Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman by Traci Wilton

 Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman

Book Summary

Set in Salem, Massachusetts, this fun, cozy series sees a widowed B&B owner teaming up with a charming ghost to solve murders—an engaging read for fans who like a paranormal tinge to their mysteries.

 

Saturday night at the movies has some added flair now that Darren and Elise Shultz are reopening one of Salem’s classic theaters. Charlene is delighted to help the couple with their venture, and Darren has lined up a cult classic double-header featuring Lon Chaney in The Wolfman. But things get hairier than expected when Elise starts to choke on her popcorn mid-movie—and once the lights go up, she’s dead . . .

When tests reveal Elise's popcorn was poisoned, Detective Sam Holden eyes her husband as the guilty party. Charlene doesn’t believe Darren would hurt his wife—even if his company’s specialty seasoned salts were sprinkled on the fatal snack. But who else had a motive to do something so unsavory? With a little help from Jack, the handsome ghost who haunts her B&B, Charlene delves into the ill-fated couple’s past. And the more she learns, the more Charlene wonders if this time, she’s bitten off more than she can chew . . .

My Thoughts

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman by Traci Wilton takes us to Salem, Massachusetts where Charlene and Avery are getting ready to view Lon Chaney in The Wolfman.  Darren and Elise have renovated (resurrected) an old movie theater.  The Spellbound Movie Theater will feature Darren’s creative seasoned salts which will be served with fresh popped popcorn and locally made soft pretzels.  Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman is the seventh A Salem B&B Mystery and it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  The main characters (Charlene, Avery, Jack) are developed and realistic.  I love Avery’s enthusiasm.  Avery is going to make an excellent police officer (I have a feeling that it will not take her long to become a detective).  

I normally have an easy time reading the books in this series, but I found myself struggling this time around.  There were some aspects of the book that I found disturbing (not in a fun way).   I enjoyed the descriptions of Charlene’s B&B as well as the movie theater.  The mystery was unique for a cozy mystery as well as a little odd.  I liked the way the victim was killed.  There are a large handful of suspects.  The details of the crime such as the suspects and how the victim died are rehashed multiple times (I got it the first time).  The crime can be solved long before the reveal if you pay close attention to the details (an episode of CSI that I watched many years ago gave me a leg up).  I did find the reveal to be a tad longwinded and dramatic.  There was one aspect that I wish had not been included.  I did tire of Sam warning Charlene and Avery to stay away from the theater and suspects (wild horses could not keep them away from trouble).

I enjoyed Jack’s input.  His background was helpful.  The epilogue helped wrap things up.  I am probably in the minority, but I am not a fan of Sam for Charlene.  I feel she needs a modern version of Jack.  Someone who appreciates her intelligence and enthusiasm for mysteries (not someone who tells her to keep away from the whodunits). I like how the author tied the mystery to Lon Chaney’s The Wolfman.  Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman is a hair-raising tale with a magnificent movie theater, appetizing popcorn, a poisoned partner, ghost stories, tasty seasoned salts, startling suspects, and a howling whodunit.  

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman is available from Amazon*.  The next A Salem B&B Mystery is Mrs. Morris and the Mermaid which will be out on February 20, 2024. You can find the other six A Salem B&B Mysteries here.  You can follow Traci Wilton on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On August 29, I will return to share my thoughts on My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine.  I am off to put my feet up.  I am still suffering from swollen feet (and ankles) and a rash on the same areas (thanks to the heat).  I hope that fall arrives soon.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.