A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes

Welcome!  Amish Covert Operation by Meghan Carver comes out July 1.  Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham releases on July 2.  The story takes us back to Azure Springs, Iowa.  Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard will be available on July 9.  It is the first story in A Georgia B&B Mystery series.  I wanted to share with you what I encountered in my front yard.  As I have told you, I am working to eliminate the grass and then I will plant various native plants.  There will also be a pathway.  It will take me awhile to complete because of the heat and my Fibromyalgia (I can only work for a small amount of time each day).  I went out to front with my tools and there was a black snake in front of the oak tree (I despise these slimy creatures).  It raised its head and the tail started to rattle.  I screamed (loudly) and made a beeline for the house.  Thankfully, I have not seen it since, but I know it is lurking around somewhere (probably under my front porch).  Ugh!

A Ghostly Suspect by Tonya Kappes takes readers back to Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky.  Emma Lee Raines is the owner of Eternal Slumber which is one of two funeral homes in the town.  She is surprised when her mentor and psychic, Debbie Dually show up.  But she disappears before Emma Lee can find out what Debbie needed.  Emma Lee is visiting with Granny at the Sleepy Hollow Inn when they hear a scream and see a crowd forming at the gazebo.  They run over to find Debbie’s body on the ground, but her spirit is in front of Emma Lee.  Debbie has been murdered and she needs Emma Lee to find out who did the deed so she can cross over.  She would also like Emma Lee to help her son, David.  Unfortunately, Sheriff Trevor O’Neil has it out for Emma Lee and has placed her at the tippy top of his suspect list.  Debbie has a few suspects of her own and they include four psychics, her almost ex-husband, and the outraged husband of a client.  Emma Lee needs to work quickly if she is to stay ahead of Sheriff O’Neil and avoid the hoosegow.  It helps to have the eager assistance of the town librarian, Mazie Watkins.  Matters are further complicated with Bea Allen Burns (bless her heart) taking advantage of the scandal to steal Emma Lee’s clients. Will Emma Lee be able to track down Debbie’s killer or will she end up the next client of Eternal Slumber?

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 is available on Amazon.  You can find out more about Tonya Kappes and her books at www.tonyakappes.com (sign up for her newsletter too). I am looking forward to her upcoming A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my review of Harbor Secrets by Melody Carlson tomorrow.  It is the first book in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series.  I hope that you have a magical day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader