The Haunted Guesthouse Series in Order

About the Haunted Guesthouse series

Series Premise

The core premise centers on Alison Kerby, a divorced single mother who moves from New Jersey to the Jersey Shore town of Harbor Haven with her young daughter Melissa. Alison purchases an old Victorian house with the intention of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast called the Guesthouse. Shortly after moving in, she discovers that the house is haunted by two very different ghosts: the grumpy, opinionated former owner Maxie Malone and the sweet, scatterbrained Paul Harrison. Rather than fleeing, Alison learns to coexist with her spectral residents and eventually turns their presence into an asset by offering “ghost tours” and “haunted stays” to guests. When murders occur in or around the guesthouse, Alison, Maxie, and Paul team up to investigate, with Alison acting as the living intermediary who can interact with both the living suspects and the ghostly witnesses. The stories combine traditional mystery plotting with the humorous complications that arise when living and dead characters must work together.

Main Characters

Alison Kerby is the relatable central protagonist: a practical, sarcastic, and resilient single mother who is trying to rebuild her life after divorce while running a business and raising her daughter. She is often exasperated by her ghostly housemates but grows to rely on them. Maxie Malone is the sharp-tongued, fashion-obsessed ghost of a former flapper who died in the 1920s and delights in causing minor chaos. Paul Harrison is the gentle, bookish ghost of a man who died in the 1970s; he is more helpful and level-headed than Maxie but still provides plenty of comic moments due to his outdated knowledge and timid personality. Alison’s young daughter Melissa brings warmth and normalcy to the household, while her best friend Jeannie and various local townspeople add community flavor. Recurring supporting characters include local police officers, curious guests, and occasional family members who visit the guesthouse.

Setting

The setting is the charming but slightly quirky Jersey Shore town of Harbor Haven. The Guesthouse itself is a large, old Victorian home with creaky floors, hidden nooks, and plenty of character—perfect for both a bed-and-breakfast and a haunted residence. The town offers a classic small-coastal-community atmosphere with its boardwalk, local shops, restaurants, and seasonal tourists. The contrast between the ordinary, sunny beach-town setting and the presence of two very vocal ghosts creates a fun, lighthearted tension. The guesthouse’s guest rooms, kitchen, and living areas serve as primary stages for both daily innkeeping dramas and ghostly investigations.

Tone & Themes

The tone is light, humorous, and warmly entertaining, with a cozy mystery feel that never becomes too dark or frightening. Copperman’s writing is breezy and conversational, filled with witty banter (especially between Alison and the opinionated Maxie) and gentle situational comedy. The mood is consistently upbeat and reassuring, even when dealing with murder, thanks to the humorous interactions between the living and the dead. Themes include the importance of found family and unlikely friendships; learning to accept help from unexpected sources; balancing single parenthood with a new career; overcoming past mistakes and building a new life; and the idea that love and connection can transcend death. The books also gently explore themes of grief, forgiveness, and the value of community in a small town.

In the end, the Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series offers a delightful mix of cozy mystery and supernatural comedy that feels both comforting and fresh. E.J. Copperman has created a world where the living and the dead can bicker, laugh, and solve crimes together, reminding readers that family can come in the most unexpected forms. For those who enjoy light mysteries with heart, humor, and a touch of the paranormal, the series provides consistent entertainment and a reassuring sense that even the most chaotic household can become a home. It lingers like the faint sound of laughter echoing through an old Victorian hallway — playful, warm, and a gentle reminder that sometimes the best company is the kind that sticks around long after everyone else has gone. The books celebrate the idea that starting over is possible, that friendship can transcend death, and that even a haunted house can be filled with love, laughter, and the occasional solved murder.