprise when I found out, the writing flows seamlessly. Oh, I like the idea of time travel dreams, how cool would that be! Looking forward to this series. Thank you for the book list!
Hi, Marci – Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by and comment. Marc and I appreciate your longtime support and encouragement on our Coffeehouse Mystery series, and we hope you give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. Jack and Pen have endeared themselves to many readers, along with the charming little town of Quindicott and its quirky residents. We hope you’ll enjoy being “haunted” by Jack, too. Take care, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Fantastic book as always!
aw, thank you, Cynthia!
I’m next on the hold list at the library for The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait and can’t wait!
Hi, Kat – So glad to know your local library has been haunted by Jack, too! Marc and I sincerely hope you enjoy our latest Haunted Bookshop adventure. And say hello to your librarians for us (we just love librarians, coolest people on the planet).
Sounds like a perfect vacation to me. In fact, when life gets overwhelming, I enjoy a book and bed respite as often as possible. Thank you!
So true, Kathy. Reading with a little mood music in the background and a nice cup of coffee or cocoa. Perfect staycation!
I have enjoyed both the ghost and the coffee house mysteries for several years now, Don’t stop writing them!
Hi, Kathy – If you keep reading, we’ll keep writing. Thank you so much for the kind comment, much appreciated! xoxo
~ Cleo
I am a huge fan. I received my book this week and can’t wait for the workday to end so that I can settle in with my book and cold brew. Thank you for the wonderful characters and the hours of joy your books provide.
Hi, Deb – What a sweet comment, thank you! Jack has haunted us for years, and we’re so glad we were able to help him re-appear. Kind readers like you inspire us every day, Deb, and we cannot thank you enough for that. We hope you enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT, and with a Cold Brew, too. (You know Clare would approve!) xoxo
~ Cleo
I have read a number of books in your various series and enjoyed them all! These new one sound fabulous too!
Thank you, Nancy! The Haunted Bookshop world is lots of fun for us to write. Jack and Pen and the quirky town of Quindicott have endeared themselves to us and many readers. We hope you’ll give them a try. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
I really enjoy this series. It is so different. I know a book store owner but a ghost that helps find murderers . It is intriguing.
Hi, Lois – Marc and I are glad to know you’re enjoying our Haunted Bookshop world. Jack and Pen and the quirky town of Quindicott are a joy to write. THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT is the seventh title. We’re now brainstorming the 8th, and we hope you’ll continue to enjoy our “ghost” stories for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
What a creative series — a step back in time and a ‘today’ mystery at the same time. So beautifully done, and the romance is sparkling!
Hi, Helen – What a lovely comment. Thank you! xoxo
~ Cleo
I enjoy both series. I have learned so much about coffee!
Caffeinated thanks, Greer!
These books are so much fun. Pen is delightful and Jack is such an adorable scoundrel. I must admit I am always thrilled when Jack sends me an email or posts on FB!
Hi, Sally — Oh, I just love your description of Jack as an “adorable scoundrel”! (And you know he thinks you’re an absolute doll.) Marc and I are so appreciative of kind readers like you who have supported Jack’s return, along with Penny and the entire quirky cast of our Haunted Bookshop world. We cannot thank you enough for that. xoxo
~ Cleo
Sounds like an interesting series, love the Coffeehouse series and would be happy to win Pen & Jack’s series.
Hi, Nancy – Thank you so much for your support of our Coffeehouse work. We have a new Clare and Company adventure coming soon. It’s titled HONEY ROASTED. We hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop world a try if you have a chance. Jack and Pen are lots of fun, and their little town of Quindicott is hysterically quirky, LOL.
I am a big fan of cozy mysteries and I am thrilled that I found Cleo Coyle to add to my list of favorite authors to watch for new releases. Looking forward to more releases for years to come.
I love cozy mysteries. I was so glad to find Cleo Coyle books years ago to add to my list of favorite cozy authors. Looking forward to many more years of books from her.
Hi, Marie – Just dropping in to thank you for the sweet comment! Marc and I find joy in sharing our stories with kind readers like you, and we hope you’ll continue to enjoy them for many more years to come. Take care, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love the haunted bookshop mysteries and the coffeehouse mysteries too
Thank you, Barb! We love you for saying so, LOL.
I’m a big fan of all your books but I am in LOVE with Jack, thank you for bringing him back into my life, he has been missed! Please keep those books 📚 coming!
Hi, Marie Louise – We will absolutely keep the Haunted Bookshop mysteries coming. And we thank you sincerely for hanging in there all these years. Readers like you are the reason we were able to make our ghost re-appear. Actually, Jack never stopped haunting us, and we hope he never stops haunting you, either. 🙂 Take care, keep in touch, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
Great interview! I love hearing things from a character’s point of view. Love the series and hoping to get caught up soon so I can read the newest one!
Hi, Tari — Marc and I are glad to know you enjoyed the interview! Dru asks great questions, doesn’t she? We always love our visits to Dru’s Book Musings, and we’re glad you stopped by!
I can’t decide which series I enjoy better. Both Claire and Mike are my coffee favorites. But Jack and Penny’s are my favorite book store couple.
Hi, Sandy – As a “couple” ourselves, Marc and I are glad to know you enjoy both of our fictional couples. We love them equally and are happy this month that Jack and Penny are back together again. We’re looking forward to writing many more Haunted Bookshop and Coffeehouse mysteries, and we hope you continue to enjoy the adventures of both couples. Thank you so much for your kind comment. xoxo
~ Cleo
It sounds like a good murder mystery. Thanks for the chance. I love the cover. jlb12563@sbcglobal.net
Thank you, Lynn, the cover is indeed beautiful, thanks to the talented cover artist. We actually dedicate this book to all cover artists. They’re the ones who inspire so many readers to “look inside.”
Can’t to add this series to my must-reads. I have loved the Coffeeshop ones!
Thank you, Carol, we hope you do add the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries to your reading list. They’re lots of fun, and we’re lined up to continue writing them into the future. Cheers!
I love the Coffeehouse Mystery books and try to come up with fun “coffee” titles (in case there is a contest sometime for that!) Can’t wait to read the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. d268all
LOL, Dawn, your comment makes me think we should have a title contest sometime soon! You never know. Until then, I thank you for taking the time to join us here. Good luck in the contest. And if you give our Haunted Bookshop series a try, Marc and I hope you will become a regular reader of our second series, too. We just love that quirky world and all the characters in it. Cheers! xoxo
~ Cleo
Like both the Coffeehouse series and the old/new haunted bookshop series. Jack & Penny are great fun, because he’s from an earlier period of time and has a hard time relating to today’s world. Plots are always well drawn, which makes a mystery so much more interesting!
Hi, Susan – Thank you so much for your kind words about our Coffeehouse and Haunted Bookshop worlds. Much appreciated! You’re so right about Jack’s view of things in this day and age. We have a lot of fun imagining what our world looks like to a hardboiled PI from the 1940s. He still can’t get over why our generation stares at little screens all day and pays good money for water in a bottle. 🙂
~ Cleo
I first discovered your books at our town’s local library and I absolutely love them. My first book of yours that I read was Shot In the Dark loved it
Thank you, Tammy, so glad to know how you discovered us. We (heart) libraries and librarians, the coolest people on earth, the keeper of the literary flame. We hope you (and your library) will continue to discover and enjoy or works for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
Wow! A gumshoe detective. I love it and Penny. I told my husband I found him a new wife when I expire. Penny loves Big Band and all his favorite authors. Thank you for sharing.
LOL on the “new wife” for your husband. On the other hand, you **could** haunted him, like Jack haunts Penny! Cheers for the fun comment, Janet, and the Big Band love. Jack and Pen and Marc and I send our best to you and your partner! xoxo
~ Cleo
I have just finished reading The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait. It is the 2nd book in this series for me. The twists and turns along with the parallel stories keeps me turning the pages. I really like the way Jack and Pen work together. – I have read all of your Coffee House mysteries.
Hi, Christy – I’m delighted to know you’ve discovered our Haunted Bookshop world. And that you enjoyed our new release! The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait was great fun to write, and Marc and I appreciate your kind words about the book. We also appreciate your reader love for our Coffeehouse world. We’ll have a new one coming soon. It’s titled HONEY ROASTED, and we hope you enjoy that, too. Thank you so much for dropping by to comment, and good luck in the contest! xoxo
~ Cleo
I can’t wait to read The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait. I absolutely love the cover! Thank you for the awesome contest.
You’re very welcome, Margie, thanks for stopping by!
Great interview! I love this series!
Thank you, Alicia! You have been such a wonderfully loyal, longtime fan. We can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy our books for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
I love all of your books and cannot wait to read everything and anything new!!!!!
Oh, thank you, Lisa, that’s wonderful to know! xoxo
~ Cleo
I love these type of mysteries, they keep the suspense going. I’ll have to look into these in the future.
mrs.campbell. I love these kind of mystery series! I have really enjoyed the coffee house ones. I’ll need to add these to my list for summer reading. When we go on long drives for summer vac I love to read.
Thank you, Naomi! If you enjoy our Coffeehouse Mystery series, our Haunted Bookshop stories might just intrigue you, as well. Our ghost Jack has been haunting us for years, and readers have fallen in love with him. The bookseller he haunts (Penelope) an the entire quirky cast that inhabits the little town of Quindicott are quite amusing. If you give our Haunted world a try, we hope you agree. xoxo
~ Cleo
I love your books and I’m always looking for a new one to come out.
Susan – All writers treasure words like that from readers, and Marc and I absolutely treasure loyal readers like you. Thank you. xoxo
~ Cleo
I have read all your books. The characters are well written & there are no annoying ones – the kind that will cause to stop reading a series.
Good to know, Marlane. Actually, great to know. We’ve lived with our regular cast of characters (in our heads) for many years, so we agree. Better they should be the kind of folks we’d like to share a cup of coffee with, you know?
This was a fun interview! Love the line about the man in her life being literally out of this world.
Thanks, Trish. Penelope, being a bookseller, does have a way with words. 😉
Huge fan and I am 3/4 of the way through the new book—love it so far!
Wonderful, Cheryl, so glad to know it! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, and good luck in the drawing. xoxo
~ Cleo
Thanks Dru & Cleo,,I love the Coffeehouse mysteries, but I’ve not read this series as of yet, though I am looking forward to reading it!
Hi, Sheryl – Thank you so much for stopping by to comment. Our PI ghost Jack has been haunting us for years, along with our bookseller Penelope. And the Jack and Pen world is full of quirky characters, plenty of humor, and twisty mysteries. If you give them a try, we hope you enjoy them!
Cozy Mysteries is one of my favorite genres. In the Coffee House Mysteries, I love how the strong female lead works her magic to solve crimes and follow the clues.
Thank you, Sunnymay. Clare and Company have been a joy to write. And we’ve enjoyed bringing our ghost Jack back to haunt bookseller Penelope. She’s a strong single-mom, too, and doing her best to survive the troubles that come her way. With Jack’s help, of course. ~ Cleo
I love the Coffeehouse mysteries so I welcome giving these a try. They sound like a great read.
Thank you, Angela, that’s lovely to know. Our ghost Jack has haunted us for years, and Marc and I are happy to be giving him (and all the characters in our Haunted Bookshop world) a voice again. If you give them a try, we hope you enjoy the Jack and Pen adventures!
~ Cleo
I love Cleo’s books and have not read this series yet! Thank you for the chance!
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Heather! If you like our Coffeehouse series, we hope you’ll give our Haunted Bookshop world a try. It’s different, but lots of fun, as well, with quirky characters that many people have fallen in love with. We hope you will too. Good luck on the drawing! xoxo
~ Cleo
I have read all of the Coffeehouse mysteries AND the Ghost & mysteries and are so happy to have Jack back (he is worth the wait). Cannot wait to read it. I will now proceed to re-read all of them since I love them so much and to refresh my memory. Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment.
Found this series after starting the Coffeehouse Mysteries, and I love both!
Have been waiting some time for this book (received it the day Amazon was allowed to ship it) and am happily reading it.
Thanks and please continue ………..
Pamela – Thank you so much for pre-ordering our new Haunted Bookshop mystery. We’ll do our best to get the next one into your hands a bit sooner. Cheers for taking the time to stop by and comment and good luck on the drawing! xoxo
~ Cleo
OK THIS IS MY SECOND TRY AS IT SEEMS MY FIRST ONE DID NOT GO THROUGH. I HAVE READ ALL OF THE COFFEEHOUSE MYSTERIES AND THE GHOST SERIES. GLAD TO HAVE JACK BACK. HE WAS WORTH THE WAIT. LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW ONE. I WILL NOW BE RE-READING THEM TO REFRESH MY MEMORY.
So glad your comment appeared for us to see, Maryrose! Cheers to you for the longtime reader love. We send our love right back to you, and we hope you’ll continue to enjoy our Coffeehouse and Haunted Bookshop worlds for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
I absolutely love this series with Jack and Pen. Thank you for bringing them back after sooooo long.
I love this series! Looking forward to the new one!
Brenda – You are very welcome. And we thank YOU and so many readers like you who are the very reason we brought it back. You never forget Jack and Pen, and neither did we. We’re so glad our Haunted Bookshop is open again. And judging from the warm welcome, we hope to keep it open for years to come. xoxo
~ Cleo
Hi, Brenda — Thank you kindly for your reader’s patience. And thanks for welcoming Jack and Pen back. xoxo
Love the series! Can’t wait to read the new one!
Thank you, Cassidy! Marc and I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers, Cassidy, we hope you enjoy it, and thanks for stopping by!
Dear Dru and Cleo,
I just received my copy of The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait from Amazon. I can’t wait to read it and am sure it will be just as interesting as the previous 6 books. My sister introduced me to both of Cleo’s series and have read everyone in order.
That’s wonderful to know, Catherine. Thank you so much for dropping by to comment. Marc and I hope you enjoy our newest Jack and Pen adventure, and we can’t thank you enough for your reader loyalty. xoxo
~ Cleo
Brewed Awakening was the first Cleo Coyle book I’ve read – loved it! I think you have garnered another fan…
Thank you, Anita! Glad to know this. Our publisher is about to release Brewed Awakening in a new edition (mass market paperback), and we’ll have a new Coffeehouse Mystery (titled Honey Roasted) coming soon. We hope you’ll enjoy returning to Clare’s coffeehouse and give our Haunted Bookshop world a try, as well.
~ Cleo
Stopping by once again to sincerely thank Dru for her incredibly kind hospitality. And big thanks to all of you for your lovely comments! Marc and I are reading every single one and enjoying them so much. Good luck on the coming drawing, and we hope you all get a chance to read and enjoy THE GHOST AND THE HAUNTED PORTRAIT!
~ Cleo
I haven’t read any of the haunted bookshop mysteries but if they are as good as your coffeehouse ones I’m sure I’ll enjoy them. They are on my to read list!
Hi, Robin – So nice to know that, thank you, and thanks so much for dropping by to comment. Marc and I appreciate it! xoox
~ Cleo
I loved the coffeehouse series so much I thought nothing could compare. I did not want to start reading these because I thought for sure I would be disappointed. Ooops, boy was I was wrong. I can’t read these fast enough! How could I doubt my favorite authors?!
Branmel4
Hi, Melissa – What a wonderful comment, thank you! We are honored to be among your favorite authors, and we hope never to let you down. We’re also happy that you not only decided to give our Haunted Bookshop series a try, but found it engaging enough to binge through. Now we can entertain you in Greenwich Village, New York, as well as Quindicott, Rhode Island. New books are coming soon in both series. So keep in touch, and thanks again for taking the time to stop by and leave such a lovely comment.
~ Cleo
I have read all of your books so far and really enjoyed them. I like the way your characters interact with each other and the dialogue is believable. Everything I like in a series.
Thank you, Joye, Marc and I sincerely appreciate your kind words.
I love Pen and Jack! I also have a marmalade striped cat–Noodles. He actually found us–just showed up on our doorstep 2 years ago during an extreme subzero day with a foot of snow on the ground. We were never able to locate any owners and my husband said we couldn’t take him to cat jail (animal rescue to most people), so he is ours. Noodles is because when he first arrived I had no catfood so he chowed down on leftover beef and noodles. He now only eats cat food, so won’t be trying any of your recipes, although my husband and I will!
HI, Tina – What an adorable cat-adoption story. And, really, it’s people-adoption, isn’t it? They adopt you. We have cared for many New York strays and some of them have found us just that way, showing up at our door and never leaving. Marc and I are also happy to know how much you love Pen and Jack (and Spencer’s mouse-hunting furball Bookmark). Thank you for stopping by and please give Noodles a big kiss from us. xoxo
~ Cleo
**** WINNER ****
Cleo Coyle’s Giveaway Prize Package is Sandra Olson
Congratulations!