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Ghostly Southern Mystery #2
A Ghostly Grave
There's a ghost on the loose—and a fox in the henhouseFour years ago, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home put Chicken Teater in the ground. Now undertaker Emma Lee Raines is digging him back up. The whole scene is bad for business, especially with her granny running for mayor and a big festival setting up in town. But ever since Emma Lee started seeing ghosts, Chicken's been pestering her to figure out who killed him.With her handsome boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, busy getting new forensics on the old corpse, Emma Lee has time to look into her first suspect. Chicken's widow may be a former Miss Kentucky, but the love of his life was another beauty Lady Cluckington, his prize-winning hen. Was Mrs. Teater the jealous type? Chicken seems to think so. Something's definitely rotten in Sleepy Hollow—and Emma Lee just prays it's not her luck.
288 pages, ebook
First published March 31, 2015
223 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
441 books3,677 followersBeloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 14, 2021
A Ghostly Grave by Tonya Kappes
2nd book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Paranormal cozy mystery.
Emma Lee sees ghosts. As a “betweener” it’s up to her to solve their issues so they can move on.
Emma Lee has Chicken Teater exhumed for forensic testing because his ghost is sure he was murdered. Emma Lee and Sheriff Jack Henry investigate.
A humorous sleuthing process of snooping and asking questions with southern style as Emma Lee learns to deal with her 2nd ghost. A bit silly and way improbable but overall amusing.
2nd book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Paranormal cozy mystery.
Emma Lee sees ghosts. As a “betweener” it’s up to her to solve their issues so they can move on.
Emma Lee has Chicken Teater exhumed for forensic testing because his ghost is sure he was murdered. Emma Lee and Sheriff Jack Henry investigate.
A humorous sleuthing process of snooping and asking questions with southern style as Emma Lee learns to deal with her 2nd ghost. A bit silly and way improbable but overall amusing.
February 12, 2020
The previous book, A Ghostly Undertaker, introduced me to the quirky residents of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, and none could be quirkier than Emma Lee Raines who runs the local funeral home with her sister and sees ghosts since she got bopped on the head by a fallen plastic Santa. The ghosts insist she finds their murders and town sheriff, handsome high school crush, Jack Henry, insists she leave the investigating to him meanwhile her granny is stirring things up and the town gossips are having a field day. What's not to like, right?
A Ghostly Grave is book two in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries series and builds on the previous book, but could be read standalone or out of order in a pinch.
Emma Lee Raines buried Colonel 'Chicken' Teater four years ago and when she started seeing ghosts, he was the first ghost to start pestering her to find his murderer. Now, the whole town wonders about his death when Jack Henry orders his body exhumed at Emma Lee's advice that Chicken didn't die naturally. Jack Henry knows she sees ghosts so he knows that her intel is good, but he also tells her to stay out of it now and leave the investigating to him.
Emma Lee can't keep her nose out of it because Chicken won't let her. He insists his beauty queen widow killed him and is more concerned about his prize hen, Lady Cluckington, in the hands of his wife who hated how he loved that hen more than her. Chicken doesn't want to believe it was his wife, but she had strong motive and she has Emma Lee suspicious from the start with her false grief and the way she flirts with any red-blooded man near her including Jack Henry.
Meanwhile, the rival funeral home is taking more of their business and granny decides to run for mayor to oppose the rival funeral director who will make them all miserable if he gets elected. Granny is convinced the man stole her motor scooter and goes on a mission to get it back causing Emma Lee more embarrassment, distraction, and not just a little concern that between her seeing ghosts and her occupation plus a crazy granny, Jack Henry whom she has dreamed about for so long and has looked past her beautiful sister and all the other women to her might just finally decide its too much. He sure won't like the lengths she has gone to in solving Chicken's murder.
This was a crack up just like the first book. The books are not meant to be taken seriously and are more comedy than mystery and just as much cliched small town Southern life and romance. There is a little depth and some underlying serious elements like Emma Lee's relationship with her sister, her loyalty to family and their business, and her concern that justice was done, but just as much amusing antics like the old gossipy women and their new fascination with yoga. Chicken Teater was hilarious when he spouted slightly crude, redneck aphorisms and got upset about his ex wife, the guy at the trailer park crushing on her, and cooed over his pet champion hen. Jack Henry is the straight guy in this comedic group trying to keep peace in the town, solve the crime, and show uncertain Emma Lee that he likes her just the way she is and he thinks she is the most beautiful woman.
The mystery side is not chinzed on and is clever enough to keep you guessing a bit and also deliver a few exciting suspenseful moments among all the amateur fumbling and bumbling of Emma Lee with her ghost guide.
Tiffany Morgan continues to narrate the series. She catches the tone of the books with an exaggerated slow drawl for most of the characters particularly when they are talking to Emma Lee all careful-like thinking she has the 'funeral trauma' (aka caught talking to ghosts). She has a wonderful vocal range for men and women's voices, old and young, and all the emotions with a good sense of comedic timing.
In summary, it was highly entertaining and fun leaving me looking forward to the next ghostly escapades for Emma Lee and the rest of the Sleepy Hollow gang as told by Tiffany Morgan. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with strong paranormal and romance elements should pick these up.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Ghostly Grave is book two in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries series and builds on the previous book, but could be read standalone or out of order in a pinch.
Emma Lee Raines buried Colonel 'Chicken' Teater four years ago and when she started seeing ghosts, he was the first ghost to start pestering her to find his murderer. Now, the whole town wonders about his death when Jack Henry orders his body exhumed at Emma Lee's advice that Chicken didn't die naturally. Jack Henry knows she sees ghosts so he knows that her intel is good, but he also tells her to stay out of it now and leave the investigating to him.
Emma Lee can't keep her nose out of it because Chicken won't let her. He insists his beauty queen widow killed him and is more concerned about his prize hen, Lady Cluckington, in the hands of his wife who hated how he loved that hen more than her. Chicken doesn't want to believe it was his wife, but she had strong motive and she has Emma Lee suspicious from the start with her false grief and the way she flirts with any red-blooded man near her including Jack Henry.
Meanwhile, the rival funeral home is taking more of their business and granny decides to run for mayor to oppose the rival funeral director who will make them all miserable if he gets elected. Granny is convinced the man stole her motor scooter and goes on a mission to get it back causing Emma Lee more embarrassment, distraction, and not just a little concern that between her seeing ghosts and her occupation plus a crazy granny, Jack Henry whom she has dreamed about for so long and has looked past her beautiful sister and all the other women to her might just finally decide its too much. He sure won't like the lengths she has gone to in solving Chicken's murder.
This was a crack up just like the first book. The books are not meant to be taken seriously and are more comedy than mystery and just as much cliched small town Southern life and romance. There is a little depth and some underlying serious elements like Emma Lee's relationship with her sister, her loyalty to family and their business, and her concern that justice was done, but just as much amusing antics like the old gossipy women and their new fascination with yoga. Chicken Teater was hilarious when he spouted slightly crude, redneck aphorisms and got upset about his ex wife, the guy at the trailer park crushing on her, and cooed over his pet champion hen. Jack Henry is the straight guy in this comedic group trying to keep peace in the town, solve the crime, and show uncertain Emma Lee that he likes her just the way she is and he thinks she is the most beautiful woman.
The mystery side is not chinzed on and is clever enough to keep you guessing a bit and also deliver a few exciting suspenseful moments among all the amateur fumbling and bumbling of Emma Lee with her ghost guide.
Tiffany Morgan continues to narrate the series. She catches the tone of the books with an exaggerated slow drawl for most of the characters particularly when they are talking to Emma Lee all careful-like thinking she has the 'funeral trauma' (aka caught talking to ghosts). She has a wonderful vocal range for men and women's voices, old and young, and all the emotions with a good sense of comedic timing.
In summary, it was highly entertaining and fun leaving me looking forward to the next ghostly escapades for Emma Lee and the rest of the Sleepy Hollow gang as told by Tiffany Morgan. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with strong paranormal and romance elements should pick these up.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2015
A Ghostly Grave is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries series, fun, action-packed mysteries that are sure to keep you guessing as we follow along with Emma Lee who's family owns the towns local funeral parlour, she sees the spirits of people who have been murdered, and they have come to her to help them find their killers before they are able to move on into the afterlife.
Focusing on one spirit per book, this time around we have Chicken Teater who died four years ago who's body is exhumed following information Chicken gives Emma Lee in regards to his death, the love of his life was his show winning hen Lady Cluckington, his wife Marla Marie who always played second fiddle to the hen is the main suspect after details come to light of a half a million dollar block of land is discovered belonging to Chicken that Marla Marie wants to get her hands on.
With Emma Lee's boyfriend Sherriff Jack Henry on the case, can they solve the murder before another victim is found dead?
A wonderful series who's books are so engrossing that you'll find yourself reading them in just one sitting.
I look forward to seeing what's next for Emma Lee, Jack Henry and the town of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky.
Focusing on one spirit per book, this time around we have Chicken Teater who died four years ago who's body is exhumed following information Chicken gives Emma Lee in regards to his death, the love of his life was his show winning hen Lady Cluckington, his wife Marla Marie who always played second fiddle to the hen is the main suspect after details come to light of a half a million dollar block of land is discovered belonging to Chicken that Marla Marie wants to get her hands on.
With Emma Lee's boyfriend Sherriff Jack Henry on the case, can they solve the murder before another victim is found dead?
A wonderful series who's books are so engrossing that you'll find yourself reading them in just one sitting.
I look forward to seeing what's next for Emma Lee, Jack Henry and the town of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky.
March 29, 2015
Perfect cozy, laugh out loud, weekend read. I'm happy to see Emma Lee get some personality and I can't wait til things with Jack gets hot and heavy. Her ghostly clients and their wrongful deaths are great, but it's getting in the way of boom boom time.
November 20, 2018
It's impossible to give any less than 5 stars as Tonya never disappoints. The author's fun-loving personality reflects in her characters, making this series light-hearted and crazy fun. I am partial to Granny and the way everyone respects her ways even if they are not exactly law-abiding. Reading this series is pure joy.
March 23, 2015
I received this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Emma's adventures in helping murdered victims solve their mystery continue in the Tonya Kappes' A Ghostly Grave. This time she helps the ghost of a man named Chicken--yes, Chicken--and was the first ghost she actually say after her accident. Chicken claims he was murdered and he thinks his wife did it.
Chicken was quite the character too! Not only is his name a laugh riot, but he was a pretty funny guy. I don't know what his real name was, just that it Colonel C. Teater and everyone called him Chicken! His prized "possession" or pride and joy, was his prize winning chicken Lady Cluckington. There are actual chicken competitions and Lady C. won them quite a lot!
Emma dives into the case once again at the ghost's behest. And starts to get closer and closer to the murderer before she even realizes it! Her beau, Sheriff Jack is there too, but not necessarily side by side. In fact, the two only had a handful of moments together, more than one date was canceled. I can't really tell if they're supposed to be a couple or not anymore, despite it having been a few months since the events of the first book. Which is odd, since Chicken popped up at the end asking for help.
Chicken actually died four years ago, but somehow Emma convinces Jack to look into the matter by digging up the body and performing the autopsy.
I don't know why exactly, but I couldn't really get into this one, just like with the first. There are redeeming qualities. Emma is a sassy little funeral home director and her playing crazy with "funeral trauma" when talking to ghosts in public is pretty comical, but yet, I always find myself a little detached from the story. It's still a decent read. I like the mystery elements and the added ghostly encounter. Perhaps, I was expecting more "ghostly business" from this series then from what I've seen so far.
And I feel like yet again, another issue gets left unresolved. There was a break-in at Emma and her sister's funeral home and after reflecting on it...I don't think there was ever a who-dun-it to it. I mean, I think I can say it was our murderer, but I don't think there was a why to it.
Overall, it was another so-so kind of read. There's nothing horrendous to the story, but again, there's nothing fantastic to it either. I always feel left with a few more questions at the end of these, this time I have a few more that have nothing to do with the murder itself, but other characters and what was going on with them. It's still a fun little mystery with the added touch of paranormal to it!
Overall Rating 3/5 stars
A Ghostly Grave releases March 31, 2015
Emma's adventures in helping murdered victims solve their mystery continue in the Tonya Kappes' A Ghostly Grave. This time she helps the ghost of a man named Chicken--yes, Chicken--and was the first ghost she actually say after her accident. Chicken claims he was murdered and he thinks his wife did it.
Chicken was quite the character too! Not only is his name a laugh riot, but he was a pretty funny guy. I don't know what his real name was, just that it Colonel C. Teater and everyone called him Chicken! His prized "possession" or pride and joy, was his prize winning chicken Lady Cluckington. There are actual chicken competitions and Lady C. won them quite a lot!
Emma dives into the case once again at the ghost's behest. And starts to get closer and closer to the murderer before she even realizes it! Her beau, Sheriff Jack is there too, but not necessarily side by side. In fact, the two only had a handful of moments together, more than one date was canceled. I can't really tell if they're supposed to be a couple or not anymore, despite it having been a few months since the events of the first book. Which is odd, since Chicken popped up at the end asking for help.
Chicken actually died four years ago, but somehow Emma convinces Jack to look into the matter by digging up the body and performing the autopsy.
I don't know why exactly, but I couldn't really get into this one, just like with the first. There are redeeming qualities. Emma is a sassy little funeral home director and her playing crazy with "funeral trauma" when talking to ghosts in public is pretty comical, but yet, I always find myself a little detached from the story. It's still a decent read. I like the mystery elements and the added ghostly encounter. Perhaps, I was expecting more "ghostly business" from this series then from what I've seen so far.
And I feel like yet again, another issue gets left unresolved. There was a break-in at Emma and her sister's funeral home and after reflecting on it...I don't think there was ever a who-dun-it to it. I mean, I think I can say it was our murderer, but I don't think there was a why to it.
Overall, it was another so-so kind of read. There's nothing horrendous to the story, but again, there's nothing fantastic to it either. I always feel left with a few more questions at the end of these, this time I have a few more that have nothing to do with the murder itself, but other characters and what was going on with them. It's still a fun little mystery with the added touch of paranormal to it!
Overall Rating 3/5 stars
A Ghostly Grave releases March 31, 2015
March 5, 2015
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My Englisg review
After a good time with the first book, I was curious to see what the author would introduce with her second volume. But I must say that once again we have a story full of humor, incredible characters and of course a new survey all accompanied by another ghost.
As I said, Emma finds herself haunted by a new ghost but unlike Ruthie, Chicken was buried 4 years ago. But thanks to her relations with the police, Jack exhumes the body to determine whether the man actually killed or not. While her boyfriend makes every effort to prevent her to investigate this new case, Emma remains determined to find the culprit. Who else but his wife could be the ideal culprit? Especially when we know that she was jealous of the award winning Chicken’s hen. Oh yes, and we can understand it because he literally idolized the animal and brought her to the forefront whatever happens. An unpleasant situation for his young wife I must say. I admit that I loved the conversations of the ghost about his favorite chicken! It’s pretty impressive to see what he was willing to do for her. You can imagine that it’s not common to see something like that! Besides, he had a Cadillac used only to transport his favorite animal. Yeah! Really!
It’s not all because Emma’s grandmother, this really wacky woman decides that it is time to concur as mayor of the city. We will also see the evolution of the relationship between Jack and the young woman, which is not so easy regarding the situations where we find Emma each time. I must say that to discover the culprit, the young woman does not hesitate to act, and even to completely change her appearance. Yep, we can see her blonde, seeing her attend a Miss contest and even singing! It makes you curious is not it? Especially when we know that she is far from that all. As for the murderer elsewhere, I quickly realized about his identity, perhaps because he stood out from the other characters but it’s true that I was curious to discover the reason behind this gesture.
In any case I had a great time with this new story and I’m curious to read more again for a new adventure for our funeral employee.
Mon avis en Français
My Englisg review
After a good time with the first book, I was curious to see what the author would introduce with her second volume. But I must say that once again we have a story full of humor, incredible characters and of course a new survey all accompanied by another ghost.
As I said, Emma finds herself haunted by a new ghost but unlike Ruthie, Chicken was buried 4 years ago. But thanks to her relations with the police, Jack exhumes the body to determine whether the man actually killed or not. While her boyfriend makes every effort to prevent her to investigate this new case, Emma remains determined to find the culprit. Who else but his wife could be the ideal culprit? Especially when we know that she was jealous of the award winning Chicken’s hen. Oh yes, and we can understand it because he literally idolized the animal and brought her to the forefront whatever happens. An unpleasant situation for his young wife I must say. I admit that I loved the conversations of the ghost about his favorite chicken! It’s pretty impressive to see what he was willing to do for her. You can imagine that it’s not common to see something like that! Besides, he had a Cadillac used only to transport his favorite animal. Yeah! Really!
It’s not all because Emma’s grandmother, this really wacky woman decides that it is time to concur as mayor of the city. We will also see the evolution of the relationship between Jack and the young woman, which is not so easy regarding the situations where we find Emma each time. I must say that to discover the culprit, the young woman does not hesitate to act, and even to completely change her appearance. Yep, we can see her blonde, seeing her attend a Miss contest and even singing! It makes you curious is not it? Especially when we know that she is far from that all. As for the murderer elsewhere, I quickly realized about his identity, perhaps because he stood out from the other characters but it’s true that I was curious to discover the reason behind this gesture.
In any case I had a great time with this new story and I’m curious to read more again for a new adventure for our funeral employee.
February 24, 2015
This was a book that started slowly for me. The characters were truly off the wall and even a bit too quirky for my quirky taste. I was not sure if it was going to be a combination of reality tv and the old rural sitcoms of the 1960's. I like to give books a good chance so I stuck with it.
I am so glad that I did. Once I got used to some of the characters who flit around our heroine and I settled into the Inbetweeners idea of her helping ghosts who have been murdered find the killer and move on, I truly enjoyed the book.
The mystery and murder were almost secondary to the antics of the locals especially Granny. However, as the story progressed and the characters jarred less, it turned into a cute, entertaining book.
I even read the excerpt for the upcoming book as I found I wanted to follow the story further.
This is not War and Peace but if you are looking for a very light easy read, this one may be for you.
I am so glad that I did. Once I got used to some of the characters who flit around our heroine and I settled into the Inbetweeners idea of her helping ghosts who have been murdered find the killer and move on, I truly enjoyed the book.
The mystery and murder were almost secondary to the antics of the locals especially Granny. However, as the story progressed and the characters jarred less, it turned into a cute, entertaining book.
I even read the excerpt for the upcoming book as I found I wanted to follow the story further.
This is not War and Peace but if you are looking for a very light easy read, this one may be for you.
May 9, 2015
I actually enjoyed this one more than book 1 (love when that happens.) It was just such an easy book to read, suddenly I was on page 150 (love that.) Just so fun to read.
Emma is still suffering from her funeral trauma (she sees ghost and have to help them.) The townies still gossip about her and thinks she is crazy. And then there are the mean gossips, ugh, hate those. Those that try to destroy her business. But Emma is cool. She helps her ghost, investigates, and tries not to throw things at certain people.
The romance with Jack is going, just not really happening. Dang that murder investigation of his getting into way. But then slow is good.
What we then have is him investigation a murder, and her investigation the same. Her grandma is up to her usual business. The gossips are around and something is going on.
A fun cozy mystery.
Emma is still suffering from her funeral trauma (she sees ghost and have to help them.) The townies still gossip about her and thinks she is crazy. And then there are the mean gossips, ugh, hate those. Those that try to destroy her business. But Emma is cool. She helps her ghost, investigates, and tries not to throw things at certain people.
The romance with Jack is going, just not really happening. Dang that murder investigation of his getting into way. But then slow is good.
What we then have is him investigation a murder, and her investigation the same. Her grandma is up to her usual business. The gossips are around and something is going on.
A fun cozy mystery.
November 22, 2025
Emma Lee sees dead people, and not just because she is the undertaker for Eternal Slumber Funeral Home; they come back to haunt her until she solves their untimely deaths.
“Chicken” Teater's ghost is all up in Emma Lee's face trying to force Emma Lee to find his killer.
With the help of boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry, and not so much help from her eccentric grandma, Emma Lee tries to uncover the clues before she becomes the target of the killer.
A Ghostly Grave is funny, flirtatious and filled with southern charm. A wonderfully enchanting mystery, with a highly entertaining cast.
I received this ARC copy of A Ghostly Grave from HarperCollins - Witness in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication March 31, 2015.
“Chicken” Teater's ghost is all up in Emma Lee's face trying to force Emma Lee to find his killer.
With the help of boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry, and not so much help from her eccentric grandma, Emma Lee tries to uncover the clues before she becomes the target of the killer.
A Ghostly Grave is funny, flirtatious and filled with southern charm. A wonderfully enchanting mystery, with a highly entertaining cast.
I received this ARC copy of A Ghostly Grave from HarperCollins - Witness in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication March 31, 2015.
August 15, 2018
Not sure what it is exactly about this series so far that has me utterly addicted and devoted to it, but it keeps getting better and better.
Maybe it's the crazy, funny names.
Like Chicken Teater who I always wanted to pronounce as Chicken TATER.
Who, by the way, was entirely devoted to his prize hen, Lady Clockington.
And who, also, thought of his dear chicken-sorry, hen- much like this little boy thinks of chickens.
Which left ladies like Marla Maria totally jealous. Which meant the unfortunate circumstance of her tongue-twisting name was the least of her worries.
Or how utterly humorous and exaggerated the people and scenarios of the townspeople in Kentucky have to endure.
Because if you thought it was the fact there was a killer on the loose, you'd be sorely mistaken. Not when there is sweet Granny, Zula Raines Payne, acquainted with her new-to-her moped.
Ain't nobody going to be stopping Granny Zula. Not if they want to live the rest of their lives with one eye open 24/7.
It's all rather exciting and addicting. I'll probably just binge the four books I own of this series this week because I just can't get enough of Emma Lee and her "funeral trauma."
Now if you please. Mama's hungry for some fried chicken.
Maybe it's the crazy, funny names.
Like Chicken Teater who I always wanted to pronounce as Chicken TATER.
Who, by the way, was entirely devoted to his prize hen, Lady Clockington.
And who, also, thought of his dear chicken-sorry, hen- much like this little boy thinks of chickens.
Which left ladies like Marla Maria totally jealous. Which meant the unfortunate circumstance of her tongue-twisting name was the least of her worries.
Or how utterly humorous and exaggerated the people and scenarios of the townspeople in Kentucky have to endure.
Because if you thought it was the fact there was a killer on the loose, you'd be sorely mistaken. Not when there is sweet Granny, Zula Raines Payne, acquainted with her new-to-her moped.
Ain't nobody going to be stopping Granny Zula. Not if they want to live the rest of their lives with one eye open 24/7.
It's all rather exciting and addicting. I'll probably just binge the four books I own of this series this week because I just can't get enough of Emma Lee and her "funeral trauma."
Now if you please. Mama's hungry for some fried chicken.
September 18, 2021
These books are perfect for a quick mystery read and I love the small crazy town of Sleepy Hollow. I found this book to be just as funny and witty as the fir st one. I love Jack Henry and Emma Lee together and hope for a continuation of their relationship in the next stories.
July 4, 2025
I didn’t care for this story as much as the first one. But I like the writing enough to go onto the next one in the series.
March 22, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
A Ghostly Grave is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries. The story picks up shortly after A Ghostly Undertaking ends. While it would be helpful to have read A Grave Undertaking before A Ghostly Gave, you do not have to. There is enough details in this story to not read book 1. The story is about Emma Lee Raines. She is a Betweener medium, who can see ghosts of people who have been murdered, and they seek her out to find their murderers.
The story picks up with the exhumation of Colonel “Chicken” Teater’s body by Emma Lee at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and her boyfriend and town sheriff John Henry. Emma Lee has seen Chicken and he told her he was murdered. Emma Lee and John Henry are going to find out who murdered him.
The book was a quick read. I was engrossed in the story and finished it about 3 hours. The story was funny. How can it not be funny when you have a former beauty pageant winner and a man who has an abnormal love for his prize chicken, Lady Cluckington! Add in outlandish behavior from Granny Zula, drama from the Ladies Auxiliary, dripping spray on hair, and a bad makeover, and you have some funny stuff.
Yet through all the humor, I still don’t know who Emma Lee is. In the last book, I didn’t get to know her and I was hoping I would learn more about her or who she is evolving to be. Yes, she is a funeral director and a Betweener. She isn’t as pretty as her sister according to everyone, including herself. Everyone else thinks she’s crazy with “funeral trauma” because of getting hit in the head by Santa. With all this craziness happening to her, you would think she would evolve, grow as a person. I saw glimpses of it in this book. I hope to see more in the next. Maybe this book isn’t about her growth as a person. It’s just a funny paranormal mystery book. I think if we saw who Emma Lee was and who she is to become, it would give it a 5 star quality.
A Ghostly Undertaking
A Ghostly Grave is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries. The story picks up shortly after A Ghostly Undertaking ends. While it would be helpful to have read A Grave Undertaking before A Ghostly Gave, you do not have to. There is enough details in this story to not read book 1. The story is about Emma Lee Raines. She is a Betweener medium, who can see ghosts of people who have been murdered, and they seek her out to find their murderers.
The story picks up with the exhumation of Colonel “Chicken” Teater’s body by Emma Lee at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and her boyfriend and town sheriff John Henry. Emma Lee has seen Chicken and he told her he was murdered. Emma Lee and John Henry are going to find out who murdered him.
The book was a quick read. I was engrossed in the story and finished it about 3 hours. The story was funny. How can it not be funny when you have a former beauty pageant winner and a man who has an abnormal love for his prize chicken, Lady Cluckington! Add in outlandish behavior from Granny Zula, drama from the Ladies Auxiliary, dripping spray on hair, and a bad makeover, and you have some funny stuff.
Yet through all the humor, I still don’t know who Emma Lee is. In the last book, I didn’t get to know her and I was hoping I would learn more about her or who she is evolving to be. Yes, she is a funeral director and a Betweener. She isn’t as pretty as her sister according to everyone, including herself. Everyone else thinks she’s crazy with “funeral trauma” because of getting hit in the head by Santa. With all this craziness happening to her, you would think she would evolve, grow as a person. I saw glimpses of it in this book. I hope to see more in the next. Maybe this book isn’t about her growth as a person. It’s just a funny paranormal mystery book. I think if we saw who Emma Lee was and who she is to become, it would give it a 5 star quality.
A Ghostly Undertaking
December 22, 2014
Review of "A ghostly grave" by Tonya Kappes
*** I was provided a digital review copy of this item by the publisher, all opinions contained in this review are my own honest opinions***
Having read the first book in this series "A ghostly undertaking" I was thrilled when I was approved for a digital review copy of this book. I can honestly say that this is the best new mystery series I have read in quite some time.
Emma Lee Raines, a 20-something funeral director, has the ability to see and interact with the ghosts of murdered people. As a "betweener" medium she can help the ghosts move on by solving their murder. Chicken Teater died four years ago and was buried by the Eternal Slumber funeral home, now run by Emma Lee and her sister Charlotte. But Chicken is not resting in peace, he claims he was murdered so Emma Lee is back in investigative action, exhuming the body causes quite a ruckus but she is determined to get to the truth, not just for Chicken's sake but so she cane finally spend some ghost-free time with her beau, sheriff Jack Henry.
This small town mystery series just keeps getting better! It mixes character and Southern charm with engaging storylines and wonderful characters. Emma Lee's grandmother Zula Fae is back and causing more trouble with her motorised scooter and campaign to be elected mayor. Chicken Teater's widow, Marla Maria is a former beauty pageant queen who resented her husband's obsession with his prized Spangled Russian Orloff hen, Lady Cluckington and had dreams of running a studio to train pageant contestants is the number one suspect. Throw into the mix the yoga obsessed Ladies Auxiliary, a mystery moped thief and Emma Lee's beauty pageant debut and you have a greatly enjoyable cozy mystery.
Emma Lee is an engaging heroine who often acts before thinking and never hesitates to chase down clues or suspects. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, I have already added it to my "want to read" list, from the sample chapter it looks to be an interesting story.
Highly recommend for mystery lovers!!
*** I was provided a digital review copy of this item by the publisher, all opinions contained in this review are my own honest opinions***
Having read the first book in this series "A ghostly undertaking" I was thrilled when I was approved for a digital review copy of this book. I can honestly say that this is the best new mystery series I have read in quite some time.
Emma Lee Raines, a 20-something funeral director, has the ability to see and interact with the ghosts of murdered people. As a "betweener" medium she can help the ghosts move on by solving their murder. Chicken Teater died four years ago and was buried by the Eternal Slumber funeral home, now run by Emma Lee and her sister Charlotte. But Chicken is not resting in peace, he claims he was murdered so Emma Lee is back in investigative action, exhuming the body causes quite a ruckus but she is determined to get to the truth, not just for Chicken's sake but so she cane finally spend some ghost-free time with her beau, sheriff Jack Henry.
This small town mystery series just keeps getting better! It mixes character and Southern charm with engaging storylines and wonderful characters. Emma Lee's grandmother Zula Fae is back and causing more trouble with her motorised scooter and campaign to be elected mayor. Chicken Teater's widow, Marla Maria is a former beauty pageant queen who resented her husband's obsession with his prized Spangled Russian Orloff hen, Lady Cluckington and had dreams of running a studio to train pageant contestants is the number one suspect. Throw into the mix the yoga obsessed Ladies Auxiliary, a mystery moped thief and Emma Lee's beauty pageant debut and you have a greatly enjoyable cozy mystery.
Emma Lee is an engaging heroine who often acts before thinking and never hesitates to chase down clues or suspects. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, I have already added it to my "want to read" list, from the sample chapter it looks to be an interesting story.
Highly recommend for mystery lovers!!
March 30, 2015
I have enjoyed Tonya Kappes work with her Magical Cure Mystery series and again with the Ghostly Southern Mysteries. The first book, A Ghostly Undertaking was a 4 star read for me, so I was excited to see where the story would take us with book 2.
Emma Lee is back, but now she knows what her "Funeral Trauma" really is. She is a Betweener. In other words, Emma has the ability to see and speak with those who have been killed or died prematurely, but not yet had closure. Now that she has figured out what she is and what her abilities are, Chicken Teater, the very first ghost she saw after waking up from being knocked unconscious by a plastic Santa and causing the whole Funeral Trauma diagnosis, is back for her assistance in finding out who killed him.
This book continues the distinctive characters that I enjoyed in the first book. Granny is back and has upped her antics to all new levels. Emma Lee is beginning to break out of the shell she has been in, and she is evolving into quite the character. I enjoy a book that allows me to laugh at and with the characters as they get into some mad cap predicaments. I would have liked to see more development between Emma Lee and John Henry, it felt like we didn't see him as much in this book. This was a solid 3 star read.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Witness publishing for the opportunity to read and review the book.
Emma Lee is back, but now she knows what her "Funeral Trauma" really is. She is a Betweener. In other words, Emma has the ability to see and speak with those who have been killed or died prematurely, but not yet had closure. Now that she has figured out what she is and what her abilities are, Chicken Teater, the very first ghost she saw after waking up from being knocked unconscious by a plastic Santa and causing the whole Funeral Trauma diagnosis, is back for her assistance in finding out who killed him.
This book continues the distinctive characters that I enjoyed in the first book. Granny is back and has upped her antics to all new levels. Emma Lee is beginning to break out of the shell she has been in, and she is evolving into quite the character. I enjoy a book that allows me to laugh at and with the characters as they get into some mad cap predicaments. I would have liked to see more development between Emma Lee and John Henry, it felt like we didn't see him as much in this book. This was a solid 3 star read.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Witness publishing for the opportunity to read and review the book.
March 28, 2015
This is such a fun and suspense filled mystery. Kappes kept me guessing and surprised me at every turn. I just love Emma and Henry and can't wait to follow them on their next adventure. It's not very often I can find not only a series, but an author I can share with my daughter. Kappes writing is for all ages and I would encourage you to share with your younger readers. A great adventure to share with your children.
December 2, 2014
These are wonderful cozy mysteries in this series. This is book two. Emma Lee is back at the funeral parlor and helping Teater find out who murdered him. As she supplies clues to her boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry, granny decides to run for mayor of this crazy, small southern town. Can't wait for book three.
March 11, 2019
Just think, this all started because of Santa Claus.
Emma Lee Raines became a Betweener medium after being conked in the head by a Santa Claus decoration in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky. She sees the ghosts of people that have been murdered. Apparently, her first ghost, Ruthie Sue Payne is spreading the word in the afterlife and Chicken Teater now needs her help. Unfortunately, Chicken passed four years previously and must be exhumed to prove that he was poisoned rather than succumbing to pneumonia.
This is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries. The townspeople of Sleepy Hollow are a hoot! Emma Lee and her sister Charlotte Rae take care of the day to day running of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home for their grandmother, Zula Fae Raines Payne. Yes, I'm from the South and the double names started to get a bit tiring. The competing funeral home tries to steal business from the girls by stating that they have never exhumed a body.
Chicken's main concern is his Spangled Russian Orloff Hen, Lady Cluckington. He fears that his wife is not taking the proper care of her and preparing her for the upcoming fair.
Emma Lee gets caught up in a beauty pageant to promote Chicken's wife's new enterprise.
Lots of funny situations as Emma Lee tries to find Chicken's murderer. I had figured it out but it is no way distracted from the enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to the next book.
Emma Lee Raines became a Betweener medium after being conked in the head by a Santa Claus decoration in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky. She sees the ghosts of people that have been murdered. Apparently, her first ghost, Ruthie Sue Payne is spreading the word in the afterlife and Chicken Teater now needs her help. Unfortunately, Chicken passed four years previously and must be exhumed to prove that he was poisoned rather than succumbing to pneumonia.
This is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries. The townspeople of Sleepy Hollow are a hoot! Emma Lee and her sister Charlotte Rae take care of the day to day running of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home for their grandmother, Zula Fae Raines Payne. Yes, I'm from the South and the double names started to get a bit tiring. The competing funeral home tries to steal business from the girls by stating that they have never exhumed a body.
Chicken's main concern is his Spangled Russian Orloff Hen, Lady Cluckington. He fears that his wife is not taking the proper care of her and preparing her for the upcoming fair.
Emma Lee gets caught up in a beauty pageant to promote Chicken's wife's new enterprise.
Lots of funny situations as Emma Lee tries to find Chicken's murderer. I had figured it out but it is no way distracted from the enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to the next book.
July 23, 2021
This is the second book in the Ghostly Southern Mysteries Series and I am loving this series so far. The book continues to follow Emma, the undertaker for Eternal Slumber Funeral Home, as she digs up Chicken Teater due to new evidence that points to murder. This is a "who done it" that you don't figure out until the very end. A fun cozy mystery that definitely had me laughing. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
May 3, 2021
Uniquely southern characters wrought with southern humor make this a fun book to read. Intriguing plot with the added bonus of annoying ghosts who are making the town think that Emma is crazy ramps up the humor. I am enjoying listening to the audio version of this series and giggling my way through them.
October 30, 2021
An entertaining and quick read. Emma Lee Is getting a handle on this ghost thing and is quickly entrenched in the case of Chicken Teater’s murder much to Sheriff Jack Henry’s chagrin. Chicken Teater is a handful and quite honestly it isn’t hard to imagine his wife having motive to murder him! I am enjoying this series and will continue to check it out moving forward!
June 21, 2017
I love this series!!!!
December 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and the mystery. I had no idea whodunnit and was surprised by the ending. I love that this series is hilarious and the characters are seriously quirky.
March 14, 2015
*3.5 Rating
Review Posted on Reading Lark 3/14/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Visiting with Emma Lee Raines in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky is a pleasant way to pass a rainy day. I have come to look forward to my moments spent in this quirky southern town full of memorable characters. In the first novel, readers learn that poor Emma Lee is the talk of the town due to the Funeral Trauma. Fate had her standing near the deli when a large, plastic Santa fell off the roof and knocked her out cold. Since then Emma has been able to see the dearly departed. She soon realizes that this is not just crazy stemming from her bump on the head, but rather, she is a Betweener and her job is to help souls cross into the great beyond. Sadly, the ghosts who make their way to Emma have all met their unfortunate end through nefarious means. Emma's open line of communication with the dead makes her an asset to her handsome boyfriend, Jack Henry Ross, the local sheriff.
In this installment, Emma Lee is racing to find out who killed Colonel Chicken Teater. Could it be his beauty queen wife who wants his money now that it's no longer of use to him? What about the handsome, young neighbor who seems to watch every move of Chicken's widow? As Chicken continues to appear to Emma Lee, she knows that her only chance of peace will come once Chicken has flown to that great barnyard in the sky.
I love the small town drama in this series. The characters are rich and vibrant. Their small town squabbles often leave me giggling. I also love the southern flair that is attached to their actions and dialogue. There were moments when I had to laugh out loud while reading. The humor is one of the dominant strengths of this series. It keeps me coming back for more. I love the town of Sleepy Hollow and highly recommend you give it a visit if you're up for a quick, paranormal read.
I was slightly disappointed by the "whodunnit" element in this one. I felt like the author tried to hard to lead me towards the wrong killer that it made the real one come to light much faster than it should have. I enjoy the game of piecing together clues, but this one didn't allow for that. I still enjoyed the novel, but I felt like the story could have been tighter. Another example of this is the repetition. Characters would have a conversation about something and then chapters later have almost the same conversation. I suppose I would like to see these more tightly edited. Again, this is an ARC, so that issue may be moot in the finished version.
This series is perfect when I want something quick and fun to read. It never ceases to bring a smile to my face. As a side note, you should prepare yourself for sweet tea cravings whenever diving into Emma Lee's world.
One Last Gripe: I was frustrated that there was very little of Emma Lee and Jack Henry together in this one. They were both doing their own thing in this novel so their relationship took a backseat.
Favorite Thing About This Book: I love Emma Lee's gumption.
First Sentence: Just think, this all started because of Santa Claus.
Favorite Character: Emma Lee
Least Favorite Character: Marla Maria (Her name amongst other things drove me nuts!)
Review Posted on Reading Lark 3/14/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Visiting with Emma Lee Raines in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky is a pleasant way to pass a rainy day. I have come to look forward to my moments spent in this quirky southern town full of memorable characters. In the first novel, readers learn that poor Emma Lee is the talk of the town due to the Funeral Trauma. Fate had her standing near the deli when a large, plastic Santa fell off the roof and knocked her out cold. Since then Emma has been able to see the dearly departed. She soon realizes that this is not just crazy stemming from her bump on the head, but rather, she is a Betweener and her job is to help souls cross into the great beyond. Sadly, the ghosts who make their way to Emma have all met their unfortunate end through nefarious means. Emma's open line of communication with the dead makes her an asset to her handsome boyfriend, Jack Henry Ross, the local sheriff.
In this installment, Emma Lee is racing to find out who killed Colonel Chicken Teater. Could it be his beauty queen wife who wants his money now that it's no longer of use to him? What about the handsome, young neighbor who seems to watch every move of Chicken's widow? As Chicken continues to appear to Emma Lee, she knows that her only chance of peace will come once Chicken has flown to that great barnyard in the sky.
I love the small town drama in this series. The characters are rich and vibrant. Their small town squabbles often leave me giggling. I also love the southern flair that is attached to their actions and dialogue. There were moments when I had to laugh out loud while reading. The humor is one of the dominant strengths of this series. It keeps me coming back for more. I love the town of Sleepy Hollow and highly recommend you give it a visit if you're up for a quick, paranormal read.
I was slightly disappointed by the "whodunnit" element in this one. I felt like the author tried to hard to lead me towards the wrong killer that it made the real one come to light much faster than it should have. I enjoy the game of piecing together clues, but this one didn't allow for that. I still enjoyed the novel, but I felt like the story could have been tighter. Another example of this is the repetition. Characters would have a conversation about something and then chapters later have almost the same conversation. I suppose I would like to see these more tightly edited. Again, this is an ARC, so that issue may be moot in the finished version.
This series is perfect when I want something quick and fun to read. It never ceases to bring a smile to my face. As a side note, you should prepare yourself for sweet tea cravings whenever diving into Emma Lee's world.
One Last Gripe: I was frustrated that there was very little of Emma Lee and Jack Henry together in this one. They were both doing their own thing in this novel so their relationship took a backseat.
Favorite Thing About This Book: I love Emma Lee's gumption.
First Sentence: Just think, this all started because of Santa Claus.
Favorite Character: Emma Lee
Least Favorite Character: Marla Maria (Her name amongst other things drove me nuts!)
March 17, 2015
This is the second book in The Ghostly Southern Mysteries Series and is just as fun as the first book.
Emma first began seeing ghosts when a plastic Santa fell off the roof of Artie’s deli and meat the and knocked her out cold. When she came to in the hospital Chicken Teater was there. That couldn’t be as his body had been seen to at her very own funeral home, Eternal Slumber, and she’d seen him buried.
Everyone in town saw her talking to a ghost and just scratched it off as crazy Emma and her ‘funeral trauma, kind of like PTSD.
Emma soon learns it’s not just hallucinations and is caught up in the murder of Ruthie, her grandma’s nemesis. That placed Zula Fae right in the crosshairs of sexy Sheriff Jack Henry, Emma’s school crush. Emma, with the help of Ruthie’s ghost, sticks her pretty little nose into the investigation as more people are attacked.
That first ghostly case lands her where she is now. When Ruthie Sue finally moved on to wherever ghosts go, she started telling other ghosts that hadn’t moved on about Emma’s gift as a Betweener medium. She can see and here the ghosts of murdered people that are stuck and can’t move on. Just what Emma needs. She helped solve Ruthie Sue’s murder and now she’s sending her clients from the beyond.
So now she stands by the grave of Chicken Teater, local chicken farmer, as his casket is being exhumed.
Her list of suspects is vast as pretty much the whole town is gawking behind the police tape.
Could it be Chicken’s widow, Marla Maria, the beauty queen? Could it be she was jealous of the competition from Mrs. Cluckington, Chicken’s prize winning hen? As Emma looks at all of the faces, she has her work cut out for her.
The Kentucky Cave Festival is gearing up to begin and Emma wants to get this case wrapped up faster than you can say Bees on a Bicycle.
I think it’s sweet how one glimpse into Jack Henry’s eyes can make the butterflies flutter in Emma’s stomach. She’s smitten and so is he. These too are so cute together.
There’s no lacking in colorful, quirky characters and the fun and mystery just keeps on rolling. Feathers fly as Emma leaves no tomb stone unturned to get to the bottom of it.
You don’t have to read the first book to dip your toes into this one, but I’d say grab the first book too and get twice the fun from the beginning.
I received this book for my honest review.
Emma first began seeing ghosts when a plastic Santa fell off the roof of Artie’s deli and meat the and knocked her out cold. When she came to in the hospital Chicken Teater was there. That couldn’t be as his body had been seen to at her very own funeral home, Eternal Slumber, and she’d seen him buried.
Everyone in town saw her talking to a ghost and just scratched it off as crazy Emma and her ‘funeral trauma, kind of like PTSD.
Emma soon learns it’s not just hallucinations and is caught up in the murder of Ruthie, her grandma’s nemesis. That placed Zula Fae right in the crosshairs of sexy Sheriff Jack Henry, Emma’s school crush. Emma, with the help of Ruthie’s ghost, sticks her pretty little nose into the investigation as more people are attacked.
That first ghostly case lands her where she is now. When Ruthie Sue finally moved on to wherever ghosts go, she started telling other ghosts that hadn’t moved on about Emma’s gift as a Betweener medium. She can see and here the ghosts of murdered people that are stuck and can’t move on. Just what Emma needs. She helped solve Ruthie Sue’s murder and now she’s sending her clients from the beyond.
So now she stands by the grave of Chicken Teater, local chicken farmer, as his casket is being exhumed.
Her list of suspects is vast as pretty much the whole town is gawking behind the police tape.
Could it be Chicken’s widow, Marla Maria, the beauty queen? Could it be she was jealous of the competition from Mrs. Cluckington, Chicken’s prize winning hen? As Emma looks at all of the faces, she has her work cut out for her.
The Kentucky Cave Festival is gearing up to begin and Emma wants to get this case wrapped up faster than you can say Bees on a Bicycle.
I think it’s sweet how one glimpse into Jack Henry’s eyes can make the butterflies flutter in Emma’s stomach. She’s smitten and so is he. These too are so cute together.
There’s no lacking in colorful, quirky characters and the fun and mystery just keeps on rolling. Feathers fly as Emma leaves no tomb stone unturned to get to the bottom of it.
You don’t have to read the first book to dip your toes into this one, but I’d say grab the first book too and get twice the fun from the beginning.
I received this book for my honest review.
March 31, 2015
i must say i was eager to once more inhabit the small town of sleepy hollow, kentucky after reading tanya kappes' first book in this series. small town quirk is a favorite of mine, being a small town girl myself. nothing beats the intimacy and infringement of such a close knit community and i was once again able to love and hate the quirks that this sleepy town provides. and thanks to literati author services i was afforded the opportunity to once more dive into the words of tonya kappes.
a ghostly grave picks up where a ghostly undertaking left off, the now unexplained demise of one chicken teater. as the name clearly draws a chuckle, it should be no surprise that tonya kappes had created another lighthearted murder mystery. unexpected hijinks and pesky ghosts once more led emma lee into a world of mishaps as she tries to unravel the subversive plot that has harangued a restless ghost to beg for her services in being able to cross over.
i don't want to give too much of the plot away, as the twists and turns are what hold you captive until the end. this second in the series by tonya kappes was just as enjoyable and effortless read. my only complaint would be that i was hoping to delve more into the dynamics of emma lee and her sister charlotte rae, but i am hopeful that some story line in the future of this series will provide such an opportunity.
if you are looking for something light, breezy, and just the right side of intriguing then i would recommend you dive into tony kappes small town of sleepy hollow.
as always, these thoughts are my opinions based on my preferences as a reader.
a ghostly grave picks up where a ghostly undertaking left off, the now unexplained demise of one chicken teater. as the name clearly draws a chuckle, it should be no surprise that tonya kappes had created another lighthearted murder mystery. unexpected hijinks and pesky ghosts once more led emma lee into a world of mishaps as she tries to unravel the subversive plot that has harangued a restless ghost to beg for her services in being able to cross over.
i don't want to give too much of the plot away, as the twists and turns are what hold you captive until the end. this second in the series by tonya kappes was just as enjoyable and effortless read. my only complaint would be that i was hoping to delve more into the dynamics of emma lee and her sister charlotte rae, but i am hopeful that some story line in the future of this series will provide such an opportunity.
if you are looking for something light, breezy, and just the right side of intriguing then i would recommend you dive into tony kappes small town of sleepy hollow.
as always, these thoughts are my opinions based on my preferences as a reader.
April 30, 2015
Okay, I am really on the fence about reading any more books in this series. They're easy reads, but this author is so aggravating. She continually repeats things, almost verbatim. How many times do we have to hear that the ghost sat in his "usual place" with his arm around Emma? How many times does Emma have to make that stupid fowl joke about Marla? This is all in addition to my previous comment. Arrrgh. So aggravating. Plus, two books, two plot points not resolved. Okay, so this one can technically be figured out quite easy, but not to have it addressed in the wrap up is annoying as hell. It wasn't Granny's KEY that was taken. It was KEYS and they were taken right out of the house and it was implied (from the clues) that Sugar Wayne took them. Where the heck did Mable Claire come from? /headdesk
04/21/15: Holy criminy, am I the only one who notices how repetitive (repetitious?) this author is? On page 66, Chicken explains to Emma Lee the agreement, that Marla Maria has to take care of Lady Cluckington the way he would have if she wants the money, and Emma Lee asks him to explain "take care of". Then, starting on page 76, Emma Lee is pestering Chicken to tell her what the agreement says and he tells her (AGAIN) and Emma Lee asks (AGAIN) "What do you mean, 'take care of'?" And he explains THAT, AGAIN. What the hell? Am I the only one paying attention? Why aren't editors catching this? If she wanted the details to be repeated, the author could have had Emma Lee ask Chicken to go over it again, rather than making it seem like she had no idea, when she obviously did BECAUSE THEY JUST TALKED ABOUT IT 10 PAGES AGO. Grrrrrrrrrr.
04/21/15: Holy criminy, am I the only one who notices how repetitive (repetitious?) this author is? On page 66, Chicken explains to Emma Lee the agreement, that Marla Maria has to take care of Lady Cluckington the way he would have if she wants the money, and Emma Lee asks him to explain "take care of". Then, starting on page 76, Emma Lee is pestering Chicken to tell her what the agreement says and he tells her (AGAIN) and Emma Lee asks (AGAIN) "What do you mean, 'take care of'?" And he explains THAT, AGAIN. What the hell? Am I the only one paying attention? Why aren't editors catching this? If she wanted the details to be repeated, the author could have had Emma Lee ask Chicken to go over it again, rather than making it seem like she had no idea, when she obviously did BECAUSE THEY JUST TALKED ABOUT IT 10 PAGES AGO. Grrrrrrrrrr.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2015
This book picks up where the previous left off Emma Lee is over seeing the exhumation of Chicken Teater who died four years earlier but his ghost is appearing to Emma adamant that he was killed and didn't die of pneumonia like the hospital claimed.
Emma and Chicken are out to figure out what happened to him and how he wound up dead whether it was his wife who was jealous of his prized hen Lady Cluckington? Or was it a jealous man out to steal Chicken's wife?
Meanwhile Sleepy Hollow is having their own issues with two people running for Mayor Emma Lee's grandmother and the competition Mr. O'Dell Burns who runs a funeral home of his own. With Chicken being dug up people are running crazy thinking their loved ones are all gonna get dug up and O'Dell Burn's platform is his clients stay in the ground.
I love this series it has everything you can think of romance between Emma Lee and her sheriff Jack Ross, it has great characters that add something to the story. This book flew fast for me I found I was finished it and wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book it really is addicting. I especially love everyone referring to Emma Lee's funeral trauma as an excuse for Emma acting weird or odd. Tonya Kappes has really hit on something with this book! I am a huge fan of her work.
Emma and Chicken are out to figure out what happened to him and how he wound up dead whether it was his wife who was jealous of his prized hen Lady Cluckington? Or was it a jealous man out to steal Chicken's wife?
Meanwhile Sleepy Hollow is having their own issues with two people running for Mayor Emma Lee's grandmother and the competition Mr. O'Dell Burns who runs a funeral home of his own. With Chicken being dug up people are running crazy thinking their loved ones are all gonna get dug up and O'Dell Burn's platform is his clients stay in the ground.
I love this series it has everything you can think of romance between Emma Lee and her sheriff Jack Ross, it has great characters that add something to the story. This book flew fast for me I found I was finished it and wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book it really is addicting. I especially love everyone referring to Emma Lee's funeral trauma as an excuse for Emma acting weird or odd. Tonya Kappes has really hit on something with this book! I am a huge fan of her work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
4 STARS
This is book two in the A Ghostly Southern Mystery. I have read both books and have enjoyed them.
A Ghostly Grave starts by digging up a grave. They know he was murdered four years ago because his ghost Chicken Teater told Emma Lee he was poisoned.
Emma Lee runs her family business, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home with her older sister. Emma is the undertaker. After a head injury Emma sees ghosts of murder victims. Her family think she is crazy. Her boyfriend believes her.
Sheriff Jack Henry Ross is now investigating the death of Chicken. He wants Emma to stop investigating and just tell him what Chicken says.
Chicken Teater was married to a former Miss Kentucky. He enters his chicken Lady Cluckington into contests and doted more on her than his wife. If his wife wants to inherit from Chicken she has to keep Lady Cluckington well and continue to enter her in contests.
Emma can not stop investigating Chicken's death. Especially with Chicken always going with her and telling her stuff.
This has lots of humor, drama, mystery and action. With a small town southern flavor of characters.
I would read more from Tonya in the future.
I was given this ebook to read from Harper Collins and agreed to give honest review of A Ghostly Grave.
This is book two in the A Ghostly Southern Mystery. I have read both books and have enjoyed them.
A Ghostly Grave starts by digging up a grave. They know he was murdered four years ago because his ghost Chicken Teater told Emma Lee he was poisoned.
Emma Lee runs her family business, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home with her older sister. Emma is the undertaker. After a head injury Emma sees ghosts of murder victims. Her family think she is crazy. Her boyfriend believes her.
Sheriff Jack Henry Ross is now investigating the death of Chicken. He wants Emma to stop investigating and just tell him what Chicken says.
Chicken Teater was married to a former Miss Kentucky. He enters his chicken Lady Cluckington into contests and doted more on her than his wife. If his wife wants to inherit from Chicken she has to keep Lady Cluckington well and continue to enter her in contests.
Emma can not stop investigating Chicken's death. Especially with Chicken always going with her and telling her stuff.
This has lots of humor, drama, mystery and action. With a small town southern flavor of characters.
I would read more from Tonya in the future.
I was given this ebook to read from Harper Collins and agreed to give honest review of A Ghostly Grave.
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