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Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries #1
The Deadly Detective Agency
Death is only the beginning for Abigail Summers.
In the small village of Becklesfield, dressmaker Abigail Summers faces the most unusual challenge of her life – solving her own murder. After meeting a group of fellow spirits at the local library, Abigail, with the aid of psychic medium, Hayley Moon and her husband, a police constable, sets out to find her killer.
Abigail's investigation leads her to the May Day Fayre stalls and maypole dance at Chiltern Hall. The case takes an unexpected turn when a local boy disappears, and a suicide seems to hold the key to the mystery.
The first book in the Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries series, THE DEADLY DETECTIVE AGENCY weaves together suspense, humor and a touch of the paranormal.
In the small village of Becklesfield, dressmaker Abigail Summers faces the most unusual challenge of her life – solving her own murder. After meeting a group of fellow spirits at the local library, Abigail, with the aid of psychic medium, Hayley Moon and her husband, a police constable, sets out to find her killer.
Abigail's investigation leads her to the May Day Fayre stalls and maypole dance at Chiltern Hall. The case takes an unexpected turn when a local boy disappears, and a suicide seems to hold the key to the mystery.
The first book in the Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries series, THE DEADLY DETECTIVE AGENCY weaves together suspense, humor and a touch of the paranormal.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2023
1132 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Ann Parker
69 books31 followersAnn Parker was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her younger years were spent in Carrizozo, New Mexico, trying to keep up with her two older siblings, Carrie and Wayland. They told her she could only tag along “if she could keep up.” Her fear of being left out created a strong determination in her formative years. That drive equipped her to keep pace with her siblings, who were six and seven years her senior. She also spent time bossing around her younger brother, Patrick. Her mother remembers Ann, just a kindergartener, instructing two-year-old Patrick to recite the pledge of allegiance. Patrick definitely had a hand in developing Ann’s love for teaching.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 20, 2025
You are lead to believe you are going to be following Abigail and her ghost friends to solve her murder. That’s somewhat true, but you find out who kills her at ch 13 there’s 26 chapters.. There’s no suspense. Every time a problem arises it’s automatically resolved.
Most characters(if I could remember who they were, so many were thrown at you at once) I found to be unlikable with hardly any development. This is a series that I don’t want to continue.
Just a very misleading summary.
Most characters(if I could remember who they were, so many were thrown at you at once) I found to be unlikable with hardly any development. This is a series that I don’t want to continue.
Just a very misleading summary.
November 3, 2024
Not for me
I had trouble following this story. It was not for me. Too many things going on in my opinion. But try it yourself I've read some great reviews for it. I'm not a fan tho.
I had trouble following this story. It was not for me. Too many things going on in my opinion. But try it yourself I've read some great reviews for it. I'm not a fan tho.
May 17, 2025
I wish this one didn't have such a 'strong' personality type main character (Abigail Summers). I wanted to like her, but I didn't. Mostly because even though it was brought up multiple times, by the other characters, that she steam-rolled everyone, ordered everyone around, etc. the other characters would just shrug their shoulders, and go 'oh well'. And considering how I know people like this in real life, and they make life more irritating, I found myself turned off by the entire book. I skimmed through it, because I was interested in the story, but whenever Abigail turned up I had a very deep urge to just jump ahead until she was no longer there. And doing so, would mean that none of the story would make sense because she is the main character, and so she has to highly feature in it. So, I powered through but this wasn't a book I enjoyed.
It only received two stars because the actual mystery was fun to try and decipher. I didn't figure it out before the end of the book. And, I liked how it was realistic in one particular point. I didn't like Abigail, as I have mentioned before, but when another character lashed out at her for Abigail doing the right thing, I felt something for Abigail. I didn't like how Abigail was so black and white about the entire incident, and how she immediately dismissed why that character would be so annoyed, but...
It tugged at my heart a little.
And that made me enjoy this book a little more. I liked how one character reacted in a realistic manner to having their world fall apart. While not many of the characters were really fleshed out, I do believe that as the series progresses their back stories and personalities will be strengthened. I will not be one of them reading any further to experience it though.
In my opinion, this is one that you have to like Abigail to enjoy it. If you don't, the story and small moments of the other characters shining won't save it.
Two Stars.
It only received two stars because the actual mystery was fun to try and decipher. I didn't figure it out before the end of the book. And, I liked how it was realistic in one particular point. I didn't like Abigail, as I have mentioned before, but when another character lashed out at her for Abigail doing the right thing, I felt something for Abigail. I didn't like how Abigail was so black and white about the entire incident, and how she immediately dismissed why that character would be so annoyed, but...
It tugged at my heart a little.
And that made me enjoy this book a little more. I liked how one character reacted in a realistic manner to having their world fall apart. While not many of the characters were really fleshed out, I do believe that as the series progresses their back stories and personalities will be strengthened. I will not be one of them reading any further to experience it though.
In my opinion, this is one that you have to like Abigail to enjoy it. If you don't, the story and small moments of the other characters shining won't save it.
Two Stars.
July 13, 2025
I read mysteries because I like the reliable formula of murder, investigative sleuthing, and resolution. The Deadly Detective Agency was always going to be a bit of an odd duck. Toss out the murder mystery paradigm. The main character is investigating her own murder. The Deadly Detective Agency is made up of ghosts. The story is not only resolved in 300 pages, but they solve several cases during the course of one book.
The storytelling is rapid, but understandable. There's not a lot of narrative spent on exposition or character development. In fact, I would consider that a minor flaw. There are way too many characters that are not given their due because of the sheer amount of story the author wants to get through before the end.
The pacing is a surprise because mysteries require development, and Parker was far more intent on telling a story rather than elucidating a mystery. The dead characters are a twist I'm unfamiliar with, but sufficiently intriguing that I might actually purchase more books from the series. Even dead characters have personality clashes, and I was interested in finding out more.
The storytelling is rapid, but understandable. There's not a lot of narrative spent on exposition or character development. In fact, I would consider that a minor flaw. There are way too many characters that are not given their due because of the sheer amount of story the author wants to get through before the end.
The pacing is a surprise because mysteries require development, and Parker was far more intent on telling a story rather than elucidating a mystery. The dead characters are a twist I'm unfamiliar with, but sufficiently intriguing that I might actually purchase more books from the series. Even dead characters have personality clashes, and I was interested in finding out more.
June 14, 2025
Too many characters, almost all of which were incredibly annoying. Picked up multiple mini cases in one book, with the "main" thread being solved at halfway.
August 20, 2024
Abigail Summers is dead. She knows she was murdered. Finding the proof is going to take a ghostly detective agency.
I loved the premise of this story: a newly departed person joining with other ghosts to solve her death, then taking the show on the road to get to the bottom of other people's problems. However, one character in particular seemed uneven - Terry, the "greeter ghost" who initially appeared to be kind and introduced Abigail to his ghost group but then jeered at her and mocked her attempts to create a cohesive detective group. I also wondered about the policeman who was married to a psychic and denigrated her talents, was proven that his beliefs were wrong, gained accolades from the ghosts' efforts, but insisted that he end his association with the detectives' work. A mouthful to say, "Why did his wife put up with him?"
Perhaps the next book will even out the personalities. I hope so as I genuinely enjoyed the plot.
I loved the premise of this story: a newly departed person joining with other ghosts to solve her death, then taking the show on the road to get to the bottom of other people's problems. However, one character in particular seemed uneven - Terry, the "greeter ghost" who initially appeared to be kind and introduced Abigail to his ghost group but then jeered at her and mocked her attempts to create a cohesive detective group. I also wondered about the policeman who was married to a psychic and denigrated her talents, was proven that his beliefs were wrong, gained accolades from the ghosts' efforts, but insisted that he end his association with the detectives' work. A mouthful to say, "Why did his wife put up with him?"
Perhaps the next book will even out the personalities. I hope so as I genuinely enjoyed the plot.
September 4, 2025
Muy malo. la idea es original y bien llevada podría haber dado para algo interesante: una mujer muere, se convierte en fantasma, se encuentra con otros fantasmas y deciden resolver el misterio de su muerte.
Pero el libro está fatal escrito, parece más un fanfic que una novela profesional. La traducción tampoco ayuda, llena de calcos y estructuras gramaticales traducidas literalmente.
Pero el libro está fatal escrito, parece más un fanfic que una novela profesional. La traducción tampoco ayuda, llena de calcos y estructuras gramaticales traducidas literalmente.
July 22, 2025
A interesting story about dead people solving murders.
July 29, 2024
Just another paranormal mystery? Nope!!
Seamstress Abigal is truly quite surprised to wake up feeling unusually refreshed—only to discovery she is dead. She and a team of fellow ghosts search for answers, a true challenge, only to discover there are far more answers needed and more people needing help than expected. The events that follow are life changing for them all.
Abigail has a great heart, a quick mind, but is unthinkingly bossy. Her new family manage to knock off a few of her rough corners, as they laugh over their own foibles and teach her to do the same. Abigail has a touch of Poirot, which can be so irritating–or so delightful–depending on the moment and on whether you are one of the ghosts or the reader. Red herrings abound, as is usual in a mystery, but Writer Ann has them not only fade away as the mystery proceeds, but has several become tiny "happily ever after" moments.
This is an ensemble cast; each has a role. Abigail may be the stated lead, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the lead freely passed around from ghost to ghost.
The deaths and their impact are not minimized or disrespected, even with the ghosts' penchant for death puns and humor. I laughed often, but also had my heart moved. Best, this group finds real purpose in their unique ability to help others. It's a lot more than just another mystery story.
Content: Clean. No gore. There's mention of death wounds in passing, but no details.
Recommended! I'm off to read the next book!
Seamstress Abigal is truly quite surprised to wake up feeling unusually refreshed—only to discovery she is dead. She and a team of fellow ghosts search for answers, a true challenge, only to discover there are far more answers needed and more people needing help than expected. The events that follow are life changing for them all.
Abigail has a great heart, a quick mind, but is unthinkingly bossy. Her new family manage to knock off a few of her rough corners, as they laugh over their own foibles and teach her to do the same. Abigail has a touch of Poirot, which can be so irritating–or so delightful–depending on the moment and on whether you are one of the ghosts or the reader. Red herrings abound, as is usual in a mystery, but Writer Ann has them not only fade away as the mystery proceeds, but has several become tiny "happily ever after" moments.
This is an ensemble cast; each has a role. Abigail may be the stated lead, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the lead freely passed around from ghost to ghost.
The deaths and their impact are not minimized or disrespected, even with the ghosts' penchant for death puns and humor. I laughed often, but also had my heart moved. Best, this group finds real purpose in their unique ability to help others. It's a lot more than just another mystery story.
Content: Clean. No gore. There's mention of death wounds in passing, but no details.
Recommended! I'm off to read the next book!
September 17, 2024
Free download
December 6, 2023
"The Deadly Detective Agency"
by Ann Parker
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"The Deadly Detective Agency" by Ann Parker, where death becomes the gateway to an otherworldly investigation that blends mystery, humor, and the supernatural. 🌌🕵️♀️
👉Abigail Summers, a spirited 39-year-old dressmaker, discovers herself in the afterlife with a determination to unravel the enigma surrounding her own demise. 🧵💔 From the cozy confines of Becklesfield, she, along with her eclectic team – the psychic Hayley Moon and the skeptical police constable – forms "The Deadly Detective Agency," a spectral group with a penchant for solving ethereal mysteries. 👻🕰️
👉Parker's debut novel masterfully intertwines suspense and wit, crafting a narrative that seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between the living and the departed. Abigail's journey, filled with unexpected turns and the peculiar dynamics of the afterlife, is a testament to the author's narrative prowess. 📖✨
👉The novel's strength lies in its vibrant characters and their dynamic interactions. Abigail, with her idiosyncrasies, breathes life into the story, while the banter among the team adds layers of charm and depth. 🌈💬 The May Day Fayre stalls and the maypole dance at Chiltern Hall serve as a captivating backdrop, adding a touch of whimsy to the investigation. 🎭🎪
👉Parker's writing invites readers to pay close attention, as every detail woven into the narrative plays a role in solving the intricate puzzles. The resolution of each case is a satisfying culmination of cleverly scattered clues, leaving no loose ends untied. 🧩🔍
👉"The Deadly Detective Agency" is more than a cozy mystery; it's a supernatural journey that captivates with its originality and heart. The author's deft touch in blending the paranormal with crime-solving sets this book apart, promising readers a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience. 🌟📚✨ As the final pages unfold, one can't help but eagerly anticipate the next spectral adventure in this promising series. 🥰📚
#BookReview #TheDeadlyDetectiveAgency #SupernaturalMystery #MustRead
by Ann Parker
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉"The Deadly Detective Agency" by Ann Parker, where death becomes the gateway to an otherworldly investigation that blends mystery, humor, and the supernatural. 🌌🕵️♀️
👉Abigail Summers, a spirited 39-year-old dressmaker, discovers herself in the afterlife with a determination to unravel the enigma surrounding her own demise. 🧵💔 From the cozy confines of Becklesfield, she, along with her eclectic team – the psychic Hayley Moon and the skeptical police constable – forms "The Deadly Detective Agency," a spectral group with a penchant for solving ethereal mysteries. 👻🕰️
👉Parker's debut novel masterfully intertwines suspense and wit, crafting a narrative that seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between the living and the departed. Abigail's journey, filled with unexpected turns and the peculiar dynamics of the afterlife, is a testament to the author's narrative prowess. 📖✨
👉The novel's strength lies in its vibrant characters and their dynamic interactions. Abigail, with her idiosyncrasies, breathes life into the story, while the banter among the team adds layers of charm and depth. 🌈💬 The May Day Fayre stalls and the maypole dance at Chiltern Hall serve as a captivating backdrop, adding a touch of whimsy to the investigation. 🎭🎪
👉Parker's writing invites readers to pay close attention, as every detail woven into the narrative plays a role in solving the intricate puzzles. The resolution of each case is a satisfying culmination of cleverly scattered clues, leaving no loose ends untied. 🧩🔍
👉"The Deadly Detective Agency" is more than a cozy mystery; it's a supernatural journey that captivates with its originality and heart. The author's deft touch in blending the paranormal with crime-solving sets this book apart, promising readers a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience. 🌟📚✨ As the final pages unfold, one can't help but eagerly anticipate the next spectral adventure in this promising series. 🥰📚
#BookReview #TheDeadlyDetectiveAgency #SupernaturalMystery #MustRead
September 8, 2025
Well, there were some things that I liked a lot. The multiple POV kept things going and interesting. The FMC and most of her new friends being ghosts and investigating was entertaining, and having a medium to communicate with the humans rounded it all up and they made quite the team...
Now, I couldn’t come to like the FMC... and of the side characters I only liked Hayley, Betty and Suzie... the rest I couldn’t bring myself to like....
There was also an overall prejudice against the rich by all the characters that was weird, I would understand if they only complained about how the rich get away with things with their money and power but they would mostly complain about the silliest of things that made no sense at all. Like the FMC complaining about the rich family not tipping her... what? She was a seamstress, and her own boss.. SHE sets the prices and customers pay what SHE quotes... why would anyone pay more? If she felt that she should earn more she should set higher prices... expecting a tip was ridiculous. Tips are for the ones working under awful bosses who don't pay what's right.
The mysteries, and there were many, were solved quickly and even though once the FMC explained how she came up with the answers it was a bit far fetched... there were many vague and ambiguous clues and she derived too specific answers from them... and even though it all was explained properly I wasn't convinced of the process.
Overall, I liked the idea but not the execution.
I don't think I will read the rest of the series.
POV:multiple
Tropes: ghost FMC, ghosts friends, newbie detectives ghosts, cozy mystery, medium friend, multiple mysteries.
Spice: none
CW: superficial descriptions of crime scenes, death.
Now, I couldn’t come to like the FMC... and of the side characters I only liked Hayley, Betty and Suzie... the rest I couldn’t bring myself to like....
There was also an overall prejudice against the rich by all the characters that was weird, I would understand if they only complained about how the rich get away with things with their money and power but they would mostly complain about the silliest of things that made no sense at all. Like the FMC complaining about the rich family not tipping her... what? She was a seamstress, and her own boss.. SHE sets the prices and customers pay what SHE quotes... why would anyone pay more? If she felt that she should earn more she should set higher prices... expecting a tip was ridiculous. Tips are for the ones working under awful bosses who don't pay what's right.
The mysteries, and there were many, were solved quickly and even though once the FMC explained how she came up with the answers it was a bit far fetched... there were many vague and ambiguous clues and she derived too specific answers from them... and even though it all was explained properly I wasn't convinced of the process.
Overall, I liked the idea but not the execution.
I don't think I will read the rest of the series.
POV:multiple
Tropes: ghost FMC, ghosts friends, newbie detectives ghosts, cozy mystery, medium friend, multiple mysteries.
Spice: none
CW: superficial descriptions of crime scenes, death.
January 20, 2025
Having read the blurb I found myself wondering why I had downloaded this to my kindle. Abigail Summers is 39 and has a booming dressmaking business then wakes up one morning to discover she has died in the night. By foul play she feels. Then she goes outside and walks around the town and meets a man called Terry who is also dead it transpires. So two ghosts walking around the town, and then Abi discovers that there are a few more, virtually all women, well one is a 9yr old girl, or was she 6? No matter. They all seem to meet up at the local library and meet up with a medium who can see them and talk with them, this psychic happens to have a husband who is a policeman, which comes in very handy when they decide to open their own deadly detective agency which will be run by Hayley from her house then they can investigate murders from the beyond ever after.
Hmm, at this point I was thinking of giving up but as I ploughed on I began to really like this book! It was different! Needless to say they have their ups and downs but it is quite funny and serious at the same time. I marked this as a cozy book but it's a cross between that and a crime book and a humorous one, so it sort of hits you at different levels, mostly all at the same time! I defy anyone to read this and think nah, but keep reading and you may be pleasantly surprised, I passed a happy 2hrs reading this!
Hmm, at this point I was thinking of giving up but as I ploughed on I began to really like this book! It was different! Needless to say they have their ups and downs but it is quite funny and serious at the same time. I marked this as a cozy book but it's a cross between that and a crime book and a humorous one, so it sort of hits you at different levels, mostly all at the same time! I defy anyone to read this and think nah, but keep reading and you may be pleasantly surprised, I passed a happy 2hrs reading this!
July 15, 2025
The Deadly Detective Agency by Ann Parker begins with great promise—a snappy title, an intriguing premise, and the makings of a clever whodunit. The opening chapters are engaging, setting the stage for what seems like a quirky and compelling detective story. Parker’s writing initially hints at a rich, character-driven narrative with just enough grit to keep mystery lovers turning pages.
Unfortunately, the momentum doesn’t hold. Rather than building into a cohesive plot, the novel meanders into what feels like a collection of disjointed vignettes. Characters drift in and out without substantial development, and storylines are introduced only to fizzle without satisfying conclusions. The central narrative arc is either too subtle to anchor the book or simply lost amid the episodic structure. The reader is left wondering if this was meant to be a novel at all or an anthology awkwardly stitched together.
By the final pages, the question lingers: Why did I spend time reading that? The promise of a tightly plotted detective novel dissolves into a loosely gathered collection of cases that neither thrill nor resolve in a meaningful way. While Parker’s prose is competent and the initial setup holds potential, the lack of narrative follow-through makes this a forgettable entry in the paranormal cozy mystery genre—not one I’ll be keeping on the shelf.
Unfortunately, the momentum doesn’t hold. Rather than building into a cohesive plot, the novel meanders into what feels like a collection of disjointed vignettes. Characters drift in and out without substantial development, and storylines are introduced only to fizzle without satisfying conclusions. The central narrative arc is either too subtle to anchor the book or simply lost amid the episodic structure. The reader is left wondering if this was meant to be a novel at all or an anthology awkwardly stitched together.
By the final pages, the question lingers: Why did I spend time reading that? The promise of a tightly plotted detective novel dissolves into a loosely gathered collection of cases that neither thrill nor resolve in a meaningful way. While Parker’s prose is competent and the initial setup holds potential, the lack of narrative follow-through makes this a forgettable entry in the paranormal cozy mystery genre—not one I’ll be keeping on the shelf.
November 26, 2023
The Deadly Detective Agency by Ann Parker
Abigail Summers is a bit of a character. She doesn’t appear to mix well with others and works from home as a dressmaker. But things have to change when she wakes up one morning to discover she’s dead!
Determined to solve the mystery of who would want to murder her, Abigail is forced to leave her house (in her pyjamas) and interact with others – mainly spirits, hoping to find her killer.
When she realises she’s going to be dead a long time, and there are lots of other lost souls who need her help, Abigail forms a spiritual group called “The Deadly Detective Agency”. With the aid of Hayley Moon, a psychic, and Hayley’s husband, a policeman, and a non-believer of the afterlife, they solve several murders and other spiritual mysteries.
This is the sort of read, where you need to pay attention as you read. Anything mentioned throughout the story could be prevalent in the solving of the crimes and brought up again at a later date. By the end of the novel, Abigail and her team have nicely tied up all the loose ends… then a little boy spirit approaches her with another problem.
Watch out for book two!
Abigail Summers is a bit of a character. She doesn’t appear to mix well with others and works from home as a dressmaker. But things have to change when she wakes up one morning to discover she’s dead!
Determined to solve the mystery of who would want to murder her, Abigail is forced to leave her house (in her pyjamas) and interact with others – mainly spirits, hoping to find her killer.
When she realises she’s going to be dead a long time, and there are lots of other lost souls who need her help, Abigail forms a spiritual group called “The Deadly Detective Agency”. With the aid of Hayley Moon, a psychic, and Hayley’s husband, a policeman, and a non-believer of the afterlife, they solve several murders and other spiritual mysteries.
This is the sort of read, where you need to pay attention as you read. Anything mentioned throughout the story could be prevalent in the solving of the crimes and brought up again at a later date. By the end of the novel, Abigail and her team have nicely tied up all the loose ends… then a little boy spirit approaches her with another problem.
Watch out for book two!
February 27, 2024
Solving Cold Cases from a Unique Point of View
The Deadly Detective Agency, by Ann Parker, was a complete surprise to me because the story is told from a point of view that I have not so far encountered. I will not produce a spoiler here, other than to say the POV was different and enjoyable. This difference provides a whole new slant on how stories may be told.
Parker has a sense of humor that permeates the story. It is a cozy mystery, and what the characters do, and the mysteries they solve is both laughable and serious. This is a crime story, cold case solving with a huge new slant. I am amazed at the author’s ability to cover all fine detail and nuances for solving these cases. It takes some research to know the ins and outs of tying clues together and solving such crimes.
This book is an easy read. If not for having company, I would have flown through this book in a matter of hours. I loved it. Now I see there are to be sequels. I cannot wait. If you love cozy mysteries, solving sold cases, this is an easy to read and enjoyable story.
The Deadly Detective Agency, by Ann Parker, was a complete surprise to me because the story is told from a point of view that I have not so far encountered. I will not produce a spoiler here, other than to say the POV was different and enjoyable. This difference provides a whole new slant on how stories may be told.
Parker has a sense of humor that permeates the story. It is a cozy mystery, and what the characters do, and the mysteries they solve is both laughable and serious. This is a crime story, cold case solving with a huge new slant. I am amazed at the author’s ability to cover all fine detail and nuances for solving these cases. It takes some research to know the ins and outs of tying clues together and solving such crimes.
This book is an easy read. If not for having company, I would have flown through this book in a matter of hours. I loved it. Now I see there are to be sequels. I cannot wait. If you love cozy mysteries, solving sold cases, this is an easy to read and enjoyable story.
July 27, 2024
Annoying heroine aside, enjoyable read
So, before I highlight anything else, I have to say how annoying the protagonist - Abigail, was. She was very self important and couldn't shut up, to the point where even the other characters would tell her off... and I think the author may have been going for a "Sherlock Holmes, extra attention to detail" vibe but for me it was a hit and miss, falling squarely within the remits of know-it-all. In my honest opinion, she was the least likeable person in the entire book... and seeing as there were numerous murderers, that's saying a lot.
The other characters were okay for the most part. The story itself was also relatively easy to follow... we went very quickly from one mystery to another all in one book (often times coinciding) and the way how Abigail solved the mysteries wasn't always strictly believable but somehow, when all put together, it worked.
So, before I highlight anything else, I have to say how annoying the protagonist - Abigail, was. She was very self important and couldn't shut up, to the point where even the other characters would tell her off... and I think the author may have been going for a "Sherlock Holmes, extra attention to detail" vibe but for me it was a hit and miss, falling squarely within the remits of know-it-all. In my honest opinion, she was the least likeable person in the entire book... and seeing as there were numerous murderers, that's saying a lot.
The other characters were okay for the most part. The story itself was also relatively easy to follow... we went very quickly from one mystery to another all in one book (often times coinciding) and the way how Abigail solved the mysteries wasn't always strictly believable but somehow, when all put together, it worked.
September 2, 2024
Superb Whodunit Romp In The Afterlife
The Deadly Detective Agency is the first of, so far, three books in author Ann Parker's Abigail Summers' Cozy Mysteries series.
Once you accept the principle that death isn't the end, this enjoyable romp quickly takes on the mantle of a whodunit, in some ways reminiscent of an Agatha Christie thriller, but with considerably more humour.
I particularly enjoyed the concept of the murdered main character setting out to solve who killed her - with the help of a number of fellow departed souls, a live medium, and a police constable.
The newly-formed Deadly Detective Agency not only probes the one murder, but several others, which at first seem unconnected, but weave together seamlessly and logically.
A story well-told, with engaging characters, but perhaps not always realistic dialogue, which is the sole reason I've docked it a star. Overall, an easy escapism read, and one that's definitely going on my "Recommended" list.
The Deadly Detective Agency is the first of, so far, three books in author Ann Parker's Abigail Summers' Cozy Mysteries series.
Once you accept the principle that death isn't the end, this enjoyable romp quickly takes on the mantle of a whodunit, in some ways reminiscent of an Agatha Christie thriller, but with considerably more humour.
I particularly enjoyed the concept of the murdered main character setting out to solve who killed her - with the help of a number of fellow departed souls, a live medium, and a police constable.
The newly-formed Deadly Detective Agency not only probes the one murder, but several others, which at first seem unconnected, but weave together seamlessly and logically.
A story well-told, with engaging characters, but perhaps not always realistic dialogue, which is the sole reason I've docked it a star. Overall, an easy escapism read, and one that's definitely going on my "Recommended" list.
January 9, 2025
Abigail Summers, a dressmaker, lived in the town of Becklesfield; a picturesque market town nestled at the hills of Chiltern in the South of England; boasting a population of just under four thousand residents. Anyhow, Abigail woke up one day and was not sure if she was dead or alive; --she was dead, and she must try and solve her murder with the help of some other dead ones.
This story made me think of the film/movie “City of Angels” as they hang out of the public library or atop a bridge watching the living and at times mingling and fixing their woes.
Abigail's investigation leads her to the May Day Fayre stalls and Maypole dance at Chiltern Hall. The case takes an unexpected turn when a local boy disappears, and a suicide seems to hold the key to the mystery.
This is the first book in the Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries series; The Deadly Detective Agency weaves together suspense, humor, and a touch of the paranormal; in all, an enjoyable reading.
This story made me think of the film/movie “City of Angels” as they hang out of the public library or atop a bridge watching the living and at times mingling and fixing their woes.
Abigail's investigation leads her to the May Day Fayre stalls and Maypole dance at Chiltern Hall. The case takes an unexpected turn when a local boy disappears, and a suicide seems to hold the key to the mystery.
This is the first book in the Abigail Summers Cozy Mysteries series; The Deadly Detective Agency weaves together suspense, humor, and a touch of the paranormal; in all, an enjoyable reading.
August 25, 2024
The Deadly Detective Agency by Ann Parker is such a different, fun cozy mystery. The myriad characters are well written and even in death, have personalities.
Abigail, the main character wakes up dead, to find her nephew & his wife picking over Abi's belongings. She finally figured out she's dead but wants to know why, how & who. She visits her friend Hayley who is a medium of sorts. Then Abigail meets the other members of the newly formed The Deadly Detective Agency.
I chose this book to read as it sounded fun and different, slightly campy maybe. Plus maybe it'd be a little "lighter reading" than I had been reading. Instead, I found deceased characters who the reader can't help but like the characters & root for them all the way.
I found this book fun. I will read the next two books in this series.
Abigail, the main character wakes up dead, to find her nephew & his wife picking over Abi's belongings. She finally figured out she's dead but wants to know why, how & who. She visits her friend Hayley who is a medium of sorts. Then Abigail meets the other members of the newly formed The Deadly Detective Agency.
I chose this book to read as it sounded fun and different, slightly campy maybe. Plus maybe it'd be a little "lighter reading" than I had been reading. Instead, I found deceased characters who the reader can't help but like the characters & root for them all the way.
I found this book fun. I will read the next two books in this series.
December 3, 2023
Supernatural Crime Caper
This book centres around 39 year old dressmaker, Abigail Summers who wakes up one morning to the realisation that she is deceased and is now a ghost, doomed to wander for eternity. Driven by the suspicion that she may have died under mysterious circumstances, Abigail sets out to solve her own demise, along with the help from a merry band of ghostly friends.
This was a lively engaging read which I enjoyed. I liked the amusing dialogue between the characters and the quirky storyline kept my attention and I flew through it.
It was a cosy crime story with a difference that was well written and intriguing. A great debut novel. Will look forward to more of this author’s work.
This book centres around 39 year old dressmaker, Abigail Summers who wakes up one morning to the realisation that she is deceased and is now a ghost, doomed to wander for eternity. Driven by the suspicion that she may have died under mysterious circumstances, Abigail sets out to solve her own demise, along with the help from a merry band of ghostly friends.
This was a lively engaging read which I enjoyed. I liked the amusing dialogue between the characters and the quirky storyline kept my attention and I flew through it.
It was a cosy crime story with a difference that was well written and intriguing. A great debut novel. Will look forward to more of this author’s work.
August 16, 2024
I love cozy supernatural stories. This one was not for me. The premise is good...a woman has passed on but has not left. She meets a bunch of others like her, and they band together to solve mysteries related to the recently and not so recently departed. What made this a blah story for me is there was way too much going on. Too many mysteries, not enough meat on any of them Characters that alternately hated then loved, or loved then hated Abigail, the main impetus behind the agency. Murders that occurred that were difficult to appreciate the reasons for them....it was really not a good book and I kept thinking it was over then realizing there were far too many pages left for it to be finished. I will not be looking for any more in this series, though I think it has promise.
September 30, 2025
I thought the concept of having a ghost detective agency where they are solving their own murders as well as others quite unique and interesting. I don’t think it was executed in a way that would draw in readers to a new mystery series. The main character Abigail is kinda unlikable and pushy but maybe she will soften out those rough edges throughout the series. I think that because a few different mysteries were covered and solved through out the book it made them not as memorable because they were being solved so quickly and we didn’t have enough time to sit with the characters or the mystery. Overall it was just okay unsure if I’ll continue this series.
March 18, 2024
The author grabs our attention from the very first paragraph when we realise that the story is told from the POV of a ghost, which I found to be original.
Abigail, our ghost, meets up with other ghosts and they form a detective agency – thus the clever title.
I was a little surprised at Abigail’s age (late thirties) as from what I read, I found the way she spoke to be much older for her given age, and the fact that her nephew was an adult.
That said, I enjoyed the read. If you want to find out what happens, then I recommend you read the book, because I’m not going to spill the beans!
Abigail, our ghost, meets up with other ghosts and they form a detective agency – thus the clever title.
I was a little surprised at Abigail’s age (late thirties) as from what I read, I found the way she spoke to be much older for her given age, and the fact that her nephew was an adult.
That said, I enjoyed the read. If you want to find out what happens, then I recommend you read the book, because I’m not going to spill the beans!
July 29, 2024
Although I am certain the idea of ghosts or spirits becoming detectives is not an original idea, I am thinking that a group of them, might be. This was a fun read. The main characters are mostly spirits who had been murdered, so needed to resolve that before they could move on. The plot is easily followed and in this book there are at least four consecutive stories solved, and at least one person saved. The premise started out with Abigail finding out how and why she died. The answers were as convoluted as you would expect in a good mystery. I most definitely recommend this book.
August 4, 2024
A bit silly but lots of fun
Abigail “wakes up “ and discovers that she is dead but has no idea why. She was healthy and only had a little headache. She is dead but meets up with some other dead people. They set out to find out who killed her and how. That mystery solved, another mystery arises. All of the dead have died suspicious deaths and they form the Deadly Detective Agency to solve them. It is a bit silly and a little far fetched but lots of fun as they solve one mystery after another,
Abigail “wakes up “ and discovers that she is dead but has no idea why. She was healthy and only had a little headache. She is dead but meets up with some other dead people. They set out to find out who killed her and how. That mystery solved, another mystery arises. All of the dead have died suspicious deaths and they form the Deadly Detective Agency to solve them. It is a bit silly and a little far fetched but lots of fun as they solve one mystery after another,
August 6, 2024
Entertaining as well as cozy
This story was a wonderful twist to a typical detective mystery. The dead sleuths work through a medium the solve a couple of mysterious deaths with the police. There is nothing spooky to worry about. Just sit back and enjoy the tales. The characters play well with each other.
A comforting note is that the author provides the entertaining story without the need for graphic vio, foul language or sexual overtones. I think that is an exceptional accomplishment.
This story was a wonderful twist to a typical detective mystery. The dead sleuths work through a medium the solve a couple of mysterious deaths with the police. There is nothing spooky to worry about. Just sit back and enjoy the tales. The characters play well with each other.
A comforting note is that the author provides the entertaining story without the need for graphic vio, foul language or sexual overtones. I think that is an exceptional accomplishment.
January 28, 2025
The premise is quite amusing; what annoyed me was the absurdity of the motive for murder and then the speed at which the crime was solved, from no real evidence at all.
I found the style pretty flat, with some really irritating bad grammar. I know people do say me, her, and him, when they should say I, she, and he, but it still grates, especially in writing. And when a child is told that a cat is female and still says 'he' all the time, it annoys. I, for one, expect better.
Like many American writers, she likes to use titles, but has only a shaky hold on how they actually work.
I found the style pretty flat, with some really irritating bad grammar. I know people do say me, her, and him, when they should say I, she, and he, but it still grates, especially in writing. And when a child is told that a cat is female and still says 'he' all the time, it annoys. I, for one, expect better.
Like many American writers, she likes to use titles, but has only a shaky hold on how they actually work.
April 25, 2025
Detective agency for the dead
Abigail dies and doesn't know what happened. She meets up with other departed souls and they conduct their meetings in the library along with a psychic medium Hayley Moon. Harley is married to a policeman and the group helps him solve his cases. The story weaves together several mysteries of how people died and why and by who. There are connections within the group that is revealed. Definitely lots of plot twists. This is a different twist on a detective agency usual clients.
Abigail dies and doesn't know what happened. She meets up with other departed souls and they conduct their meetings in the library along with a psychic medium Hayley Moon. Harley is married to a policeman and the group helps him solve his cases. The story weaves together several mysteries of how people died and why and by who. There are connections within the group that is revealed. Definitely lots of plot twists. This is a different twist on a detective agency usual clients.
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