A Ghostly Secret

Ghostly Southern Mystery #7

by Tonya Kappes

Checking out!

Emma Lee Raines, proprietor of a small-town Kentucky funeral home, Eternal Slumber, is a “Betweener,” helps ghosts stuck between here and the ever-after— only murdered ghosts. After Emma Lee solves who murdered them, only then can they cross over to the Great Beyond, Big Guy In The Sky.
Emma Lee is up against a cold case that happened before she’d even gotten her “Betweener” gift. Not only is the ghost of eight-year-old Betsy Lynn Brady, but Mr. Whiskers Betsy’s cat needs to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Betsy Lynn Brady has no idea who murdered her or why. With her heart in shambles, Emma Lee begs her sexy beau, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross to reopen the cold case because Betsy’s head is always stuck in a book and can’t remember exactly what happened to her.

Emma Lee learns real fast that someone doesn’t want her to snoop around the cold case. Can she help Betsy cross over and get Mr. Whiskers cross the Rainbow Bridge before someone helps Emma Lee check out from the living?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Ghosts

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2017

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret by Tonya Kappes
Ghostly Southern Mystery series book 7. Paranormal cozy mystery. Best read as part of the series.
Emma sees ghosts of unsolved murder victims. This time it’s a child and her cat from many years prior.

Amusing that the ghost cat causes allergies in live people. Sad that the long time boyfriend takes a job in a different city which causes a rift in Emma and Jack Henry’s relationship. But since she’s regularly ignoring his cautionary protests, it’s probably for the best.
A good mystery that surprises in the end.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Tiffany Morgan who does the full series. She does a good job with the female voices. While it’s not done in a southern accent I’m very happy to say, I still found it a bit slow. I listened to most of this book at 1.4.

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook (My reading goal this year is to finish series I’ve started reading and for whatever reason didn’t finish. This is one of the series. The books themselves are pretty good, but the narrator is terrible. One more to go in this series!)

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret by Tonya Kappes is the seventh novel in A Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Emma Lee Raines owns Eternal Slumber Funeral Home in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky. Emma Lee is a “Betweener”. She has the ability to help murdered spirits cross over to the other side by getting them closure (bringing their killer to justice). Betsy, a young girl, and a cat named Mr. Whiskers are Emma Lee’s latest clients. Betsy has been present for the last six months and has yet to remember what happened to her. With a little help from Debbie Dually, a medium, Emma Lee discovers that Betsy died twenty years ago. Sheriff Jack Henry Ross needs new evidence before he can open the case. Emma Lee gets help from an unexpected source and sets out on the trail of Betsy’s killer. Emma Lee is still dealing with the death of her sister, Charlotte Rae (why does everyone go by two names in small Southern towns). She can always count on Granny to liven things up and shake her out of her doldrums. Emma Lee mistakenly tells Granny a secret which leads to a surprise party (it will have you chuckling and shaking your head in disbelief) and a serious talk between Jack Henry and Emma Lee. Come to Sleepy Hollow for Emma Lee’s latest ghost adventure in A Ghostly Secret.

A Ghostly Secret is an entertaining paranormal mystery novel. The story contains good writing with a nice, easy pace. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted. While I do find Granny annoying and over-the-top at times, she is entertaining. Granny provides humor (a lightness) that the story needs. There is romance in the story, but it does not dominate the story (thank heavens). I really appreciate the well-rounded, balanced story—good characters, mystery, spirits, animals, romance, family, friendship, ghosts and more. My rating for A Ghostly Secret is 4.5 out of 5 stars. If the whodunit in A Ghostly Secret had been harder to solve, it would be a 5 star review. I identified the perpetrator early in the story (insert sigh). It was great that the mystery was a cold case (and nicely plotted out too). I find that refreshing (instead of the main character stumbling over a dead body in the first chapter). I liked the new character introduced in A Ghostly Secret (spoiler). This woman is smart, observant, and friendly. She is a great addition to the series. A Ghostly Secret captured my attention and held it throughout the whole story (which is so rare). I look forward to reading the next installment in A Ghostly Southern Mystery series.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee has a little girl that needs help crossing over but has very little information to go on. Having to keep her gift a secret, dealing with the death of her sister, and worrying about whether beau Jack Henry is going to propose Emma wonders if she will be able to help this time. Will Emma find the clues she needs to help this little girl move on? Can she get past the turmoil she feels over the death of her sister? Will someone find out the secret she works so hard to keep? Will Jack Henry propose? Dive in and find out what happens in this 7th book of this wonderfully inventive series that will have you coming back for more. Filled with unique sayings and characters this book will immediately transport you to a small southern town not to mention it has a fun paranormal twist that truly brings it to life.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
I love this series so much! Every installment so far as been super good, this one included!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I finally got to read this one! As per the usual, the mystery had me on my toes and constantly guessing.

I will say that even though I know this book is a mystery first and a romance second, I still can't help but feel cheesed over Emma and Jack. And like I don't even know if there is going to be another book so even though the mystery is solved and we aren't introduced to another ghost (yet) I can't help but feel like Emma's story is still very much open with the way things stand with her and Jack. The romance between Emma and Jack is JUST as part of Emma's character as is the Betweener gig in her life. For me anyways.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intriguing installment in this paranormal cozy mystery series! Emma finds herself needing to help 3 ghosts cross over as they have somehow become tied together. An interesting twist is that Emma has branched out a bit in this installment on the connection she has to the ghosts and how she can see them. Fun southern wit with unique characters that keep things lively and a great narrator that helps bring the characters more fully to life. So far this entire series is available on audio and I am enjoying them a lot.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Lee's life is upside down right now. She is still in shock over her sister, Jack Henry is trying another job, Granny as usual is up to her antics and she has the ghost of a little girl and a cat to help cross over. When this case turns out that it's a 20 year old cold case, it makes it a little more difficult.
I love Emma Lee, she is a strong woman in a world of crazies, I like Jack Henry and I love the introduction of Mazie as someone to help Emma Lee, she a real go getter. This story has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing as to what happened. There was one spot that I'm not sure if it was supposed to be changed or I missed something but it didn't detract from the story. I eagerly await the next in this series.
*I was lucky enough to have received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mix of 3.5-4. I was a little miffed at Emma for her attitude towards John. Henry in this book, basically she acted like a spoiled brat. Understanding that she’s still grieving her sister (Ghostly Mortality) that’s still no excuse for some of her behaviors towards him. He is on patient guy. Now that John Henry is looking at moving up in his career, what does that mean for their relationship? In the meantime there’s a 20 year old cold case of a child and a cat to solve - and another ghost who attached herself to the child. This one is a mystery filled with jealousy, hidden motivations, secrets, growing pains, relationship issues etc.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Emma Lee. The betweener job doesn’t stop but she could really use a break after her last case. This case sees her helping a youg girl which brings some unique issues. In addition she has relationship drama to contend with as she navigates her relationship with Jack Henry. What a ride!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret is the 7th book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes.

Emma Lee Raines owner of the small southern town funeral home has a second job, a secret job. She is a Betweener, this is a person that helps ghosts that are stuck between here and the ever after. Emma helps not just any ghosts but ghosts of murder victims. This time it is a little bit different Emma didn’t know her client before she was a ghost. This time her client is a little girl, with few memories and a ghost cat. Can Emma her the little girl and her cat cross before Emma needs a Betweener of her own?

This is my first book in this series so I can not compare this book to the others in the series. However I have read other books by Mrs. Kappes and I enjoyed those books very much so I decided to give this one chance. This book can be read as a stand alone book although I can see tell there is some on-going character development that carries throughout the series. The book is a very well written book with great characters. It is a clean murder mystery with great pace and enough twist and turns to keep you guessing until the end. There is also touch of romance for you romance fans.

I really enjoyed getting know Emma and her friends and family. Emma’s grandmother is a hoot. She adds a touch of humor along the way. Emma is dealing with recently losing her sister and she is worried that her boyfriend is going to propose but she pull herself together to help her client pass over to the ever after. I enjoy strong characters that have their own flaws and problems but the can overcome their issues to help others and Emma is this type of character. I would recommend this book and will be reading the rest of the series myself.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, above is my honest opinion.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A good clean murder mystery. I really enjoy this series, and this book didn't disappoint. In case you are unfamiliar with it, Emma Lee owns and runs a funeral home, and after an accident a few years ago, has been able to talk to the deceased, but not just any... those who were murdered. They want her help crossing over and to do that, Emma Lee needs to help solve the crime. This book had a cuteness factor added in because one of the ghosts she is dealing with is a ten year old. (So there's dealing with a child's behavior.) The mystery isn't too complex or hard to follow, yet enough to keep you guessing. There is also a romantic element. The characters are interesting and fun and quirky. The big reveal was a bit of a surprise. :) The writing is good and the book reads quickly and easily. The main characters (not necessarily those involved in the crime itself,) do roll over into each book, and there are relationships that form and grow throughout the series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. This is a clean book and safe for teens and up.

[Robin Leslie Coxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret by Tonya Kappes is #7 in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Emma Lee, owner/operator of Eternal Slumber Funeral Home in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky has been seeing dead people. Not just the ones she prepares for their eternal journey but the spirits of those who can not pass over because their murder has not been solved. Her ability is the result from a bump on the head by Santa Claus. Her latest ghost is a little girl named Betsy Lynn Brady. Beside trying to solve the mysteries behind the ghosts deaths, Emma Lee is still dealing with the death of her sister, Charlotte Rae and her relationship with Jack Henry Ross, the local sheriff and Emma's boyfriend. I have not read any of this series but found I could follow the characters in the story line without any difficulty.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee Raines is a "Betweener", a person who sees ghosts and helps them cross over to the other side. It was heart wrenching for me to read about a ghost child and ghost kitten searching "for the light" so they can cross over. The author had me crying and laughing throughout the book. She effortlessly leads you from one scene to another, amazing you with her writing talent. There are a few surprises along the way that I wasn't expecting, a couple of which has me eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest addition to this series does not disappoint. Emma Lee has her youngest client while dealing with personal relationship issues. The character development in this book is great and the mystery will leave you guessing until the end. I highly recommend!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret is the 7th book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery Series by USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes. Set in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky. Emma Lee Raines is the proprietor of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home. Emma has a unique “gift”, she can see dead people who have been murdered. As a "Betweener" she helps murdered individuals "cross over" by finding out who murdered them. Emma Lee Raines is still in a relationship with her beloved, handsome Sheriff Jack Henry Ross. She's still helping ghosts of murder victims transcend with Jack Henry's help. Her current Betweener assignments are eight-year-old Betsy Lynn Brady and her barn cat Mr. Whiskers (who needs to cross the Rainbow Bridge). To cross over the murder must be solved, and the murderer brought to justice, only then can the spirits can cross over and be at rest. This is Emma Lee’s first cold case and, also, her youngest victim and her first feline victim making this difficult case extremely challenging. This case is extraordinarily complex when Emma learns that the murder happened almost 20 years ago, and the killer may resort to extreme violence to prevent being identified.
Southern charm reigns supreme in this book as Tonya Kappes captures the essence of historical folklore and classic expressions characteristic of Kentucky. The story is a fast-paced delightful, paranormal Southern cozy mystery with the perfect hints of romance. I really enjoy this entire series, and believe the books just keep getting more complex and better. This book is a great addition to the series. If you want a good clean paranormal cozy mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end then this is the book(series) for you!! Enjoy this book at the pool or beach with a tall glass of ice cold sweet tea!

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret by Tonya Kappes is the best of the Ghostly Southern Mystseries series so far. Not often do you find a book or series that you just fall in love with but this book and series is just that. Everything about it from the setting in small town Sleepy Hollow KY to the interesting loveable characters, to the plot and story draws you in to the book and keeps you wanting more and more.
Emma Lee Raines the owner of the family funeral home just happens to be a Betweener which means she sees the ghosts of people who have been murdered and she helps them to crossover by finding out who killed them with the help of her boyfriend Sheriff Jack Henry.
This time she has to help a little girl who had been murdered 20 years ago. This cold case is proving to be more difficult than others she has helped and on top of that Granny has it in her head Emma Lee and Jack Henry are going to get married, what a fun distraction Granny is with all her shenanigans. Will Emma Lee be able to help little Betsy Lynn or will this be the first one she will fail to Help?
This cold case is an added element that makes this one different than the other books in the series and makes it unique and interesting.
Tonya Kappes shows the emotional side of losing someone with investigating this case and by showing how raw Emma Lee still is after the death of her sister, as well as the prospect of change when Jack Henry gets a job offer from the State police. The story is an emotional roller coaster that keeps the reader riding along not wanting to put it down till the ride stops and when it does it leaves you ready for more.
I loved the book and look forward to what is next for Emma Lee and Jack Henry as well as the next adventure for Granny too. The book would just not be the same without Granny and her unique way of going through life.
If you enjoy a good Southern Cozy Mystery set in a small town, with loveable, interesting characters, a little romance and a good mystery to help solve then you must read this book. I won't give it away but the ending was a surprise and I can't wait for the next book.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee leads a busy life. She operates Eternal Slumber, her funeral home business, and is a Betweener. She helps ghosts cross over to the other side. Those who come to her are all murder victims who need her help. To accomplish that Emma works with the local sheriff and her love Jack Henry Ross. I enjoy their relationship. They have powerful chemistry and make a great couple. Their dialogue is humorous and full of sass. I enjoyed Emma's Granny, Zula Fae. She's feisty and free spirited. What I liked most though was the ghostly mystery of Betsy Lynn's kidnapping and death. Tonya Kappes kept me guessing until the very end. There were plenty of twists in A Ghostly Secret. Her characters are quirky and likeable plus I felt right at home In Sleepy Hollow Kentucky. I liked the small town feel and the ghostly visitors. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Lee Raines is a Betweener, and this time she needs to help a 10 year old girl and a cat named Mr Whiskers cross over.

Boyfriend Sheriff Jack Henry Ross accepts a 6 month job out of town, and Emma takes on the town librarian as her new sidekick. Mazie has noticed her odd behaviour and suspects that Emma sees dead people. Her computer skills and wild imagination make her an asset to their sleuthing.

This book started off slowly and for the first 50 pages I found the writing to be very clumsy and convoluted. Eventually it picked up and the rest was quite enjoyable.

At the end of the book, Emma meets the substitute sheriff who tickets her for illegally parking. The new sheriff has curly blonde hair, dimples, and twinkling green eyes. Look out, Jack, the new man might not be replacing you only in your job.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favourite series. The series just keeps getting better. I strongly recommend you read them in order.
From the premise, the characters and a top notch whodunit, I'm always guaranteed an enjoyable escape with this series.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee is back to helping ghost and solving mysteries in her small Kentucky town. Having a much younger ghost to help was a nice change up, even though it was sad. The whole town is nuts and I just really enjoy spending time in this world. I also LOVED the ghost cat.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Secret
Ghostly Southern Mysteries, Book #7
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Checking out!

Emma Lee Raines, proprietor of a small-town Kentucky funeral home, Eternal Slumber, is a “Betweener,” helps ghosts stuck between here and the ever-after— only murdered ghosts. After Emma Lee solves who murdered them, only then can they cross over to the Great Beyond, Big Guy In The Sky.
Emma Lee is up against a cold case that happened before she’d even gotten her “Betweener” gift. Not only is the ghost of eight-year-old Betsy Lynn Brady, but Mr. Whiskers Betsy’s cat needs to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Betsy Lynn Brady has no idea who murdered her or why. With her heart in shambles, Emma Lee begs her sexy beau, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross to reopen the cold case because Betsy’s head is always stuck in a book and can’t remember exactly what happened to her.

Emma Lee learns real fast that someone doesn’t want her to snoop around the cold case. Can she help Betsy cross over and get Mr. Whiskers cross the Rainbow Bridge before someone helps Emma Lee check out from the living? (Goodreads)



Review:

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Emma Lee and catching up with what has been going on in her life. She is still suffering from losing her sister, and she can tell that something has changed with Jack Henry, her boyfriend, when he tells her he is planning on changing his job. And to top all of that off, she has a Betweener client who is unlike any she has ever had before. It is a child, Betsy Lynn, who passed away before Emma Lee was ever able to see ghosts and she really has no idea how she became dead. It will take all of Emma Lee’s Betweener skills and tricks if she is going to be able to send this client into the great beyond. I also really liked the inclusion of Mr. Whiskers, a cat that has been protecting Betsy Lynn. That was heartwarming. And of course you have to love Granny, she is quirky and wild and you never know what she is going to say and do.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all the action take place and eavesdropping on conversations. She is also very talented in creating small town settings, where everybody knows your name and your business. I always love visiting Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, and spending time there.

The mystery of who killed Betsy Lynn was well plotted and difficult to solve. I liked the fact that Emma Lee did not find a dead body. It is refreshing when the protagonist does not find the murdered victim because in so many of the cozies I read, that is what happens. In this book, the victim has been dead for many years and it is difficult to get a handle on everything that happened years ago. I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy paranormal. I have been very pleased with this entire series, I think the books just keep getting better. Do yourself a favor and get reading this series.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Ghostly Secret” earns 5/5 Healthy Green Concoctions from Granny!

“Can you help me?” It has been six months since the ghost of a ten-year girl entered Emma Lee’s life, at the same time Emma Lee had been struggling to find some normalcy in the wake of her own family tragedy. As a ‘Betweener,’ one who sees dead people, she discovers young spirits can be very challenging, and the little ghost cat…no help at all. When she finds a twenty year old article about a girl gone missing…things start to fall into place. All of Emma Lee’s former ghostly clients have been recently deceased victims of murder, so a cold case and a victim so young having died under murderous circumstances is going to make this difficult. Emma Lee puts all her efforts into helping little Betsy Lynn Brady, enlisting fellow ‘Betweener,’ a curious and very observant librarian, and her boyfriend sheriff. Someone doesn’t want this cold case reopened, but little Betsy needs to cross over, so the truth must be found…then, a wrinkle! Two clients? Are they related?

I am such a fan of Tonya Kappes’ A Ghostly Southern Mystery, one of the few series that I’ve actually read every single book. This seventh book is just as exciting, but with a twist that incorporates a cold case without any direct connection to Emma Lee. Tonya focuses more on the ability to investigate from scratch using a variety of resources rather than personal knowledge of the victim and suspects. The characters continue to drive the story with love interests having challenges and losses being hard to adjust to. And Granny? Well, for fans you know what I mean, and to newbies, Granny is an absolute delight, but also tests Emma Lee’s patience…you can’t miss her spiky red hair! This all adds such a realism that you feel connected to them and invested in the outcome. The setting of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky and the southern mores, issues running a funeral parlor, and trying to keep Granny in check play out in the background along with Emma Lee turning thirty and dealing with the southern view that if you weren’t married at thirty, you are an ‘old maid.’ You’ve got the book, now brew up a pitcher of sweet tea and sit in the cool of the evening…Enjoy!

"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was first published on my blog " Lecture toute une Aventure"
I received an eARC and voluntary choose to review this book

Really moving! i couldn't stop reading and i just wanted to hug Emma Lee.... however let's start by the beginning this book is the 7th in the series and for this one i do recommend you read the precedent books first and some events needs to be read not just remembered. (Even if Tonya explains well enough what has happened etc it's better to follow the series)

So this book is one of change for Emma, i can't tell you in details as it would be major spoiler but she needs to adjust to a lot of things at the same time at it's not easy for her....but it makes me admire her courage even more because no matter what happen she is not letting her " client", ghost client, down and it's even stronger in this case as it's about a little girl so it was especially moving and i did want Betsy to get peace as well as Emma.
It sure mixes suspense, moving moment with some humour as always and it's why i love this series, this time it's not only Emma's grandma but also a ghost cat that put humour when we need it the most.

The investigation is really well done, Emma is starting to open up ( just a little) and it just makes me want to jump on the next book without delay ( but for that i will need patience as it must be written first) really this is a great series with story of quality and for the lover of cozy mysteries with touch of paranormal i do recommend it!

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee Raines runs the family business at Eternal Slumber, in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky and has the gift. She is what is called a Betweener, although the majority of the town folk thinks she has Funeral Trama.

Emma Lee is trying to figure out how to help Betsy, a young child ghost haunting her, to cross over. Emma Lee only sees the ghosts of those who have been murdered. Unfortunately, Betsy isn't giving Emma Lee much to go on. With the help of a medium, Emma Lee is directed to do some researching at the library. Emma Lee continues to probe Betsy, until the girl's off-the-cuff reply shares one clue that ties Mr. Whiskers, a ghost cat, to Betsy's disappearance. Emma Lee's researching at the library, brings up a cold case.

Emma Lee gets Jack Henry Ross, the Sheriff, to go investigate the cold case; meanwhile, the town is in a buzz about a rumor, and Zula Fae, Emma's granny, is doing everything possible to make that rumor come true, because turning thirty is a bad omen. While Emma Lee has her hands full trying to help Betsy, another ghost comes forward and Emma's sleuthing is about to open a can of worms.

This is a wonderful series! I highly recommend. Ghosts, murder, and a quirky, lovable granny, what's not to love?! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Silvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee Raines lives in small town as proprietor in Eternal Slumber a funeral home. But she is more than proprietor she is a “betweener” helps ghosts to cross over, but only murdered one after she solving their murder. She is very successful in solving those mysteries.

A Ghostly Secret grabbed me right from the start. It’s part of the series seventh book. It’s light, fun and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the mystery part with a little girl and wanted to know more about her with every turned page, who is it, why she doesn’t tell anything. The events move along capturing the reader to turn pages until the end where the things get cleared.

The story is written in first person point of view and Emma Lee Raines is the narrator. I love how she tells the story and I like this character so much the only thing that I didn’t like about her was her hesitation, I’m not telling you why because it would be a spoiler.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves cozy mysteries, who wants fun, light books with enjoyable hints of romance.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Emma Lee who owns the small town funeral home Eternal Slumber. Not long after the death of her sister Charlotte she has been visited by a cat Mr. Whiskers and a little girl. She finds herself having difficulty identifying who the girl as and the girl ghost can't tell her much at all.

The little girl is connected to another ghost who is involved in Betsy Lynn Brady's death was it her mother or her soon to be step-father? Emma Lee also finds out that Jack Henry Ross is about to take a temporary job away from Emma Lee and Emma can't decide if they will survive this? Emma is also still dealing with the death of her sister and finding her way without her!

This book was full of so much stuff going on. Emma making new friends and spending time with girls while Jack Henry is away. She also solves a couple of cases of her clients that need to cross over and she finds herself helping her grandmother plan her wedding to Doc Clyde. I really can't wait to see what awaits Emma Lee next!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough great things about this book, this series, & this author. AWESOME! AWESOME! & AWESOME!

This is the 7th book in the A Ghostly Southern Mystery Series. Emma Lee Raines is the owner of Eternal Slumber Funeral home & is also what is called a betweener. This means that ghosts come to her to help solve their murders so that they can cross over to the other side. Her "clients" are usually funeral home customers or people that she knows, this time it is different. In this book she is helping to solve a cold case from her childhood. A ten year old girl went missing and was presumed dead. There is also a ghost cast involved. Join Emma Lee & the colorful cast of characters as they help to solve the mystery and help Besty Lynn Brady cross over. You do not need to read the rest of the series to understand what is happening in this one, but why wouldn't you. They are all awesome!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #7 of the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. If you haven't read the first six you will still be able to follow along. Revisiting Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky finds Emma Lee working a cold case of a little girl named Betsy Lynn and her cat Mr. Whiskers, both of them needs to crossover with Emma's help but can't until she can solve their murder. Emma is already dealing with the death of her sister Charlotte Rae. I love Kappes style of writing. Her mysteries are clue based and reminds me of a Nancy Drew mystery. I just love following the clues along with her. One of my favorite characters is Granny, she definitely gives Emma a hard time sometimes but keeps her in line and adds the comic relief. I love this series and look forward to each new book. I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received from the author.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is the seventh book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series and is written by Tonya Kappes. Emma Lee Raines is now seeing a murdered ghost of a child and a ghost cat. Emma Lee soon realizes that this is a cold case of eight year old child named Betsy Lynn Brady. Emma Lee learns real fast that someone doesn’t want her to snoop around the cold case. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.