Molly MacRae

Come Shell or High Water is the first in a new series by Molly MacRae. This crazy mystery takes place on Okracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina (and a place that I have always wanted to visit!). The main character, Maureen, comes to the island shortly after the death of her husband for vacation and to study the island shells. She discovers a dead body, a ghost, very quirky residents, and a possible family connection to the area.
This was a fun story with a lot of humor. The pirate ghost is my favorite character; I thought it was a little improbable that he is attached to a shell, but then, he is a ghost so why not?
I’m not completely convinced that the identity of the murderer made a lot of sense but there were plenty of clues and red herrings to follow.
The setting, and the customs that have developed as part of the island's culture were interesting. Both were enhanced by the crazy brother and sister pair that team up with Maureen to help her find the murderer. Since the main character is in her fifties, she has two grown sons. It seems like they will be a part of the series and provide a nice, down-to-earth point of view while still being supportive to their mother.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for providing the digital early reader copy.
3.5 stars… (más)

Kath and her friends are excited about visiting a sheep farm to learn about the fine art of dyeing. They learn more about the not-so-fine art of dying when the sheep are found clustered around two dead bodies. And one of those deceased persons is someone they know. Yes, now Kath feels compelled to find out what really happened. It’s a quick read, and has some entertaining aspects. I like the whiny ghost. Even though she is annoying at times, it’s hard not to be empathetic to her plight. Imagine wanting to read but not being able to physically turn pages or change cd’s in a player! Still, this series lacks something I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s character development, or maybe the mystery just isn’t that compelling. But I like it well enough to read the next in the series to see if the ghost becomes any happier with her lot in life . . . make that death!… (más)

Kath’s grandmother has passed away, and Kath inherits her home and fabric shop. Only another person has claimed the grandmother sold her house to him. And to complicate matters, the grandmother is the prime suspect in a murder. Throw in a gloomy ghost who misses the murder victim and who has decided to hang around Kath, and you have an interesting if a bit convoluted mystery. Both the ghost and Kath want to solve the murder, but it won’t be easy - or safe - especially for Kath who doesn’t want to end up being a ghost, too. It’s a quick read and an entertaining tale.… (más)