Secrets, Lies and Fireflies

Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #14

by Angie Fox

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

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Audiobook, Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series #14. Paranormal cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
There was a fire in the Sugarland library and Verity can’t wait for the fire trucks to arrive. Her sister is in there! Ghosts Frankie and Grandma Rose help Verity find her sister and get them both out of the library. After the fire is put out, a skeleton is found behind a false wall. Now it’s up to Verity and all her ghost friends to figure out who and why.

Suffragettes, a hidden underground beneath the peach orchard with ghosts stuck in 1919, Frankie in a sweater and penny loafers, gangsters chased by their mothers, Lucy learning tricks from Fingers McGee, Officer Alec Duranja letting Verity speed by without a ticket, a tiger on a leash, premium moonshine and so much more!
Don’t miss this adventure filled mystery as Verity, ghosts Frankie and Grandma search for answers.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember Verity being quite so martyrey in previous books, but boy is she in this one and for things that happened a hundred years ago, and she wasn't even alive, let alone have a hand in the decisions made. Frankie never misses a chance to rub it in that she grounded him to her property. That she did do.

When Verity's deceased grandmother, Didi, appears as the Sugarland library is on fire and her sister, Melody, is trapped. Verity is shocked, happy and scared out of her mind that both she and Melody were not going to survive the fire. Didi has quite the backstory and reason for appearing to Verity. Verity is just delighted that she gets to spend time with her most favorite person and assist on her quest to reclaim the Long family legacy that Didi donated to the library. Didi didn't know how important those papers were not just to the Long family, but to the history of the suffragette movement from Didi's grandmother Rose's time.

Ghosts abound and Frankie is rather put out as Didi becomes the dominate ghost around the house. These two strike spark off each other and not the romantic kind. But they all work together to recover the legacy of Rose and the Sugarland suffragettes with a lot of terrifying situations and several interesting surprises.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity lands a new adventure when a fire breaks out in the library- and her sister and the young children are inside. That’s when Verity gets a shock because her grandmother’s ghost is suddenly there. Only the first of shocks Verity will experience in Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies, Angie Fox’s latest and still going strong in the Southern Ghost Hunter series.

Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies is the fourteenth installment in a paranormal cozy mystery series that is strong on hometown, friends, family, and ghostly mystery vibes. The books carry over growing and changing characters and relationships so work best in order.

In this latest, Verity was enjoying some non-ghostly downtime while her pet skunk Lucy competes in a pet obstacle course race when the library catching fire is the start of big changes and some bigger choices for Verity. Not only is her sister Melanie trapped and needing rescue in the fire, but the only reason Verity was in time for Melanie was with the aid of her grandmother Didi’s ghost. Didi’s ghost directs her to grab a white Suffragette sash on her way out.
Didi’s appearance complicates not just Verity’s life, but Frankie is definitely riled up about having a more dominant ghost on the Long family property taking charge and changing everything on the poor gangster. Didi and Frankie are like oil and water.
Didi has come back to set right a past wrong she accidentally did her own Grandmother Rose whose ghost in the golden after place is infuriated that Didi endangered Rose’s legacy. The fire in the library was no accident, a skeleton is found as a result and documents, particularly related to Rose have gone missing. Someone in the present is on the same track as Verity, Didi, and the reluctant Frankie and they are willing to kill to get what they want.

While this is cozy in tone, there are some deep emotional moments and this book. Verity is faced with the question, ‘How would one act if they suddenly had a loved one return from the dead?’ Verity’s reaction is probably what we all would be like- hold onto that person as hard as possible even when letting go might be best for all concerned. Through the length of this series, Verity has been living in the past, trying to live up to the ideal of Didi, actually. Verity has carried a lot of guilt for being the one who lost all the family heirlooms and much of what belonged to her grandmother when she was forced to sell it all to pay for that scotched wedding to Ellis’ brother. This is her chance to heal from all that miserable guilt and move on from the past. She needed Didi’s ghost to show her this and more- even enlighten her about Frankie.

Then there was the hidden family legacy she had to investigate that would hopefully give answers about the skeleton found at the library and how to put Great-great grandmother Rose’s spirit to rest. It was an exciting treasure hunt that even got the irascible Frankie excited. And, wow, there were some fab family secrets for Verity to learn as a result.

All in all, Verity was her usual gutsy, impulsive self who leads with her heart, but is surrounded by people and ghosts who help her get there in the end. I look forward to each book and, after a feeling of satisfaction, go back to anticipation for the next new release. Can’t praise the series enough to paranormal cozy mystery fans.


My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 6.25.25.

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to delve into her own heritage and the strong women that came before her. It was a fun and exciting read with ghosts, dangerous investigations, and unexpected twists. Ellis was still the solid ground beneath Verity's shifting world, even though he played a smaller role. I wished there was more of the two of them.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries by Angie Fox, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review book 14, Secrets, Lies and Fireflies.

This time around, Verity is surprised, but over the moon, that her grandmother has appeared in ghostly form. She leads her to an old artefact, and so begins another mystery.

It was so much fun to see Verity interact with her beloved grandmother. And there were many funny moments when Frankie and Verity’s grandmother interacted (I can’t say more without spoilers):

I loved the mystery and the people it involved, the important history of the area.

Overall, this was an excellent mystery, and unexpectedly emotional (in a good way). I highly recommend reading the whole series from the beginning, to really enjoy the ongoing story.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I adore these characters! Except Frankie, he just rubs me the wrong way in every recent book.

This latest installment, brings Verity face to face with the spirit she has longed to see the most, her grandma. Together, they help solve the mystery of the suffragettes that were in their town all those years ago. Every turn of the page had me wondering what was what and if grandma was going to be coming back. I won't spoil it for you, but pick it up!
 
This is a series, and while each book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous ones (it's worth it!)

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun!

This book starts with a bang and doesn't let up. There is much more to Verity's heritage than she or her ghost grandmother Didi knew and together they discover the truth. Some funny moments between gangster ghost Frank and Didi. Looking forward to the next book!

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5🌟 for my girl Verity! I have loved every book in this series and look forward each year for a chance to visit my favorite small town, silly skunk, hunky cop, notorious gangster, and all the shenanigans they get into.

This book literally made me laugh out loud and kept me interested from start to finish. I enjoyed meeting Verity’s grandmother and loved the shared legacy between generations ❤️

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love, love, love this series. I'm sad I'm all caught up and now have to wait for the next one???? WHAT!?!?!?! EEE.

We are back with Verity and the gang. Things have found a nice calmness. However, things are about to be shook up when a fire breaks out at the library and Verity's grandmother's ghost returns. She is back to help Verity and Frankie with this mystery that is tied to a family secret.

First off..........where did my beloved narrator go?! She IS Verity and all the other characters. I am so bummed she did not read this one. I should look it up and see why we has to switch. Don't get me wrong.......I did warm up to this narrator but it just wasn't the same.

Besides my world being tilted because of the change of the narrator.......I enjoyed this one a lot. Verity will be face-to-face with her grandma who she loved so much. However, she has been scared that she disappointed her since the family house had to be stripped away when Verity had zero money years and years ago. Some things have been replaced but she has had a lot of guilt on her shoulders losing some of her grandma's things. I loved that Verity got this chance to finally get a chance to talk to her grandma and let go of this guilt.

I also loved watching Verity grow more. There were times she was acting so selfish in this book, but I get it. If my grandma came back from the light....I wouldn't want her to go back either. However, grandma staying wasn't going to help anyone.

Frankie!!! I love him. My heart broke when he was all, "This is the only home I've ever had!" OMG. Some nice growth and emotional break throughs for this boy.

And Lucy. They true MVP!!!!!

I love them all!!!!

Ooo and the mystery was so good. I don't want to spoil anything!

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one and the series is still as good as book 1. Some ups and some less ups (hehe), but all good overall. I can't wait for the next book! I hope and pray our old narrator comes back, but this new one did okay overall. 4 stars from me.


Favorite Character(s): Lucy!!! And I do love Ellis a lot
Least Favorite Character(s): Our baddie and that lawyer fella!

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity Long takes on her most personal case yet. One that hits close to home. A fire at Sugarland’s library not only brings back Verity’s grandmother… but reveals a body too. She is asked to help in the investigation by using her ghost-hunting skills. Verity learns that her Long ancestors are somewhat connected to the body. What more, she learns of a long-buried family secret. A secret that someone is willing to kill to possess.

Verity honestly annoyed me in this book. Part of me understands why she behaved the way she did towards Frankie. I would have done the same thing if my late grandmother returned. However, it almost turned into an obsession– one that could easily have dire and harmful circumstances. It shows such emotional growth on her part. Verity is no longer the person she was when her grandmother lived.

Both Frankie and Ellis did not play a big role in this story. Which saddens me! I had hoped that Didi’s return would have given Verity insight on how to unground Frankie. If not her than Didi’s grandmother. But nada! Ellis did get to play the gallant knight-in-shining armor. He made me fall in love with him all over again! Now I am ready for a double wedding: Ellis with Verity and Duranja with Melody!

The true hero of this book is Lucy! I love her part in capturing the bad guy! That is all I will say so not to put spoilers!

SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES is the fourteenth book in Angie Fox’s paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. In some ways, the story can standalone. I would not suggest it. The prior thirteen books show Verity’s rocky relationship with her spectral sidekick, Frankie. Their trails and errors in their ghost-hunting. Their successes. And their character’s growth and evolution. I love seeing how Frankie has rubbed off on Verity. Little things she never realized until she did them.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies by Angie Fox is a humorous story. I always look forward to my yearly visit to Sugarland, Tennessee. I can count on laughing often thanks to Verity and Frankie’s antics. I like Angie Fox’s casual writing style which makes her stories easy to read. There are great characters that include Verity, Frankie, Melody, Ellis, and the darling Lucy. I could just envision Lucy in her costume, and I cracked up when I read about Ellis’s. I loved reading about Verity interactions with her grandmother. It was obvious how much Verity loved her. We also get an opportunity to see what the house looked like before Verity had to sell off everything. The mystery was entertaining. I liked that it involved the history of Sugarland. I found the fire devastating (the loss of books and historical documents). I wish, though, that the guilty party had been less obvious. This did not lessen my enjoyment (I devoured this story in a couple of hours). There is a scene with Verity, Verity’s grandmother, and Frankie that had me laughing out loud. The descriptive details allowed me to envision a certain person in my head which just made me laugh harder (I still giggle when I think about it—I do not want to spoil it for you by saying more). Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies is the fourteenth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this entertaining series in order because it will allow you to get to know Verity and Frankie (and understand their unique relationship). I was hoping that Didi, Verity’s grandmother, would have insights on how to free a certain gangster from Verity’s property. Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is an amusing story with a blazing library, a gregarious ghostly grandmother, a curious key, peaches a plenty, a snazzy sweater, a costumed skunk, an updo hairdo, and an interesting history.

[Tink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies is the 14th book in Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. I’ve been reading this series from the start and I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride so far. This new book is definitely one of my favorites in the series. I loved getting to spend time with Verity and her Grandmother. Family can be hard to live with, even when they have passed on, and it was nice to see Verity interact with family members long gone while gaining some absolution and strength to move forward in her life in the process.

This is one of those books that is hard to put down once you start reading it and I admit I had to force myself to stop each day to drag out the enjoyment a little longer. Still finished in 3 days, but could have finished in just one. The action moves the story along at a perfect pace and the humor makes the ride extra enjoyable. I don’t recall the last time I laughed so much reading a book and this time around most of that humor came from our gangster pal Frankie. As usual our adorable little Lucy has some great scenes and a really fun opening to the story. Glad we got to see her perform in the agility course she was training for last time around! She’s a sweet smartie.

I admit I am a huge fan of The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and this new installment is another fun one throughout. I find it's always best if you’ve read the prior books to fully understand the character relationships. However, if you haven’t read any of the series, this can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the series.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having the ability to talk to ghosts hits home when Verity's beloved grandmother appears. Verity's overjoyed, but Grandma Didi's appearance comes with a few hiccups. First, she needs Verity to find a way to get back a family heirloom that was mistakenly donated. Then she needs Verity to follow the clues to figure out how the heirloom ties in with their family history.

Hunting down said clues would be a little easier if Frankie wasn't freaked out by Didi's ability to overwrite his reality. Let's just say Frankie is NOT a fan of grandpa sweaters, pipes, and his backyard lair becoming a gardening shed. But it is in his best interest to help Verity and Didi figure things out so Didi can go back to the light and stop messing with his digs.

So the trio work together (reluctantly on Frankie's end) and follow the clues to figure out what secrets the Long family has buried. Not going to lie, some of those secrets are FUN. And literally buried, as it turns out.

I must say, I always enjoy spending time in Verity's world. She's fun, she has some sweet ghostly connections, and her living friends are pretty understanding, too!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret, Lies, and Fireflies is book 14 in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. I loved this addition to the series. I loved all of the history and Verity finding out more about her ancestors. My favorite part of these books is that I have been listening to the series for so long that each time a new one comes out, it is like returning home and visiting old friends.
I was surprised to hear that Tavia Gilbert didn’t narrate this book, as she has done the first 13 books, but I think the new narrator did a great job. She made it as seamless of a transition as possible. It is certainly a credit to the author that even though Verity didn’t sound like Tavia’s Verity, she still sounded like herself in personality and mannerisms. I think the continuity in character helped the new narrator to slide right in as Verity’s new voice. I do miss how Tavia did Frankie’s voice though. The new narrator didn’t quite nail how I expect him to sound. Overall, though, the narration was great. She was easy to listen to. She did voice acting like we are used to hearing during the parts where Verity is in trouble and had a pleasant voice. So, while I am disappointed to not hear Tavia since I adore her work, I think the narrator they chose was a good fit. Overall, I give this book 5 stars.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angie Fox returns to Sugarland with Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies. This time Verity finds herself caught up in a new mystery that has its roots in the Sugarland suffrage movement. To Verity’s delight, she and Frankie have a new ghost working with them….Verity’s beloved grandmother Didi. But the stakes are high as the three of them try to solve mysteries in both the past and the present. Startling revelations about her great-great-grandmother throw Verity for an emotional loop, but the very real physical danger from the present-day villain threatens everything she holds dear.

I enjoyed the historical aspect of Secrets, Lie, and Fireflies and the way Ms. Fox explored women’s fight for suffrage. But I found Verity a little irritating throughout much of this book. She comes across as too judgmental as she learns more about her Grandma Rose and her actions during the suffrage movement. Surprisingly, I didn’t love the addition of Didi either, at least not at first. Didi and Verity have a very close, loving relationship, but Verity lets her love for her grandmother overshadow her relationship with Frankie. Thankfully, Verity realizes that isn’t being completely fair to Frankie part way through the book. And Didi helps Verity acknowledge some truths about how she’s living her life that made me appreciate her appearance in this book. Luckily, none of these issues ending up making me not like the book.

The plot line of this book deals with some weighty issues, but Ms. Fox still does an excellent job adding humor to the story. Since Verity inherited her house from her grandmother, Didi is the dominant ghost. That dominance leads to some hilarious changes to Frankie’s environment. Imagining the tough gangster wearing a sweater and penny loafers will make anyone laugh. And I also laughed when Didi reimagined Frankie’s shed as a knitting spot. I love how Ms. Fox writes Frankie’s reactions to all of Didi’s changes. While Verity may have annoyed me in this book, I loved Frankie even more than I normally do (which is a lot!).

I received an ARC of this book from the author, but that didn’t influence my review.

[AV Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies
Can we possibly fathom the power and bravery of the fearless women who were the spearheads in the fight for women’s suffrage? Verity and her ghostly Grandma Didi. But wait until Frankie meets Didi.
The opening of the story involves a fire at the town Library. The beautiful, historic library that employs Verity’s sister Melody. Verity managed to retrieve several historic items from her family including her sister. However, now comes the showdown between Frankie and Didi. Didi is just coming back to her home. But, this is now Frankie’s home and he doesn’t like the ghostly interference. His shack is now a potting shed and his poker table and bar have disappeared.
But the surprise discovery is finding the women’s suffrage movement in historic Sugarland. And that Great-Great-Grandma Rose was the leader of the Sugarland Movement. And even Rose has secrets that need to be resolved.
This is a story of history, retribution, discovery, true friendships, and love. That’s a lot to fit into one little book. But you will definitely feel the sigh of comfortable joy in the end.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be book #14 in Ms. Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series but it did not disappoint. From the first page the action grab me and didn't let go until I reached the end.

Verity and Frankie were so brave at the beginning of the book that I was gripping my e-reader and turning pages as fast I could read. Verity finally gets to spend time with her grandmother Didi and that was both a joyful and emotional reunion throughout their adventure. Frankie and Didi provided the humor throughout the book as they were at odds from the first. Verity has her work cut out for her as she sifts through Sugarland's suffragette history that involves her great-great grandmother Rose. Arson, thefts, a cold case murder of a suffragette, a dramatic confrontation that starred Lucy as the heroine and some startling revelations for Verity regarding her family's history made for non-stop action from beginning to end.

I voluntarily read a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you really need to have read the previous books in the series to fully appreciate, and you'd enjoy all those as well. This time Verity is visited by her grandmother Didi's ghost who doesn't get along at all with her resident gangster ghost Frankie. Between them they investigate a missing family heirloom, which leads them all into danger.
I have loved all the books in this series and look forward to the next one, and yet again I'm pleased to say that this one is no exception. With the supernatural element to the fore, there is action, danger and a mystery to solve. It looks back on the suffragette movement and the way that women were treated then, which seems unbelievable now. It also includes, naturally, Lucy the skunk and her antics. I highly recommend this fun, spooky mystery series for anyone who hasn't read it before and am desperately await the next one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both similar to and yet very different from all the other Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries books. I missed more of Ellis, Verity’s boyfriend. At first, I felt a little lost, but very quickly, I got tied up in the nonstop action and suspense.
Verity, our heroine and her pet skunk, Lucy, star front and center in the annual pet parade and festival.
Some of the ghosts of former Sugarland residents and Frankie, Verity’s 1920’s gangster tenant even appear (no pun intended) to watch the show.
But the action heats up literally when smoke is found coming from the Sugarland Library – where Verity’s sister is working.
From there, the encounters keep on coming fast and frantic as mysteries build and multiply.
I couldn’t put it down by then.
There are many startling discoveries, secrets upon mysteries, and several huge surprises at the end.
Overall, a wonderfully rich background and an extremely satisfying story. I think this one is the best of all with all its twists and surprises.

[Paranormal Tendencies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Frankie…In this latest Southern Ghost Hunters mystery, Frankie is almost booted out of the dominant ghost position at Veritiy’s home. Bad for Frankie, but Verity is thrilled! Her grandma Didi’s ghost finally makes an appearance! I think the readers were waiting for this too! When you get invested in a series, author, and their characters, you get excited about this too.
Of course when I hear about a new SGH book, I want to read it asap. I was so looking forward to this story. Verity’s beloved grandmother comes back into her life. Of course, she has secrets, and an agenda, but Verity is just so thrilled that she is back!
When there is a fire and Verity’s sister Melody is trapped inside, Grandma Didi shows up just in time to help Verity save the day. Then they get caught up in discovering Didi’s grandmother Rose’s secrets and the danger begins.
These books are so full of fun, danger, and of course, heartwarming moments. They are a blast to read and read again.
5 stars for Secrets, Lies and Fireflies!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series since it came out, and I think that this is my favorite book of the series so far. We finally get to meet Verity’s grandmother, and they both go on a mission because of course it isn’t a Verity book without a mystery. LOL! From the beginning to the end, it’s almost non-stop action, secrets, lies, and…er…fireflies. I just loved this glimpse into the past both Verity’s family and of the past in general. I felt so many feelings while reading this: sadness, happiness, fear, hope, and contentment. I just loved this and feel that finally Verity has found herself. Wonderful addition to the series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Laurie Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Southern Ghost Hunter series but THIS book has definitely topped my list of favorites. Here we get to meet Didi, Verity’s beloved grandmother who seemingly comes to Melody’s rescue after the library catches fire and she gets trapped inside. Of course, there is more than meets the eye to this fire and Verity, Frankie and Didi find themselves solving another mystery. I loved seeing more backstory for Verity and that Lucy becomes quite the hero. With all the usual twists and turns, a mystery is solved, Sugarland history is revived, Verity gets some closure and two lovers find their way back to one another. This is by far my favorite SGH book, at least until the next one comes out!!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book! This installment really pulled at my heartstrings from start to finish.

Verity and Lucy begin the book with a most important task - proving that skunks are just as good if not better than dogs. Things are looking up until they spot smoke coming from the town library where Verity’s sister is volunteering. That’s where this book’s mystery begins - with a body and potential arson. One unexpected bright spot in this craziness comes in the form of a new ghost - Verity’s grandmother! She is critical in getting Verity and her sister out of the flaming library, but also in identifying a clue to be used in this mystery.

There’s a bit of tension between Verity, Frankie and the new ghost in town, but all of that is almost to be expected in the Frankie/Verity dynamic. It doesn’t matter though, because everyone comes together (both living and dead) to crack the case and bring justice to the wronged. I love the insane yet somehow down to earth feel of these books, the characters, and the genuine relationships showcased within. I know we are supposed to root for Frankie eventually getting freed from Verity’s property but I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t know I could pick up another book about their antics.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity is back and this time she is helping solve crime with her grandmother, Didi. The only problem is….Didi is a ghost. This is the next installment in the Southern Ghost Hunter series and although you could read this as a stand-alone I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s much better knowing the background stories of each character and how it relates to Verity and her ability to see ghosts.
I loved the relationship between Verity and her grandma. It was great learning a little about the family’s role in history. I was dying laughing at some of the Frankie scenes, Verity’s usual ghost sidekick. And of course throw in a mystery, Verity’s pet skunk Lucy, and her boyfriend Ellis and you have another great story. Loved it.

[Heather Huth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity and Frankie take on suffragists and do it in true fashion. I absolutely loved the feminist theme in this book and showing the historical lives of women in the 1920s. The exposure of what women went through and their creativity to survive was inspiring. The wide range of ghosts that we meet in this book was beyond entertaining. Most of all Lucy, Verity's pet skunk, completely stole the show! If you have not read any of the series before don't worry - Angie Fox does a great job recapping the overarching theme of the series. If you have read other books in the series know you are in for some laughable moments and interesting southern sayings. Highly recommend this book as it has been my favorite of the series.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE,LOVE it!!! My top favourite in the series i think ...so funny and so moving....
Verity finally see her grandmother's ghost but the reasons for that are dire....it's the afterlife of one of their that hang in the balance. Now Verity must uncover some deep family secrets , solve a murder and find a way for Frankie and Didi to avoid self combustion

Really it was so funny to see Frankie at Didi's mercy, the new look was great on him even if it was not "mafia" style. It was also very moving to learn history from the 1919 ghosts, about the suffragette and more. It was also great to see Verity family reunion and how much they had in common.Ellis is really perfect for Verity and Lucy a great champion and protector

The perfect cozy mystery to recommend without hesitation

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite book in the series, but it’s always nice to return to these characters and this location. I feel like this one was a little bit of a mess and hard to follow in some places with the keys and the people and the places she was describing. Or, maybe it’s just hard for me to visualize those things. And after having read so many books in the series, I don’t even remember why the rosebush is in a trashcan in the house. Why couldn’t she just leave it in the yard when it still has Frankie trapped, no matter where it is. I’m sure there is an explanation in the earlier books that I just don’t remember. Will continue to buy the books as they come out and read the series. Happy to see the next one will have a wedding theme. Looking forward to that.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fire at the town library with people inside! Good story about Sugarland's suffragettes (including Verity's beloved Grandma) and a whole lot more. Like Frankie's missing stuffed lucky peacock, pet skunk Lucy's antics, and a whole lotta laughs, suspense, and a disputed moonshine still!
#SecretsLiesandFireflies by @angiefoxauthor #SouthernGhostHunterMysteriesBk14 Narrated by: Hollie Jackson @holliejvoa #MooseIslandBooks Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
#theft #arson #AddictiveSeries #PetSkunk #ParanormalCozyMystery #situationalhumor #suspense #verbalhumor #urbanfantasy #ghosts #ghosthunting #friendship #gangsters #localcops #timetravel #smalltown #secrets #family #relationships #unputdownable #moonshinestill #suffragettes

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved!!
Verity Long is at it again...solving the mysteries of her town... seeing the departed and finding out about her beloved home. This time she has help from her departed dear Grandmother. She unfortunately is put squarely in the middle between her Grandma and her resident gangster ghost.. Frankie. The battle for "head ghost in charge" was so much fun.Verity's in for an adventure and the history of her great great grandmother. What does she find? How will she help to get fix what has happened before she was even born? A great nod to Women's history month as well
What a great story!

[S Spurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Fireflies (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 14)
Angie Fox

Verity & Lucy, sooooo cute.

Grandma Didi shows up to help Verity save lives & un-lives & to rescue the ‘Long’ family legacy, which she accidentally gave away not realising what it all meant & how very important it was to not only their family but to the history of Sugarland.
With the help of Verity’s ghostly sidekick Frankie—who is furious with Verity’s grandma who happens to be the dominant ghost & messes with his home.
This is a paranormal murder mystery, but it’s also sweet & makes you feel good that perhaps your departed love ones are still out there looking after you.
Very enjoyable read.