Southern Spirits

Book: Southern Spirits
Author: Angie Fox
Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 1
Publisher: Angie Fox
Release Date: January 21st, 2014
Pages: 280

What I Gave It: 5 Stars

Cover:  A lot of Cozy's are going towards these cartoon covers and I really like them.  They are cute and convey an air of fun over the book.  This worked well with this new Paranormal Mystery from Mrs. Fox.  I'm very happy we didn't end up with the normal Paranormal cover you guys know what I talking about, the ones with scantily clad people in funky positions.  This one works a whole lot better with this book then one of those would have, and it sets the mood for the book.  

Summary:  Verity Long is a down on her luck graphic designer from Sugarland Tennessee who gets in a little over her head when she leaves her fiancé Beau Wydell at the Altar.  Beau happens to be the most eligible bachelor in three counties, and is from a very prominent family.  After being sued by Mrs. Leland Herworth Wydell III in revenge for the scandal jilt Verity finds herself owing more than $20,000.  While cleaning out her house to get the money she inadvertently lets loose the ghost of Beau's uncle a 1920's gangster named Frankie, and accidently grounds him to her ancestral home.  Saddled with a ghost, and no money in the hopes of keeping her house Verity takes a job working for her ex's brother black sheep cop Ellis Wydell.  She is charged with the job of cleaning out a violent spirit from the restaurant that Ellis is remodeling.   Many hijinks ensue during the book which culminates in Ellis and Verity being embroiled in a decades old murder mystery.  Will they be able to solve the mystery, and move the ghost on before the murder catches them!   

Favorite Quote:  This pretty much sums up how it all starts ""Listen, Doll" Frankie said his tone softening a hair. "When your great-uncle so-and-so dies, there's a reason you scatter his ashes.  You scatter," he said making a motion like he was feeding birds or something.  "You let them catch the wind.  You give the spirit Freedom if he wants it."  His voice grew tight.  "You don't dump them all in one spot then stomp on 'em.""

My Thoughts:  This book was so much fun, as are most of Mrs. Fox's book.  She has a real way with humor, and world building.  Its loaded with interesting character that make up a fun, and charming new world.  Truthfully this book was a blast of a ride from start to finish, and I totally enjoyed every bit of it.  The pacing was fast, and the writing was well done.  I really found myself loving Verity and Ellis.  I also loved her cute skunk for a pet she was a great idea, and has never been done before.  Lauralee is a good start for a character though I wish she had been more a part of the story.  There is also a whole array of interesting ghost that feature in this book, though my favorite was Jilted Josephine.  I totally want to see more of her, though her mother could move on to the great beyond! 

I believe that I would put this book in the Paranormal Cozy genre, and would totally recommend this to anyone who loves Cozy Mysteries of a ghostly nature.  Also anyone who loves Mrs. Fox's other works should totally love this great new world she created.  I'm dying to read the next book in this series. 


**I received this book from the Author in return for my hones review.  I received no other money, or goodie bags.  Receiving this product from the author in no way influences my opinion of this book. **