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Afterlife Issues #7
Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman
- GenresParanormalMystery
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
49 books240 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
There should be a higher rating for this book because five stars just doesn't do it justice.
If you can't tell I loved it. I think this book might be my favourite so far. Then again book 1 Dead Companions was good, oh so was two A Trunk, a Canoe, and all the Barbecue but you can't forget book three Old Friends and Fedoras. Oh okay rather than name all the books I will just say the seven books in this series are just so entertaining, unusual and imaginative that I can't get enough of them. They need to come out as audio books.
I love the characters, there is a lot of them, what with family, friends, ghosts and suspects, which is why I would definitely recommend reading the series in order. It would work as a standalone but then you would miss out on a lot of crazy fun and of course the connections between them. The boys of course steal the show but then again Hammie the ghost Turkey gives them a run for there money. There is just too many to choose from to pick a favourite character. Most of them will have you chuckling tho.
The mystery was good and I had no idea who the real killer was but to be honest I was to busy caught up in all the antics and chaos that is Libby and Jess's life, that I just let the story unfold. There is so much going on and I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say sit back and let the run times begin.
Definitely up there as one of my favourite series, if not all time favourite.
When the niece of a man they helped put away for murder wants to speak to them, Jess and Libby hang up, but when she turns up at there door they have no choice but listen. Her uncle the professor met a man while in prison who was accused of killing his whole family but the professor thinks he is innocent and wants Libby and Jess to look into it. The pay is too good to turn away, especially as they are working pro bono looking for a missing will and the ghost that can tell them where to find it is proving to be elusive himself. The town is spilt with people either thinking he is definitely guilty or definitely innocent. Can Libby and Jess work out the truth? In order to do so they will need help from the living and the dead to work out what happened at the farm house that night.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
If you can't tell I loved it. I think this book might be my favourite so far. Then again book 1 Dead Companions was good, oh so was two A Trunk, a Canoe, and all the Barbecue but you can't forget book three Old Friends and Fedoras. Oh okay rather than name all the books I will just say the seven books in this series are just so entertaining, unusual and imaginative that I can't get enough of them. They need to come out as audio books.
I love the characters, there is a lot of them, what with family, friends, ghosts and suspects, which is why I would definitely recommend reading the series in order. It would work as a standalone but then you would miss out on a lot of crazy fun and of course the connections between them. The boys of course steal the show but then again Hammie the ghost Turkey gives them a run for there money. There is just too many to choose from to pick a favourite character. Most of them will have you chuckling tho.
The mystery was good and I had no idea who the real killer was but to be honest I was to busy caught up in all the antics and chaos that is Libby and Jess's life, that I just let the story unfold. There is so much going on and I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say sit back and let the run times begin.
Definitely up there as one of my favourite series, if not all time favourite.
When the niece of a man they helped put away for murder wants to speak to them, Jess and Libby hang up, but when she turns up at there door they have no choice but listen. Her uncle the professor met a man while in prison who was accused of killing his whole family but the professor thinks he is innocent and wants Libby and Jess to look into it. The pay is too good to turn away, especially as they are working pro bono looking for a missing will and the ghost that can tell them where to find it is proving to be elusive himself. The town is spilt with people either thinking he is definitely guilty or definitely innocent. Can Libby and Jess work out the truth? In order to do so they will need help from the living and the dead to work out what happened at the farm house that night.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t believe that Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman is already book #7 in the Jess and Libby Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series. Actually, I can’t believe that favorite author A. W. Hartoin has three different series going at once, each unique but all interconnected, and all fantastic.
Back to St. Sebastian and the big house that used to be a funeral parlor with resident ghost Leo, who used to be the funeral director, ghost visitors – welcome and unwelcome – ghost animals, ghosts from all eras. Not everybody can see the ghosts, but Jess and Libby and Jess’ daughter Mariah and Libby’s twin sons Max and Henri can. Jess and Libby somehow kind of fell into solving Leo’s murder, and they now run an investigative agency into crimes where ghosts may be involved: ghosts that won’t leave, cause trouble, are unrepentant. They are good at this and in demand, even if it’s exhausting and dangerous at times and if Jess is still grieving husband Hal’s death and Libby is still navigating being almost-divorced from Derek. And sometimes, they don’t choose cases – case choose them.
By this point in the series interacting with ghosts on a daily basis seems normal. Leo, for example, has become a friend. Handsome, charming, protective; Leo pops in anywhere at any time when needed and keeps unwanted ghosts out of the house. Well . . . most of them. Their current case is pro-bono, a first for them, but they just couldn’t refuse. Then a paying case falls into their laps and suddenly they’re super-busy and getting the puzzling sense that there might be some connection or overlap between these two cases.
Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman is another delightful fast-paced, funny journey into the land of the dead, or undead, or don’t realize they are dead, or don’t want to be dead. Take your pick. As always author Hartoin takes the one million (or so) factoids from all her series and pops some of them in at the perfect spots so that instead of feeling as if you’re reading a one-off story you are just continuing one long adventure with people you know, places you’ve been, cases you’ve solved – you’re part of the whole thing. The backstories have been built up through the series and now you know those always smiling troublemaking twins will be up to something, Mariah will draw a line at some point at their antics, Jess will take another baby step toward the end of grief, Derek will pop in and out of Libby’s life but probably not to stay, and Leo is the guy you can always count on.
The mystery is appropriately complicated with plenty of clues to make you think you might be solving it, there are twists, turns, surprises, and aha! moments, satisfying resolution and a new ghost I hope to see again.
I received an advance copy of Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman from the author as part of her review team. I am always so excited to get a new book to read and review as Hartoin cycles through her series. Each and every book is standalone but why miss the slow build and the details and the secrets? You need to read this book, this series, the Mercy Watts series, the Stella Bled series; you’re welcome. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Back to St. Sebastian and the big house that used to be a funeral parlor with resident ghost Leo, who used to be the funeral director, ghost visitors – welcome and unwelcome – ghost animals, ghosts from all eras. Not everybody can see the ghosts, but Jess and Libby and Jess’ daughter Mariah and Libby’s twin sons Max and Henri can. Jess and Libby somehow kind of fell into solving Leo’s murder, and they now run an investigative agency into crimes where ghosts may be involved: ghosts that won’t leave, cause trouble, are unrepentant. They are good at this and in demand, even if it’s exhausting and dangerous at times and if Jess is still grieving husband Hal’s death and Libby is still navigating being almost-divorced from Derek. And sometimes, they don’t choose cases – case choose them.
By this point in the series interacting with ghosts on a daily basis seems normal. Leo, for example, has become a friend. Handsome, charming, protective; Leo pops in anywhere at any time when needed and keeps unwanted ghosts out of the house. Well . . . most of them. Their current case is pro-bono, a first for them, but they just couldn’t refuse. Then a paying case falls into their laps and suddenly they’re super-busy and getting the puzzling sense that there might be some connection or overlap between these two cases.
Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman is another delightful fast-paced, funny journey into the land of the dead, or undead, or don’t realize they are dead, or don’t want to be dead. Take your pick. As always author Hartoin takes the one million (or so) factoids from all her series and pops some of them in at the perfect spots so that instead of feeling as if you’re reading a one-off story you are just continuing one long adventure with people you know, places you’ve been, cases you’ve solved – you’re part of the whole thing. The backstories have been built up through the series and now you know those always smiling troublemaking twins will be up to something, Mariah will draw a line at some point at their antics, Jess will take another baby step toward the end of grief, Derek will pop in and out of Libby’s life but probably not to stay, and Leo is the guy you can always count on.
The mystery is appropriately complicated with plenty of clues to make you think you might be solving it, there are twists, turns, surprises, and aha! moments, satisfying resolution and a new ghost I hope to see again.
I received an advance copy of Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman from the author as part of her review team. I am always so excited to get a new book to read and review as Hartoin cycles through her series. Each and every book is standalone but why miss the slow build and the details and the secrets? You need to read this book, this series, the Mercy Watts series, the Stella Bled series; you’re welcome. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
June 23, 2026
Afterlife Issues is the best paranormal cozy mystery series around. Sharp writing, complex characters (both living and ghostly), and engaging plot lines drive every book. The best part of BITTER BOBBY AND THE DEVIL WOMAN (what a great title, no?) is Bernice, a feisty, spicy, and unstoppable woman (ok, ghost) who doesn’t let anyone get in her way. I don’t want to give away anything, but I will say that it seems Bernice will be around to help solve problems, at least for a while, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Another reason this earned five stars (not that there needs to be any other reason than Bernice!) is the realistic way in which several characters in this book have meaningful insights that release them from something holding them back. Some of these moments are directly connected to the main plot line, but many are less obviously so and thus cleverly plotted. Hartoin is a master at building worlds with layers that weave together different threads and/or characters in ways that are both serendipitous and subtle, thus creating books that elevate the reader beyond the chaos, fun, and intrigue that shape the narrative. This is why as soon as she has a new book available, every moment of down time I have until I finish belongs to her story.
Thank you to A.W. Hartoin for sharing an advance copy of the book with me; I have written this review at my own will and with my honest reflections.
Another reason this earned five stars (not that there needs to be any other reason than Bernice!) is the realistic way in which several characters in this book have meaningful insights that release them from something holding them back. Some of these moments are directly connected to the main plot line, but many are less obviously so and thus cleverly plotted. Hartoin is a master at building worlds with layers that weave together different threads and/or characters in ways that are both serendipitous and subtle, thus creating books that elevate the reader beyond the chaos, fun, and intrigue that shape the narrative. This is why as soon as she has a new book available, every moment of down time I have until I finish belongs to her story.
Thank you to A.W. Hartoin for sharing an advance copy of the book with me; I have written this review at my own will and with my honest reflections.
June 24, 2026
Another winner in the Afterlife Issues series. By book seven, many series start to feel repetitive, but this one still manages to surprise me. Bitter Bobby and the Devil Woman had all the things I have come to expect from A.W. Hartoin: quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, supernatural chaos, and a mystery that kept me guessing longer than I expected.
What I enjoy most about this series is that the characters feel like old friends. Jess, Libby, Mariah, Max, Henri, Leo and the rest of the crew continue to get themselves into situations that are equal parts ridiculous and entertaining. With the addition of a new ghost Bernice, I’m looking forward to future adventures. The humor never feels forced and had me smiling throughout the book.
The mystery itself was cleverly done with enough twists to keep me engaged right up to the end. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn. The balance between paranormal elements, comedy, and mystery is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this series.
If you’ve enjoyed the previous books, this one will not disappoint. If you’re new to the series, start at the beginning because half the fun is watching these characters and their relationships evolve over time. I finished the book wanting the next one immediately, which is probably the best compliment I can give.
What I enjoy most about this series is that the characters feel like old friends. Jess, Libby, Mariah, Max, Henri, Leo and the rest of the crew continue to get themselves into situations that are equal parts ridiculous and entertaining. With the addition of a new ghost Bernice, I’m looking forward to future adventures. The humor never feels forced and had me smiling throughout the book.
The mystery itself was cleverly done with enough twists to keep me engaged right up to the end. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn. The balance between paranormal elements, comedy, and mystery is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this series.
If you’ve enjoyed the previous books, this one will not disappoint. If you’re new to the series, start at the beginning because half the fun is watching these characters and their relationships evolve over time. I finished the book wanting the next one immediately, which is probably the best compliment I can give.
July 4, 2026
4.25 stars. After the last couple of disappointing installments, BITTER BOBBY was SO much better.
Libby and Jess follow two cases - one of a woman having a week’s deadline to locate her estranged father’s ghost and his will to take over his business. And in the other, they need to determine if a prisoner who confessed to the brutal murders of his family is really guilty.
I loved how much the resident ghosts aided in their investigations, like Leo, Boy, and some of the other deceased locals. And their resident turkey, Hambone, was hilarious.
Thankfully, the author toned down the antics of Libby’s twins (or, “The Eggs”), and they were actually quite helpful on both cases. The ending was a surprise…in a good way!
BITTER BOBBY ended with some future cases for the duo to solve, and I can’t wait for their return!
Libby and Jess follow two cases - one of a woman having a week’s deadline to locate her estranged father’s ghost and his will to take over his business. And in the other, they need to determine if a prisoner who confessed to the brutal murders of his family is really guilty.
I loved how much the resident ghosts aided in their investigations, like Leo, Boy, and some of the other deceased locals. And their resident turkey, Hambone, was hilarious.
Thankfully, the author toned down the antics of Libby’s twins (or, “The Eggs”), and they were actually quite helpful on both cases. The ending was a surprise…in a good way!
BITTER BOBBY ended with some future cases for the duo to solve, and I can’t wait for their return!
July 12, 2026
betrayal
This was so good with so many components going on. I mean there was so much going on from their own lives. That they couldn’t solve it because of the interference from evil people. So Jess and Libby want to help their friend Linda find her father’s will. Then a murderer they helped put away finds someone that is truly innocent and wants his niece to ask them for help. As they work these cases individually we see how the family and friendships are doing. We see that Libby needs some help with everything. Also these cases brings up some great points about how St. Seb is with everyone within the community.
This was so good with so many components going on. I mean there was so much going on from their own lives. That they couldn’t solve it because of the interference from evil people. So Jess and Libby want to help their friend Linda find her father’s will. Then a murderer they helped put away finds someone that is truly innocent and wants his niece to ask them for help. As they work these cases individually we see how the family and friendships are doing. We see that Libby needs some help with everything. Also these cases brings up some great points about how St. Seb is with everyone within the community.
July 8, 2026
I feel like this is book took us back (yay!) to the original premise of Jess and Libby together fighting grief/divorce/death/kids with the ghosts and family as support. Thank goodness the antics of the twins were toned down. It was really over the top in the last book. New characters (alive and not) are introduced. I get the feeling a few will be sticking close. Two cases become intertwined as facts are revealed and the team digs in to find the truth. I do recommend starting this series from Book 1. I do plan to continue with the series.
July 27, 2026
I think this is one of the most fun series of cozy mysteries I've found. A slightly off kilter blended family lives in a former mortuary in the most haunted town in America. It's a place where even non believers see ghosts. Family Moms Jess and Libby find they can track and speak to the ghosts and set themselves up as Paranormal PIs. So far in the series each book has been a much different tale. Some ghosts want to frighten, some just to be seen, some are hiding crimes, some create chaos. some don't want to be found. A truly enjoyable series.
June 28, 2026
Good book
Jess and Libby Have two mysteries the are working on. The are helping their friend Linda and another friend wants them to prove the innocent of a man who has been in prison for thirty years serving time for a terrible crime he didn't commit. There are a lot of ghosts that help. There is a lot going on in this book!
Jess and Libby Have two mysteries the are working on. The are helping their friend Linda and another friend wants them to prove the innocent of a man who has been in prison for thirty years serving time for a terrible crime he didn't commit. There are a lot of ghosts that help. There is a lot going on in this book!
July 1, 2026
The best yet of one of my favorite series
I love this series and the in-universe Mercy Watts series that Ms. Hartoin writes and this is the best story yet. The end is heartbreaking and heartwarming. St. Seb is quite a town, full of caring, funny, and eccentric people, living and dead.
I love this series and the in-universe Mercy Watts series that Ms. Hartoin writes and this is the best story yet. The end is heartbreaking and heartwarming. St. Seb is quite a town, full of caring, funny, and eccentric people, living and dead.
July 2, 2026
This is my absolute favorite series!
This latest book definitely did not disappoint! There's always some new adventures and challenges popping up that no one expects. And as usual, there are many laugh out loud sections of this book, which I've come to expect from this author.
Can't wait until the next book comes out!
This latest book definitely did not disappoint! There's always some new adventures and challenges popping up that no one expects. And as usual, there are many laugh out loud sections of this book, which I've come to expect from this author.
Can't wait until the next book comes out!
June 25, 2026
Another hoot
Bernice is a great addition to the cray St Seb. Some parts of the book made me feel I was watching Cold Case. It has a fun case and hope there will be more installments to the series.
Bernice is a great addition to the cray St Seb. Some parts of the book made me feel I was watching Cold Case. It has a fun case and hope there will be more installments to the series.
July 13, 2026
Emotions Galore
Emotions are flying everywhere while a mystery lurks just around the corner in all directions. Love this series and it's main characters shenanigans. While this book felt a little heavier Chaois made it a what's coming next type of read. Enjoy!
Emotions are flying everywhere while a mystery lurks just around the corner in all directions. Love this series and it's main characters shenanigans. While this book felt a little heavier Chaois made it a what's coming next type of read. Enjoy!
July 17, 2026
Another winner in this excellent series. An unusual case recommended by a old adversary, drags our heroines into another cracking mystery. Well written with wonderful characters, especially the ghosts, lots of great dialogue. I highly recommend this series.
July 22, 2026
Libby and Jess are Never Boring
I sadly read this in one sitting. It was funny, sad, heartwarming, and a little bit frightening. I love these characters in this series. St. Seb would be a fun place to live.
I sadly read this in one sitting. It was funny, sad, heartwarming, and a little bit frightening. I love these characters in this series. St. Seb would be a fun place to live.
June 28, 2026
A.W. Hartoin has done it again! I always wait anxiously for the next book in the Jess & Libby series! Hartoin knows how to develop characters that we can relate to and who make us want more. From the main characters and their kids to Leo to the ghosts that show up, she does an excellent job of creating an intriguing and suspenseful plot that enhances the character decisions and actions. Don’t forget the newest addition to the family: a purple hearse! What better when you live with a ghost who was the undertaker for the funeral home this family lives in! Seeing ghosts — you decide! Is it a blessing or a curse for Jess & Libby and their family?
June 24, 2026
This is such a fun series. The characters, both living and dead, are great. The mystery is good. The town is wonderful. I really enjoyed reading this book.
July 9, 2026
Wonderful Read
For me this was the best book in the series so far. I had a hard time putting it down. Enjoyed every moment of the story and the mystery kept me going till the end.
For me this was the best book in the series so far. I had a hard time putting it down. Enjoyed every moment of the story and the mystery kept me going till the end.
July 11, 2026
another great story from # 8
A. W. Hartoin produces another delight tale filled with delightful individuals both alive and ghostly. Wish they were available in audio
A. W. Hartoin produces another delight tale filled with delightful individuals both alive and ghostly. Wish they were available in audio
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews