Debi D. (icechips) reviewed Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter, Bk 4) on + 18 more book reviews
Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox
The gal who said after reading the first book in the series, Southern Spirits, I -- don't -- like -- mysteries, well she's still liking these mysteries.
I loved the story and the series. The characters are wonderful, likeable and believable. The story flows smoothly and has nice pacing. For those of you that read books for the over the top sex scenes, run the other way. If you love books with a great storyline and characters that you can cheer for, then you need to get in on this series.
This is book #4 and yes you've missed the first three (and a novella), but you can start reading this one right off. You miss some of the running background things, but you shouldn't be too lost getting caught up. After you finish you're going to want to go back and read the ones you missed.
This one is the first one where Verity is an official ghost-hunter and it's action-packed. We'll call it the gasp and laugh story, because there's some of each type of moments. Unhappy, evil ghosts and across town some having a great time (party at Verity's House ... that's as much of a spoiler as you're going to get). And we honestly have to get Verity some ghost-hunting clothes, because she should save her dresses for going out with the hunky Ellis.
Those of you that are Frankie fans, our resident ghost isn't in quite as much as usual. But he's still as snarky as ever and there's some great moments with him, and we meet some of his former gang in this book. Still trying to figure where the ghosts got all the stuff, but that's another spoiler you're going to have to read and figure out for yourself.
The gal who said after reading the first book in the series, Southern Spirits, I -- don't -- like -- mysteries, well she's still liking these mysteries.
I loved the story and the series. The characters are wonderful, likeable and believable. The story flows smoothly and has nice pacing. For those of you that read books for the over the top sex scenes, run the other way. If you love books with a great storyline and characters that you can cheer for, then you need to get in on this series.
This is book #4 and yes you've missed the first three (and a novella), but you can start reading this one right off. You miss some of the running background things, but you shouldn't be too lost getting caught up. After you finish you're going to want to go back and read the ones you missed.
This one is the first one where Verity is an official ghost-hunter and it's action-packed. We'll call it the gasp and laugh story, because there's some of each type of moments. Unhappy, evil ghosts and across town some having a great time (party at Verity's House ... that's as much of a spoiler as you're going to get). And we honestly have to get Verity some ghost-hunting clothes, because she should save her dresses for going out with the hunky Ellis.
Those of you that are Frankie fans, our resident ghost isn't in quite as much as usual. But he's still as snarky as ever and there's some great moments with him, and we meet some of his former gang in this book. Still trying to figure where the ghosts got all the stuff, but that's another spoiler you're going to have to read and figure out for yourself.
Cate S. (absolutartist1) reviewed Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter, Bk 4) on + 25 more book reviews
Verity and crew are back - and trying to puzzle out a century-old curse!
In this installment, Verity has given up on her graphic design business, and is now trying to make ends meet as a ghost hunter. Things have never been better between her and Ellis. Even Lucy is enjoying the new life they've got going... especially since Ellis is teaching her new tricks! When Verity lands her first ghost hunting job at the locally renowned haunted estate of Rock Fall things certainly seem to be looking up. But, nothing is ever as easy as that when ghosts are involved.
This book was my favorite from the series so far. Angie managed to mix the mystery, romance, and adventure in a truly inspired way throughout this book. Check it out, and see if you can figure out who the culprit is before they reveal themselves!
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Please note - I received a complimentary copy of this book. That does not in any way influence my review of the material.
In this installment, Verity has given up on her graphic design business, and is now trying to make ends meet as a ghost hunter. Things have never been better between her and Ellis. Even Lucy is enjoying the new life they've got going... especially since Ellis is teaching her new tricks! When Verity lands her first ghost hunting job at the locally renowned haunted estate of Rock Fall things certainly seem to be looking up. But, nothing is ever as easy as that when ghosts are involved.
This book was my favorite from the series so far. Angie managed to mix the mystery, romance, and adventure in a truly inspired way throughout this book. Check it out, and see if you can figure out who the culprit is before they reveal themselves!
--------------------------------
Please note - I received a complimentary copy of this book. That does not in any way influence my review of the material.
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Deader Homes and Gardens is the fourth installment in the Southern Ghost Hunters Mystery series featuring Verity Long and her ghostly gangster sidekick Frankie. Verity has put aside her job as a graphic designer and has her sights set on ghost hunting.
Verity is hired by Lee Treadwell to come and investigate the ghosts living in his ancestral home, Rock Fall. The mansion has been boarded up since Lee's grandparents, uncle and a governess died in the home within a short period of each other and under threatening circumstances, but Lee is anxious to fix the house up and in order to do so must get inside to see if there is anything of value to sell. Rumor has it that Lee's grandfather brought back Egyptian artifacts from an archaeological dig that caused the family to be cursed.
Frankie goes along for the first visit to the mansion, but is immediately creeped out by the home, the ghosts and the dolls. So, he begs off accompanying Verity on any more trips instead lending her his powers so that she can try to help the ghosts on her own. Fortunately, Verity has Ellis Wyndell her boyfriend and brother of her ex fiancée to tag along and help her fend off the evil spirits.
A great addition to the series, although Frankie doesn't spend too much time with Verity. He is busy entertaining his gangster, bootlegging, rabble rousing friends on the back porch. It always brings a smile to think of Lucy, Verity's pet skunk and it is nice to see a relationship developing between Verity and Ellis. This one was a little scarier than the previous books.
Verity is hired by Lee Treadwell to come and investigate the ghosts living in his ancestral home, Rock Fall. The mansion has been boarded up since Lee's grandparents, uncle and a governess died in the home within a short period of each other and under threatening circumstances, but Lee is anxious to fix the house up and in order to do so must get inside to see if there is anything of value to sell. Rumor has it that Lee's grandfather brought back Egyptian artifacts from an archaeological dig that caused the family to be cursed.
Frankie goes along for the first visit to the mansion, but is immediately creeped out by the home, the ghosts and the dolls. So, he begs off accompanying Verity on any more trips instead lending her his powers so that she can try to help the ghosts on her own. Fortunately, Verity has Ellis Wyndell her boyfriend and brother of her ex fiancée to tag along and help her fend off the evil spirits.
A great addition to the series, although Frankie doesn't spend too much time with Verity. He is busy entertaining his gangster, bootlegging, rabble rousing friends on the back porch. It always brings a smile to think of Lucy, Verity's pet skunk and it is nice to see a relationship developing between Verity and Ellis. This one was a little scarier than the previous books.
Kristina A. reviewed Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter, Bk 4) on + 1528 more book reviews
Deader Home and Gardens by Angie Fox is the fourth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series. Verity Long has given up her graphic design business and has become a ghost hunter. So far, though, she has not gotten any clients. Verity has kept herself busy by helping her boyfriend, Ellis Wyndell decorate his home. They are trying out new curtains when she receives a call from Lee Treadwell. Lee states he needs Verity to come over immediately. Verity is excited to have her first client. She heads home to collect Frankie, her gangster ghost and link to the spiritual world, and heads to Rock Fall manor (Lee's ancestral home). It turns out that Rock Fall manor is haunted. A tragedy occurred after Jack Treadwell (Lee's grandfather) brought home artifacts (that were said to be cursed) from an Egyptian tomb in 1910. The whole family died within a short period. Jack, Annabelle (his wife), Charlotte (his young daughter), and Robert (his brother-in-law). The governess survived but she suffered severe burns from a fire. The son survived but only because he was living in New York at the time. Lee has been living in the caretaker's cottage on the property. He has never entered the manor house. Rock Fall is crumbling and needs major repairs. In order to accomplish that task, he needs to enter the house. Lee needs to find something of value that he can sell. Verity needs to find out why the ghosts are hanging around. In order to accomplish her job, Verity needs Frankie's help (his power). Frankie, though, is not happy. He dislikes being stuck on her property, and has decided that having fun might free him. He wants to have his friends (his bootlegging, gangster friends who like to shoot off guns, gamble, and drink) around. In exchange for Frankie's help on the case, Verity agrees to let him have use of the back porch (you know Frankie is going to take advantage). When Verity discovers Egyptian artifacts in the dining room of Rock Fall manor along with Jack's journals, she calls in her old college professor, Dale Grassino. Dale is excited to read the journals, but he never gets the chance. He dies in the study. Did one of the ghosts kill him? Verity is even more determined to find out what is going on at Rock Fall manor (the ghosts have been very secretive) and get a happy ending for Lee and the ghosts.
Deader Home and Gardens was a delight to read. I love the antics of Verity and Frankie (Frankie is quite a character). Ms. Fox does a remarkable job at creating characters that the readers can relate to. The mystery was interesting as well as complicated and had a good twist (I do not believe everyone will see it coming). The ghosts or spirits were a nice mix. Some were scary and creepy while others were friendly and endearing. Deader Homes and Gardens can be read as a stand-alone (but why would you). Angie Fox gives the readers the background information on Verity and her situation (how she ended up with Frankie and dead broke). I do, though, recommend that you read the previous books in the series (they are highly entertaining). I give Deader Homes and Gardens 4.5 out of 5 stars (I did solve the mystery). The ending leaves the reader desiring more. I just wish we did not have to wait months for the next installment!
Deader Home and Gardens was a delight to read. I love the antics of Verity and Frankie (Frankie is quite a character). Ms. Fox does a remarkable job at creating characters that the readers can relate to. The mystery was interesting as well as complicated and had a good twist (I do not believe everyone will see it coming). The ghosts or spirits were a nice mix. Some were scary and creepy while others were friendly and endearing. Deader Homes and Gardens can be read as a stand-alone (but why would you). Angie Fox gives the readers the background information on Verity and her situation (how she ended up with Frankie and dead broke). I do, though, recommend that you read the previous books in the series (they are highly entertaining). I give Deader Homes and Gardens 4.5 out of 5 stars (I did solve the mystery). The ending leaves the reader desiring more. I just wish we did not have to wait months for the next installment!
