Traci Wilton (the pseudonym of authors Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton) turns in a new series set in Salem, Massachusetts, with Mrs. Morris and the Ghost. Recent widow Charlene Morris has sold off everything she owned in Chicago and bought a venerable old mansion in Salem, determined to begin a new life as a bed-and-breakfast owner.

After purchasing the house sight unseen at a suspiciously good price, she finds soon after taking occupancy that there’s a feature that wasn’t listed—it’s haunted. The ghost, one Dr. Jack Strathmore, met his death three years previously, and is certain he was murdered. He’s convinced his unquiet soul is in limbo and, since Charlene seems to be the only one in Salem that can actually see him, begs her to find his killer so that he can find peace.

Charlene reluctantly agrees. She’s busy trying to get her B and B up and running in time for Salem’s biggest holiday, Halloween (of course), and has precious little time to spare, but can’t help being intrigued by the investigation not to mention her dishy spectral housemate. As the book progresses, she and Jack become friends, and Wilton introduces local color in the form of their neighbors. The town itself is not explored quite as thoroughly, but I hope this will come later in the series.

The mystery itself is quite clever, but I wished for a ghost with a bit more bite, more like the cranky one in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. For a restless spirit, Jack is just too nice. Being a devotee of HGTV, what I really loved were the details of Charlene setting up her B and B, buying furniture, painting, choosing colors and drapes, and having carpentry done. Charlene is an intriguing character to anchor a series, and here’s hoping the next installments will get her out into Salem more.