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Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #3
The Haunted Heist
Just because she can see the dead doesn’t mean Verity Long wants to spend her days hunting ghosts. Instead, she’s over the moon to land a marketing job at the local bank… until she finds her new boss dead in the vault. Even her ghost friend, Frankie, knows that's no way to start a career.
Relieved to let the police take charge, Verity steps aside, bound and determined to keep her ghost sightings to herself. But when she learns the main suspect in the murder is a very crooked, very dead mobster, Verity knows it's up to her to solve the case.
She teams up with her ghostly gangster buddy Frankie, as well as the irresistible and charming Ellis, as the three of them search haunted mob hideouts, hidden passageways, and historic cemeteries for the facts behind the heist of the century—and a modern-day motive for murder.
Too bad uncovering the truth could very well make Verity the next victim...
Relieved to let the police take charge, Verity steps aside, bound and determined to keep her ghost sightings to herself. But when she learns the main suspect in the murder is a very crooked, very dead mobster, Verity knows it's up to her to solve the case.
She teams up with her ghostly gangster buddy Frankie, as well as the irresistible and charming Ellis, as the three of them search haunted mob hideouts, hidden passageways, and historic cemeteries for the facts behind the heist of the century—and a modern-day motive for murder.
Too bad uncovering the truth could very well make Verity the next victim...
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2016
1398 people are currently reading
3467 people want to read
About the author
Angie Fox
64 books2,723 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
May 12, 2016
I won this in a GoodReads FirstReads giveway.
I was surprised when I got the book and it was autographed, with some postcards of the authors other books, a note from the author and a writing pen. I collected writing pens so that was an added bonus!
I had fun with this book. It was a rather comedic murder mystery with ghosts. Fun gangster ghosts!
Verity is a cool character. She can see ghosts and an old gangster ghost from back in the day lives with her. Verity has a SKUNK for a pet which is too cool. Her name is Lucy (that's my dogs name) and little Lucy acts like a dog. How cute is that. Also, Verity goes around town in a 1978 avocado-green cadillac. What better way to cruise around with your gangster ghost friend!
Verity is an artist of sorts and she goes to get a job at the local bank because she has known the manager/owner for many years. But just like Verity's luck, he is killed not long after she gets to the bank. Now Verity and Frankie (ghost) are on the case.
I'd seen it happen. And although I'd never experienced it, I'd seen ghosts on television leap into a living body. I stiffened. It had felt ice cold in the vault, and Carla had been freezing as she stood over Reggie.
"What if Carla was possessed?"
"Ew. Yuck." He stared at me as if I'd gone off my rocker. "I ain't never heard of a ghost doing that. Do you realize how slimy you living feel?"
"I'll take your word for it."
Frankie and I had touched once by accident and the results hadn't been at all pleasant. It felt like walking around in someone else's wet, cold underwear.
That's a lovely thought right?
Anyway, the book is a lot of fun. There are shoot-outs with gangster ghosts. Yep, that's what I said, gangster ghosts, a sweet love connection brewing between Verity and Ellis (a cop who knows about Verity seeing and talking to ghosts), and secrets revealed. It's not a long book so if you want a funny little mystery with ghosts, here's your book. I enjoyed it.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I was surprised when I got the book and it was autographed, with some postcards of the authors other books, a note from the author and a writing pen. I collected writing pens so that was an added bonus!
I had fun with this book. It was a rather comedic murder mystery with ghosts. Fun gangster ghosts!
Verity is a cool character. She can see ghosts and an old gangster ghost from back in the day lives with her. Verity has a SKUNK for a pet which is too cool. Her name is Lucy (that's my dogs name) and little Lucy acts like a dog. How cute is that. Also, Verity goes around town in a 1978 avocado-green cadillac. What better way to cruise around with your gangster ghost friend!
Verity is an artist of sorts and she goes to get a job at the local bank because she has known the manager/owner for many years. But just like Verity's luck, he is killed not long after she gets to the bank. Now Verity and Frankie (ghost) are on the case.
I'd seen it happen. And although I'd never experienced it, I'd seen ghosts on television leap into a living body. I stiffened. It had felt ice cold in the vault, and Carla had been freezing as she stood over Reggie.
"What if Carla was possessed?"
"Ew. Yuck." He stared at me as if I'd gone off my rocker. "I ain't never heard of a ghost doing that. Do you realize how slimy you living feel?"
"I'll take your word for it."
Frankie and I had touched once by accident and the results hadn't been at all pleasant. It felt like walking around in someone else's wet, cold underwear.
That's a lovely thought right?
Anyway, the book is a lot of fun. There are shoot-outs with gangster ghosts. Yep, that's what I said, gangster ghosts, a sweet love connection brewing between Verity and Ellis (a cop who knows about Verity seeing and talking to ghosts), and secrets revealed. It's not a long book so if you want a funny little mystery with ghosts, here's your book. I enjoyed it.
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
September 8, 2021
Halloween Bingo 2021
This series by Angie Fox is kind of like cotton candy--there's not a whole lot there, bit it's sweet and fun. Verity, the main character, can see some ghosts and has accidentally trapped a ghostly gangster on her property. Frankie is most unhappy about this—how is he supposed to swill booze, play cards, hit on dames, and shoot his dead buddies while he's confined to the home of a broke goodie-two-shoes like Verity?
That's not Verity's only issue. She's broke because she called off her wedding to a cheating man from a prominent family of the tiny town of Sugarland. Her almost ex-mother-in-law has influence and is gunning for our girl. Could things be more complicated? You bet! Verity is now dating her ex's brother, a handsome police officer. He's a contrast to his sleazy sibling and Verity would like to quit sneaking around, but she just doesn't need additional animosity.
Two issues hit at the same time. Ellis is ready to go public and Frankie is ready for freedom and neither of them are inclined to wait or be cautious. Verity has a line on a good job when her potential employer is shot dead right after her job interview. If she can depend on Ellis and cajole Frankie, they can maybe solve this murder!
I spent my own money on this book and I'm not disappointed that I did. I'd rate it on the lower end of the four star rating (maybe 3.7 stars?) but I did really enjoy it, fluffy as it is.
This series by Angie Fox is kind of like cotton candy--there's not a whole lot there, bit it's sweet and fun. Verity, the main character, can see some ghosts and has accidentally trapped a ghostly gangster on her property. Frankie is most unhappy about this—how is he supposed to swill booze, play cards, hit on dames, and shoot his dead buddies while he's confined to the home of a broke goodie-two-shoes like Verity?
That's not Verity's only issue. She's broke because she called off her wedding to a cheating man from a prominent family of the tiny town of Sugarland. Her almost ex-mother-in-law has influence and is gunning for our girl. Could things be more complicated? You bet! Verity is now dating her ex's brother, a handsome police officer. He's a contrast to his sleazy sibling and Verity would like to quit sneaking around, but she just doesn't need additional animosity.
Two issues hit at the same time. Ellis is ready to go public and Frankie is ready for freedom and neither of them are inclined to wait or be cautious. Verity has a line on a good job when her potential employer is shot dead right after her job interview. If she can depend on Ellis and cajole Frankie, they can maybe solve this murder!
I spent my own money on this book and I'm not disappointed that I did. I'd rate it on the lower end of the four star rating (maybe 3.7 stars?) but I did really enjoy it, fluffy as it is.
August 2, 2016
I kind of feel that this book deserves 5 Stars for no other reason than I'm at book three and I still love it. No great surprises. Most readers will guess whodunit and I imagine quite a few will figure out how as well. It doesn't really matter, it's great fun, I genuinely like the characters and I want to read more of them.
So 4 Stars for the book and a bonus star because the series still catches my attention.
So 4 Stars for the book and a bonus star because the series still catches my attention.
August 27, 2021
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
Oh, this was fun! I have really been enjoying the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series so I was eager to listen to this installment. It was really easy to slip back into Verity’s world and I could wait to go along as she worked to solve another mystery with her ghostly companion, Frankie. From beginning to end, I was completely entertained by this delightful cozy mystery.
When Verity gets the chance to work with the local bank, she is excited about the opportunity until the man giving her the job ends up dead in the bank’s vault during their first meeting. When she figures out that a ghost may have some involvement, she knows that she needs to look into the case. The mystery kept me guessing and there were some developments that will impact future books in the series.
Tavia Gilbert is one of my favorite narrators and I think that she does a fantastic job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for Verity, Frankie, Ellis, and all of the other characters. I think that she is able to add a lot of emotion to her reading which really helps to bring the story to life. I am sure that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I really like all of the characters in this series and think that the paranormal element is very well done. I cannot wait to check out more of Verity’s adventures!
Oh, this was fun! I have really been enjoying the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series so I was eager to listen to this installment. It was really easy to slip back into Verity’s world and I could wait to go along as she worked to solve another mystery with her ghostly companion, Frankie. From beginning to end, I was completely entertained by this delightful cozy mystery.
When Verity gets the chance to work with the local bank, she is excited about the opportunity until the man giving her the job ends up dead in the bank’s vault during their first meeting. When she figures out that a ghost may have some involvement, she knows that she needs to look into the case. The mystery kept me guessing and there were some developments that will impact future books in the series.
Tavia Gilbert is one of my favorite narrators and I think that she does a fantastic job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for Verity, Frankie, Ellis, and all of the other characters. I think that she is able to add a lot of emotion to her reading which really helps to bring the story to life. I am sure that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I really like all of the characters in this series and think that the paranormal element is very well done. I cannot wait to check out more of Verity’s adventures!
May 24, 2018
The Haunted Heist
By: Angie Fox
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
This is such a funny and fun series. I find myself giggling off and on! In this one, the bank is robbed when she is there, and of course so is the ghost Frankie. Frankie finds his long lost friend. It is a very interesting and crazy story that has plenty of twists and crazy ghosts! I love this series!
The narrator is so fabulous! She makes the funny parts funnier and and scary parts...funnier!!! LOL, because they usually are meant to be! Listen to this series in order!
By: Angie Fox
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
This is such a funny and fun series. I find myself giggling off and on! In this one, the bank is robbed when she is there, and of course so is the ghost Frankie. Frankie finds his long lost friend. It is a very interesting and crazy story that has plenty of twists and crazy ghosts! I love this series!
The narrator is so fabulous! She makes the funny parts funnier and and scary parts...funnier!!! LOL, because they usually are meant to be! Listen to this series in order!
March 9, 2016
This is the third book about Verity and her ghostly side kick Frankie. There's a tiny part of me that feels sorry for Frankie as there he was free and living his afterlife anywhere he wanted when boom, he gets 'captured' by Verity and now they are stuck with each other. It's not Verity's fault and she really is trying to help Frankie go free but there's no denying that with Frankie around life has many ups and downs .
Speaking of downs Verity still has the problem of a vindictive 'nearly' mother in law to cope with and that scheming manipulative female ( yep I'm thinking an entirely different word!) has made sure Verity is penniless and unemployed. Now luckily she gets offered a job at the bank but finding her new boss dead in the banks vault kind of puts the kibosh on that! It's ok Verity will step back and let the police do their thing but when Frankie starts believing a long dead mobster is guilty of the crime it's time for this intrepid duo to start investigating .
Well this kept me wondering just who committed the murder and why . I love trying to unravel a mystery and this author certainly set up a good one here. It's the characters that help drive this story though and whether it's a cute skunk or a grumpy and most definitely non PC ghost it's most definitely a fun read. If romance is what you seek then it's on the back burner but fear not there's a very persistent officer who appears to have a back bone , hurrah! I was thoroughly entertained and freely admit it's Frankie and all the mayhem he causes that has me laughing the most. Mystery, danger and ghosts what a quirky read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Speaking of downs Verity still has the problem of a vindictive 'nearly' mother in law to cope with and that scheming manipulative female ( yep I'm thinking an entirely different word!) has made sure Verity is penniless and unemployed. Now luckily she gets offered a job at the bank but finding her new boss dead in the banks vault kind of puts the kibosh on that! It's ok Verity will step back and let the police do their thing but when Frankie starts believing a long dead mobster is guilty of the crime it's time for this intrepid duo to start investigating .
Well this kept me wondering just who committed the murder and why . I love trying to unravel a mystery and this author certainly set up a good one here. It's the characters that help drive this story though and whether it's a cute skunk or a grumpy and most definitely non PC ghost it's most definitely a fun read. If romance is what you seek then it's on the back burner but fear not there's a very persistent officer who appears to have a back bone , hurrah! I was thoroughly entertained and freely admit it's Frankie and all the mayhem he causes that has me laughing the most. Mystery, danger and ghosts what a quirky read.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
June 25, 2022
The Haunted Heist is book three in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series by Angie Fox and narrated by Tavia Gilbert.
I adore this series. Each book brings a fun mystery and even funner characters to fall in love with.
We have Frankie the gangster ghost who is a hoot and brings lots of laughs and entertainment. We have our lead Verity who is trying everything she can to set Frankie free, but life sure has had its ups and downs now that she can see ghosts. Then we have the vindictive x-mother-in-law Virginia Widel who is a piece of work and has and continues to make Verity’s life hard. Then we have Ellis, the romantic interest, who is back.
Oh man Verity just can’t catch a break. We end up with a murder at the local bank. This one kept me wondering who committed the murder and why. The characters help drive the story. As for the romance it comes second to the mystery. I was throughly amused and entertained.
Audio: Tavia Gilbert continues to bring life, laughs, and magic to the characters in this series. I highly recommend the audiobooks for this series.
The Haunted Heist had me invested in the mystery and characters. I continue to enjoy the blend of paranormal with cozy mystery.
Rated: 4 Stars
I adore this series. Each book brings a fun mystery and even funner characters to fall in love with.
We have Frankie the gangster ghost who is a hoot and brings lots of laughs and entertainment. We have our lead Verity who is trying everything she can to set Frankie free, but life sure has had its ups and downs now that she can see ghosts. Then we have the vindictive x-mother-in-law Virginia Widel who is a piece of work and has and continues to make Verity’s life hard. Then we have Ellis, the romantic interest, who is back.
Oh man Verity just can’t catch a break. We end up with a murder at the local bank. This one kept me wondering who committed the murder and why. The characters help drive the story. As for the romance it comes second to the mystery. I was throughly amused and entertained.
Audio: Tavia Gilbert continues to bring life, laughs, and magic to the characters in this series. I highly recommend the audiobooks for this series.
The Haunted Heist had me invested in the mystery and characters. I continue to enjoy the blend of paranormal with cozy mystery.
Rated: 4 Stars
May 30, 2016
This series is great, and this book is a wonderful addition. The series has something... something that pulls me in with each and every story and doesn't let me go until I have finished the book. I thoroughly recommend this. The Haunted Heist could be read as a stand alone, but come on, who would only want to read ONE book in this series...?
May 28, 2017
Another wonderful and exciting ride with Verity, Ellis and Frankie. :)
May 6, 2021
Mon avis en Français
My English review
J’avais beaucoup aimé les deux premiers tomes et j’étais vraiment impatiente de retrouver Verity et Frankie pour de nouvelles aventures !
Notre héroïne a enfin une opportunité professionnelle quand l’oncle de Laurelee revient en ville avec sa fille pour reprendre la banque locale. Mais quand elle le retrouve mort, elle sait que la chance n’est pas de son côté. Pire que ça, il semblerait que le mode opératoire du tueur ressemble à celui d’un homme qui est décédé. Est-ce qu’un fantôme pourrait avoir commis le meurtre ? Aidée d’Ellis et bien sûr de notre cher Frankie, notre héroïne va tout faire pour découvrir la vérité ! Mais ce sera loin d’être facile !
Entre la mère d’Ellis, Frankie qui est bien décidé à l’obliger à l’aider pour enfin être libéré, l’enquête pour meurtre et des fantômes, Verity, n’aura pas le temps de s’ennuyer !
C’était à nouveau un super roman et je suis vraiment impatiente de lire la suite après cette fin ! Frankie est encore plus génial dans ce tome et je ne peux que vous conseiller de vous lancer ! On passe, comme toujours, un super moment !!!
My English review
J’avais beaucoup aimé les deux premiers tomes et j’étais vraiment impatiente de retrouver Verity et Frankie pour de nouvelles aventures !
Notre héroïne a enfin une opportunité professionnelle quand l’oncle de Laurelee revient en ville avec sa fille pour reprendre la banque locale. Mais quand elle le retrouve mort, elle sait que la chance n’est pas de son côté. Pire que ça, il semblerait que le mode opératoire du tueur ressemble à celui d’un homme qui est décédé. Est-ce qu’un fantôme pourrait avoir commis le meurtre ? Aidée d’Ellis et bien sûr de notre cher Frankie, notre héroïne va tout faire pour découvrir la vérité ! Mais ce sera loin d’être facile !
Entre la mère d’Ellis, Frankie qui est bien décidé à l’obliger à l’aider pour enfin être libéré, l’enquête pour meurtre et des fantômes, Verity, n’aura pas le temps de s’ennuyer !
C’était à nouveau un super roman et je suis vraiment impatiente de lire la suite après cette fin ! Frankie est encore plus génial dans ce tome et je ne peux que vous conseiller de vous lancer ! On passe, comme toujours, un super moment !!!
August 2, 2019
The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox is the 3rd book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series. Ghost Hunter Verity Long lands a marketing job at the local bank but her new employer is murdered in the bank vault before she is able to start. The murder has the signature of a long dead gangster and Verity enlists the help of her gangster ghost Frankie to help the investigation. I enjoyed this book very much and I love that Verity and Ellis have become a couple, although I wish that Verity would stand up for herself more with Ellis' mother. Overall a very entertaining book with Verity coming out with her ghost seeing abilities at the end and it will be interesting to see how this changes things for her.
April 24, 2016
Angie Fox continues to delight me with this incredibly charming ghostly mystery series.
In this installment, Verity Long once again finds herself at the center of a murder, this time involving a prominent businessman in Sugarland. The murder delivers several personal blows for Verity --not only was she familiar and friendly with the victim, but his death also takes away the only real job offer she's had for quite some time. Looks like Verity will have to remain stuck in ramen and thrift stores for a little longer. In the immediate aftermath of the murder, it would seem that somehow, someway, there's ghostly involvement. Lucky for Verity, she's got Frankie to help her out. On the unlucky side of the coin, pointing out that ghosts may be involved puts Verity at risk for looking even more like a basket-case to the town of Sugarland, a town full of people who already snub their noses at her thanks to her bitter and vindictive almost mother-in-law.
As with the previous installments of this series, The Haunted Heist contains all the elements I love about this series -- humor, ghosts, fun mysteries, and a little bit of romance. Albeit a slow-simmering romance, but at least it's there. The only thing I wasn't expecting was the turmoil involving Frankie. Normally fun-loving and a go-with-the-flow kind of guy...or ghost, rather... Frankie is starting to realize that the afterlife he'd imagined isn't quite the afterlife he's living. I suppose un-living is more appropriate. Being stuck in Verity's rose bush is really cramping his style and as a former gangster used to action and adventure, Verity's house and lifestyle are as far removed as possible from what he's used to. I never thought I feel bad for him, but hey. Even dead gangsters with holes between their eyes have feelings, too :)
All told, The Haunted Heist was a super fun third installment in Angie Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series. I absolutely recommend this series for mystery lovers who like a little ghostly action, a little dash of romance, and a whole lot of fun. Really looking forward to the next installment, which can't come soon enough.
**eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
**Cliterary Genius 2016 A-Z book challenge, letter H.
In this installment, Verity Long once again finds herself at the center of a murder, this time involving a prominent businessman in Sugarland. The murder delivers several personal blows for Verity --not only was she familiar and friendly with the victim, but his death also takes away the only real job offer she's had for quite some time. Looks like Verity will have to remain stuck in ramen and thrift stores for a little longer. In the immediate aftermath of the murder, it would seem that somehow, someway, there's ghostly involvement. Lucky for Verity, she's got Frankie to help her out. On the unlucky side of the coin, pointing out that ghosts may be involved puts Verity at risk for looking even more like a basket-case to the town of Sugarland, a town full of people who already snub their noses at her thanks to her bitter and vindictive almost mother-in-law.
As with the previous installments of this series, The Haunted Heist contains all the elements I love about this series -- humor, ghosts, fun mysteries, and a little bit of romance. Albeit a slow-simmering romance, but at least it's there. The only thing I wasn't expecting was the turmoil involving Frankie. Normally fun-loving and a go-with-the-flow kind of guy...or ghost, rather... Frankie is starting to realize that the afterlife he'd imagined isn't quite the afterlife he's living. I suppose un-living is more appropriate. Being stuck in Verity's rose bush is really cramping his style and as a former gangster used to action and adventure, Verity's house and lifestyle are as far removed as possible from what he's used to. I never thought I feel bad for him, but hey. Even dead gangsters with holes between their eyes have feelings, too :)
All told, The Haunted Heist was a super fun third installment in Angie Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series. I absolutely recommend this series for mystery lovers who like a little ghostly action, a little dash of romance, and a whole lot of fun. Really looking forward to the next installment, which can't come soon enough.
**eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
**Cliterary Genius 2016 A-Z book challenge, letter H.
March 21, 2016
I feel underwhelmed.
It's not that I had unrealistically high expectations of this book, but it's a fact that Angie Fox had set a standard with the previous books in this series (you can read my reviews for Southern Spirits and The Skeleton in the Closet ) and The Haunted Heist didn't even come close to meeting it.
Maybe it's the formulaic approach to the plot, in the sense that Verity once again finds herself unwillingly in the middle of a murder investigation, needs help from her ghostly friends and ends up trapped or buried or both, again.
Maybe it's the fact this book brought nothing new to the series, but instead just raised questions already discussed in the books before, again.
Maybe it's because Verity all of a sudden turned from a badass who deals with life head-on, into a ninny who let her ex-mother-in-law bully her and scare her off from what she wanted.
I don't know. Too bad I'm not a fan of this book, but I'm still a huge fan of the series and I'm still looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to Season Publishing for providing me with a copy via NetGalley.
It's not that I had unrealistically high expectations of this book, but it's a fact that Angie Fox had set a standard with the previous books in this series (you can read my reviews for Southern Spirits and The Skeleton in the Closet ) and The Haunted Heist didn't even come close to meeting it.
Maybe it's the formulaic approach to the plot, in the sense that Verity once again finds herself unwillingly in the middle of a murder investigation, needs help from her ghostly friends and ends up trapped or buried or both, again.
Maybe it's the fact this book brought nothing new to the series, but instead just raised questions already discussed in the books before, again.
Maybe it's because Verity all of a sudden turned from a badass who deals with life head-on, into a ninny who let her ex-mother-in-law bully her and scare her off from what she wanted.
I don't know. Too bad I'm not a fan of this book, but I'm still a huge fan of the series and I'm still looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to Season Publishing for providing me with a copy via NetGalley.
April 2, 2023
This is a fun and entertaining series. I don’t usually get hooked into a cozy mystery series, but I am fully hooked now.
May 3, 2018
4 Stars... Another quick, fast paced, fun read in this ghostly mystery series... Verity and Ellis find themselves smack dab in the middle of another murder case with a gangster twist... With hilarious one liners, moments of true southern sweetness, and some intense ghostly encounters, this book brings the levity and mystery that readers love in this genre.... Looking forward to more adventures with this quirky cast of characters:)
February 23, 2017
For Verity and Frankie's latest ghostly murder mystery outing, we're headed to the vault of a bank being tunneled into by a gangster ghost, to a speak easy out on Ellis's property, and a ghostly graveyard hunting down a spooky assassin. When the bullets start flying, Verity is hard-pressed to keep from joining Frankie in the afterlife.
The Haunted Heist is book three in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. In a pinch, it could be read/listened to out of order, but there are story threads that are ongoing throughout the series.
The story opens with Verity getting offered the chance to pitch her graphic design work to the new head of the Sugarland bank and her best friend's uncle now back in town. Frankie also has work for her to find his favorite gun because he thinks burying his gun with his funeral urn will free his ghost to haunt wherever he pleases. In the meantime, Verity placates Frankie with a trip to the bank- gangsters do love visiting banks right?
The trip to the bank doesn't end up quite as Verity imagined. No job designing a logo, but now the chance to solve Reggie's murder because it really looks like a notorious gangster ghost has figured out a way to snuff out the living.
Verity has been struggling with what to do with the feelings she shares with Ellis, knowing her ex-fiance's mother will not make it easy for Verity to have a relationship with her middle son. Ellis believes it will work and has had enough of her hesitation. Meanwhile, the pair are working hard to solve a murder that begins with figuring out why.
I had a great time with this third installment. Frankie getting back with his gangster buddies and their dolls was a hoot. I liked seeing Verity and Ellis come to a decision finally. I do have to say I wasn't as into the mystery as all the rest of the story elements. Not that it was bad, just didn't hold me interest like the others in the series.
Tavia Gilbert was as divine as ever working her narration magic with Verity and the other series characters. The added ghostly gangsters and their molls were well acted, too.
All in all, I continue to enjoy this blend of paranormal with cozy mystery and highly recommend it to others.
The Haunted Heist is book three in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. In a pinch, it could be read/listened to out of order, but there are story threads that are ongoing throughout the series.
The story opens with Verity getting offered the chance to pitch her graphic design work to the new head of the Sugarland bank and her best friend's uncle now back in town. Frankie also has work for her to find his favorite gun because he thinks burying his gun with his funeral urn will free his ghost to haunt wherever he pleases. In the meantime, Verity placates Frankie with a trip to the bank- gangsters do love visiting banks right?
The trip to the bank doesn't end up quite as Verity imagined. No job designing a logo, but now the chance to solve Reggie's murder because it really looks like a notorious gangster ghost has figured out a way to snuff out the living.
Verity has been struggling with what to do with the feelings she shares with Ellis, knowing her ex-fiance's mother will not make it easy for Verity to have a relationship with her middle son. Ellis believes it will work and has had enough of her hesitation. Meanwhile, the pair are working hard to solve a murder that begins with figuring out why.
I had a great time with this third installment. Frankie getting back with his gangster buddies and their dolls was a hoot. I liked seeing Verity and Ellis come to a decision finally. I do have to say I wasn't as into the mystery as all the rest of the story elements. Not that it was bad, just didn't hold me interest like the others in the series.
Tavia Gilbert was as divine as ever working her narration magic with Verity and the other series characters. The added ghostly gangsters and their molls were well acted, too.
All in all, I continue to enjoy this blend of paranormal with cozy mystery and highly recommend it to others.
March 29, 2019
2.75 stars. A little bit of romance with a swoon worthy H, a little bit of spooky adventure, and a dash of mystery, this one was fun, but not as much as the previous installments. The mystery felt thin, as the story focused more on the relationships between the afterlifes. It's a sign that I should take a break from Verity Long's adventures, but I'll be back at a later date! I really need to know what happens between Verity and her man, Ellis. :)
ETA: There was something that bothered me in this book, though.
ETA: There was something that bothered me in this book, though.
January 9, 2021
Sigh, you know when you are having a rough year and start of the new year and the first few books you read for the year were good, but weren't "knock your socks off great", and that's what you really REALLY needed at the moment? And then you continue with a series that you loved and were all like "man, I hope this doesn't jump any sharks" and it renews your faith in everything?
Yeah, that was this book for me. I shouldn't have doubted the author, this book didn't slump, it didn't jump any sharks and it kept right on keeping on, with a twist, so the books from here on out won't be more of the same, so no fear that each book is just a slightly different copy of the former book.
I don't always agree with actions made by some of the characters, BUT those actions are in-character for them, so it doesn't draw me out of the book at all.
So far, this series has been an absolute PLEASURE to read and my Boss at the store has ordered and displayed other books from different series by this author as well as this one. So we are well and truly smitten.
The books have serious topics, but aren't too dark. They are just the right balance of serious and heart-pounding and light and funny, as a good cozy should be. Toss in a little bit of romance and the family drama with the love interest's family, and you have a cute read. It just needs more of Lucy the Skunk imho. ; )
Highly recommended if you like cozy mysteries or if you are looking for something light and fun to get you through a shaky start to 2021. Highly recommended that you start with the first book of this series, as you will miss character development and it would be a more enjoyable read to start from the beginning.
5, I am so glad that I picked this up and I'm moving onto the next one very soon, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Season Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Yeah, that was this book for me. I shouldn't have doubted the author, this book didn't slump, it didn't jump any sharks and it kept right on keeping on, with a twist, so the books from here on out won't be more of the same, so no fear that each book is just a slightly different copy of the former book.
I don't always agree with actions made by some of the characters, BUT those actions are in-character for them, so it doesn't draw me out of the book at all.
So far, this series has been an absolute PLEASURE to read and my Boss at the store has ordered and displayed other books from different series by this author as well as this one. So we are well and truly smitten.
The books have serious topics, but aren't too dark. They are just the right balance of serious and heart-pounding and light and funny, as a good cozy should be. Toss in a little bit of romance and the family drama with the love interest's family, and you have a cute read. It just needs more of Lucy the Skunk imho. ; )
Highly recommended if you like cozy mysteries or if you are looking for something light and fun to get you through a shaky start to 2021. Highly recommended that you start with the first book of this series, as you will miss character development and it would be a more enjoyable read to start from the beginning.
5, I am so glad that I picked this up and I'm moving onto the next one very soon, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Season Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2017
4.5* Totally enjoyed it! I think the only thing that irked me was the constant irritant of her almost-ex-mother-in-law and her threats. I'd love to see that bit retired, and have all the action centered on the ghost hunting, Frankie, and the humans who support her and ground her. Already have the next in the series lined up.
September 18, 2021
I know I read this one, I remember the end but apparently never marked it as done.
December 3, 2019
3 Stars. The Haunted Heist is book 3 in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery told in 1st person POV for main character Verity Long.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleans out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it traps his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, shows himself to her and so begins her ability to see ghosts.
In this book, Verity's best friend's Uncle is killed in the vault of the bank he owned. Verity was at the bank when it happened and saw his dead body. Verity, Frankie, and Ellis investigate the murder.
I think I might be starting to get a bit bored with this series. It's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way and it is just a bunch of stuff happening up until the big reveal at the end. I think at this point I am just enjoying the bits and pieces of Verity and Ellis forming a relationship and holding on for those details that are sprinkled throughout. Oh, I do love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name when she is in trouble: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute.
I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She did a really good job. Her voices were distinct and clear and her pronunciation was good. The audio editing was off in one place in chapter 13 where you could tell that it was pieced together and a word was partially cut off.
So far, I recommend this series but I don't think I will continue to binge it. I am going to try one more and take it from there.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleans out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it traps his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, shows himself to her and so begins her ability to see ghosts.
In this book, Verity's best friend's Uncle is killed in the vault of the bank he owned. Verity was at the bank when it happened and saw his dead body. Verity, Frankie, and Ellis investigate the murder.
I think I might be starting to get a bit bored with this series. It's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way and it is just a bunch of stuff happening up until the big reveal at the end. I think at this point I am just enjoying the bits and pieces of Verity and Ellis forming a relationship and holding on for those details that are sprinkled throughout. Oh, I do love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name when she is in trouble: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute.
I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She did a really good job. Her voices were distinct and clear and her pronunciation was good. The audio editing was off in one place in chapter 13 where you could tell that it was pieced together and a word was partially cut off.
So far, I recommend this series but I don't think I will continue to binge it. I am going to try one more and take it from there.
January 8, 2021
3.5/5
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Pour ceux qui ne connaîtraient pas, ou qui auraient oublié, on est ici sur une série de Cozy mysteries fantastique/paranormal.
L’héroïne, Verity, collabore avec le fantôme d’un mafieux mort dans les années 30 pour l’aider à résoudre des crimes ou des situations difficiles. En échange de son aide le fantôme lui demande de l’aider à trouver un moyen pour lui de passer dans l’au delà, car il est bloqué sur terre.
Ce tome ci était un peu différent. Dans le sens ou si le but final de l’intrigue est toujours un crime, on n’est pas plongé vraiment dans l’investigation principale. En gros on était bien plus dans des histoires de fantômes et en parallèle sur une piste secondaire sur l’enquête.
Verity ne trouve plus de client pour son entreprise de sites web et de design internet.
Elle a été blacklistée par tout le monde depuis qu’elle a cassé avec son fiancé le jour même de leur mariage et donc mis sa belle famille en mauvaise position car c’était eux qui avaient tout organisé et que tout leurs importants contacts d’affaires étaient présents. Notamment sa belle mère qui est très en colère contre elle et qui fera tout pour qu’elle paye pour ça.
Alors quand le directeur de la banque de la ville, qui se trouve être l’oncle d’une de ses meilleures amies, lui propose un très gros projet, elle saute de joie. Mais malheureusement, sa joie ne sera que de courte durée, vu que lors de la réunion, l’homme décède, assassiné.
Non seulement il a été tué d’une façon très étrange (on a marqué une croix de sang sur sa joue), mais en plus on trouve une montre ancienne sur lui, alors que personne de sa famille ne l’avait jamais vu avant. Les deux indices se lient très rapidement à un ancien tueur à gage de la région, mort depuis 50 ans.
C’est donc sur cette piste que part Verity, cherchant dans ses contacts fantômes, si quelqu’un connaissait le tueur en question et si il est toujours actif en fantôme dans le coin …
Même si on est encore une fois sur un tome très sympa, que j’ai lu très rapidement, j’avoue que j’ai eu un léger coup de mou sur ce tome. Enfin je l’ai apprécié, mais je le classerai en dessous des deux précédents. J’avais un peu l’impression que l’héroïne partait un peu n’importe ou sans jamais vraiment avancer, ni savoir ce qu’elle faisait. En gros c’était peut être un peu bouillon pour moi.
Malgré tout j’ai bien aimé les personnages, qui ne sont pas infaillibles. Et j’ai aussi bien aimé le principe du personnage qui s’éloigne de l’enquête réelle pour aller chercher des indices du coté des fantômes. Je pense que cette particularité se retrouvera plus dans la suite.
J’ai bien aimé l’évolution dans la vie de Verity qu’on voit arriver à la fin. Enfin elle a trouvé sa voie et j’ai hâte de voir ce que ça va pouvoir donner dans les tomes suivants.
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Pour ceux qui ne connaîtraient pas, ou qui auraient oublié, on est ici sur une série de Cozy mysteries fantastique/paranormal.
L’héroïne, Verity, collabore avec le fantôme d’un mafieux mort dans les années 30 pour l’aider à résoudre des crimes ou des situations difficiles. En échange de son aide le fantôme lui demande de l’aider à trouver un moyen pour lui de passer dans l’au delà, car il est bloqué sur terre.
Ce tome ci était un peu différent. Dans le sens ou si le but final de l’intrigue est toujours un crime, on n’est pas plongé vraiment dans l’investigation principale. En gros on était bien plus dans des histoires de fantômes et en parallèle sur une piste secondaire sur l’enquête.
Verity ne trouve plus de client pour son entreprise de sites web et de design internet.
Elle a été blacklistée par tout le monde depuis qu’elle a cassé avec son fiancé le jour même de leur mariage et donc mis sa belle famille en mauvaise position car c’était eux qui avaient tout organisé et que tout leurs importants contacts d’affaires étaient présents. Notamment sa belle mère qui est très en colère contre elle et qui fera tout pour qu’elle paye pour ça.
Alors quand le directeur de la banque de la ville, qui se trouve être l’oncle d’une de ses meilleures amies, lui propose un très gros projet, elle saute de joie. Mais malheureusement, sa joie ne sera que de courte durée, vu que lors de la réunion, l’homme décède, assassiné.
Non seulement il a été tué d’une façon très étrange (on a marqué une croix de sang sur sa joue), mais en plus on trouve une montre ancienne sur lui, alors que personne de sa famille ne l’avait jamais vu avant. Les deux indices se lient très rapidement à un ancien tueur à gage de la région, mort depuis 50 ans.
C’est donc sur cette piste que part Verity, cherchant dans ses contacts fantômes, si quelqu’un connaissait le tueur en question et si il est toujours actif en fantôme dans le coin …
Même si on est encore une fois sur un tome très sympa, que j’ai lu très rapidement, j’avoue que j’ai eu un léger coup de mou sur ce tome. Enfin je l’ai apprécié, mais je le classerai en dessous des deux précédents. J’avais un peu l’impression que l’héroïne partait un peu n’importe ou sans jamais vraiment avancer, ni savoir ce qu’elle faisait. En gros c’était peut être un peu bouillon pour moi.
Malgré tout j’ai bien aimé les personnages, qui ne sont pas infaillibles. Et j’ai aussi bien aimé le principe du personnage qui s’éloigne de l’enquête réelle pour aller chercher des indices du coté des fantômes. Je pense que cette particularité se retrouvera plus dans la suite.
J’ai bien aimé l’évolution dans la vie de Verity qu’on voit arriver à la fin. Enfin elle a trouvé sa voie et j’ai hâte de voir ce que ça va pouvoir donner dans les tomes suivants.
March 15, 2016
I received an e-arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had to amend my original rating, I feel so bad! Don't get me wrong, I adored this book. Frankie is still the same sassy ass character that we adore (he's what makes this series worth reading). Ellis and Verity are slowly, and I mean slowly, figuring out their relationship, with upsets from his mother and the other town folk. Unfortunately, "The Haunted Heist" fell short of the first two.
I was falling over laughing during the first two, this one, while interesting was not what I had come to know and love. Frankie was mopey in this one, instead of his witty and charming self, he wants to be free so badly, making him lose his spark. He wasn't the only one though. Verity, in the past, was strong willed and really didn't take much crap from people, but she takes it from Ellis' mom in this one, like WTF? She just let her have not that long ago. Thankfully, Ellis puts that straight, but creates problems that weren't necessary.
The plot was actually pretty good, I kept trying to figure out who it was, but I was wrong, I'm sad to say. Really, though, how many times can you get buried alive? Every other book? The funniest part of this book was definitely the speak easy, the rest was meh.
I had to amend my original rating, I feel so bad! Don't get me wrong, I adored this book. Frankie is still the same sassy ass character that we adore (he's what makes this series worth reading). Ellis and Verity are slowly, and I mean slowly, figuring out their relationship, with upsets from his mother and the other town folk. Unfortunately, "The Haunted Heist" fell short of the first two.
I was falling over laughing during the first two, this one, while interesting was not what I had come to know and love. Frankie was mopey in this one, instead of his witty and charming self, he wants to be free so badly, making him lose his spark. He wasn't the only one though. Verity, in the past, was strong willed and really didn't take much crap from people, but she takes it from Ellis' mom in this one, like WTF? She just let her have not that long ago. Thankfully, Ellis puts that straight, but creates problems that weren't necessary.
The plot was actually pretty good, I kept trying to figure out who it was, but I was wrong, I'm sad to say. Really, though, how many times can you get buried alive? Every other book? The funniest part of this book was definitely the speak easy, the rest was meh.
March 15, 2016
A good fantasy story. Verity Long is able to see ghosts with her ghost friend Frankie. She accepts a job from the bank president. Verity visits the bank to learn the details of her job and while there, the bank executive is shot in the vault. There are only four persons present at the time it happens. Frankie informs Verity that a ghost shot him. There is ghostly chase through most of the book. I found this chase hard believe as the details were not very accurate.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Season Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Season Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
July 24, 2016
Cute - strange adjective for a murder mystery, I know. Author Fox has finally hit her stride with this series. This was good in audio.
March 29, 2019
Another brilliant page turner from Angie Fox!
Verity is surprised one morning when her friend Lauralee arrives with Lauralee's Uncle Reggie, Reggie has just taken over as the local bank manager and is determined to update the bank, including the marketing materials and with that in mind he has invited Verity to be the new marketing maven. When she arrives at the meeting it seems a foregone conclusion, things are just winding up when Reggie is called downstairs to the vault, the next thing is he is found dead! The only people that could have killed him are his daughter EmmaJane aka Em, the deputy bank manager Carla, the head teller or the security guard, there is just one slight problem, Reggie was killed in the manner of a gangster who should be well and truly dead and buried. Now Verity needs to combine forces with Frankie (her resident ghost) and hopefully with Ellis Wydell (unless his mother has her way) to determine the truth behind Reggie's death (oh and if she can track down a ghostly pastor that would be helpful as well!)
Verity is surprised one morning when her friend Lauralee arrives with Lauralee's Uncle Reggie, Reggie has just taken over as the local bank manager and is determined to update the bank, including the marketing materials and with that in mind he has invited Verity to be the new marketing maven. When she arrives at the meeting it seems a foregone conclusion, things are just winding up when Reggie is called downstairs to the vault, the next thing is he is found dead! The only people that could have killed him are his daughter EmmaJane aka Em, the deputy bank manager Carla, the head teller or the security guard, there is just one slight problem, Reggie was killed in the manner of a gangster who should be well and truly dead and buried. Now Verity needs to combine forces with Frankie (her resident ghost) and hopefully with Ellis Wydell (unless his mother has her way) to determine the truth behind Reggie's death (oh and if she can track down a ghostly pastor that would be helpful as well!)
March 23, 2017
Angie Fox writes a fun paranormal caper. Verity lives in Sugarland with her pet skunk Lucy and a resident gangster ghost Frankie. Who knew the antics of a skunk could be so adorable. While at a job interview at the local bank, her new boss is shot dead. The security camera is broken so no one knows what happened. Verity asks Frankie if he and his ghost pals saw anything. Frankie believes its the work of handsome Henry, especially when his pocket watch is found on Reggie the dead banker.
Finding the killer will lead Verity on a wild ghost chase. Couldn't put this book down, loved all the ghosts. The author had me guessing all the way to the end how it would work out.
Book highly recommended. I received an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Finding the killer will lead Verity on a wild ghost chase. Couldn't put this book down, loved all the ghosts. The author had me guessing all the way to the end how it would work out.
Book highly recommended. I received an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
Okay Verity! I love that you're standing up for yourself and others more and more. In the beginning, I won't lie sis, I thought you were pretty selfish. Now that we've spent three books together, it's easy for me to see that you (and Frankie) have more compassion than you initially seem to.
It's a great addition to the series, although I will admit that it would be nice to see the world of Sugarland flexed out a little more.
It's a great addition to the series, although I will admit that it would be nice to see the world of Sugarland flexed out a little more.
January 7, 2021
http://www.unbrindelecture.com/2021/0...
Un troisième tome dans un coffre hanté qui nous amène dans un bar mafieux, un cimetière et j’en passe. Verity et Ellis n’auront qu’à bien se tenir pour révéler la vérité sur le meurtre du directeur de la banque. De rebondissements en rebondissements, ce sera aussi l’occasion de voir leur relation évoluée.
Un troisième tome dans un coffre hanté qui nous amène dans un bar mafieux, un cimetière et j’en passe. Verity et Ellis n’auront qu’à bien se tenir pour révéler la vérité sur le meurtre du directeur de la banque. De rebondissements en rebondissements, ce sera aussi l’occasion de voir leur relation évoluée.
December 12, 2017
A GoodReads GiveAway
Finally, after years of trying, I won an Angie Fox novel. Yessssssss!
I'm happy. As I'd hoped, the book is fun light reading.
Guess what?
I'm trying for some more Angie Fox books.
Finally, after years of trying, I won an Angie Fox novel. Yessssssss!
I'm happy. As I'd hoped, the book is fun light reading.
Guess what?
I'm trying for some more Angie Fox books.
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