A ghost, murders, and romantic anxiety keep a Georgia gal in a constant state of confusion. After escaping an abusive marriage, Marygene Brown has returned to Peach Cove Island, where she and her sister, Jena Lynn, run the family diner. Marygene has inherited both her mama's house and her specter, who gives her occasional tips and warnings. A nude early morning swim in the ocean is ruined when she's apparently attacked by a burned corpse, an episode that earns her a scolding from Mama and Eddie Carter, the sheriff and her biological father. Marygene's rocky romance with deputy Alex Myers is foundering over his flirting, and Eddie's new hire, Javier Reyes, who's also gone through a dramatic divorce, is ringing her chimes despite his cold demeanor and odd sense of humor. While catering a party, Marygene and her brother, Sam, find another crispy corpse in the cellar. Mama warns her that she must help Eddie solve the case, though the rules Mama must follow in order to finally move on prevent her from giving Marygene solid information. Reluctantly Marygene and her best friend, Betsy, whose Meemaw knows all about the island ghosts, decide to investigate. Once the corpses are finally identified, all roads lead back to the past, and Marygene uncovers family secrets that are deeply disturbing. Plenty of red herrings and a touch of the paranormal add zip to this entertaining cozy. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.