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Possum Gap #4
Demons Live Here
In the beautiful and harrowing hills of southern Kentucky, Sheriff Sadie Mills is feeling the doldrums when her best friend and a top-selling realtor, Tanya Beaumont, informs her that their favorite teenage haunt is for sale. The crumbling plantation home is full of buried secrets and unseen perils, but that doesn’t deter Sadie and Tanya from acting on their dream. When the town’s coroner, a Yankee transplant with a sordid past, wants in on the scheme, the trio forms an unlikely partnership.
A triple homicide in a neighboring county, a murder closer to home, and a dangerous drought take Sadie and her friends by surprise. Unforeseen circumstances threaten their carefully laid plans and their very lives. But the real shock is discovering that the Helena House’s shameful slave past is more than it seems. With the assistance of an unexpected ally, Sadie is in for the wildest ride of her life yet.
Sadie’s pursuit of the truth brings stunning revelations as she unravels the plantation’s tale of terrible loss, perseverance, and ultimately, redemption in this thrilling fourth Possum Gap novel.
Enigmatic and gripping, Demons Live Here is an adrenaline-charged reading experience that will keep you turning pages late into the night, as you experience the Underground Railroad, a haunting, and a terrifying cat and mouse game with a deadly group that has their own plans for the Helena House and the land surrounding it.
A triple homicide in a neighboring county, a murder closer to home, and a dangerous drought take Sadie and her friends by surprise. Unforeseen circumstances threaten their carefully laid plans and their very lives. But the real shock is discovering that the Helena House’s shameful slave past is more than it seems. With the assistance of an unexpected ally, Sadie is in for the wildest ride of her life yet.
Sadie’s pursuit of the truth brings stunning revelations as she unravels the plantation’s tale of terrible loss, perseverance, and ultimately, redemption in this thrilling fourth Possum Gap novel.
Enigmatic and gripping, Demons Live Here is an adrenaline-charged reading experience that will keep you turning pages late into the night, as you experience the Underground Railroad, a haunting, and a terrifying cat and mouse game with a deadly group that has their own plans for the Helena House and the land surrounding it.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
437 people are currently reading
1933 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,410 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 17, 2025
This was such a fun easy read. I was given an ARC of Demons Live Here and I am offering my thoughts about the novel.
I have not read the previous books in The Possum Gap series and I did not think that put me at a disadvantage. If I had chosen to read a later book in the series I think that I would be at a disadvantage because it seems that the history between characters will continue to build with each new book.
There are at least four murders in this book but they are secondary to the purchase of a historic manor house, the strange happenings in the house and the female protagonists dilemma of having two men interested in her.
Everything in the book is low key and nothing really takes center stage with the exception of Helena House. The history of the house having been a stop on the Underground Railroad was interesting, but that too was not fleshed out as much as I was hoping for.
In the end this was a short read that I used as a palate cleanser to prepare myself for a more in depeth gritty novel.
I have not read the previous books in The Possum Gap series and I did not think that put me at a disadvantage. If I had chosen to read a later book in the series I think that I would be at a disadvantage because it seems that the history between characters will continue to build with each new book.
There are at least four murders in this book but they are secondary to the purchase of a historic manor house, the strange happenings in the house and the female protagonists dilemma of having two men interested in her.
Everything in the book is low key and nothing really takes center stage with the exception of Helena House. The history of the house having been a stop on the Underground Railroad was interesting, but that too was not fleshed out as much as I was hoping for.
In the end this was a short read that I used as a palate cleanser to prepare myself for a more in depeth gritty novel.
May 20, 2025
Fourth in a series, DEMONS LIVE HERE is an almost cozy mystery that can be read as a standalone.
To begin the review, I want to make sure that folks know the demons mentioned in the title are more akin to spirits or ghosts associated with a 200 year old house that is one of the main characters in this story. This is NOT a story about evil, demonic possession or characters. Onward we go…
Sadie is the town sheriff in Possum Gap, Kentucky. Tanya, is her best friend and the realtor. Life has been quiet since their last escapade when both women were nearly killed helping to solve a murder out of town. That all changes when the sheriff from a neighboring town calls to advise about a double homicide. Shortly following that, an off grid, senior citizen in Possum Gap is found with his throat cut. Quiet time is slipping by.
With the help of the town coroner, Russo, Sadie tries to solve her town’s murder but they have little to go on and not much hope. She has too much time on her hands, a cranky teenager and with the help of her best friend and co-worker, decides to purchase a 200 year old mansion and move out of town. The property backs into the land owned by the county’s criminal family. Think every Appalachian movie you’ve ever seen: gun toting mama in charge, piles of kids, strong arming men, growing “money crops” etc.
Solving the murders becomes entangled with the mansion. Author, Karen Ann Hopkins, delivers good historical information about the Underground Railroad with some tiny tidbits on period architecture woven into the storytelling. Violence is PG-13 level but the language has too many expletives for my liking, including F-bombs. It’s just not necessary. There is some minimal romance or hope of romance to be but a few kisses are the extent of activity.
This author publishes many books. IMO, there’s no reason for her to not have a decent editor and proofreader. There are so many errors in this text it is distracting; almost enough for me to drop the rating to 2 stars when it’s actually a 4 star read. Argh📚
To begin the review, I want to make sure that folks know the demons mentioned in the title are more akin to spirits or ghosts associated with a 200 year old house that is one of the main characters in this story. This is NOT a story about evil, demonic possession or characters. Onward we go…
Sadie is the town sheriff in Possum Gap, Kentucky. Tanya, is her best friend and the realtor. Life has been quiet since their last escapade when both women were nearly killed helping to solve a murder out of town. That all changes when the sheriff from a neighboring town calls to advise about a double homicide. Shortly following that, an off grid, senior citizen in Possum Gap is found with his throat cut. Quiet time is slipping by.
With the help of the town coroner, Russo, Sadie tries to solve her town’s murder but they have little to go on and not much hope. She has too much time on her hands, a cranky teenager and with the help of her best friend and co-worker, decides to purchase a 200 year old mansion and move out of town. The property backs into the land owned by the county’s criminal family. Think every Appalachian movie you’ve ever seen: gun toting mama in charge, piles of kids, strong arming men, growing “money crops” etc.
Solving the murders becomes entangled with the mansion. Author, Karen Ann Hopkins, delivers good historical information about the Underground Railroad with some tiny tidbits on period architecture woven into the storytelling. Violence is PG-13 level but the language has too many expletives for my liking, including F-bombs. It’s just not necessary. There is some minimal romance or hope of romance to be but a few kisses are the extent of activity.
This author publishes many books. IMO, there’s no reason for her to not have a decent editor and proofreader. There are so many errors in this text it is distracting; almost enough for me to drop the rating to 2 stars when it’s actually a 4 star read. Argh📚
June 20, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Possum Gap series featuring Sheriff Sadie Mills. This time around the murder is almost incidental to a further focus on her personal life.
Sadie, her best friend Tanya, and Russo who is a colleague, purchase a derelict mansion to refurbish as an event center, and residence. That the mansion is haunted and a former plantation with ties to the underground railroad adds to the allure.
Coincidentally there is a triple homicide in an adjacent county that may be linked to a murder in Possum Gap.
The first half of the story establishes more of Sadie's personal life with her daughter, her professional future, and her romantic attraction to two men. While this plot in the story is definitely a great addition to modern romance novels it does overshadow the murder mystery, and this makes it hard to reconcile Sadie's behavior if you've read the previous books in the series. (Enough references are made to events in the previous novels that I highly recommend reading at least book 2.)
The mystery aficionado will be pleased when the story turns to the homicides. Sadie's kickass attitude takes charge with a satisfying conclusion.
This is a quick read for lazy days where you want to lose yourself in a story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sadie, her best friend Tanya, and Russo who is a colleague, purchase a derelict mansion to refurbish as an event center, and residence. That the mansion is haunted and a former plantation with ties to the underground railroad adds to the allure.
Coincidentally there is a triple homicide in an adjacent county that may be linked to a murder in Possum Gap.
The first half of the story establishes more of Sadie's personal life with her daughter, her professional future, and her romantic attraction to two men. While this plot in the story is definitely a great addition to modern romance novels it does overshadow the murder mystery, and this makes it hard to reconcile Sadie's behavior if you've read the previous books in the series. (Enough references are made to events in the previous novels that I highly recommend reading at least book 2.)
The mystery aficionado will be pleased when the story turns to the homicides. Sadie's kickass attitude takes charge with a satisfying conclusion.
This is a quick read for lazy days where you want to lose yourself in a story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2024
Sheriff Sadie Mills of Possum Gap is back with a slightly different murder mystery, which involves a haunting old Plantation property, Helena House, that fascinated Sadie and her friend Tanya when they were young.
In a neighbouring county 3 people have been murdered,and there is a suspicion that the investigation may lead to Sadie’s jurisdiction.
Add to that, Sadie’s tangled love life, or lack of it, with both Russo and John Dover making it clear they want to get closer to her, while being very conscious they are rivals .
This series is getting better as it goes on. I love the way this book developed, with the investigation almost taking second place to the story of Helena House and its history. This covers the slavery era, the Underground Railway, and the possibility of ghosts, if you believe in them. Even if you don’t, this story line really grabs you. Add to that the ongoing problems with the Dover Clan, and Lucy, it’s new matriarch, it almost feels as there is too much going on, but the author weaves the storylines so skilfully that it keeps you reading to the last page. Can’t wait to see where Sadie and her friends go next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
In a neighbouring county 3 people have been murdered,and there is a suspicion that the investigation may lead to Sadie’s jurisdiction.
Add to that, Sadie’s tangled love life, or lack of it, with both Russo and John Dover making it clear they want to get closer to her, while being very conscious they are rivals .
This series is getting better as it goes on. I love the way this book developed, with the investigation almost taking second place to the story of Helena House and its history. This covers the slavery era, the Underground Railway, and the possibility of ghosts, if you believe in them. Even if you don’t, this story line really grabs you. Add to that the ongoing problems with the Dover Clan, and Lucy, it’s new matriarch, it almost feels as there is too much going on, but the author weaves the storylines so skilfully that it keeps you reading to the last page. Can’t wait to see where Sadie and her friends go next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 1, 2024
Demons Live Here takes a bit of a turn for the Possum Gap series. It is still the usual action-packed, suspense-filled mystery readers of Karen Ann Hopkins have come to expect, but this time she adds a touch of the supernatural just to keep her readers on their toes. And is very successful at it. As any long-time reader would know, Ms. Hopkins' characters are multi-dimensional, fully developed, realistic, and engaging. There is always an element of romance, but it never overtakes the story; just the right balance. Be prepared to be engrossed once you visit Possum Gap, because you aren't going to want to leave. There's always something going on and you never know what will jump out of the forest when you least expect it. I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to the next book.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion.
January 22, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. Since I read book 1 in this Possum Gap series starting Sheriff Sadie Mills, doing her best to keep law and order in the small Appalachian town in Kentucky, I've been riveted. The cast of characters, especially the Dovers, the hill clan who live by their own set of rules and cause Sadie regular heartburn, are interesting and very well drawn. I have read through the books quickly, wanting to continue the adventures of Sadie and her coroner, deputy and friends and this book was no exception. Sheriff Sadie gets into some desperate situations but in this book it was a bit different - and more dangerous than ever. I thoroughly recommend this book, this series for action adventure and excitement with a strong lady Sheriff - and her two, very different admirers!
February 5, 2025
Sheriff Sadie Mills is finally back to the usual crimes in her own rural town, Possum Gap, Kentucky after a near death experience helping Sheriff Serenity Adams in Blood Rock, Indiana. She's feeling the
doldrums of her occupation and needs hope for a brighter future. When her best friend and ace realtor, Tanya Beaumont, tells her about their favorite deserted plantation house going on the market, she has to have it. Little did she know how much buying that rundown property was going to put her life and her friends lives in mortal danger, expose long buried secrets and play a vital role in a string of recent unsolved murders. This thrilling, spine tingling tale was well worth the reading. Sadie is clever, quick witted, and fearless. With all the revelations and unexpected twists to this plot, it was quite the adventure. Really Great Read!!!!!
doldrums of her occupation and needs hope for a brighter future. When her best friend and ace realtor, Tanya Beaumont, tells her about their favorite deserted plantation house going on the market, she has to have it. Little did she know how much buying that rundown property was going to put her life and her friends lives in mortal danger, expose long buried secrets and play a vital role in a string of recent unsolved murders. This thrilling, spine tingling tale was well worth the reading. Sadie is clever, quick witted, and fearless. With all the revelations and unexpected twists to this plot, it was quite the adventure. Really Great Read!!!!!
September 20, 2025
I’m curious as to how this series will develop. I haven’t read any of the other books and was able to follow along with the characters. The story takes place down south. We learn a bit about the hill folk and the townies. The local sheriff and her bestie decide to buy a run down old house and turn it into an event center. They’re joined in this venture by the coroner. Then all sorts of stuff happens and there may be ghosts involved. The action moves quick but I did get tired of the hill folk getting called the Dover people all the time like it was some kind of disease. Then there’s a romantic triangle that I hope won’t turn into the mess like in the Stephanie Plum books. I’m willing to check out another in the series.
June 4, 2024
I loved absolutely everything about this book. Now most of thes books I've read by this author the "crime" is pretty much the central focus, not so much so for this one. You still have bad stuff happening and then need to resolve it all but you get a lot more about the characters and history of Possum Gap. I flew through this book. I really can't wait for the next one in this series, I'm only 4 books in to the Serenity Adams series hope to get caught up on it before the next book in that one comes out, it has some crossover with this series.
Check this whole Possum Gap series out you won't be sorry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Check this whole Possum Gap series out you won't be sorry.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 17, 2025
It started off really slow & I wasn't sure whether I would finish the book as there wasn't much happening. I did persevere & the last few chapters were more interesting. I'm not sure whether I'll enjoy the 2nd in the series, although I have just started it & that's only because I had already bought it. I thought it would be a continuation of the1st book, but apart from the female sheriff, the other characters in the 1st chapter are different. I'm only on chapter 2, so we will see how it progresses, but if it's too slow or nothing much happens, I won't finish it.
July 14, 2024
Great book! The story kept me engaged from beginning to end. The storyline was well developed and the mystery tightly plotted. One of the things I love about the series, and of course this book, is that each character has a dual personality almost a yin and yang which takes the story beyond just a mystery. Can’t recommend this one highly enough!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
June 7, 2024
Demons Live Here is a book in Possum Gap series, and in it we learn more about Sadie and her best friend Tanya when they were younger. This was a very good addition to the series, and one that I could not put down. I read it in one setting. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 31, 2025
suspects and specters
Antebellum Helene House is about to go on the market, and Possum Gap’s Sheriff Sadie can’t contain herself. Of course, the ancient mansion comes with history and more. Area murders get all tied up with hill country caves, tunnels, and the Underground Railroad. It’s left to the new owners to make sense of it all. A good read
Antebellum Helene House is about to go on the market, and Possum Gap’s Sheriff Sadie can’t contain herself. Of course, the ancient mansion comes with history and more. Area murders get all tied up with hill country caves, tunnels, and the Underground Railroad. It’s left to the new owners to make sense of it all. A good read
February 3, 2025
A good read with good characters and a spooky bit as well. Sadie and co. go into a property deal and don't know all it's secrets leading to a bit of mayhem with the Dovers involved but she stands her ground and comes out winning. Could do without her fancying half the male population though and Chloe got a horse so happy all round.
July 20, 2025
Hooked and addicted !
Avid reader who loves to get hooked on a really good series !! Can't wait to get into the next book !! Live in Northern Kentucky and love the idea of knowing places when they come up in the book! Great to have a neighbor that can transport you into a great read !!
Avid reader who loves to get hooked on a really good series !! Can't wait to get into the next book !! Live in Northern Kentucky and love the idea of knowing places when they come up in the book! Great to have a neighbor that can transport you into a great read !!
June 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! The way it is told is really interesting to the reader, and how the 'problems' are intertwined with Sadie's work and personal life is great. I can't wait to see what happens next! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 14, 2024
Great Read
I love the new endeavor that Sadie is doing, but I don't like who she's doing it with. I really, really want a relationship between her and John. She deserves to be happy!
I love the new endeavor that Sadie is doing, but I don't like who she's doing it with. I really, really want a relationship between her and John. She deserves to be happy!
June 16, 2024
Great story
Karen Hopkins is a great teller of tales. And the sheriff of possum gap has become one of my favorite female characters! This book has everything: love, friendship, murder, and ghosts!
Karen Hopkins is a great teller of tales. And the sheriff of possum gap has become one of my favorite female characters! This book has everything: love, friendship, murder, and ghosts!
June 21, 2024
outstanding!
Love the way this story flows and the history behind it! As usual, Karen has spun a wonderful story leaving much room for follow up on other stories. Great job. I enjoy all her books!
Love the way this story flows and the history behind it! As usual, Karen has spun a wonderful story leaving much room for follow up on other stories. Great job. I enjoy all her books!
June 27, 2024
Another great read in the Possum Gap series. I loved how we got deeper into the personal lives of Sadie, Russo and Tanya in this book. The only thing I felt missing was a true love connection. Or if Sadie isn't ready for love more insight into her feelings and thoughts on why she doesn't want one.
January 22, 2025
This series just gets better and better, I love all the characters. Can’t wait to see all the renovations and bringing Helena House back to life. The tug of war between John and Russo for Sadie and what’s Lucy got up her sleeve besides a shotgun? Time to read on.
February 1, 2025
Cute
A cute "who dunit" but hardly a thriller. I find myself wondering if all the grammatical errors are on purpose. After all I guess I know very little about Southern Kentucky etiquette. I enjoyed it..
A cute "who dunit" but hardly a thriller. I find myself wondering if all the grammatical errors are on purpose. After all I guess I know very little about Southern Kentucky etiquette. I enjoyed it..
February 2, 2025
Good one..excitement
Intriguing characters..tough women..a bunch of hillbillies in the Kentucky hills not to mention a small town.lots of criminals and smart and smart a** female sheriff. Enjoy
Intriguing characters..tough women..a bunch of hillbillies in the Kentucky hills not to mention a small town.lots of criminals and smart and smart a** female sheriff. Enjoy
February 2, 2025
Ghost or No Ghost is The Question
I was riveted through the whole book. It is well written and kept my attention throughout! I love old houses with history and stories behind them. I read it in one day!
I was riveted through the whole book. It is well written and kept my attention throughout! I love old houses with history and stories behind them. I read it in one day!
February 10, 2025
This was a rather slow read until about 80% through when we got some action. I don't need non-stop action but want the story to be interesting and hold my attention. Although the main characters were decently fleshed out, there was nothing about any of them that grabbed me.
February 22, 2025
Demons Live Here
This was a wonderful story. Its full of action, mystery, and a ghost. This story had me reading into wee hours of the day. I highly recommend this series and this author.
This was a wonderful story. Its full of action, mystery, and a ghost. This story had me reading into wee hours of the day. I highly recommend this series and this author.
April 8, 2025
Nothing like making a HUGE change in your life and a big investment only to have that place threatened by squatters and murders. Possibly a ghost or two as well.
I can’t say anything bad about the Possum Gap series.
I really enjoy them. Once I start one, it is so hard to put them down.
*I received this Kindle book as a bonus when I won Series Book#1 from Goodreads. Thank You! Of course, I bought the rest of the books as well so I could read them all in order.
I can’t say anything bad about the Possum Gap series.
I really enjoy them. Once I start one, it is so hard to put them down.
*I received this Kindle book as a bonus when I won Series Book#1 from Goodreads. Thank You! Of course, I bought the rest of the books as well so I could read them all in order.
June 18, 2024
Better than Patterson!!!
I love her books! I wish she would write faster! I will try reading some of her other books but Possum Gap is a winner!!!
I love her books! I wish she would write faster! I will try reading some of her other books but Possum Gap is a winner!!!
July 12, 2024
A good read
I like reading about the characters in the story the author makes them come alive can't wait for next book
I like reading about the characters in the story the author makes them come alive can't wait for next book
July 14, 2024
always worth it
No long review needed. The book is as excellent as all the others and I can’t wait for the next in the series to come out. What a hook at the ending!
No long review needed. The book is as excellent as all the others and I can’t wait for the next in the series to come out. What a hook at the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews