Lori Shepherd's life in England is happy, albeit unusual; she lives with a ghost who regularly advises her on how to solve mysteries, the titular Aunt Dimity. Lately though, Lori's been somewhat off, largely due to her five year old sons entering school for the first time and her separation anxieties. This all takes on a new sense of urgency when the boys report seeing a vampiric figure lurking nearby. Since she does live in a benevolently haunted house, Lori, despite being skeptical, can be open minded enough to entertain the idea that such beings exist, and begins to investigate. As she does, rumors of Dracula's cousins, forty year old murders, family secrets, and madness fuel her sleuthing spirit. Yet, the truth is something she never could have imagined.

The gentleness of this book makes it a great read for mystery lovers of any age. Though innocent enough to be safe for those still reading Nancy Drew, there is enough sophistication to interest their parents as well. Aunt Dimity is a fun spook, but the living are just as eccentric and add equal amounts of color to the landscape.