Ahoy there me mateys!  I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood.  I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt."  That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it.  It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts.  Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time?  I wanted to find out.

I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones.  I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.

In this first book, Mel agrees to work on an older fading rockstar's renovation project.  Unknown to Mel, said rockstar throws a drunken DIY party where the guests get to help tear down walls etc.  Power tools and alcohol?  Yikes.  A partier ends up seriously injured and dies.  Mel comes into the house to find disarray and the dead man's ghost.

For once, a main character does what I would do when confronted with a ghost - thinks she is hallucinating and freaks out.  This is even worse when the dead man follows her around and talks to her.  Mel is alarmed and doesn't know what to do.  Watching her learn about and handle her new talent is part of what I like about the series.

The other thing I like is the cozy aspect.  There is an adopted stray dog.  Mel is divorced and yet still deals with her step-son from that marriage.  She lives with her dad and his old friend Stan.  She has good friends who help her but also keep her grounded.  Watching all these interactions are sweet and often funny.  Even the light romance aspect isn't too bad.

The conclusion to who-dun-it was fine.  The house renovations and discussions about San Francisco were entertaining.  The narrator Xe Sands does a good job.  I was so entertained that I immediately got the next book. Arrr!