I’m back in Salem to write about the newly renovated Grand Hotel. Its reputation for ghosts should make a terrific story for my travel magazine. My best friend Holly and our French bulldog, Jasper, are along for the visit. Jasper, naturally, has dressed for it.

The hotel has a ghost story of its own. Years ago, a magician’s assistant named Rosie died during a trick, leaving behind rumors of a curse. I’m curious about what happened to her. Then I attend a magic show and watch another performer die onstage.

The police arrest my friend Eli for the magician’s murder. I don’t believe he killed anyone, but believing in him won’t be enough to clear his name. I need to find out what happened during the performance and why Rosie’s death still hangs over the town.

That means following clues through Salem, questioning people who would rather leave the past alone, and paying attention to the supernatural signs I’ve spent years trying to ignore. Holly is ready to help. Jasper remains convinced he’s the star of the investigation.

I came to review a haunted hotel. Now a friend’s future depends on whether I can tell an old curse from a very human crime.