Cozy Mystery Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Ghost in the Guacamole (Ghost of Granny Apples #5) by Sue Ann Jaffarian

When two sisters feud over the family business, medium Emma Whitecastle doesn’t need a Ouija board to know it spells trouble. But with a little help from the spirited ghost of Granny Apples, she may be able to solve one murder and prevent another . . .

Sisters Lucinda and Ricarda Ricardo—better known as Lucy and Rikki—are at each other’s throats over the family business, Roble Foods. Lucy wants to sell and Rikki is against it. Rikki asks Emma to contact their deceased father, Felix, to help her convince Lucy not to sell.

But the ghost of Felix Ricardo has his own bombshell to drop—his death was not an accident, and Rikki’s life may be in danger if the girls don’t sell. Now it’s up to Emma and Granny Apples to chip away at the mystery and stop a killer from double dipping in death.

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The 5^th book in my Ghost of Granny Apples series, Ghost in the Guacamole, is about to be released. Wow! The fifth! And that doesn’t count the two Granny Apples e-book novellas that are already out: The Silent Ghost and Dummy of a Ghost.

When this series first started I really had no idea that it would be as popular as it is or would extend beyond a few books. (Not that I’m complaining!) Really, I didn’t. I thought after a couple of books, there wouldn’t be much to write about or that readers would grow tired of it.

Boy, was I wrong! On both counts!

Just as readers are thrilled to see another Ghost of Granny Apples mystery hit the shelves, so am I thrilled when the ideas for stories continue to present themselves to me. Maybe ghosts are whispering in my ear?

Ideas for these fun books are triggered from all kinds of sources, but mostly it’s a place that plants the seed for a story. I love to weave a little bit of history into these stories about a 100-year-old pioneer ghost who helps her great-great-great granddaughter, who is a medium, solve murders or prevent them, and that means researching the geographical area in which the book is located.

For example, the idea for the last Granny Apples book, Ghost of a Gamble, came to me on a trip to Las Vegas and while reading up on the colorful history of the famous gambling mecca.  Ghost in the Guacamole takes place mostly on Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles, and a destination that I’ve always wanted to feature in a book. Because of Olvera Street’s Mexican heritage, I knew I wanted a title that reflected that but was also catchy and cute.  Thus, Ghost in the Guacamole was born.

Another great thing about letting the setting call the shots is that I often get to research the history of these places in person, so it’s not only fun but educational for me, and I hope for my readers.  One of my favorite research trips was for Gem of a Ghost, the third book in the series. For that I visited Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and got a personal tour of a haunted prison, which I used in the story.

Currently I’m working on the sixth book in the series. It’s working title is Ghost Writer and it takes place in rural Massachusetts. I’ve recently taken a trip there and returned armed with research books on New England haunted villages and ghosts sightings.  I have a few more interesting ideas for future books, which I hope I will get the opportunity to bring to life on the page.

Now if you’ll excuse me, this writer has to get back to Ghost Writer before the ghosts that whisper to me get restless.  They’re pretty strict task masters.

 

Sue Ann Jaffarian is the author of the popular Odelia Grey mystery series, the Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose vampire mysteries.

She has also launched a Holidays From Hell short story series for e-readers only.

Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-sized paralegal. She lives in Los Angeles and writes mysteries and general fiction, as well as short stories.

In addition to writing, Sue Ann is sought after as a motivational/ humorous speaker.

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Another wonderful addition to this unique series, Ghost in the Guacamole is my favorite to date.  Sue Ann Jaffarian knows how to transform her book from just words on a page to a beautiful experience that immerses her readers deep into the storyline.  The setting of this story comes to life with every page turn, creating a rich backdrop for such a paranormal and exciting cast of characters. 

Emma and Granny are back at it again, solving yet another mystery with quite the repertoire of history.  These two are simply delightful, and the secondary cast of characters are just as wonderful.  I love that the story is told with such detail, proving that the author does her research when she creates these fantastic books!  The mystery itself was fun as well, and one that you don't see coming! 

I've said it once, and I'll say it time and time again - this series is VERY MUCH worth the read!  I can't wait for the next one :) 

Rating: 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All conclusions reached are my own.

Thanks to the awesome ladies at Penguin, I have 1 copy of Ghost in the Guacamole by Sue Ann Jaffarian to give away to one of my lucky readers! Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win, and be sure to keep checking back for more awesome giveaways!  

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