Haunting Investigation is an historical fiction mystery, set in Philadelphia in the 1920's. America and the world were still reeling from the Great War and the devastating flu epidemic. The twenties were not yet roaring.

Young Poppea Thornton scored herself a job at the local newspaper offices, but she's tired of writing about social events and garden parties; she wants to report on crime. Soon enough, she gets her wish, but unfortunately the crime involved members of her upper crust family. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Poppy is often assisted in her endeavors by the ghost of a dead spy.

I requested this book from Net Galley because I'm a long-time fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's St. Germain series. (Possibly the longest running vampire series of all time.) I enjoy her historical fiction and this book was no exception. However, I found this story to be a bit pat. We have our plucky female hero, almost an old maid at the age of 25, who gets involved in a murder investigation which puts her into danger. The rest of the tale spun out much as I expected it to and it didn't hold any real surprises. I was disappointed by the ending.

Overall, I did enjoy this historical fiction story anyway, even though I found Poppy to be a bit annoying at times. I learned more about this period in American history; Chelsea Quinn Yarbo has always been skilled at relating what life is like at different time periods. In this respect, Ms. Yarbro is still the author I've always enjoyed and admired.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction.

*Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is it.* ( )

Haunting Investigation is an intriguing book that has both paranormal and mystery features blended so well with the author's talent of making the1920's come alive. The plot is excellent, the characters are well developed, the social classes are outlined so perfectly, lots of great dialogue, great haunt story where ghost/human work together, and all around enjoyable read. Our ghost was a spy that was killed in WWI. The father of Poppy, our human, was killed then too because Germans believed the father was associated with the spy. The spy comes back years later as a ghost to balance the score to help Poppy out since he feels guilty for the death of her father. She is a young reporter and gets an assignment for a murder case and it gets dangerous. The excitement is on. Very clever, interesting, twists and turns, and feels like you are back in that era. I hope there are more in this series, I certainly want to read them. I received this book from NetGalley for a honest review. ( )

I really liked this book.....a lot. It takes place just after the first World War and has a strong female reporter who is defying society's ideal of a woman's role. There is also a ghost who feels he owes her a great debt. Add a murder mystery and you have the workings of a very interesting story. The author blends historical knowledge with fiction so well that I stayed up late reading. This is the first time I have read Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's novels and this was a wonderful introduction and a treat to read. I am hoping that she will continue this mystery series. I think she has a winner here. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I really liked this book.....a lot. It takes place just after the first World War and has a strong female reporter who is defying society's ideal of a woman's role. There is also a ghost who feels he owes her a great debt. Add a murder mystery and you have the workings of a very interesting story. The author blends historical knowledge with fiction so well that I stayed up late reading. This is the first time I have read Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's novels and this was a wonderful introduction and a treat to read. I am hoping that she will continue this mystery series. I think she has a winner here. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )