The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle

 The Mystic and the Missing Girl

Book Summary

Small town secrets, a reluctant psychic, and a cold case that could expose them all.

Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects—she just never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case.

Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.

But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain—finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging—could change everything.

In The Mystic and the Missing Girl, Vikki VanSickle seamlessly draws readers into an utterly charming world in this unputdownable, small town mystery.

My Thoughts

Grab your tarot deck and a cozy drink—The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is ready to pull you into its small-town mystery. I was quickly charmed by the metaphysical shop, psychic gifts, and cold-case setup, and Drew Benson makes an appealing lead with just the right mix of curiosity and determination. The mystery unfolds in an accessible, satisfying way, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the ride, while the pacing gives readers time to savor the atmosphere and world-building. The story offers plenty of charm, a satisfying ending, and a fun peek into the world of mystics and psychics. For VanSickle’s first adult novel and paranormal mystery, this is a warm, inviting start—and I’ll happily keep one eye on the cards for whatever mystery comes next.

Cue the cozy reading nook and fluff up that favorite pillow—there is a new mystery waiting to be cracked! 📚✨ Vikki VanSickle’s first adult novel, The Mystic and the Missing Girl, is available now from Amazon. I will return on Tuesday, September 15, with The Forbidden Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, the second book in The Amish Widows Club series. I hope your weekend is filled with wonderful stories, comfy pages, and just enough mystery to keep your bookmark busy. Until next time, happy reading and may your TBR stack always have room for one more! 🔖📖

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

These Ancient Bones by Heather Graham

These Ancient Bones

Book Summary

The X-Files meets Dan Brown in this suspenseful tale of dark magic, ancient curses, and modern murder, as two agents with unusual talents investigate a series of sensational crimes in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.

The case is sensational. Whistle-blower investigative journalist George Maynard has been killed in his St. Augustine home, his body so badly burned the morgue is needed to verify his identity. Paranormal investigator Shelly Mahoney has been transferred to a special unit to help law enforcement. Off the books, the unit is called the Krewe of Hunters and deals with “strange” cases.

At the murder scene with federal agent Grant Markham, Shelly makes an odd discovery: a stone etched with what appears to be a curse that invokes flames. If Shelly can use her ability to summon the dead—providing they have remained behind—she may unearth what happened.

Grant, too, has an unique ability. By holding the hand of the recently deceased, he can see what has happened to them. Yet in this case, neither of their gifts is of any help. As they set out to question those who might have had a motive, they also study ancient “curse tablets”—often used in the Greco-Roman world to cause death or warfare.

What ensues is a shocking discovery by the medical examiner and a search that takes the team to Italy where a similar murder may reveal the creators of the mystical tablets—made deadly with a little human assistance. But soon, the danger is closer than ever—because the target is Shelly . . .

My Thoughts

Beware: These Ancient Bones may lure you into the shadowy streets of St. Augustine and keep you happily haunted until the final page. Heather Graham delivers a wonderfully atmospheric mystery filled with ancient curses, creepy old cities, helpful ghosts, and a twisty murder investigation. The setting comes vividly to life through rich descriptions, city history, and recognizable landmarks, giving history-loving readers plenty to savor while adding depth and texture for anyone who enjoys an immersive backdrop. 

A murdered journalist, a mysterious stone etched with an ancient curse, and two investigators with special abilities make for an irresistible setup. The investigation moves along with steady momentum, offering twists, turns, and multiple suspects that kept me guessing. The supernatural elements add an extra shiver of charm, while the quick-blooming romance brings a lively spark to the suspense. As the second book in The Crows series, These Ancient Bones still works well as a standalone, making it easy for new readers to jump right in. Fans of atmospheric history, ghostly chills, and twist-filled mysteries will find plenty to love here. Step carefully—once this ghostly mystery has you in its grip, you may not want to escape.

Ready to curl up with These Ancient Bones and maybe keep one light on? You can find it on Amazon and at other major booksellers. If you’re new to The Crows series, the first book, The Witching Hours, is available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited—perfect for a little spooky binge-reading. And if your book stack could use a cozy, crafty detour with plenty of seaside charm, be sure to check out Danger Looms by Betty Hechtman. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 1, with Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts. Until then, grab a cozy blanket, guard your bookmarks, and may your next read rattle the teacups in all the best ways!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts by K.C. Tansley

 The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts

Book Summary

The key to my future is hidden in the past. But can I face the dark family secrets buried in 1591 and make it back in time to save everyone I love?

The Kingsley, Mallory, Radcliffe heirs and I (the Langley heir) journey to our family estates on a mission. We must each gather a unique ingredient tied to our family’s elemental abilities for a long hidden incantation that will reveal what bound our families together centuries ago.

Across the ages, I’ve seen firsthand how dark magic has attacked our families and grown more powerful every time it hurts us. We need this vicious cycle to end. Danger stalks us at every turn, and someone I love is kidnapped. I have no idea who took my loved one or where they went. But I know how far my enemies will go to prevent me from casting this spell, so I must do it.

The spell unexpectedly transports us back to 1591 England. To a time when our ancestors worked together with the Fitzgeralds to reseal an ancient evil, the Dark One. Can we unlock our families’ hidden histories and uncover how to fight this enemy, along with the Fitzgerald’s dark warlock back in our own time?

If you’re seeking magical family sagas that stretch across a thousand years and will keep you reading past midnight, love that endures for centuries, and exciting quests through time, join Kat on her next pulse-pounding adventure!

My Thoughts

I was tickled when I received a copy of The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts by K.C. Tansley, because  I was eager to learn what was going on with Kat and her friends (I wish responsibilities did not keep me from reading all day).  The story has mystery, magic, and mayhem.  Kat and her allies are working to defeat the Dark One and the dark warlock. Kat has been improving her powers, and she will need them along with all the knowledge the group can acquire from the past.  They need to discover the origin of their families’ magical heirlooms and so much more.  Kat must be brave in the face of such evil opposition and without someone she cares about to comfort her.  

The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts is the fourth book in The Unbelievables series.  This is a series that needs to be  read in order (trust me, it is better this way).  I was sorry when The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts came to an end.  I cannot wait for the final book in The Unbelievables series for the supernatural showdown between Kat and her allies and the Dark One with the dark warlock.  Hang on for a rollicking ride with The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts as the friends search for secrets, gather ingredients, get help from obliging ghosts, learn details about a destructive curse, deal with seal troubles, traverse through time, and struggle with a loss.

The Girl Who Trusted Ghosts is available from Amazon*.  You can read it for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  The other novels in The Unbelievables series are The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts, The Girl Who Saved Ghosts, and The Girl Who Loved Ghosts (all three books are available through Kindle Unlimited).  If you follow K.C. Tansley on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am off to a doctor's appointment this afternoon (the trip is longer than the appointment).  The trip home allows me to run my errands (I pass all the places where I need to stop on the way home, so it works out well).   I will return tomorrow with the 3-Minute Prayer Jar Devotional:  Daily Inspiration for Women by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox

 Secrets, Lie and Fireflies

Book Summary

Verity’s grandmother returns to help Verity and Frankie solve a mystery that reveals a shocking family secret, as well as the heartwarming history of Verity’s home. This is one family reunion you don’t want to miss!

My Thoughts

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox is a humorous story.  I always look forward to my yearly visit to Sugarland, Tennessee.  I can count on laughing often thanks to Verity and Frankie’s antics.  I like Angie Fox’s casual writing style which makes her stories easy to read.  There are great characters that include Verity, Frankie, Melody, Ellis, and the darling Lucy.  I could just envision Lucy in her costume, and I cracked up when I read about Ellis’s.  I loved reading about Verity interactions with her grandmother.  It was obvious how much Verity loved her.  We also get an opportunity to see what the house looked like before Verity had to sell off everything.  

The mystery was entertaining.  I liked that it involved the history of Sugarland. I found the fire devastating (the loss of books and historical documents).    I wish, though, that the guilty party had been less obvious.  This did not lessen my enjoyment (I devoured this story in a couple of hours).  There is a scene with Verity, Verity’s grandmother, and Frankie that had me laughing out loud.  The descriptive details allowed me to envision a certain person in my head which just made me laugh harder (I still giggle when I think about it—I do not want to spoil it for you by saying more).  Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies is the fourteenth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this entertaining series in order because it will allow you to get to know Verity and Frankie (and understand their unique relationship). I was hoping that Didi, Verity’s grandmother, would have insights on how to free a certain gangster from Verity’s property.   Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is an amusing story with a blazing library, a gregarious ghostly grandmother, a curious key, peaches a plenty, a snazzy sweater, a costumed skunk, an updo hairdo, and an interesting history.  

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is available from Amazon (make sure you have nowhere to go before you begin). Angie Fox has the 15th book Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts coming out February 27, 2026.   You can find the other books in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  If you follow Angie Fox on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Saturday, March 8 with Amish Home Remedy for the Heart by Debra Torres.  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke

 A New Lease on Death

Book Summary

Death is only the beginning in Olivia Blacke's A New Lease on Death, a darkly funny supernatural mystery that introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo.

Ruby Young's new Boston apartment comes with all the usual perks. Windows facing the brick wall of the next-door building. Heat that barely works. A malfunctioning buzzer. Noisy neighbors. A dead body on the sidewalk outside. And of course, a ghost.

Since Cordelia Graves died in her apartment a few months ago, she's kept up her residency, despite being bored out of her (non-tangible) skull and frustrated by her new roommate. When her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre, is shot and killed in an apparent mugging gone wrong outside their building, Cordelia is convinced there’s more to it and is determined to bring his killer to justice.

Unfortunately, Cordelia, being dead herself, can't solve the mystery alone. She has to enlist the help of the obnoxiously perky, living tenant of her apartment. Ruby is twenty, annoying, and has never met a houseplant she couldn't kill. But she also can do everything Cordelia can't, from interviewing suspects to researching Jake on the library computers that go up in a puff of smoke if Cordelia gets too close. As the roommates form an unlikely friendship and get closer to the truth about Jake's death, they also start to uncover other dangerous secrets.

My Thoughts

I was looking forward to reading A New Lease on Death.  I liked the idea of a ghost and her living roommate working together to solve a mystery.  I found A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke to be a slow starter.   The pacing was unhurried and there were repetitive details (Cordelia zaps electronics if she gets near them, it is very cold in Boston, Cordelia died in the tub, Ruby has nosy neighbors with a morbid curiosity, the dead neighbor loved pizza, ghost abilities). The job duties for the front desk position at TrendCelerate are listed at least three times.  I did not warm up to Ruby or Cordelia.  I read A New Lease on Death, but I could not get into the story (I found myself struggling to get through it).  There are some fun, quirky elements (such as how Ruby and Cordelia communicated).  The mystery is lackluster.  It needed some zip and zing (a zap of electricity to bring it to life).  It is a simple whodunit to solve.  While the story is mostly lighthearted, it does touch on serious topics (murder, alcolhism, depression, suicide, domestic violence).  I did not feel that the sensitive topics fit into the story, and they should not be taken lightly.   The book ends with a cliffhanger. My interest is not piqued enough for me to pick up the next book in the series.  A New Lease on Death left me discontented.  

A New Lease on Death is available from Amazon*.  You can find Olivia Blacke's other books here. Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey.  It is the first book in A Camera Club Mysteries.  I am off to fill out more paperwork for FEMA.  All this paperwork reminds me of when I worked for a nearby city government.  I hope that you have spooktacular day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox

 Death at the Drive-In

Book Summary

For ghost hunter Verity Long, 'helping out a friend' can mean anything from passing the peas to solving a homicide. This time, it involves digging into a cold case that's been on ice since poodle skirts twirled and Elvis's hips shook the nation.

In 1956, Kitty Cunningham disappeared on the way to the Starlite Drive-In. Now the first real evidence of foul play is coming to light in the ghostly realm—and it links directly to a modern crime. Only a sleuth with one foot in the past can solve the mystery and make things right.

Armed with her wits and flanked by a wise-cracking gangster ghost, Verity explores the hidden side of 1950s Sugarland—from the haunting echoes of the abandoned drive-in to the dusty secrets of a long-forgotten mob vault. As she stirs spirits and secrets alike, she finds some corners of Sugarland’s history are darker and more dangerous than she ever imagined. Can Verity bring the truth to light, or will she be the next one to suffer death at the drive-in?

My Thoughts

Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox takes us back to Sugarland, Tennessee where Verity and Frankie need to solve a cold case so they can save someone close to them.  The story was entertaining from beginning to end.  I laughed, giggled, and smiled.  Lucy, Verity’s pet skunk, is a sweetheart (she is a scene stealer).  I thought it was cute that Verity was teaching Lucy a scaled down version of a dog agility course.  Lucy is one clever little skunk.  Frankie is up to his normal mischief.  Verity’s backyard will soon be very cluttered (well, the ghost version will be).  The author brought the drive-in to life with her vivid descriptions.  It reminded me of my childhood visits to the drive-in with my family. We got to meet some interesting ghosts with my favorite being Verity’s old Sunday school teacher. 

Verity and Frankie had a clock on this mystery.  Things were kept lively (life is never dull with Frankie around) thanks to Frankie and the gangsters.  Someone unexpected joins Verity & assisted her with this spooky case. I was delighted (you will have to read the book to find out who) and enjoyed seeing a different side of this person’s personality. Frankie was a hoot (I loved his reaction when Verity requested his help on a clandestine mission).   We did not get to see much of Ellis this time around.  The one thing I did not like was the repetitive details (I got it the first time).  The ending was sweet and nicely wrapped up the story.  While Death at the Drive-In is the thirteenth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, it can be read as a standalone.  Death at the Drive-In is an entertaining tale with a girlfriend dilemma, a shaky still, a cold case, gang grudges, a serious Sunday school teacher, a surprising sidekick, and a killer conclusion.

Death at the Drive-In is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries here.  The next book in the series is Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies which will be out March 7, 2025 (can you believe we have to wait a year!!).  If you follow Angie Fox on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson.  I am heading out to run a few errands.  I hope that you have a blissful spring day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

 Witches Get Stuff Done

Book Summary

Juggling newfound witchy powers, a house full of ghosts, and verbal battles with the handsome local librarian is almost too much for a new witch to manage. But falling in love with said librarian wasn't on her to-do list...

From the moment Riley Everett set foot in Starfall Point, magic bubbled inside of her. But with only her late aunt's journals and a cantankerous live-in ghost butler to instruct her on all things witchy—including her newly inherited Victorian haunted house—Riley seeks out a coven for sisterhood and support. The last person she expects to be drawn to is the town's frustrating, yet ridiculously attractive head librarian.

Edison Held knows almost everything there is to know about Starfall Point, but Shaddow House was always off-limits, thanks to its elusive owner. If he can convince the new owner, Riley, to let him take a peek inside, there's so much he could learn. But as he gets closer to Riley, he's fascinated by her dazzling wit and fiery spirit. Edison will do whatever he can to help Riley keep her family legacy alive, especially if it means spending more time with the captivating new witch in town.

My Thoughts

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper is a cute paranormal tale once you get past the beginning.  I have trouble reading about people tossing their cookies (and the author was really graphic).  I found the story to be easy to read, but the pacing is uneven.  It is hard to tell how much time is passing unless you are told. I also found there to be repetitive details.  I enjoyed most of the humor.  I did find some of it to be forced.  Riley Everett is a relatable character.  She has had a number of jobs over the years and none of them have suited her.  What she learned from all those jobs, though, may come in handy.  I enjoyed meeting the other residents of Starfall Point.  I liked Riley’s relationship with Alice and Caroline.  One of my favorite characters is Plover, the butler at Shaddow House.  I had to agree with Plover about Riley’s use of foul language (there was too much of it and it was unnecessary).

Edison Held is the opposite of Riley.  He is a bookish man who has multiple doctorates.  I understood his need to get inside Shaddow House (I wanted to explore it as well).  I did feel the romance between Riley and Edison happened too fast.  I wish they could have become friends and gotten to know each other before they moved on to tonsil hockey and hanky panky.  Shaddow House is an interesting abode (you could get lost on the way to the bathroom one night and it could take you hours if not days to find your way back to your room), and it is filled with special antiques.  I enjoyed learning about Riley’s gift.  The mystery added another element to the story.   I have a feeling the bad guy is right under Riley’s nose.  Of course, we will have to wait for the next installment to find out more.  Witches Get Stuff Done is a spirited tale with the sprawling Shaddow House, a blood thirsty doorknob, a spectral butler, a myriad of roommates, a fine-looking librarian, charmed mates, and a mystifying mystery.

Witches Get Stuff Done is available from Amazon*.  You can find Molly Harper's other novels here.  Here are some of the other books that were released today:  Seams Deadly by Maggie Bailey, Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue, Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, and A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson.  I will return on September 12 with The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  It is the much-anticipated prequel to The Shunning.   My mother is under the weather, so I am taking the next week off from my blog which will allow me to devote more time to her.  I hope that you have a lovely week.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman

 The Spirit Girls

Book Summary

“Where are you taking me?” Rylan follows the figure through the trees. The girl’s dark ponytail swings as she turns back, then walks on without answering. Deep in the woods, she disappears… and Rylan finds her body, mouth wide in a silent, final plea for help.

Rylan Flynn has always been able to see what others don’t—the restless spirits haunting Ashby, Indiana. She’s learned to live with her “gift” but sometimes she longs to escape.

The woods have always been a peaceful place for Rylan. But on a visit to her aunt’s cabin, she catches sight of a spirit in the trees. The ghost of a young woman approaches, leading Rylan to her body.

With a flood of horror, Rylan realizes that the girl, 

Celeste Monroe, has been murdered. An outgoing newcomer to town, Celeste had no enemies. Who on earth would want to see her dead?

When a coin carved with strange symbols is discovered in Celeste’s throat, it’s clear that a twisted, cold-blooded killer is at work.

Rylan’s abilities could be the only way to prevent further deaths. But Ashby’s handsome head detective, Ford Pierce, has made it very clear that he doesn’t want her help.

And any unexplained knowledge of the case could make Rylan the perfect suspect.

When another body is discovered and blood at the scene points to Rylan’s family, she is more determined than ever to uncover the truth. She must race against time to untangle a web of dark secrets… but can she find answers before the murderer claims another victim?

My Thoughts

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman is the debut of A Rylan Flynn Mystery series.  Rylan Flynn can see ghosts that present themselves to her.  Her goal is to help them move on.  She pays the bills by filming what she does for her You-Tube channel.  Rylan is visiting her Aunt Val for breakfast when she sees a female ghost.   The ghost leads her to a body hanging from a tree.  It turns out to be the ghost’s body.  One of the responding detectives is Detective Ford Pierce who makes Rylan heart zing.  Ford does believe Rylan can see spirits, but he would prefer she not trespass (like she did the previous evening) and stay safe.  When Aunt Val ends up at the top of the suspect list, Rylan will do whatever it takes to clear her.

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman is easy to read.  I wish the author had given us more information on Rylan and there were other questions I wanted answered (how she got her powers, her mother, what is in her brother’s old bedroom).  The plot never developed to its fullest extent.  The story had potential, but it did not reach it.  It just scratched the surface.  The paranormal element was light (I thought there would be more).  I wanted a tricky mystery, some scary moments, and a little humor.  I was able to solve the crime early in the story.  The twist was not a surprise.  The ending was expected.   The repetition of details was not needed (the whispers through the walls at home, Rylan’s dead mother, Rylan’s attraction to Ford).  I wanted a surprise or two, more paranormal, less romance, and a more challenging mystery.  A Rylan Flynn Mystery series has potential, but it was not achieved in The Spirit Girls.  The Spirit Girls is a paranormal tale with lost souls, a dishy detective, an accused aunt, a horrific killing, and a sassy spiritualist.  

The Spirit Girls is available from Amazon*.  The Spirit Girls can be read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Thursday, May 11 with The Letter Reader by Jan Casey.  I am off to put up my Memorial Day decorations outside.  I hope that you have a spirited day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.