The Cyanide Ghost (Mina Scarletti, #6)

by Linda Stratmann

[Mystereity Reviews]

I absolutely love this series. In fact, I love it so much that it's an automatic 4 stars, but this one I'll give 5. I've been reading this series right along and this one ranks up there as the most satisfyingly and compelling of them all thus far.

So much to love about this one; Mr. Beckler is still around and this time he's attempting to produce spirit photographs and is successful when he captures one during a portrait session for a young woman from a wealthy family. Mina's suspicions are aroused further when it's revealed that Mr. Beckler has been taking photos of the gravesites of prominent people in the community, showing the ghostly occupant clearly standing next to their grave. Despite her reluctance to encounter the creepy Mr. Beckler and the brash Arthur Wallace Hope (who we've met in previous books and has vowed to silence her skepticism) Mina mounts a covert investigation to learn the truth.


I've always been fascinated by the subject of ghosts and Spiritualism and the obviously well researched story line kept me glued to the book, watching Mina wade through the mire until she finds the truth. I loved all of the twists and turns in this one, and really enjoyed watching Mina (with brother Richard's help) re-enact some situations that occurred and how she uncovered the truth. The comeuppance received by one character very worthy of a comeuppance was so gratifying that I nearly clapped, made for such a gratifying ending that left me wanting more.

Another fantastic entry in the Mina Scarletti series and one I definitely recommend for people who enjoy solidly written historical fiction and ghost stories.

Thank you very much to Netgalley and Sapere Books for the advance copy to read and review.