Night of the Living Deed, is the first in a new cozy mystery series by E. J. Copperman. Alison Kirby wanted a new start. After breaking with her daughter’s father, “…hereafter known as The Swine,” Alison pins all of her hopes (and savings) on renovating an old Victorian beach house on the Jersey Shore. Things are proceeding moderately well but why do unexplainable mishaps always seem to occur just after she leaves a room? When a large tub of joint compound comes down on her head, Alison awakens with the unwanted ability to see ghosts and the knowledge that they won’t leave her alone until their murder is solved. Between shady local developers, sarcastic spirits and a police detective that would be happy to throw her in jail, Alison has her work cut out for her.
This amusing cozy read will appeal to fans of Stephanie Bond, Sarah Graves and Annette Blair's Vintage Magic mysteries. Quirky characters, a plot with plenty of red herrings and a smart-mouthed heroine who doesn’t know quite as much as she thinks she does combine to make this an enjoyable beginning to a new series. I look forward to reading what Alison and her ghostly pals are up to next.