In Riddle of the Haunted Hoard by L.J. Aldon, the main character is Pucci Riddle, a blogger and rum critic from the US. But she can also see and communicate with spirits and, in particular, a recent murder victim. In one of my favorite scenes, Pucci gives a man, named JD Langer, a ride to an abandoned bus. He has no memory of who he is or of why he feels so distressed. It’s not until the end of the scene that Pucci tells the man the body hidden in the luggage compartment is his. With her two new friends, she sets out to solve JD’s murder and finds a link to stolen museum artifacts worth a fortune. But she’s thwarted by the efforts of the mysterious Shadow Man who uses deception to find out what Pucci knows about the valuable hoard and tries to stop her from reaching it first.

I enjoyed the Cayman Islands setting in Riddle of the Haunted Hoard. L.J. Aldon offers great descriptions of the island and its easy-going culture. The characters are well-rounded and Pucci is extremely likable. She’s portrayed as someone who knows how to be a good friend, but who also has healthy boundaries and decent morals. She’s loyal and brave and doesn’t back down from difficult conflicts. But she displays a respect for the supernatural, the rituals of engaging with spirits, and compassion for the newly deceased. The writer conveys much detail about her with simple yet effective descriptions. The mystery components in the novel are gripping and well-written, taking the reader on a winding journey to unmask the killer. Having a wholly evil entity tracking Pucci’s every move provides a sinister and unpredictable dynamic that threads through the plot as a threat. I also enjoyed the tenuousness of the love interest with its will-they-won’t-they push and pull.

The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard by L. J. Aldon is an imaginative mystery that combines supernatural elements with a detective story. Set against the mysterious backdrop of Grand Cayman Island, the story follows Pucci Riddle, a blogger and freelance journalist with a unique gift for communicating with the dead. Pucci's vacation takes an unexpected turn when she meets the ghost of JD, a recently murdered man who needs her help to solve the mystery of his death. The plot is filled with twists and turns as Pucci pieces together clues that lead her deeper into a web of secrets involving ancient coins, local legends, and dangerous criminals. The inclusion of supernatural elements, such as Pucci's communication with ghosts and her spirit guide, Sirius, enhances the story’s uniqueness.

L. J. Aldon blends humor, suspense, and vivid descriptions. The narrative immerses readers in the lush tropical landscapes of the Cayman Islands, juxtaposing the serene beauty of the setting with the dark and sinister elements of the mystery. Pucci’s wit and relatable personality make her a captivating protagonist, while her interactions with the enigmatic JD add depth and intrigue. The world-building is nicely paced without overshadowing the plot or character development. The supernatural elements are skillfully integrated into the narrative, offering a fresh and intriguing take on the traditional mystery genre. Pucci’s journey of self-discovery and her determination to seek justice for JD make this a deeply satisfying read. The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard is a delightful mix of mystery, adventure, and the paranormal. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a touch of the supernatural in their mysteries.

The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard by L. J. Aldon centers on Pucci Riddle, a psychic investigator who is roped into uncovering the mystery behind JD Langer’s death, which is tied to a broader conspiracy involving stolen historical artifacts, smuggled blue diamonds, and a dangerous man named Coop. As Pucci investigates, her psychic abilities allow her to communicate with JD’s ghost and pick up clues, including a coin linked to a shipwreck and the Louisiana Purchase. Her search leads her to dangerous confrontations with dark forces, deceitful allies, and skeptical authorities, particularly DI Olan Lathen, who shares a complicated past with her. The stakes shoot through the roof when her friends are kidnapped, forcing Pucci into a greater race against time and facing both the perils of trying to rescue them and unravel the conspiracy surrounding JD’s murder.

L. J. Aldon has a true knack for the atmospheric in The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard, mixing the supernatural with a classic whodunit. Aldon does well in engulfing readers in a whirlwind of paranormal energy that, quite literally, surrounds Pucci as she is pulled further into helping JD. I loved the turbulent peeling away of what has transpired and felt that Pucci was a totally relatable, likable, and capable character who is absolutely worthy of a series. Honestly, even before the entry of the Shadow Man and good ol' fashioned smuggling, I was sold. Aldon’s prose is sharp and comfortably marries Pucci’s psychic abilities with the procedural elements of the investigation. Fans of paranormal mysteries will relish the deft storytelling, multi-layered characters, and all the seen and unseen forces at work. Very highly recommended.

L. J. Aldon's The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard is a murder mystery that centers around Pucci, a woman with a mysterious connection to the paranormal world. Pucci is a freelance journalist with the ability to see ghosts. One day, while at a rum-tasting event, Pucci is approached by the ghost of JD Langer. JD requires her help in solving his murder. When Pucci accidentally hints to the police where JD's body is located, she becomes the main suspect in their investigation. As such, she recruits Detective Olan Lathen, her old flame, to help clear her name. They launch into an exciting adventure filled with action and danger, leading them on an international treasure hunt. Unfortunately, the police aren't the only ones searching for this quick-witted journalist turned amateur sleuth. Something much sinister is at play. Can Pucci and Olan survive this thrilling journey and clear her name?

Gripping, entertaining, and filled with unexpected twists, The Riddle of the Haunted Hoard will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. This novel is enjoyable, with smooth pacing that never lags. L. J. Aldon is especially skilled at writing character dialogue and can spin a story into an intriguing and intricate mystery. The storyline will immediately draw you in and completely immerse you in Pucci's wild and daring journey. Aldon is a master at crafting vivid descriptions and plot development. She gives readers just enough details without spoiling the main plot. The prose is well-balanced without being hurried or abrupt. I love the way that Pucci and Olan play off one another. I'm certainly interested in seeing where their future adventures lead them. I recommend this novel to paranormal fans who enjoy a good mystery tale with a hint of drama, adventure, and romance.