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Verity's quest to save her friend takes her to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2024

307 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Angie Fox

67 books2,723 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books.

Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.

Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,490 reviews496 followers
March 19, 2024
Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox
Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series #13. Paranormal cozy mystery. Best read as part of the series in order, but can be read as a standalone.
Verity Long is officially in the ghost hunter business and everyone in Sugarland, both alive and dead is aware of her unique abilities. When Molly is inhabited by another ghost, Frankie and Verity must work quickly to figure out who, why and how to fix it before both Molly and Frankie disappear permanently.
In 1956, Kitty Cunningham disappeared on the way to the Starlite Drive-in. So that’s where Verity and Frankie start. On the same land there is also a mob club house and the no-tell motel, all of which have ghosts and stories to tell. Watch out for the gangsters. They are all carrying at least one gun and probably more.

A fun gangster and ghost hunting mystery series. This one isn’t quite as scary as one or two of the past ones have been, but then I can’t imagine the dangers that Verity actually sees superimposed from two different times. For which I’m grateful! I love revisiting with all the regulars including the pet skunk. We actually get to know Veronica better in this story. She is Ellis’s Moher and the one who took everything from Verity in the first place. Not necessarily someone we wanted to know better, but she certainly proved useful in this ghost hunter story.

Exciting adventure and mystery. Who knew those old, established, southern towns had so many ghosts! And so many secrets!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,677 reviews224 followers
March 15, 2024
This series continues to offer up unique plots and wonderful characters. I would have liked to see more of Verity's main squeeze, Ellis, but it was interesting, yet disconcerting, to have Verity team with Ellis's mother, Virginia, who, in the past, has been Verity's arch enemy.

Ghost Frankie's girlfriend's body has possessed by the unformed spirit of Kitty Cunningham, a teen who disappeared in 1956. This is very bad for both the possessed and the possessor, both could end up evaporated, permanently. Since Frankie is linked to Molly, he could end up evaporated too. Verity doesn't have any time to waste in unraveling the mystery of Kitty Cunningham's life, disappearance and obvious death. The last day Kitty was alive she left her job at the malt shop and went to the Starlite Drive-In and is never seen again.

The drive-in is now a broken-down derelict in an unincorporated area outside of Sugarland, but a hotbed of ghost activity. Nearby is an old bar that was the hangout of the Irish mob back in the 1950's until a law-and-order sheriff raided the place and killed them all. As Verity pieces together Kitty's story, she is forced to rely on Virgina and learns that Ellis's mother is pretty handy to have in a tough situation. But time is short for our friendly ghost and resolving Kitty's murder and reuniting her with her true love is the only way to save them all.

3 1/2-Stars

My thanks to the Publisher and the Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Profile Image for Manda.
117 reviews71 followers
May 31, 2024
I am giving it 4 stars when compared with other books in its category of cozy mystery. I received this book as an ARC for NetGalley. There are always new adventures with Verity and Frankie...and this time a new sleuth ;) I do wish Ellis was featured a bit more, since I enjoy a romance in anything really ha! I do like the character development we see in others in this book that began a few books ago though.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books404 followers
April 25, 2024
A missing girl from 1956 is at the heart of the ghostly uproar that descends on Verity and Frankie in this latest supernatural case to crack bringing to light the dark side of Verity’s sweet Sugarland. This is an auto-buy series and I can’t help bouncing with excitement for the latest Southern Ghost Hunter mystery.

After their recent case was solved, Verity is taking some quiet time to prep her pet skunk Lucy for the annual pet obstacle course race and her ghostly gangster detecting partner, Frankie, is busy making shine in a rickety still out by the apple trees for his ghostly sweetheart. Situation normal. Until it isn’t.

Suddenly Frankie’s gal, Molly is possessed by another spirit and the clock is ticking on cracking the case to give the spirit peace so she’ll move on before eating up all of Molly’s ghostly energy. The case takes them to the old drive in, a no tell motel, and an Irish gang’s pub that had their heyday back in the fifties. Frankie is a gangster on a mission even if he has to take down the Irish gang and drag Verity into deadly danger to do it.

Death at the Drive In leaped out of the gate with good action and kept me riveted through the twists and turns to the end. I love how this book had some great action scenes and suspense even while keeping up the great partnership fun of Verity and Frankie with their opposite approach to solving the case- sweet, smalltown girl vs a gangster ghost still with a streak of larceny. The dialogue and Frankie’s antics is quite humorous between the two of them. And, then there was that great moment when Verity ends up with a stunner human back-up partner none other than her long-time nemesis when her cop boyfriend is busy elsewhere.

I’m still of the opinion, thirteen books in, that Southern Ghost Hunter is one of the best paranormal cozy mystery series out there and not to be missed by those who love the genre.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 4.10.24.
Profile Image for Rmplift, Rachel Phillips.
729 reviews82 followers
May 30, 2024
I love this book series but this book just wasn't it. It just drags the story on for a long time. They circle around to the same conversations. Also, the "ah ha" moments are just not the same as the previous books.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,078 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2024
That was a super cute one. And a bit intense at certain points. And near the end it even gave me a frog in my throat and tears in my eyes. Yup, this book has all the feels.

You know the awful mother of Ellis? The shark herself, Virginia. Well, she definitely surprises us in this read! Seems she isn’t so bad after all. I know! Wild, right?!

We meet a new ghost from the 1950’s named Kitty and she causes Frankie and his girlfriend Molly to lose their lives, but Verity is there to help. However, people in the ghostly plane and in the early plane are after Verity and don’t want her in either world. She’s got her work cut out for her, but someone Berry unexpected steps in and has her back.

This was a grand adventure with everything I love in a book!

Next in this Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series is book 14 “Secrets, Lies and Fireflies”. In this read, Verity’s grandma, the very one who willed Verity the home she lives in, stops in for a visit and ends up on a ghost hunting adventure with Verity! Only problem is that we have to wait nearly a year to read it. Sigh. Publication date: March 7, 2025.

Since I can't read another Verity adventure now, I'm going to read a Maggie Lee adventure in: "The Hitwoman VS the Training Schedule: A Comical Crime Caper" -- Book 42 in the Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman by JB Lynn.
Profile Image for Reading Adventures.
912 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2024
Angie Fox is a new to me author and I am excited to have read this fun adventure of a mystery. This book has a mix of everything you could think of from ghost-hunting, cold cases, to cozy mystery and everything in between. Fox does a wonderful job at creating fun characters in all aspects of the story. You feel like you are there with Verity solving and in the adventure right along with her. I love the southern setting and the 50s backdrop. Created a great atmosphere I wasn’t expecting for this story. The wit and humor helped develop and move the story along. You will love this book. It is the perfect story to get all snuggled and cozy with while you try to figure out the mystery. Enjoy this fun adventure.
Profile Image for Frances.
228 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2024
Verity, Frankie, and Lucy are always a pleasure to visit with.

With Molly in danger the stakes have never been higher!

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Verity, Frankie, and Lucy are always a pleasure to visit with.

I really enjoyed that Verity and Frankie took the reigns from the beginning, and things never slowed down.

The fast pace added so much intensity and urgency to trying to figure everything out.

Ellis wasn't in this book as much as we usually see him, took absolutely nothing away from the story.

Also, I was so thrilled to see Virginia become a part of the solution, that I didn't expect.

Virginia redemption arch???!!!
Profile Image for Penny.
3,162 reviews88 followers
February 19, 2024
I’m always happy to dive into a new Verity mystery because I know it’ll be fun, and yes, this latest is great fun. Poor Verity and Frankie still fight like siblings, and I loved the addition of a “new” mystery solver; I’d love to see more of that. I wished we had seen Ellis a bit more, but that’s ok, I’m sure I’ll see him in the next one. This latest in the series is just as well-written and fun as the other books in the series are. You can start here, but I’d recommend starting at the beginning and enjoying the ride. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
606 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2024
Sugarland is expanding!

With each new book in the series, we as readers always find out more about places and former residents. This book is no different. I also enjoyed seeing more of Virginia, and, I hope there is more from her in the next book. It was nice to see her help out. There is also excitement as Sugarland is starting to change, I look forward to hearing more in the next book!
Profile Image for Joan Mueller.
331 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2024
This continuation of The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery Series finds Verity more comfortable in her investigative role in the ghost world. Frankie, the mobster ghost, who is her unwilling guide and partner in her investigative mysteries becomes upset when his girlfriend is missing. The pair finds that the girlfriend, Molly, is possessed by another ghost, a missing teenager from the 1950’s. Verity and Frankie, along with other character; ghosts and people, engage the reader through the complexities of attempting to discover the mystery of what happened to the missing teenager in order to save Molly from the possession of the other ghost. This story has many sub plots and twists and turns that complicate the initial plot. It was a very interesting and entertaining read. I received an ARC for review. I would highly recommend reading this book and series.
Profile Image for Ashley.
566 reviews17 followers
March 19, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Author Collective 20 for an eARC of this next installment in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series!

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. It's like a warm hug; it is still in my realm of spooky and macabre, but a very much lightened version with sweet moments and happy endings. The characters are always fun and show growth, and there are many different characters to get to know in each novel, all unique and entertaining in their own ways. I also love that this one (like its predecessor) can be read as a standalone novel, with the author not dwelling too much on the previous books and not giving away other spoilers. However, enough information is given so you have a solid idea of each character and their relationship with Verity.

This installment focuses on Frankie and his girlfriend, another ghost by the name of Molly, and they become involved with the (former) Irish Mob. There is a ton of action and snooping around town, when Verity uncovers some secrets from a previous police raid that happened decades ago, which took out the Irish Mob in Sugarland. There are lots of tense moments, and lots of spooky ghost interactions. I loved Frankie before, but seeing how his friendship with Verity has grown from what it was even in the previous novel was very heartwarming, and I loved it.

This was a wonderful installment to this series.
Profile Image for The Queen of Swords.
74 reviews23 followers
April 20, 2024
The last two books in the Southern Ghost Hunter series had something missing in my opinion. They were still good books, but where novel 11 seemed to be an almost goodbye and missed a bit of... spirit, the 12th title was too little Frankie, too much Duranja (even though that redemption arc was needed, desperately). In review terms that meant both books received 4 stars rounded up (seriously: when will the option come to give quarter points on Amazon, GoodReads or BookBub? Or at least halfsies?), where I'd given the rest of this great, entertaining series mostly 5 stars otherwise.

Death at the Drive-In, book 13 in the collection, falls back on the 'formula' of Southern Ghost Hunter that made me devour and recommend each and every novel sofar: witty, a bit scary, lots of adventure, heartfelt emotions and the great chemistry between main characters. What's more: all the favourites are here this time around, with the focus on Verity & Frankie - as I like! As it should.

In this installment Verity has no choice but to dive into a decades old missing person's case. In 1956 a Sugarland local went missing. The police closed the case, concluding the girl eloped with her mobster boyfriend, not reaching out due to fear of her mobster's dad. That story turns out to be false, and the girl's real cold blooded murder in the 50's is now bleeding over into current day Sugarland, endangering the afterlives of Frankie and his sweetheart Molly.

With Molly's afterlife on the line Frankie goes a little crazy - what else is new ?- and with the case reopened and her friends in danger it is up to Verity (and a very unexpected sidekick) to roam the old Irish mobster stomping grounds in the ghostly realm to solve the murder as fast as possible. Not to mention, stay out of the clutches of whomever living has been sneaking around in the dark there as well.

As said earlier, this is a 'true' Southern Ghost Hunter book. It is mostly Frankie and Verity together, with the latter once again looking into the barrel of ghostly guns and the eyes of dead(ly) scary gangsters whenever "The German" lends her his power to search for clues. Verity in danger from the dead on top of the living is what makes these books fun.

Frankie is his high-energy, untrustworthy, sticky-fingered self, with even El Gato making an explosive (and slightly hilarious) appearance. But a couple of scenes show us that the mobster might have a big mouth, under the tough shell sits a gooey center. Melody and Ellis aren't in the forefront, but their smaller supporting- literally- roles when help is needed, give the loving feel so known to these books. For a little spice Shotgun Maisie makes an entrance every now and then as well.

As most great SGH books there's a lot on the line and it causes some exciting scenes. Also caused by a Verity who, while a seasoned and courageous ghost detective, still remains a little too trusting. Luckily there are several utterly cute skunk Lucy moments to give your racing heart a break.

I could tell you Death at the Drive-In has a wonderful happy ending and is a well written, fast paced novel with a good plot. But that will come as no suprise if you've been following this series for a while. What did come as a surprise to me, is that the whole "Frankie finding his way out of the rosebush", that was so clearly a point in book 11, seems to have hit a pause. I hope it means that the idea I had of this series ending real soon was wrong*. After reading this book I'm nowhere near done again with Verity and her gangster friend. Plus... where's grandma?!

One tiny negative point plot-wise, was that I could figure out the bad guy(s) a little too early for the suspense to remain as strong ~ the hints are there. But, granted, it did still happen at the end of book, not halfway. And even then - don't worry! - Death at the Drive-In stays plenty exciting until everyone is safe again. And even the very, very end has an interesting surprise. One that feels a bit like the beginning of another redemption arc (*and then quite possibly my thought of an author working towards an ending could be correct). But we will see when we're lucky enough to read #14.

If you needed a fast and simple answer to the question if the latest in the series was worth your hard-earned coin, then: Yes! Death at the Drive-In is a good ol 'fashioned Southern Ghost Hunter title where you can get enough mystery, smiles and a big dose of ghosty gangster to satisfy any Angie Fox addiction. Read at your own sleep deprivation- peril, because the well-known "one more chapter" reader's affliction is a sure thing with the 13th book.

Recommendation: Read!
5 Stars 🌟 rounded up (4.75 stars, 9+ out of 10)

I thank Netgalley for the ARC of Death at the Drive-In, so I had the opportunity to honestly review this book prior to publication.
Profile Image for Visionary Druid.
704 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2024
Sugarland, Tennessee has not always been the safe and peaceful town it is today. It too has a dark and seedy past… Or so Verity Long discovers. When her ghostly sidekick’s girlfriend gets possessed, she jumps in to help. All the clues lead to a 1956 cold case. Verity and Frankie’s investigation takes them to an abandoned drive-in and an Irish mob’s pub. Can Verity solve the case in time to save her ghostly partner and his girlfriend? And are some secrets better left buried?
Verity always struck me as the selfless type. So, it is no surprise that she willingly offered to help Frankie save Molly. She would never leave any friend, the living or the ghostly, behind. I like the support Verity gets from both her sister and Ellis. Verity knows that when it comes to information, Melody is her “to go” person.
I love Ellis’ steadfast belief in Verity’s ability. He may worry but Ellis knows that she will do what she feels is necessary.
Frankie the German is totally stepping up. In this story, he demonstrates what he is willing to do for Molly. It is nice seeing him being so selfless for a change. Yeah, Frankie still has some deep-seeded issues he needs to work on. But I believe he will eventually get there. I suspect that once he realizes he can trust Verity will Frankie move on.
The one character that surprised me the most in this book is Virginia, Ellis’ mother, and Verity’s nemesis. I always hated the despicable things she did and said to Verity in the earlier book. Virginia deserved the comeuppance she received in book eleven, GIVE UP THE GHOST. I notice that it humbled her, especially towards Verity. I am also glad that she finally noticed the upstanding man that Ellis is. It always takes a distasteful situation to find out who cares for you.
DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN is book thirteen in Angie Fox’s paranormal-mystery romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. The story can easily stand alone, yet I suggest reading the series from start to finish. Each book shows the trials both Verity and Frankie underwent in their unlikely partnership. Poor Ellis, he hardly showed up in this story. That is the only nitpick I have.
The only question I have is… When is Verity’s grandmother going to make an appearance!!
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,299 reviews75 followers
July 9, 2024
Death At The Drive-In
Southern Ghost Hunter, Book #13
Angie Fox
5 Stars

Synopsis:

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? (Amazon)


Review:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really like how the characters are growing and maturing throughout the books, even someone you would not expect. There is a lot going on in this book and much of it is not good for Frankie.


The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was watching Lucy run the obstacle course or Frankie and Verity arguing, I felt I was right there watching all the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. Get this book and enjoy it.


I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Author Collective 20, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.










Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,083 reviews83 followers
March 4, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Tink.
16 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2024
Death at the Drive-In is the 13th book in Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. Verity always seems to get herself into a fix, often due to her gangster ghost in residence, Frankie, but this time it’s his girlfriend Molly who has gotten herself into trouble. And by trouble, we’re talking possession. Who knew ghosts could be possessed by other ghosts. Well, now we know, and it can remove them from existence. Not in a good way. We can’t let that happen to sweet Molly, so we’re in for a fun action-filled ride that takes us to the past and allows for some new and unexpected ghost hunter assistance.

I’ve been a huge fan of The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and this new installment is a fun one beginning to end. The humor and warm fuzzies that I love have returned along with an interesting mystery to solve. And, of course, our sweet little Lucy has some great scenes. How can you not love her working the dog agility course! We’ve got a smart little skunk there. It also brought some personal warm fuzzies as it reminded me of the good old days of my childhood going to the drive-in with family and friends. These books are always best if you’ve read the prior ones, but it can be read as a standalone, as Angie does a great job of giving enough past details to get you up to speed on the Sugarland crew. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the series if you haven’t started it yet.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2

I was provided with an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion review.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,093 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2024
Death at the Drive-in is the thirteen mystery in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. Verity and Frankie are back again and this time their case if more than life or death. When a displaced ghost possesses Molly, Frankie’s girlfriend, Verity and Frankie must figure out what happened to her before Molly is lost forever. With the race against the clock on, there is little room for error of Verity wants to solve this case before it’s too late. Centered around the Irish mob in Sugarland during the 1950s, this ghost hunting case is sure to be filled with adventure, good and bad. Will Verity be able to beat the clock or will time run out?

I have loved this series from the beginning and am always excited to join Verity and Frankie on another adventure. The world that has been created in this series is so easy to get pulled into. Each of these books is so different with all of the history and the time period the ghosts are from, which makes this series even more enjoyable to me. The characters in this series are a good mixture and I liked how the supporting characters flip around from book to books but ultimately remain the same cast. I really enjoyed this book and thought the storyline was a great one. I got pulled in from the beginning and was surprised with how it ended. In some ways I saw the ending coming, but didn’t see it playing out as it did. If you are a cozy mystery fan and like the paranormal, this is a great book and series to start. Each book could be read alone, but they are so much better together. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
112 reviews
March 12, 2024
Death at the Drive-In
(Southern Ghost Hunter 13)
Angie Fox


Verity Long is having a quiet evening at home, practicing for the Sugarland Pet Parade & Festival with her pet skunk Lucy. Having her ghostly pal Frankie the German build a still under her apple tree in the backyard... not so great.

Frankie’s girlfriend Molly is coming over for a date night. Instead, her housemates arrive in a rush to let him know Molly, won’t be coming because another ghost took her! After getting the details Frankie explains that she has been possessed!

Kitty Cunningham was a local teen who went missing more than 60 years ago. She has taken possession of Molly. Verity and Frankie are off to the Irish mob side of town to find her. Ellis is Verity’s boyfriend and a detective with the Sugarland police department. He helps by reopening Kitty’s closed case.

More than 60 years ago, the Irish mob was known to have a big score, two teens went missing, only one was looked for and a hero was made. It’s now up to Verity and the gang to decipher the real truth of that night and tell the tale!

I found Death at the Drive-In to be an enjoyable book. It’s not my favorite in the series, but it is a good solid addition to the series. This is a clean fun mystery, suitable for any age. 4****


Thank you to Angie Fox for the ARC.
Profile Image for Rolé - Hooked By That Book.
760 reviews27 followers
March 24, 2024


Exciting action, decades-old mysteries that need solving, and cheeky ghosts, what more do you need?

Molly made Frankie into a better man, without doubt, but deep in his black little heart he is all gangster and in this book he got the chance to express that part of himself to the fullest. I always wish there was more of Ellis, I just love him. No matter how bizarre Verity’s life gets, their relationship is the one constant that we can all rely on. Verity picked up a very unlikely ally, which made for super entertaining reading.

The story played out well-paced, with a plethora of smaller plots that all came together really well without causing confusion. The author does an excellent job of connecting the present day to the past, and the good and bad guys for both eras.

This series is for you if you like ghosts, solving mysteries and crimes, and humour, all with a steady-as-a-rock relationship. This book can be read on its own, but I think reading the series in order will make more sense. The characters and their relationships change and grow over time and you don’t want to miss that.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Kelly.
5,753 reviews229 followers
March 10, 2024
Verity's back and she's doing her thing for the ghosts of Sugarland. As an aside, the town as a whole has become very accepting of Verity's ability to see and talk to ghosts. This is a good thing, I'd say, since it allows her to investigate the various incidents she comes across without having to be all weird and secretive about what she's doing. Also, yay for acceptance, amirite?!?!

This time around, Frankie's ghostly honey is in trouble from another ghost (which is a story in itself) and Verity is running against the clock to solve a decades old missing person/murder case before things turn a corner (a BAD corner) for Molly. Verity's investigation has her diving into the past of the local (now-defunct) drive-in and the scandalous pay-by-the-hour motel PLUS the events that led to the takedown of Sugarland's Irish mob. Let's just say that Verity learns a more than she expected about her town's history and leave it at that.

A good girl gone missing, a drive-in that sees a lot of (ghostly) action, secrets, lies, Mama Wydell getting her sleuthing on, and Verity being in the thick of things. As usual. Verity and crew always entertain!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
1,642 reviews25 followers
March 18, 2024
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

Ghost hunter Verity Long & her ghostly sidekick Frankie re-visit a cold case from 1956, where a local teenager by the name of Kitty Cunningham disappeared on the way to the Starlite Drive-In. 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?

This is the thirteenth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery Series. I love Verity, her gangster ghostly sidekick Frankie, and her pet skunk (in this book she is teaching her to run an agility course!) . In this story, the ghostly body of Frankie's girlfriend Molly, gets taken over by Kitty Cunningham, and that is why Verity and Frankie have to try to solve Kitty's murder..... so that she can move on and Molly can regain control of her body. If you are a fan of paranormal mysteries then you will definitely want to check this out!
25 reviews
March 19, 2024
In Fox’s 13th installment of the Southern Ghost Hunter series she further explores the bond between protagonist Verity Long and her gangster ghost sidekick and accidental housemate, Frankie. The duo is in a race against time to help Frankie’s ghostly girlfriend, Molly, rid herself of an unwanted possession before the hostile takeover becomes permanent. The story takes us to a long abandoned section of Sugarland featuring a drive-in theater, and bar that headquartered a rival gang to Frankie’s South Town Boys.

While the plot is well developed around a clever mystery, the most memorable parts were the relationships and interactions between the characters. Fox’s deep dive into the human condition and how a person’s life experiences touch everyone around them kept me anxiously turning to the next page until the very end.

This series is such a delight. A fun storyline, a lush southern setting, familiar characters, and a little insight into what makes us all tick combine to deliver another fun, compelling read. Death at the Drive-In is perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries with a little romance and a just a touch of the paranormal. Great book to take on vacation, for a staycation, or when relaxing for a bit of downtime.
19 reviews
March 21, 2024
Death at the Drive-In

At Last, Frankie’s (Don’t call me Frank) love story. Frankie, my favorite ghost, is in love with Molly, a sweet natured ghost who loves him right back. But Molly has been spectral body snatched. Kitty, a ‘50’s era ghost, has taken possession of Molly to search for her lost love. But this possession leads to the local Irish gang who are still operating albeit on the ghostly side.
In order to save Molly from being drained of her ghostly life force Verity must combine forces with Frankie, Masie, and (surprise, surprise) Virginia, the mother of her lovely boyfriend Ellis and the woman who would have been her Wicked mother-in-law. But Virginia has a few surprises of her own.
Frankie will do ANYTHING to save his Molly, even if it means sacrificing his own life force to save her. But Kitty can’t leave until she finds her lost love, even if it means facing the leader of the Irish and starting a ghostly mob war. And Verity is in the middle of the whole war.
I really enjoyed the development of feelings and joy of Frankie and Molly’s romance. The teen angst and depth of loss for Kitty and even the Irish mob boss, Seamus, could tug at you emotions. But the surprise of Virginia’s secrets was well worth the whole story.
2,394 reviews
March 30, 2024
Ohhhh I really can't believe that this was bk13 and I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.
In this book Verity Long and her somewhat sleazy partner a long dead mobster ghost named Frankie start looking into a missing girl an old cold case. And what they found wasn't a runaway but a possible murder victim! And even the possible weapon that did the deed. Luckily Ellis, her very alive boyfriend was told and he re-opened the investigation. I was also pleased to see some much-needed character changes as Ellis' mother mended some bridges between Verity and herself. And it looks like Lucy, Verity's pet skunk, yeah she's gotta pet skunk, has finally made friends with Frankie...

Here's some quotes that amused me.

“Sludge?” Frankie balked as if I’d called his baby ugly. “This is my famous pine needle and chili pepper ’shine, smoother than a silk stocking. I’m known countywide as the Rembrandt of moonshiners."

Frankie’s eyes bugged. “Betsy Sue the Third is my greatest creation yet. She has a double filtration system at the cost of both my socks, and she’s perfect the way she is.”

“You drive like a turtle on tranquilizers,”

“Excuses are like belly buttons. Everybody’s got one, and God’s seen them all.”
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,157 reviews30 followers
April 22, 2024
Death at the Drive In is the 13th book in Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter mysteries. This story finds Verity Long working with her property locked ghost Frankie the German to free his ghostly lady friend Molly from being possessed by the newly freed ghost of Kitty Cunningham, a young woman who had been missing for over 60 years.

Their search for Molly takes them to Kitty’s former home, a defunct drive in theater, a dilapidated motel, and a boarded up road house closed since a shoot out when the late Capt. McAvoy is believed to have cleaned up the crime scene in Sugarland, Tennessee.

Through their encounters with the long gone gangsters who were shot the day that their big haul was to take place, to the real time threat brought about when Verity discovers the same haul, Frankie and Verity work together to save Molly from oblivion. However, more surprising than Verity working with Frankie and his ghostly back ups is that Verity’s real life back up is none other than Virginia Wydell!

This is such a good story with more twists and turns than a Sugarland mountain road. Told with humor, heart, and heart stopping events and with such an array of special characters, Ms. Fox has added another perfect tale to this series! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,537 reviews19 followers
March 15, 2024
These books are always a good time, and even if you haven't read all the previous installments, I'd still encourage you to pick one up!

Verity is still determined to free her roommate/ghost Frankie of his connection to her property, but until that can happen she's forced to endure even more hijinks, this time in the form of a homemade still. Everything gets turned upside down, though, when Frankie's lady love gets possessed. By another ghost. Yes! That can happen! We learn a lot about ghostly possessions, but it's more of what Verity was built for - mystery solving.

This book's mystery revolves around a murder at the drive-in. There's love, gangs, betrayal, treasure, and breaking the law all jammed into this one. While we get very little Ellis in the story, we really get a lot of growth from Frankie. As a bonus, we also see Verity push outside her comfort zone both in breaking the law and in mending fences with Ellis's family. That last part had me more surprised than anything else, but in a good way! I am both hoping for Frankie to eventually be free but also dreading when this series will come to an end. Here's to many more installments!
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