I gasped, momentarily startled at the voice in my ear, then turned to see the ghostly figure of Robert Frost at my side. The poet’s ghost often hung around here in the poetry section where I had quite a collection of his books—he’d lived in New Hampshire while writing many of his poems, and his books were quite popular here.

I scanned the shelf critically. “You know what, Robert? You’re right. These shelves are practically bare.”

“Oh, and you could use some more historical books, too,” a voice piped up several aisles down in the history section. I recognized the ghost as that of Franklin Pierce, the only US President from New Hampshire. He hung around here, too.

I had no idea why they choose to hang around in the bookstore, but they seemed like nice guys. At first, it was a little off-putting, but once I got used to them, I realized they could actually be good company … except when they were arguing or being mischievous. You wouldn’t expect it from such proper gentlemen, but I’d seen them run off giggling after knocking a book off a shelf in front of a customer, just to startle them.

Anyway, they were both right. I did need to get some fresh stock.

I remembered that both Barry and Maggie had called about books they’d picked up for me. I’d been so busy trying to find Lavinia’s killer, I hadn’t had time to go pick up the books. Well, I’d just have to make time.

“Did someone call me?” Lavinia materialized in the middle of the aisle.

“Sure, now you show up … where were you when I was calling you at my house?”

Lavinia straightened, eyeing Robert and Franklin. “Well, now, we ghosts can’t be at your beck and call, you know. There’s lots to do on the other side.”

“Are you going to introduce us?” Franklin raised a brow as he glided toward me.

“Where are your manners?” Robert asked.

I introduced them all and they swirled misty greetings to each other. I guess ghosts didn’t just shake hands.

“Anyway, did you need something?” Lavinia asked.

“I was wondering if there was anyone who had a grudge against you. You know … who might have wanted you … dead.”

“No one. I don’t think it had anything to do with me,” Lavinia said. “They were in the library before me. It must have been something in the library.”

“You mean you were murdered?” Franklin’s eyes widened. “My dear, how … exciting.”

“Yes, do tell us all about it.” Robert drifted toward the end of the aisle and Lavinia followed, the three of them fading away as they chatted about Lavinia’s murder.

“At least she won’t be bugging me today,” I said to Pandora as I unlocked the door and turned the shop sign to ‘Open’.