The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor

The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy Reade is a story of mystery.  I thought that this story would have ghosts, but it did not really (I have to admit I was a little disappointed).  Carleigh restores old homes.  Her friend, Evie (a friend from college) has asked her to come to Charleston and restores their family home, Peppernell Manor.  Peppernell Manor is from the 1800’s and even has the old outbuildings.  Carleigh agrees to the job.  So Carleigh and her daughter, Lucy head from Chicago to Charleston, North Carolina.

Peppernell Manor is the home to Cora-Camille, the matriarch of the clan.  Her son and author, Graydon; daughter-in-law, Vivian; daughter, Ruby; grandson, Heath lives in the carriage house; her granddaughter, Evie.  Phyllis is the housekeeper and lives in an apartment over the old outdoor kitchen.  Now Phyllis says she talks to the ghost of her great times five grandmother (she was slave in the house and her life was not pleasant but we never have any proof of an actual ghost).  Her other grandson, Harlan (and Heath’s twin) lives in town. 

Carleigh is eager to start the job.  She is glad to be away from Chicago and her ex-husband, Brad.  Brad said she was not spontaneous enough and left her for a younger woman.  Shortly after Carleigh arrives she receives a late night phone call.  It is threatening and tells her to leave.  Carleigh manages to get over that and starts work on the ceilings on the first floor.  One night they are out walking on a road near the estate.  They are heading in when little Lucy remembers she left Cottontail, her bunny, by some flowers.  The others head in with Lucy while Carleigh goes to look for Cottontail.  She finds the bunny as a car comes down the lane.  As the car gets close, it speeds up and tries to run her over.  Carleigh gets into the ditch as the car stops, turns around and tries again.  Carleigh makes it to the main gates as the car makes another pass.  Carleigh is now frightened, but thinks maybe it was just teenagers playing a prank (really?).

There is conflict within the family at Peppernell Manor.  Vivian and Harlan was to bring in a group of investors.  The investors would pay for the renovation and would get rewards from tours of the refinished home.  Cora-Camille does not agree.  She has more than enough money to finance the renovations.  She wants to keep the house in the family.  She talks of leaving the home to the state in her will (where the family lives in the house, but the state manages tours and such).  Before long Cora-Camille is ill (you just know what is going to happen).  Sure enough, one morning, Cora-Camille is found dead one morning.  It is first written off to a heart attack until further tests prove she was poisoned.

Carleigh sends Lucy off to Florida to stay with her Grandparents to keep her safe.  As the police investigate, the family plans the funeral.  Soon, though, Harlan is found shot to death in the garage.  Things are not going well for the people of Peppernell Manor. Someone is also sabotaging Carleigh’s work.   Who killed Cora-Camille and Harlan?  Who is threatening Carleigh?  There are some bright spots though.  Carleigh starts to get to know Heath and romance blooms.  Evie and her boyfriend, Boone are getting closer and it looks like there might be an engagement! 

I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor.  I give The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor 5 out of 5 stars.  There are a lot of turns and twists in this story.  I was hooked on this book right from the start.  The various mysteries are fairly easy to solve, but I still loved the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley (and publisher) in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my latest review.  I am currently reading The Shattered Court by M. J. Scott. Have a enjoyable evening and Happy Reading!

Kris