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Ghost Detective #1
Ghost Mortem
Whoever said that ghosts exist must be out of their mind.
Oh, wait. That was me. I said that. If you’d told me yesterday that ghosts were real I would have smiled, nodded, and called a shrink to fix your deluded little mind. Now it’s my turn to question my sanity when the ghost of my best friend turns up in my apartment. Was it the tequila shots the night before causing this apparition? Or one too many bumps to the head — let’s face it, clumsy is my middle name, it really wouldn’t surprise me if I’d done some irreparable damage to my grey matter over the years.
Now I have to accept that the paranormal does, in fact, exist. But sadly, my ghost friend is lacking something besides his body. His memory. He doesn’t know how he died but suspects foul play and he wants my help to find his killer. I can’t refuse, I’m a sucker for a good mystery and the chance to bring my friends killer to justice is too good to pass up.
Surprises abound as I discover a secret talent for sleuthing, not to mention an unexpected inheritance of a talking cat among other things. But the biggest problem of all? Captain Cowboy Hot Pants, or as he likes to be called, Detective Kade Galloway of the Firefly Bay PD. He’s one smokin’ cop, but my distrust of the police runs deep and despite his assurances that he’s here to help can I really trust him, or is his offer of assistance designed to keep me from discovering the truth?
I guess I’ll find out when death comes knocking on my door.
Join Audrey Fitzgerald in the Ghost Detective series, a paranormal cozy mystery featuring a cat, a ghost, and a murder to solve.
Oh, wait. That was me. I said that. If you’d told me yesterday that ghosts were real I would have smiled, nodded, and called a shrink to fix your deluded little mind. Now it’s my turn to question my sanity when the ghost of my best friend turns up in my apartment. Was it the tequila shots the night before causing this apparition? Or one too many bumps to the head — let’s face it, clumsy is my middle name, it really wouldn’t surprise me if I’d done some irreparable damage to my grey matter over the years.
Now I have to accept that the paranormal does, in fact, exist. But sadly, my ghost friend is lacking something besides his body. His memory. He doesn’t know how he died but suspects foul play and he wants my help to find his killer. I can’t refuse, I’m a sucker for a good mystery and the chance to bring my friends killer to justice is too good to pass up.
Surprises abound as I discover a secret talent for sleuthing, not to mention an unexpected inheritance of a talking cat among other things. But the biggest problem of all? Captain Cowboy Hot Pants, or as he likes to be called, Detective Kade Galloway of the Firefly Bay PD. He’s one smokin’ cop, but my distrust of the police runs deep and despite his assurances that he’s here to help can I really trust him, or is his offer of assistance designed to keep me from discovering the truth?
I guess I’ll find out when death comes knocking on my door.
Join Audrey Fitzgerald in the Ghost Detective series, a paranormal cozy mystery featuring a cat, a ghost, and a murder to solve.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2020
2103 people are currently reading
2023 people want to read
About the author
Jane Hinchey
94 books920 followersJane Hinchey is a best selling author of over twenty paranormal cozy mystery and urban fantasy novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews
May 31, 2020
Fun beginning!
Ghost Mortem by Jane Hinchey has a clumsy but adorable lead character who comes very close to death. The next day she can see a ghost and talk with the host's live cat! She works with the ghost to help solve his murder. Also helping, but not knowing her gift or the ghost, is a handsome cop! Humour abounds!😁
Ghost Mortem by Jane Hinchey has a clumsy but adorable lead character who comes very close to death. The next day she can see a ghost and talk with the host's live cat! She works with the ghost to help solve his murder. Also helping, but not knowing her gift or the ghost, is a handsome cop! Humour abounds!😁
May 7, 2025
This was a good start of a cozy mystery series. It was quite funny though I do wonder how is she still alive with her severe clumsiness
June 7, 2020
Ghost Mortem
Ghost Detective, Book #1
Jane Hinchey
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Whoever said that ghosts exist must be out of their mind.
Oh, wait. That was me. I said that. If you’d told me yesterday that ghosts were real I would have smiled, nodded, and called a shrink to fix your deluded little mind. Now it’s my turn to question my sanity when the ghost of my best friend turns up in my apartment. Was it the tequila shots the night before causing this apparition? Or one too many bumps to the head — let’s face it, clumsy is my middle name, it really wouldn’t surprise me if I’d done some irreparable damage to my grey matter over the years.
Now I have to accept that the paranormal does, in fact, exist. But sadly, my ghost friend is lacking something besides his body. His memory. He doesn’t know how he died but suspects foul play and he wants my help to find his killer. I can’t refuse, I’m a sucker for a good mystery and the chance to bring my friend's killer to justice is too good to pass up.
Surprises abound as I discover a secret talent for sleuthing, not to mention an unexpected inheritance of a talking cat among other things. But the biggest problem of all? Captain Cowboy Hot Pants, or as he likes to be called, Detective Kade Galloway of the Firefly Bay PD. He’s one smokin’ cop, but my distrust of the police runs deep and despite his assurances that he’s here to help can I really trust him, or is his offer of assistance designed to keep me from discovering the truth?
I guess I’ll find out when death comes knocking on my door.
Join Audrey Fitzgerald in the Ghost Detective series, a paranormal cozy mystery featuring a cat, a ghost, and a murder to solve. (Goodreads)
Review:
This book is just what I look for in a cozy mystery. It is funny, has great characters, a great mystery and it has a ghost. I could not ask for anything else.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Audrey is smart, inquisitive and very down to earth. Her whole world changes when her best friend, Ben, is killed. He is now a ghost that only Audrey can see, and he wants her to figure out who killed him. She has to help him figure it out, but since he cannot remember anything, it will be up to her to catch the killer. Audrey has inherited his house, his PI practice and his talking cat, Thor. To say that Audrey’s life is complicated would be an understatement, but if anyone can handle it, it is her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the entire book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ghostly cozy mystery. This book is a great beginning to an awesome series.
Ghost Detective, Book #1
Jane Hinchey
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Whoever said that ghosts exist must be out of their mind.
Oh, wait. That was me. I said that. If you’d told me yesterday that ghosts were real I would have smiled, nodded, and called a shrink to fix your deluded little mind. Now it’s my turn to question my sanity when the ghost of my best friend turns up in my apartment. Was it the tequila shots the night before causing this apparition? Or one too many bumps to the head — let’s face it, clumsy is my middle name, it really wouldn’t surprise me if I’d done some irreparable damage to my grey matter over the years.
Now I have to accept that the paranormal does, in fact, exist. But sadly, my ghost friend is lacking something besides his body. His memory. He doesn’t know how he died but suspects foul play and he wants my help to find his killer. I can’t refuse, I’m a sucker for a good mystery and the chance to bring my friend's killer to justice is too good to pass up.
Surprises abound as I discover a secret talent for sleuthing, not to mention an unexpected inheritance of a talking cat among other things. But the biggest problem of all? Captain Cowboy Hot Pants, or as he likes to be called, Detective Kade Galloway of the Firefly Bay PD. He’s one smokin’ cop, but my distrust of the police runs deep and despite his assurances that he’s here to help can I really trust him, or is his offer of assistance designed to keep me from discovering the truth?
I guess I’ll find out when death comes knocking on my door.
Join Audrey Fitzgerald in the Ghost Detective series, a paranormal cozy mystery featuring a cat, a ghost, and a murder to solve. (Goodreads)
Review:
This book is just what I look for in a cozy mystery. It is funny, has great characters, a great mystery and it has a ghost. I could not ask for anything else.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Audrey is smart, inquisitive and very down to earth. Her whole world changes when her best friend, Ben, is killed. He is now a ghost that only Audrey can see, and he wants her to figure out who killed him. She has to help him figure it out, but since he cannot remember anything, it will be up to her to catch the killer. Audrey has inherited his house, his PI practice and his talking cat, Thor. To say that Audrey’s life is complicated would be an understatement, but if anyone can handle it, it is her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the entire book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ghostly cozy mystery. This book is a great beginning to an awesome series.
January 4, 2021
4 Stars
This was such a cute murder, mystery with ghosts! Audrey is adorable, especially with her klutziness. And I can't wait to get more from Thor the cat!
This was such a cute murder, mystery with ghosts! Audrey is adorable, especially with her klutziness. And I can't wait to get more from Thor the cat!
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February 7, 2025I normally don't read too much mystery / paranormal books but this one intrigued me from the summary and I thought I'd give it a try.
It was about a woman who's best friend suddenly shows up at her apartment, confused and in pain. Then she realizes only she can see him..as he's dead and unsure of what happened to him. She enlist the help of her handsome new detective friend to help her solve the mystery of what happened.
I dnfed this book at 20 percent. The fmc was quirky and the story was entertaining. I just couldnt get into it. I may return to finish it though.
It was about a woman who's best friend suddenly shows up at her apartment, confused and in pain. Then she realizes only she can see him..as he's dead and unsure of what happened to him. She enlist the help of her handsome new detective friend to help her solve the mystery of what happened.
I dnfed this book at 20 percent. The fmc was quirky and the story was entertaining. I just couldnt get into it. I may return to finish it though.
March 1, 2022
Surprisingly a cute book. I could do without the constant reminders of how klutzy the main character is, but overall I liked her personality. She’s witty, sharp, and finally found her niche. Her relationship with her best friend, Ben, was heartwarming, though I wish more was explored as to her emotional reaction to his demise. The interactions between her and the talking cat are hilarious.
The mystery is just a standard cozy mystery and I figured it out pretty early, however, it didn’t take away from the book, because the characters are so engaging. Now to see where the relationship with Cowboy Detective goes, if anywhere 🤐😃😃.
The mystery is just a standard cozy mystery and I figured it out pretty early, however, it didn’t take away from the book, because the characters are so engaging. Now to see where the relationship with Cowboy Detective goes, if anywhere 🤐😃😃.
October 19, 2024
It's October ... I glanced through my Kindle library to find some books that the OCD in me might not want to read outside of "spooky season" ... this really isn't halloweeny, but I still felt like it fit. I was happy to find that the audio was available (Hoopla. Ironically NOT on Audible). So I had this in both audio and Kindle, I went primarily with the audio.
Super cute little story, very much matches the cover image/blurb. Told in a very conversational tone from our MC, Audrey. She had a little near-death experience (although it didn't seem THAT intense), and now she can see and hear some things she couldn't before. It's all very light and cute. The MC takes everything (from getting fired, again, to a death, although ... he's not really GONE. He takes his death pretty well) with ease and aplomb.
First person, past tense. I enjoyed the characters (especially the cat). It was short and sweet, and concluded this initial installment, wrapping up the storyline, while setting up obvious sequels. While I'm not compelled to continue, I imagine I'd enjoy the follow-ups, and I might give a few a try (on Hoopla).
Clean - no proFanity or sex, just some PG banter.
Super cute little story, very much matches the cover image/blurb. Told in a very conversational tone from our MC, Audrey. She had a little near-death experience (although it didn't seem THAT intense), and now she can see and hear some things she couldn't before. It's all very light and cute. The MC takes everything (from getting fired, again, to a death, although ... he's not really GONE. He takes his death pretty well) with ease and aplomb.
First person, past tense. I enjoyed the characters (especially the cat). It was short and sweet, and concluded this initial installment, wrapping up the storyline, while setting up obvious sequels. While I'm not compelled to continue, I imagine I'd enjoy the follow-ups, and I might give a few a try (on Hoopla).
Clean - no proFanity or sex, just some PG banter.
May 9, 2025
This was a quick read. The story was creative, the characters were likable. And I was kept guessing all the way to the end. Was sad knowing her best friend was dead. And kind of fun that they could be together through his spirit. Would be looking forward to the next book in this series if Audrey could be in the same room with Detective Kade Galloway without wanting to get into his pants, all the time! Don’t know why they have to ruin a good Cozy story with to much ‘spice’. Not what I am looking for when I read Cozy books. Not sure if I will continue with this series or not.
April 11, 2020
I have been a fan of this author for quite a while, and I was glad when she started writing cozy paranormals. This is a new series, and I think it’s probably the best I’ve read by this author. I love the main character who is clumsy, but she still has a great outlook on life, she’s smart, and she’s a go-getter. The author also introduces us to her best friend in a good way, and I love that she is still mourning him even as he’s still around. The attraction between her and Kade was awesome…I just can’t say enough good things about this book. I think this is going to be an excellent series, and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 19, 2021
I had to subscribe to Amazon Kindle to read this one, and it was completely worth it. I almost read this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down! It fulfilled my need for chick lit/ mystery, and the books are nice and short. They reminded me of a favourite series of mine, How to Host A Killer Party, and I couldn’t get enough! I will be continuing on with this series ASAP!
September 21, 2025
Nice, easy read. likeable characters and I really didn't guess who was the murderer until near the end. I will look out for other books by this author.
May 23, 2020
Fun storyline with a ghost of her best friend and his talking cat. Taking over his PI business might just be her calling... Jane Hinchey has rocked it with this new paranormal series.
October 24, 2023
Hilarious
Audrey deserves awards for clumsiness, which is why she is a temp. It is also why she gets to meet Detective Kade Galloway when she bumps into her best friend, Ben, as she has just been sacked again.
A ghost, a talking cat, a hot cowboy/detective and a smart and smart-mouthed delightful heroine. This was an absolute joy to read. Raced through it and loved every word.
First class!
Audrey deserves awards for clumsiness, which is why she is a temp. It is also why she gets to meet Detective Kade Galloway when she bumps into her best friend, Ben, as she has just been sacked again.
A ghost, a talking cat, a hot cowboy/detective and a smart and smart-mouthed delightful heroine. This was an absolute joy to read. Raced through it and loved every word.
First class!
September 10, 2020
It was ok. Over the top, even for a cozy mystery. And I'm clearly the wrong age group for this. Think I'll skip the rest of the series.
October 13, 2023
Paranormal Ghost Friend helps solve mystery
Excellent debut series about two good friends. When one dies, he stays with her as she works to solve his murder!
Excellent debut series about two good friends. When one dies, he stays with her as she works to solve his murder!
May 3, 2025
What do you get when you get a coffee-chugging, accident-prone, clumsy girl, a ghost, a murder, and a British talking cat?
A hilarious, ghostly murder mystery.
Audrey Fitzgerald's best friend, who is a PI, is dead, and so with his help in ghostly form, Audrey sets out to take over his Private Detective business and solve his murder.
The writing is simple, plain, and not deep, but the story is told through the perspective of Audrey, and though it's fluffy, I laughed out loud from the first page.
It's a good book to read in the fall with a strong cup of coffee, hopefully with a fuzzy blanket on your legs and a cat curled up near you.
Despite my delight, swearing is present, though I do not think it overwhelms the text completely, there is enough of it, along with some light sexual innuendo (more of the "gosh he's hot and look at his butt) and the murder is violent, though I do not be graphically so.
This means that I would recommend this book only to older teens and adults, and that it should be done with caution, as I think most Christians may not want to give their time to this book.
This book is simply candy rather than meat, but it's nice to have a sweet treat every once in a while, and if you like one too, this might be a fun option, though there are more quality sweets out there.
I did really enjoy this book, and maybe you will like it too.
A hilarious, ghostly murder mystery.
Audrey Fitzgerald's best friend, who is a PI, is dead, and so with his help in ghostly form, Audrey sets out to take over his Private Detective business and solve his murder.
The writing is simple, plain, and not deep, but the story is told through the perspective of Audrey, and though it's fluffy, I laughed out loud from the first page.
It's a good book to read in the fall with a strong cup of coffee, hopefully with a fuzzy blanket on your legs and a cat curled up near you.
Despite my delight, swearing is present, though I do not think it overwhelms the text completely, there is enough of it, along with some light sexual innuendo (more of the "gosh he's hot and look at his butt) and the murder is violent, though I do not be graphically so.
This means that I would recommend this book only to older teens and adults, and that it should be done with caution, as I think most Christians may not want to give their time to this book.
This book is simply candy rather than meat, but it's nice to have a sweet treat every once in a while, and if you like one too, this might be a fun option, though there are more quality sweets out there.
I did really enjoy this book, and maybe you will like it too.
October 12, 2021
Insanely good.
When her best friend, a PI working with an undercover cop is murdered, Audrey a ditsy accident-prone temp vows to find his killer. After being summoned to his lawyer's office she discovers that he left her his house his PI business his car and his cat. Not so unusual except that she can see and talk to his ghost and his cat, after following up on the cases he was working on things start to gel with the help of the cop she begins to piece together what led to his murder with hilarious results. A fun entertaining read filled with well-written characters lots of snark and humor with plot twists you definitely won't see coming, highly recommend this book is a must read, Baz
When her best friend, a PI working with an undercover cop is murdered, Audrey a ditsy accident-prone temp vows to find his killer. After being summoned to his lawyer's office she discovers that he left her his house his PI business his car and his cat. Not so unusual except that she can see and talk to his ghost and his cat, after following up on the cases he was working on things start to gel with the help of the cop she begins to piece together what led to his murder with hilarious results. A fun entertaining read filled with well-written characters lots of snark and humor with plot twists you definitely won't see coming, highly recommend this book is a must read, Baz
December 30, 2021
A quirky ride from start to finish.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected when I picked up Ghost Mortem, but the wild ride that Audrey and Ben took me on was nowhere near what I’d had in mind. The book is cute enough, and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. But I’ve got more questions than answers.
Also, my favorite character by far was Thor. I may or may not end up picking up the next book JUST for him…
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected when I picked up Ghost Mortem, but the wild ride that Audrey and Ben took me on was nowhere near what I’d had in mind. The book is cute enough, and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. But I’ve got more questions than answers.
Also, my favorite character by far was Thor. I may or may not end up picking up the next book JUST for him…
May 2, 2020
OMG I loved this! A fun paranormal murder mystery complete with ghosts and a talking cat, what more could you possibly want? Ok throw in a funny but clumsy female mc as well as some other great characters and a fab fast paced storyline and you have yourself a great read that I would totally recommend!
December 31, 2024
I found a cute, cozy paranormal series that I enjoy.
Audrey is a klutz who has a certain knack for things. But can’t be too bad if she’s gaining the attention of hot detective Kade Galloway.
I found the story easy and adorable to read. No spice or steam really yet but I didn’t care.
The killer wasn’t hard to figure out half way through but I want to read more. Just to find out what Thor the cat will say or do alone.
Audrey is a klutz who has a certain knack for things. But can’t be too bad if she’s gaining the attention of hot detective Kade Galloway.
I found the story easy and adorable to read. No spice or steam really yet but I didn’t care.
The killer wasn’t hard to figure out half way through but I want to read more. Just to find out what Thor the cat will say or do alone.
January 16, 2025
A really fun and cosy paranormal mystery. The main character is really charming and I love that she was able to stand on her own. She was really intelligent and capable, there was no man coming to her rescue because she didn’t need rescuing.
Love the addition of a ghost best friend and a talking cat, really adds to the humor!
Seriously loved it, can’t wait to continue.
Love the addition of a ghost best friend and a talking cat, really adds to the humor!
Seriously loved it, can’t wait to continue.
September 6, 2022
First book by this author but it definitely won't be an only. This book is so well written, great story, with humor, mystery and a touch of heartbreaking sadness. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. FYI they are additive and will make you obsessed.
August 28, 2024
Great Read!
I adored this book! The characters were wonderful. The klutzy and adorable Audrey, lovable Ben, and Kade Galloway were all fantastic! The banter was great and it was a good mystery to solve. I highly recommend it!
I adored this book! The characters were wonderful. The klutzy and adorable Audrey, lovable Ben, and Kade Galloway were all fantastic! The banter was great and it was a good mystery to solve. I highly recommend it!
August 28, 2024
This was a cute premise ... clutzy girl falls and hits her head, then starts seeing ghosts of dead people who need her to help solve their murders. Oh, and she apparently now can talk to a cat! It was a fun and easy read, and somewhat entertaining, even if unbelievable!
April 16, 2022
Easy read. I giggled. I laughed. I fell in love with Thor.
December 11, 2022
4.5 stars. Really cute cozy mystery. Never thought a murder could be ‘cute’, but this book actually was.
October 15, 2023
Way too over-the-top for me.
DNF at 26%
DNF at 26%
January 24, 2025
A delight of a story! Cozy urban fantasy with a twist of a murder mystery and a dash of a hottie cowboy cop! I couldn’t put it down once I started reading! Definitely picking up the next in the series! Loved this cast of characters!
March 11, 2022
Hat mich gut unterhalten, humorvoll. Hat Spaß gemacht zu lesen
October 6, 2025
Didn’t mind the style of writing, was relatively easy to read. However, really did not like the stereotyping, eg typical dumb blonde and the suggestion that the dead friend was gay because he had a female friend. DNFed at 25%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews