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Foul Play in Franklin
The living, the dead, and the mysteries that bind them together—Erin Baily never expected to find herself caught between all three.
When a simple act of kindness leaves Erin with an unlikely inheritance—a rambling old house in picturesque Franklin, Tennessee—she figures the hardest part will be small-town adjustment. She's wrong. A close brush with death left her with a gift she never asked she can talk to cats. And the mysterious cat now stalking the halls of her new home has plenty to say, mostly about Alice.
Alice is the ghost who's been haunting the house since her murder went unsolved. She wants justice. Erin wants answers and maybe a quiet life in her charming new town, if Franklin will let her have one.
A talking cat. A ghost with unfinished business. A detective who might be more than a distraction. Foul Play in Franklin is a cozy paranormal mystery for readers who love their whodunits with a side of humor, heart, and Southern charm plus a little something supernatural simmering underneath. It's the first book in the Erin Bailey in Franklin Paranormal Mystery series.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with animal companions, gentle ghost stories, and small towns where everyone has a secret.
When a simple act of kindness leaves Erin with an unlikely inheritance—a rambling old house in picturesque Franklin, Tennessee—she figures the hardest part will be small-town adjustment. She's wrong. A close brush with death left her with a gift she never asked she can talk to cats. And the mysterious cat now stalking the halls of her new home has plenty to say, mostly about Alice.
Alice is the ghost who's been haunting the house since her murder went unsolved. She wants justice. Erin wants answers and maybe a quiet life in her charming new town, if Franklin will let her have one.
A talking cat. A ghost with unfinished business. A detective who might be more than a distraction. Foul Play in Franklin is a cozy paranormal mystery for readers who love their whodunits with a side of humor, heart, and Southern charm plus a little something supernatural simmering underneath. It's the first book in the Erin Bailey in Franklin Paranormal Mystery series.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with animal companions, gentle ghost stories, and small towns where everyone has a secret.
- GenresCozy MysteryFantasyCozy
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 14, 2026
I LOVED THIS! Great first story for this 3-book series. Hopefully Pamela writes a fourth book and more.
Franklin is an actual city in Tennessee and has a population of around 84,000. I’d love to live there if it’s anything like the one in this series.
I hope that the next book has Susie and DC getting together because based on their personalities described they’ll make a great couple. 😊♥️
I’m glad the murder was solved and I really hope everything works out with Derek and his wife, namely we discover he isn’t actually abusive and it’s all a misunderstanding. That or he gets arrested and taken away.
I also hope Erin doesn’t lose her ability to talk to the maybe-cat Peekaboo fka Weeds.
See you in book 2!
Thank you for reading my book thoughts review.
Deuces to your cabooses! ✨🐈✨
Franklin is an actual city in Tennessee and has a population of around 84,000. I’d love to live there if it’s anything like the one in this series.
I hope that the next book has Susie and DC getting together because based on their personalities described they’ll make a great couple. 😊♥️
I’m glad the murder was solved and I really hope everything works out with Derek and his wife, namely we discover he isn’t actually abusive and it’s all a misunderstanding. That or he gets arrested and taken away.
I also hope Erin doesn’t lose her ability to talk to the maybe-cat Peekaboo fka Weeds.
See you in book 2!
Thank you for reading my book thoughts review.
Deuces to your cabooses! ✨🐈✨
February 8, 2024
This was such a fun cozy paranormal mystery! I loved the book the writing was light and so enjoyable.
Erin is such a fun character, she's shy, awkward & quirky but has a great sense of humor. The characters were a colorful bunch but everyone blended so well,
This is the first time I have read anything by this author but will definitely read more in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author allowing me to review this and give my honest thoughts.
Erin is such a fun character, she's shy, awkward & quirky but has a great sense of humor. The characters were a colorful bunch but everyone blended so well,
This is the first time I have read anything by this author but will definitely read more in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author allowing me to review this and give my honest thoughts.
August 4, 2026
I picked this up because it was set in my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee where I have lived for 36 years and the idea was cute.
I cannot suspend disbelief or accept literary license when an author is writing about a real place. It should be either kept very vague or be portrayed accurately. I have read a couple of other books set in Franklin; one author did keep it vague. The other author, who actually lives in the area, did not portray Franklin accurately either. It seems that Pamela McCord must have paid a brief visit to Franklin and decided to include it in her story.
Here goes: Fair Street is never crossed by Battle Ave. There are not alleys behind the houses on Fair Street (where the overseen drug deal occurred). The homes only have about one to four steps leading up; not stairs. Historic homes were not correctly identified. You would not walk to Carnton Plantation from Fair Street (no sidewalks on Lewisburg Pike, plus the distance). There are not stores where one would spend $1000 on one outfit in the Cool Springs Galleria. You would not find a detective's office at the mall either. Cool Springs Galleria is retail and food. The Williamson Herald is not published daily. The murder rate is very low; maybe one a year, let alone finding a serial killer. You do not find high end boutiques in shopping centers in Franklin. That's where the grocery stores, dollar stores, Goodwill, UPS, insurance offices, and PIs would be. If she was on Mack Hatcher Parkway, she would be way less than 20 minutes from home on Fair Street. Isn't dealing drugs illegal everywhere?! Downtown Nashville hasn't had a department store in years. The iconic building referenced is the Batman Building, not Bat Building. She did get two restaurants right. A third closed, but she could have written the book before that happened. If I remember any other discrepancies, I will update.
The story was just okay. The ending rushed.
I cannot suspend disbelief or accept literary license when an author is writing about a real place. It should be either kept very vague or be portrayed accurately. I have read a couple of other books set in Franklin; one author did keep it vague. The other author, who actually lives in the area, did not portray Franklin accurately either. It seems that Pamela McCord must have paid a brief visit to Franklin and decided to include it in her story.
Here goes: Fair Street is never crossed by Battle Ave. There are not alleys behind the houses on Fair Street (where the overseen drug deal occurred). The homes only have about one to four steps leading up; not stairs. Historic homes were not correctly identified. You would not walk to Carnton Plantation from Fair Street (no sidewalks on Lewisburg Pike, plus the distance). There are not stores where one would spend $1000 on one outfit in the Cool Springs Galleria. You would not find a detective's office at the mall either. Cool Springs Galleria is retail and food. The Williamson Herald is not published daily. The murder rate is very low; maybe one a year, let alone finding a serial killer. You do not find high end boutiques in shopping centers in Franklin. That's where the grocery stores, dollar stores, Goodwill, UPS, insurance offices, and PIs would be. If she was on Mack Hatcher Parkway, she would be way less than 20 minutes from home on Fair Street. Isn't dealing drugs illegal everywhere?! Downtown Nashville hasn't had a department store in years. The iconic building referenced is the Batman Building, not Bat Building. She did get two restaurants right. A third closed, but she could have written the book before that happened. If I remember any other discrepancies, I will update.
The story was just okay. The ending rushed.
September 3, 2025
Light Campy? Mystery/Romance
To be honest, there were parts I really liked about this story and parts that I admittedly got bored with & skimmed through. Peekaboo the Cat, is definitely the star of the show, without a doubt. More of Peekaboo and less of the cringey Valley-Girl-like shallow romance would've been more to my liking. I was also sad to see that the ghost character had such a teeny tiny part... she could've been a fun character.
This is a very light, quick read, nothing deep - especially the 2 main best friend characters. They are not overly bright but at times can be engaging until they do something really stupid that several people have already warned them multiple times not to do (and they seem so surprised when it doesn't work out well for them🤷) I think maybe the author was attempting campy humor? I don't know.
I liked the beginning of the book with just the 2 friends, the ghost, & the cat. Then the Romantic Male Lead gets introduced and the story focuses mainly on the really shallow juvenile romance that happens much too quickly. The romance does lead to sex but it is not described in the text. You just know that it occurred. I skimmed through the romance basically because it is not needed in the story. I wish the author had focused more on the fun of the mystery. She does get back on track for the ending, which is good (& unexpected.) This is just my opinion. I gave it 3 stars because I was able to finish reading the story, although I'm not sure I would read any more of this author's work.
To be honest, there were parts I really liked about this story and parts that I admittedly got bored with & skimmed through. Peekaboo the Cat, is definitely the star of the show, without a doubt. More of Peekaboo and less of the cringey Valley-Girl-like shallow romance would've been more to my liking. I was also sad to see that the ghost character had such a teeny tiny part... she could've been a fun character.
This is a very light, quick read, nothing deep - especially the 2 main best friend characters. They are not overly bright but at times can be engaging until they do something really stupid that several people have already warned them multiple times not to do (and they seem so surprised when it doesn't work out well for them🤷) I think maybe the author was attempting campy humor? I don't know.
I liked the beginning of the book with just the 2 friends, the ghost, & the cat. Then the Romantic Male Lead gets introduced and the story focuses mainly on the really shallow juvenile romance that happens much too quickly. The romance does lead to sex but it is not described in the text. You just know that it occurred. I skimmed through the romance basically because it is not needed in the story. I wish the author had focused more on the fun of the mystery. She does get back on track for the ending, which is good (& unexpected.) This is just my opinion. I gave it 3 stars because I was able to finish reading the story, although I'm not sure I would read any more of this author's work.
April 1, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Erin thought nothing of her good deed in saving an elderly lady from muggers. But Alice, the lady, thought she was a hero. When Erin receives a call from an attorney in Franklin TN she is stunned to learn Alice has left everything to her. Initially everyone thought that Alice had a tragic accident that is until Erin has a head injury of her own and now can see Alice’s ghost and talk to her cat, formerly known as Weeds, but renamed Peekaboo.
Erin, her best friend Susie, and Peekaboo are determined to find Alice’s killer and they find the murder weapon which they share with Ryan, the detective who reopens the case. Erin and Ryan share a whole lot more than the case and while he is working on it, and the girls hire a PI to help, they still cannot resist the urge to snoop themselves. They manage to upset several people but they are still not sure who is the villain. Once Erin puts the pieces together it might be too late. The killer is determined to silence Erin forever. And it will be Peekaboo who saves the day.
While no one else can hear her talk, Peekaboo does prove to all Erin’s friends that she is an extraordinary feline and Erin is not deluded. I wonder where things could go if there are subsequent books. I know I would read them. I loved the characters and the story was fast moving and exciting. If you love paranormal with a kitty mystery, check it out. Five purrs and two paws up.
Erin, her best friend Susie, and Peekaboo are determined to find Alice’s killer and they find the murder weapon which they share with Ryan, the detective who reopens the case. Erin and Ryan share a whole lot more than the case and while he is working on it, and the girls hire a PI to help, they still cannot resist the urge to snoop themselves. They manage to upset several people but they are still not sure who is the villain. Once Erin puts the pieces together it might be too late. The killer is determined to silence Erin forever. And it will be Peekaboo who saves the day.
While no one else can hear her talk, Peekaboo does prove to all Erin’s friends that she is an extraordinary feline and Erin is not deluded. I wonder where things could go if there are subsequent books. I know I would read them. I loved the characters and the story was fast moving and exciting. If you love paranormal with a kitty mystery, check it out. Five purrs and two paws up.
January 18, 2024
#FoulPlayinFranklin #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author, and I loved it!
Erin is such a fun character, she's shy, awkward and has a great sense of humor.
As we find out, Erin provided protection for an older woman who was being attacked and robbed. The woman, Alice, never forgot the kindness Erin showed her, and Erin was sole beneficiary when Alice died.
Erin is now a millionaire, living in a beautiful home, along with Alice's cat, Weeds, now known as Peekaboo.
Erin soon finds out that there's something strange going on, but when her best friend moves in with her, things get exciting.
Add in a hunky detective, some very odd neighbors, and a whole lot of fun, and you have the perfect cozy mystery to make you laugh.
I can't recommend this book enough and I'm looking forward to reading more about Erin and her colorful friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Erin is such a fun character, she's shy, awkward and has a great sense of humor.
As we find out, Erin provided protection for an older woman who was being attacked and robbed. The woman, Alice, never forgot the kindness Erin showed her, and Erin was sole beneficiary when Alice died.
Erin is now a millionaire, living in a beautiful home, along with Alice's cat, Weeds, now known as Peekaboo.
Erin soon finds out that there's something strange going on, but when her best friend moves in with her, things get exciting.
Add in a hunky detective, some very odd neighbors, and a whole lot of fun, and you have the perfect cozy mystery to make you laugh.
I can't recommend this book enough and I'm looking forward to reading more about Erin and her colorful friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
August 5, 2026
Who doesn't love a talking cat? Especially one who can write messages in sugar!
This is another sweet story about someone who suddenly inherits a gorgeous home and a million dollars as well. The surprise comes when she has a near death experience and can suddenly communicate with her cat (who apparently caused the near death experience to bring this about).
Erin also finds herself seeing and talking to the ghost of the woman who left her the house. Alice asks Erin to find her killer.
The only problem I have with this book is the stupidity of Erin. Her hot new detective boyfriend and everyone else warn her to stop putting herself in danger by asking questions. She becomes indignant and whines, "I can take care of myself". She and best friend Susie then proceed to "poke the bear". In fact, they poke so many bears that she has alienated half her new neighbourhood. This does not bode well for her future in Franklin.
This is another sweet story about someone who suddenly inherits a gorgeous home and a million dollars as well. The surprise comes when she has a near death experience and can suddenly communicate with her cat (who apparently caused the near death experience to bring this about).
Erin also finds herself seeing and talking to the ghost of the woman who left her the house. Alice asks Erin to find her killer.
The only problem I have with this book is the stupidity of Erin. Her hot new detective boyfriend and everyone else warn her to stop putting herself in danger by asking questions. She becomes indignant and whines, "I can take care of myself". She and best friend Susie then proceed to "poke the bear". In fact, they poke so many bears that she has alienated half her new neighbourhood. This does not bode well for her future in Franklin.
March 23, 2024
I thought this was a super cute cozy mystery. I love our main character Erin and her houseguests, consisting of a lovely elderly lady and her cat. One of whom is a ghost and the other a talking cat, who is also psychic, and when they recruit Erin to figure out what happened to Alice a lot of hilarious shenanigans ensue. I thought Officer Adorable aka Detective Ryan was a great character and I loved his budding romance with Erin. Her best friend was a great addition to the story, and I have to say the talking kitty was my favorite this is how I imagine many cats would be if they were able to be understood by us.
I thought this was a great first book in the series and I look forward to seeing what is going to happen next.
I thought this was a great first book in the series and I look forward to seeing what is going to happen next.
January 17, 2024
I’ve had a hard time finding books in the precise genre I like except for paranormal cozies of which this is one. I eagerly dived into this, and it wasn’t long before I was hooked. Erin is a little awkward and fun, and I love that her best friend is fun, too. The mystery is good, too, and I loved how the two of them helped Officer Adorable, err, I mean Detective Ryan solve it. This book isn’t perfect and does have a few things that were a little unrealistic, but I fell in love with it anyway because it’s fiction, and I think you will too. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 30, 2025
This was a really fun read.
I enjoyed the way the story opened, the fact that there was a back story and we got to hear it to set the stage was impressive. The character building was great. You feel like you know them.
Because this is a paranormal mystery you have a wonderful little old lady ghost and her cat Peekaboo (aka Weeds). Due to a head injury from the cat tripping her, Erin can suddenly understand what Peekaboo is saying. And so starts Erin down the path to find the killer of the wonderful little old lady.
I am hopeful that other stories in this series are as well written as this one.
I enjoyed the way the story opened, the fact that there was a back story and we got to hear it to set the stage was impressive. The character building was great. You feel like you know them.
Because this is a paranormal mystery you have a wonderful little old lady ghost and her cat Peekaboo (aka Weeds). Due to a head injury from the cat tripping her, Erin can suddenly understand what Peekaboo is saying. And so starts Erin down the path to find the killer of the wonderful little old lady.
I am hopeful that other stories in this series are as well written as this one.
June 26, 2024
paranormal
A light and entertaining comedy mystery. Lots of unanswered questions but that is typical for a first book in a series. Her parents were so worried that they were going to be on the next plane and yet they never came to visit or check on her, sh said they and sounded like two suvs were running her off the road but only one showed up. None of the neighbors seemed interested in solving the murder. What happened to the other angry neighbors
A light and entertaining comedy mystery. Lots of unanswered questions but that is typical for a first book in a series. Her parents were so worried that they were going to be on the next plane and yet they never came to visit or check on her, sh said they and sounded like two suvs were running her off the road but only one showed up. None of the neighbors seemed interested in solving the murder. What happened to the other angry neighbors
January 27, 2024
I loved this book! I've read other books that have people unexpectedly inheriting, seeing ghosts, investigating their murder, getting involved with the detective, etc but the writing in this story makes it light and almost funny. I loved the characters, they blend well & don't take themselves too seriously. I'd love to read more in the series. #FoulPlayinFranklin #NetGalley
June 20, 2024
Loved it!
It was near impossible to put this book down! To sleep, shower, eat, anything! So good! And I was so off on who the killer was until Erin figured it out at the same time. Totally crazy how evil and ruthless this person was. I’m going to love reading this series. Peekaboo is wonderful!
It was near impossible to put this book down! To sleep, shower, eat, anything! So good! And I was so off on who the killer was until Erin figured it out at the same time. Totally crazy how evil and ruthless this person was. I’m going to love reading this series. Peekaboo is wonderful!
July 12, 2024
Foul Play in Franklin
I really liked this book it was so captivating the whole time. Twist and turns kept you trying hard to figure out who the suspect was. I'd recommend this book for anyone that loves a great mystery. As for the author she has a great ability to write such a wonderful book. Ill be following to read more from her.
I really liked this book it was so captivating the whole time. Twist and turns kept you trying hard to figure out who the suspect was. I'd recommend this book for anyone that loves a great mystery. As for the author she has a great ability to write such a wonderful book. Ill be following to read more from her.
December 14, 2024
Murder of a sweet lady
Erin inherited a beautiful house and a cat that could talk to her from an elderly lady whose life she had once saved. Now she needed to find out who had killed her. With
Her best friend’s help and the Detective who was assigned the case, they were determined to find out who did it. The story kept me reading this book until I finished it. It was great.
Erin inherited a beautiful house and a cat that could talk to her from an elderly lady whose life she had once saved. Now she needed to find out who had killed her. With
Her best friend’s help and the Detective who was assigned the case, they were determined to find out who did it. The story kept me reading this book until I finished it. It was great.
May 21, 2025
I really liked this book and I suspect this author is new to me. The characters were fun, intelligent, quirky, and a few laughs as well. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out who killed the woman, who deeded the main character her house and fortune, and why. The answers were hard won and I never saw the killer till they were shown to me. I most definitely recommend this book.
January 31, 2024
I thought this was a fun first book in the series The mystery kept me guessing and I liked the setting. I hope there will be more for me to find in the series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2024
Erin was such a great character. It felt as if I knew her - very well done.
Overall, Foul Play in Franklin was well written with enough twists to keep me guessing.
Can't wait to read more by this author in the future.
Overall, Foul Play in Franklin was well written with enough twists to keep me guessing.
Can't wait to read more by this author in the future.
September 5, 2024
I LOVE This Book!!
When will the next book be out? I am in love with the main characters, especially Peekaboo. This was a fun book to read and had several laugh-out-loud moments. Here's hoping this is the start of a beautiful and successful series!
When will the next book be out? I am in love with the main characters, especially Peekaboo. This was a fun book to read and had several laugh-out-loud moments. Here's hoping this is the start of a beautiful and successful series!
December 29, 2024
Great Paranormal story
Erin inherited a house with the ghost of a women she assisted when she was assaulted. Finds out she was murdered and Erin try’s to figure out who killed Alice with the assistance of a ghost and a talking physic cat.
Erin inherited a house with the ghost of a women she assisted when she was assaulted. Finds out she was murdered and Erin try’s to figure out who killed Alice with the assistance of a ghost and a talking physic cat.
February 16, 2025
Fun cozy
I liked this book a lot. I gave it only four stars as I felt the ending was a little rushed. Overall, the characters are fun and relatable. I thought the mystery was interesting.
I liked this book a lot. I gave it only four stars as I felt the ending was a little rushed. Overall, the characters are fun and relatable. I thought the mystery was interesting.
June 11, 2025
mystery
Great read right to the end. A talking cat a real ghost and 2 single women, over happy to solve a murder mystery. Romance in the mix a private detective all making the book a don’t put it down book.
Great read right to the end. A talking cat a real ghost and 2 single women, over happy to solve a murder mystery. Romance in the mix a private detective all making the book a don’t put it down book.
July 28, 2025
Really enjoyed it!
I'm from Franklin so I was interested in seeing if I would recognize the town. I did! However, Franklin is a much bigger town than is portrayed in the book. The mystery was interesting. I really enjoyed the story.
I'm from Franklin so I was interested in seeing if I would recognize the town. I did! However, Franklin is a much bigger town than is portrayed in the book. The mystery was interesting. I really enjoyed the story.
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October 30, 2025I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your incredible work, Foul Play in Franklin. Your storytelling, insight, and emotional depth truly left an impression. It’s clear how much thought and care went into every page.
July 31, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable mystery
I loved how each character was introduced to the reader and then developed throughout the book. The paranormal aspect is always a treat to read. Twist of suspects at the end was interesting.
I loved how each character was introduced to the reader and then developed throughout the book. The paranormal aspect is always a treat to read. Twist of suspects at the end was interesting.
July 31, 2026
I liked how the story started, with an unexpected reward for a good deed. Liked the MC, the situation, the cat. Lost interest halfway through when the romance started, and then even the mystery elements became altogether too shallow and immature. I wish it had finished as well as it started.
August 6, 2026
A Bit Juvenile
I think this book would be more appreciated by younger readers. The main characters were a little irritating because they weren’t acting like adults. More like teenagers. I did not enjoy this book and almost gave up on it a few times.
I think this book would be more appreciated by younger readers. The main characters were a little irritating because they weren’t acting like adults. More like teenagers. I did not enjoy this book and almost gave up on it a few times.
July 4, 2024
Wonderful story !!!!
I totally fell in love with this book and all the characters. I hope you would consider writing another book in this series. Thank you so much😀
I totally fell in love with this book and all the characters. I hope you would consider writing another book in this series. Thank you so much😀
July 23, 2024
Good book!!
The book was really good. I enjoyed the characters.
It moved quickly and it was somewhat surprising end
Would love a second book!!
The book was really good. I enjoyed the characters.
It moved quickly and it was somewhat surprising end
Would love a second book!!
March 1, 2025
Interesting and entertaining
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews