Calamity Jayne and the Haunted Homecoming

By Kathleen Bacus

"Fans of Janet Evanovich will be glad to see that you don't always have to go to the burgh for mirthful murder and mayhem."
- Booklist

What do you call a blonde skeleton in the closet?
Last year's hide-'n'-seek champ.

It's autumn in the heartland, where football rules, homecoming royalty reigns, and full moons don't just refer to a passing high school varsity bus. But this year, Tressa Jayne Turner isn't just enjoying the candy corn, popcorn balls and caramel apples. This reporter is on a mission to sniff out a serious story that will impress not only her skeptical family and friends, but also her boss at the Grandville Gazette.

And it turns out "Calamity Jayne" is in luck Eccentric and reclusive bestselling writer, Elizabeth Courtney Howard is coming to little ol' Grandville to conduct some family business and finish her latest book. So, what's stopping Tressa from scoring this journalistic coup? A blackmailing, six-foot-two-inch homecoming queen candidate with all the charm of Frankenstein in taffeta, a rival reporter out to scoop the competition, a s ance-hosting grandmother, and the sexy Ranger Rick Townsend who could tempt a nun to rethink her vows. Suddenly Tressa better watch her step, as her expos uncovers skeletons in everyone's closets and a haunted house that's too creepy for comfort.

What critics are saying about the Calamity Jayne Mysteries:

"Fun and lighthearted with an interesting mystery, a light touch of romance and some fascinating characters."
RT Book Reviews

"Throw in two parts Nancy Drew, one part Lucille Ball, add a dash of Stephanie Plum, shake it all up and you've got a one-of-a-kind amateur sleuth with a penchant for junk food and hot-pink snakeskin cowgirl boots. A word to the wise: if you're prone to laughing out loud when reading funny books, try not to read Calamity Jayne when you're sandwiched between two sleeping passengers on an airplane...sometimes we learn these things the hard way."
Chick Lit Cafe

"Filled with dumb-blonde jokes, nonstop action and rapid-fire banter, this is a perfect read for chick-lit fans who enjoy a dash of mystery."
Publishers' Weekly

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 149421086X
• ISBN13: 9781494210861
• Release Date: December 2013
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Good Story

Tressa Jayne, news reporter determined to get a good story, and her journalistic partner Shelby Lynne are persistent at trying to interview famous hometown author, Elizabeth Courtney Howard. They hear that Mrs. Howard is home for a few days. Unfortunately, the author is reclusive and eccentric - but will she give in and give them the interview? The journalistic duo go to great and desparate lengths to get an interview. Meanwhile, Tressa Jayne's grandmother moves in with her. There are lots of activities and adventures in the book. I really like Tressa Jayne and her cool grandmother. The book is a bit drawn out. And there are elements in it I do not like. Also, I was disappointed because there was not much (or any) "Halloween Fun" in the form of pumpkins, orange cookies, etc. I would not consider this book a cozy. But most of all, the book was good. It was very well written; the writing style was cute; and the plot was good.

Funny Mystery

Great! I really enjoyed reading the third Calamity Jayne book. Reminds me of Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich.

amusing lighthearted mystery

Grandville Gazette tyro reporter Tressa "Calamity" Jayne feels she needs to stop making the news (see CALAMITY JANE and CALAMITY JANE RIDES AGAIN) instead of reporting the news. She vows to follow insipid events to keep out of trouble and avoid psychos, lunatics, and cops. Tressa interviews 6 foot 2 inch sarcastic homecoming queen candidate Shelby Lynne, who challenges Calamity to obtain an interview with reclusive New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Courtney Howard. The writer quietly has arrived in Iowa. Tressa accepts the gauntlet deciding to interview the author as the young journalist assumes no trouble can come of that. However, the writer goes to incredible lengths to elude the obstinate Tressa starting with staying at haunted Holloway Hall. However the intrepid reporter with the towering female student taunting her soon gets involved with the strange events at Holloway Hall. The third Calamity Jayne tale is an amusing lighthearted mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Readers will enjoy the antics of the heroine who wants to cover fluff, but from the opening face to upper torso battle between the two sarcastic female warriors until the final showdown at Holloway Hall, calamity follows every step Tressa takes. Readers will just have fun with Kathleen Bacus' humorous romp. Harriet Klausner