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Michelle Bishop #1

Ghosts, Alibis, and Apple Pies: Michelle Bishop Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book 1

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Michelle Bishop has spent most of her life hating her nemesis, Georgia Beauregard. When the town beauty queen herself suddenly dies, Michelle is the only one who isn't mourning. But Michelle has just discovered there is something far worse than a living, breathing bully. Try being haunted by a dead one.

As Michelle and Georgia try to figure out their newfound supernatural connection, a murder rocks the peaceful community of Carder Bluff, Arkansas. Now, the ghost of the victim is also appearing to Michelle. It seems she and Georgia are the only ones who can help send this poor, annoying soul on his way. Can these two enemies learn to put aside their differences to solve a murder in their hometown?

Audible Audio

Published August 15, 2023

473 people are currently reading
325 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Holder

5 books59 followers
J.A. Holder lives in Arkansas with his wife and four children. He loves reading and writing cozy mysteries and spending time with his family.

Read the Michelle Bishop prequel novella FREE by signing up for his author newsletter:

http://jaholder.com/newsletter/

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5 stars
416 (49%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for love.e.reads.
71 reviews
May 21, 2022
"I was pretty sure ghosts were like problems—in the end, you really can’t run away from them. Somehow, someway, they will always find you again."

Michelle, the Librarian Lady of Carder Bluff, loves books, solitude, and lives above the library with her cat, Mittens.

She's involved in a serious car accident that leaves her enemy and the town's sweetheart Georgia, dead. Michelle, who sustains some minor head injuries, can't remember anything about the accident. Unfortunately, now she can see Georgia, except she's glowing... and a ghost.

While shes's coming to terms with her newfound "gift" and her new "everywhere" mate, another townie is murdered right before the highly anticipated annual Pig Out event. Guess what happens - his ghost joins the party too. Together, this unlikely threesome along with Michelle's beloved Grandma (an avid reader, her favourites being mystery/crime novels), try to find clues to solve the murder, hopefully giving Michelle a respite from her ghostly problem.

In many cozies that I've read, the town's law enforcement always strongly discourages amateur sleuthing. However, in this cozy, the town's sheriff Ernie (Michelle's high-school crush and Georgia's fiancée ... well ex-fiancee because she's dead), actually seems to seek out her assistance after she's able to uncover some vital information with the aid of her invisible team. Hmmm 🤔

I especially enjoyed the banter Michelle, the awkward lifetime nerd and Georgia, the bossy know-it-all beauty. I definitely lol'ed a few times. The author develops the lives and relationships between them and the other townies well that will keep you engaged and turning pages. There is even a budding romantic relationship with some hilariously awkward moments that I could totally relate too.

There's so much I wish I could share but I don't want to give too much away. I look forward to seeing how the characters grow moving forward and can't wait to read the next installment. This book also includes a link to a free prequel novella that I'm about to start reading...thanks J.A. Holder!!

If you like ghosts, mysteries, uncovering secrets, sprinkles of romance and of course, cats, definitely give this 1st full book in the series a try. I enjoyed reading Ghosts, Alibis and Apple Pies - which I received as an ARC - and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for LJ (ljwritesandreviews).
874 reviews42 followers
March 25, 2023
So I picked this paranormal cozy up at the end of last year as I loved the mash up of two things I love, cozy mystery and ghost story.

Imagine waking up from a car crash and being able to see ghosts, but not just any ghost, the person who bullied you through high school??? Sounds like a nightmare to me! Honestly, I shuddered thinking about being trapped with the ghost of someone I went to high school with.

That's exactly what happens to Michelle Bishop. Things get even more complicated when Toby 'Tin man' Taylor is murdered just before the annual Pig Out contest and his ghost turns up too! The two enemies have to put their differences aside and try to help Toby find his killer and cross over to the other side.

The story kind of reminded me of the old sixties TV show Randall and Hopkirk deceased, with poor Michelle trying to hold on to her sanity while being bothered by a pesky ghost who also wants her to solve a murder.

I liked Michelle. She's a bit of an introvert, with a love of Lego and books, which I warmed to. And she got to live in a library, what book lover would want that? She did, however, come across as a bit of a pushover, which got a little annoying.

I felt there were several unanswered questions/inconsistencies through the book, like why isn't Michelle asking more questions about the car crash? But hopefully they'll be answered in the next book.

A solid start to the series. A must if you love a cozy mystery with a ghostly twist.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,987 reviews96 followers
August 23, 2023
I loved everything about this book - the characters and the banter between them, the community as a whole, and the mystery, which was the main focus of the book but also served to introduce us to most of the town. The characters are well developed and, while I figured out who the murderer was early on, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. I can't wait to read book 2 and find out more about Georgia.

Profile Image for Angelica.
10 reviews
June 17, 2022
I received this book as ARC and this is my honest review.

I thought I knew what the book was going to be like. After all, there are a lot of paranormal mysteries, right? I was wrong. I absolutely LOVED the ghost aspect of it because it wasn’t like a lot of other cozies that have ghosts.

The story is fun and the relationship between Michelle and Georgia is relatable.

I can’t wait for the rest of the books on the series. I am excited to see how the characters change and mature over the series.

Profile Image for Barbie Bumpus.
417 reviews
August 12, 2023
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes paranormal cozy mysteries! I thought it was a good one! Of course there are still unanswered questions, so you’ll have to read book 2! I’ll definitely read it.
Profile Image for Lynn Morrison.
Author 80 books233 followers
May 18, 2022
wonderful start to a new series

I enjoyed every page in this fantastic new paranormal cozy mystery series. The character growth was excellent and the mystery kept me guessing. This is one I’ll most certainly recommend to friends.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
July 19, 2023
Ghosts, Alibis. And Apple Pies
Michelle Bishop Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book #1
J A Holder
5+ Stars

Synopsis:

Michelle Bishop has spent most of her life hating her nemesis, Georgia Beauregard. When the town beauty queen herself suddenly dies, Michelle is the only one who isn’t mourning. But Michelle has just discovered there is something far worse than a living, breathing bully. Try being haunted by a dead one.

As Michelle and Georgia try to figure out their newfound supernatural connection, a murder rocks the peaceful community of Carder Bluff, Arkansas. Now, the ghost of the victim is also appearing to Michelle. It seems she and Georgia are the only ones who can help send this poor, annoying soul on his way. Can these two enemies learn to put aside their differences to solve a murder in their hometown?

Ghosts, Alibis, and Apple Pies is the first book in a new paranormal cozy mystery series by J.A Holder. If you enjoy Southern cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and a supernatural twist, you will love this series.

Review:

Sometimes when you read a book something just clicks with you. That is what happened when I read this book. I enjoyed it so much and I was sad when the book ended. But this is only the beginning of the series so that makes me happy.

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Michelle is a likable character and she has an adorable cat. Michelle learns that she has been in a serious accident but has no memory of it. She learns that she was not alone in the car. Georgia, someone who bullied her every chance she got, was also in the car, and she was killed. When Georgia appears to Michelle as a ghost, Michelle must find a way to get rid of her. Reading about their bickering and banter is very funny. When a person is killed, Michelle and Georgia have to combine forces and try to figure out who the culprit is.

The author is very talented in his descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning. The story flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well plotted and not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you enjoy a ghost story as much as I do, give the book a try and find out for yourself how good it is.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.


1,280 reviews23 followers
May 18, 2022
Can an enemy become a friend after she’s dead?
Michelle has always hated Georgia because she made her life miserable from the time she came to
live with her grandparents. For reasons neither of them can figure out they were in Georgia’s car together and in the crash that ensued Georgia died. However, Michelle “sees” her and thus the stage is set for the basis of this book with one additional ghost as a fellow classmate of theirs dies but it turns out he was murdered. Now two ghosts and one confused woman need to find out who killed him.

This is a great story and it shows that perhaps people can have remorse over how they treat others once they’ve died. It’s something to think about but of course it would be better if they realized that in life and tried to make amends then rather than later.

I recommend this book as one readers of all ages will enjoy as mortals and ghosts work side by side to find out who killed the one person and with the surprise at the end leads to a continuation of the unusual partnership between Michelle and Georgia when Georgia’s death is discovered to not to have been an accident.

The story is fast paced and has a few clues pointing towards different individuals but whodunnit? Sift through the cues and see if you can guess the culprit before it’s revealed? That’s the fun of cozy mysteries-figuring out who did it and seeing if you’re right while at the same time enjoying a well written story

I think you’ll enjoy it and certainly after getting to know Michelle and Georgia in this book you’ll want to get the next book to see who wanted Georgia dead!
Profile Image for Andi.
2,202 reviews
September 25, 2023
GHOSTS, LIES, AND ALIBIS was a lighthearted cozy paranormal mystery. I liked introverted librarian, Michelle, and how she accepted that she could see ghosts.

Her first is the resident beauty queen and her nemesis, Georgia, who died in a car accident when she was with Michelle. There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding why they were in a car together to begin with, and Michelle’s amnesia from the accident doesn’t help. The second is the town’s goofball former high school football star, Toby, who was stabbed to death while practicing for the annual pie-eating contest. Despite Michelle’s animosity towards Georgia, she resolves to work with her to solve Toby’s murder.

Michelle’s only living relative is her grandmother, who has dementia and lives in a retirement/nursing home. Before she lost her faculties, however, she gifted her home to the town to replace the aging town library, with the condition that the town restore the home, and allow Michelle to serve as its librarian and live upstairs. Her grandmother helps to fill in some missing pieces of her supernatural abilities during one of her periods of lucidity.

The writing was fluid and drew me in immediately. The banter between the two ghosts is humorous and not overdone. Michelle’s cat’s reaction to the ghosts is even more hilarious. The mystery itself is a little obvious, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I’ll definitely continue the series!
Profile Image for Quinlan Vos.
7 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2023
This book was fun and engaging! Ghosts, Alibis, and Apple Pies was fast-paced and kept you interested, from start to finish. It was tonally light, with a fun atmosphere and realistic characters. Pop culture references to franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Marvel, put a smile to my face, when they popped up throughout the adventure. While not my genre of choice, as I tend to be primarily a Science-Fiction consumer, I was very impressed with the level of prose on display here. Managing to balance the life-like characters, with the unrealistic supernatural elements, is hard to do successfully... yet the author pulled it off and made the concept of a lifelike Southern town filled with familiar characters and paranormal ghosts seem quite compatible. The dialogue was witty and fun, and the town had a vibrant feel, so as I believed it existed. I will be curious to see where the adventure goes, as a few plot elements were left open to be explored further.
6,202 reviews41 followers
January 11, 2024
Michelle works in a library and even lives there. She hates a woman named Georgia.

So it doesn't help matters when Michelle wakes up in a hospital after a bad car crash in which Georgia died. Michelle cant's figure out why she was in a car with someone she hates.

Matters don't get any better when that person shows up as a ghost. Worse yet, she doesn't just move on or go away somewhere.

Worse, Georgia has had some visions that begin to make sense during the apple pie eating contest when someone dies.

As if that wasn't enough to deal with for Michelle, there's yet another ghost that joins in the group. So now there are two ghosts around her and a crime that she gets involved with trying to solve.

The characters are the strong point in the story and the relationship between Michelle and Georgia is complex and well done. There's more than one mystery to solve and the ending leaves you wanting to move on to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lorraine Kraft.
120 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2022
When Michelle Bishop wakes up, it's to find she in the hospital due to a serious one car accident, and was a passenger in the car being driven by her childhood nemesis, Georgia Beauregard. The accident left Michelle without memory of the accident and Georgia dead.

Color Michelle surprised when the ghost of Georgia shows up first at the cemetery and then in her apartment. While trying to figure out some visions Georgia is having, a murder occurs and the ghost of the victim shows up. Michelle and Georgia work together to figure out what is going on so the victim can move on.

If you like paranormal cozy mysteries, you will enjoy this one. It is a fun and entertaining cozy that is very enjoyable and I will be adding this series to my list of cozy mysteries to read.

Please note: I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Syd.
308 reviews
September 30, 2025
3 Stars

This was a quick little mystery, and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

After waking up in the ER with no memory of a traumatic event, Michelle realized she can see the ghost of her high school bully. Gloria has recently passed away under mysterious circumstances, and isn't able to continue to 'the other side' until Michelle helps her resolve unfinished business.
Meanwhile, they are joined by another untimely death, who ends up being the main focus of the book. Michelle and Gloria's mystery continues in volume two.

I didn't love the 'cliffhanger'. I did pick up the 2nd volume on audio a few years ago, so I do have it ready to go - but it annoyed me that the book set up Michelle and Gloria, and then thru Toby's mystery in.
I really loved the Grandma character, and all the descriptions of the library .

1,995 reviews
Read
March 8, 2025
read 39% and stopped.

Amazon synopsis:
Michelle Bishop has spent most of her life hating her nemesis, Georgia Beauregard. When the town beauty queen herself suddenly dies, Michelle is the only one who isn’t mourning. But Michelle has just discovered there is something far worse than a living, breathing bully. Try being haunted by a dead one.

As Michelle and Georgia try to figure out their newfound supernatural connection, a murder rocks the peaceful community of Carder Bluff, Arkansas. Now, the ghost of the victim is also appearing to Michelle. It seems she and Georgia are the only ones who can help send this poor, annoying soul on his way. Can these two enemies learn to put aside their differences to solve a murder in their hometown?
594 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2022
Michelle Bishop, the town librarian, wakes up in the hospital following a horrible car accident where her longtime nemesis, Georgia, has been killed. As if not remembering what happened before or after the accident isn’t bad enough, the ghost of Georgia shows up and Michelle has never seen a ghost before! When Toby, the reigning champion of the Pig Out pie eating contest, is killed, his ghost shows up on Georgia’s doorstep too! Be prepared! You’re in for a lively time! Part cozy mystery, part paranormal, part comedy, part romance...this book has it all! I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next one in this series to come out! J.A. Holder, you rock!
Profile Image for ☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎.
1,753 reviews166 followers
August 31, 2023
Ghost Fun!

Michelle struck me as the shy type but when she wakes up in the hospital and sees the sexy doctor in front of her which of course is a plus, hahaha only to find out she was in an accident with her enemy, Georgia. Well things get all twisted because Georgia comes to her as a ghost which of course is a pain to be around someone you never got along with and then tries to get you to find out what happened. Well it was fun reading about the mess they get into and all the other characters. I knew it would end this way but can’t wait to read what’s going to happen next and what mess Michelle will get into this time.
1,769 reviews23 followers
January 19, 2023
Ghosts, Alibis and Apple Pies

J.A.Holder has written an intense yet charming paranormal cozey mystery with an array of vibrant, colorful characters that draw you into their dramatic story, then you'll be enticed further through intrigue and a murder mystery brought together folding one clue over another in a unique and exciting way. You'll find it challenging to put down, I couldn't I was so entranced .Acquire " Ghosts ,Alibis and Apple Pies " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. 😃 Kat
18 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2023
It must seem like she’s in hell when Michelle Bishop starts being haunted by her nemesis Georgia Beauregard! I enjoyed this first book in JA Holder’s paranormal cozy series. It starts with Michelle waking up in a hospital after an accident that she cannot remember. Then she starts seeing and hearing ghosts! But, the two enemies team-up to solve the stabbing death of a man in the town’s pie eating contest. The narration by Ann Marie Gideon is great! She brings the characters and story to life.
2,016 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2023
Audiobook: This was my first experience with J.A. Holder's work, and I thought that the first book of the "Michelle Bishop Paranormal Cozy Mysteries" was very entertaining. Michelle Bishop survived a car accident only to find that the car's driver was haunting her. The story was delightful. The characters were fun. There were some amusing moments. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Ann Marie Gideon's narration was fine, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
17 reviews
October 10, 2023
Fabulous!

This book popped up in my books you might enjoy, thanks Kindle! Because I absolutely loved it! Well crafted, funny, poignant, and the twists and turns kept me guessing!
The dynamic between Michelle and Georgia was fascinating and touching as it unfolded, Grandma is beautiful, and the awkward, quirky beginnings of a romance are hilarious and weirdly,well, romantic😂.
I'm all set to read book two now and immerse my self in more of this wonderful world. Hats off to J.A. Holder, you did are a gem of a writer.
Profile Image for Jessica Pritt.
469 reviews28 followers
September 21, 2022
Wonderful, Exciting book!

This book was great. It is definitely a page turner and keeps you wanting more. This book was well written. I hope there are many more stories of Michelle and Georgia. These to work great together. I hope Georgia turns into a nicer person but she is funny! Michelle is a great person and I hope things work out for her in her romantic life. I am rooting for her and the doctor!
Profile Image for Dj Acrey.
323 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2022
Great story!

Without giving a "spoiler" I gave it 4 stars, as during the whole story Michelle didn't seem to be concerned about the car accident, I felt that would be the first question I asked my nemesis when I saw her. But at least it was addressed in the end, sort of. Perhaps the second book in the series will give answers to what I wished was answered in this book.
But that aside I was definitely entertained with this story, great character building!
41 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2023
Something grabs you when you start. A strange need to know what happens next.

I can no longer remember how I felt as I started to read. It wasn't that exciting yet somehow it mugged me! I had to know more, I had my suspects, and I knew who didn't do it, but...
In the end it was kinda obvious and yet a surprise. There was tension and excitement, but actually it wasn't violent or nasty. A really good read!
1 review
October 29, 2024
delightful

This was a. Charming mystery. Not a complicated one but the characters were incredibly likable. It has a depth to it that isn’t obvious at first but reveals itself slowly. It’s about forgiveness and unexpected friendship. I can’t wait to read the next. I heartily recommend it if you are just in the mood for a light mystery with a touch of the supernatural and a hint of romance.
Profile Image for Darinda.
9,137 reviews157 followers
February 26, 2025
The first book in the Michelle Bishop series. Michelle is a librarian in a small Arkansas town. After an accident, she starts seeing a recently deceased woman. Unfortunately, the woman is Michelle's nemesis, Georgia, the town beauty queen. When a man is murdered, Michelle sees his ghost too. Michelle and Georgia work together to find the killer.

A cozy paranormal mystery with a little romance. Fun read with witty characters.
Profile Image for Juli Inglis.
6 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! The main character was so relatable to me. I loved how she grew throughout the book. The story hooked me from the very beginning and it kept up a nice pace throughout. The paranormal aspect drew me in right away and I really enjoyed how it was presented in the story. I am completely hooked and I can't wait to read the next one!
432 reviews
May 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!!! I could not put it down!!!! There were twists and turns throughout the book!!!! I am invested in all the characters!! I can not wait until the next one comes out!!! Read this book you will not be disappointed!! The only bad thing about this book is that I have to wait for the next one!!!!! Love it!!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Laird-Lord.
410 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2022
This was a really good book.. it had murder, mystery a little romance and at the end forgiveness. Michelle tries to solve 2 murders with ghosts as her side kicks. Great characters and a good plot to the story. I would recommend this book.
I received a review copy from the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,262 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2023
Cozy ghost mystery

A pretty typical cozy mystery but I like the addition of ghosts. They are a cool way for librarian Michelle Bishop to snoop around and get investigation information she shouldn't have access to. I do get a bit tired of the lady detective always having two hunky guys vying for her affection but I guess the genre demands it.
416 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2024
Ghosts, Alibis, and Apple Pies: Paranormal Cozy Mystery( Michelle Bishop Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

This book was definitely very different then what I have been reading, but in a good way. I truly enjoyed reading this book, it had some funny parts, some very sad parts and kind of a happy ending. I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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