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Bailey Ruth #8
Ghost on the Case
Bailey Ruth Raeburn is back, racing against the Heavenly clock in an all-new mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Times Two. Bailey Ruth finds herself comforting a distraught sister when she’s sent to Adelaide, Oklahoma, on her latest mission. Susan Gilbert receives a $100,000 ransom demand for her younger sibling. When the caller wants Susan to pay a visit to her wealthy boss and take the cash from his safe, Bailey Ruth follows Susan to the home. But she finds herself in a quandary, knowing that robbery is hardly a Heavenly pursuit. While Susan waits to hear back from the kidnappers, Bailey Ruth attempts to piece together how the criminals targeted Susan and how they know about her boss’s money. At a luncheon the previous week, Susan’s boss asked her to open the safe so all the attendees knew it was filled with cash. Could one of the rich man’s closest confidants be behind the abduction? Bailey Ruth is positive she can use her detective skills to figure out which luncheon guest arranged the kidnapping. But an unexpected twist in the case soon has Bailey Ruth seeking a murderer who has plans to send more victims to the great beyond...
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
44 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn G. Hart
127 books944 followersAlso writing as Carolyn Hart.
An accomplished master of mystery with 46 published books, Carolyn Hart is the creator of the highly acclaimed Henrie O,Death on Demand, and Bailey Ruth Raeburn series. Her books have won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Letter from Home (2003), her standalone mystery set in Oklahoma, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Dead by Midnight (William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2007). She is one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women who write mysteries. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
New Books: Dead By Midnight Carolyn Hart
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart On Sale March 29
The police say suicide. Annie Darling suspects murder. Max is unconvinced until Annie follows a trail behind the dead woman's house.
Annie unravels the mystery of a towel hidden at midnight in a gazebo, the interesting lack of fingerprints on a crystal mug, blood on a teenager's blue shirt, and the secret of a lovers' tryst. Max plunges deep into the woods to find incriminating evidence.
Annie sets the perfect trap for a merciless killer, but her cell phone rings and Death is on the line.
www.CarolynHart.com
And for cat lovers:
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart
I love to have fun when writing a mystery. If I laugh, I think a reader will laugh. In the Death on Demand series, I especially enjoy writing about Annie Darling's ditzy mother-in-law, Laurel Roethke. Laurel is usually excited about a new interest, something that surprises and often confounds Annie.
In Dead by Midnight, Laurel creates Cat Truth Posters, which she wants Annie to hang in the bookstore. Annie thinks books should be the store's focus, but the posters enchant her.
Each poster features a cat's photograph with a caption. Here are three of the Cat Truth posters;
. . . a silky furred, mitted, and bicolored Ragdoll stretched out on a red silk cushion, looking as comfy as Eva Longoria in a Hanes ad: Go with the Flow.
A rectangular-muzzled, green-eyed, cholocolate colored cat appeared as brooding as a Gothic hero: Always Say Yes to Adventure.
. . . a thick-furred, piebald Siberian forest cat, its white front a brilliant contrast to a charcoal back and head. Its face appeared almost angelic: Always try a Smile First.
And yes, one of the posters points to a killer.
Fun for me and fun, I hope for readers
An accomplished master of mystery with 46 published books, Carolyn Hart is the creator of the highly acclaimed Henrie O,Death on Demand, and Bailey Ruth Raeburn series. Her books have won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Letter from Home (2003), her standalone mystery set in Oklahoma, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Dead by Midnight (William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2007). She is one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women who write mysteries. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
New Books: Dead By Midnight Carolyn Hart
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart On Sale March 29
The police say suicide. Annie Darling suspects murder. Max is unconvinced until Annie follows a trail behind the dead woman's house.
Annie unravels the mystery of a towel hidden at midnight in a gazebo, the interesting lack of fingerprints on a crystal mug, blood on a teenager's blue shirt, and the secret of a lovers' tryst. Max plunges deep into the woods to find incriminating evidence.
Annie sets the perfect trap for a merciless killer, but her cell phone rings and Death is on the line.
www.CarolynHart.com
And for cat lovers:
DEAD BY MIDNIGHT by Carolyn Hart
I love to have fun when writing a mystery. If I laugh, I think a reader will laugh. In the Death on Demand series, I especially enjoy writing about Annie Darling's ditzy mother-in-law, Laurel Roethke. Laurel is usually excited about a new interest, something that surprises and often confounds Annie.
In Dead by Midnight, Laurel creates Cat Truth Posters, which she wants Annie to hang in the bookstore. Annie thinks books should be the store's focus, but the posters enchant her.
Each poster features a cat's photograph with a caption. Here are three of the Cat Truth posters;
. . . a silky furred, mitted, and bicolored Ragdoll stretched out on a red silk cushion, looking as comfy as Eva Longoria in a Hanes ad: Go with the Flow.
A rectangular-muzzled, green-eyed, cholocolate colored cat appeared as brooding as a Gothic hero: Always Say Yes to Adventure.
. . . a thick-furred, piebald Siberian forest cat, its white front a brilliant contrast to a charcoal back and head. Its face appeared almost angelic: Always try a Smile First.
And yes, one of the posters points to a killer.
Fun for me and fun, I hope for readers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 29, 2017
Heavens to Murgatroyd: How on earth have I missed this series? For sure, it's an oversight that won't happen again. The late Bailey Ruth Raeburn is a delightful character, and I'm already looking forward to her next sleight of body experience.
Bailey Ruth, you see, died in a boating accident years ago. Now, she's in Heaven, working for the Department of Good Intentions in 27-year-old form (her choice of age to remain forever and ever). She's also got impeccable fashion sense; part of the fun of the book comes as she chooses - and describes in detail - the outfit she's picked to fit each occasion.
Those occasions, though, provide the real story. Her job as an Emissary for the Department takes her to earth via the Rescue Express to help those in need of investigative intervention. On terra firma, she's able to travel invisibly to and from anywhere at will as well as appear as a human being (the latter ability is frowned on by the Department except in absolute emergencies). This time out (down??), she's sent to Adelaide, Oklahoma, her old hometown. It seems a young woman named Susan Gilbert has received a phone call claiming that her younger sister Sylvie has been kidnapped - and the fee for her safe return is $100,000. Susan is far from wealthy, but as the secretary to a filthy rich businessman, she has access to the safe in which he keeps at least that much cash on hand plus a few other valuables.
Aided by calls from the kidnapper telling her exactly what to do and when, Susan manages to steal the money - with the intent of confessing the theft to her boss and promixing to pay it back over time. But shortly thereafter, the businessman is found dead - murdered - and his safe is open and empty. The police investigation centers on Susan - especially when the box containing the money turns up in her car's trunk and other items from the safe are found elsewhere on her property.
Bailey Ruth, of course, is convinced that Susan is innocent and being framed - and she sets out to prove it. Her efforts put her back in touch with an old friend and police officer, one of the few earthbound humans who knows who she is and what she now does for a "living" (no doubt they have a history from previous books in the series). Together, they conclude that only a handful of people who were at a party at the murdered man's home the night of the theft could have had sufficient knowledge to pull off the murder and shift the blame to Susan. But which one? And is there a ghost of a chance that Bailey Ruth will figure it out before her own boss yanks her back to her Heavenly home and Susan is charged with the murder?
Ah, you'll just have to read it to get the answers to those questions. This is the perfect book (and series) to pick up when your head needs a break from psychological thrillers and heavy-duty murder mysteries. The publisher, via NetGalley, was an angel for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bailey Ruth, you see, died in a boating accident years ago. Now, she's in Heaven, working for the Department of Good Intentions in 27-year-old form (her choice of age to remain forever and ever). She's also got impeccable fashion sense; part of the fun of the book comes as she chooses - and describes in detail - the outfit she's picked to fit each occasion.
Those occasions, though, provide the real story. Her job as an Emissary for the Department takes her to earth via the Rescue Express to help those in need of investigative intervention. On terra firma, she's able to travel invisibly to and from anywhere at will as well as appear as a human being (the latter ability is frowned on by the Department except in absolute emergencies). This time out (down??), she's sent to Adelaide, Oklahoma, her old hometown. It seems a young woman named Susan Gilbert has received a phone call claiming that her younger sister Sylvie has been kidnapped - and the fee for her safe return is $100,000. Susan is far from wealthy, but as the secretary to a filthy rich businessman, she has access to the safe in which he keeps at least that much cash on hand plus a few other valuables.
Aided by calls from the kidnapper telling her exactly what to do and when, Susan manages to steal the money - with the intent of confessing the theft to her boss and promixing to pay it back over time. But shortly thereafter, the businessman is found dead - murdered - and his safe is open and empty. The police investigation centers on Susan - especially when the box containing the money turns up in her car's trunk and other items from the safe are found elsewhere on her property.
Bailey Ruth, of course, is convinced that Susan is innocent and being framed - and she sets out to prove it. Her efforts put her back in touch with an old friend and police officer, one of the few earthbound humans who knows who she is and what she now does for a "living" (no doubt they have a history from previous books in the series). Together, they conclude that only a handful of people who were at a party at the murdered man's home the night of the theft could have had sufficient knowledge to pull off the murder and shift the blame to Susan. But which one? And is there a ghost of a chance that Bailey Ruth will figure it out before her own boss yanks her back to her Heavenly home and Susan is charged with the murder?
Ah, you'll just have to read it to get the answers to those questions. This is the perfect book (and series) to pick up when your head needs a break from psychological thrillers and heavy-duty murder mysteries. The publisher, via NetGalley, was an angel for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
Bailey Ruth works in Heaven's Department of Good Intentions. When her supervisor sends her to earth to help a grieving Susan Gilbert find her younger sister who has been kidnapped, she finds herself in her old hometown of Adelaide, Oklahoma. With the ability to appear or disappear at will and her love of detective novels, she is determined to find out who kidnapped the sister, forcing Susan to steal money from her wealthy employee's safe to pay the ransom. When the body of her employer is found the morning after Susan's theft, she becomes the prime suspect in his murder. This is a delightful series with loving characters and evil villains in intricate murder plots that explore the Good and Evil in all of us. A MUST READ series by an author who is a master at her art!
January 16, 2018
3.5. This book had an attack of cute. It was my first read of the series-so it did read fine as a standalone. It was a decent mystery with some humor but all the various outfit descriptions the ghost changed into-not sure what that added AT ALL. It was a bit too goody goody for me. I think my Mom would have enjoyed it more. Maybe for fans of Murder She Wrote----a mystery without too much gore or swearing or debauchery.
December 11, 2017
I really enjoy the Bailey Ruth series. Bailey Ruth is a hoot.
October 27, 2017
Ghost on the Case by Carolyn Hart is the eighth book in A Bailey Ruth Ghost series. Bailey Ruth Raeburn, a heavenly emissary, is thrilled when she gets a message from her supervisor, Paul Wiggins to report to Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions. Wiggins has a new assignment for Bailey Ruth. She gets to return to Adelaide, Oklahoma (her home town) to help Susan Gilbert. Susan receives a $100,000 ransom demand for her sister, Sylvie. She is told to steal the money from her employer’s safe and wait for their return call at midnight—she never gets a call. The next morning, Susan heads to work and discovers the place crawling with police. Susan’s boss, Wilbur Fitch was found dead in his study and Susan is at the top of the suspect list. Bailey Ruth sets out to unearth who knew Susan could open the safe and why they wanted Wilbur dead. Can Bailey Ruth get Susan set back on the correct path?
Ghost on the Case was an entertaining novel. Bailey Ruth is a firecracker. I enjoy her fashion sense, wit, intelligence, and determination. While Ghost on the Case is the eighth book in the series, it can be read alone. All the background details on Bailey Ruth are provided in the book. I found Ghost on the Case to be nicely written and to have a good pace. I like how Bailey Ruth works with Sam Cobb, the police chief, to solve the case. There was just the right amount of humor in Ghost on the Case. My rating for Ghost on the Case is 4 out of 5 stars. The mystery had some great elements. I wish, though, it had been a little more challenging. There was repetition of details regarding the case that I wish the author had eliminated (we do not need reminded so often). I liked how Ms. Hart included my favorite childhood restaurant (The Spaghetti Warehouse) and several wonderful novels. I will be continuing with A Bailey Ruth Ghost series. If you are looking for a light and entertaining cozy mystery, pick up a copy of Ghost on the Case.
Ghost on the Case was an entertaining novel. Bailey Ruth is a firecracker. I enjoy her fashion sense, wit, intelligence, and determination. While Ghost on the Case is the eighth book in the series, it can be read alone. All the background details on Bailey Ruth are provided in the book. I found Ghost on the Case to be nicely written and to have a good pace. I like how Bailey Ruth works with Sam Cobb, the police chief, to solve the case. There was just the right amount of humor in Ghost on the Case. My rating for Ghost on the Case is 4 out of 5 stars. The mystery had some great elements. I wish, though, it had been a little more challenging. There was repetition of details regarding the case that I wish the author had eliminated (we do not need reminded so often). I liked how Ms. Hart included my favorite childhood restaurant (The Spaghetti Warehouse) and several wonderful novels. I will be continuing with A Bailey Ruth Ghost series. If you are looking for a light and entertaining cozy mystery, pick up a copy of Ghost on the Case.
October 4, 2017
Author Carolyn Hart kills it with GHOST ON THE CASE.
Sometimes a series can become stale, and predictable. But in this eighth installment of the Bailey Ruth Ghost Mysteries, Hart proves she has what it takes to keep her series fresh, and readers coming back for more.
Bailey Ruth is sent to her old hometown to help find a woman’s kidnapped sister. Who did it, and how did they know the woman, Susan, could get the money they demanded? Bailey Ruth plans to find out, but soon finds herself on the trail of a murderer.
GHOST ON THE CASE was the most intense, and nail biting Bailey Ruth yet. There were scenes where I held my breath as things went from bad to worse. There were so many pieces of this puzzle to put together, that I finally stopped trying to play sleuth myself, and just sat back and enjoyed while I let the story played out. Wow. Brava, Carolyn Hart.
Bailey Ruth fans, you’re going to love GHOST ON THE CASE!
Sometimes a series can become stale, and predictable. But in this eighth installment of the Bailey Ruth Ghost Mysteries, Hart proves she has what it takes to keep her series fresh, and readers coming back for more.
Bailey Ruth is sent to her old hometown to help find a woman’s kidnapped sister. Who did it, and how did they know the woman, Susan, could get the money they demanded? Bailey Ruth plans to find out, but soon finds herself on the trail of a murderer.
GHOST ON THE CASE was the most intense, and nail biting Bailey Ruth yet. There were scenes where I held my breath as things went from bad to worse. There were so many pieces of this puzzle to put together, that I finally stopped trying to play sleuth myself, and just sat back and enjoyed while I let the story played out. Wow. Brava, Carolyn Hart.
Bailey Ruth fans, you’re going to love GHOST ON THE CASE!
October 14, 2017
Bailey Ruth's detection skills are pushed to the limit in Carolyn Hart's 8th book in the series. She is called back to earth to help a woman whose sister has been kidnapped...Turns out to be a hoax...the kidnapping is actually to cover up the murder of one of Adelaide's wealthiest citizens! Only 7 people knoew that Susan had the combination to the safe...which one of them is behind the fake kidnapping and murder> Trust Bailey Ruth to see through the lies and smiling faces to discover the trugh!
December 26, 2017
Enjoyable as the others in this series have been.
March 28, 2021
Haven't read one of these in a while. Nice return visit to Bailey Ruth.
November 30, 2020
All I’ll say is. The murderer wasn’t who I thought. Well done
September 24, 2017
This series is getting more ridiculous with each book. Easily three-quarters of the reiteration could be removed and you would be left with a decent, though not great, novella. Granted, the multiple outfit changes have been reduced, but to take its place, Carolyn Hart is under the belief that her readers cannot retain plot points and characters and needs to re-explain each every other chapter.
Since excessive detail goes into informing the reader who Bailey Ruth Raeburn is and her job as an emissary, there is no reason that you have to read this series in order. Each book follows the same tired format of a good person caught in a bad situation needing help and Paul Wiggins from ‘Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions’ picks Bailey Ruth to return to earth to help but she must follow the ‘Precepts for Earthy Visitation’ or the “Rescue Express” will come smoking in and pick her up before her task can be completed.
Yet again, using various disguises, identities, and outfit changes, Bailey Ruth saves the day. The case is solved, the outfit is on point and those bumbling around the Adelaide, Oklahoma police department would not be able to save their town or citizenry without the help of the perpetually twenty-seven year old that always knows where to find passwords, extra handfuls of candy, or the perfect booth at Lulu’s.
Since excessive detail goes into informing the reader who Bailey Ruth Raeburn is and her job as an emissary, there is no reason that you have to read this series in order. Each book follows the same tired format of a good person caught in a bad situation needing help and Paul Wiggins from ‘Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions’ picks Bailey Ruth to return to earth to help but she must follow the ‘Precepts for Earthy Visitation’ or the “Rescue Express” will come smoking in and pick her up before her task can be completed.
Yet again, using various disguises, identities, and outfit changes, Bailey Ruth saves the day. The case is solved, the outfit is on point and those bumbling around the Adelaide, Oklahoma police department would not be able to save their town or citizenry without the help of the perpetually twenty-seven year old that always knows where to find passwords, extra handfuls of candy, or the perfect booth at Lulu’s.
October 14, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/gh...
Ghost on the Case
Bailey Ruth, Book #8
By Carolyn Hart
ISBN 9780451488565
Author’s website: carolynhart.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Bailey Ruth Raeburn is back, racing against the Heavenly clock in an all-new mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Times Two.
Bailey Ruth finds herself comforting a distraught sister when she’s sent to Adelaide, Oklahoma, on her latest mission. Susan Gilbert receives a $100,000 ransom demand for her younger sibling. When the caller wants Susan to pay a visit to her wealthy boss and take the cash from his safe, Bailey Ruth follows Susan to the home. But she finds herself in a quandary, knowing that robbery is hardly a Heavenly pursuit.
While Susan waits to hear back from the kidnappers, Bailey Ruth attempts to piece together how the criminals targeted Susan and how they know about her boss’s money. At a luncheon the previous week, Susan’s boss asked her to open the safe so all the attendees knew it was filled with cash. Could one of the rich man’s closest confidants be behind the abduction?
Bailey Ruth is positive she can use her detective skills to figure out which luncheon guest arranged the kidnapping. But an unexpected twist in the case soon has Bailey Ruth seeking a murderer who has plans to send more victims to the great beyond.
Review:
Bailey Ruth must have been a force of nature when she was alive, since she is a tenacious ghost … um…emissary on a mission! It takes a very creative mind to not only plan a novel in this series, but to do so at times with tongue in cheek, bringing humor to even the little situations while not making light of the big ones. Carolyn Hart has long been a masterful cozy mystery writer, with amazing ideas for Bailey Ruth plot twists to keep many armchair sleuths challenged.
Bailey Ruth and her late hubby are enjoying their heavenly break at the beach; she is looking forward to opening a new hard-boiled novel when she hears from Wiggins with a new dispatch to her former home of Adelaide, Oklahoma. Wiggins appears stern and makes sure the emissaries follow their Precepts, yet when Bailey Ruth fudges a bit on one of them, things work out better. Wiggins isn’t sure if it might already be too late for the young lady he is sending her to, but he will always try. Bailey Ruth will always give it her all.
Susan works for one of the wealthiest men in Adelaide, one who takes pride on being a self-made man, Wilbur Fitch. When Bailey Ruth slips into her home, she hears Susan’s side of a ransom demand call for her beloved younger sister Sylvie. After telling the caller she doesn’t have the kind of money he is demanding, the caller tells her that she has the code to the safe where Mr. Fitch has that amount. The door from Fitch’s study to the outside would be open, and the caller would call again at 12:00. Bailey Ruth rides silently with a panicked Susan, then follows her to the Fitch mansion where a party is going on. Susan slips into the study, gets the box of cash, and returns home. When the return call doesn’t happen, Bailey Ruth finally appears to the despairing woman. What a shock to Susan! To her credit, she is willing to try anything, even listen to a gh– emissary.
They made a list of five men who knew Susan could get into the safe. That includes an employee, a long-time best friend of Fitch, Fitch’s attorney, his stepson, and his son. When Susan finally went to sleep, Bailey Ruth went to Sam Cobb’s, the chief of police’s, office, and used his computer to research the men. The next morning, Bailey Ruth accompanies Susan to work. Unfortunately, the police are at the mansion, and Mr. Fitch is dead. Murdered, with his valuable coin collection missing. When Susan gives the box of cash to the police, she is the main suspect for both crimes. Sylvie returns, after following what she thinks is a Psych class assignment – someone is making Susan the patsy!
Susan and Sylvie are engaging characters; this reader definitely wants to see justice done! Bailey Ruth is winsome; if I were in trouble, I would want her on my side! Susan and Bailey Ruth are both very well defined as fitting their characters. It is interesting to hear Bailey Ruth describe the outfits she wears, and I wonder if she was as colorful when alive. I am happy to see Sam Cobb, the police chief who works together so well with Bailey Ruth. I love how he sometimes notices she is in his office when he sees chalk writing on the board, and how he is willing to listen to her in spite of the ire of the mayor, Neva Lumpkin. Each of the men suspected of the murder seem to have motive, and a couple I just didn’t like.
The prose sings with descriptions of feelings and scenes that bring the town of Adelaide and its residents to life! One of my favorite lines is “Her eyes held a glow, the kind of radiance that shines from good memories, a kind word, a smile, and from anticipation that no matter how dark the sky there is a sliver of light on the horizon and faith that the light will grow and grow and soon there will be an explosion of brightness”. Maybe that is one of the things I like most about Bailey Ruth and those she helps – even if she loses her confidence, the person she is helping doesn’t know it. Even Susan, while sitting in jail, is able to focus on what is good in her life. I had a hard time trying to figure out who the bad guy is as I followed a few red herrings. I was happy overall with the novel, including the final resolution. I highly recommend Ghost on the Case, especially to those who appreciate very well written cozy mysteries that are challenging, humorous, and suspenseful.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Ghost on the Case
Bailey Ruth, Book #8
By Carolyn Hart
ISBN 9780451488565
Author’s website: carolynhart.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Bailey Ruth Raeburn is back, racing against the Heavenly clock in an all-new mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Times Two.
Bailey Ruth finds herself comforting a distraught sister when she’s sent to Adelaide, Oklahoma, on her latest mission. Susan Gilbert receives a $100,000 ransom demand for her younger sibling. When the caller wants Susan to pay a visit to her wealthy boss and take the cash from his safe, Bailey Ruth follows Susan to the home. But she finds herself in a quandary, knowing that robbery is hardly a Heavenly pursuit.
While Susan waits to hear back from the kidnappers, Bailey Ruth attempts to piece together how the criminals targeted Susan and how they know about her boss’s money. At a luncheon the previous week, Susan’s boss asked her to open the safe so all the attendees knew it was filled with cash. Could one of the rich man’s closest confidants be behind the abduction?
Bailey Ruth is positive she can use her detective skills to figure out which luncheon guest arranged the kidnapping. But an unexpected twist in the case soon has Bailey Ruth seeking a murderer who has plans to send more victims to the great beyond.
Review:
Bailey Ruth must have been a force of nature when she was alive, since she is a tenacious ghost … um…emissary on a mission! It takes a very creative mind to not only plan a novel in this series, but to do so at times with tongue in cheek, bringing humor to even the little situations while not making light of the big ones. Carolyn Hart has long been a masterful cozy mystery writer, with amazing ideas for Bailey Ruth plot twists to keep many armchair sleuths challenged.
Bailey Ruth and her late hubby are enjoying their heavenly break at the beach; she is looking forward to opening a new hard-boiled novel when she hears from Wiggins with a new dispatch to her former home of Adelaide, Oklahoma. Wiggins appears stern and makes sure the emissaries follow their Precepts, yet when Bailey Ruth fudges a bit on one of them, things work out better. Wiggins isn’t sure if it might already be too late for the young lady he is sending her to, but he will always try. Bailey Ruth will always give it her all.
Susan works for one of the wealthiest men in Adelaide, one who takes pride on being a self-made man, Wilbur Fitch. When Bailey Ruth slips into her home, she hears Susan’s side of a ransom demand call for her beloved younger sister Sylvie. After telling the caller she doesn’t have the kind of money he is demanding, the caller tells her that she has the code to the safe where Mr. Fitch has that amount. The door from Fitch’s study to the outside would be open, and the caller would call again at 12:00. Bailey Ruth rides silently with a panicked Susan, then follows her to the Fitch mansion where a party is going on. Susan slips into the study, gets the box of cash, and returns home. When the return call doesn’t happen, Bailey Ruth finally appears to the despairing woman. What a shock to Susan! To her credit, she is willing to try anything, even listen to a gh– emissary.
They made a list of five men who knew Susan could get into the safe. That includes an employee, a long-time best friend of Fitch, Fitch’s attorney, his stepson, and his son. When Susan finally went to sleep, Bailey Ruth went to Sam Cobb’s, the chief of police’s, office, and used his computer to research the men. The next morning, Bailey Ruth accompanies Susan to work. Unfortunately, the police are at the mansion, and Mr. Fitch is dead. Murdered, with his valuable coin collection missing. When Susan gives the box of cash to the police, she is the main suspect for both crimes. Sylvie returns, after following what she thinks is a Psych class assignment – someone is making Susan the patsy!
Susan and Sylvie are engaging characters; this reader definitely wants to see justice done! Bailey Ruth is winsome; if I were in trouble, I would want her on my side! Susan and Bailey Ruth are both very well defined as fitting their characters. It is interesting to hear Bailey Ruth describe the outfits she wears, and I wonder if she was as colorful when alive. I am happy to see Sam Cobb, the police chief who works together so well with Bailey Ruth. I love how he sometimes notices she is in his office when he sees chalk writing on the board, and how he is willing to listen to her in spite of the ire of the mayor, Neva Lumpkin. Each of the men suspected of the murder seem to have motive, and a couple I just didn’t like.
The prose sings with descriptions of feelings and scenes that bring the town of Adelaide and its residents to life! One of my favorite lines is “Her eyes held a glow, the kind of radiance that shines from good memories, a kind word, a smile, and from anticipation that no matter how dark the sky there is a sliver of light on the horizon and faith that the light will grow and grow and soon there will be an explosion of brightness”. Maybe that is one of the things I like most about Bailey Ruth and those she helps – even if she loses her confidence, the person she is helping doesn’t know it. Even Susan, while sitting in jail, is able to focus on what is good in her life. I had a hard time trying to figure out who the bad guy is as I followed a few red herrings. I was happy overall with the novel, including the final resolution. I highly recommend Ghost on the Case, especially to those who appreciate very well written cozy mysteries that are challenging, humorous, and suspenseful.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
November 25, 2021
I started off liking this series but has become so cookie cutter I don't know how they keep getting published. It's always the same, Bailey gets summoned to earth and at some point goes over the precepts again. (maybe you should include them in the first sheet of the book). Wiggins is going to tell her to behave and follow precepts and she's not. She always appears to a person who doesn't believe her or thinks they are crazy and then we we have to read about this over and over again. I mean come on by this time the world is more modern. Just Google her name and you will see she is a spirit. Just give us one character that believes other than children. Then Wiggins is going to threaten her with the rescue express which never happens so move on from that. Then it's a murder and a person that is completly innocent and a wide list of characters who all happened to have argued or were getting kicked out of the will or had an altercation with the victim just a day or two before the death. (how convinent) and its basically a coin flip who it will be. Then the bossy worthless mayor who thinks she knows law enforcement and pushes her idea that the innocent person is the killer. I mean really don't you have anything better to do. Is this town so small that when there is murder you stick your nose in it. And it's not like your running for re-election cause it was stated that she has the money backing her campaign. And then when she's wrong about who the killer was never apologies to the wrongfully acused or sued for defemation after slandering her name all over the papers. Then there is Sam the cop who keeps opposing Bailey about if she's right. Hello Sam she's like 7-0 I think you should trust her word by now just get the evidence. And have some guts to put the mayor in her place about putting her nose in police work. Oh then it's down to the last minute because there's going to be an arrest or a press conference and these criminals are so stupid. Like this last one Bailey told the lawyer (that's the killer) I worked with the butler and I'll turn you in if you dont give me the money. Come on your a lawyer, should have told her prove it an hung up. Then the dummy goes to the park like she said with the murder weapon he used previously and was going to kill the ghost in the park in front of the police station. Wow how stupid are you. First thing get rid of the gun then when Ruth calls deny everything. I mean it's great that you put out books but man your publisher should be ashamed. Even the Harry Potter books change it up here and there. Read the top of my review same thing all the time. I don't even know who killed who in the last book. I listen to this stuff as like white noise when I'm at my job. Too many characters and then back and forth over the same thing blah blah blah. Don't waste your time after the 2nd book. Just move on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Bailey Ruth once again gets the call to go to earth and help a young woman in trouble. So much trouble that Wiggins is concerned it is a hopeless case. But Bailey Ruth as an emissary from the Good Intentions Department of Heaven, doesn't give up easily.
What she encounters is an older sister who is told that her younger sister has been kidnapped, and she has to pay a huge ransom. When she says she can not get ahold of that kind of money, the caller tells her that the office where she works will be open and since she can open the safe, the money is in there. She is to get it and he will call her back in less than a half hour with details about her sister and where to take the money. Of course love for her sister takes over, and with Bailey Ruth beside her, she steals the cash and returns home to wait for the call. Bailey Ruth makes herself known to Susan and waits with her. Finally long after the midnight call time, Bailey Ruth convinces Susan the call will come at noon and she should rest. Meanwhile, Bailey Ruth is off to try and figure out what is going on.
An emissary is just a fancy name for a ghost, and this is one ghost who never gives up. Even when I could see no way out of circumstantial evidence, she didn't falter. When she finally was ready to accept defeat only hours before the final news conference, I was shocked that Wiggins would appear to encourage her and give her hope.
This is such a fun series. Loving ghost stories doesn't mean I want scary ghosts that cause mischief all the time! In this case I love Bailey Ruth because she may not be part of this earth, but she sure tries to keep up with things! I love her desire to dress appropriately and frequent costume changes. I believe it gives her confidence and an anchor to an ever changing world. I like the relationship she has developed with the police chief, and his willingness over the cases to believe in her. This is what I would call a gentle ghost story and mystery. Although murder is murder, this series focuses more on the innocent and circumstances rather than the crime. In each book there is something Bailey Ruth thinks of that doesn't seem obvious to the reader. It is definitely a series you will want to read from the very beginning...not because the stories are dependent on it, but because you can see the continuing characters develop as you go from book to book. This is the eighth book in the series.
What she encounters is an older sister who is told that her younger sister has been kidnapped, and she has to pay a huge ransom. When she says she can not get ahold of that kind of money, the caller tells her that the office where she works will be open and since she can open the safe, the money is in there. She is to get it and he will call her back in less than a half hour with details about her sister and where to take the money. Of course love for her sister takes over, and with Bailey Ruth beside her, she steals the cash and returns home to wait for the call. Bailey Ruth makes herself known to Susan and waits with her. Finally long after the midnight call time, Bailey Ruth convinces Susan the call will come at noon and she should rest. Meanwhile, Bailey Ruth is off to try and figure out what is going on.
An emissary is just a fancy name for a ghost, and this is one ghost who never gives up. Even when I could see no way out of circumstantial evidence, she didn't falter. When she finally was ready to accept defeat only hours before the final news conference, I was shocked that Wiggins would appear to encourage her and give her hope.
This is such a fun series. Loving ghost stories doesn't mean I want scary ghosts that cause mischief all the time! In this case I love Bailey Ruth because she may not be part of this earth, but she sure tries to keep up with things! I love her desire to dress appropriately and frequent costume changes. I believe it gives her confidence and an anchor to an ever changing world. I like the relationship she has developed with the police chief, and his willingness over the cases to believe in her. This is what I would call a gentle ghost story and mystery. Although murder is murder, this series focuses more on the innocent and circumstances rather than the crime. In each book there is something Bailey Ruth thinks of that doesn't seem obvious to the reader. It is definitely a series you will want to read from the very beginning...not because the stories are dependent on it, but because you can see the continuing characters develop as you go from book to book. This is the eighth book in the series.
October 11, 2017
Bailey Ruth is on her way back to Adelaide, Oklahoma, on the Rescue Express that brings ghosts - forget that - emissaries to their assignments. She is on her way to help Susan, a young woman becomes the suspect in the murder of her boss and theft of the cash and collectible coins from his safe. She immediately is on Susan's side, as she was with her since she received the call demanding ransom for her sister's safe return and telling her to get the cash from her boss's safe.
By the time Susan's sister Sylvie returns home the next day, Susan is being questioned for the murder that she didn't commit. It looks like Susan was set up - after all, she did borrow the box of cash for her sister's ransom - but the ransom was a lie, and her sister thought she was being sent on a special overnight assignment by her psych teacher.
The characters in this series are delightful and endearing. It is hard to imagine that anyone could think of Susan being guilty as she is always accommodating other people's needs, even at the expense of her own. Bailey Ruth is a blast - I read only one of her mysteries before and have been sold on the series.
It is easy to see how the author has won writing awards - she is brilliant at plotting and executing novels, with beautiful prose, lively dialog, and continuous action. She shows us how Bailey Ruth's daily life is on earth, what her needs are, and how she sometimes forgets how people on earth would perceive her. The plot twists kept this armchair sleuth busy - even after there was a short list of suspects. i wasn't too fond of the real bad guy and so was not unhappy when he was revealed. Overall, this has been a fun, exciting and suspenseful mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
By the time Susan's sister Sylvie returns home the next day, Susan is being questioned for the murder that she didn't commit. It looks like Susan was set up - after all, she did borrow the box of cash for her sister's ransom - but the ransom was a lie, and her sister thought she was being sent on a special overnight assignment by her psych teacher.
The characters in this series are delightful and endearing. It is hard to imagine that anyone could think of Susan being guilty as she is always accommodating other people's needs, even at the expense of her own. Bailey Ruth is a blast - I read only one of her mysteries before and have been sold on the series.
It is easy to see how the author has won writing awards - she is brilliant at plotting and executing novels, with beautiful prose, lively dialog, and continuous action. She shows us how Bailey Ruth's daily life is on earth, what her needs are, and how she sometimes forgets how people on earth would perceive her. The plot twists kept this armchair sleuth busy - even after there was a short list of suspects. i wasn't too fond of the real bad guy and so was not unhappy when he was revealed. Overall, this has been a fun, exciting and suspenseful mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
November 8, 2017
If Bailey Ruth Raeburn, the protagonist in this mystery series, were alive today, she would be well over 100 years old. However, she and her husband, Bobby Mac, died tragically in a boating accident many years ago. These days, she is sent as an emissary from heaven to assist mortals in trouble in her old home town, Adelaide, Oklahoma. She generally struggles to follow the precepts established by Paul Wiggins, her supervisor of Heaven's Department of Good Intentions. She uses unusual methods to solve the crimes much to his dismay, but her motives are always beyond reproach. When she does appear to the mortals in Adelaide, she does so in her 27-year old persona, always fashionably dressed, excited to visit the places she cherishes from her past, and eager to assist the Chief of Police with whom she has forged an understanding in previous novels.
These are pleasant reads, not terribly challenging or with complex plots, relying a great deal on suspended belief, but this is my eighth one. I have finally figured out why I return to them. Simply, my mother would have loved them, would have loved the idea of an angel, a woman, a contemporary of hers, arriving in town and catching the bad guy. After all, my mother believed in angels.
These are pleasant reads, not terribly challenging or with complex plots, relying a great deal on suspended belief, but this is my eighth one. I have finally figured out why I return to them. Simply, my mother would have loved them, would have loved the idea of an angel, a woman, a contemporary of hers, arriving in town and catching the bad guy. After all, my mother believed in angels.
January 9, 2018
I do enjoy this series, as it is both funny and fun. Had a little concern with the way the original suspects were just laundry listed initially -- I can't absorb who's who that way -- and Hart always seems to do that in her other series --Death on Demand (which makes me a little crazy -- haha). It is easier for me if the characters and their "stories" are introduced gradually into the plot -- but then again, that may just be me -- smiles. Anyway, they were eventually developed and became relatable/rememberable. The other oddity -- and this is sort of a spoiler alert so stop if you need to --is that normally when the killer is caught they do a whole scene saying this is why I committed these murders. Or if not that, then the main character and sidekicks review -- this is what really happened. Granted, there were discussions earlier in the book about each suspect's possible motives -- but usually these are reiterated/confirmed at the end or time of arrest. It did not seem that way in this book, although the culprit did admit that they had murdered. Anyway, I liked to book, but have enjoyed others in the series more.
June 19, 2018
Around the Year in 52 Books 2018 Reading Challenge. A ghost story.
Bailey Ruth is once again sent to Earth. It is an emergency. Susan Gilbert has just received a phone call telling her that her sister, Sylvie, has been kidnapped and the voice demands $100,000 to release her. When Susan says she doesn't have that kind of money, the kidnapper says she can get it from her boss's safe. When she says she doesn't have a key to his house, the kidnapper says the door from the garden to his den will be left unlocked. She goes to her boss's house, taking the money, but planning to pay him back even if it takes a lifetime. The next morning when she goes to work, she finds her boss was killed in his den, the safe is open, and his rare coins are also missing. Obviously, she has been set up. Then her sister shows up and says she wasn't kidnapped, but someone who apparently knew her personality had gotten her out of the way for 24 hours. WHO killed the richest man in town and set Susan up to take the fall? I love Bailey Ruth!
Bailey Ruth is once again sent to Earth. It is an emergency. Susan Gilbert has just received a phone call telling her that her sister, Sylvie, has been kidnapped and the voice demands $100,000 to release her. When Susan says she doesn't have that kind of money, the kidnapper says she can get it from her boss's safe. When she says she doesn't have a key to his house, the kidnapper says the door from the garden to his den will be left unlocked. She goes to her boss's house, taking the money, but planning to pay him back even if it takes a lifetime. The next morning when she goes to work, she finds her boss was killed in his den, the safe is open, and his rare coins are also missing. Obviously, she has been set up. Then her sister shows up and says she wasn't kidnapped, but someone who apparently knew her personality had gotten her out of the way for 24 hours. WHO killed the richest man in town and set Susan up to take the fall? I love Bailey Ruth!
November 4, 2017
Great
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaway. I was not required to give a favorable review. This is the first book I have read from Carolyn and I thought the writing was terrific. The whole that Heaven would send someone down to help an innocent woman prove that she hadn't done a murder that someone was trying to set her up. Other people have seen this person before and know that she is doing it for good. When Susan's boss is murdered and her sister is kidnapped on the same night it made it like she had done it to get the money out of the safe. But there were other people who knew she had access to the safe in his office. The twist and turns in this are wonderful but I love how her sister and the son of her boss stand behind her and believe she didn't do it. Just proving who did. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaway. I was not required to give a favorable review. This is the first book I have read from Carolyn and I thought the writing was terrific. The whole that Heaven would send someone down to help an innocent woman prove that she hadn't done a murder that someone was trying to set her up. Other people have seen this person before and know that she is doing it for good. When Susan's boss is murdered and her sister is kidnapped on the same night it made it like she had done it to get the money out of the safe. But there were other people who knew she had access to the safe in his office. The twist and turns in this are wonderful but I love how her sister and the son of her boss stand behind her and believe she didn't do it. Just proving who did. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
March 16, 2022
This is the 8th book from the Bailey Ruth series. I listened to the audiobook and followed along in the library copy. I enjoy Bailey Ruth’s enthusiasm and good hearted nature. Bailey Ruth arrives on the Rescue Express to assist Susan whose sister has been kidnapped. Susan has received a ransom demand of $1000,000.00 for her sister’s release. The caller wants Susan to pay a visit to her wealthy employer and take the money from his safe. How did the caller know her employer kept that much money in the safe. Then Susan remembered the luncheon the previous week, her boss Wilbur Fitch, asked her to open the safe so the attendee’s could see it was filled with cash. Could someone who attended the luncheon be the kidnapper?
A sweet cozy, filled with the fun loving & sassy Bailey Ruth Raeburn.
A sweet cozy, filled with the fun loving & sassy Bailey Ruth Raeburn.
October 9, 2021
You ever see that show 'Touched by an angel' and ten minutes in you wanted to throw a book at the screen because rhe characters were so annoyingly super nice and speeerchul . . . . This is the perfect book to use. Ive read some great books about religion, ghosts, the mystical realms but none of them badgered you so much about who the main character was and who she worked for three pages in and OH MY GOD BAILEY WE GET IT YOU ARE DEAD AND WORK FOR HEAVEN!! . . . . . Imagine Harry Dresden acting like this . . . . "Hi, im Harry and i work for the white queen . . . . she's SUPER nice but REALLY cranky in the morning but after the coffee i ger her from The White Queen inc cafeteria, did i mention i work for the white queen now ANYWAY . . . ."
September 30, 2017
A lighthearted read, just lay your theology aside. This is a series, so Bailey is in Heaven. She died, probably back in book one. Anyway, she has a job in Heaven. She works in the Good Intentions Department. (The last time I checked that was headed somewhere else, so keep your sense of humor going.) Apparently she gets mission, where she can go to Earth and work "cases". This is where things get humorous. There's murder and mystery and over all, it's a pretty light and fun read.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
October 30, 2017
Bailey Ruth is back! As an emissary from the Good Intentions Department of Heaven, Bailey Ruth is assigned Susan's case. And quite the mystery this is. As Bailey tries very hard ( okay maybe not too hard) to stay behind the scenes and not appear to anyone, she tries to gather clues and facts about everyone who was at the luncheon and if they had a motive to murder!
Bailey Ruth is just a fun character. Even when she has trouble with remembering the precepts of her office. It's just a fun read.
I also noticed on this same day last year I reviewed the 7th book in this series! This is the 8th.
Bailey Ruth is just a fun character. Even when she has trouble with remembering the precepts of her office. It's just a fun read.
I also noticed on this same day last year I reviewed the 7th book in this series! This is the 8th.
April 30, 2018
Emissary (from Heaven, no less) Bailey Ruth is returned to her home-town to help a young secretary who is in trouble after being forced to take money from her employer's safe. What she doesn't realize is that someone is intent on framing her for murder. About halfway through this, I suddenly wondered why Bailey Ruth didn't pop back to heaven, ask the dead man who had killed him, and come back to look for evidence that would convince the chief of police, rather than agonize over which of five suspects was guilty. But don't bother to try to figure it out--if you're going to read supernatural mysteries, you just have to accept their premise.
November 9, 2017
Yay, Bailey Ruth
Fast paced mystery with lots of suspects and little time before an innocent woman is arrested for murder. For those who tire of Bailey Ruth's obsession with fashion, this book has much more mystery. Bailey Ruth returns to Adelaide, OK to help her friend police chief, Sam Cobb, solve the murder of a prominent citizen. I'm never certain if Sam actually wants Bailey Ruth's assistance but he's getting used to her appearances. It's a fun book with humor and mystery.
Fast paced mystery with lots of suspects and little time before an innocent woman is arrested for murder. For those who tire of Bailey Ruth's obsession with fashion, this book has much more mystery. Bailey Ruth returns to Adelaide, OK to help her friend police chief, Sam Cobb, solve the murder of a prominent citizen. I'm never certain if Sam actually wants Bailey Ruth's assistance but he's getting used to her appearances. It's a fun book with humor and mystery.
February 3, 2018
I'm not sure if Hart is getting tired of this series or if perhaps the passing of her husband while writing it or around that time has caused a bump in this series. I am sorry for the loss of her spouse of over 50 years.
This one has so much repetition, rehashing of past books, repeating threads stated earlier in the book and inconsistencies. Where was the editor on this one?
It would have served the author better to have made it a novella instead of having so much information repeated over and over to hit a minimum word count if that's what was going on.
This one has so much repetition, rehashing of past books, repeating threads stated earlier in the book and inconsistencies. Where was the editor on this one?
It would have served the author better to have made it a novella instead of having so much information repeated over and over to hit a minimum word count if that's what was going on.
January 24, 2020
I want more
I love these books as well as Death on Demand. Bailey Ruth is so with it even Buckinghamshire in a completely different time period. I loved her fashionista description of her clothing and wish there were pictures but nothing could compete with my own imagination. Her method of solving the crime would work for any law enforcement Type. I am glad that she has finally convinced Sam that she know what she is doing. Sometime next I would like to see hubby join her on the scene and would like to read more about her fanily.
I love these books as well as Death on Demand. Bailey Ruth is so with it even Buckinghamshire in a completely different time period. I loved her fashionista description of her clothing and wish there were pictures but nothing could compete with my own imagination. Her method of solving the crime would work for any law enforcement Type. I am glad that she has finally convinced Sam that she know what she is doing. Sometime next I would like to see hubby join her on the scene and would like to read more about her fanily.
May 10, 2021
Someone has set it up to look like Wilbur Fitch's secretary, Susan Gilbert, opened Fitch's safe and stole a shoebox containing over $100,000; got caught in the act and killed Fitch by clobbering him over the head; then, the next night, shot Ross, Fitch's butler.
Bailey Ruth Raeburn believes Susan is totally innocent. She has narrowed the list of suspects down to five men; but can she unmask the culprit before Susan is railroaded into prison?
(I would not be surprised if Ms Hart secretly wanted to be a fashionista; she describes her characters' attire in such loving detail.)
Bailey Ruth Raeburn believes Susan is totally innocent. She has narrowed the list of suspects down to five men; but can she unmask the culprit before Susan is railroaded into prison?
(I would not be surprised if Ms Hart secretly wanted to be a fashionista; she describes her characters' attire in such loving detail.)
March 2, 2018
Bailey Ruth is a ghost who solves mystery. The premise in fun and intriguing. I like this author, but this is not my favorite series. Bailey Ruth is preoccupied with fashion, her looks, and food. I find her somewhat annoying. She doesn't really use any finesse of skills in solving the murder. However, the writing style is easy to read and the story does capture your attention. It is an enjoyable escape.
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
September 24, 2020
Bailey Ruth is back in Adelaide. She has to solve the problem without violating the precepts. She is determined to be 'good' this time. However, as usual it's always a challenge. We must prove that innocent young Susan is not a murderess. Which of the luncheon guests made the ransom phone call about Susan's sister? Where is Susan's sister?
Another fun read about my favorite ghostly emissary.
Another fun read about my favorite ghostly emissary.
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