A haunted church. A ghastly death. Can Verity clear up the case before she’s buried way over her head?Verity Long would really like a day off. Between uncovering the culprit who capped her gangster ghost housemate and dodging the bomb her boyfriend just dropped on their relationship, her spiritual calling has gotten complicated. But when she steps out for a little fun at a church fundraiser, she … she has another mystery on her hands when a family friend plunges from the bell tower.With her pet skunk and a spectral mobster buddy in tow, Verity charges back into the world of furious phantoms. But as she follows a shocking trail of clues through a dangerous speakeasy, a possessed movie theatre, and a spooky mob safehouse, she could end up sleeping with the ghostly fishes.Can Verity lay everything to rest before a mysterious murderer reads her last rites?
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Southern Bred And Dead
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book #9
Angie Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A haunted church. A ghastly death. Can Verity clear up the case before she’s buried way over her head?
Verity Long would really like a day off. Between uncovering the culprit who capped her gangster ghost housemate and dodging the bomb her boyfriend just dropped on their relationship, her spiritual calling has gotten complicated. But when she steps out for a little fun at a church fundraiser, she has another mystery on her hands when a family friend plunges from the bell tower.
With her pet skunk and a spectral mobster buddy in tow, Verity charges back into the world of furious phantoms. But as she follows a shocking trail of clues through a dangerous speakeasy, a possessed movie theatre, and a spooky mob safehouse, she could end up sleeping with the ghostly fishes.
Can Verity lay everything to rest before a mysterious murderer reads her last rites?
Rating: Clean and Wholesome
Paranormal Cozy Mystery Romance (with a cute pet skunk!) (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. It does not matter is Verity is helping the living or the dead, she will give it her all. Even if it causes trouble with Ellis, her boyfriend. Hopefully they will both be able to work things out and get back to being a couple in love. Beau, her ex and Ellis brother, showed a more caring side and really came through for Verity when she needed it. We also get to see a softer side of Frankie, but do not tell him. And as usual, Lucy stole the show, she is just so cute.
The writing style flows smoothly and it was a quick, easy read. The author’s descriptive writing pulled me into the story from the very beginning and through much of the story I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place. The mystery was well plotted and I was not sure who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Anytime you can spend time with Verity, Frankie and Lucy, you know it will be a good time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Loved it!! I loved reading more about Frankie, his past, and his present. Small spoiler………… Verity and Ellis have a small bump in their relationship which makes it seem so much more real. Beau was even just a little more likeable in this book. I kind of hoped we could go back to the theater with him.
I can hardly wait until the next book!
Southern Bred and Dead by Angie Fox is the 9th tale in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone if you are new this engaging paranormal series. Verity Long lives with her pet skunk, Lucy and her ghostly friend, Frankie “the German” Winkelmann. One day Verity accidentally dumped Frankie’s ashes out of the urn and onto a rose bush. That is the day she met her first ghost–Frankie and it has been a wild ride ever since. I thought Southern Bred and Dead was well-written with developed characters and steady pacing. Sugarland, Tennessee is a small Southern town full of quirky residents. We get to meet Maybelle Clemens who is quite a character. She comes from a family of ministers, so she likes to go out of her way to shock people with her behavior. I liked all the action in this book. Verity has her hands full in Southern Bred and Dead. She must find out who killed Jorie Davis, who was an old friend of her grandmother’s. Frankie wants to know why his brother, Lou killed him. To top it all off, Ellis is not happy with Verity’s ghost hunting business and it has caused a rift in their relationship. The mystery surrounding the death of Jorie was multifaceted. It was interesting and fun to solve (I love figuring out the guilty party before the reveal). I liked learning more about Frankie and his family. We finally learn why Frankie was killed. I found Southern Bred and Dead to be a more serious book than the others in this series. There are humorous moments especially with Maybelle, but it lacked that laugh-out-loud humor that is normally present. That did not hinder my reading enjoyment. I love visiting Sugarland with its unique residents, cozy small-town feel, plethora of specters, and Southern manners. Let us not forget the adorable Lucy. My favorite part of the book was Verity at the speakeasy. She gets to enjoy some jazz music, meet a new friend, and experience a felonious first courtesy of Frankie. Southern Bred and Dead is a delight with menacing mobsters, frightening phantoms, a deadly dagger, a bothered beau, a pious pastor, and a sweet skunk.
This is a highly entertaining read. This is the 9th in the series and the storyline has continued without becoming stale or boring like many other longer series do, in fact each book gets better and better. Case in point, this book dealt with many darker topics, but managed to keep its unique lighter tone. I love how this progressed, and the bomb at the end that Ellis dropped on Verity had me cackling loudly. I loved every minute of it, thank you for the opportunity to review this gem!
Three and a half
This is a tough one for me because as much as I enjoyed learning more about my favourite ghosts past and indeed his family I just didn’t find this as gripping as previous books. I adore Verity with her ladylike southern manners and quirky pet Skunk but honestly found this book more than a little sad. I obviously won’t say why but almost from the beginning to the grand revelations at the end it just made me feel so sorry for several characters. Plus Verity and her boyfriend Ellis are at loggerheads which has clearly been coming for a while but as a hopeless romantic who reads these books to get a warm fuzzy feeling I just felt a little let down.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I enjoyed this ninth in the series. Verity has her hands full with her ghost friend wanting to find answers about his past, a friend dying a very suspicious death and a very haunted church with ghosts that are acting very strange. Add a strain to her relationship with her boyfriend, she is at wits end.
I love these characters and the story behind the haunted church was eerie and kept me guessing to the story behind it. The murder mystery really had me stumped and a good twist. I love the backstory with Frankie and his past and how it wrapped up. I will definitely continue on with this series.
GREAT STORY
SOUTHERN BRED AND DEAD is the fourteenth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. This series is best read in order of release.
I love Verity and Lucy the skunk. In this book, we get to know more about Frankie, his family, and how he died. Doing all of that means going to a haunted theater, a speakeasy, and a mob safehouse! Welcome to the 1920s on the ghostly plane.
Not only is Verity trying to help Frankie resolve his issues, but there are some unrelenting real-life problems to be addressed. Wyatt isn’t happy with Verity’s ghost-hunting since it keeps putting her in danger; dangers he can’t see or protect her from. This time there has already been one murder and the ghosts attached to the cemetery at the Three Angels of the Tabernacle Blessed Reform Church of Sugarland are agitated.
Obviously, Verity is one busy Southern lady, but she manages to juggle it all with grace and dignity. I want to BE Verity when I grow up!
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: SOUTHERN BRED AND DEAD
Series: Southern Ghost Hunter #9
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Moose Island Books
I really enjoyed this story! Frankie finally gets some answers (and closure?) about his past, and Verity and Ellis work through their issues. It was an emotional story, this one, and I loved it! I literally had my mouth hanging open in surprise at one part. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I absolutely adore this series. Who can’t love Verity and Ellis. They are the perfect couple and then there is little Lucy. I loved seeing a different side of Frankie this go-round too and I’ll be sitting on my hand in impatience as I wait for the next book. This book series is just wonderful and the crown jewel in Angie Fox’s repertoire in my opinion.
I just love this series and and the story lines are wonderful, characters are great, very entertaining and overall enjoyable cozy read as usual…
I always like her book and her characters
Southern Bred and Dead is the 9th in Southern Ghost Hunter series by Angie Fox. Ellis is not a bit happy about Verity’s penchant for jumping into ghostly trouble feet first but she’s at it again with Frankie, her ghostly partner-in-crimefighting. She’s solving both a present day murder and helping Frankie delve into his own murder. The two plots are seamlessly intertwined, fast-paced, and sprinkled with the unexpected, including zombie-like spirits chasing Verity through the churchyard. This is a hair raising romp with plot twists and turns that you won’t see coming, and one that you won’t want to miss. (I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy and all opinions are my own.)
This was a great book. I was very excited to get Frankie’s pov. The story had just enough creep in it that I was a little afraid of what was going to happen. I just knew there was going to be a jump scare somewhere. Verity had me also worried how she was going to handle everything that was going on and Ellis. I hope everything works out for them. This was a good read and I am glad to have gotten it through NetGalley.
VERITY & THE GANG ARE BACK & THE GAME IS AFOOT!!!
Title: Southern Bred and Dead
Series: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries
Designation: Book 9 of Series, Full-Length, Standalone, NO Cliffhanger #cozymystery #sweetromance #humor #ghostfiction
Author: Angie Fox
My Rating: FIVE DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING STARS*****
Ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts, plus throw in a haunted historic church, a heaping helping of pulse-pounding danger, a dash of spine-tingling suspense, the sudden and baffling death of a friend at a church fundraiser, a missing photo and letter, a few spicy long-kept secrets, a fed-up boyfriend, a demanding ghostly housemate/partner who seems to have a knack for finding trouble, a perplexing mystery within a mystery, a crew of geriatric suspects, a sprinkle of humor, and a pinch of angst, then shake well, and what do you have? Murder most foul – both past and present! I adore cozy mysteries, love gripping suspense, and completely addicted to anything supernatural, but throw in a little sweet romance, and I’m totally smitten! Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to find all four elements in one well-written book but fortunately, I’ve found an author that brilliantly combines them all into one exceptional story. Angie Fox has delighted her readers yet again with Southern Bred and Dead, a full-length standalone and ninth release in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries Series. Fox did an outstanding job of giving readers backstory for the series as well as the characters, and this book could certainly be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend, at least, reading the first book, Southern Spirits, which will introduce you to the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries world and most definitely enrich your reading experience. I became a diehard fan seven years ago after reading The Accidental Demon Slayer, the outrageously funny first release in Fox’s best-selling Biker Witches Mystery Series, another fabulous collection I highly recommend, especially if you love your mystery generously laced with paranormal elements, side-splitting humor, and dreamy romance. But I digress, so let’s talk about this book. Southern Bred and Dead is imaginative, unique, cute, laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming. The narrative is beautifully written in the first-person with a single perspective from the heroine, Verity Long. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well-executed, at times hilarious, and flows effortlessly. There was so much I truly enjoyed about this book, but it’s the large cast of instantly engaging characters who completely steal the show. They explode from the pages, grab your attention, engage your imagination, and completely capture your heart! Verity Long and her cast of endearing cohorts carry this entire series and have become my favorites in the cozy mystery genre. Fox skillfully combines every single one of these elements to craft a deliciously cute and delightfully entertaining whodunit filled to the brim with danger, drama, humor, ghosts, suspense, and plot twists, with even a little heartbreaking angst and heartwarming romance.
Premise/Backstory for the Series: Although the last couple of years have been difficult for Verity Long, it’s also been surprisingly busy for the beautiful former aspiring graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee. Unfortunately, the one thing it hasn’t been is profitable – until recently. After successfully solving several murders, Verity has gained some recognition, or I should say notoriety, as Sugarland’s resident ghosthunter expert and is finally earning a little cash with her new job skills. Verity isn’t rolling in money – yet – but she’s managed to hang on to the home she inherited from her grandmother. She lost absolutely everything after breaking off her engagement last year with her lying, cheating, now ex-fiance Beau Wydell, youngest and favorite son of wealthy, influential town aristocrat Virginia Wydell. Verity’s graphic design services had been in demand until her almost mother-in-law used her influence to ruin her good name and her business. Had it been left up to the vengeful Virginia Wydell, Verity would have been tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. Now it seems no one in Sugarland needs her services, so she’s embarked on a new career and a whole new business…as a ghost hunter. And that’s not the only change in her life. Her kinda-sorta-maybe, once hush-hush, and on-the-sly, new boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell is now her very public main squeeze! And yes, Ellis and Beau are related – they’re brothers! Huh? Oh yes, brothers! And let’s not forget her sweet little pet skunk Lucy and her very dead, flapper-era, black and white gangster ghost housemate, Franklin Rudolph Winkelmann aka Frankie the German. Yup, I said ghost. Frankie became trapped on Verity’s property when she unknowingly dumped the ashes from his urn onto the roots of her rose bush. Oh no! But in her defense, she had no idea what they were and what would happen. So until she can figure out a way to free Frankie, she’s stuck with the not-so-nice wise guy criminal from the flapper era who has turned her backyard shed into a speakeasy and hideout for him and his ghost gang cronies. Verity’s life isn’t perfect, but on the bright side, she does still has Lucy, a hunky boyfriend, her grandmother’s house and, on occasion, Frankie does lend her, albeit begrudgingly, some of his power so she can see all those otherworldly things that go bump in the night. But things have really been looking up lately. At least, she’s managed to solve a few cases. Now, if she could just convince everyone to accept her new abilities and recent career change, she may be able to win over all the citizens of Sugarland, maybe even Virginia Wydell, and make a real go of her ghost-hunting business. It seems Verity is well on her way to accomplishing her goals, but be careful what you wish for, Verity; you could become a target yourself!
Southern Bred and Dead Synopsis:
The world turns, life goes on, and southern-bell, super-sleuth Verity Long finds herself caught up in another dangerous investigation. Thankfully, or maybe not, the universe seems to have her on speed dial with dead bodies, from both past and present, popping up at every turn. And once again, Verity finds herself neck-deep in another whodunit, both past and present. But if there’s one thing Verity does well, it’s solving mysteries. With plenty of help from her gangster ghost housemate, a menagerie of spiritual cohorts from the ghostly plane, her friends, and her steady beau, Verity has become quite well known as Sugarland’s very own ghost hunter extraordinaire. No, not that Beau (the cheating ex-fiance Beau Wydell), her now very public, no-longer-on-the-sly sweetie, Ellis Wydell, Sugarland Police Detective and Beau’s older brother. Nothing like keeping it in the family! And Ellis is certainly ready, willing, and able to serve and protect, especially when Verity is involved. He’s very protective, thank heavens, since Verity always needs protecting. But lately, Ellis seems a little distant and Verity fears he’s pulling away, especially after overhearing his conversation with Frankie during their case at the asylum. And despite her best efforts, Verity attracts trouble like a lightning rod draws lightning. Verity may now be a legitimate and highly recognized ghosthunter (in Sugarland), but she’s still the born and bred, always gracious, genteel southern belle her grandmother raised her to be, always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to neighbors and friends. And, of course, that includes her accidental ghostly gangster housemate and kinda, sorta friend, Franklin Rudolph Winkelman aka Frankie the German, right? Doing a favor for Frankie is just the right thing to do. After all, it’s her fault Frankie is trapped on her property, and this could be the key to freeing him. And that helping hand includes solving the mystery surrounding Frankie’s death. But before their stakeout, Verity drags Frankie with her to a fundraiser for a local historic church, and in typical Verity fashion, her status as a volunteer quickly takes a turn for the worse when a good friend of her grandmother takes a swan dive from the newly renovated bell tower. And in the blink of an eye, Verity finds herself drawn into another investigation, and Ellis is not happy, at all! Poor Verity! Poor Ellis! But was it an accident, suicide, or murder most foul? And will Verity and Ellis be okay? We’ll see! It seems murder always finds a way to bleed across the veil of time from the past to the present and, yet again, Verity finds herself drowning in ghosts! Oh my! Here we go again!
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! It’s my new favorite! Yeah, yeah, I know I say the same thing after every book in this series but only because it’s true; I just can’t help myself. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunters World and the fictional town of Sugarland, Tennessee as well as the endearing cast of characters Fox has created for this series. Southern Belle Verity Long is an absolute delight and Ellis Wydell is one hunk of burning love! lol… And never fear, Verity’s gangster ghost housemate, Frankie Winkelmann aka Frankie the German, from the flapper era is around to cause all kinds of trouble, and Lucy the pet skunk is ever-present for a little heartwarming comic relief. And the supporting characters in this cozy mystery completely stole my heart! I giggled, snorted, snuffled, and sniffed through the entire story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am, for ages twelve to a hundred and twelve! Angie Fox is a master of her craft and never fails to deliver a wonderfully layered whodunit of thrills, chills, and murders, expertly infusing events from both past and present to create a mystery within a mystery. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! Was I entertained? Completely and totally entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
I love this series, and Southern Bred and Dead might just be my favorite one yet! Although, in all honesty, I say that every time I finish reading one of Verity’s adventures. This installment has plenty of Lucy and Frankie, which I always love, as well as an enthralling mystery and a glimpse into Frankie’s past. I can’t recommend this book and series enough.
Another amazing book in this awesome series by Author Angie Fox.
I love the character of Verity, and love this series. I highly recommend reading
any or all of her books…
Verity Long is helping her gangster ghostly sidekick locate the person who killed him. She attends a church fundraiser only to find herself with a new investigation. However, the church’s spectral inhabitants are behaving strangely. Even worse, Verity’s relationship with Ellis is in trouble. What troubles will Frankie’s latest shenanigans cause Verity? Can she successfully solve both cases? Or will this latest investigation cause Verity to lose Ellis?
Sheriff Ellis Wydell cannot help but worry over Verity and her ghost hunting. He especially dislikes the dangerous risks she takes on her investigation. After their quarrel, Ellis tries to come to terms with their relationship’s stalemate. Can Ellis and Verity overcome their latest hurdle? What compromise will they make to stay together?
Verity has really come a long way since the first book. I like how she no longer views the world in black and white. Her adventures in the ghostly plane have taught her to see things in shades of gray. I love how some of Verity’s new growth is not all good. Frankie’s influence has been steadily rubbing off on her. However, there are some things she still refuses to do. What I adore the most about Verity is her optimism. When situations get dire or tough, she never gives up but strives to find a solution.
Ellis is still a sweetheart! I like the tension that is growing between Ellis and Verity. There is no such thing as a trouble-free relationship. All couples have their problems that they must overcome and solve. I adore how Ellis remains Verity’s sound of reasoning. Despite their problems, he still cautions Verity about certain boundaries that must never be crossed. What I love the most about Ellis is his protective nature. However, he openly acknowledges his inability to help or protect Verity in the ghostly realm.
SOUTHERN BRED AND DEAD is book nine in Angie Fox’s humorous paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. I recommend reading the prior books and novellas in order to understand the situation and the characters better. I love how this story revolves mostly around Frankie the German, especially the gangster’s background and his family.
SOUTHERN BRED AND DEAD is an entertaining tale of how resolution comes in all forms. I like how the story still has its humor, but there is a touch of seriousness woven within. I cannot wait to see Verity and Frankie’s next supernatural caper!
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Verity is trying to solve the death of her Grandmother’s friend Jorie and locate Frankie’s brother. Amazing how these two separate stories end up magically emerging onto one.
This is now my new favorite of Angie’s and have been a fan of her for years!
Looking forward to book 10!!
The latest adventure for Verity Long shows more depth to her personality and growth as a woman. (Despite her resistance.) Ellis is unhappy with the “risks” Verity is taking and that she looks at the law as just a suggestion.
But Frankie (don’t call him Frank) is the probable star of this show. Frankie’s past with the Mob and his family have brought him to a serious personal conflict. All this while searching for his original murderer and Verity acting as his personal therapist (she read a book.) She is trying to get Frankie in touch with his inner feelings and conflicts in hopes it will help him. He just wants to find the guy that bumped him off. Ultimately the search takes them to a VERY haunted cemetery and church that has a suspicious past and some murderous inhabitants.
I enjoy Angie Fox’s entire collection of books and this one is right at the top. I loved that Frankie is finding himself and the revelations are great. (No spoilers, read for yourself.) Of course, Frankie is my favorite character. But I also enjoyed Verity’s own realizations and self-discovery. Our little girl is growing up. Of course, Ellis, the hunky boyfriend/policeman is awesome and Lucy is her usual skunky cuteness. But when did Beau decide to grow up and become a decent man? All questions will be answered when you read the book.
This is one of those series that has gotten me hooked totally. I love Verity, Ellis, Frankie and especially Lucy. This volume delves into Frankie’s issues, and also into Ellis and Verity and their evolving relationship. To say it is 5 star, excellent, wonderful, and I love it just doesn’t seem like enough. Fox has the technique I love in an author. I feel like she is talking to me in my living room over sweet tea or lemonade.