Juliet Blackwell writes such great mysteries. I've always preferred her Witchcraft mystery series (and the sleuth of that series, Lily, makes a lovely guest appearance here) but this is the best one in the this series. I'm a sucker for old theatres and I really liked the balance between the actual mystery and the communities that Mel interacts with - her friends and family, and the communities that have popped up around the theatre. Dog was used in just the right amount, as was her fiance Landon, a sore point for me in earlier entries. I really enjoyed this one. ( )

One of the few remaining cozy writers and series I still find dependable. Juliet Blackwell is a good writer; I enjoy her characters, her imagination for the paranormal, and her plots ... well I can't think of any of her plots that failed to amuse, and I can't think of one of her books where the mystery was transparent. Her diversity of characters feels natural (the San Francisco setting probably helps) and I've been reading her long enough to know that they existed to greater or lesser extent long before it was 'on trend' to do so.

This one made me ache to explore an old, abandoned theatre, although I'd prefer mine to be ghost free, thanks; especially the kind of ghosts who fill the theatre seats and follow you around with their blank, unseeing stares. The connection between the theatre Mel is renovating and the house she's renovating for herself felt a bit too coincidental, but it bothered me so very little that it amounts to nit-picking. ( )

Another great book in this series. ( )

family, friendship, ghosts, restoration, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth, murder-investigation*****

This is a series that I really enjoy and can relate to (not professionally but as an old house geek), and I love that each book is fully capable of standing alone. This one ties Mel's own old house with a gorgeous old theatre and a full complement of ghostly presences. And the obligatory murder victim and investigation. Let the sleuthing begin and enjoy the ride. I did!
Xe Sands has perfected her artistic delivery and should receive more awards! ( )

The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell the 8th A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend this spirited cozy mystery series. Melanie “Mel” Turner learned construction from her father and she now runs Turner Construction which specializes in renovating historic homes. Mel is a smart and gutsy woman with special abilities that she inherited from her mother. I would like to see Mel embrace her gift fully. Mel recently became engaged to Landon Demetrius, a math professor. There is some tension between them over the renovation and Mel’s inability to set a wedding date. I thought The Last Curtain Call was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. I love the humor in the story that had me chuckling frequently. I also enjoyed all the paranormal activity in this story. Spooky sounds and a variety of ghosts liven up this tale. The mystery was entertaining with a variety of suspects, active investigating, and misdirection. Mel questions a diverse group of people in her quest to find the killer. There are ghostly clues and suspense. I like how everything tied together and wrapped up at the end. It was great that the author included Lily Ivory and Oscar from A Witchcraft Mystery series (just love that series). I cannot wait for the next A Haunted Home Renovation Mystery. The Last Curtain Call is an enchanting cozy mystery with renovation rows, spooky specters, taboo tenants, a historic haven, and multiple murder mysteries. ( )