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The town fair has brought visitors to Moonlight Mansion and they’re keeping proprietor Nikki Knight and her cohorts hopping like the bullfrogs the town is named after.

What’s a burgeoning detective with a ghostly grandmother, and two mischievous dogs, supposed to do when she finds a dead body trapped under a massive frog balloon?

Why start up an investigation of course!

Nikki has a sneaking suspicion the person, or persons, responsible for the crime are staying under her roof, and discovering information is harder than she initially thought. She needs the help of the newest member of the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency…which means revealing all of her secrets.

Will Lacey send her off to the looney bin in a glittery pink straitjacket when she learns the truth? Or will her once rival, turned best friend, join forces with the zany cast of characters to help untangle the snarled web that has become her life once again?

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2022

84 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Emmie Lyn

40 books146 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,810 reviews153 followers
September 5, 2022
I loved this book ! A great second book in a new series ! I love the characters and the mystery was fantastic . Grandma ghost is my favorite !
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,402 reviews27 followers
September 7, 2022
Nikki Knight owns Moonlight Mansion, which was willed to her from her grandmother, Audrey. Except that Audrey never left -- she's hanging around in ghostly form to help Nikki in whatever she needs. Along with people Nikki grew up with, and a talking Dachshund named Dash, she's finally starting to feel safe...

Until her ex-boyfriend shows up one morning with a timid woman named Marigold in tow. Nikki can't imagine what he wants...until he tells her that he wants $10,000 or he'll make her life miserable. Refusing to give him the money sets off a chain of events, not the least withstanding that she knows Marigold doesn't want to be with him, but can't figure out a way to free her from his grasp.

But it turns out she doesn't have to; circumstances are such that Marigold frees herself, but is still in the crosshairs of Brooksey, the local police officer who doesn't like Nikki, and is sure someone staying at Nikki's B&B is a killer. The problem is, so does Nikki. But how will she find the truth? Why, with the help of her cohorts in crime, of course...

This is the first book of Ms. Lyn's that I have read but it will not certainly be the last. I found the characters a breath of fresh air, with Nikki being both independent and quick with her wits, which comes in handy quite often. Dash is delightful, a dog that chooses to communicate only with Nikki, and the other main characters have quirks of their own that bring bang to the story.

The plot is done very well and the secondary characters are interesting, although some more than others. Like Nikki, I did not like the ex, but I imagine no one could. I really think she should have let Dash nip at him. I also like the fact that there really isn't an 'evil nemesis'; yes, Brooksey doesn't care for Nikki, but he doesn't seem to be aiming for her, either.

The tale was told nicely, with threads weaving in and out, until finally they come together at Nikki's convenience, and the story ends nicely, with everything back to normal -- or as normal as life can be for Ms. Knight. I loved this tale and I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I was given a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
September 4, 2022
That was so much fun! It seems to have been a common theme in what I’ve read of late, but I was a little frustrated that Nikki kind of got railroaded by so many of the beings around her. However, as someone who’s been owned by pets before, I can sort of see how standing her ground there might not have worked so well. The mystery in front of The Accidental Ghost Detective Agency kept me engaged and kept me guessing. The solution was nothing like I was expecting it to be. There’s a fun little surprise at the end of this story that makes me very excited to see where the author is going to take the series next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Janet Epperson.
547 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2023
The 2nd book in the delightfully cute series. Great characters plus Dash the talking dog but only to Nikki.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,846 reviews50 followers
September 2, 2022
This was an easy fun mystery. This is book two in this series. I hadn’t read the previous one but it didn’t seem to matter.
Nikki and her friends are once again racing around trying to solve a possible murder . She has the help of her Grandma who’s a ghost and her one dog that she can talk to. I wish my pets could talk, how fun that would be.
I’m looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books32 followers
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book. This is book two in the series and I preferred this book. The first book was fun but it was introducing the characters and the situations they found themselves in so took a while to get going. Unlike this book, the drama started with the first page and didn't let up until the very end. There are a number of cozy paranormal mysteries out there with talking dogs and ghost but this author does a good job of getting the balance right, with them both getting involved in solving the mystery. The book also focuses on the mystery and although there isn't a great deal of suspects it keeps you guessing and I liked the I usual ending to the mystery. The characters are fun. Just an all round good mystery that I read quickly because I couldn't put it down.
Nikki is shocked to learn that an ex boyfriend who she was glad to see the back of is planning a visit to see her and work in the annual festival town holds. He was bad news when she knew him and when he asks for money she knows things haven't changed and he is going to cause trouble. With the help from her ghostly grandma, talking dog and friends she plans to put a stop to what every plan he has dreamed up. The only problem is someone beat her to it and she finds him dead under a giant frog. Nikki has a horrible feeling one of her guests killed him and with the history between her family and the sheriff she is afraid he will find a way to pin the death on her, unless she and her friends can find the killer first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,496 reviews49 followers
September 23, 2022
The Accidental Ghost Detective Agency has received a new message simultaneous to the arrival of Nikki Knight’s ex-boyfriend Joshua Clay in Frog Hollow, Georgia. Nikki has her hands full this weekend as the Moonlight Mansion Bed and Breakfast is booked to capacity with 6 couples and everyone is looking forward to attending the annual Frog Hollow Fair. It is difficult to say who is more excited about the fair as Nikki is sponsoring adoption fees for the Underdog Animal Shelter and Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean and Honey are the 4-legged shelter ambassadors.

Dash is as lovable and expressive as ever especially when he needs sustenance. He may be a little dachshund but he has a big personality. During this investigation his reaction to a leash is hilarious.

I loved this cozy! It is such an entertaining series to read. How wonderful for a reader to feel tucked between the pages enjoying a visit with characters that bring the warmth of friendship, love, and the joy of humor like old friends.

p.s. Readers should be aware that they may have a yearning for delicious sausages, crispy fried chicken, and peach pie while reading and/or immediately following finishing this cozy. Even as I post this review, I’m craving Birdie’s peach pie with Nikki's description,
"The taste held all the perfection of a sun-drenched summer day while relaxing on Audrey’s wraparound porch."

139 reviews
September 2, 2022
Who did it this time?

"I’m Audrey Knight Fernsby, and I’m a ghost...

Not your normal mopey, haunt a house type of ghost. Not even close... With one case behind us—us being Nikki, Dash, Birdie, and myself—I’m antsy for our Accidental Ghost Detective Agency to get going on something new

Welcome to the introduction to the second book in the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency series! The fun is just beginning as Nikki invites Lacey into the group who is aware of Audrey's existence and Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean (Dash)'s ability to speak.

Throw in Nikki's ex-boyfriend, three different characters staying at the bed and breakfast, a falling frog and a dead body - the fun is just beginning.

Dash is very proud to inform Nikki his vocabulary is picking up as he watches TV with Birdie. Witnesses dismay at the smell of dead cow and his first jaunt at the end of a leash.

The two wouldn't be the same without our own fair Officer Bud Brooksby to presume the guilty party for the murder is under the roof of Nikki's bed and breakfast, Moonlight Mansion, in the lovely town of Frog Hollow, Georgia.

Settle in for an enjoyable chance to laugh as the newest sleuth in the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency sell their second mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amy .
324 reviews107 followers
September 6, 2022
In this second installment of the Accidental Ghost Detective Series, we find that things have been going really well since our last visit to Moonlight Mansion in Frog Hollow, Georgia.  But today Nikki Knight is expecting a guest that she'd rather not deal with. Her ex-boyfriend, Josh Clay, sent her a text saying that he had something to speak with her about. After looking into him and learning that he was just released from prison, she doesn't know what to expect. Upon his arrival, she discovers that he found out about her recent inheritance and is demanding that she pay him a large sum of money. She leads him to believe that she needed to think about it to get him to leave her home. With it being the annual town fair and needing to host a fully booked mansion, she doesn't know how she'll handle this situation. However, that ends up being a small problem compared to what happens next!  While at the fair Nikki has the misfortune of finding Josh's dead body crushed under the Frog Hollow Mascot.. With the help of her ghost grandmother, Audrey, and her talking dog, Dash, can she solve this case before she lands in prison for the murder of Josh?

I'm really loving this series and I just can not wait until the third book is released!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,330 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2022
TRAILS AND A TRAITOR is the second installment in the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency series by Emmie Lyn. The characters are great, and the  entitled dog and bossy ghost are definitely entertaining.

Nikki Knight returned to her childhood home in Frog Hollow Georgia, to collect her inheritance, an old mansion she turned into a thriving Bed and Breakfast, Moonlight Mansion. A B&B can attract a variety of people, especially during the annual Frog Hollow town fair. This year Nikki's very short term boyfriend from five years ago has showed up with a girlfriend and demanded part of Nikki's inheritance. It's not long before there is a murder and Sheriff Brooksby is looking at Nikki. It's going to take some good team work by the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency crew to find out who the murderer is and get Nikki out of the Sheriff's "hot seat".

Get ready some exciting sleuthing by none other than Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean (Dash) and the bossy instructions from Audrey, the ghostly grandmother.

If you like murder mysteries, dogs with sass and attitude, and ghosts that insist on being involved in your life this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
60 reviews
Read
September 6, 2022
This is the second book in the Accidental Ghost Detective Series by Emmie Lyn. A few months have passed since we last visited Nikki Knight and the Moonlight Mansion. In this installment, we find her getting ready to speak with an uninvited guest: Her ex-boyfriend, Josh Clay. He has just been released from prison and is demanding that Nikki pay him ten thousand dollars, and he refuses to leave town until she does. She sends him away from the mansion without any money, but is sure that she has not seen the last of him. Later that same day, she finds his dead body under a huge balloon frog at the annual fair. She must figure out who killed him before the local police officer, Officer Brooksby, points his finger in her direction. The question is, who hated Joshua Clay enough to want him dead?

I love this series! I love her dog, Dash, and her eccentric ghostly grandmother, Audrey. This book made me laugh at every turn, and I didn't figure out who the murderer was until Nikki did. That is the mark of a great mystery! I can't wait until the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
September 6, 2022
Murder at the Town Fair . . .

The town fair is filling up Nikki Knight’s Moonlight Mansion B&B and she’s really busy. Wanting to include Lacey in her secret detective work, comprised of her ghostly grandmother Audrey Knight Fernsby and her two sweet dogs Dash (who talks to her) and Honey, means that she will have to tell her everything. But Lacey hears all the town gossip in her hair salon, so she is a valuable addition.

Nikki gets a message that her ex-boyfriend, Joshua Clay, intended to come by. He had heard she inherited money and he wants $10,000 if she wants him to leave her alone. But finding Josh’s dead body under a huge frog balloon that collapsed on him is going to add to her challenges. Nikki needs to solve this murder before she gets arrested as the likely suspect after the victim threatened her. Officer Bud Brooksby doesn’t like her due to some bad history with her grandmother and will look for any excuse to lock Nikki up just to get even. Can the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency solve this murder?
1,235 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2022
Nikki is the owner of the Moonlight Mansion B&B, left to her by her grandmother Audrey, who now hangs around as a ghost. The B&B is full, due to the Frog Hollow Fair. Today, Nikki decides to let her good friend, Lacy, in on her secrets concert the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency (namely Birdie, her chef, Audrey the ghost and her talking dachshund Dash). Trouble comes calling when ex-boyfriend Josh, shows up right out of prison, and tries to extort $10,000 from her, having located her through the news about the last murder she solved. And it’s time to scramble when Jos is killed by the huge inflatable frog at the gate to the fair. When it turns out not to be an accident, the Detective Agency needs to figure out what happened! This is the second book in the series and, like the first, totally enjoyable! Great characters, especially the sassy Dash! I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout and write this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,724 reviews103 followers
September 2, 2022
This series just gets better! Now that Nikki's new bestie Lacey was brought in on the whole talking dog and "my grandma's a ghost" thing, she's fully committed to the Accidental Ghost Detective Agency and came in super handy. I love that each of the ladies has their own specialty, and Lacey's as a hair stylist is of course the gift of talking to people. Birdie's pretty awesome as both a cook that keeps them fed, but she goes along sometimes and comes in handy for keeping Officer Brookesby at bay! (I think he's kinda sweet on her!)

What a twisty but fun mystery and heck, anything an adorable dachshund that talks is involved with is fun for me to read. Dash is so darn cute how he and his doggie girlfriend Honey who Nikki also adopted go and do their little assignments for the sleuthing agency. The reveal was pretty cool, and I probably wouldn't have guessed it. And thanks to Audrey's newly found ability, Nikki might just have herself a new guy! I can't wait to read more in the series!
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,872 reviews
August 28, 2022
The town fair has come to Frog Hollow and Moonlight Mansion is full of guests which is keeping Nikki busy. But when she finds a body under a giant frog balloon, Nikki decides to investigate. This time she plans to add her friend Lacey to the team which means revealing her secrets. How will Lacey react? And can they solve the mystery?

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest, unbiased review. This is the second book in a new series and I truly enjoyed it. I loved the first book and this one is even better. It was a quick, fun read that'll pull you in and keep you hooked. Add in a ghost and a talking dog, and you have a captivating, magical story. The mystery will definitely keep you guessing throughout. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
825 reviews9 followers
September 2, 2022
Moonlight Mansion is owned and run by Nikki Knight who inherited it from her grandmother. Her grandmother had been murdered and is now a ghost in the house. As she finds a dead body under a massive frog balloon at the annual fair, she seeks the aid of her ghostly grandmother and her two dogs before she gets blamed for the murder. The person found dead had come to town demanding money from Nikki or she would be sorry. Lizzie has finally opened up to her best friend Lacey about her grandmother and she has agreed to help with the investigation. As you watch this story unfold, can you figure out who is guilty or was it just an accidental accident?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
614 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2022
The fair is in town and Moonlight Mansion is full of guests. Nikki and her staff are working nonstop to make sure everyone is having a great time. Everything seems to be going great until Nikki discovers a body under the giant frog balloon at the fair. To make matters worse, the body is that of her ex who has come to town to harass Nikki and the police think Nikki is involved! To clear her name and find the real killer, Nikki, the ghost of her grandmother, her two dogs, and the rest of the Accidental Ghost Detectives have to start their own investigation. There are plenty of laughs mixed in with the investigation and you just have to keep reading. I love these characters and this book is better than the first one if that’s even possible! Looking forward to book 3!
4,601 reviews38 followers
September 4, 2022
In Trails and a Traitor, the action is non stop. Once again Ms. Lyn garnered my full attention from the very beginning as Nikki races to discover who murdered her ex who had come to town to demand money from Nikki. This book is well plotted, well written and fun. I love books with dogs but Dash talks to Nikki and also serves as a sleuth! You do not want to miss this exciting adventure in The Accidental Ghost Detective series.
1,843 reviews12 followers
September 4, 2022
Nikki needs extra help solving this murder so her friend Lacey is added to the squad. I continue to love the beloved dachshunds' role to help Nikki work on the mystery. There is a very unusual ending to this story that I have not found in another book I've read so far. It is refreshing. Can't wait for the next book. I received a copy through Booksprout. This is my voluntary review.
1,436 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2022
Nikki has a houseful at her b&b for the weekend of the fair. But who would have expected a murder? With the help of her team, Birdie, Dash her talking dog, her ghostly grandma, and a new addition her friend Lacey, they’re off to solve the death of Nikki’s ex. I enjoyed this mystery and love the town and characters.
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2024
Watch Out for Giant Frogs

Nikki and Dash practice and improve their sleuthing skills along with the rest of the Accidental Ghost Detectives at the Mansion and at the Frog Hallow Summer Festival. Book 2 is as enchanting as Book 1. The characters are continuing to develop and the plot is building.
Profile Image for Frances.
228 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2024
These books are really cute, quick, light reads.

There's a murder mystery that adds suspense that adds suspense to the story but it all just seems really light and cherry.

Nikki, Lacy, Birdie and Dash make the perfect sleuthing tem when Nikki's past comes back to threaten her.

The way the mystery is solved was interesting. I definitely didn't see the killer coming.
102 reviews
January 27, 2025
Much more entertaining than the first book!

This story is better than the first story because she has fleshed out her characters and has brought each of them to life by developing them. They each have their special skills and have learned how to use them well. The plot was much better then the first one too!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,280 reviews87 followers
August 27, 2022
This is a fun-to-read paranormal cozy mystery.. I liked it very much.. It is entertaining and clever, unique and interesting..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,653 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery that was a great read. It's full of twists and turns and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved it and look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Federica De dominicis.
363 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2022
I love Dash!

I adored the witty exchanges and the mix of characters is hilarious and entertaining. The mystery is nice and the story well written, all in all a good book for cozy times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,402 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2022
This is book two in this awesome series. Nikki is a amazing character. Loved reading this wonderful book, even better than he first one...couldn't put it down...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
32 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2022
I'm just loving this series and all the characters, especially Prince Dasher Dangerdog Bean!
He is just too funny, also love the very gutsy Nikki.
Thank you, Emmie Lyn for anther wonderful series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Renee Lewis.
593 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2022
A read that like the first is well written and you don't know who is doing the bad stuff. A recommended read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angie Anderson.
584 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2023
Another hit!

Emmie Lyn has a way of telling a story that just draws you in. Her use of setting and characters is perfection in a cozy mystery. If I ever need a break from real life, I find one of her books and settle in for a couple of hours escape time....well worth the effort.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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