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Shady Hoosier Detective Agency #1
Ghost Busting Mystery
When Dode Schneider, rattle-brained Indiana farmer, insists the abandoned Wyatt mansion is haunted by ghosts with big butts who dance in the apple orchard, Pawpaw County Sheriff Boots Gibson happily off-loads the crazy complaint to Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens, senior sleuths in training with the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency. Ruby Jane and Veenie, lifelong gal pals, aren’t afraid of the haunted Wyatt mansion, built by a con artist banker who rowed out of town on the flood waters of 1919, taking the town’s assets with him. The senior crime-cracking duo set out in their smoke-belching 1960 Impala to uncover the truth behind the century-old haunting legend only to find surprise evidence of long ago murder and mayhem. Along the way, Veenie and Ruby Jane chase down a missing drunk wiener dog, earn a lifetime supply of mystery meat sandwiches from Pokey’s Tavern, recover a stolen Harley, and uncover the startling truth about a long cursed buried treasure. The investigation, which involves con artists, bank robbers, and hillbilly hoodlums, doesn’t go smoothly, but Ruby Jane and Veenie, fueled by senior grit, engage in crime-cracking hijinks that will leave the reader rolling in laughter in this classic comic crime novel.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
25 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 9, 2019
3★
“She pointed to a wall sign that read ‘This reading room is for the enjoyment of all. Please be quiet and courteous.’
Veenie stuck her false teeth out at the woman.
‘Well, I never …’
Veenie said, ‘Well maybe you ought to. You might feel better if you did.’”
Veenie Groens is the confrontational half of a pair of old ladies who are trying to earn their pay at the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, owned by Harry Shades.
This is a light romp through a story full of characters with quirky names and the kind of relationships that everyone has to everyone else, whether they like it or not, in a small midwestern town like Knobby Waters, Indiana.
When local farmer Dode Schneider contacts them, freaked out about ghosts he’s seen on his farm, the ladies insist on investigating. His place is next door to an empty old mansion, of course. What would a ghost story be without one? And of course, there’s the necessary old skeleton.
RJ (Ruby Jane) Waskom narrates. She’s Veenie’s life-long friend and partner in crime-solving. It’s a kind of hillbilly romp, with names like Queet Hudsucker, the librarian who knows where the bodies are buried, metaphorically speaking.
There’s a flashy, fortune-teller, Kandy Huggins, who’s staying at the Moon Glo Motor Lodge, which may or may not still have Magic Finger beds. Our intrepid detective Harry Shades is anxious to find out, of course, and so the story goes.
I’ll share a few more quotes to give you an idea of the style. On a farm they visit, they meet another colourful pair.
“Peepaw Horton was an energetic fellow, and Ma loved her chickens. Together they’d fashioned replicas of the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Senate building out of scrap lumber. The buildings were connected with two-by-fours and chicken wire catwalks. It wasn’t a chicken house so much as it was an entire Chickenlandia.”
The local constabulary is equally unique.
“Devon Hattabaugh, the junior officer in training, sprung out of the car. He hunched down behind the open door, his pistol drawn. He wasn’t wearing a cop hat. He was wearing his customary beret, aviator sunglasses, and a tie-dyed T-shirt with a pair of denim knee-knocker shorts. His muttonchop sideburns were bushed out like squirrel tails. He was wearing ankle boots and athletic socks. ‘Hit the ground!’ he squeaked. ‘Law enforcement! Hit the ground!’”
People who enjoy a corny diet will probably eat this up and those to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hot Pants Press LLC for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
“She pointed to a wall sign that read ‘This reading room is for the enjoyment of all. Please be quiet and courteous.’
Veenie stuck her false teeth out at the woman.
‘Well, I never …’
Veenie said, ‘Well maybe you ought to. You might feel better if you did.’”
Veenie Groens is the confrontational half of a pair of old ladies who are trying to earn their pay at the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, owned by Harry Shades.
This is a light romp through a story full of characters with quirky names and the kind of relationships that everyone has to everyone else, whether they like it or not, in a small midwestern town like Knobby Waters, Indiana.
When local farmer Dode Schneider contacts them, freaked out about ghosts he’s seen on his farm, the ladies insist on investigating. His place is next door to an empty old mansion, of course. What would a ghost story be without one? And of course, there’s the necessary old skeleton.
RJ (Ruby Jane) Waskom narrates. She’s Veenie’s life-long friend and partner in crime-solving. It’s a kind of hillbilly romp, with names like Queet Hudsucker, the librarian who knows where the bodies are buried, metaphorically speaking.
There’s a flashy, fortune-teller, Kandy Huggins, who’s staying at the Moon Glo Motor Lodge, which may or may not still have Magic Finger beds. Our intrepid detective Harry Shades is anxious to find out, of course, and so the story goes.
I’ll share a few more quotes to give you an idea of the style. On a farm they visit, they meet another colourful pair.
“Peepaw Horton was an energetic fellow, and Ma loved her chickens. Together they’d fashioned replicas of the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Senate building out of scrap lumber. The buildings were connected with two-by-fours and chicken wire catwalks. It wasn’t a chicken house so much as it was an entire Chickenlandia.”
The local constabulary is equally unique.
“Devon Hattabaugh, the junior officer in training, sprung out of the car. He hunched down behind the open door, his pistol drawn. He wasn’t wearing a cop hat. He was wearing his customary beret, aviator sunglasses, and a tie-dyed T-shirt with a pair of denim knee-knocker shorts. His muttonchop sideburns were bushed out like squirrel tails. He was wearing ankle boots and athletic socks. ‘Hit the ground!’ he squeaked. ‘Law enforcement! Hit the ground!’”
People who enjoy a corny diet will probably eat this up and those to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hot Pants Press LLC for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
September 17, 2024
Ghost Busting Mystery by Daisy Pettles is the first book in the cozy Shady Hoosier Detective Agency mystery series. This one is for the fans of the over the top humorous cozies that keep a reader laughing from start to finish.
Our two main characters of Ghost Busting Mystery are a couple of “elderly” ladies, Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens. Best friends all their lives the pair lean on each other with neither being rich and still needing to work to support themselves they have taken on working at the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, what better job to put to use their nosy natures.
Things have been a bit slow at the agency and the ladies know they need to take on any case that comes their way. So from anything like searching for a blind missing wiener dog, mysterious break ins at the local shop or an abandoned mansion that is haunted by ghosts with big butts Ruby Jane and Veenie will be off to the rescue.
Being from Indiana myself I just had to give this little cozy a try and I’m certainly glad I did. Sure, it could use a little polishing up a large publisher would bring but it’s still in excellent shape for a small one and the story is one that is non-stop laughs. Having spent plenty of time in southern Indiana I can honestly say there can be some pretty colorful characters in these areas and while Knobby Waters is fictional many of the other towns mentioned aren’t and I’ve been to a few. I could easily picture all of the antics and think those that enjoy a huge helping of quirkiness will love this book.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Our two main characters of Ghost Busting Mystery are a couple of “elderly” ladies, Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens. Best friends all their lives the pair lean on each other with neither being rich and still needing to work to support themselves they have taken on working at the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, what better job to put to use their nosy natures.
Things have been a bit slow at the agency and the ladies know they need to take on any case that comes their way. So from anything like searching for a blind missing wiener dog, mysterious break ins at the local shop or an abandoned mansion that is haunted by ghosts with big butts Ruby Jane and Veenie will be off to the rescue.
Being from Indiana myself I just had to give this little cozy a try and I’m certainly glad I did. Sure, it could use a little polishing up a large publisher would bring but it’s still in excellent shape for a small one and the story is one that is non-stop laughs. Having spent plenty of time in southern Indiana I can honestly say there can be some pretty colorful characters in these areas and while Knobby Waters is fictional many of the other towns mentioned aren’t and I’ve been to a few. I could easily picture all of the antics and think those that enjoy a huge helping of quirkiness will love this book.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 13, 2023
Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens worked alongside Harry at the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, and with no cases and funds low, when farmer Dode Schneider contacted the police, Sheriff Boots Gibson happily passed the "case" to RJ and Veenie. Dode informed the two elderly sleuths of ghosts on the old Wyatt property, which was beside his. He wanted the ghosts found, but RJ and Veenie weren't sure how to go about it. When they discovered evidence of murder inside the Wyatt mansion, Boots returned to the property.
Back in 1919 the owner of the Wyatt mansion had left town, taking the town's money with him (he was a banker) along with the proceeds from a train robbery. Were the "ghosts" trying to find the long lost treasure? Veenie and RJ were determined to discover the secrets...
Ghost Busting Mystery is the 1st in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency series by Daisy Pettles and is set in Indiana - which is why I read it. Both in their 70s, Veenie is more "out there" than RJ, but they kept up with each other. I think Boots was tearing his hair out at the two seniors who wouldn't do what they were told - ever! Fun and entertaining, this is my first read by this author.
Back in 1919 the owner of the Wyatt mansion had left town, taking the town's money with him (he was a banker) along with the proceeds from a train robbery. Were the "ghosts" trying to find the long lost treasure? Veenie and RJ were determined to discover the secrets...
Ghost Busting Mystery is the 1st in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency series by Daisy Pettles and is set in Indiana - which is why I read it. Both in their 70s, Veenie is more "out there" than RJ, but they kept up with each other. I think Boots was tearing his hair out at the two seniors who wouldn't do what they were told - ever! Fun and entertaining, this is my first read by this author.
September 1, 2018
If you like laugh out loud cozy mysteries this book is for you!
This is some "serious" fun and makes it onto my Top10 list of 2018. There was never a dull moment and I was giggling and laughing my way through the book. The two old ladies are the hoot!
Ruby Jane, called RJ by almost everyone, and Veenie arer working for Harry's PI agency to make some extra cash to be able to afford some Twinkies and "mystery meat" sandwiches in their old age. Old farmer Dode hires them to find out what the ghosts are doing that he has been seeing in the old mansion that's been empty and neglected for decades.
It was hard to put this book down and I am very happy that the next two books in the series are already scheduled to be released.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Hot Pants Press and the author provided me with an advance copy.
This is some "serious" fun and makes it onto my Top10 list of 2018. There was never a dull moment and I was giggling and laughing my way through the book. The two old ladies are the hoot!
Ruby Jane, called RJ by almost everyone, and Veenie arer working for Harry's PI agency to make some extra cash to be able to afford some Twinkies and "mystery meat" sandwiches in their old age. Old farmer Dode hires them to find out what the ghosts are doing that he has been seeing in the old mansion that's been empty and neglected for decades.
It was hard to put this book down and I am very happy that the next two books in the series are already scheduled to be released.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Hot Pants Press and the author provided me with an advance copy.
December 20, 2018
Ghost Busting Mystery (Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, #1) by Daisy Pettles is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. Oh my gosh this book is hilarious! It has the most unique characters and world building and it is all zany! A very Hoosier town where the main characters are not any smarter than the crooks! I giggled and snorted my way through this book! I was crying and I laughed so hard. My cheeks ached from smiling! It was a pleasant surprise! A couple of crazy senior (60's and 70's) women are PIs. They live in a small, very rural area in Indiana. One of the elderly men who isn't right in the head since he was run over by the ice plow, is seeing ghosts or aliens in the abandoned mansion. Then the story gets wild! It is a laugh a minute! Lots of mysteries mixed with more mysteries! I am definitely going to follow this author's work!
August 29, 2018
This one was so much fun, I laughed out loud a few times! Ruby Jane, or RJ as most call her and her best friend Veenie work for a detective agency. That is the only way two senior women that love to be nosey can make enough money to buy twinkies and mystery meat sandwiches. When they hear of big butted ghosts dancing in an apple orchard they just can't resist investigating. Which leads to a missing fortune, a murder and con artists.
I really recommend reading for anyone who loves Jana Deleon's work!
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
I really recommend reading for anyone who loves Jana Deleon's work!
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
August 31, 2018
Ghost Busting Mystery by Daisy Pettles was a cute little mystery set in southern Indiana. Ruby Jane/RJ and Lavinia/Veenie Goens are senior sleuths who are the epitome of nosy "old ladies" in their small town. Although some of the characterizations by Ms. Pettles were a little over the top there was some truths as to what it's like living in a small town in southern Indiana. A smartly paced plot with plenty of suspects, a few twists and some hilarious situations made for a fun afternoon read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hot Pants Press, LLC via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hot Pants Press, LLC via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 2, 2018
If you're looking or a fast paced humorous mystery involving senior sleuths then this book is for you. Lots of laugh out loud moments along with a well planned mystery. Do not read this book in public because you might make a spectacle out of yourself when reacting to this engaging and funny book. I really enjoyed the story and characters and the author portrayed the setting in a such a detailed manner that you'll think you've been transplanted right in the middle of an apple orchard in Knobby Waters, Indiana!
I thought this was a great first in series and I'm eager to read more books by this author.
I thought this was a great first in series and I'm eager to read more books by this author.
February 4, 2019
The Ghost Busting Mystery book took me to the days I spent watching scooby doo on the tv. I loved the quirky mysteries that the gang would get into. This book took me to that quirky place where you get a touch of humor and a touch of mystery. RJ and Vinnie a pair of elderly ladies who work for Harry's Hoosier detective agency.. They take cases from anywhere they get them from solving a ghost mystery to locating a missing dog who loves beer. Most mysteries have a serious side to them where you are trying to figure out who done it. I laughed hard at times reading what the two ladies did or how the people who they where helping acted. This book will tickle your funny bone.. It is the best lighthearted reading I have done in a long time. If you like a quirky mystery and you like to laugh this book is for you.
Daisy Pettles thank you for writing this book the only critique I have is that it was too short. I would of loved to have a little more background on RJ and Vinnie. You have a great talent of using humor into your stories it is the best I have seen of the books I have read so far. Your visualization of the town and its description made me feel like I was there standing on the side line listening to the conversations between RJ and Vinnie had when they met with perspective clients it always seemed like a gang of people where around.. I felt like i was a part of the community.. Who doesn't love homemade pie if you are not craving it by the end of the book you are missing out. Everybody has these quirky stories told by their families about the good old days where certain members of your family did certain things. Twisting these tails into a book and bringing them to life takes a lot of talent and you did a good job bringing the town of Knobby Waters to life.. Those old porch stories can sure give you great fodder for some tall tales.
Thank You to NetGalley and Hot Pants Press LLC publishing for allowing me to read the book for free for an honest review.
Daisy Pettles thank you for writing this book the only critique I have is that it was too short. I would of loved to have a little more background on RJ and Vinnie. You have a great talent of using humor into your stories it is the best I have seen of the books I have read so far. Your visualization of the town and its description made me feel like I was there standing on the side line listening to the conversations between RJ and Vinnie had when they met with perspective clients it always seemed like a gang of people where around.. I felt like i was a part of the community.. Who doesn't love homemade pie if you are not craving it by the end of the book you are missing out. Everybody has these quirky stories told by their families about the good old days where certain members of your family did certain things. Twisting these tails into a book and bringing them to life takes a lot of talent and you did a good job bringing the town of Knobby Waters to life.. Those old porch stories can sure give you great fodder for some tall tales.
Thank You to NetGalley and Hot Pants Press LLC publishing for allowing me to read the book for free for an honest review.
August 26, 2018
I laughed so much throughout this book! The two main characters are older ladies named Ruby Jane and Veenie. That Veenie is a mischievous little hoot! I laughed out loud whenever it said she stuck her teeth out at people.
The ladies worked for the only detective agency in Knobby Waters, IN, Harry Shades Private Detective Agency. Money wasn't coming in like it should, so when a local farmer asked if they'd look into his ghost case, and he provided a retainer of $900 in just one old jar he'd dug up, Harry couldn't say no even though he didn't approve. They ended up finding a 100-year-old skeleton in the old mansion where the farmer kept saying there were ghosts in the trees.
There was lots of deception and some side plots going on as well. I have to admit I got the book because of the dachshund on the cover. He was only a small part of the story but it was pretty hilarious picturing these ladies chasing a drunken wiener dog through a dumpster near the local bar. There had also been some local thefts and something told Ruby Jane that maybe their ghost was more of a flesh and blood ghost when rumors of a treasure got the Feds involved.
After much laughter, the book wrapped up and even entertained me more by having the first three chapters of the next book, which I'm sure I'll be wanting to read. The dialogue itself is just so funny, like the description of the one guy was that he hadn't been quite right since his collision with the county snow plow along with other local country phrases and sayings sprinkled throughout.
The ladies worked for the only detective agency in Knobby Waters, IN, Harry Shades Private Detective Agency. Money wasn't coming in like it should, so when a local farmer asked if they'd look into his ghost case, and he provided a retainer of $900 in just one old jar he'd dug up, Harry couldn't say no even though he didn't approve. They ended up finding a 100-year-old skeleton in the old mansion where the farmer kept saying there were ghosts in the trees.
There was lots of deception and some side plots going on as well. I have to admit I got the book because of the dachshund on the cover. He was only a small part of the story but it was pretty hilarious picturing these ladies chasing a drunken wiener dog through a dumpster near the local bar. There had also been some local thefts and something told Ruby Jane that maybe their ghost was more of a flesh and blood ghost when rumors of a treasure got the Feds involved.
After much laughter, the book wrapped up and even entertained me more by having the first three chapters of the next book, which I'm sure I'll be wanting to read. The dialogue itself is just so funny, like the description of the one guy was that he hadn't been quite right since his collision with the county snow plow along with other local country phrases and sayings sprinkled throughout.
December 28, 2018
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this fun Ghost Busting Mystery but I am so glad I gave it a try! It was super entertaining and a quick read, I read it in one day! I will for sure be following this detective series! I loved the old lady humor and story line. The characters reminded me many times of how wacky and ornery my grandma used to be. This was exactly what I needed after a few rough days over the holidays.
Thank you to Hot Pants Press, IBPA and NetGalley for this e-copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
This will be featured on my blog Friday December 28, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
Thank you to Hot Pants Press, IBPA and NetGalley for this e-copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
This will be featured on my blog Friday December 28, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
July 13, 2020
Quirky and fun, yet with a somewhat gloomy mystery. Might need a tiny bit of editing (some commas and such) but otherwise a good, easy read.
August 21, 2018
This is a fun book. The characters are a hoot and the mystery is well=done. Definitely will be waiting for the next one. #GhostBustingMystery #NetGalley
May 9, 2019
This book had me LOL'ing in public. Yes, I got some strange looks, but it was totally worth it. If a book can make you do that, then read more just like it.
Read this book if you are a fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. You will find the characterization familiar, but not derivative. Read it if you enjoy cozy mysteries full of the hilarious and unpredictable with offbeat characters and wacky circumstances.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Read this book if you are a fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. You will find the characterization familiar, but not derivative. Read it if you enjoy cozy mysteries full of the hilarious and unpredictable with offbeat characters and wacky circumstances.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
August 19, 2018
This book was so much fun I don't even know where to begin. I laughed all the way through. A cozy mystery with two old ladies and a cast of characters that not even Mel Brooks could think up. It was laugh out loud enjoyable from the first word to the last. I can't wait for the next in the series. Thank goodness I have some emergency pie to tide me over!
September 5, 2018
This was a fun read, definitely laugh out loud funny. I can't wait to read the next one!
September 12, 2018
Great start to a new series! This is a new author to me, I was drawn to the book by the excerpt. Ruby Jane Waskom and Vennie Goens are a pair of elderly sleuths working for Harry Shades Private Detective Agency in Knobby waters, Indiana.
The sheriff, Boots Gibson, dismisses a claim about ghosts, and points the client towards Ruby and Vennie. Dode Schneider, pays the agency a retainer of two jars full of coins. Vennie dons on her ghost busting attire to get down to business, because they aren't afraid of no ghosts. When Ruby and Vennie enter the old abandoned mansion, they find a skeleton tied to a 100 year old mystery. Aside of chasing ghosts, there's a drunken blind dog, and other issues to contend with.
Vennie is a hoot! She doesn't let much stop her from doing what she wants to do!
This was a delightful read, with many laugh out loud moments throughout the book. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining read, this is the book to read!
I would like to thank NetGalley via Hot Pants Press, LLC for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The sheriff, Boots Gibson, dismisses a claim about ghosts, and points the client towards Ruby and Vennie. Dode Schneider, pays the agency a retainer of two jars full of coins. Vennie dons on her ghost busting attire to get down to business, because they aren't afraid of no ghosts. When Ruby and Vennie enter the old abandoned mansion, they find a skeleton tied to a 100 year old mystery. Aside of chasing ghosts, there's a drunken blind dog, and other issues to contend with.
Vennie is a hoot! She doesn't let much stop her from doing what she wants to do!
This was a delightful read, with many laugh out loud moments throughout the book. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining read, this is the book to read!
I would like to thank NetGalley via Hot Pants Press, LLC for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
I like this type of humour and this was a good and funny book.
It made me laugh, the characters are likeable and the plot is entertaining and keep you guessing.
I'm curious about the next instalments.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
It made me laugh, the characters are likeable and the plot is entertaining and keep you guessing.
I'm curious about the next instalments.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
November 16, 2018
Ghost Busting Mystery by Daisy Pettles is so much FUN to read !!! I loved it !!! As this is the first book in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency series, it sets the stage beautifully for future books !!
You will fall in love with Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens, the main characters, instantly. How can you not ? They are pie eating, go-kart driving, crazy dressing senior citizens and they are "detectives".
In Ghost Busting Mystery when Dode Schneider contacts the agency regarding dancing ghosts in the apple orchard across the street at an old abandoned mansion, the girls rush out to see what is going on. This takes them back years and years to an old town legendary story concerning a bank robbery, stolen gold, a young married couple and a con artist disappearing with the gold during the flood. The ladies are introduced to a few shady characters who liven things up for a bit but they soon learn the truth about everything ..... and you do not want to miss out on any of it !!!
While the ladies are working at solving a murder of a skeleton found in the abandoned mansion and uncover the truth regarding the stolen gold, they will have you not only on the edge of your seat but also holding your gut from laughing !! This is one book you will thoroughly enjoy and Knobby Waters is a place you will want to visit if only it existed. I know I would visit just for a piece of pie and a mystery meat sandwich......
You will fall in love with Ruby Jane Waskom and Veenie Goens, the main characters, instantly. How can you not ? They are pie eating, go-kart driving, crazy dressing senior citizens and they are "detectives".
In Ghost Busting Mystery when Dode Schneider contacts the agency regarding dancing ghosts in the apple orchard across the street at an old abandoned mansion, the girls rush out to see what is going on. This takes them back years and years to an old town legendary story concerning a bank robbery, stolen gold, a young married couple and a con artist disappearing with the gold during the flood. The ladies are introduced to a few shady characters who liven things up for a bit but they soon learn the truth about everything ..... and you do not want to miss out on any of it !!!
While the ladies are working at solving a murder of a skeleton found in the abandoned mansion and uncover the truth regarding the stolen gold, they will have you not only on the edge of your seat but also holding your gut from laughing !! This is one book you will thoroughly enjoy and Knobby Waters is a place you will want to visit if only it existed. I know I would visit just for a piece of pie and a mystery meat sandwich......
August 22, 2018
A really fun and funny read! I was pleasantly surprised, considering it's senior sleuths involved (65+) - judging books by covers, etc. A few little grammar errors, but overall an excellent read, great mystery and entertaining duo. I look forward to more in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2019
DNT finished.
August 6, 2019
Hilarious book!! Perfectly southern Indiana. I can say that since I live in southern Indiana. I fully intend to read the rest of her books.
January 13, 2019
This is a humorous cozy mystery about two senior sleuths that have been lifelong friends. It is a pretty fast-paced book, I read the book in one day. The friends-Ruby Jane (R.J.) and Veenie- are a hilarious two-some with very different personalities. Veenie, the quirkier of the two ladies, gets herself in a few situations will have you laughing out loud. One scene that really got me laughing was when they are going to investigate the mansion for the ghosts. Another scene I found funny is when the ladies are looking for the missing dachshund Puddles. I have a senior dachshund of my own so I really related how the elderly fur baby is described. There is a lot of deception being spun on all around the ladies this keeps them guessing what is going on. This deceptions also keeps the readers engaged and guessing whodunit too. I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and fans of senior protagonists.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
September 7, 2018
This book makes you laugh and scratch your head. It has two older women from the South who add wit and bravery to the mix. RJ and Vennie are a laugh a minute. All I could picture while reading the book was Heddie from NCIS LA. RJ and Vennie work as interns at Harry's Private Eye Agency. Well they have bills to pay and Harry is out of funds but it seems like they always have to find the cases and solve the crimes. Dode hires them to solve a case of lighted bottom ghosts he keeps seeing in the orchard next to his house. RJ and Vennie go on the case with their smoking Impala and try to solve the case. It has other cases in it while solving this one. Who is stealing the mystery meat from Porky's? Who stole Junior's motorcycle? The addition of their roommate Sassy was an added plus. This is a heart warming and funny split your sides mystery and the author is very authentic. I highly recommend this book to any mystery reader.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 7, 2019
Think grandma Ghost Busters.
Okay the plot was a good one but it was just too hillbilly for me. Perhaps it's just the difference in humour from the US and UK but although I enjoyed the antics of our two senior PI's I can't truthfully say it was hilarious. The characters however were a delight with their devil may care attitude and their obvious disregard to the letter of the law.
She and her BFF had not only moved in together but have started at the detective agency to supplement their pensions. When a case of ghost busting comes up they grab hold of it. (The agency hasn't any money at present and their paychecks any reason due.) And skeleton, a medium, a freeloader and buried treasure are wrapped up in a read that easy and light. Can our seniors find the treasure or is it gone? Can they deal with a missing dog, a stolen hurley and other thefts whilst they sort out the ghost world?
I received a free copy for a honest review.
Okay the plot was a good one but it was just too hillbilly for me. Perhaps it's just the difference in humour from the US and UK but although I enjoyed the antics of our two senior PI's I can't truthfully say it was hilarious. The characters however were a delight with their devil may care attitude and their obvious disregard to the letter of the law.
She and her BFF had not only moved in together but have started at the detective agency to supplement their pensions. When a case of ghost busting comes up they grab hold of it. (The agency hasn't any money at present and their paychecks any reason due.) And skeleton, a medium, a freeloader and buried treasure are wrapped up in a read that easy and light. Can our seniors find the treasure or is it gone? Can they deal with a missing dog, a stolen hurley and other thefts whilst they sort out the ghost world?
I received a free copy for a honest review.
March 8, 2022
Ruby Jane (RJ) and Lavinia (Veenie) are two retired senior citizens who are embarking on new careers as detectives in training with the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency in Pawpaw County, Indiana. When they are hired by an old farmer named Dode to investigate the supposed haunting of the old broken-down mansion on the property next to his, cue the hijinks.
At first, I will admit, I was put off by all the over the top descriptions of the characters, their actions, and their dialogue, but by the second half of the book it didn't bother me too much. Once you get past all that, it's easy to enjoy the situations these people get themselves into. From ghosts to buried treasure, it's quite a romp.
All told, I'm giving this book 4/5 stars because it was a quick read and had a fun plot.
I received a copy of this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
At first, I will admit, I was put off by all the over the top descriptions of the characters, their actions, and their dialogue, but by the second half of the book it didn't bother me too much. Once you get past all that, it's easy to enjoy the situations these people get themselves into. From ghosts to buried treasure, it's quite a romp.
All told, I'm giving this book 4/5 stars because it was a quick read and had a fun plot.
I received a copy of this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 9, 2019
Ghost Busting Mystery by Daisy Pettles is the 1st book in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency series, and my first book by this author. This book was hilarious, I laughed out loud many times. Ruby Jane and Veenie are senior women who work as private eyes, under a lazy licensed private eye. When a local farmer reports seeing big butt ghosts in the apple orchard, they accept the job. If you feel like laughing, give this book a try, you won't be disappointed. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 4, 2018
This is a great book; this is the first book in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency series written by Daisy Pettles. 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.
September 11, 2018
Fans of Jana DeLeon should give this one a try. These characters are zany and fun, full of personality. The mystery was fun and not quite what you expect. This was my first read by this author and I will definitely be going back for more.
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