A funeral, a ghost, a murder . . . It’s all in a day’s work for Emma Lee Raines . . .especially when the ghost turns out to be someone very dear to her heart. Debbie Dually, psychic and friend who has guided Emma Lee since the she was bopped on the head from a falling plastic Santa, local undertaker Emma Lee Raines is told she’s suffering from “funeral trauma.” Debbie Dually is the one who … one who informed Emma Lee that she wasn’t crazy, she was a Betweener, someone who can communicate with ghosts with the not-so-dearly departed. In fact, she told Emma Lee how she was the only one that could help solve their murder to help them rest in eternal peace.
This time Debbie Dually finds herself needing Emma’s help. This means solving her own murder.
Emma goes deep undercover as a fake psychic in order to see into the past and help Debbie cross over. Emma Lee doesn’t realize this opens up a whole can of new Betweener clients that refuse to leave her alone.
When Emma Lee is tagged as the number one suspect in Debbie Dually’s death, her handsome state trooper boyfriend, Jack Henry, has no choice but to come back to Whispering Falls and get to the bottom of what is going on before it’s too late and Emma Lee goes to the state pen for a very long time.
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*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Southern charm, ghosts, and a good mystery what more can you really ask for in one amazing book? This one covers all of that as we follow Emma Lee who runs a funeral home. Business is booming when a physic friend of hers turns up only to found dead later making Emma Lee the main suspect. With the cops targeting her she ends up investigating on her own until she finds herself in some very deep trouble. Full of Southern character that makes you want move there while keeping you hooked on the story. If you like cozies with a touch of the supernatural then look no further then this. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Who would want to kill a physic in Sleepy Hollow? Certainly not Emma Lee?
A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes is a delightful story with mystery, a touch of paranormal and real-life issues all done with Ms. Kappes wit and southern charm. I adored this book.
Emma Lee Raines
Our Sleuth is Emma Lee, the current owner of Eternal Slumber Funeral Home. She is also a Betweener, which means that she can see and speak to the dead but only those that have been murdered. Emma is tasked with helping the ghost of the murdered victim find out what happened to them so that the spirit can move on.
Emma has a lot going as sole owner the funeral home, being in a long distance relationship with Jack Henry, the former Sheriff of Sleepy Hollow, who is now a Kentucky State Trooper. She also has to keep an eye on her Grandma Zula. Then there are the townsfolk continually gossiping about her. But Emma is strong and handle it. I like that about her. Somehow she keeps it together when I am not sure I could.
Things I liked about the story
• I adore the rules of southern etiquette that Emma tries to uphold. Along with the other ladies. Oh, and the Baptist nod is cute.
• Then there is Jack Henry; he is such a good sport. You can tell how much they love each other. But seriously, he is going to have to get used to breaking the rules if he is going to keep up with Emma Lee.
• Zula Fae Raines Payne is pretty awesome. She is the town catch for the older set. Zula wants to be herself, and she doesn’t need a fulltime man expecting her to wait on them. However, that doesn’t mean that she wants to sit at home alone all of the time.
• Debbie Dually is pretty neat. I would totally be one of her regulars. She is a genuine psychic, not one of those fake ones who give you vague answers that you don’t have any idea what to do with.
• Sleepy Hollow is a great little town filled with the eccentric characters that come out of Ms. Kappes incredible mind.
• I also like the way things happened in the end. That is all I am saying about that so you will have to read it for yourself.
Five Stars
A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes is laugh out loud funny, which I did by the way. My stepdad thinks I am crazy for sure. This book is the first that I have read in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series, but it won’t be the last.
I have to tell you; I totally recommend all of Tonya Kappes books. She has this way of sucking you right into the story and make you feel like you are there. So, if you are looking for a cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal and a lot of fun and southern charm, then you should read A Ghostly Suspect.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you would like to read more reviews like this one, please go to baronessbooktrove.com
This book was everything I have come to know and love in a Tonya Kappes novel – funny, captivating, and leaves me feeling good when I close the book for the final time. A great book for fans of supernatural cozy mysteries. It is infused with humor and charm. It was a quick read and I was able to finish the book in about 48 hours. I recommend to all mystery lovers!
A Ghostly Suspect is an entertaining story. Emma Lee Raines is an undertaker and a Betweener. She can talk to those who are stick in the In Between because they have murdered and unable to move on until Emma Lee figures out who murdered them. It has been a year since Emma Lee has seen a spirit in need. Emma Lee’s mentor (and psychic), Debbie Dually is found dead in the gazebo with an empty glass of sweet tea from Eternal Slumber next to her. Debbie needs Emma Lee’s assistance to cross over and Emma Lee needs to get herself off the suspect list. If you have not read A Ghostly Southern Mystery series, you will not be lost. The information a new reader needs is artfully woven into the story. There are a variety of quirky characters including Emma Lee’s Granny, Zula Fae Raines Payne. Mazie Watkins, the librarian, is an upbeat woman who loves helping Emma Lee solve crimes. I like her cheery personality. Tonya Kappes has an engaging writing style. It draws the reader into the book and holds their attention until the end. The paranormal element is intertwined into the story. I would like to see Emma Lee’s gift evolve. I keep hoping Granny will learn of the gift and become accepting of it (Instead of asking Emma Lee if her “funeral trauma” has returned). I truly enjoyed the clever mystery. The author upped her game with this whodunit. Emma Lee actively investigated the crime and it is action packed. There are several suspects, good clues and misdirection. Emma Lee gets to visit a psychic convention with Mazie as part of the investigation. Ernest Peabody, the lawyer Granny hires for Emma Lee, was a treat. I loved how he handled Sheriff Trevor O’Neil. Jack Henry Ross, Emma Lee’s beau, is back and he finds himself in hot water. The ending is special and will delight fans of the series. A Ghostly Suspect has humor, mystery, action, and a touch of romance. I am keen to read the next A Ghostly Southern Mystery. A Ghostly Suspect is a delight with gossipmongers, psychics, an eager beaver suitor, a relentless competitor, a helpful spirit, a merry librarian, a tedious copper and one overworked undertaker.
A Ghostly Suspect
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A funeral, a ghost, a murder . . . It’s all in a day’s work for Emma Lee Raines . . .
especially when the ghost turns out to be someone very dear to her heart. Debbie Dually, psychic and friend who has guided Emma Lee since she was bopped on the head from a falling plastic Santa, local undertaker Emma Lee Raines is told she’s suffering from “funeral trauma.” (Amazon)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the start. I felt like I was right there in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, visiting with Emma Lee and her friends. I always feel like I should be sipping a glass of sweet tea while I am reading this series.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Granny is a real pistol and she is so funny, Emma Lee has her hands full with her. Jack Henry is a great boyfriend and he is really trying to accept Emma Lee’s “ability”.
The mystery is well written and moved along at a nice even pace. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. If you enjoy paranormal with your cozy, like I do, then you definitely want to read this book and series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Shortly after Emma Lee’s friend, Medium Debbie Dually, pays her an unexpected visit at the Eternal Slumber funeral home Emma Lee owns, Debbie is discovered dead from poisoning at the gazebo in the town square.
Since Emma Lee was the last person Debbie had visited Emma Lee becomes the prime suspect in her murder. The new sheriff in town, Trevor O’Neil, is determined that Emma Lee is the murderer.
A bewildered Emma Lee and her friend, the local librarian Mazie Watkins-who knows Emma Lee’s secret of seeing murdered ghosts, are on the search to find the killer. It seems like Sheriff O’Neil shows up almost everywhere they look. It also doesn’t help that Emma Lee’s boyfriend, hunky Kentucky State Trooper Jack Henry, is also keeping a watchful eye on Emma Lee.
The number of suspect’s grow as they search frantically to find the real killer!
This is a definite must read that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat-with tears in your eyes at the ultimate surprise ending that no-one could have seen coming!
Author Tonya Kappes doesn’t let us down in this zealously written book filled with riveting mystery, mayhem, and drama-with many twists as is her style.
This book kept me guessing on who the killer was until the very end. The ending def. took me by surprise. I was glad to see more character development on Emma Lee. She is truly becoming the woman she is meant to be and is becoming more outspoken like her granny. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Jack Henry and Emma. I love their relationship and how he treats her like a any southern gentleman would. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Emma Lee Raines, owner and undertaker for Eternal Slumber, who sees and hears dead people who have been murdered. Emma must hide her gift, otherwise known as ‘funeral trauma’ by those who think she’s lost her mind. Emma hasn’t seen any dead people for a while, and is confused when her mentor Debbie Dually, a psychic, shows up to speak with her. Debbie demands to know if Emma can see dead murdered people. Overhearing what sounds like an argument is the new sheriff, Trevor O’Neil.
While visiting with her Granny, Zula Fae Raines Payne, to tell her about Trevor’s visit, there are sirens heard. When Granny and Emma go to investigate, they discover that Debbie Dually was the victim. Next to Debbie was a mason jar that looked just like the type Emma served clients Granny’s sweet tea in. Trevor has set his sights on Emma.
When Debbie Dually’s ghost appears, Emma realizes it was because she was murdered. Word gets around and people who are clients of Eternal Slumber are going to Emma’s competition. At the risk of losing her business, and serving time, Emma along with Debbie’s ghost, Mazie Walkins, the town librarian and one of a few that knows Emma’s secret gift, set out to do some snooping and try to find Debbie’s killer and help Debbie cross over.
Great series! If you enjoy the paranormal genre, then you will enjoy reading about Emma Lee. I love the humor, and Granny is such a crack up with her antics.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is a quick mystery that wasn’t too complicated or convoluted. Emma Lee is what you’d call a Betweener. She can see and speak with dead people who have been murdered come to her to help solve their murder so they can pass over to the other side. And only three other people know. Most people think she’s a little off her rocker when they catch her talking to ‘herself.’ She’s constantly struggling to keep her funeral home in business as the competitors tend to be less honest and trustworthy. In this case, she has been accused of murder and instantly lost three clients to them. While the entire town (with the exception of some close friends) thinks she’s lost her marbles most of the time, she is actually the most normal of the bunch. (With the exception of those same close friends.) There are some mean characters, there are some sweet and kind characters and there are some pretty wacky characters (in the best way.) It reads quickly and easily. It is clean and safe for teens and up. There is a little bit of romance included. While each book in the series can be read as a stand alone, the characters and their relationships evolve throughout the series.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
This is ithe seventh book in the series and since it’s been a while, it felt like a reunion of long lost friends.
The great thing a bout this particular book is that even if you haven’t read other books in the series, the author gets you up to speed on what’s going on, so the reader won’t feel lost.
Emma has another “client” on her hands, after months of blissful peace. This one is a friend of hers and the sheriff has made her the number one suspect. Of course she has to solve the mystery, with the help of the few, who know her secret.
There are a great many twists, in the story. Some involving the murder and some involving life for Emma. All are a great surprise.
To me, it almost felt like the author was setting things up, to end the series, and help us say goodbye to characters we have grown to love. I hope I am wrong and that this series continues for a long time.
This is a wonderful book! I really enjoyed it. I love the characters and the small town setting. The mystery was interesting and we were kept guessing until the end. The ending of the book was just great. While this is a series it can be read as a stand alone. I have not read any of the other books in the series and I still really enjoyed this book. I will be going back to read the rest.
Another wonderful addition to a great series. Tonya Kappes is a great author who writes books that keep you engrossed from beginning to end. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
Before you start reading this book make sure nothing and nobody will be interrupting you, because you will want to keep reading until the end. Emma Lee runs a funeral home and just happens to see the ghosts of murder victims. These ghosts come to Emma Lee hoping that she will be able to solve the crime so that they can cross over. This time the victim is someone close to her and Emma Lee is the prime suspect. This book kept me guessing until the very end. Great series!
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC of this book.
Somehow I overlooked this series and am kicking myself because of it. Now I need to go back and catch myself up.
This series is one of my favorite series. It is the eighth book in the series. I would strongly suggest you read this series from the start. It is a series that is built on the books that comes before. You can read it alone, for the mystery, but it is better to read it in order.
Emma Lee and Granny are like family to me. I love when characters feel that way. The mystery was well done with several suspects and a couple of surprises. I recommend this book and the series.
I read an uncorrected advanced e-copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinion of the book.
Emma Lee Raines is a ‘betweener’ for ghosts who need help solving their murders so they can go ‘rest in eternal peace. Debbie Dually is the person who told Emma she wasn’t crazy, she had ‘funeral trauma’ after being hit in the head. Now, it is Debbie that needs Emma’s help. As she tries to help Debbie find the person responsible for her demise, Emma becomes the prime suspect! This then brings Emma’s boyfriend and State Trooper back to Whispering Falls to find out what happened or else Emma could be sent to prison for a long time! I just love the characters that Tonya develops in her books. They are so ‘real’ they could be your next-door neighbor, crazy Aunt, or overbearing mother! Another great story by Tonya Kappes! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Emma Lee is back to helping another ghost. There is a lot going on in this book and keeps you reading until the end. Loved the ending. There were some twists and turns. Another great one in this series and my favorite – so far. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
Tonya Kappes has done it again. I couldn’t put this book down. Just had to find out who did it. I love the characters in this series. I love that Jack Henry is always willing to help Emma Lee and hopefully her friend Mazie will stick around to help her. They make a great team. LOVED the surprise twists ending. More than one twist. Didn’t see all of that coming. And John Howard is an awesome character because he’s so silent and always around to save the day. He never seems to make fun of Emma Lee like a lot of the townsfolk do. Granny’s got some fun adventures ahead too. Will miss Debbie. She was a great addition but hopefully her son will show up in future stories. Such a wonderful fun series. It was definitely my pleasure to review an Advance Reader Copy.
Tonya Kappes has done it again with this book- I read it as a stand alone and didn’t feel like I missed something by not reading the others in the series.
A great mystery set in the south and with a glass of sweet tea- an absolute delight.
Fun and Quirky, great Character ‘s love the Sass from granny ,Emma Lee is going to be fun to get to know in this series , she’s a ghost Sleuth /Funeral home owner, lots of stories to tell .