Wakes and High Stakes

Mitzy Moon #8

by Trixie Silvertale

A flamboyant funeral. A dashing gigolo. Can this psychic sleuth beat the odds on murder?
Mitzy Moon is never one to celebrate death. But a compelling invitation to a 1920s themed memorial service, aboard a riverboat casino, entices her to take a gamble. And the only thing hotter than the tables is the newly wealthy widower—until he disappears.

Despite the extravagant decor, Mitzy smells a rat in designer clothing. And warnings from the sexy sheriff, her meddling Ghost-ma, and a spoiled feline all fall on deaf ears, as the list of greedy suspects grows with every spin of the wheel. She’ll have to play her cards just right or end up on a fatal losing streak!

Can Mitzy win against the house, or will she double down on death?

Wakes and High Stakes is the eighth book in the hilarious paranormal cozy mystery series, Mitzy Moon Mysteries. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s dicey whodunit.

Buy Wakes and High Stakes to cash-in on a caper today!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy, Humor, Supernatural, Audiobook

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Amazon Author Page:
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Reviews

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty repartee and an infatuation with film making, make this main character an endearing and lovable snoop that you can't help falling in love with! This series is wrought with wit, sleuthing, family drama including a ghostly grandmother and so much more that you will become weirdly addicted to the series! Add in a fabulous narrator who does an outstanding job of giving each character a bit of je ne sais quoi to already well fleshed out personalities and you have a must listen book series! This book brings us a bit closer to Mitzy letting the handsome sheriff in on her extra sensory skills, although it appears he may already suspect. We also get a closer look at Mitzy's disguise skills as she is able to fool the suspect pool with not one, but two disguises. We also find out that Mitzy's ability to see ghosts may extend beyond Ghostma! No spoilers here, you'll have to read or listen to find out what happens for yourself! On the other hand, I absolutely can't wait to see what happens when Mitzy and the sheriff take their sleuthing on the road in the next book!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery in the series.

[Jenny (knasentjej) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Det var kul att vara tillbaka i Pincherry Harbour. I denna del fick man träffa en annan familj. Det var kul. Dessutom slutar den med en liten cliffhanger.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakes and High Stakes is Book 8 in the Mitzy Moon series by Trixie Silvertale. I absolutely love this character driven series. Mitzy and her Ghost-Ma and Odell are fantastic. I LOVE Pyewacket the carcal, the story is so interesting.

I love the romance between Mitzy and Sheriff Erick and I love how in this installment Ghost-ma has more of an upfront role.

There is a cliff hanger that leaves me SO excited to see what's going to happen next!

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this one ten stars if I could!

My favourite in this series by a mile. I've enjoyed every book so far and now I feel the whole series has finally come together and is so much more than just a cozy read.

Where do I begin to explain that? Not only do we have very well-thought out plots with twists and turns to keep us on our toes, we have a sizzling, blossoming romance and some clever, believable paranormal experiences which all enhance the Pin Cherry Harbour experience.

In this installment, we learn a little more than we knew before about the people in Mitzy's life. Events take a downward turn when she is invited to a casino night on board a yacht with members of the recently deceased Lilliane Barnes' family. Our young sleuth has already noted everything was not as it appeared during the funeral when she first viewed the dead body. She would be right.

Did the old woman die of natural causes or was there more to it? Add to that a murder on the yacht and the team start to place the puzzle together. Mitzy Moon, with the help of Silas, Pye, Ghost-ma and Erick are all working together to get to the truth of this devious family and the plotting that has gone on between them.

Ghost-ma and Mitzy are developing their own key skills even further, Silas is invaluable and the cat knows far too much, he is one step ahead of the game!

Lilliana, who excels at terrible motherhood is also able to communicate with Mitzy from the other side and secrets are revealed.

The books ends on a cliff-hanger and I can't wait for the next episode, which sees Miss Moon and Erick leave town and head Southwest, back to Mitzi's past. After the revelation he exposed to her over dinner in the bitter-sweet touching ending to this book.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is the best!! I keep thinking it can’t get any better and Trixie surprises me yet again! I give this series 600 stars out of a possible 5!! I urge everyone who sees this review to PLEASE get this series!! You
should start with the first book so you don’t miss anything but you can start with this one and then go back to the previous books because believe me you will WANT to!!

This series has it all; a ghost grams that you will love the dialogue between her and Mitzy! I mean how can things not go wrong when you can see and converse with a ghost!! Besides all the fun she does have some good advice for Mitzy too. How about a psychic cat who knows what “case” Mitzy is on and drops objects for her to use in solving and coming to conclusions about a case. Then there are the rest of the “players” in Pin Cherry Harbor who are people you would love to associate with yourself!! Trixie says she’d like to live in Pin Cherry Harbor and I have to confess so would I!!
They are friends I would love to surround myself with each and every day!!

If you’re looking for a absolutely unpuutdownable cozy series well you’ve just found it!! The characters will become your best friends and that friendship spurs you on to read even faster because being they are your friends you just HAVE to find out what Mitzy has gotten herself into this time!

I wish this series was on everyone’s list because I cannot imagine ANYONE who would not like this series. It is full of humor and emotional experiences that will tug on your heart string and just the best characters to ever grace the cozy crime/mystery genre!!

Please accept my challenge to read this book and see if you don’t agree with me that you will consume every book Trixie writes!! Her stories delight her readers and we all clamor for more!!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always excited when another Mitzy Moon book is released. This is book #8 in the series, and it is just as fresh and fun as book #1. The series just keeps getting better and better. I believe the key to that is the wonderful cast of characters that Silvertale creates. Mitzy, with all her quirks, never takes for granted this new life she has inherited. Her emotional attachments to her Ghost-ma and Odell leave me a bit misty-eyed at times, while the banter between them leaves me laughing. And Pyewacket, the independent caracal, always reminds me of the “The Cat Who…” series and its feline sleuths Koko and Yum-Yum.

At the beginning of this installment, Mitzy Moon is attending the viewing and later memorial service for Lilliane Barnes, a woman in the community and Ghost-ma’s foe. But we know there must be a murder here – and there is. All the characters I love so dearly – Ghost-ma, Pye, Erick, Silas – come together to solve the mystery. Under Silas’ mentorship, Mitzy’s paranormal skills continue to evolve. The light romance between Mitzy and Sheriff Erick continues to grow, providing moments of sweetness. There are some reveals that will set us up for future installments of the series.

The teaser at the end of this book has left me in anticipation of where the next installment will take me.

“Wakes and High Stakes” is one of my favorites in this series, as I felt there was more substance to the investigation. A real page-turner. I recommend this series for a quick, easy, and fun read.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in my review are entirely mine.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitzy attends a funeral of a rich socialite, Liliane Barnes, who died and who it seems was disliked by so many people, including her 3 children, that when Mitzy suspects that she was murdered she doesn't know who to suspect first. This mystery case I think is the most convoluted one so far, full of twists and turns and new evidence turning up so that we, the readers do not know who actually committed the crime nearly till the end of the story. Pyewacket however, seems to have this uncanny way of knowing things and presenting clues for Mitzy to help her in her sleuthing job. We are kept intrigued right through and made to wonder though what has a baby's rattle and a scouts handbook got to do with the case? During the solving of this case Mitzy goes undercover, using different props to hide in plain sight not once but twice and she really takes on her role seriously and is thrilled to find that Sheriff Erick, now formally her boyfriend, is actually taking pride in her sleuthing abilities. Her clairsentient abilities are really evolving and it’s thanks to these abilities that she is so on the ball. I particularly liked the turn the book took towards the end, the revelation which Mitzy received which might take us out of Pin Cherry Harbour for our next mystery case. One which has long needed to be solved. I really enjoyed this 8th mystery case solving but I must admit I am even more looking forward to the next book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better!

Mitzy Moon finally has a family since she inherited her grandmother’s bookstore. She’s gotten to know her father and Grams (in her ghostly form). All of the main characters are unique, flawed, and loveable. Mitzy is clumsy, smart, and hilarious. Grams is a force of nature. Erick, the sheriff may be the closest to perfect any person can get, but that may be because he’s seen through Mitzy’s eyes.

Mitzy is invited to a funeral for a socialite because of her grandmother’s association with high society. During the wake, there’s a murder! Mitzy is able to worm her way into the mansion of the deceased (the first one), and meets her ghost. She promises the ghost that she will try to find out who murdered her.

The relationship between Mitzy and Erick is slowly evolving. It’s obvious that they care for each other, but Erick knows that Mitzy is hiding something from him about how she always has so much information. Is he ready to hear that she’s psychic and talks to ghosts? She doesn’t think so!

I always like the Mitzy Moon stories, but I’m really looking forward to the next book because Mitzy is going to learn more about her mother who died when she was just 11. I can’t wait!

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost-ma always seems to have a little something up her sleeve and in this installment Mitzy is floored by Isadora's reluctant revelation! But shock and awe must be put aside since there's a murder or two to decipher, and a ghost to help cross-over. With Sheriff Too-Hot-to-Handle inclined to include our spirited sleuth in what he's taken to calling "our investigation"; Mitzy is all in to nab the guilty party before more bodies start to fall.

Silvertale never fails to weave an intricate, intriguing story. I sometimes wonder though, does the author do the weaving, or is she simply along for the ride while these characters write their own adventures? Either way, Wakes and High Stakes is another page turner you will not be able to put down till you've reached the rather shocking conclusion.

Book Eight in Mitzy Moon's Mysteries did not disappoint; another great adventure, and it leaves you with a tantalizing taste of what's up next for Mitzy and her Sheriff.

Highly recommend!

[I was given the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by the author. I was not, however, required to write a review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. There were so many twists and turns I thought I knew who the killers were, turns out I was surprised to find out who did it! Mitzy learns she has more family than she thought.
Ghostma’s nemesis Lilliane Barnes is found dead in her bed. When Mitzy and her dad are ordered by ghostma to attend the funeral and wake and report back. Shockingly the wake is set on a gambling boat and they are required to wear 1920’s garb. When the rich deceased woman’s husband and gigilo is killed at the wake Mitzy has her work cut out for her! All Lilliane’s children are suspects as they all hated their mother. Even more so when they discover the contents of the will!
This was a wild roller coaster ride. Non stop drama, action and twists makes the reader unable to put it down. I loved the shocking ending and am anxiously awaiting the next book.

[JAKE GROFF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakes and High Stakes by Trixie Silvertale is another page turner you will not be able to put down till you have reached the rather shocking conclusion. Book Eight in Mitzy Moon’s Mysteries did not disappoint; it is a cleverly told, great adventure, this book is entertaining, humorous and suspenseful.
Not only do we have very well-thought out plots with twists and turns to keep us on our toes, we have a sizzling, blossoming romance and some clever, believable paranormal experiences which enhance the whole story.
The ending is great and left you excited for the next adventure. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next book. Be sure to read all the previous books in the series but you'll enjoy this book as a stand-alone.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakes and High Stakes by Tricia Silvertale was so much fun to read. Mitzi Moon is a delightful and funny heroine. Her surrounding characters, including ghost-ma, her father, the sheriff and current boyfriend, and the very proper Mr. Willoughby are quite engaging. The plot was entertaining, and I loved how the author led us right up to the next mystery in the series. I can’t wait to go back and read the series as this was book 8. Having said that, I didn’t feel like I missed too much by reading book 8 first, so don’t hesitate to give it a read. If you like pure entertainment, this book is for you.

Thanks to HiddenGemsBooks, Tricia Silvertale, and Sittin’ On a Goldmine Publications for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love this series and I am always sorry to get to the end of each book. In this book Mitzy and her father attend the funeral of a local well-to-do woman who appears to have died of natural causes. The funeral is followed later that evening - by invitation - to a 1920's themed wake on a riverboat casino. The dead woman's much younger 9th husband then disappears. There is a murder and all each of the dead woman's family are suspect. Of course Mitzy decides to help her sheriff boyfriend to investigate - whether he wants her to or not. Her next surprise is a ghost - and not her usual one. This one says they were murdered and wants Mitzy's help to find the killer.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to see where Mitzy goes after this. Mitzy and her dad were invited to a viewing of a woman in the community who died and then to her wake. The wake is full of surprises. The woman's family hated her and were disappointed to find out that they would not inherit her money. When the woman's 9th husband is murdered at the wake, Mitzy knows she has to figure out what is going on. The woman's doctor put her death down to natural causes, but she was murdered. Mitzy uncovers a few family secrets and then Erick tells her something about her mother's death that changes everything. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Jodi Stoffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books! Each time I read one I feel the author has outdone herself, but then the next book comes out and it’s just that much better. I am addicted to Mitzy and her relationship with that special someone, her Ghost-Ma, Pyewacket the best mysterious caracal of all, and everyone in Pin Cherry Harbor. Mitzy is sassy, quirky, clumsy, and witty. There seems to be a surprise in each book, but the one in this one is extra special. If you like a witty cozy paranormal that you won’t want to put down and can be a fast read, this book and series is for you. I cannot wait for the next book to drop!

[Kim Loomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a bit of everything which leads to a very exciting story. Mitzy and her Dad get invited to a high society funeral and then the celebration of life service on a gambling boat and you had to be dressed in period 1920s style. Then with her boyfriend Erick (the Sheriff) there is a lot of snooping around but I can't say for what and give the story away. It is so great that Mitzy and Erick are working and dating. The book ends on a high note and if you are like me, it makes you wish you had the next book in your hands to read to see where the next story is going to take you. These books just get more exciting and better with each new one that comes out.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitzi Moon is back, this time investigating her ghost-ma’s arch enemy who is recently deceased and, so she tells Mitzi, a victim of murder. Her new husband would have been the prime suspect as he has inherited everything the wealthy woman owned, to the horror of her three terrible adult children. The trouble is that it’s not long before he too is murdered.

With the assistance of everyone’s favorite hunky sheriff Eric, Mitzi must figure out which of the dead lady’s horrible children is responsible for her death and the death of her gigolo husband. Filled with fun and humor, this story entertains to the very end.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the read I needed amidst all the doom and gloom and craziness going on in real life! Once again, this quirky sleuth teams up with her ghostma, mystical attorney, swoon worthy love interest, and talking feline to solve solve murders layered atop mysterious deaths. Secrets from the past gets revealed as well that touches everyone’s lives. This series is so immensely entertaining, I struggle with taking a break from its pages! That’s book success for me. All my reviews are always voluntarily written

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakes and High Stakes is another wonderful book by Trixie Silvertale. I love this series and always enjoy reading Misty's adventures. This book is well written and engaging. I love the style of the writing and the way that the story is told. I love the characters and their fun, witty conversations. Mitzy and Ghost-ma are awesome. This book is entertaining, humorous and suspenseful. The ending is great and left you excited for the next adventure. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book.

[Jill DeBellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trixie Silvertale has done it again. Could not put this book down. Mitzy Moon and her father are invited to a funeral for a contemporary of Isadora and then to a fancy gathering for her on a river boat, which ends up having some familiar faces involved with it. Then murder happens and here comes Erik to investigate. There are quite a few surprises in this book and an ending that comes as a complete surprise and more questions. If you have not read this series you need to get moving on it because it is only getting better by the book.

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, a well written Cosy Mystery. Misty, Gran, Silas and Sheriff Eric are involved in another mystery. The death of one of Gran's contemporaries and subsequent death of her last husband cause much confusion for all. Gran, of course, being a ghost really has no way to assist except with her memories. There's plenty of suspects in the family, they all hate each other and their mother. It takes the ghost of the mother to start the unraveling of the mysteries. Read to find out "who done it".

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakes and High Stakes is the eighth book in the marvellous Mitzy Moon Mysteries series.

I love this series and cannot wait for the next book. I believe that this story is my favourite... so far! Mitzy, Ghost-ma, Pye, and the rest are quirky, fun, and likable characters. The storyline is well crafted and has a 1920s-themed funeral, mystery, suspense, twists and turns, romance, and a cliffhanger. I would love to live in Pin Cherry Harbor and be friends with this motley crew.

I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good read in the series. In this one Mitzy is asked by the recent deceased to look into her murder. She uncovers a lot things. Thankfully in the end everything is solved. The ending was interesting and I look forward to seeing how it will all play out.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always fun when visiting Mitzy and Grams. This time around Mitzy gets to put her new and improving psychic abilities to use when she goes undercover to help a ghost who recently was murdered. Mitzy and the characters in this series are a Riot, can't wait to see what happens next .

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 bk 276. Mitzy Moon keeps drawing me in. Her ghostly grandmother, the sheriff, and her bookstore all area part of what keeps me coming back, oh, and the cat that is smarter than...
Good read!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little mystery and boy does the author up the stakes with the ending. It doesn't really end on a cliff hanger because the murder does get solved nicely but it does set it up to continue on into the next book, so be prepared to want/need to get the next book. Which I can guarantee you will want to do not only to find out what happens next but because it is a great series. I have really enjoyed the series and this book in particular because of the great characters. They are a lot of fun with things like a ghost helping Mitzy with her undercover disguises, to a cat giving them clues by knocking off books to, name just a few of the unique and quirky characters. I like the super natural side to the story and think unlike some books it really helps the story stand out and is a fun addition. The mystery was also good and kept me guessing, as there was plenty of suspects. I can't wait for the next book.
Mitzy finds herself attending a funeral so she can report back to her ghost-ma on who attended her arch enemies wakeq and what they were wearing. Mitzy wishes the strangest thing to happen was it taking place on a casino riverboat but somebody raises the stakes by killing off the not so grieving widow. Was it over a gambling problem or is somebody after the inheritance? Mitzy can't help but get involved when the ghost asks her to find her killer. Nobody suspected the first death was murder, so could the two be connected or is somebody just covering up a secret? To get close to the most likely suspects the dead woman's own family, Mitzy will have to go undercover to learn there secrets but did one of them killer there mother and step father?
I like the narrator. She helps build up the spence and mystery with just the way she talks and very entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been so much fun! This book did not disappoint! Witty characters that are full of personality, charming setting, and well-plotted mystery to keep you guessing. This book provided me with a great escape and some well deserved down after the holiday stresses.

I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the to story to life. She really nails the aforementioned personalities of the characters.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book in the Mitzy Moon Mysteries series! In this one Mitzy needs to solve the murder of her Ghost-ma’s arch nemesis! It was too fun and a bit twisty. There were some paranormal developments but I’ll leave you to find out what they were on your own. I do hope that they continue making appearances though in future books. Erick and Mitzy also had a new development. Silas was in this one offering more guidance. That just made my day as I really like him. Paulsen just might be getting to like Mitzy. Mitzy has come a long way from who she was in book one.
This book did have a sneak peek at the end of it. It was the first time this has happened in this series and I’m torn on whether or not I love it. Don’t worry the mystery in this book is completely solved. The final chapter just gave a big hint as to what direction we are headed. I’ve never been a fan of cliffhangers. They tend to stress me out. However this author tends to write fast so I’m okay with it. It did get me excited for the next book. I’m just not certain I want to see it in every book.
If you are new to this series I would strongly recommend you start at the beginning. Mitzy goes through a lot of growth in each book. There is a lot that goes on that you miss out on when you are relying on the first chapter catch up. I believe this series is a strong on that gets better with every book. The stories pull you in so you are flying through the books. You can catch up easily.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitzy Moon is in front of yet another body, but for once, neither she nor her father are suspects, finally. Nope, this time they’re at a funeral for a woman who was always super competitive with Mitzy’s Grandmother. She had to have more husbands, more money, more everything. After the funeral, there is a 1920’s themed wake aboard a casino boat on the lake, and while there, a murder happens. While the Sheriff’s department is officially investigating, Mitzy starts her unofficial investigation. More disguises are in store and hilarity ensues. Plus, Mitzy finally sees another ghost that’s not her Grandmother. While trying to solve multiple crimes, Mitzy has to protect herself from a handsy man, crazy women, and a sarcastic, demanding ghost. Who would think that so much would be going on in the small town of Pin Cherry Harbor?
Once again this story is well written, the characters are fun, well fleshed out, and the story line will keep you invested until the end. You want to know all of it. Who were the killers, who sole the pin, who stole the art? There’s so many questions that needed to be answered and by the end, you know. That is if you haven’t figured it out beforehand.

**I read this story with my Kindle Unlimited Subscription