Season Publishing

Book Review – Sweet Tea and Spirits (A Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery) by Angie Fox.

Sweet tea and spirits

4 out of 5 stars

I would like to thank Season Publishing for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

Followers of my site will know I am a HUGE fan of Ms Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series – both the full books and the short stories – and so it will be no surprise that I really loved this story too.

There were a tiny couple of glitch parts in it that gave the feeling Ms Fox might be writing the series a little too fast to remember it all properly… but that could also have been just my interpretation. Plus, I read an ARC and the final edit will no doubt have these glitches cleared up.

Apart from these very minor issues, the book was a totally enjoyable read. Life is progressing well for Verity, her hunky boyfriend and her so, so adorable pet skunk Lucy. And the afterlife is actually picking up a bit for Frankie too. I loved what was going on in the backyard at the start of the book – no spoilers here – and the other things he got to get up to once he set his mind to it.

There were a few mysteries to solve in ‘Sweet Tea and Spirits’, some old, some new. Just the right level of padding and red herrings and pretty much the perfect cosy crime/mystery – with a taste of the supernatural.

All in all it was an entertaining continuation of the series with a couple of new mysteries to solve and a lot of well-placed loose threads left to follow on into any new story… and I really do hope there will be a new book soon. Yup, my name is Janis and I am addicted to visiting Sugarland, Verity and the rest. Let’s face it… who wouldn’t want to go see what Lucy is up to?

I was recently accused of not having the right to review a book without trying any of the things within the book first. And, although some may feel that a valid point for the cook book in question, I would like to put people’s fears to rest – I did not murder anyone, commune with ghosts or re-arrange mannequins to ensure I could give ‘Sweet Tea and Spirits’ a true run through for authenticity and entertainment. I merely read it, enjoyed it and probably snorted out my nose once or twice… And although there was no sweet tea harmed in the making of this review, a few brave hot chocolates gave their lives to ensure my days ran smoothly. 😉

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would, though I would emphasise this was book 5 in a series and for people to truly get their money’s worth, they should go back and read all of the previous books and short stories within the Southern Ghost Hunters Mystery series.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Oh hell yes. I love this series; I buy the books to show my appreciation of what Ms Fox does and will keep on doing so. I am a Verity Long fan for life. 😉

In summary: Fantastic continuation in a series, while bringing new and interesting mysteries to the reader to keep them entertained while also trying to figure out whodunit. Highly recommend.

Until next time,

Janis

Book Review – The Skeleton in the Closet (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 2) by Angie Fox.

Skeleton in the closet

5 out of 5 stars.

I would like to thank Season Publishing for allowing me an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an open and honest review.

As you can tell by the score, I loved it. Though I will freely admit here and now to being biased as I’ve read the first book and short story in this series too so there was a strong chance of liking it from the get go.

As corny as it sounds, I really want to give this book the tagline of “more addictive than chocolate” as I received it on Tuesday night and had finished it by Wednesday night. Being home sick with nothing but reading to do sort of helped though.

It is yet another good tale about Verity Long getting to know her new ghostly abilities. This book develops the characters more, gives us more insight into the town, its people and history. It also really shows that Verity is the right person to have such a ghostly gift as her heart is really in the right place when she can even turn ghosts known as ‘the beast’ back into the kind souls they originally were.

In this book we get to know her ex Beau a bit more – and his simply delightful (note sarcasm) mother. We also get to see that not all apples that fall from the same tree are so rotten.

Although there is still the ongoing “secret” romance between Verity and Ellis, the good thing about this book is it stays true to its genre and really is more a supernatural mystery than a romance novel dressed up as a supernatural story.

And can I just say I shouldn’t have read the stuff about Ma’s hauntings late at night in the dark. Damn Ms Fox sets a scene well!

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes! Anyone who enjoys the works of Kim Harrison, Mary-Janice Davidson or Katie MacAlister will enjoy this book – and series! Lovers of light-hearted supernatural mysteries will enjoy this book. Anyone after a great read that includes a mystery, some ghosts and that good old Southern charm will enjoy this book.

Would I buy this book for myself? Yes! In fact I was absolutely prepared to, as I knew it was coming out at the end of the month… and couldn’t help but do a little bit of a happy victory dance when I saw I was approved to read the ARC. I have taken to Ms Fox’s writing style so much I’ve actually starting checking out some of her other series. So, yes, definitely a book I would happily own. I can’t wait for the next in the series coming out in 2016!

In summary – can you tell I liked this book? Have I encouraged you enough to go out and get a copy? Seriously, this book (and series) is just the sort of thing I love and I’m so thankful to have found it. If you think Ms Morgan, Queen Betsy, Fred and all those Wyverns and their mates are entertaining – buy this book as it fits right into the same fantastic genre section on my shelves. In fact, go buy the first one too and grab the little short story ‘1.5’ while you’re at it. Highly recommend.

Until next time,

Janis. XXOO