Haunted to Death

Book Review: Haunted to Death by Frank Anthony Polito

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

Hey folks! So, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Haunted to Death by Frank Anthony Polito, and let me tell you, it was a perfect October read. This book is the third installment in the Domestic Partners series, and it’s just as engaging as the previous ones. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a sprinkle of ghostly charm, keep on reading!

A Quick Summary

This Halloween season, our favorite home renovation duo, Peter (PJ) Penwell and JP Broadway, find themselves in a bit of a spooky situation. They’re tasked with restoring Woods Hall, a gorgeous old manor in Pleasant Woods, Detroit, that has a chilling backstory. Picture this: 25 years ago, during a Halloween party, the glamorous Emma Wheeler-Woods—dressed in a stunning wedding gown—plummeted from a balcony. Was it an accident? Or did someone give her a little push?

Now, Fiona Forrest, Emma’s daughter and an indie music star, has inherited this haunted beauty and is determined to restore it. As PJ and JP dive into renovations, things start to go bump in the night, and they can't help but wonder if they’re dealing with a ghost or something much darker. With a Halloween deadline looming, they juggle renovations, a haunted house, and the mystery of Emma's death—all while trying to keep their reality show on track.

My Thoughts

Okay, let’s talk about PJ and JP. DIY experts; they’re also life partners. Their dynamic is just so charming! PJ is the anxious one while JP is the brave heart—together they make quite the team. It’s like watching a perfectly balanced recipe come together.

This book has that delicious Halloween vibe, especially with the backdrop of an old mansion filled with secrets and possible curses. The back-and-forth storytelling really kept me hooked; it was like peeling back layers of an onion (a spooky onion!). You get to meet some of the townsfolk who were around during Emma's tragic party, and their insights add depth to the narrative. Plus, Fiona’s celebrity status throws in a nice twist to the mix!

I loved how the author paints PJ and JP’s everyday life. They’ve got rescue dogs and their own lovingly restored home that feels so relatable. It’s cozy in all the right ways. And let’s not forget about their sleuthing—while they might be nosy (who isn’t?), their gentle probing feels appropriate as they try to uncover the truth behind Emma’s death.

By the time I reached the end of this book, I felt a genuine affection for these characters. They’re endearing enough that I’d happily join them for a cup of coffee in their craftsman-style home! If you’re looking for a fun read that combines humor, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, I’d say give Haunted to Death a shot.

Overall, while I didn’t find it to be absolutely perfect (hence the 3.5 stars), it certainly delivered some cozy vibes and kept me entertained. I’m already looking forward to seeing what PJ and JP get into next!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️