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Sedona Spirit #4

The Lawyer is Lifeless

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Even the law couldn't save him from an untimely death... When Bernie's business meeting turns into the discovery of her murdered lawyer, she's able to uncover facts the police can't. With the help of her ghostly grandmother, Ruby, she spies on the wife and girlfriend of the deceased and also discovers a clue that may lead to proof of a local biker gangs' involvement in the killing. Bernie's former boyfriend, Deputy Adam Gallagher, is forced to reveal a secret about the investigation-a twist Bernie could never have imagined. They decide to pool their information and work together to solve the case, but will they rekindle their romance? After Bernie's life is threatened, she and her ghost must uncover the evidence to put the killer behind bars... or Bernie may be the next victim.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2021

28 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Carly Winter

56 books230 followers
USA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

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5 stars
81 (67%)
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32 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 27, 2021
Who Killed the Lawyer ? . . .

Bernie has a problem concerning a tax issue as stated in a letter from the IRS. She needs legal advice on how to handle it, restructuring her business or whatever else might help. But when she goes to the lawyer’s office for legal advice, she finds Stanley Jones dead in his chair, lips and fingers blue.

Unfortunately, she may have an even more serious problem since the cop assigned to the case is Deputy Adam Gallagher, her former boyfriend. Will she and Adam pool their resources to find out who killed the lawyer? She can find clues and uncover facts the police can’t through the help of her ghostly grandmother, Ruby. And Adam has some very secret undercover information that could point to the murderer. Is there also perhaps a chance, if they work together again, they might rekindle their romance?

With Bernie’s life is threatened, they need to find some evidence fast to put the killer behind bars before Bernie is the next to die!
336 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2021
A Fun Exciting Paranormal Cozy Mystery!!!

Bernadette Maxwell, the owner of Sedona Bed and Breakfast, finds her lawyer lifeless body. Bernie starts her investigation with help from her ghostly crazy, fun-loving, hippie grandmother, Ruby. Her ex-boyfriend, Deputy Adam Gallagher, is assigned to the case, Bernie and Adam decide to pool their information and work together to solve the case. After Bernie’s life is threatened, she and Ruby need to find evidence to put the murderer behind bars fast before Bernie becomes the next victim.

This is a fun exciting read that is hard to put down, it's full of humor, mystery, action, and romance, a fast-paced mystery that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps me entertained from the beginning to the end. I really enjoy this book and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
84 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2021
This is one of my favorite series. Bernie and Ruby are a dynamic duo. While Bernie can be a little uptight, we can always count on her Grandma's ghost, Ruby, to bring her put of her comfort zone. Bernie just was trying to get her tax problem taken care of when she happens upon the dead body of the lawyer she is suppossed to meet. Now, Bernie and Ruby decide to try to help solve the crime to get Bernie back with her ex-boyfriend and police officer Adam. There are many funny scenes with the mystery of who done it. Carly was able to bring laughter to owing taxes and death. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2021
Poor Bernie she never catches a break! Her gran gives her the name of a lawyer, as her tax bill has come in and it is bigger than expected, with the hope of some sound business advice Bernie turns up for her appointment only to find the lawyer dead!

A sweet reunion of love youngs dream, Bernie and the sweet deputy which I was glad to see, it did not seem the same without him, not that it stopped or perhaps it encouraged her to try and find the murdered despite there being a vicious biker gang involved.

I enjoy these visits to Sedona, each book Bernie becomes more relaxed and the author becomes more talented
10.8k reviews125 followers
October 30, 2021
This is the 4th book I've read written by Carly Winter; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 4th book in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mysteries Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Bernie & Adam solving the murder of her lawyer. She uses her ghostly grandmother to spy on his wife and girlfriend and finds out that the local biker gang is involved in his murder. She joins forces with Adam in the investigation but they have to solve it before she the next victim.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
November 9, 2021
Bernie needed to talk to her lawyer, but at the appointed time she found him dead in his office. Deputy Adam, her ex has been assigned to the case and they work together to merge clues he finds as well as her and her ghostly grandmother. Love this series and the characters that make you feel at home with them. The storyline is well written with interesting scenarios and clues, terrific banter and hijinks. Loved the chemistry between Adam and Bernie, with grandmas two cents. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,072 reviews
June 18, 2022
When Bernie needs to restructure her business due to a hefty tax bill, Ruby recommends her old lawyer. The lawyer misses Bernie's appointment due to unfortunate circumstances - he's dead, probably murdered!

It is so pleasurable to see the author working well with her characters. They come to life more and more in each successive book. Bernie is starting to hit her stride as a detective, too, and it is a wonderful thing.

The Sedona Spirit series is a light-hearted paranormal cosy. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.

Thank you to BookSirens and Carly Winter for the opportunity to read this eARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
997 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2021
Bernie has a problem, well other than her dead grandma’s ghost hanging around. She just got a tax letter and has no idea how she will pay it.
When she goes to the lawyer’s office, she finds him dead. Just her luck the policeman assigned the case is her ex boyfriend. What else can go wrong?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
421 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2021
After discovering her lawyers dead body in his office Bernie and Ruby set out to solve the murder. This is a fun story that will keep you guessing to the very end. I enjoyed this story about Bernie and her ghost grandmother Ruby and look forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
100 reviews
October 28, 2021
Bernie discovers her lawyer's dead body.
With the help of her ghostly gran Ruby, she deicdes to investigate the murder.
Bernie's life is threatened.... Can she and Ruby solve the case, or will Bernie become the next victim?
I really enjoyed reading this book, and highly recommend to all.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Christine.
44 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2021
This is truly becoming a favorite series of mine. Bernie and Ruth’s dynamic always guarantees a laugh and I enjoy how Ruth pulls Bernie out of her comfort zone. Leave it to Carly to bring laughter to death and taxes in this paranormal mystery. Strongly recommend. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
November 5, 2021
The Lawyer is Lifeless is the fourth book in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mysteries series. I am really enjoying this series. Can Bernie's former boyfriend and her ghostly grandmother help her find a killer before he makes Bernie his next victim? This book has humour, murder, the paranormal, and mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
154 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2021
Another great book by Winter! I adore this whole series — anything by Winter really. Always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Winter proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,234 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2021
this was another great book in the sedona spirit series, the characters were great and the story was what I wanted from this book. I can't wait for more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,030 reviews45 followers
November 2, 2021
when business gets lethal, ghostly insights and info from an ex might save the day - or might not be enough or in time

will she wind up closer to ghost than she hoped?

tangled intrigue- and ghosts

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aineenmarie.
391 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2021
I thought that the book, was such a page turner. A really great read. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait to read another book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,214 reviews85 followers
October 23, 2021
This is a great paranormal cozy mystery.. I liked it very much.. It is wonderfully funny and quirky..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
47 reviews
Read
February 17, 2022
Oh my!

Enjoyed tremendously. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble these two get into next. Should be interesting
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2022
What a fun read!

I just love Ruby, Bernie’s ghost grandmother. Had to laugh so many times! The writing style is humorous, the plot is twisty. Such a pleasure to read!
4 reviews
August 21, 2024
Entertainment

I like the people in this book. they are down to earth. The ghost is a hoot with always a plan for everything.
444 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
Fun. This series is a fast read. #1523.
2,823 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2025
Good mystery, again I had no idea of the villain until near the end. Lots of characters in this book, Ruby is still the best. Recommend reading.
Profile Image for Kathy Tozzi.
239 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2022
Bernie needs a lawyer to help her figure out some financial problems with the B&B.
Ruby tells her to see her lawyer, that he always took good care of her. When they get there guess what they find? You got it, they find themselves in the middle of yet another murder. Good thing she has a sneaky ghost to snoop around a sneaky lawyer office.
This time though she may find herself in deep water that having an invisible helper may not be enough.
This author is amazing, she knows how to keep you interested and always coming back for more.
The Lawyer is Lifeless
1,510 reviews16 followers
December 28, 2023
Another fun mystery from Winters. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and I especially like Ruby, the ghost grandma who is a real hoot. However, I can soooo empathise with Bernie a I don't think I could cope with a ghost grandma who is larger than life and nothing like the personality that Bernie is! But her heart is in the correct place (even for ghost!!) Great fun read, clever plot, more please!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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