Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a fun unexpected read. I enjoyed the character development from the author and the relationship between the main character and her ghostly relative. Quirky and fun, this book is an easy read and one that will provide a great afternoon break from reality. Really enjoyed it.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was expecting a long story but this short read was still fun regardless.
Traveling to Italy, Genie Darling goes in search of departed great aunt belongings that were sold in auction. What was supposed to be a luxurious vacation, is now a horror movie.
The auction house because an inferno and the dress of her late aunt, is also found in a pile of ash.
When a dead body is found, a mystery begins and Genie will need her Aunt to help her solve it.
It has been a while since I last read a cozy mystery. Cozy mysterious series tend to be repetitive and cause me to think that after so many bodies are found in this town, it is time to move. So the relocation to Italy, opened a vast amount of opportunities where the story and characters would not feel restricted.
The story forced me to laugh out loud a few times. I see that there are a few books in the series so I plan to read those while I wait for another installment, if there are any.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes a Vacation is a delightful, cozy mystery!
This is the second book in the series, and this one follows Genie and her dearly departed great-great Aunt Adriana as they travel to Italy for an important task at hand, obtaining some of Adriana’s possessions that are set to be auctioned off. They need these items to keep her tethered here on earth with Genie. One item of importance is a Chanel evening gown. Just when it appears there actually may be a chance for them to get it, the auction house goes up in flames! It soon becomes apparent that it was no accident and an innocent man is a victim in the fire. The two now find themselves embroiled in a new murder mystery.
I found the book a lot of fun to read. I loved the twists and turns, and the pacing of the story was perfect. I love Adriana!!! Seriously…this ghost can communicate with dogs and cats, and they are witnesses to the fire! How cool is that??? The relationship between Adriana and Genie is so sweet. The brewing romance with Matt just made the story even better!!!
I have to be honest and tell you that I have not read the first book in the series! I didn’t feel like it caused me any real confusion. However, I will be going back and reading that first book! If you love Italy and a cozy read, you can’t miss with this book!!!!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this second installment of the Genie and Adriana Darling mysteries, you follow a girl and her ghost aunt. Even though this is the second book, it is a stand alone though I always recommend reading the first because you get more details. Genie and her aunt love to travel and get wrapped in fun mysteries. Adriana will have you bubbling with laughter as they figure out how the auction house burnt down. A great read.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genie Darling is a jewelry maker and enthusiast who can see the ghost of her great great aunt Adriana. They are now on a mission to find several items that once belonged to Adriana so that these items might help ground her to this existence. They are headed to Italy where they have learned that some of these items might be found. But will they be able to get more of these items or will they be bought by others or lost completely to a fire. What all could go wrong on this mission to help Adriana and will Genie be involved in more than she bargained for?
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries series. I love a cozy mystery and I love paranormal stories so combining the two was right up my street.
I loved the idea behind the story, the deceased great-great aunt needing her old belongings to strengthen her and the search for these items resulting Genie and Adriana sleuthing about. It’s a fun and easy read, perfect for curling up in front of the fire.
I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationship between Genie and Adriana, they have a great relationship and individual skills that come together nicely in their attempts to solve the mystery. The characters are fun and lovable, and I will certainly be going back to read the first book because I just can’t get enough of them!
I think Adriana’s gift is my absolute favourite and makes for some funny content. I won’t spoil it for people, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I can’t wait to get my hands on more from this series.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first Radtke and I found it quite entertaining. The imagery of traveling through Italy was great as Genie is on a quest to help her Great-Great-Aunt, Adrianna, who is a ghost who is missing her dearly departed earthly belongings. They take a trip over to Italy only to end up in some unexpected circumstances. Arson, murder and this dynamic duo are back on the mission in finding out what is going on. It is a great quick read and great for those who enjoy cozy mysteries!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new author for me that I am so damn happy I found!! I had a lot of laugh out loud moments that had my family questioning my sanity yet again! lol I loved reading about Genie and her ghost partner in mystery solving her aunt Adriana. I’ve Got to say I LOVED Adriana so much and I can’t wait to read more so because I found this series at book 2 I am going straight back to book 1.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genie and her great-great aunt Adriana, who happens to be a ghost, are travelling to Italy. While there, they find themselves in the middle of a mystery that they would love to solve. There is an auction house that is holding onto some of Adriana’s belongings and they are about to auction them off to the highest bidder. Genie plans to purchase as many items as possible, as those items help Adriana to maintain her connection to the present world. When a fire takes place and the location is deemed a total loss, not everything is adding up. It’s up to Genie and Adriana to solve this mystery.
This was a fun read! I love Adriana, she’s a hoot with all her antics! She talks to animals too, and they make great witnesses! While this is the second book in a series, this could be read as a standalone.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently read “Ghost Takes a Vacation” by Carmen Radtke, as a standalone (have not read #1), and I must say, it was a delightful and entertaining read. The story follows Genie Darling, who finds herself on an adventure in Italy when some of her late great-great-aunt’s belongings go up for auction.
The author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid and atmospheric setting in Tuscany. The descriptions of the scenery and the Italian culture made me feel like I was right there alongside Genie. The addition of the ghostly element adds a unique twist to the story, and it adds a touch of humor and charm.
The plot is well-paced, and there is never a dull moment. It kept me guessing until the very end, as Genie and her ghost sidekick try to uncover the truth behind the arson and the murder.
The characters are also well-developed and likable. Genie is a strong and determined protagonist, and her interactions with the ghost of her great-great-aunt are both humorous and endearing.
One aspect that I particularly enjoyed about this book is the witty dialogue and humorous banter between the characters. It had me chuckling throughout the story and added a light-hearted touch to the murder mystery.
Overall, “Ghost Takes a Vacation” is an enjoyable and engaging read. It combines elements of mystery, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining cozy mystery. I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal mysteries and those who enjoy a lighthearted and atmospheric read.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes a Vacation is Book Two in the Genie and Adriana Darling Series. It is a cozy paranormal story with ghosts, humor, witty banter, adventure, murder, mystery, hauntings, and ghostly escapades. The story centers around the character of Genie who pairs up with the ghost of her deceased great-great aunt Adriana to solve a mystery. In order for Adriana to hold onto her otherworldly powers she needs to hold onto her possessions which requires a quick trip to Tuscany where they have been placed up for auction. While in Italy, Genie and Adriana stumble onto a mystery that involves arson and manslaughter. It is up to the dynamic duo to find the real culprit responsible and clear the name of the man who has been wrongfully accused of the crime. Adriana and Genie get into hi jinx along the way and mayhem ensues. I love the quirky characters and how Genie has her ghostly great-great aunt helping her solve mysteries. The storyline was unique, funny, and had me reading until the end to see what happened next. I look forward to reading more of the adventures of this quirky duo.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone novel. This cute cozy mystery will keep you guessing and turning the pages. I liked the idea of a side-kick sleuth is a ghost! It makes the novel interesting and fun to read!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a great read, I’ve read a few books by this author now and I really enjoy the stories she creates. I never really seemed to like Cozy Mystery books but this author has definitely changed my opinion about them.
Genie and her ghostly great-great Aunt definitely make me laugh during their newest adventure to Italy. I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
The author has a wonderful writing style that keeps you entertained the whole way through the book and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
I am really looking forward to the next book from this author!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Ghost Takes a Vacation” by Carmen Radtke is a quaint and charming cozy mystery filled with humor, romance, and a bit of supernatural mischief. The protagonist, Genie, is a likable and relatable character who finds herself in a unique and entertaining predicament – being haunted by a ghost on her vacation. The writing style is witty and flows smoothly, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Overall, it’s a delightful and entertaining book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It’s a great book if you’re looking for a cozy mystery, with ghostly escapades that’ll make you crave gelato.
I loved the great-great-aunt/niece relationship. They made me laugh. Adriana likes to stir up trouble and play match maker. The witnesses in the book were surprising.
I recommend it for anyone who wants to solve murder and take a ride through Italy with a ghostly companion by their side.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As someone who considers her reading tastes to be quite versatile this book hit all the points for me! I so so so enjoy paranormal books and especially ghosts with spunk. This was a perfect novel to read by the pool in sunny Mexico. The author wrote this so smoothly and I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me wholly consuming it! The characters were a hoot and I fell in love with them so fast! I did not read the first in the series but am Definitely going back to read it before continuing on!!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke is a great cozy mystery series.
When your recently deceased great-great-aunt uses her old possessions to hold on to her unique type of ethereal life power.However, Genie Darling’s anticipated seamless, yet costly, procedure quickly turns into a terrifying encounter.The auction house catches fire, a corpse is discovered, and her great-great-aunt Adriana’s Chanel evening gown is reduced to a heap of ashes.La dolce vita: so much for it. And it’s time for Genie and her jovial ghost sidekick to go on their investigation once more when it appears that the incorrect man will be charged with arson and manslaughter!
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery which kept me captivated throughout. In this second book in the series Genie Darling and her ‘not so very departed great-great-aunt’ Adriana travel to Italy. Adriana relies on her old belongings for her spectral life force and a dress has come up for auction. However, once in Tuscany the auction house goes up in flames taking Adriana’s Chanel evening gown with it, and then a dead body is found. Amateur sleuth Genie and her ghostly sidekick decide to investigate when the wrong man is suspected of the arson and manslaughter. This is a fun cozy mystery with a ghostly twist which had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the quirky characters, Genie and the ghost of Aunt Adriana are a great double act and I enjoyed sleuthing with them. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genie Darling is a young woman with her own business, but she also has a dearly, but not so departed relative who insists on hanging around and that is her great-great Aunt Adrianna, a glamorous young woman who died at a young age and still keeps the old hollywood glamour even after. The most unusual thing is that in order to keep her non-corporeal form, she needs to have objects she once owned nearby so that she can gain energy from them, but a lot of them have been moved away from home.
Knowing that retrieving Adrianna’s belongings is important to her, Genie uses her ability to work from wherever she happens to be to her advantage, so that when some items come up for auction in Italy, the two women come up with a plan of how to retrieve them, which means a working holiday. Genie is excited, but also apprehensive about travelling with Adrianna, knowing how she needs to be close to her objects, however, it is smooth sailing all the way, so now they can relax before heading to the small town where the auction is going to be held.
When they get there, they are able to get into the auction house early so that they can see the items and work out a bidding strategy, as well as scoping out the competition, which happens to be fierce, especially for a little, black, Chanel dress, but things do not go to plan when the auction house goes up in flames and when the fire is put out, a body is found within. This devastates the duo until Adrianna works out that her dress hasn’t burnt along with the items.
This means that that have to put on their sleuthing hats and investigate what, who and when and hopefully exonerate an innocent suspect, but with they be able to detect their way to the beloved garment, or will their clues also go up in flames? This is a cozy paranormal mystery set in the beautiful backdrop of modern-day Tuscany, with plenty of shenanigans and sleuthing to keep you reading until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun book to read. The mystery and trying to find out what happened keeps you wanting more.
This book follows the story of Genie. She is a young woman who works by day and sleuths during her free time. She is accompanied on her journey by her great-great-aunt. When items of her great-great-aunt’s go up for auction she decided to travel to bid on them. The items are important to her aunt because they help her keep her tethered to this plain. Their plan hits a major hiccup when the auction house goes up in flames and a body is found as well.
Does this mean all hope is lost for them? What happened at that house? Why would someone want to burn it down? Did the dress go up in flames or did something else happen? Read this book to find out what really happened and who started the fire.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really looked forward to my next book by this author as I have really come to appreciate her writing style. This book was everything I hoped it would be. It was fun, entertaining but had a great story line with a well-developed main character. I was pulled into the story right from the start and could not put it down until I had finished.
I loved the premise of the book. It had such a fun feeling to it right from the word go and for me that made it all the more easier to connect with. The author knew exactly how to grab my attention and keep it! This book is everything I have come to expect from this author and it only makes me want to read more of her work. I am looking forward to the next book.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an absolutely adorable cozy mystery quick read! The hilarious relationship between Genie and her ghostly partner, her great aunt Adriana is simply laugh out loud funny. I had not read the first book, something I will be remedying ASAP, but the author did a great job of summarizing things, without over stating things, while still keeping the story line moving along. The sleuth team end up in Italy attempting to get Aunt Adriana’s things back from an auction, but immediately things go south and the pair are investigating. This is a wonderful quick read for any cozy mystery reader!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such an entertaining cozy mystery. I adored the adventure that Genie and her great-great-aunt Adriana were on. Adriana is such a unique personality in a ghost. If I were going to be haunted, I would love one like that. Genie is just trying to keep everyone happy. She’s trying to help Adriana get her belongings back. They are in Italy and the auction house with Adriana’s beautiful dress burns down. With Matt’s help, they have some crazy journey to figure out what happened and who set the fire. Who stole the dress? I loved the story. The humor is just right. I loved how Adriana is called the animal whisperer. Genie just wants to have a little bit of a relationship without Adriana present. That’s the downside, lack of privacy. The characters have such quirky personalities. The whole story just came together so well. This is a must read for cozy mystery lovers. I plan to read more from the author. This is a fun series.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Ghost Takes A Vacation is the second book in the Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries series by Carmen Radtke. Even though it is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. Having said that though, this was such a fun read and has sparked my curiosity about the events in Book #1 — So I will definitely be snapping up a copy to explore before continuing on with this charming series.
It is a light-hearted and fun cozy mystery with paranormal elements, drama, adventure, quirky characters, intrigue, suspense, banter, & investigation, family dynamics, friendship, and more.
What’s not to love about a mystery that pairs the living and the dead. Genie is the living, and Adriana is a ghost (and Genie’s long-dead Great-Aunt). Together they make quite the pair. A little mayhem ensues as they set about solving their latest mystery. Making for a very entertaining read.
Looking forward to more from Genie and Adriana!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Carmen Radtke!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the second book in the series, Genie and Adriana find themselves on holiday in Italy. While there, they hope to recover a dress formerly owned by Adriana at an auction house. When the auction house goes up in flames before the auction, Genie and Adriana find themselves knee deep in another murder investigation, with the hunk Matt on the sidelines to offer help again.
Opinion
I found this book utterly charming. The suspense of will they/won’t they concerning Genie and Matt kissing kept me on the edge of my seat. (No, I will not tell you if they did.) The fact that Adriana is a ghost and can talk to animals kept me intrigued. (I’d love that ability!) Overall, I found this to be a great mystery book with loads of charm to it.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes A Vacation is a fun read. I love a good cosy mystery and one with a paranormal twist is even better. It is a quick and easy read and a perfect escape for a few hours with a glass of wine.
Genie and her sleuthing ghostly partner great-great-aunt Adriana are back in the next adventure. It is full of lovable, quirky characters with a couple of unpredictable instances. I absolutely loved their crazy and witty banter and was laughing out loud. Aunt Adriana is such an enchanting character.
Mayhem and madness ensues when Aunt Adriana won’t take no for an answer and wants her things requiring a quick trip to Tuscany. Well, it was mean to be anyway.
Super sleuthing has never been more fun when these two get together to solve a crime. I am not going to share any spoilers because you should dig in to find out what happens.
I can’t wait to see what comes next from Carmen.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes A Vacation: Genie and Adriana Darling mysteries: A cozy paranormal ghost mystery by Carmen Radtke- 5 out of 5 stars
This is a fun book about Genie and her ghost sidekick Adriana, her not so very departed great-great-aunt, who are sleuths. Adriana has a very special connection to all of her belongs because she relies on her old belongings to cling to her particular form of spectral life force and this specific dress is really calling to her. The auction house went up in flames and a dead body was found inside. Once again, Genie and Adriana must hunt down the criminals when it seems like the wrong man is suspected of arson and manslaughter, to solve the case. This book kept me hooked, I recommend.
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
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Have ghost. Will travel. When your not so very departed great-great-aunt relies on her old belongings to cling to her particular form of spectral life force, what do you do when some of them come up for auction in Tuscany? Travel to Italy, of course! But what Genie Darling expected to be a smooth, if expensive operation, soon becomes a haunting experience. The auction house goes up in flames, there’s a dead body, and her great-great-aunt Adriana’s evening gown from Chanel is a pile of ashes . . . or is it? So much for la dolce vita. And when it looks like the wrong man will be suspected of arson and manslaughter, it’s time for Genie and her merry ghost sidekick to sleuth again!
Carmen has spent most of her life with ink on her fingers and a dangerously high pile of books and newspapers by her side. She has worked as a newspaper reporter on two continents and always dreamt of becoming a novelist and screenwriter. When she found herself crouched under her dining table, typing away on a novel between two earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, she realised she was hooked for life.The shaken but stirring novel made it to the longlist of the Mslexia competition, and her next book and first mystery, The Case Of The Missing Bride, was a finalist in the Malice Domestic competition in a year without a winner. Since then she has penned several more cozy mysteries, including the Jack and Frances series set in the 1930s and the paranormal cozy Genie and Adriana Darling mysteries. Carmen now lives in Italy with her human and her four-legged family.
•• PREORDER •• Have ghost. Will travel. When your not so very departed great-great-aunt relies on her old belongings to cling to her particular form of spectral life force, what do you do when some of them come up for auction in Tuscany? Travel to Italy, of course! But what Genie Darling expected to be a smooth, if expensive operation, soon becomes a haunting experience. The auction house goes up in flames, there’s a dead body, and her great-great-aunt Adriana’s evening gown from Chanel is a pile of ashes . . . or is it? So much for la dolce vita. And when it looks like the wrong man will be suspected of arson and manslaughter, it’s time for Genie and her merry ghost sidekick to sleuth again!
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read of Carmen Radtke’s, I haven’t read a book involving women coming from Canada to become wives of miners. I will admit that this book didn’t pull me in at first, but as I continued into the book I found myself not being able to put it down. I can’t wait to read the first book, as this is the second book. Alyssa is an odd person and I am as well so I feel rather drawn to her presence in this book.
