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Kitty French
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The Skeletons of Scarborough House: An absolutely hilarious cozy mystery (The Chapelwick Mysteries) Paperback – February 23, 2017

by Kitty French (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,887 ratings
See all formats and editions
Welcome to Chapelwick, a leafy English town in the hills of Shropshire, where chocolate fudge cake comes served with a side of murder.

Scarborough House is haunted, and it’s not doing much for Donovan Scarborough’s investment portfolio. No one wants to buy a place with levitating crockery, or (the wrong kind of) rhythmic pounding throughout the night.

Luckily, Melody “I-See-Dead-People” Bittersweet has just launched her own ghostbusting agency with best friend Marina, geeky, keen Arthur, and a one-eared pug called Lestat. They’re quick to take the case, even if it has already sort of (definitely) been given to Leo Dark, Melody’s rakish, despicable ex.

Melody soon discovers the resident phantoms are three brothers, one who was murdered at twenty, while the others lived to old age. But did the family exile the right person, or did the true killer get away with it?

Donovan Scarborough doesn’t care who solves the case. Whoever gets rid of the ghosts gets paid.

Can Melody and her new crew untangle the mystery, and bring the brothers peace, before Leo? Or will his distracting sexiness and Melody’s bonkers family cause the agency to fall at its first hurdle?

This is the PERFECT choice for fans of HY Hanna, Janet Evanovich, MC Beaton, and Gina LaManna, who’ll find themselves completely hooked and crying with laughter as they join Melody and her crew on their spooktastic adventure.

This book was previously published as Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency.

What everyone’s saying about The Skeletons of Scarborough House:

‘I laughed so hard that I had to stop drinking my coffee for fear of spurting it all over my desk … I seriously can't remember the last time I laughed this hard … absofreakinglutely hilarious.’ 5* Well Read Pirate Queen

‘Absolutely fantastic from the first page. Did not stop smiling once. Emotional at parts but a super fun read throughout. The writing was amazing and had me totally hooked. Cannot wait for the sequel!’ Book Geek Writes

‘Absolutely hilarious … I have not laughed like that in a very, very long time … It’s a book that just keeps giving, right until the very end … Sheer brilliance!’ 5* The Writing Garnet

‘I couldn't put this book down … so many comical moments, I was either laughing or smiling. If you are in need of cheering up definitely read this book … brilliant!’ 5* Rae Reads

‘Unputdownable, captivating and laugh out loud funny!! A definite must read!! 5+ Stars!! … I loved this story!’ Words Turn Me On

‘One of my favourite new books … so much heart, so much joy, so much laughter, and warmth. It's funny one minute, and has you tearing up the next … absolutely love this book … amazing.’ 5* Bookish Escapes

‘An absolute scream from start to finish! … Should you ever find yourself in dire need of cheering up, this will do the trick - guaranteed! IT’S FUN, IT’S FRISKY and IT’S FABULOUS! I'm already little 'cray cray' for the next case. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!’ Little Bookness Lane

‘An absolute delight.’ 5* Bloomin Brilliant Books

Previous page
  1. Print length
    290 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 23, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    5.06 x 0.66 x 7.81 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1786811731
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1786811738
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (February 23, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786811731
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786811738
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.06 x 0.66 x 7.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,887 ratings

About the author

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Kitty French

Kitty French

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USA Today best selling author Kitty French writes romantic comedy and hot romance, all best enjoyed with your feet up and a glass of your favourite tipple!

The USA Today best selling Lucien Knight romance series has been a hit around the world, and the Melody Bittersweet Ghost-busting series is perfect for readers of cosy mystery with a heavy does of humour.

SIGN UP FOR KITTY'S NEWSLETTER for all the gossip and release information by emailing on kittyfrenchwriter@me.com

Kitty is also the disreputable alter-ego of a romantic comedy writer Kat French. She writes full time, and lives in England with her husband and two little boys.

You can get in touch with Kitty on facebook and via her blog - www.kittyfrench.co.uk, or you can find her on @kfrenchbooks on twitter.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,887 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

BrainyBlonde
5.0 out of 5 stars So Much Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
I am absolutely besotted with this book! It’s definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I feel a bit giddy over finding an author whose voice I love so much and a group of quirky and delightful characters I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with. Best news is that this book is the beginning of a series, so I have more Melody Bittersweet adventures to look forward to!

Okay, let me tell you a little bit about the premise of the book. The aforementioned heroine not only sees ghosts, she can communicate with them, as can her mother and grandmother. Wanting to do her own thing with her unique ability, Melody decides to offer her ghostbusting services to the good folks of Chapelwick, the English hamlet where she resides. She does this with the help of her sassy BFF and an introverted intern bequeathed to her by a man who can’t pass on until he knows his son’s taken care of. For her first job, Melody has to rid an old house of three ghostly brothers, one whose century-old murder has never been solved. She’s not the only ghost whisperer on the case, though. Leo Dark, Melody’s ex who dumped her to become a TV star, has a camera crew on the scene, and he plans to exorcise the house first to score ratings and media attention. Melody also has to contend with sexy reporter Fletcher Gunn who is out to expose her as a fraud.

How Melody outwits all those working against her, bonds with the murder victim and his alleged killer, and tries to fight her feelings of attraction toward both Leo and Fletch is all part of the fun! I laughed so much while reading this book, but then I had tears streaming down my face during the final chapters because I was so touched by how Melody helps the Scarborough brothers find peace. This was a really great story, told with imagination, humor, and just the right amount of poignancy. Oh, and for the record, I am firmly on Team Fletch and am hoping to see his relationship with Melody progress as the series continues. The characters have so much chemistry together; their scenes crackle with electricity!

Read this book! That’s not a recommendation; that’s an order. ;)
16 people found this helpful
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Cozyreaders
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Concept For Ghost Cozy.
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2017
Verified Purchase
I was gifted this book by a dear fellow reader, so Thank You Ms. Jenny. I treasure books.

This book has a fascinating concept. The youngest female of a ghost-talking family decides to branch out on her own and opens a 'ghost hunting' business. Instead of just passing on messages from the dead, she, Melody Bittersweet, is going to help ghosts move on to the afterworld.

For this, of course, she needs a staff. Her first hire is a part-time Secretary and Administrative assistant...Glenda Jackson. Glenda works for Melody's Mom and Gran at Blythe Spirits. Next is her best friend and fellow investigator, although she can't see nor hear any spirits, Marina. Marina also provides the needed cookies each day. Thirdly, Melody hires a young man, Arthur, who came highly recommended by his dearly departed Father, Big Arthur. Yes, a ghost recommended his son. And, you come to realize 'Artie's' value rather quickly.

This novel is the first of a new series and I loved it during the last quarter of the book. The premise was terrific, the characters were well developed, the ending was amazing...yes there is a but for me...I found myself bogged down with all the sexual fantasies of Melody. Also, tired quickly of the language used. I guess it was meant to be 'funny,' however, if you are over 30yrs, you find yourself paging through the constant sexual urges of Melody. To me, they were over done.

The ending...that was spectacular. I found myself in tears as the ghosts reconcile themselves to what happened to them...the new found family...oh my. And, the exciting chase to the murder weapon and murderer was terrifically penned.

I feel Ms. French will develop the genre 'Cozy' better as time passes. Her novels show wonderful promise.
6 people found this helpful
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MsB
5.0 out of 5 stars The Girl’s Ghostbusting Agency
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
The Girl’s Ghostbusting Agency - The title caught my attention the story kept me entertained!
Melody Bittersweet and her Mom and Grandma can see and talk to ghosts. They have a family business to help people visit their lost loved ones. Until Melody moves to the other end of the building and starts her own business with her best friend Marina and Artie. They found him threw his deceased dad getting him the job before he moved on.
Needing a job they see Melody's ex boyfriend on TV. Leo Dark who can also see and talk to dead people. Thinking they can do the job better and faster they go talk to the owner of Scarborough House who wants the ghosts out so he can sale the house. The house has three ghosts who happen to be brothers. But in getting rid of the brothers they have to solve the crime of which one killed the other one. The murder happened in 1910. Whoever solves the crime and gets rid of the ghosts gets paid. The other team gets nothing.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters very much. The Author I take is from England or at least her writing comes across that way. The way she words things. Which is fine I wasn’t confused at all reading the story. There is also the news paper reporter, I want to see where his and Melody's kissing new friendship goes.
In the title it says that this book is an absolutely hilarious cozy mystery. Even some of the Customer Reviews say it is Fabulously Funny and some said hilarious. In my opinion it was fun and snarky. I would love to have a best friend like Marina to have my back and keep me entertained but it wasn’t hilarious.
It did make me tear up towards the end. But its not a tear jerker. It is a fun book with a happy ending. I hope we don’t have to wait a year for the next book because I will be buying it to!
Do I recommend this book? Yes I do. I just might have a new favorite Author to add to my list!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Bookieverse30
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is amazing!
Reviewed in India on April 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
I absolutely loved this book, and am eagerly awaiting the next books in this series. Would recommend a read atleast one time.
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jo99
4.0 out of 5 stars Ça se lit, c'est sympa
Reviewed in France on October 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
Oui c'est sympa, pour le prix kindle.
Même si on ne croit pas aux histoires de fantômes on peut facilement rentrer dans le jeu.
Un livre plutôt pour de grands ados... (grandes ados ?).. romantiques. Il faut aussi être imprégné de la culture télé (séries en anglais) et cinéma.... (supporter toutes les références qui y sont faites, voire se documenter pour comprendre qui est qui).
Certes les personnages sont sympathiques.
Je ne sais pas si je lirai le second volume, plus cher et dans la même veine. Sur la même "recette" je crois !
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read,
Reviewed in Spain on October 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed it, funny with happy ending, and good love story, looking forward to the next book in this series.
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Vickie
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly imaginative! Unputdownable! Captivating! Laugh out loud funny! 5+ Stars!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2016
Verified Purchase
Melody Bittersweet and The Girls Ghostbusting Agency is the latest offering from Kitty French and what an offering it was! Highly imaginative, unputdownable, captivating and laugh out loud funny!! A definite must read!! 5+ Stars!!

I'll admit I love a good book cover and this was one of the first things that drew me in...I know your not supposed to judge a book by its cover but have you seen it?! It's so pretty!

Life’s tough for Melody Bittersweet, single, addicted to sugar and super heroes, a family officially bonkers and she sees dead people...
Reaching her 27th birthday, Melody decides enough is enough and things need to change...fast forward a couple of months and she's now the proud owner of her very own ghostbusting agency. Life just went from boring to full on detonation! And things will most definitely be going bang in the night...

A story that flowed with effortless ease and fluidity, interlaced with humour, wit and a mystery to solve. Kitty's enchanting style of writing and ability to create such an imaginative setting of nothing but words pulled me in from the beginning. I loved this story! A magnificent example of escapism at its best!

Characters that literally jumped from amongst the pages to come to life before my very eyes capturing my imagination. The laugh out loud banter and interactions of these quirky, lovable and unique characters for me encapsulated everything I enjoy from a good book.
I can't wait for more from Melody Bittersweet!

**Arc provided courtesy of Bookouture, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
3 people found this helpful
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Elisa
5.0 out of 5 stars A funny, witty, awesome ghost busting mystery
Reviewed in Australia on July 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
Well I have to say, that was a few hundred pages of awesome reading.
Melody Bittersweet, I love her name, she has the awesome ability to see and communicate with ghosts and she has the most beautiful heart that people are just drawn to her.
I love how Melody interacts with the ghosts, it's not enough for her just to see them Melody becomes totally invested in why they are still here, she takes the time to get to know the ghosts, she really listens to them then she does everything she can to help them move on, I really loved that Melody Hausa great professional life as for her personal life well comedy capers comes to mind...lol but honestly I'd love to see Melody and Fletch get together and I would really love for Melody to turn the skeptic reporter into a supernatural believer.
As for Leo the ex-boyfriend I think he should crawl back under the rock he came out of, he had his chance and he blew it.
Marina and Arty are the best sidekicks ever omg I just love them I so see a geeky, hot romance happening between these two....lol
A really enjoyable ghost busting read.
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