Dead for the Money — Peg Herring

When Dead Detective Seamus is asked to investigate the death of wealthy businessman William Dunbar he's more than willing, but there's an additional request. Will he take a detective-in-training along? Reluctantly, Seamus agrees and meets Mildred, who seems charming if a little headstrong. Suspects include Dunbar's family and staff, notably his beloved grandson Bud, who was with him when he fell from a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. There's chemistry between Bud and Scarlet, a member of the household staff, and Seamus wonders why they work so hard to keep it hidden. Mildred insists on remaining with Dunbar's adopted granddaughter Brodie, a problem child who is devastated by "Gramps" death. Brodie feels that no one on earth cares about her now, and Mildred is determined to convince her otherwise. Disgusted by Mildred's disregard for the rules of non-interference with the Living, Seamus investigates the case without her. Events soon spin out of control. A kidnapping leads to a desperate chase toward the Straits of Mackinac, where several characters face death on the "Mighty Mac" Bridge. Will Mildred become a lost soul? Will Brodie find the will to survive? Can Seamus help his host defeat the killer, or does his presence make things worse? Nothing is certain except the possibility that more innocent people could end up Dead for the Money.