Dollycas’s ThoughtsMacy’s friend Della has been caring for Lorraine Rossi for a few months and sadly Lorraine passed away when Della wasn’t present. Della feels there was just something off about the death. The woman’s family was around but they may have ulterior motives. Lorraine told Della about one of her valuable possessions that she had hidden away. She wanted Della to have the item instead of it going to her “greedy” children and she has put her wishes in her will too. So Della talks Macy into going to a Halloween event being held at the Greenbrier Inn owned by Lorraine’s daughter to see if they can keep an eye on members of the family and maybe even find the valuable possession left to Della.The weekend is filled with spooky events including a ghost tour with stories about the Greenbrier Ghost and other notable ghouls. The Greenbrier Ghost appears back at the inn and frightens the guests but when a young newlywed is found dead the next morning killed in a similar fashion as the ghost Macy knows she needs to dig in the guests herself. One of them is a killer. She realizes the inn and its guests all seem to be harboring secrets but what drove one of them to kill. She hopes to find out before her haunted weekend comes to an end.This series is so much fun. While the mystery takes place away from Barks & Beans we still get to check in with the adoptable pooches and the beaming baristas. This time Bo is taking care of Macy’s Great Dane Coal returning the favor of Macy’s taking care of his kitty Stormy when he was recently out of town.The author creates such marvelous characters, humans, canines, and felines. They are all well developed. I enjoyed the introduction of Della. It takes a special person to care for people at the end of their lives and it was easy to see that she has a huge heart and was well-suited to be a caregiver. She is also ready to open her heart in another way and that little subplot added to the intrigue and touched my heart too.We were also introduced to Lorraine’s family. Wow, what a group. Ms. Gilbert did an excellent job with those characters as well. Some got my hackles up early, others took a little time but all had me questioning their motives regarding the deaths that occurred. I loved all the twists and turns. The Greenbriar Inn and its grounds was a fantastic setting for this story. I had a great time tagging along with Macy even into some really spooky places.The author does an admirable job of blending everyday activities, special events, and stellar mysteries together for a well-rounded read. In Trouble Brewing readers are treated to a subplot that features a very special adoption. I challenge you not to have a tear in your eye.I have become a big fan of Heather Day Gilbert. This cozy series is one I find so entertaining and I highly recommend them all. Wonderful characters, lively mysteries, and a big Great Dane that had me from the moment he entered the scene keep me coming back for more. Cold Drip hits bookshelves May 24, 2022. I can’t wait for my next visit to Barks & Beans.