Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels

Advice from Evermore House’s resident ghost, Lila Evermore, offered with grace, wit, and just enough haunting charm.

1. What advice would you give to the families when they first come to the Airbnb Evermore House and see you?
Dear Nervous New Arrivals,
First, do not scream unless it is truly necessary. I have been dead since 1931, not rude.
When you arrive at Evermore House and spot me in the hall, my advice is simple. Introduce yourself as you would to any hostess. A polite hello does wonders. If you are alarmed, take one steadying breath, then remember this: I am here to keep watch, not cause scenes. Though I do enjoy a little dramatic entrance now and then, I am far more likely to guide you to the good rooms than to rattle the teacups.

Children tend to adjust best. Grown folks, less so. If you must ask whether I am real, the answer is yes, in the particular way moonlight is real. If you ask whether I bite, the answer is no, though I may judge your luggage.

In short, be courteous, curious, and not overly faint. Evermore House has room for the living and the deceased, provided everyone mind their manners.

Yours in spectral hospitality,
Lila Evermore

*****

2. Dear Lila, My Beau has asked for my hand in marriage. I love him so, but he has not a job. What should I do. Sincerely, Forlorn in Love

Dear Forlorn in Love,
Ah, the old romance and rent dilemma. A fine love story can warm the heart, but it will not pay the grocer.
Before you say yes, ask yourself a few practical questions. Does your beau have plans, ambition, and the ability to follow through? Does he seek work, or merely seek your devotion while he remains decorative? A husband need not be rich, but he ought to be responsible. Love is lovely. Reliability is lovelier still.

If he is between positions and earnest about improving his prospects, that is one matter. If he expects marriage to solve his troubles, that is another, and not a charming one. A ring should not become a reward for wishful thinking.

My advice is this. Tell him you adore him, but you cannot build a future on sentiment alone. If he loves you properly, he will understand that a good marriage begins with partnership, not just pretty promises.

Yours with romantic realism,
Lila Evermore

*****

3. What do you do for fun in the summer that doesn’t cost money?

Dear Budget-Conscious Cruncher,
Summer is a generous season, even for those of us without pockets in the usual sense.
I enjoy evening walks through the garden when the roses are resting from the heat and the fireflies are putting on their little lantern show. I also like sitting on the porch with a cool glass of lemonade that I cannot drink but can admire, which is very nearly the same thing in spirit. Sometimes I listen to guests pretending they are not lost in the woods, and that is entertainment enough.

For the living, I recommend reading under a tree, collecting wildflowers, watching thunderstorms from a safe window, cloud-watching, taking long walks, and sitting with a friend and a fan while gossiping responsibly. One may also press flowers, sketch the view, or make up stories about the neighbors, though I suggest kindness in the final draft.
Pleasure need not be purchased. Sometimes it is simply noticed.

Yours in thrifty delight,
Lila Evermore

*****

4. What’s the best way to communicate with a friendly ghost?

Dear Open-Minded Messenger,
With respect, calm, and perhaps a decent lamp.

A friendly ghost prefers someone who speaks plainly and does not behave as though every creak in the floorboards is a national emergency. Start by greeting the spirit as you would an unusual houseguest. Use your normal voice. No need for chanting, bells, or theatrical flourishes unless you are trying to impress someone, and even then I would advise against it.

The best communicators are patient. Ghosts do not always answer in the ways you expect. A chill in the air, a flicker in a mirror, a book opening to the right page, these are often our version of a conversation. Ask clear questions. Listen carefully. Do not interrupt if the ghost is trying to be helpful, which, I assure you, is more difficult than it sounds.

And above all, do not demand proof. A friendly ghost is not a parlour trick. We are beings of memory, habit, and the occasional dramatic draft.

Be polite, be observant, and if all else fails, leave out a cookie. It helps with morale, if not with metabolism.

Yours from beyond the veil,
Lila Evermore

*****

Until next time, dear readers, may your teacups stay warm, your secrets stay charming, and your attic doors remain politely unhaunted.

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

You can find her cozy mystery books on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

Louie the Dachshund Cracks the Case Wide Open

Louie, the small-but-mighty dachshund star of my Phantom Fireworks cozy mystery, may have short legs, but he has a nose for trouble, a heart full of loyalty, and a talent for noticing exactly what humans overlook.

While the people in the story were busy talking, guessing, and generally being distracted by their own theories, Louie was doing what dachshunds do best: following instincts, sniffing out clues, and taking the case seriously in his own unmistakably determined way.

And yes — he absolutely helped crack the case wide open.

I thought it would be fun to let Louie speak for himself, so I sat down for a little interview with the detective of the hour.

Here’s my interview with Louie, star of the cozy mystery Phantom Fireworks.

Me: Louie, what was the first thing that told you something wasn’t right?

Louie: Ears. Noses. Energy. Humans walk right past things. I do not. I noticed a change in the air, plus someone was acting very suspicious around the fireworks display. Also, I am excellent at noticing when people lie. Their shoe choices give them away.

Me: Their shoe choices?

Louie: Absolutely. A guilty person walks differently. A very guilty person walks like they forgot where they put the treat jar.

Me: Fair point. What was your special contribution to the case?

Louie: I found what the humans missed. A dropped item. A hidden scent trail. A detail tucked away where no one thought to look. I may be low to the ground, but that means I’m closer to the truth.

Me: Did you know from the beginning that you were on the right track?

Louie: Of course. I am a dachshund. We were practically designed for digging up secrets. Some dogs fetch. Some dogs nap. I investigate.

Me: What would you like readers to know about you?

Louie: That being small is not the same as being insignificant. Also, I enjoy snacks, affection, and being correct.

If you haven’t met Louie yet, I think you’re in for a treat. He’s loyal, funny, and just the sort of four-legged detective who can turn a confusing trail into a satisfying resolution. He may be small, but he’s got the spirit of a much bigger dog — especially when it comes to protecting the people he loves and sniffing out the truth.

Phantom Fireworks is available on AmazonAmazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

 

There’s just something magical about July 4th, the warm summer air, the glow of sparklers, the smell of barbecue drifting through the neighborhood, and that happy hush right before the fireworks begin. It’s one of those holidays that feels made for cozy moments: lemonade on the porch, red-white-and-blue everything, and a little time to relax with a good book.

In my world, July always brings a touch of mystery along with the festivities. Whether it’s a community picnic, a small-town parade, or a backyard celebration under the stars, this time of year has a way of stirring up surprises. And this summer, there may be a few extra sparks in the air…

I’m delighted to hint that something new is on the horizon: Phantom Fireworks. It’s festive, it’s intriguing, and let’s just say it may have more than one kind of explosion to keep readers turning pages.

Until then, I hope your July is filled with sunshine, sweet treats, and just the right amount of sparkle. Happy Fourth of July, and happy reading!

Phantom Fireworks is available on AmazonAmazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

Cora Waterford knew Bellbird Bay had its small-town habits. The weather changed its mind without warning. Mrs. Pelham’s fortune stand sold more seashell charms than fortunes. And if Captain Sly the parrot started muttering secrets, somebody was about to have a very bad afternoon.

Cora found Mrs. Pelham on the pier, wrapped in her purple shawl and looking as if she had stepped out of a storybook and into a tea tin.

“You’re late,” Mrs. Pelham said.

“I closed the bakery first,” Cora replied. “Unlike some people, I cannot survive on gossip alone.”

Captain Sly ruffled his emerald feathers. “Gossip is breakfast.”

Cora laughed. “That bird needs a hobby.”

“He has one,” said Mrs. Pelham. “Announcing inconvenient truths.”

Captain Sly bobbed his head. “Treasure under the gull’s eye.”

Cora blinked. “Did he just say treasure?”

Mrs. Pelham pursed her lips. “He says many things. Most of them are theatrical.”

“Three keys,” Captain Sly went on. “One map. Don’t trust the one with the gold ring.”

That made Cora pause. “That sounded less theatrical.”

Mrs. Pelham gave her a long look. “Indeed.”

Before Cora could ask more, a man in a crisp tan coat approached the stand. He had polished shoes, a polished smile, and a gold ring that flashed whenever he moved his hand.

“Good afternoon,” he said. “I’m Mr. Alden. I run the new hotel on the bluff. I understand you have a very interesting bird.”

Captain Sly fluffed his feathers. “Gold ring. No trust.”

Mr. Alden laughed too quickly. “What a charming pet.”

“He is not a pet,” Mrs. Pelham said.

“Then perhaps an asset,” Alden said. “Guests adore local color. I’d like to borrow him for my lobby.”

Cora folded her arms. “Borrow a parrot from a woman who can read tea leaves and likely your soul? Brave man.”

Alden smiled. “I’m sure we can make it worth your while.”

Mrs. Pelham tilted her head. “I see a man with a locked door and very poor manners.”

“I see a fortune teller who enjoys drama,” Alden said, though his eyes sharpened. “Do take care. The cliffs are dangerous after dark.”

“Is that a warning?” Cora asked.

“It’s a suggestion,” Alden said, and walked away with the easy stride of someone used to getting his way.

Captain Sly leaned toward Cora and whispered, “Sneaky boots.”

Mrs. Pelham touched the bird’s beak. “Yes, dear. We noticed.”

That evening, Cora tried to focus on cinnamon rolls and apple tarts, but her mind kept flapping back to the parrot’s words. Three keys. One map. The gull’s eye. By sunset, curiosity had become a very persistent thing.

She locked the bakery, grabbed a flashlight, and took the cliff path above the sea. Wind tugged at her hair. The gulls wheeled overhead like scraps of moving paper. At the old lookout hut, she knelt beside a loose plank and found, tied in faded blue ribbon, three rusted brass keys.

“Well,” she said to the empty air, “that was almost too easy.”

A voice behind her said, “I was hoping you’d find them.”

Cora spun. Mrs. Pelham stood there, slightly breathless, with Captain Sly riding on her shoulder like a jeweled pirate.

“You followed me?”

“I prefer the phrase ‘kept pace,’” Mrs. Pelham said. “Captain Sly heard Alden and his men discussing the keys near the pier. He also overheard the bird part.”

Captain Sly preened. “Smart bird.”

Cora held up the keys. “So Alden really is after the treasure.”

“Not treasure,” Mrs. Pelham said. “History.”

Captain Sly fluttered down to a carved gull on the lookout post and pecked at it twice. Cora crouched beside him and found a tiny slot beneath the carving.

“Under the gull’s eye,” she murmured.

One key fit. Then another. A small hidden drawer popped open with a cheerful click, as if it had been waiting for its moment of glory.

Inside was an oilcloth packet.

Cora opened it carefully. “No jewels?”

“No jewels,” Mrs. Pelham said.

Only a map, a ledger, and a letter.

Cora read the first line and burst out laughing. “It’s a town fund.”

“The original founders hid it during a storm,” Mrs. Pelham said. “Along with records showing who contributed. Enough money to restore the pier, if handled properly.”

Captain Sly gave a pleased squawk. “I told you.”

“You certainly implied something,” Cora said.

A new voice cut through the wind. “How touching.”

Mr. Alden stood at the far end of the path, two men behind him. His smile was gone.

“I was hoping,” he said, “that bird would lead me here.”

Captain Sly puffed himself up. “No trust. No trust.”

Cora stepped back, tucking the papers against her chest. “You’re too late.”

Alden’s gaze flicked over the packet. “Those documents belong with the hotel investors.”

Mrs. Pelham sniffed. “Only if your investors enjoy harbor patrol.”

Alden frowned. “You wouldn’t.”

“I already did,” Mrs. Pelham said, smiling sweetly. “Captain Sly gave a very memorable statement.”

At that exact moment, the distant sound of footsteps and radios echoed up the path. The patrol arrived just in time to hear Captain Sly squawk, “Gold ring! No trust!”

The men with Alden stared at their shoes. Alden lost his color. And by the next morning, Bellbird Bay had its newest scandal, its oldest secret, and a very improved harbor restoration fund.

Cora stood on the pier with Mrs. Pelham and Captain Sly, watching the waves flash silver under the sun.

“So,” she said, “was he telling tales?”

Captain Sly blinked once. “Truth. With flair.”

Mrs. Pelham laughed. “I did tell you he was useful.”

Cora smiled. Bellbird Bay had not changed much. The weather still wobbled. The sea still glittered. And the fortune stand still sold more charms than fortunes.

But now everyone knew that if Captain Sly started muttering about gulls, keys, or suspicious men with gold rings, you listened.

Just in case the bird was telling the truth.

*****Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved