Nola Trenholm, the 28-year-old narrator of this delightfully creepy series launch from White (the Tradd Street mysteries), is looking for a fresh start in New Orleans. Nola has purchased a wreck of a historic house that needs major rehabilitation--and perhaps an exorcism. The house is full of ghosts, one of whom was murdered. But Nola has no intention of being scared off. After all, her stepmother talks to spirits all the time. She contracts out the rehab to a company owned by Beau Ryan, a frenemy whom she both resents and loves for saving her life years earlier. Nola and her friend and roommate, the charming and wise Jolene McKenna, decide to help the restless spirits move on by solving the mystery around them--a mystery that could have a connection to Beau's family. As Nola and Jolene investigate, they discover everything is linked by seemingly random connections. A flawed and struggling protagonist matches a complex mystery that's appropriately goosebumpy. Not just fans of the Tradd Street series, of which this is a spin-off, will look forward to seeing more of Nola. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Mar.)

Fans of White's "Tradd Street" series will welcome this spinoff about Melanie Trenholm's stepdaughter, Nola, now an adult making her way in New Orleans. Armed with a master's degree in historical architecture and coping with some issues of her own, Nola finds a house that she instantly believes is meant for her. Despite Melanie's trepidations, Nola purchases the historic fixer-upper and begins restoration. Reconnecting with Beau Ryan, who worked for Nola's grandparents in Charleston, Nola must the two must face down history, confronting their own personal demons and the ghost of the woman who was murdered long ago in Nola's home. Sophie Amoss, a New Orleans resident herself, perfectly voices the characters. The cliffhanger ending leaves the listener wanting more. VERDICT This is a satisfying beginning to the new "Royal Street" series and will be especially appreciated by fans of the "Tradd Street" series. It will also interest those who like old houses, ghost stories, and determined Southern women.--Cheryl Youse