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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A Ghostly Suspect is another exciting mystery in Kappes’ Ghostly Southern Mystery series. I have to admit that I haven’t read all the books in this series, but I have enjoyed all of the ones that I have read including this one. This book would be great for fans of the series as well as a good read for anyone that enjoys a paranormal mystery cozy. Emma Lee can see dead people, and she has proven herself more than capable of helping the murdered ghosts that she sees solve their murder and move on. However in this book, things are different because the ghost Emma Lee sees is a good friend of hers, Debbie.
Kappes does a great job at setting up a great story, and she really tests her leading character by making this ghost a dear friend of hers. Emma Lee is a well developed character, and the reader gets to see how she deals with the loss of her friend, the financial threat to her business, and trying to make things work with her boyfriend. I also really love how Kappes introduces such great secondary characters because I think that they really add to the story. Overall A Ghostly Suspect proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Emma Lee’s next adventure.
Received a copy of A Ghostly Suspect from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Emma Lee is at it again with her wit and charm. I just love this character so much . She would be so fun to hang out with. Well there is that little thing that she sees dead people that may give me chills. The story is fun to read and I love the small town gossip sessions that go on.
Poor Emma Lee is in big trouble when she and a friend have a disagreement at the funeral home. It is no surprise that the friend is found dead soon after the very public shouting match between Emma Lee and now dead friend. Can you guess who the number one suspect is? For some reason the new sheriff , Trevor has it in for Emma Lee.
I was excited to see the return of the handsome Jack Henry to try to keep Emma Lee out of trouble. It is a hopeless job for him, but it sure is fun to read how hard he tries. Emma Lee wants to help her friend cross over and will stop at nothing to accomplish it. It doesn’t hurt if she can clear her name as she and her friend gather up evidence to prove who the real killer is.
You are in for a few twists and surprises in the story that had me gasping and saying, “You are kidding me.” No I didn’t see the twists coming and that is why the author is so gifted and able to keep her readers guessing till the end of the book. Grab a glass of sweet tea, get comfy and enjoy the latest story with Emma Lee as she takes on another case of a ghostly adventure.
I received an arc copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Helping ghosts to cross over keeps Betweener Emma Lee Raines busy – but this time, instead of helping to solve a murder, she’s suspect number one! With a new sheriff in town who isn’t on her side on a good day, she’s got her work cut out for her to prove her innocence. She will need the help of best friend Mazie and beau Jack Henry as her entire future is in jeopardy!
On the whole, I have liked this series – it’s easy reading, likeable characters, plenty of ghostly mystery with a Southern flair. I did have a problem with this one with the way the author wrote Jack Henry’s character actions into the plot of the story – his behavior made a mockery of law enforcement. You can’t have your “dream” job as a Kentucky state police officer and then chase after your hare-brained girlfriend and assist in a little B&E – yes, I understand this is just a book, but the reading zone I was in was ruined. There was a sweet little surprise at the end of this one for fans of the series.
Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is voluntary.
Tonya Kappes is a vivid storyteller and I feel like every book she writes transports me to a new place. This is no different with A Ghostly Suspect . If you are unfamiliar with this series you should know that is is a paranormal, cozy mystery. The main character of the story is Emma Lee Raines and she resides in Sleepy Hollow, KY where she runs a funeral home. Interestingly, not only does she provide services for the dead but she also can see them. I guess it would come in handy in her line of work, yea? It sure does!
Tonya Kappes brings this book to life. If I could befriend Emma myself I would. I love the way she lives her life and the fact that she can help the dead in more ways than one. I find the plot to be intriguing, the mystery to be well paced and fun, and the paranormal aspects to be top notch! This is definitely a book/series that you are going to wanna check out anything within the genre.
Tonya Kappes
A GHOSTLY SUSPECT, the eighth installment in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series, is great fun.
Emma Lee once again finds herself in the middle of a murder examination when her psychic friend Debbie dies and needs help crossing over. She is also busy trying to orchestrate Granny’s love life, keeping her funeral home customers happy, avoiding arrest, and she manages to get her boyfriend Jack Henry into trouble.
As always, Kappes entertains readers with her conversational writing style, breezy humor, quirky characters, and wonderful Southern small town setting. The resolution of the mystery took me by surprise, and the book ends with the promise of more adventures with endless possibilities. Recommended.
I received and ARC of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Emma Lee Raines is the owner of Eternal Slumber one of 2 funeral homes in Sleepy Hollow, KY. After an accident, Emma developed an ability to see ghosts but not just any ghosts, ghosts who died under suspicious circumstances. Emma needs to solve their murders in order to help the ghosts crossover. It has been some time since Emma has seen any ghosts so when her mentor shows up wanting to know if she can still see ghosts Emma doesn’t answer right away. Shortly after Emma sees a ghost of someone close to her and the new Sheriff suspects Emma is involved in the death. Now Emma has two reasons to solve the crime and quickly.
This is a very interesting and entertaining storyline. Even though this is book 8 in the series you can definitely enjoy the book as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are well developed with quirky charming personalities. The plot is very fast paced with several well placed red herrings. I had a hard time putting this book done as I had to find out who the killer was and was surprised at the big reveal. I recommend this book to cozy mystery and paranormal mystery fans.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
A delightful read! A friend is murdered and Emma Lee is the prime suspect. As expected of this author, this book is skillfully written with a tight plot, complex characters and a great deal of humor. There are multiple story lines within this cozy mystery. I was kept guessing until the very end. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
A ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes is the 8th book in A Ghostly Southern Mysteries Series. Even though this is the 8th book in the series it can very well be a standalone. Just like all of Ms. Kappes books this has it all the humor, lots of action, twists and turns, romance and of course the investigating of the murder. Tonya did it to me again she kept me turning the pages until late in the night. Just when you think you have it figured out along comes another twist. This is one of those books when you start reading you can’t put it down until the last page is read. The story is very well written, the characters are well developed and very likeable. The author describes everything so well that you feel you are right there in Sleepy Hallow, Kentucky with the characters. The ending was definitely a surprise. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a beautifully written paranormal cozy.
Being a funeral home owner makes being a “Betweener” a lot easier for Emma Lee to hide her ability. This time, psychic mentor, Debbie has been murdered and Emma Lee is the number one suspect. Emma has to figure out who killed Debbie before she can “cross over.” But not only does Emma Lee have to figure out who killed Debbie, but “why”? Tonya Kappes writes with humor, adding interesting, if not unique characters, with enough suspects to keep you guessing in this enjoyable book. I received an Advanced Review Copy for my honest thoughts.
Emma Lee has a special gift. She can see and communicate with dead murder victims. With them helping she can get them justice so they can cross over. Her latest client is Debbie Dually. She dies right after talking with Emma which makes her the prime suspect. Can she solve the case and stay out of prison? Emma cares about her family and her business, Eternal Slumber. I felt bad that she needed to keep her gift a secret. At least she can rely on Jack Henry and Mazie Watkins. I wanted them to get answers. Tonya Kappes writes sharp dialogue and strong characters that add to the suspense. Sleepy Hollow has plenty of action and her residents are quirky yet caring. I enjoyed this action packed story. There are many suspects with a motive as well as an unexpected twist so that I wasn’t sure who killed Debbie. Since I had to know who did it, I read the book in one sitting.
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read the other books in this series but I you don’t have to. I like how Jack Henry helps Emma Lee with her cases, though he does try to dissuade her. There are big changes happening for Emma at the end of this book. Th mystery was good, as it takes a little bit to figure out who the killer is. I liked the ghost aspect of this cozy mystery, gives it a different feel and spin.
*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review*
A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes was one of those books that I could not put down. The plot was swiftly paced and the twists kept me totally confused.
I love the quirky characters in this series. Emma Lee is in a tight spot in this one and she has lost a friend and mentor. I love Granny! She is one southern lady who knows who she is and how she wants to live her life now. Jack Henry is adorable in this one, too. He supports Emma Lee and tries so hard to keep her out of trouble. He’s a great support for her and accepts her gift which is a huge plus to me. I really enjoyed the blossoming friendship between Emma Lee and Mazie Watkins. They made a great team in this one and I really hope that she doesn’t leave Sleepy Hollow. There’s some hints as to new adventures for Emma Lee and Jack Henry in the future. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Kappes has planned for their future.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I have been wanting to try this series. I was not disappointed in any way. As a matter of fact, I think I like this book better than another series I have read by this author. But paranormal/psychic is my fav so….
This may be book 8 in this series, but I can honestly say that you can pick up this book, read it, and follow the story with no problem. I did it and it is my first in this series. There is just enough references to follow what may have happened in the past books, but you will not be lost at all.
It is a lovely cozy read to be done if you have several hours to just sit and read. If you want to savor and not finish so fast (was over before I knew it) then I would recommend a chapter a day if you can stand it.
This is my honest and freely give review. I did receive an ARC book.
“A Ghostly Suspect” earns 5/5 Sweet Teas…Engaging Fun!
Tonya Kappes’ A Ghostly Southern Mystery is back with number eight! “A Ghostly Suspect” opens with Emma Lee Raines relishing in her ghost-free existence these past two years, gaining new pre-need funeral clients, and making Eternal Slumber the go-to place to send loved ones off to the next world. But, it doesn’t last when Debbie Dually, friend and psychic, interrupts Emma Lee’s meeting emphatic about having Emma admit she sees “murdered dead people.” Her emotional confrontation with Emma Lee is partly witnessed by the antagonistic sherif Trevor O’Neill, and when Debbie’s body is later found, that confrontation is all the evidence the sheriff needs to haul in Emma Lee. The threat and rumors fly around town that Emma Lee is the murder suspect and causes a serious downturn in business. She is warned to stay away from the investigation. She can’t…Debbie won’t let her! From competing businesses to psychic conventions, from grieving family to questionable exes, from breaking and entering to murder, from ghosts to more ghosts this book eight is exciting and fun! Relationships are again tested with Emma confronted by multiple ghosts, Granny Zula confronted with eager suitors, and Emma and Jack Henry confronted with additional conflicts. I always enjoy the first-person narrative sharing Emma Lee’s inner thoughts, fears, and frustrations along with vivid descriptions and insightful dialogue. This is continues to be one of my top ten favorite series always with a clever mystery, wonderful characters, and a bit of Southern snark! Highly recommended! Suggestion? Granny Zula’s Sweet Tea recipe sans the cyanide!
I was given an advanced copy to review and I have to say I have a love hate relationship with this series.
Emma Lee Raines can see ghosts-and she runs a funeral home so it is the perfect place to talk with them if they so choose. So when Debbie Dually -Emma’s mentor- is murdered after visiting Emma, she shoots right up the list as being the prime suspect since she’d had a disagreement with her.
This is where I have a love/hate relationship, in the first chapter, Emma is supposed to be meeting with a couple about their pre-arrangements for future funerals, but it seems she can’t get anything done or keep track of herself with all of the distractions. I get in real life we have many distractions, but in this first chapter you feel like you are not getting anywhere. Between Debbie stepping in, then the newspaper wanting obituaries and just walking in, to even the sheriff just barging in. It is too much and makes you wonder how she even keeps the place going, let alone trying to get through the chapter. Guess who she never gets back to, that couple that was waiting. But never fear, they come into play later.
This being said, I continued to read and found myself engrossed in a fun mystery where Emma lands herself into trouble while trying to help her dearly deceased friend, who has her own secrets that she doesn’t always share the whole story on. This is the type of book that makes you think you know who the murderer is, but turns it all around and surprises you. I’ll be glad to say the murderer I am glad is gone (hopefully) from the series because they annoyed me to all get out-just like they irritated Emma. Haha!
While the characters are quirky, there are some you just learn to love, and others that are so well written you feel as if you are in Emma’s shoes feeling the love/irritation/etc. Best read as part of the whole series.
A Ghostly Suspect is Book 8 in A Ghostly Southern Mystery Series. This is the book eight in A Ghostly Southern Mystery series.
I could not put this book down. My jaw dropped at who was murdered and when the murderer was revealed I said y’all NO WAY! Never saw it coming. There was quite a few twists, and I LOVE that!
I love the small town setting in Kentucky and all of the characters I have come to love. Her characters are so well developed and real people you would meet and know in your town.
The author has crafted another well written story that will leave you guessing until the very end.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series to see what Emma Lee is up to next.
Poor Emma, being a betweener sure is never easy and it does impact a life a lot…this time it’s her “mentor” who is found dead and since they were seen together just before Emma is the suspect. Thankfully she still has support in Granny ( using her charms to get her an lawyer), Jack henry, her lover, and Mazie her new “assistant”.
This book is a great addition top the series but could easily be read as stand alone too which makes it just even better. As each time we have a lot of humour in it, lot of investigation and action and just the right dose of romance to make it a page turner we devour in one sitting. The twists were really well done to keep us second guessing culprits.
I really loved this book but i admit some of Debbie ‘s predictions made me quite worried and impatient for next book . It’s no clihhanger , this investigation is solved but we just get a good hint about some question and possible events we just want more.
So once again a perfect cozy mystery with a great southern setting not to be missed!!