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A Very Fairy Funeral
An introverted fairy, a secret society of undertakers, and a talking cat—what a deadly combination!
In the Mistbrook Manor Funeral Home, Lyra Moore prefers the company of the dead to the living. As a fairy in hiding and the town’s funeral director, she’s perfected the art of staying out of the spotlight—until an unclaimed body appears on her doorstep under mysterious circumstances. No one knows who the victim is or how he died, but Lyra is determined to leave the case to the authorities. She does not need any more strangers knocking on her door, at least not breathing ones.
Unfortunately, life outside Fairy has other plans. When Lyra returns home to find an odd man lurking in her living room, he claims to be a detective, yet Lyra can see right through his lies. Even without her fairy magic!
Reluctant to leave well enough alone, Lyra stumbles on a secret society of undertakers with a unique solving crimes.
With her own magic to conceal, and a bratty talking cat—who happens to be a changeling stuck in feline form thanks to an administrative slip-up and a foolish feud—Lyra finds herself entangled in the mystery with no way out.
But can she crack the case while keeping her magical secret? Or will the truth refuse to stay buried?
In the Mistbrook Manor Funeral Home, Lyra Moore prefers the company of the dead to the living. As a fairy in hiding and the town’s funeral director, she’s perfected the art of staying out of the spotlight—until an unclaimed body appears on her doorstep under mysterious circumstances. No one knows who the victim is or how he died, but Lyra is determined to leave the case to the authorities. She does not need any more strangers knocking on her door, at least not breathing ones.
Unfortunately, life outside Fairy has other plans. When Lyra returns home to find an odd man lurking in her living room, he claims to be a detective, yet Lyra can see right through his lies. Even without her fairy magic!
Reluctant to leave well enough alone, Lyra stumbles on a secret society of undertakers with a unique solving crimes.
With her own magic to conceal, and a bratty talking cat—who happens to be a changeling stuck in feline form thanks to an administrative slip-up and a foolish feud—Lyra finds herself entangled in the mystery with no way out.
But can she crack the case while keeping her magical secret? Or will the truth refuse to stay buried?
- GenresMysteryParanormalFantasy
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
22 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 8, 2025
I love paranormal cozies so when I saw this series starter, I had to give it a try, especially because I’d never the author before. This is definitely a cozy, and I really liked getting to know Lyra, and her coming out of shell in this book was fun to watch. The murder was a little uneven, and Lyra made a large assumption at the end that I wasn’t sure how she came to that conclusion with just that one tiny clue, but other than that, I really enjoyed this world; first books can be a tiny bit rough, anyway, so it really wasn’t a big deal. What I do know is that I would definitely read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 28, 2025
I loved this book! What a clever and unique concept a fairy funeral home owner. On the run from her homeland and in hiding she then stumbles onto a secret society and gets involved with a murder investigation. Lyra is most definitely a character I want to get to know further! I love the wardens too diverse and complimentary personalities with a very different hobby. And Finn, swoon! What a great start to a new series!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
A Very Fairy Funeral is the first book in the Mistbrook Manor series and I really enjoyed reading it. Lyra is a Green Fairy on the run from the fairy realm. She finds out that the small town of Orchard Hollow needs a funeral director, and as she needs money to pay bills and eat, she buys the dark and gloomy Mistbrook Manor and sets it up as a funeral home becoming the town’s funeral director.
Lyra doesn't like mixing with people, and the dead don't talk, so her career is perfect for her. She keep herself aloof as she is in hiding. Lyra fled her fairy homeland when the Shadow Court Prince, the most powerful and evil fairy, decided he wanted her as his wife. He offered Lyra’s father power and riches in exchange for her hand; when her greedy father agreed she created a portal and escaped, locking it behind her. Lyra knows one day the evil Prince will find her and either force her to marry him, or kill her. In the meantime she is happy with her job, using her magic to grow beautiful roses and has a talking cat as a companion. Well he’s actually a changeling who, thanks to an administrative stuff up, was placed into a cat’s body instead of the usual human child’s.
Then a John Doe is dropped off at her funeral home and Lyra is upset that no one knows who he is. She decides to see if she can find out who he is as the police don’t seem to care. Or do they? She comes home to find a strange man in the morgue. He says he is a policeman but she knows he’s lying. She follows him to the cemetery and down into a mausoleum and discovers…the Grim Wardens. A secret society of funeral director’s who use their unique abilities to solve crimes - namely finding out who their various “John Doe’s” are. Lyra is invited to join them to work out who her mystery body is.
Soon her life changes as for the first time ever she has friends. Lyra is dragged into more than just working out who her mystery body is, there is a far more deeper crime than murder. Can she and her new friends solve the crime? Can she keep the fact she is a fairy secret? And, of course, can she stay hidden so the evil Prince does’t find her?
A Very Fairy Funeral is a very quirky paranormal mystery, was a little bit slow at the start, but once the Grim Wardens turned up I was hooked. I will certainly keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
Thank you to Oliver Heber Books for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Lyra doesn't like mixing with people, and the dead don't talk, so her career is perfect for her. She keep herself aloof as she is in hiding. Lyra fled her fairy homeland when the Shadow Court Prince, the most powerful and evil fairy, decided he wanted her as his wife. He offered Lyra’s father power and riches in exchange for her hand; when her greedy father agreed she created a portal and escaped, locking it behind her. Lyra knows one day the evil Prince will find her and either force her to marry him, or kill her. In the meantime she is happy with her job, using her magic to grow beautiful roses and has a talking cat as a companion. Well he’s actually a changeling who, thanks to an administrative stuff up, was placed into a cat’s body instead of the usual human child’s.
Then a John Doe is dropped off at her funeral home and Lyra is upset that no one knows who he is. She decides to see if she can find out who he is as the police don’t seem to care. Or do they? She comes home to find a strange man in the morgue. He says he is a policeman but she knows he’s lying. She follows him to the cemetery and down into a mausoleum and discovers…the Grim Wardens. A secret society of funeral director’s who use their unique abilities to solve crimes - namely finding out who their various “John Doe’s” are. Lyra is invited to join them to work out who her mystery body is.
Soon her life changes as for the first time ever she has friends. Lyra is dragged into more than just working out who her mystery body is, there is a far more deeper crime than murder. Can she and her new friends solve the crime? Can she keep the fact she is a fairy secret? And, of course, can she stay hidden so the evil Prince does’t find her?
A Very Fairy Funeral is a very quirky paranormal mystery, was a little bit slow at the start, but once the Grim Wardens turned up I was hooked. I will certainly keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
Thank you to Oliver Heber Books for providing an advanced copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
June 4, 2025
A Very Fairy Funeral kicks off with quiet intrigue and steadily builds into a dark, murder mystery that blends suspense with personal transformation. Lyra, a reclusive funeral home director hiding her true identity as a fairy, is drawn into a dangerous investigation after stumbling across a secret society. The mystery deepens as the stakes rise—and so does Lyra’s need to confront the isolation she’s wrapped herself in.
The story’s atmosphere is grounded in the real world, but threaded with a touch of the magical and eerie. There aren’t many fantastical creatures, but the world feels authentic, moody, and well thought out. The mystery itself is layered with a few unexpected twists, and the pacing shines in the scenes where the characters are in real danger.
What stood out most to me was the emotional undercurrent of the book—especially themes of finding yourself, building trust, and discovering a found family. Lyra’s struggles with connection and anxiety are handled with care, and her quiet strength makes her a compelling protagonist. The romantic element is faint, but sweet, and while it’s still early in its development, I found myself rooting for the couple.
The writing is clear, smooth, and easy to follow, making for a read that’s both accessible and immersive. If anything, I would have liked to know more about Lyra’s past, but that only speaks to how much she held my interest.
This is a solid pick for readers who enjoy murder mysteries with magical undercurrents, emotional stakes, and a protagonist you genuinely want to see heal and grow. It’s mysterious, dark in just the right way, and satisfying from start to finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story’s atmosphere is grounded in the real world, but threaded with a touch of the magical and eerie. There aren’t many fantastical creatures, but the world feels authentic, moody, and well thought out. The mystery itself is layered with a few unexpected twists, and the pacing shines in the scenes where the characters are in real danger.
What stood out most to me was the emotional undercurrent of the book—especially themes of finding yourself, building trust, and discovering a found family. Lyra’s struggles with connection and anxiety are handled with care, and her quiet strength makes her a compelling protagonist. The romantic element is faint, but sweet, and while it’s still early in its development, I found myself rooting for the couple.
The writing is clear, smooth, and easy to follow, making for a read that’s both accessible and immersive. If anything, I would have liked to know more about Lyra’s past, but that only speaks to how much she held my interest.
This is a solid pick for readers who enjoy murder mysteries with magical undercurrents, emotional stakes, and a protagonist you genuinely want to see heal and grow. It’s mysterious, dark in just the right way, and satisfying from start to finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2025
What could be more fun than an amateur group of undertakers forming a secret society to solve a small town’s mysteries? In this first book of the series, Lyra is a fairy, hiding as a mortician in a small town, a very introverted fairy, hiding her magic and trying to stay away from people, and even when she does have to go into town, her anxiety almost cripples her. But when she stumbles upon a group of people at a mausoleum and finds out that her latest person in her morgue may not have died of natural causes, she resigns herself to help.
With a truly fascinating cast of supporting characters who seem to endear themselves to Lyra, they go off trying to find out what really happened to the man in her morgue. All the time, trying to keep her magic under wraps so the psycho dark prince of fairy won’t come looking for her. This was a fun book to read, and this group is better than the police and use all there resources to dig for clues. This is fun and light hearted, and there is some danger, but it’s hard to resist a talking, sarcastic cat and a group of very unique individuals.
With a truly fascinating cast of supporting characters who seem to endear themselves to Lyra, they go off trying to find out what really happened to the man in her morgue. All the time, trying to keep her magic under wraps so the psycho dark prince of fairy won’t come looking for her. This was a fun book to read, and this group is better than the police and use all there resources to dig for clues. This is fun and light hearted, and there is some danger, but it’s hard to resist a talking, sarcastic cat and a group of very unique individuals.
March 16, 2025
What an adorable start to a cute paranormal mystery series! We’ve got all manner of supernatural jammed into this small town, all doing their best to navigate human life.
Lyra is a fairy who escaped a forced marriage by fleeing to the human world. She’s developed a career as a funeral director in a creepy old house, complete with her snarky cat/changeling companion. When an unclaimed/unidentified body shows up at her door, she can’t resist the mystery of it all. Following a random visitor ends up introducing her to the “grim wardens” who are a group of funeral directors or mortuary workers who investigate mysteries that nobody wants to take on.
While Lyra is usually a loner in the human world, she finds herself falling quickly for this group of misfits and the mystery they offer. It doesn’t hurt that Finn, her mysterious visitor, is an attractive member of this group. I loved meeting all these characters and coming along on their journey, solving a case that would likely not have been dealt with had they not taken it upon themselves to work for the deceased.
Lyra is a fairy who escaped a forced marriage by fleeing to the human world. She’s developed a career as a funeral director in a creepy old house, complete with her snarky cat/changeling companion. When an unclaimed/unidentified body shows up at her door, she can’t resist the mystery of it all. Following a random visitor ends up introducing her to the “grim wardens” who are a group of funeral directors or mortuary workers who investigate mysteries that nobody wants to take on.
While Lyra is usually a loner in the human world, she finds herself falling quickly for this group of misfits and the mystery they offer. It doesn’t hurt that Finn, her mysterious visitor, is an attractive member of this group. I loved meeting all these characters and coming along on their journey, solving a case that would likely not have been dealt with had they not taken it upon themselves to work for the deceased.
January 13, 2025
This was seriously a cute and cozy mystery book with a supernatural twist. It definitely gave me that Gilmore Girls’ small town vibe. It was a short read, which I honestly appreciated.
Lyra is a fairy undertaker who makes friends with some quirky and loving characters from other surrounding small towns. They team up to solve mysteries. Lyra has a past that she’s afraid will eventually catch up with her and threaten the life she’s made for herself.
I very much hope there is a second book! I want and need more!
Lyra is a fairy undertaker who makes friends with some quirky and loving characters from other surrounding small towns. They team up to solve mysteries. Lyra has a past that she’s afraid will eventually catch up with her and threaten the life she’s made for herself.
I very much hope there is a second book! I want and need more!
February 5, 2025
I love cozy mysteries but I've become very selective in those I read because the plot lines and sometimes even the characters seem to be reruns of other series. The cover synopsis of A VERY FAIRY FUNERAL caught my attention and it lived up to expectations. An original plot line with some unique characters that keep readers turning the pages along with a few grins and chuckles means that A.N. Sage has now earned a spot on my TBR list. The over arcing story sets everything up for the next book. This promises to be an excellent series.
February 11, 2025
A very cute and quaint tale about an introverted fairy with a secret past who gets entangled with an organization of crime solving undertakers - what could go wrong? In this first installment of the Mistbrook Manor Cozy Mysteries, we follow Lyra and her first case with the odd bunch of fellow undertakers to solve the murder of the John Doe that ended up at her funeral home. This story was a short and sweet, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Lyra.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Publisher and Author for an ARC of this book.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Publisher and Author for an ARC of this book.
March 31, 2025
Many mysteries start with a John Doe corpse delivered, in this case to the Mistbrook Manor Funeral Home, whose funeral director, Lyra Moore is a fairy who is hiding on Earth from complications in Fairyland. Lyra can’t help herself and starts investigating a heart attack victim who is, judging by his clothes, too rich to be unknown. Aiding in her quest is a local group of funeral directors who like to solve mysteries on the side. A.N. Sage throws in a talking cat in this tale of A Very Fairy Funeral (paper from Oliver Heber Books). I’m looking forward to more mysteries.
July 3, 2025
Cozy and also meh
I liked it. Didn't love it. Won't continue the series. Don't have the hardworking florist kill the millionaire and expect me to WA t her brought to justice. Nah man, eat the rich.
Also the main baddie was introduced super late in the third act that I didn't care about the reveal. Also, there were a few continuity errors, saying a victim died 9 years ago and the saying he died last year.
There weren't any decent clues and everything was figured out randomly. Seemed kinda lazy.
I liked it. Didn't love it. Won't continue the series. Don't have the hardworking florist kill the millionaire and expect me to WA t her brought to justice. Nah man, eat the rich.
Also the main baddie was introduced super late in the third act that I didn't care about the reveal. Also, there were a few continuity errors, saying a victim died 9 years ago and the saying he died last year.
There weren't any decent clues and everything was figured out randomly. Seemed kinda lazy.
January 30, 2025
I have been fortunate enough to be on A.N. Sages Arc team for a while now.
I was very excited to hear she was starting a new series as I loved Orchard Hollow.
I was however a little skeptical that it was going to be too similar and I would get bored but that was not the case!
I adored the idea of a Fairy running a funeral home in a city full of paranormals!
This book is quick, fun, quirky and just over all a good time and would great as a palate cleanser.
I was very excited to hear she was starting a new series as I loved Orchard Hollow.
I was however a little skeptical that it was going to be too similar and I would get bored but that was not the case!
I adored the idea of a Fairy running a funeral home in a city full of paranormals!
This book is quick, fun, quirky and just over all a good time and would great as a palate cleanser.
January 28, 2025
I love cozy mysterious and I need to read them all now. New series and new Character, but close to Orchard Hollow. We have a fairy funeral director, she’s on the run, a we find a secret society of funeral director's lol place me in this timeline please. Can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2025
3.5 stars! I actually really enjoyed this, it was a bit slow to start for me but it picked up and was really fun! I’m interested to see where the romance goes and the bit of a cliffhanger! I really enjoyed the premise and am excited for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
July 22, 2025
This was an adorable cozy mystery. It had suspense and kept me captivated. For a mystery, it's high stakes, but as a fantasy it's low stakes. I loved the escapism, but yearned for more magic and lore. I've read cozy fantasy, but this was my first cozy mystery. I'm ready to pick up the next one, but I think the others set in the same world have a different MC.
January 27, 2025
What a wonderful book, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It is very well written and brilliantly paced, the story is totally captivating, and the characters are delightful. Highly recommended.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
Thank you A.N. Sage, Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for a review.
This cozy fantasy mystery was a quick and cute read. I like that the , as it so often does in other novels.
This cozy fantasy mystery was a quick and cute read. I like that the , as it so often does in other novels.
February 24, 2025
I’m definitely reading every book in this series. I want a Theo right now - I don’t care that I’m allergic. Anyway, I loved the mystery. It’s the perfect intro to a fantasy mystery series without being too in your face about the magic.
April 16, 2025
Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for this complimentary copy.
This was such a easy cozy mystery to read. It was very fun and sweet and it was a needed change up with how loveable this novel was.
This was such a easy cozy mystery to read. It was very fun and sweet and it was a needed change up with how loveable this novel was.
August 7, 2025
Great read. I love this author's books. This is the first book and a new series and I'm enjoying it very much. I look forward to the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
Very cute, cozy romance. This reminded me of a Sookie Stackhouse book, which is a big compliment. Zero spice, but it was a fun story.
February 18, 2025
This book was a great mystery with a fantasy twist! I enjoyed how the author put many different twist in it! An enjoyable read!
February 21, 2025
What a fun novel! Loved the characters and plot, looking forward to the next in the series.
March 21, 2025
Very cute story, I will be reading similar books. Sometimes I just need a light book with a little added humor in my life and this fits the bill.
January 30, 2025
Absolutely loved this book really feel like I was really there ... The author.did am amazing job writing this one ... Really enjoyed it... Highly recommend it too....
Awesome
Awesome
March 21, 2025
I am a little late and just getting to this ARC now. This isn't my typical book pick, it was a good quick read that kept my interest. 🧚♂️
February 6, 2025
I absolutely love the Black Baccaras rose!!! This book was so good I loved it!! I like Lyra so much she's so cool. The storyline was really neat and I love the backstory of fairyland. I cannot wait until the next book!!
May 18, 2025
A Very Fairy Funeral is the first book in Sage's new Mistbrook Manor series. This series brings readers back to Orchard Hollow, the series where I fell in love with the delightful small town filled with a manner of supernatural beings.
In this new series we are introduced to Lyra Moore, a Green Fairy who fled her realm to escape her betrothal to the vicious Shadow Court Prince. She now lives in Orchard Hollow where she does her best to keep a very low profile. She owns and runs Mistbrook Manor Funeral Home. She lives there with Theodore who might appear to be a large, furry gray feline, but is in fact a 327 year old changeling. Between her work with the recently departed, the precocious cat, and the Black Baccaras roses, her pride and joy, that are growing on her property, her days are full. But is she feeling fulfilled?
When a John Doe is delivered to her, something felt off to Lyra. The man was appeared to be well off and was said to have died from a heart attack. When she found a detective Flynn in her place, having let himself in, she became suspicious and stealthily followed him. Doing so led her to discover the Grim Wardens, a secret society of undertakers, who meet in the secret bowels of a mausoleum. The Grim Wardens consist of: Ellie Blackwood and Rosemary Singh from Graceling Heights, Finn O'Malley the morgue director for Holbeck General Hospital, and Mortimer Graves the owner of Coalfell Funeral Home. The four endeavoured to bring peace to families of the departed by solving their unexplained deaths when the police could not.
Lyra was invited to join them in their investigation and while they were quickly able to identify the man, there was more to this particular mystery.
I had a lot of fun reading this paranormal cozy mystery, and appreciated the cameos of some of the beloved characters from the Orchard Hollow series. This story had some unexpected twists and turns, and I love how Sage is laying the foundation for relationships among the characters. I'm excited for the next mystery in this series, and to watch how Lyra's character continues to grow. According to Amazon, it looks like the next one is planned for August this year. I can't wait!
In this new series we are introduced to Lyra Moore, a Green Fairy who fled her realm to escape her betrothal to the vicious Shadow Court Prince. She now lives in Orchard Hollow where she does her best to keep a very low profile. She owns and runs Mistbrook Manor Funeral Home. She lives there with Theodore who might appear to be a large, furry gray feline, but is in fact a 327 year old changeling. Between her work with the recently departed, the precocious cat, and the Black Baccaras roses, her pride and joy, that are growing on her property, her days are full. But is she feeling fulfilled?
When a John Doe is delivered to her, something felt off to Lyra. The man was appeared to be well off and was said to have died from a heart attack. When she found a detective Flynn in her place, having let himself in, she became suspicious and stealthily followed him. Doing so led her to discover the Grim Wardens, a secret society of undertakers, who meet in the secret bowels of a mausoleum. The Grim Wardens consist of: Ellie Blackwood and Rosemary Singh from Graceling Heights, Finn O'Malley the morgue director for Holbeck General Hospital, and Mortimer Graves the owner of Coalfell Funeral Home. The four endeavoured to bring peace to families of the departed by solving their unexplained deaths when the police could not.
Lyra was invited to join them in their investigation and while they were quickly able to identify the man, there was more to this particular mystery.
I had a lot of fun reading this paranormal cozy mystery, and appreciated the cameos of some of the beloved characters from the Orchard Hollow series. This story had some unexpected twists and turns, and I love how Sage is laying the foundation for relationships among the characters. I'm excited for the next mystery in this series, and to watch how Lyra's character continues to grow. According to Amazon, it looks like the next one is planned for August this year. I can't wait!
February 18, 2025
Received as a free arc and all opinions are my own and freely given.
I always love a cozy paranormal mystery and this one has a feisty talking cat! I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It was a very humorous and easy, relaxing read.
I always love a cozy paranormal mystery and this one has a feisty talking cat! I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It was a very humorous and easy, relaxing read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews