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Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #6
Murder on the Sugarland Express
Verity Long is overdue for a little R&R (rest and romance) with her boyfriend Ellis, and a vintage train trip through the Tennessee mountains seems like just the ticket. The Sugarland Express carries history and nostalgia in every compartment, and Verity is determined to enjoy it — without ghostly interference. But the ghosts have other plans…
On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.
To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers — dead or alive — could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again.
On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.
To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers — dead or alive — could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again.
325 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2017
1766 people are currently reading
1831 people want to read
About the author
Angie Fox
65 books2,722 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
November 25, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Can you imagine Murder on the Orient Express Southern Ghost Hunter Style? No? I had a tough time grasping that too because although there are several plot similarities, there are a whole lot more differences. But, the plot is a real kick and a bang up mystery, too and two. You get two mysteries to solve in this book, one a ghostly murder and the other a very real live one. Great book and a unique plot merging the ghostly realm with the real world.
Verity Long and boytoy, Ellis are longing for some away time from all the ghostly shenanigans and goings on that make up Verity's life in Sugarland, TN. Ellis manages to score the last compartment on the maiden run of The Sugarland Express train through the Tennessee mountains. The train is as authentic as possible, but with very modern amenities, of course. It also comes with a tragic murder and disastrous end for the "ghost" train.
80 years ago the train was stranded and a young woman was stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved. Those ghosts are back and the whole thing is played out again. Also back is a ghostly Belgian detective and he thinks Frankie is a cop too.
When the stabbing plays out again, in real life, Verity and Ellis are stuck on The Sugarland Express with both a ghostly and an all to real murderer. It's time for ghost Frankie and his girlfriend Molly to lend a hand to the living and help solve both cases before Verity ends up as a ghost too.
Can you imagine Murder on the Orient Express Southern Ghost Hunter Style? No? I had a tough time grasping that too because although there are several plot similarities, there are a whole lot more differences. But, the plot is a real kick and a bang up mystery, too and two. You get two mysteries to solve in this book, one a ghostly murder and the other a very real live one. Great book and a unique plot merging the ghostly realm with the real world.
Verity Long and boytoy, Ellis are longing for some away time from all the ghostly shenanigans and goings on that make up Verity's life in Sugarland, TN. Ellis manages to score the last compartment on the maiden run of The Sugarland Express train through the Tennessee mountains. The train is as authentic as possible, but with very modern amenities, of course. It also comes with a tragic murder and disastrous end for the "ghost" train.
80 years ago the train was stranded and a young woman was stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved. Those ghosts are back and the whole thing is played out again. Also back is a ghostly Belgian detective and he thinks Frankie is a cop too.
When the stabbing plays out again, in real life, Verity and Ellis are stuck on The Sugarland Express with both a ghostly and an all to real murderer. It's time for ghost Frankie and his girlfriend Molly to lend a hand to the living and help solve both cases before Verity ends up as a ghost too.
September 8, 2018
Verity and Ellis on a romantic getaway – I was looking forward to this. I did love the tribute to Agatha Christie and Poirot. I loved the characters on the train. I didn’t love having both Virginia and Beau along for the ride as well. It seems the author enjoys putting Verity in way too many humiliating situations that just isn’t a need for.
The mystery was fabulous in this book and the historic mystery was okay but its link to the present was very well done and allowed for Verity to have some interactions with the ghost. I also appreciated the descriptions of the train because it gave a really good mental image of the Sugarland Express.
So for the past couple of books Frankie annoyed and in this book Verity started to annoy me. The girl needs to grow a backbone in certain situations and in others situations she needs to not be so judgmental – she doesn’t live the most standard life yet seems to sometimes judge folks on how they appear. Not sure how I feel about the attempt at redeeming Verity’s ex-fiancé Beau but the author gave me some hope at the end.
This is the first book in the series to end with setting up the next book and it will be interesting to see how this works. It wasn’t quite a cliffhanger and I hope the author doesn’t go down the cliffhanger route.
Tavia Gilberts continues to add the consistency and heart to the story as the narrator and even though the story may lack some strength it is Tavia’s interpretation of the characters that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
The mystery was fabulous in this book and the historic mystery was okay but its link to the present was very well done and allowed for Verity to have some interactions with the ghost. I also appreciated the descriptions of the train because it gave a really good mental image of the Sugarland Express.
So for the past couple of books Frankie annoyed and in this book Verity started to annoy me. The girl needs to grow a backbone in certain situations and in others situations she needs to not be so judgmental – she doesn’t live the most standard life yet seems to sometimes judge folks on how they appear. Not sure how I feel about the attempt at redeeming Verity’s ex-fiancé Beau but the author gave me some hope at the end.
This is the first book in the series to end with setting up the next book and it will be interesting to see how this works. It wasn’t quite a cliffhanger and I hope the author doesn’t go down the cliffhanger route.
Tavia Gilberts continues to add the consistency and heart to the story as the narrator and even though the story may lack some strength it is Tavia’s interpretation of the characters that keeps me hooked and coming back for more.
September 18, 2020
Murder on the Sugarland Express
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book 6
By: Angie Fox
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Another great mystery with both ghost characters and human characters. (Lucy stayed with family this book.)
This was suppose to be a romantic get-a-away on a train but it turned into a murder mystery train and a reenactment of the fatal journey of the original train ride. (With some of the same ghosts!)
Good mystery, suspense, and that touch of romance.
Really good narration.
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book 6
By: Angie Fox
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Another great mystery with both ghost characters and human characters. (Lucy stayed with family this book.)
This was suppose to be a romantic get-a-away on a train but it turned into a murder mystery train and a reenactment of the fatal journey of the original train ride. (With some of the same ghosts!)
Good mystery, suspense, and that touch of romance.
Really good narration.
November 23, 2017
Well with the latest version of the classic Agatha Christie novel being brought back to the big screen I'm hardly surprised that this author has been inspired to pen her own train murder mystery. As you would expect it's quite a doozy too with not only a ghostly murder to solve but one happening here and now in real time ! Poor Verity just wanted some quality time with her boyfriend Ellis and this historical train journey seemed just the ticket ! Trouble is there are people onboard who Verity is only too well acquainted with not to mention the ghosts that are haunting the train .
Ok I don't wish to give too much away but long time fans of this series will know that Verity is dating her ex's older brother . Which obviously causes issues but even more disturbing is the way Ellis's mother has really had the knives out for Verity . Here we just might start to see the dynamics change but to say more would ruin the fun.
What I can say is the effervescent Frankie and his new ( and very sweet ) girlfriend make their presence known which adds to the fun and lets face it chaos! I loved that Verity got swept along with all the ghostly goings on but it was the nefarious goings on in real time that really made this story hurtle along . Yes there's mystery but most of all it's a fun fast paced story that had surprises and an ending to make the most jaded reader smile
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Ok I don't wish to give too much away but long time fans of this series will know that Verity is dating her ex's older brother . Which obviously causes issues but even more disturbing is the way Ellis's mother has really had the knives out for Verity . Here we just might start to see the dynamics change but to say more would ruin the fun.
What I can say is the effervescent Frankie and his new ( and very sweet ) girlfriend make their presence known which adds to the fun and lets face it chaos! I loved that Verity got swept along with all the ghostly goings on but it was the nefarious goings on in real time that really made this story hurtle along . Yes there's mystery but most of all it's a fun fast paced story that had surprises and an ending to make the most jaded reader smile
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 23, 2018
After the Sugarland paparazzi publish an embarrassing photo of Verity on the front page, her boyfriend Ellis decides to whisk her away for a few days of fun and relaxation. They board the Sugarland Express for its maiden journey to Gatlinburg.
But dastardly deeds are afoot in both the real world and the ghostly realm. A murder has been committed and it is almost identical to a murder which happened on the first Sugarland Express nearly 100 years earlier.
It's up to Verity, with the help of her ghostly friends to solve the crime and save the day.
But dastardly deeds are afoot in both the real world and the ghostly realm. A murder has been committed and it is almost identical to a murder which happened on the first Sugarland Express nearly 100 years earlier.
It's up to Verity, with the help of her ghostly friends to solve the crime and save the day.
December 17, 2018
5 Stars... A romantic getaway is just what Verity and Ellis need, but what they get is a whole different story... Ex- fiancés, meddling mothers, troublesome ghosts, and a murder mystery that spans time is all in store for these two sleuths as they travel the historic Sugarland Express and attempt to right the past while protecting the present... Another dynamic ghostly adventure with unforgettable characters and a great mix of humor and haunting.:)
October 21, 2018
I loved this! Anything written by Angie Fox is always a winner for me. The only thing missing was more Lucy. Just love that skunk. This was all around fabulous with Verity and Frankie in the midst of murder on a train both past and present. Verity is sure to be a hit for a long time to come with new and established fans of the series.
December 19, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was fun! I have been having a great time working my way through the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and I was not disappointed by this installment. This is the sixth book in the series and while it could probably be read as a stand-alone the series is perhaps best read in order since the relationships between the characters have evolved over the course of the series.
Verity and Ellis try to take a little vacation by going away on the Sugarland Express. Things get more complicated when Frankie talks her into tagging along, not to mention her pesky ex-fiance, a ghost train, and a bit of murder. Verity has plenty of things to worry about not just in the real world but also on the ghostly plane. I had fun watching Verity try to figure everything out and I loved the fact that the mystery was able to keep me guessing.
Tavia Gilbert continues to do an excellent job with the narration of this series. I am a big fan of her narration and I really do enjoy all of the various voices that she uses in reading the story to help bring it to life. She adds just enough excitement and emotion to the narration to keep me glued to my headphones. She has become the voice of Verity and I couldn’t imagine experiencing this story in any other way.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery with characters that are easy to love and a mystery that kept me guessing I cannot wait to read the next book in this entertaining series.
Book Source: Purchased
This was fun! I have been having a great time working my way through the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and I was not disappointed by this installment. This is the sixth book in the series and while it could probably be read as a stand-alone the series is perhaps best read in order since the relationships between the characters have evolved over the course of the series.
Verity and Ellis try to take a little vacation by going away on the Sugarland Express. Things get more complicated when Frankie talks her into tagging along, not to mention her pesky ex-fiance, a ghost train, and a bit of murder. Verity has plenty of things to worry about not just in the real world but also on the ghostly plane. I had fun watching Verity try to figure everything out and I loved the fact that the mystery was able to keep me guessing.
Tavia Gilbert continues to do an excellent job with the narration of this series. I am a big fan of her narration and I really do enjoy all of the various voices that she uses in reading the story to help bring it to life. She adds just enough excitement and emotion to the narration to keep me glued to my headphones. She has become the voice of Verity and I couldn’t imagine experiencing this story in any other way.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery with characters that are easy to love and a mystery that kept me guessing I cannot wait to read the next book in this entertaining series.
Book Source: Purchased
November 25, 2017
In a fun tribute to Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, the author places her lovable heroine, Verity Long, irascible gangster ghost hero, Frankie, and Verity's stalwart boyfriend Ellis on a restored old steam train on which an unsolved murder occurred many years before.
I enjoyed how Verity has really come into her own when it comes to the existence of ghosts and her talent for solving crimes, ghostly or otherwise. She's grown confident and independent though still a softy for helping others. And, in this installment, she and Ellis prove that they are a solid couple when his brother who is also her ex was attempting to stir up trouble for them and Frankie is up to his antics that disrupt the couple's vacation. Adults in a relationship acting mature? Oh yes!
The mystery had echoes of the famous Christie story, but only so far as the murder happened on an isolated old train with all the suspects trapped together, no obvious motive, and a locked door mystery. Most of the story was just a great Southern Ghost Hunter adventure with some good twists to keep the reader guessing. How could I resist a mystery set on an elegant steam train journey through the mountains?
All in all, this latest installment of the series was a delight from cover to cover that was a light and easy read that I quickly devoured. Paranormal cozy mystery fans should not miss this series.
I rec'd this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed how Verity has really come into her own when it comes to the existence of ghosts and her talent for solving crimes, ghostly or otherwise. She's grown confident and independent though still a softy for helping others. And, in this installment, she and Ellis prove that they are a solid couple when his brother who is also her ex was attempting to stir up trouble for them and Frankie is up to his antics that disrupt the couple's vacation. Adults in a relationship acting mature? Oh yes!
The mystery had echoes of the famous Christie story, but only so far as the murder happened on an isolated old train with all the suspects trapped together, no obvious motive, and a locked door mystery. Most of the story was just a great Southern Ghost Hunter adventure with some good twists to keep the reader guessing. How could I resist a mystery set on an elegant steam train journey through the mountains?
All in all, this latest installment of the series was a delight from cover to cover that was a light and easy read that I quickly devoured. Paranormal cozy mystery fans should not miss this series.
I rec'd this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2019
After a contretemps with her ex, Verity is thrilled when Ellis takes time off and they can enjoy a train holiday for two on the newly renovated Sugarland Express a first class traveling experience from the golden age of train travel.
Only her romantic getaway for two rapidly becomes six as first Frankie and his lady friend, Molly, join them which isn't so bad because the ghosts promise to entertain themselves with their own romantic trip. But, then Verity learns the train is owned by Ellis' mom and his brother, Beau, who are both traveling on the maiden trip.
Verity isn't given time to get too upset about that turn of events because the ghostly conductor warns that the renovated train is in peril because it was designed precisely like the ill-fated previous train when a murder in cabin nine and a deadly wreck destroyed the first train. Verity wants to wave this off until events start happening just like they had in the past including the murder. It was right out an Agatha Christie novel, she thought, as she, Ellis, and Frankie got after a killer in the past and in the present to save them all.
This was a fun, fall listen. I love Frankie's antics and it was great having him pretend to be an ace detective even as I got a few tense moments when Verity, Eliis, and the other trapped passengers realize they share a train with a murderer. The end was really exciting and the reveal was quite the twist.
I do love this series and I look forward to each new installment particularly with the fabulous Tavia Gilbert narrating these and giving voice to Verity, Frankie and all the other characters so well.
Only her romantic getaway for two rapidly becomes six as first Frankie and his lady friend, Molly, join them which isn't so bad because the ghosts promise to entertain themselves with their own romantic trip. But, then Verity learns the train is owned by Ellis' mom and his brother, Beau, who are both traveling on the maiden trip.
Verity isn't given time to get too upset about that turn of events because the ghostly conductor warns that the renovated train is in peril because it was designed precisely like the ill-fated previous train when a murder in cabin nine and a deadly wreck destroyed the first train. Verity wants to wave this off until events start happening just like they had in the past including the murder. It was right out an Agatha Christie novel, she thought, as she, Ellis, and Frankie got after a killer in the past and in the present to save them all.
This was a fun, fall listen. I love Frankie's antics and it was great having him pretend to be an ace detective even as I got a few tense moments when Verity, Eliis, and the other trapped passengers realize they share a train with a murderer. The end was really exciting and the reveal was quite the twist.
I do love this series and I look forward to each new installment particularly with the fabulous Tavia Gilbert narrating these and giving voice to Verity, Frankie and all the other characters so well.
December 2, 2017
Verity Long is at it again in Murder on the Sugarland Express, the 6th book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery Series.
Nothing screams romance more than a quiet train ride with the love of your life. This is exactly what Verity is looking forward to, unfortunately her plans and hopes go awry when her ghost nemesis Frankie the German tags along. If having Frankie along isn't enough to set Verity on edge, having her ex boyfriend on board the train will surely cause her to go nuts, especially since Beau is her current loves brother! Add mom into the mix and you have yourself a setting for disaster.
What Verity isn't expecting is to stumble upon another murder , complete with other ghosts that do not seem to approve of the living.
Cozy readers will enjoy this paranormal cozy mystery complete with laugh out loud moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this story.
Nothing screams romance more than a quiet train ride with the love of your life. This is exactly what Verity is looking forward to, unfortunately her plans and hopes go awry when her ghost nemesis Frankie the German tags along. If having Frankie along isn't enough to set Verity on edge, having her ex boyfriend on board the train will surely cause her to go nuts, especially since Beau is her current loves brother! Add mom into the mix and you have yourself a setting for disaster.
What Verity isn't expecting is to stumble upon another murder , complete with other ghosts that do not seem to approve of the living.
Cozy readers will enjoy this paranormal cozy mystery complete with laugh out loud moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this story.
January 6, 2020
Another amazing book by Angie Fox
June 26, 2020
Love this series!
I love all the characters in the series but I miss the moments where Frankie shows Verify that he cares. Looking forward to the next mystery!💖
I love all the characters in the series but I miss the moments where Frankie shows Verify that he cares. Looking forward to the next mystery!💖
November 22, 2021
Ms. Fox's books are a hoot to read. I hope I never tire of following her.
As always her books start out with just a normal woman, who has a gangster ghost living with her.
Everything is going great. She has a new boyfriend, who is the brother of the man she left standing at the alter. But that's another book.
She and her boyfriend decide to take a romantic train ride on a historical refurbished train.
Turns out neither of them knew the train had been refurbish my his brother. O'Brother indeed!
And turns out she had to take the gangster ashes with her. He to wants to get away for a romantic weekend with his new girlfriend.
Well, things go spiraling out of control, both in real world and the ghost world.
Seems the train is doomed to run off a bridge unless she can help solve a fifty year old muder. So, ghostly sights begin to invade her weekend. And as her luck, as normal it seems, a real murder accures on the train, along with someone destorying the communication center.
Grab a copy of Ms. Fox's book, you will be rewarded with a mystery , a few laughs, and a bit of love.
Thanks to GoodReads for making her first book available so now I pick on up when I want a fun, fast read. Thank you Ms Fox, for also making your books available on GoodReads.
As always her books start out with just a normal woman, who has a gangster ghost living with her.
Everything is going great. She has a new boyfriend, who is the brother of the man she left standing at the alter. But that's another book.
She and her boyfriend decide to take a romantic train ride on a historical refurbished train.
Turns out neither of them knew the train had been refurbish my his brother. O'Brother indeed!
And turns out she had to take the gangster ashes with her. He to wants to get away for a romantic weekend with his new girlfriend.
Well, things go spiraling out of control, both in real world and the ghost world.
Seems the train is doomed to run off a bridge unless she can help solve a fifty year old muder. So, ghostly sights begin to invade her weekend. And as her luck, as normal it seems, a real murder accures on the train, along with someone destorying the communication center.
Grab a copy of Ms. Fox's book, you will be rewarded with a mystery , a few laughs, and a bit of love.
Thanks to GoodReads for making her first book available so now I pick on up when I want a fun, fast read. Thank you Ms Fox, for also making your books available on GoodReads.
November 26, 2017
Murder on the Sugarland Express by Angie Fox
6th Book in the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series. Can be read as a stand alone.
The Sugarland Express train has been renovated and it’s maiden voyage seems to be a repeat of the past. Stopped unexpectedly in the mountains, Wi-Fi equipment destroyed, no cell reception and a murder in Compartment 9 leads Verity, Ellis and Frankie on a mystery solving path.
A fun mystery that’s solved on two levels, past and present. Twist and turns. Solve a mystery in the past, then work the one in the present. A bit of danger for Verity. Again. Entertaining. 🚂
6th Book in the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series. Can be read as a stand alone.
The Sugarland Express train has been renovated and it’s maiden voyage seems to be a repeat of the past. Stopped unexpectedly in the mountains, Wi-Fi equipment destroyed, no cell reception and a murder in Compartment 9 leads Verity, Ellis and Frankie on a mystery solving path.
A fun mystery that’s solved on two levels, past and present. Twist and turns. Solve a mystery in the past, then work the one in the present. A bit of danger for Verity. Again. Entertaining. 🚂
February 6, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
MURDER ON THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS is another delightful installment in this series filled with clever twists and turns and unique, likable characters. It was especially fun to read this after seeing the recent Murder on the Orient Express movie and spot the similarities in some of the plot points and characters as the book is an homage to the Agatha Christie story. The murder mystery ends up being a dual mystery, one being on the living plane and the other on the ghostly plane. Luckily, it doesn't get super complex and both mysteries are compelling and tragic. Both cases unfold almost simultaneously and rapidly with quite a few possible suspects for each murder that keep the tension up through to an exciting climactic ending.
I love seeing Verity come into her own in regards to her abilities to see and talk to ghosts. Some of my favorite moments in this book are of her trying to handle talking to a living person while attempting to politely ignore the ghost demanding her attention. It was also amusing to see her try to resist taking on a case during her much needed vacation knowing that she would eventually be pulled in. She can't help herself to help others! While she is capable of handling ghosts, I liked seeing the interactions between Verity her boyfriend Ellis, his brother (her ex), and his mom. Ellis takes on a more active role, what with being a cop on a train with a murder to solve. I love how supportive and accepting he is of Verity which is in such a contrast to his vindictive brother and snobbish mom.
MURDER ON THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS is a fun twist on cozy mysteries, as well as an excellent homage to Agatha Christie but with added ghostly hijinks to make it something wonderfully unique.
MURDER ON THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS is another delightful installment in this series filled with clever twists and turns and unique, likable characters. It was especially fun to read this after seeing the recent Murder on the Orient Express movie and spot the similarities in some of the plot points and characters as the book is an homage to the Agatha Christie story. The murder mystery ends up being a dual mystery, one being on the living plane and the other on the ghostly plane. Luckily, it doesn't get super complex and both mysteries are compelling and tragic. Both cases unfold almost simultaneously and rapidly with quite a few possible suspects for each murder that keep the tension up through to an exciting climactic ending.
I love seeing Verity come into her own in regards to her abilities to see and talk to ghosts. Some of my favorite moments in this book are of her trying to handle talking to a living person while attempting to politely ignore the ghost demanding her attention. It was also amusing to see her try to resist taking on a case during her much needed vacation knowing that she would eventually be pulled in. She can't help herself to help others! While she is capable of handling ghosts, I liked seeing the interactions between Verity her boyfriend Ellis, his brother (her ex), and his mom. Ellis takes on a more active role, what with being a cop on a train with a murder to solve. I love how supportive and accepting he is of Verity which is in such a contrast to his vindictive brother and snobbish mom.
MURDER ON THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS is a fun twist on cozy mysteries, as well as an excellent homage to Agatha Christie but with added ghostly hijinks to make it something wonderfully unique.
October 4, 2020
MAJOR Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
I never thought that I would give a cozy mystery a five star rating, but here I am doing exactly that. It was one specific moment in that last forty pages that I immediately decided this was a five stars read because I was so blown away at the moment. It was a moment I didn’t even come close to seeing happen, but it was done so brilliantly well with weaving the two storylines together to create that epic climax that was just so amazing. It was everything and put over the top into that five star read.
It was interesting to jump in the series from book one to book six, but amazingly I didn’t feel that I was missing anything in between those books. I’m curious sure, but I didn’t need to read book two to five to have to understand this one. I really appreciated that. Angie Fox did a great job summing up what happened to Verity throughout her journey in the ghost world. The most I think that was explained was stuff from book one that I had read, setting up of how Verity came into her ability to how she met Frankie to her relationship with Ellis so even though I recently read book one it was a nice refresher. As for the rest of the books, there were just brief mentions of what happened and how certain character appeared. It was mostly referred to ghost adventures that she experienced in previous books. Again having not read those stories didn’t take away from this way, which I liked.
From what I gathered from this story, Ellis and Verity had spent very little romantic time as a normal couple due to all these ghost adventures that they had with Frankie. So, in this one they wanted to get away from the mysteries, Frankie, and just ghosts in general to have a romantic getaway together so Ellis planned this journey on the newly refurbished train that would be going from South Carolina to their hometown of Sugarland. They just wanted to have that alone time together.
Of coarse nothing went on as planned as not only were the dealing with ghosts and ghost mysteries, but family as well. It just happened to be Ellis’s mother and brother, who happened to be Verity ex, new business adventure of the new Sugarland Express, which brought all the more complications to their romantic weekend together. They had a lot to deal with. It was very hard to get that romance that they were looking forward to getting, though they did have some cute, sweet moments together that I adored and made me smile.
What I really adored and appreciated about this story was the fact that their were two mysteries going on at the same time. There was a ghostly murder mystery that happened on the Sugarland Express in 1929 and then there was a murder mystery in the present. It was very intense, yet very interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I was trying to decipher the clues of both present and past. Even though I had guess and predictions along the way, I found myself only being half right as twist and turns were thrown in my way. It was just what I wanted from the mysteries. It surprised me and shocked me so much in a way I absolutely loved. It was such an adrenaline rush especially when the two climaxes happened in both of the mysteries. That last forty pages was a doozy as I said. It was so brilliantly done how the two mysteries intertwined with one another. I loved it so much.
Another thing that surprised me, and I loved more than I ever thought I would was the heart to heart between Beau and Verity. Since I didn’t read book two to five, I didn’t know how their relationship progressed or developed over the course over the series up to that point. I just knew that Beau was Verity’s ex that made her life hell and was what set her up to be at the point she was in book one where she got Frankie and started seeing ghosts. Despite not having that information from those other books, it was pretty clear they still weren’t on the best footing even still. He did throw some jabs at her along the way. Plus I just thought he was a big old jerk at story’s beginning, and I didn’t see him differently until they had this heart to heart. He basically unloaded what he was feeling and why he did what he did not that it excused what it he did to her, but it made me understand him more. Maybe he wasn’t as bad of a guy as I thought he was. I think it was a moment that both Verity and Beau needed to have so they could move forward especially since she planned on being with his brother for rest of her life. I thought it was a great scene to have in this story. I think it really helped both of them in different ways. I really appreciated that.
My only complaint about this story was that it makes me want to read the next story in this series after that slight cliffhanger that made an appearance at the end, referring to the next ghostly mystery with the Inspector that was introduced in this book. I just wasn’t ready for that tease. I want to know what this new mystery that Frankie and Verity help to solve. It sounded like a good one too. Oh, well. I’ll get over it.
Overall I loved the setup with this one being a romantic getaway for Verity and Ellis only to be interrupted by family drama, ghosts, mysteries, and murders. The was pacing was good with the steady build until things came to head in the double climax. I loved that there were two mysteries involved both past and present. I loved how they were weaved and intertwined together. I loved seeing the parallels yet the difference between the two mysteries. I thought it was done very cleverly, keeping me very engaged. It was thrilling, suspenseful, and intriguing. It was such an adrenaline rush full of twist and turns along the way. I loved that so much. Those last forty pages really sold me on the five rating especially with the one twist that connected the two storylines together. Once it got tot that point, it was impossible to put it down. It was just so, so good. I adored it.
If I get the opportunity to read any more books in the series, I’m totally going to do it because I loved this one and book one so much. The characters and the mysteries were spot on. I adore the writing. Just everything in this series just clicks for me. It’s a winner in the cozy mystery genre for me.
I never thought that I would give a cozy mystery a five star rating, but here I am doing exactly that. It was one specific moment in that last forty pages that I immediately decided this was a five stars read because I was so blown away at the moment. It was a moment I didn’t even come close to seeing happen, but it was done so brilliantly well with weaving the two storylines together to create that epic climax that was just so amazing. It was everything and put over the top into that five star read.
It was interesting to jump in the series from book one to book six, but amazingly I didn’t feel that I was missing anything in between those books. I’m curious sure, but I didn’t need to read book two to five to have to understand this one. I really appreciated that. Angie Fox did a great job summing up what happened to Verity throughout her journey in the ghost world. The most I think that was explained was stuff from book one that I had read, setting up of how Verity came into her ability to how she met Frankie to her relationship with Ellis so even though I recently read book one it was a nice refresher. As for the rest of the books, there were just brief mentions of what happened and how certain character appeared. It was mostly referred to ghost adventures that she experienced in previous books. Again having not read those stories didn’t take away from this way, which I liked.
From what I gathered from this story, Ellis and Verity had spent very little romantic time as a normal couple due to all these ghost adventures that they had with Frankie. So, in this one they wanted to get away from the mysteries, Frankie, and just ghosts in general to have a romantic getaway together so Ellis planned this journey on the newly refurbished train that would be going from South Carolina to their hometown of Sugarland. They just wanted to have that alone time together.
Of coarse nothing went on as planned as not only were the dealing with ghosts and ghost mysteries, but family as well. It just happened to be Ellis’s mother and brother, who happened to be Verity ex, new business adventure of the new Sugarland Express, which brought all the more complications to their romantic weekend together. They had a lot to deal with. It was very hard to get that romance that they were looking forward to getting, though they did have some cute, sweet moments together that I adored and made me smile.
What I really adored and appreciated about this story was the fact that their were two mysteries going on at the same time. There was a ghostly murder mystery that happened on the Sugarland Express in 1929 and then there was a murder mystery in the present. It was very intense, yet very interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I was trying to decipher the clues of both present and past. Even though I had guess and predictions along the way, I found myself only being half right as twist and turns were thrown in my way. It was just what I wanted from the mysteries. It surprised me and shocked me so much in a way I absolutely loved. It was such an adrenaline rush especially when the two climaxes happened in both of the mysteries. That last forty pages was a doozy as I said. It was so brilliantly done how the two mysteries intertwined with one another. I loved it so much.
Another thing that surprised me, and I loved more than I ever thought I would was the heart to heart between Beau and Verity. Since I didn’t read book two to five, I didn’t know how their relationship progressed or developed over the course over the series up to that point. I just knew that Beau was Verity’s ex that made her life hell and was what set her up to be at the point she was in book one where she got Frankie and started seeing ghosts. Despite not having that information from those other books, it was pretty clear they still weren’t on the best footing even still. He did throw some jabs at her along the way. Plus I just thought he was a big old jerk at story’s beginning, and I didn’t see him differently until they had this heart to heart. He basically unloaded what he was feeling and why he did what he did not that it excused what it he did to her, but it made me understand him more. Maybe he wasn’t as bad of a guy as I thought he was. I think it was a moment that both Verity and Beau needed to have so they could move forward especially since she planned on being with his brother for rest of her life. I thought it was a great scene to have in this story. I think it really helped both of them in different ways. I really appreciated that.
My only complaint about this story was that it makes me want to read the next story in this series after that slight cliffhanger that made an appearance at the end, referring to the next ghostly mystery with the Inspector that was introduced in this book. I just wasn’t ready for that tease. I want to know what this new mystery that Frankie and Verity help to solve. It sounded like a good one too. Oh, well. I’ll get over it.
Overall I loved the setup with this one being a romantic getaway for Verity and Ellis only to be interrupted by family drama, ghosts, mysteries, and murders. The was pacing was good with the steady build until things came to head in the double climax. I loved that there were two mysteries involved both past and present. I loved how they were weaved and intertwined together. I loved seeing the parallels yet the difference between the two mysteries. I thought it was done very cleverly, keeping me very engaged. It was thrilling, suspenseful, and intriguing. It was such an adrenaline rush full of twist and turns along the way. I loved that so much. Those last forty pages really sold me on the five rating especially with the one twist that connected the two storylines together. Once it got tot that point, it was impossible to put it down. It was just so, so good. I adored it.
If I get the opportunity to read any more books in the series, I’m totally going to do it because I loved this one and book one so much. The characters and the mysteries were spot on. I adore the writing. Just everything in this series just clicks for me. It’s a winner in the cozy mystery genre for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2018
I love this series, it's like a bag of potato chips - can't put it down! The exciting plot is the real star of this book. A well crafted homage to the iconic Murder on the Orient Express, the rip-roaring dual plot combined a long ago ghostly unsolved murder with a current day murder under similar circumstances. Fast-paced with an ending that left my heart racing, it was thoroughly enjoyable and memorable and I admit, I was surprised by whodunit and why. It was an exceptionally well done mystery that even Agatha would appreciate!
The ghostly victims of the first derailment returning to the scene of te crime (complete with a Poirot-esque police inspector!) and the thrilling solve of the first case was entertaining (I loved how The Green Lady redeemed herself at the end!) but it was the modern day murder that tugged at my heart, thanks to the great characters, I love how they've progressed as the series goes on; all of them have grown to become vivid and realistic and darn it, so likable (even Virginia!) They're all the reason I eagerly come back with each new book.
The ghostly victims of the first derailment returning to the scene of te crime (complete with a Poirot-esque police inspector!) and the thrilling solve of the first case was entertaining (I loved how The Green Lady redeemed herself at the end!) but it was the modern day murder that tugged at my heart, thanks to the great characters, I love how they've progressed as the series goes on; all of them have grown to become vivid and realistic and darn it, so likable (even Virginia!) They're all the reason I eagerly come back with each new book.
November 21, 2017
Verity Long is back and she can’t help but get embroiled in a mystery even on a train. Verity and Ellis need to get away from it all so they plan a romantic getaway aboard the Sugarland Express. Gangster ghost Frankie cons his way aboard with his latest flame Molly. You would think they would be safe from mystery but they manage to get involved in not one but two mysteries. Each will captivate your attention and keep you guessing. This is a fantastic addition to the series.
May 26, 2019
Fun take on a closed room mystery.
Cozy readers will enjoy the returning characters as well as the reveals for the series.
Cozy readers will enjoy the returning characters as well as the reveals for the series.
November 18, 2017
Loved this mystery. Verity and Ellis are great characters. Angie Fox is a brilliant author who writes amazing stories. Recommend to all.
January 1, 2021
Once again Angie Fox does it. I totally enjoy all that I've read from this author.
December 15, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
I absolutely love this series! I really liked how there were two separate murders that she was investigating, and there were surprising twists in each one. The pacing was great and the plot never seemed to drag.
I absolutely love this series! I really liked how there were two separate murders that she was investigating, and there were surprising twists in each one. The pacing was great and the plot never seemed to drag.
January 6, 2018
It's time to get away from Frankie and the other ghosts and have a nice peaceful vacation. Ellis, Verity Long's boyfriend, has surprised her with tickets on the maiden voyage of the Sugarland Express, a historic train. Frankie has other ideas. He wants to tag along to provide a romantic getaway for his girlfriend.
There is a murder both in the past and the present under similar circumstances. Verity and Ellis spring into action to solve the present day murder while Frankie and Verity get sucked into helping solve the murder in the past.
This is a hat tip to Murder on the Orient Express. Someone on the train must have committed the murder in the present day as well as some ghost committed the murder in the past.
This book can be read as a standalone even though it is the sixth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. Enough information is given for you to follow along. It's better, though, if you've had some exposure to the characters prior to this though. It was just more enjoyable for me knowing more of their history.
Overall, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written and paced well. There are two mysteries for the price of one and the author even manages to connect them in a way. The characters are interesting. There is a good sense of humor that shines through even though the mysteries are tough to solve. If you enjoy humorous cozies with some paranormal involvement, then this would be a good reading choice for you.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
There is a murder both in the past and the present under similar circumstances. Verity and Ellis spring into action to solve the present day murder while Frankie and Verity get sucked into helping solve the murder in the past.
This is a hat tip to Murder on the Orient Express. Someone on the train must have committed the murder in the present day as well as some ghost committed the murder in the past.
This book can be read as a standalone even though it is the sixth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. Enough information is given for you to follow along. It's better, though, if you've had some exposure to the characters prior to this though. It was just more enjoyable for me knowing more of their history.
Overall, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written and paced well. There are two mysteries for the price of one and the author even manages to connect them in a way. The characters are interesting. There is a good sense of humor that shines through even though the mysteries are tough to solve. If you enjoy humorous cozies with some paranormal involvement, then this would be a good reading choice for you.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
November 20, 2017
Verity's at it again! This time while she's supposed to be on vacation. You know how it goes, though. When a lady can see ghosts, she gets drawn into some pretty wacky scenarios.
Plus, people keep trying to kill her. But hey! That happens to the best of us, right?
I'm going to take a second here to point out that Verity might be somewhat cursed (for lack of a better word) by Frankie's ghost and her ability to interact with the spirit world, but poor Ellis has to put up with his spoiled younger brother CONSTANTLY trying to get back together with his woman. While Ellis's mother is (somewhat) getting better when it comes to his and Verity's relationship, Beau is just the world's biggest jerkface. The guy seriously needs to find a hobby because his obsession with getting Verity back is NOT COOL, MAN. NOT COOL AT ALL.
The mystery of what happened on the train all those years ago is intriguing. The parallel mystery in the present is just as exciting. Death! Murder! Mayhem! And so many secrets. Everyone has a few, right? And Verity and Ellis have to ferret them out before anyone else ends up dead.
I like this series. It makes me grin and I have the biggest soft spot for how quick Ellis is to trust Verity and the crazy things she ends up in the middle of.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Plus, people keep trying to kill her. But hey! That happens to the best of us, right?
I'm going to take a second here to point out that Verity might be somewhat cursed (for lack of a better word) by Frankie's ghost and her ability to interact with the spirit world, but poor Ellis has to put up with his spoiled younger brother CONSTANTLY trying to get back together with his woman. While Ellis's mother is (somewhat) getting better when it comes to his and Verity's relationship, Beau is just the world's biggest jerkface. The guy seriously needs to find a hobby because his obsession with getting Verity back is NOT COOL, MAN. NOT COOL AT ALL.
The mystery of what happened on the train all those years ago is intriguing. The parallel mystery in the present is just as exciting. Death! Murder! Mayhem! And so many secrets. Everyone has a few, right? And Verity and Ellis have to ferret them out before anyone else ends up dead.
I like this series. It makes me grin and I have the biggest soft spot for how quick Ellis is to trust Verity and the crazy things she ends up in the middle of.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 25, 2022
I am always sad when I finish one of the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. I get so caught up in the stories it is disappointing to drop back into the real world. Murder on the Sugarland Express delivers everything I expected. Ghosts and murder and secrets. There were two things missing from this one though. Lucy and the scares. The ghosts in this story, while interesting and varied, just weren't scary. And I missed Lucy. She may not be a main character but this little skunk has stolen my heart. Otherwise, I have no complaints and I can hardly wait for the next book in this series!
Update 2022: I still missed Lucy.
Update 2022: I still missed Lucy.
January 17, 2018
OMG what a ride! This is a great read. I loved the characters, the setting, the mystery............EVERYTHING. It's a great addition or if you are new to the series a great first read. I can't wait for more!!!
November 26, 2017
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL !!!
Title: Murder on the Sugarland Express
Series: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries
Designation: Book 6 of Series, Full-Length Standalone, NO Cliffhanger
Author: Angie Fox
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY CUTE STARS*****
I adore cozy mysteries, love gripping suspense, and completely addicted to anything supernatural but throw in a little sweet romance and I'm totally smitten! Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find all four elements in one book but fortunately, I've found an author that brilliantly combines them all into one exceptional story. Angie Fox has delighted her readers yet again with Murder on the Sugarland Express, a full-length standalone and sixth release in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries Series and I totally loved it! Move over, Agatha Christie! Murder on the Sugarland Express is a hit! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend at least reading the first book of the series, Southern Spirits, which will give you the premise and backstory for all the releases in the collection. I became a diehard Angie Fox fan several years ago after reading The Accidental Demon Slayer, the outrageously funny first release in Fox's best-selling Biker Witches Mystery Series, another fabulous collection I highly recommend, especially if you love your mystery generously laced with side-splitting humor. But I digress, let's talk about Murder on the Sugarland Express. The book is imaginative, unique, exciting, cute, sweet, heartwarming, well crafted and well edited with a beautiful, eye-catching cover. The narrative is exceptionally well written in the first person from the perspective of the heroine, Verity Long. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well executed, at times hilarious, and flows effortlessly. I love all the components of this story but it's the characters that completely steal the show. They literally explode from the pages, grab your attention, come to life in your imagination, and completely capture your heart! They are fascinating, captivating, realistic, engaging, relatable and humorous. Fox skillfully combines these elements to craft a deliciously cute and delightfully entertaining whodunit filled to the brim with danger, drama, humor, ghosts, suspense, plot twists, and even a little heartbreaking angst and heartwarming romance.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! It's my new favorite! Yeah, yeah, I know I say the same thing after every book in this series but I just can't help myself. lol.. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunters World and the fictional town of Sugarland, Tennessee as well as the vividly depicted characters Fox has created for this series. Verity Long is an absolute delight and Ellis Wydell is one hunk of burning love! lol... And never fear, Verity's gangster ghost Frankie from the flapper era is around to cause all kinds of trouble and Lucy, the pet skunk, is ever present for a little heartwarming comic relief. And the supporting characters in this little story just completely captured my heart! I giggled, snorted, snuffled and sniffed through the entire story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am, for ages twelve to a hundred and twelve! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! Was I entertained? Completely and totally entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Premise: Although the last year has been difficult for Verity Long, it has also been surprisingly busy for the beautiful former aspiring graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee. Unfortunately, the one thing it hasn't been is profitable. Despite successfully solving several murders, life continues to be difficult. Verity is still short on funds and desperately trying to hang on to the home she inherited from her grandmother. She lost absolutely everything after breaking off her engagement last year with her lying, cheating, now ex-fiance Beau Wydell, youngest and favored son of wealthy, influential town aristocrat Virginia Wydell. Her graphic design services had been in demand until her almost mother-in-law used her influence to ruin her and her business. Had it been left up to the vengeful Virginia Wydell, Verity would have been tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. Now it seems no one in Sugarland needs her services so she's embarked on a new career and a whole new business...as a ghost hunter. Yup, she's officially out of the closet and has been for months, or rather since her interview with Ovis Dupree, guest investigative reporter from the local newspaper, The Sugarland Gazette. And that's not the only change in her life. Her kinda-sorta-maybe, once hush-hush and on-the-sly boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell is now her very public main squeeze! And yes, Ellis and Beau are related - they're brothers! Huh? Oh yes, brothers! As you can imagine, the news was not well received by Virginia or Beau Wydell. And let's not forget her sweet little pet skunk Lucy and her very dead, black and white gangster ghost housemate, Franklin Rudolph Winkelmann aka Frankie the German. Yup, I said ghost. Frankie became trapped on Verity's property when she unknowingly dumped the ashes from his urn onto the roots of her rose bush. Oh no! But in her defense, she had no idea what they were and what would happen. So until she can figure out a way to free Frankie, she's stuck with the not-so-nice wise guy criminal from the flapper era who has turned her backyard shed into a speakeasy and hideout for him and his ghost gang cronies. Verity is barely scraping by with very little food and even less money. But on the bright side, she does have her pet skunk, Lucy, a hot hunky boyfriend, and, on occasion, Frankie does actually lend her, albeit begrudgingly, some of his power so she can see all those otherworldly things that go bump in the night. But things are looking up. At least, she still has her grandma's home and she's even managed to solve a few cases. Now, if she could manage to find a job that actually pays cash, everything would be perfect. Careful what you wish for, Verity!
The world turns, life goes on, and southern-bell, super-sleuth Verity Long finds herself still without sufficient funds and always in need of a job. Thankfully, or maybe not, the universe seems to have her on speed dial, because every time she turns around a dead body turns up and Verity finds herself neck deep in another whodunit. But if there's one thing Verity does well, it's solving mysteries. With plenty of help from her spiritual cohorts of the ghostly plane and her new beau, Verity has become quite well known as Sugarland's very own ghost hunter extraordinaire. No, not that Beau, lying, cheating Beau Wydell... her new sweetie, Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell, Beau's older brother. Nothing like keeping it in the family! Unfortunately, Virginia Wydell, Sugarland's leading citizen, town matriarch, and mother of the Wydell brothers, is not pleased and seeks retribution against Verity at every opportunity. But Verity is a true southern belle with a spine of steel, one who refuses to allow anything to get in her way. But Verity and her handsome boyfriend Ellis need a break from the constant ghostly chaos, town gossip, and let's not forget all the family interference, especially after Virginia Wydell turns Ellis's small pre-opening gathering of family and friends for his new restaurant/bar, Southern Spirits, into a red carpet event covered by none other than our favorite reporter from the Sugarland Gazette, Ovis Dupree. And Ellis has just the ticket - quite literally! Ellis has arranged a romantic three-day weekend getaway on the maiden trip of the newly restored Sugarland Express. There'll be lots of canoodling for Verity and Ellis - but no ghosts, no Frankie, no dead bodies, no cases to solve, no Beau and Virginia Wydell, and NO interruptions! Just pure blissful alone time for her and Ellis. Not! Unfortunately, Verity caves when Frankie plays the guilt card and reluctantly agrees to allow him and his new ghostly girlfriend Molly to tag along. Oh my! What could go wrong? A lot, actually... maybe, lots of ghosts, an old mystery, a dead body, an ex-fiance, and his mother! Oh no! What's a southern ghost hunter to do? Take the high road, be the charming southern lady her grandmother taught her to be, solve the case, and bless your little heart! All aboard the Sugarland Express and buckle up, it's gonna be a wildly entertaining ride!
Title: Murder on the Sugarland Express
Series: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries
Designation: Book 6 of Series, Full-Length Standalone, NO Cliffhanger
Author: Angie Fox
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY CUTE STARS*****
I adore cozy mysteries, love gripping suspense, and completely addicted to anything supernatural but throw in a little sweet romance and I'm totally smitten! Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find all four elements in one book but fortunately, I've found an author that brilliantly combines them all into one exceptional story. Angie Fox has delighted her readers yet again with Murder on the Sugarland Express, a full-length standalone and sixth release in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries Series and I totally loved it! Move over, Agatha Christie! Murder on the Sugarland Express is a hit! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend at least reading the first book of the series, Southern Spirits, which will give you the premise and backstory for all the releases in the collection. I became a diehard Angie Fox fan several years ago after reading The Accidental Demon Slayer, the outrageously funny first release in Fox's best-selling Biker Witches Mystery Series, another fabulous collection I highly recommend, especially if you love your mystery generously laced with side-splitting humor. But I digress, let's talk about Murder on the Sugarland Express. The book is imaginative, unique, exciting, cute, sweet, heartwarming, well crafted and well edited with a beautiful, eye-catching cover. The narrative is exceptionally well written in the first person from the perspective of the heroine, Verity Long. The dialogue is smart, snappy, well executed, at times hilarious, and flows effortlessly. I love all the components of this story but it's the characters that completely steal the show. They literally explode from the pages, grab your attention, come to life in your imagination, and completely capture your heart! They are fascinating, captivating, realistic, engaging, relatable and humorous. Fox skillfully combines these elements to craft a deliciously cute and delightfully entertaining whodunit filled to the brim with danger, drama, humor, ghosts, suspense, plot twists, and even a little heartbreaking angst and heartwarming romance.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! It's my new favorite! Yeah, yeah, I know I say the same thing after every book in this series but I just can't help myself. lol.. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunters World and the fictional town of Sugarland, Tennessee as well as the vividly depicted characters Fox has created for this series. Verity Long is an absolute delight and Ellis Wydell is one hunk of burning love! lol... And never fear, Verity's gangster ghost Frankie from the flapper era is around to cause all kinds of trouble and Lucy, the pet skunk, is ever present for a little heartwarming comic relief. And the supporting characters in this little story just completely captured my heart! I giggled, snorted, snuffled and sniffed through the entire story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am, for ages twelve to a hundred and twelve! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! Was I entertained? Completely and totally entertained! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Premise: Although the last year has been difficult for Verity Long, it has also been surprisingly busy for the beautiful former aspiring graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee. Unfortunately, the one thing it hasn't been is profitable. Despite successfully solving several murders, life continues to be difficult. Verity is still short on funds and desperately trying to hang on to the home she inherited from her grandmother. She lost absolutely everything after breaking off her engagement last year with her lying, cheating, now ex-fiance Beau Wydell, youngest and favored son of wealthy, influential town aristocrat Virginia Wydell. Her graphic design services had been in demand until her almost mother-in-law used her influence to ruin her and her business. Had it been left up to the vengeful Virginia Wydell, Verity would have been tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. Now it seems no one in Sugarland needs her services so she's embarked on a new career and a whole new business...as a ghost hunter. Yup, she's officially out of the closet and has been for months, or rather since her interview with Ovis Dupree, guest investigative reporter from the local newspaper, The Sugarland Gazette. And that's not the only change in her life. Her kinda-sorta-maybe, once hush-hush and on-the-sly boyfriend Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell is now her very public main squeeze! And yes, Ellis and Beau are related - they're brothers! Huh? Oh yes, brothers! As you can imagine, the news was not well received by Virginia or Beau Wydell. And let's not forget her sweet little pet skunk Lucy and her very dead, black and white gangster ghost housemate, Franklin Rudolph Winkelmann aka Frankie the German. Yup, I said ghost. Frankie became trapped on Verity's property when she unknowingly dumped the ashes from his urn onto the roots of her rose bush. Oh no! But in her defense, she had no idea what they were and what would happen. So until she can figure out a way to free Frankie, she's stuck with the not-so-nice wise guy criminal from the flapper era who has turned her backyard shed into a speakeasy and hideout for him and his ghost gang cronies. Verity is barely scraping by with very little food and even less money. But on the bright side, she does have her pet skunk, Lucy, a hot hunky boyfriend, and, on occasion, Frankie does actually lend her, albeit begrudgingly, some of his power so she can see all those otherworldly things that go bump in the night. But things are looking up. At least, she still has her grandma's home and she's even managed to solve a few cases. Now, if she could manage to find a job that actually pays cash, everything would be perfect. Careful what you wish for, Verity!
The world turns, life goes on, and southern-bell, super-sleuth Verity Long finds herself still without sufficient funds and always in need of a job. Thankfully, or maybe not, the universe seems to have her on speed dial, because every time she turns around a dead body turns up and Verity finds herself neck deep in another whodunit. But if there's one thing Verity does well, it's solving mysteries. With plenty of help from her spiritual cohorts of the ghostly plane and her new beau, Verity has become quite well known as Sugarland's very own ghost hunter extraordinaire. No, not that Beau, lying, cheating Beau Wydell... her new sweetie, Deputy Sheriff Ellis Wydell, Beau's older brother. Nothing like keeping it in the family! Unfortunately, Virginia Wydell, Sugarland's leading citizen, town matriarch, and mother of the Wydell brothers, is not pleased and seeks retribution against Verity at every opportunity. But Verity is a true southern belle with a spine of steel, one who refuses to allow anything to get in her way. But Verity and her handsome boyfriend Ellis need a break from the constant ghostly chaos, town gossip, and let's not forget all the family interference, especially after Virginia Wydell turns Ellis's small pre-opening gathering of family and friends for his new restaurant/bar, Southern Spirits, into a red carpet event covered by none other than our favorite reporter from the Sugarland Gazette, Ovis Dupree. And Ellis has just the ticket - quite literally! Ellis has arranged a romantic three-day weekend getaway on the maiden trip of the newly restored Sugarland Express. There'll be lots of canoodling for Verity and Ellis - but no ghosts, no Frankie, no dead bodies, no cases to solve, no Beau and Virginia Wydell, and NO interruptions! Just pure blissful alone time for her and Ellis. Not! Unfortunately, Verity caves when Frankie plays the guilt card and reluctantly agrees to allow him and his new ghostly girlfriend Molly to tag along. Oh my! What could go wrong? A lot, actually... maybe, lots of ghosts, an old mystery, a dead body, an ex-fiance, and his mother! Oh no! What's a southern ghost hunter to do? Take the high road, be the charming southern lady her grandmother taught her to be, solve the case, and bless your little heart! All aboard the Sugarland Express and buckle up, it's gonna be a wildly entertaining ride!
January 7, 2020
4 Stars. Murder on the Sugarland Express is book 6 in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery told in 1st person POV for main character Verity Long.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleans out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it traps his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, shows himself to her and so begins her ability to see ghosts.
In this book, Verity and Ellis decide to get away for a few days alone and take a trip on the maiden voyage of the new Surgarland Express, a train that is modelled almost exactly after a train that ran 100 years prior...a train that plunged from the tracks into the river killing everyone on board. Prior to that tragedy though, there was a murder on board and now, it seems history is repeating itself. There is a murder in the exact same cabin and the murder almost identical to the murder on the last train ride. In addition to this, Verity and Ellis board the train and find out that not only is Ellis' mom Virginia on board, but his brother Beau is too and Beau is purposely making life difficult for his ex-fiance Verity.
The past couple books, Frankie started to get on my nerves and now Frankie is absolutely on my last nerve! I'm hoping for some character growth where he is concerned.
I really liked Murder on the Sugarland Express, however, I can't be the only person who noticed a big huge hole in the story. My HUGE issue is that we don't find out what happens to the murderer in the story. What ends up happening with that person. They basically disappear after a ghost helps Verity while the murderer is trying to finish her off and the murderer is not a ghost so the whole disappearing thing is not possible. Something happened, so what was it!?! Because of this, I am giving 4 stars instead of 5.
I started to get a bit bored with this series because it's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way for me to solve and it is just a bunch of random stuff happening up until the big reveal at the end. I do love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute. I also love the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I am no longer binging the series but listening with a book or two from other authors in between and it is working out fine. I start to wonder what is happening and find myself getting back to the series fairly quickly.
I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She did a really good job. Her voices were distinct and clear and her pronunciation was good.
The series is about a woman named Verity who unknowingly cleans out a man named Frankie's ashes from an old vase looking jar into her rosebushes and it traps his ghost on her property allowing him to only leave when Verity takes his urn off the property. The ghost, Frankie, shows himself to her and so begins her ability to see ghosts.
In this book, Verity and Ellis decide to get away for a few days alone and take a trip on the maiden voyage of the new Surgarland Express, a train that is modelled almost exactly after a train that ran 100 years prior...a train that plunged from the tracks into the river killing everyone on board. Prior to that tragedy though, there was a murder on board and now, it seems history is repeating itself. There is a murder in the exact same cabin and the murder almost identical to the murder on the last train ride. In addition to this, Verity and Ellis board the train and find out that not only is Ellis' mom Virginia on board, but his brother Beau is too and Beau is purposely making life difficult for his ex-fiance Verity.
The past couple books, Frankie started to get on my nerves and now Frankie is absolutely on my last nerve! I'm hoping for some character growth where he is concerned.
I really liked Murder on the Sugarland Express, however, I can't be the only person who noticed a big huge hole in the story. My HUGE issue is that we don't find out what happens to the murderer in the story. What ends up happening with that person. They basically disappear after a ghost helps Verity while the murderer is trying to finish her off and the murderer is not a ghost so the whole disappearing thing is not possible. Something happened, so what was it!?! Because of this, I am giving 4 stars instead of 5.
I started to get a bit bored with this series because it's not as much fun when there aren't clues along the way for me to solve and it is just a bunch of random stuff happening up until the big reveal at the end. I do love the skunk Lucy and love that she has a full name: Lucille Desiree Long. So cute. I also love the relationship between Verity and Ellis. I am no longer binging the series but listening with a book or two from other authors in between and it is working out fine. I start to wonder what is happening and find myself getting back to the series fairly quickly.
I'm not sure if I would enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator really injects a lot of emotion into her reading and she really sells the suspense and fear. She did a really good job. Her voices were distinct and clear and her pronunciation was good.
November 20, 2017
Murder On The Sugarland Express
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book #6
Angie Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Verity Long is overdue for a little R&R (rest and romance) with her boyfriend Ellis, and a vintage train trip through the Tennessee mountains seems like just the ticket. The Sugarland Express carries history and nostalgia in every compartment, and Verity is determined to enjoy it—without ghostly interference. But the ghosts have other plans…
On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.
To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers—dead or alive—could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Verity is a strong, knowledgeable and committed woman. She also has a resident ghost, Frankie, that she has to deal with all the time. He tries her patience on a daily basis. When her and her boyfriend, Ellis, decide to go one a maiden trip of the newly opened Sugarland Express, they plan on having a relaxing, enjoyable getaway. But when unexpected guests shows up on the train, and dead bodies begin piling up, their relaxing getaway gets derailed.
I enjoyed getting to see other sides of Virginia, Verity's almost mother-in-law and her ex-fiance, Beau. They seemed to make some headway to becoming nicer people and being a little kinder to Verity, but we will see if it lasts. I am sad that Lucy, Verity's per skunk, was not in the book more. I love reading about her.
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 of the action taking place. There are two mysteries to solve, the present day murder and the the ghostly murder from years past. I enjoyed having both mysteries to try to figure out and I was not sure who the culprits were until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted ghostly cozy. I have read the whole series and it is a great one. Do yourself a favor and check this book, and series, out.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book and chose voluntarily to leave this honest review.
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book #6
Angie Fox
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Verity Long is overdue for a little R&R (rest and romance) with her boyfriend Ellis, and a vintage train trip through the Tennessee mountains seems like just the ticket. The Sugarland Express carries history and nostalgia in every compartment, and Verity is determined to enjoy it—without ghostly interference. But the ghosts have other plans…
On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.
To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers—dead or alive—could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Verity is a strong, knowledgeable and committed woman. She also has a resident ghost, Frankie, that she has to deal with all the time. He tries her patience on a daily basis. When her and her boyfriend, Ellis, decide to go one a maiden trip of the newly opened Sugarland Express, they plan on having a relaxing, enjoyable getaway. But when unexpected guests shows up on the train, and dead bodies begin piling up, their relaxing getaway gets derailed.
I enjoyed getting to see other sides of Virginia, Verity's almost mother-in-law and her ex-fiance, Beau. They seemed to make some headway to becoming nicer people and being a little kinder to Verity, but we will see if it lasts. I am sad that Lucy, Verity's per skunk, was not in the book more. I love reading about her.
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 of the action taking place. There are two mysteries to solve, the present day murder and the the ghostly murder from years past. I enjoyed having both mysteries to try to figure out and I was not sure who the culprits were until it was revealed at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted ghostly cozy. I have read the whole series and it is a great one. Do yourself a favor and check this book, and series, out.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book and chose voluntarily to leave this honest review.
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