Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries

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

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 – Dog Gone Ghost (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #4.5) by Angie Fox.

4 out of 5 stars

I would like to that the author Angie Fox for allowing me a preview of ‘Dog Gone Ghost’ by being a part of her Review Crew. I am not being forced to make this review and am free to leave the group whenever I like… but as I love getting to read her work, that isn’t going to happen any time soon. 😉 But the review is all mine, I am not being pressured or bribed or whatever people like to accuse. I am simply writing how I openly and honestly feel about this book.

And well, I found it a rather heartfelt cute mini-novel. I will admit that, as much as I enjoy Ms Fox’s novella she writes in between the main books of this series, I am not always as big a fan as I am of the full ‘Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries’ series. And I will also admit this short story did give me flash backs to my days of watching a certain ghost whispering TV show… but it was just suggested memories and not an outright copy. They are of a similar theme, these coincidental comparisons can happen.

It was, in some ways, a rather sad tale, but the ending made up for it. Plus it added some interesting history to Sugarland that Ms Fox has not yet touched on… and I do wonder if she will be revisiting parts of it again in later novels. I think the main issue I had with it is, as usual, it was too short for me! 😀 But that is all the fault of the reader being too greedy. The story itself worked well, was very enjoyable and tugged at the emotions in all the right places. I just wanted more – but am greedy. 😉

The story itself also worked well as part of the ongoing series, we got our lovable skunk, our ever helpful protagonist and our reluctant helper – guardian from beyond the grave – gangster.

All in all it was a very enjoyable tale and has sated me enough to wait a little more patiently for the next full novel… as long as it is out soon. 😉

Would I recommend this short story to others?

Yes I would, but I would be strongly suggest they pick the series up at book one and work their way through all the main novels and short stories from there. More fun.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes I would, I am a dyed in the wool hard core fan of the ‘Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries’ series and so happily and proudly buy any and all of them when I can and this book won’t be any different.

In summary: a bit of a sad tale, but a heart-warming one at the same time. And a good bit of writing to hold you over until the next main novel. 😉

Until next time,

Janis.

Book Review -Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 4) by Angie Fox.

4 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to new Amazon rules I am rewording my opening lines. I was gifted a free copy of this book by the author. I am not being forced to post a review; I am doing it of my own free will as I enjoy reviewing and am a fan of her books. So, thank you Ms Fox.

As stated in an email from Amazon themselves I can assure you – “My review is voluntarily and the Author does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence my review.”

Yeah, that whole new thing about not mentioning things while having to disclose where you got the book from is… insane. But I digress!

‘Deader Homes and Gardens’ is book four in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries series (well, I see it as book six as I count the short stories too but that’s just me). That doesn’t change how good it is though, as it was a great read.

Verity is back, it’s her first public and official ghost hunting job and there is a mystery to solve. And it’s a good one too. Had me guessing to its source the whole way through and the conclusion and explanation fitted together nicely and made me go – uhhh, of course!

I do like a mystery book that keeps me guessing while not throwing so many red herrings at me it starts to smell fishy. And so that is why I love this series. It keeps me guessing, has me on tender hooks at just that right level to keep on reading into the wee small hours and being grumpy the next day as I am tired and still haven’t finished reading it. 😉

As always with this series, there is a good mixture of character interaction – between the usual cast and some new comers – scary spooky stuff, ghostly hijinks and that oh so cute little skunk!

Though I will add now it is not a stand-alone story… I mean, you COULD read it like that, but you’d have missed out on all the fun of the previous books and short stories. So don’t traumatise yourself – go get the other stories and read them first! You will thank me for it!

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. Especially if you had read other books in this series. Though if you haven’t, I’d be recommending you read them all, including this one. Lovers of fast-paced quirky supernatural mysteries will really enjoy not only this book, but the whole Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series. It has ghosts, it has a witty, strong willed protagonist, it has the hunky other half, it has that touch of scary stuff and it has that good old southern charm… what more could you want?

Would I buy this book for myself?

Well, as I’ve bought copies of all the rest of this series, what do you think? 😉 Of course I’m going to be buying a copy for myself. As I believe if you enjoy a book you should thank the author and actually buy it.

In summary: A great next adventure in a totally enjoyable cosy/ mystery of a supernatural nature. I highly recommend!

Until next time,

Janis.

Book Review – Ghost of a Chance by Angie Fox.

3 out of 5.

I bought this eBook for myself via Kindle (Amazon) and so thank myself for this wise purchase. 😉

This is the second ‘in-between’ short story of the South Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and, for a short story, it was good… but I don’t know. I just didn’t find it as amazingly entertaining and fun as I have found the rest of the series.

Don’t get me wrong, it was good. And it fit into the series perfectly and I don’t regret buying it, reading it or owning it… there was just something a little flat to this story. For me, it seemed to be missing the same sparkle the rest of the books in the series held. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood to read it? I don’t know. I just can’t find it in me the ability to give my usual rave review and top star rating, and I am sorry for that as this series deserves rave reviews as it’s a fantastic one!

Maybe this short story was just a little too short? That could be it. I did feel like I blinked and I missed it and maybe my odd feeling is because I am greedy and just wanted MORE Verity and Frankie than was on offer? 😉 Heck, I’m now just going to have to wait until March to get a bigger fix when the next book comes out!

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. If you’re a fan of this series – or of Ms Fox’s other work – this is essential reading to keep your fan status. 😉

Would I buy this book for myself?

Already have done and don’t regret it one little bit. Yes it seemed to lack something other books in this series had… but that doesn’t make it a bad book and I am proud to add it to my collection.

In summary: A good little short story and filler between the longer books in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. It might have lacked something for me… but I freely admit the fault probably lay with the reader and so feel everyone loving this series should go grab a copy for themselves today.

Until next time,

Janis. XXOO