# Mystic Mayhem

By Sally J. Smith & Jean Steffens · Mystic Isle Mysteries, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/mystic-mayhem-2e4cda76/

Melanie Hamilton earns her living tattooing guests at a bayou resort near New Orleans, where spooky entertainment is part of the service. When a wealthy widow is poisoned and Melanie’s friend is arrested, she joins manager Jack Stockton in trying to identify the killer.

## What makes it funny?

One séance has enough candles to make Melanie think of bread rising. Her account gives the nervous medium a comparison closer to the dinner pot: a crawfish beside boiling water.

### The comedy at work

Melanie knows how much work goes into the resort’s supernatural atmosphere. Her skeptical narration keeps exposing the practical side of the performance, including a costume that makes her feel like Count von Count rather than Elvira.

### Try this if…

Séances, secret passages and bayou wildlife give the murder inquiry its setting. Readers who enjoy a little flirtation and an employee’s view of a theatrical resort may like Melanie’s company.

### Good to know

Paranormal entertainment includes staff putting on an act. The haunted-resort setting leaves room for skepticism about what guests believe they have seen.

## What to expect

- Genre: Mystery
- On the shelf: Amateur sleuth · Cozy mystery
- Kind of humor: Situational comedy
- Format: Novel
- Length: 268 pages (ebook)
- Published: 2015

## A few distinguishing details

- A tattoo artist investigates behind the spooky resort attractions

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Mystic Mayhem by Sally J. Smith & Jean Steffens on Apple Books](https://books.apple.com/us/book/mystic-mayhem/id1030050212)
- Book information: [Fantastic Fiction bibliography](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/sally-j-smith/mystic-mayhem.htm)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com/sally-j-smith-jean-steffens)
- Review: [Niki Nyan review and excerpt](https://nikinyansbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/book-review-of-mystic-mayhem-by-sally-j-smith-jean-steffens)
- Reading sample: [Author promotional excerpt via Melissa Keir](https://www.melissakeir.com/blog/melissa_keir-mystic-mayhem-by-sally-j-smith-and-jean-steffens-spotlight-btg)
- Publisher: [Publisher description on Apple Books](https://books.apple.com/us/book/mystic-mayhem/id1030050212)