Ghost in Trouble by Carolyn Hart

Title: Ghost in Trouble
Author: Carolyn Hart
Release Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 288
Genre: Fantasy

Author Carolyn Hart has created an unlikely heroine in the persona or should we say ectoplasm of Bailey Ruth. Ruth is deceased and she has been called to the Department of Good Intentions. In this latest book, Ghost in Trouble, Bailey Ruth receives an assignment to aid a living person from her hometown. Up to this point, Ruth has been enjoying all the amenities of heaven. Her love of clothing is not diminished by her death and she enjoys the company of her also departed husband, Bobby Mac who fishes from atop their sunken vessel.

Bailey looks forward to the challenge, but is quickly reminded of her foibles of the last assignments. She tells herself that this time she will not try to reveal herself and stay out of trouble, but readers who know Bailey, know she cannot resist breaking the rules.

Bailey Ruth begins to daydream about her fantastic previous life in Oklahoma, when she is suddenly transported to Adelaide, her hometown. There she quickly discovers that her mission is to protect her archenemy, Kay Clark. The two women have history, and the history is not good. Both feel animosity towards the other, but they must put that in the past if they are to discover who murdered Jack Hume.

Of course, Bailey reveals herself at the beginning of the adventure when she saves Kay from receiving a knock from a torpedoing vase. At that point, she shoves Kay out of harms way only to have Kay retaliate by brandishing a gun. Bailey takes human form and Kay is hard-pressed to believe in ghostly aid. Reluctant to accept any aid from Bailey, Kay eventually gives in.

Kay has gone to The Castle to uncover any clues than might lead to the identity of the person who killed her lover, Jack. The Castle is a mansion that is known for hosting many upscale charity events and during her lifetime, Bailey had attended several of these functions. Now, it is up to both women to find out what dark secrets are hiding in the closets of the Castle.

The two decide that the best approach is to let everyone believe Kay is writing a book. To gain access to The Castle, they tell Jack’s sisters of the plan to write the book. The sisters, who live at The Castle generously, grant access to both Kay and Bailey.

Bailey Ruth is a somewhat bumbling detective heroine. Death has not released her from her earthly faults and she often breaks the rules without even realizing it. Readers will find this lighthearted, often funny mystery a bit unusual; however, they will be constantly entertained by the blundering of Bailey Ruth.