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.

Mel is hired to restore a Queen Anne Victorian.  There are two small problems - the owners won't leave the house during the renovation and yet the wife thinks the house is haunted and is terrified.  Mel has a discussion with a local shop keeper who then ends up dead.  Of course, Mel is a suspect and she needs to clear her name and get ghosts out of the house.

I liked that Mel uses research to solve her problems.  Sources include the local historical society, a local ghost hunter, and sometimes the ghosts themselves.  Again the killer was not the point for me.  Instead it was the relationships with Mel and details about the house itself.

I really began to love Mel.  She is funny, a bit impulsive, stubborn, and caring.  One of my favorite aspects are her quirky outfits designed by her friend Stephen, an aspiring Opera costume designer.  I love that Mel is a woman in a man's field and that she isn't afraid to get dirty and pitch in.  I enjoy her ability to talk to anyone.  And I too love a good search in junk and antique shops.  Arrrr!