Southern Bred and Dead by Angie Fox

A haunted church and a ghastly death.  Can Verity clear up the case before she’s buried way over her head?

This was a great book, full of ghosts.  The main character could see and talk to ghosts.  Her house guest, Frankie the ghost, kept her busy with his projects.  This book had great characters and I enjoyed them plot.  I recommend this book.

Thank you Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.

This is book 9 in the Southern Ghost Hunter series and it's another great fun read by Angie Fox.  This story can be read as a stand alone but you'll want to catch the entire set.  Verity heads to the church fund raiser with her sidekick mobster ghost and her pet skunk.  When a friend dies after a fall from the steeple the ghost at the church are all active.  These books are light fun reads with a credible cozy mystery to solve.  the paranormal aspect is light and non threatening.  I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book had the best relationship advice of all times for those of us who feel the need to be right, all the time. "If you you're always looking to be right, you're going to have to make him wrong." "Why don't yo utry to find a way through this together: Turst me, it's better than being right." Lauralee is the kind of friend that every protagonist like Verity needs. Of course Verity needs to be a strong character, she is a ghost hunter with a gangster ghost as a ghost hunting partner, and I don't mean gangta' I mean, right out of the Al Capone era, gangster. I'm not sure if he is the reason Verity get's herself in the predicatments she does, which causes her police officert boyfriend, Ellis, to get twitchy and worried. Verity has a special gift and just enough Southern Stubborn to not let anyone stop her from using it. But this time she may be in over her head even with Frankie lending her some of his "juice" while he looses a leg. Great story and I do believe I may be getting better at putting together the clues, I figured 75% of this one out before the big unveiling. I was very happy with the ending, it was perfectly cozy!

I definitely felt a little bit lost reading this one, since I think I missed some character development given in earlier works in the series. 
I am interested in reading this from the beginning, so maybe a future 2021 endeavor. But, for now I am settling on a 2.5 star read

Southern Bred and Dead by Angie Fox is the 9th book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series. Verity Long is a ghost hunter, who usually gets help from Frankie, her  gangster ghost.  Not only is this book really funny, it has a great mystery, with exciting activity. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love humorous paranormal cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book. This book can be read as a stand alone but you might want to start with book one Southern Spirits, you won't be disappointed if you like fun, paranormal cozy mysteries. Definitely one of my favorite series.  
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Verity Long is back with her ghostly sidekick Frankie the gangster, hunting ghosts and uncovering secrets kept until beyond the grave. This mystery involves the murder of a close family friend and Frankie’s long lost brother, who happens to be the person that shot him when he was alive. Danger and peril reign in the ghostly world, and Verity gets some help from a surprising source, her ex-fiancé. And she gets in hot water with her current boyfriend, who wishes she’d stop the ghost hunting all together. Can Frankie and Verity solve the murder and find his brother in time?

I’ve not read all of the series, but I have read quite a few. This wasn’t my favorite of the books, but it was an entertaining and amusing read with just enough twists and suspense to keep my interest to the very end.

he tension is everywhere as Verity helps Frankie investigate his demise and looks into a suspicious death at a church where the cemetery is home to hostile, zombie-like ghosts while navigating relationship issues that could derail things between her and Ellis. Humor, deftly applied, breaks the tension when needed and one highlight is a surprising interlude with Beau. Lucy, as always, shines whenever she appears in a scene and we're introduced to a number of new characters who add to an already interesting series. It was quite the ride and I loved every second of it.

This is the 9th release in the series "Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries" by cozy author Angie Fox. I have read many in the series and always enjoy return to this series for easy reading that is entertaining and fun., I love the paranormal aspect of this series that the author does to perfection.  Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. 

This is look back on the series. It answers a lot of questions for readers. I love how we found out more about our protagnist and her beginning.  This features the charming small town and how Verity was welcomed and began her life here. I enjoyed this look back on the start of the series.

Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery Series has been among my favorite go-to reads when I want something humorous and lighthearted.

That being said, Southern Bred and Dead was a bit of a letdown.

Verity uncharacteristically grated on my nerves, especially during the first half or so of the book. For some reason, she came off as air-headed and flakey here. Also, Ellis, her boyfriend, seemed more stoic and way too cranky throughout.

The plot involves a lot of unnecessary drama and periods of tedium. Within that, though, is a fascinating mystery that held my interest as it built up, making the final third of this book well worth the read.

Frankie, the 1920s Gangster ghost, and Lucy, Verity’s pet skunk, remain the stars of this series. They’re the reason I’ll continue coming back for more.

This is my first book by Angie Fox. I admit that one of the reasons I picked it was because the cover was so darn cute. It grabbed my attention and I freely admit to being one of those book people who are attracted to books by their covers lol. Sometimes it has led me to some new favorite books/authors. Sometimes I just feel the need to "surprise" myself with a book without having to wonder what's inside.

Anyway, I absolutely positively loved this book! It is all around good fun and completely cute! I thought Verity was an adorable character. She's smart, witty, interesting, and sweet natured. And on top of that she's stubborn. Just like me. I love characters that aren't moved for their convictions. 

Coming into this book as the latest in it's series, I was slightly worried that I wouldn't be able to follow along but I had no problems catching up. Once I got past all of the introductions I was freely able to immerse myself and enjoy the mystery. I love that it through curveballs in the way. One minute I really thought I had it figured out then you go for another curve. It turns out that I was right in who I thought it was but it most certainly was not for the reason that I thought it would be. And I like that to. Stories you can figure out too easily get boring after awhile. But I was totally sucked in. I am most definitely going to be reading more of these delightful books! It's like being able to eat a light and fluffy Angel Food Cake before having dinner. 

Now, at first, I admit to not liking her boyfriend Ellis very much. But, I thought okay, I am going to give him a shot. There is obviously chemistry there or there wouldn't be so many books. And I was right, I hung in there and it ended up that Ellis is just a big ol softy and just extra protective. I get that because my Hubby is the same way. Someone from the outside might look and see that as a downfall on their part but honestly I love the fact that he watches out for me even when it sometimes also irritates me to lol. And knowing that Ellis is the same way made me cheer. In her line of work she needs that.

I even loved Frankie. I thought it was so much fun to have a gangster ghost hanging around! I mean yeah he obviously gets frustrated by Verity sometimes but you can also tell that he has a true affection for her to. It's kind of like siblings. They get frustrated with each other but they love each other to. 

I really loved the community of Sugarland. I totally loved being included in the history of the town and I really liked how it made me feel like I was part of the town as well. I want to move there lol. I enjoyed this book immensely. And Verity is such a cute name! A very well thought out and enjoyable story. 

I received this book from NetGalley for a review of my own honest opinions.

I think I must have missed at least one of the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries by Angie Fox. I have enjoyed all the previous books in the series that I have read, and once I realized I the gaps in the story, I settled down to read this one. This book takes us back to days when Frankie was alive and the town was thriving. I loved the southern charm of the small town with everyone knowing everyone else and how Verity was able to unravel the not so pristine mysteries of the past. I was able to fill in the holes…except how Verity went from penniless to seeming OK. There were a lot of threads that finally came together at the end of the book making for a terrific ending. I think you’ll really like this book, especially if you have followed the series. Glad it seems like the series will carry on.

A Gangster ghost dead set on finding out why he was killed and his ‘not-so Girl Friday’ who is determined to solve the death of her grandmother’s friend and the uneasy ghosts in the church graveyard raise more than a little ruckus in their small southern town.

Southern Bred and Dead is the ninth of the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries that work best when read or listened to in order.

Verity always has good intentions, but she is not naïve and knows that Frankie will lead her into trouble faster than she can wink.  She has promised to help him confront his brother about the shocking reveal they got at the end of their last ghostly adventure even if it means pushing her caring, responsible boyfriend, sheriff’s deputy, Ellis Wydell, too far when she rubs shoulders with gangster ghosts, bends the law, and tracks down a possible killer.  She knows she scared him when she almost died on a few of her ghost cases, but she’s miffed that he can’t seem to accept that the ghost cases have become her career and she’s good at it with Frankie’s help.

Things have been building to a head in recent books between Verity and Ellis, but also to Frankie’s investigation into his own murder.  I was wary of what was going to break loose in this book as a result.  It did get more angsty and I worried that Verity would stubbornly hold her no-compromise position that refused to see any other perspective save her own, but it was great how her friends gave good advice and she listened.  I was starting to mutter at her and especially because she does have a tendency to go rip roarin’ into the thick of things with no thought to danger until she’s looking death in the eye and poor Ellis and sometimes Frankie have to get her out of it.  But, it turned out much different than I feared.

The mystery was clever and there wasn’t even evidence that it was a murder for the longest time.  There are a few possible suspects and I didn’t figure it out early.  I loved how more Sugarland history from the 20’s was woven into the mystery and we finally get the answers along with Frankie for his murder.  His early years and more of his gangster past are a big focus in this one along with Verity’s relationship.  It was great getting all that background since I have loved Frankie’s character since the beginning of the series.

There was a rumor that this was the last of the series and I could see why people would think that since a couple big series arcs were addressed, but I’m relieved to see that the author plans on more ghostly detecting for Verity, Frankie, and Ellis.  Those who enjoy a paranormal twist to their cozy mysteries should definitely give this series a try.

This book tries to be like the earlier sookie stackhouse books to me but doesn't quite have the impact that they did. I liked the idea around it but something just didn't seem right to me and I just wasn't invested enough in the characters to really care what was going on.

It is an average story but an enjoyable enough book to read to kill some time.

Princess Fuzzypants here:  I am fond of this series with a ghost hunting heroine, assisted by a long deceased gangster and with an adorable pet skunk as her live-in companion.  As this might indicate, the hijinks are fast and furious and it is a toss up whether Verity’s living or dead confrontations are more unnerving.  But she is very good at what she does and the entire town now realizes this.  This includes her former fiancé, his mother from hell and his cop brother, who is her current squeeze.

Frankie, her ghost gets her into some tight corners and she has come out unharmed by the skin of her teeth at times.  This makes her boyfriend, who has come along for the ride several times very worried for her safety.  It seems she is getting just as reckless as Frankie and he ended up with a bullet between his eyes.

This time she is trying to help Frankie track down his brother, whom he has just learned pulled the fatal trigger.  Verity is on the case with him but at the same time she is trying to find out what happened to an old friend of her grandmother’s who plummeted from the bell tower of a decrepit church the day of a fundraiser.  She had just met Verity to give her some mementos she’d discovered in a box.  And when she uses Frankie’s power to try to find out what happened from the various ghosts, she is threatened by them.  

It is all quite perplexing but ties up very neatly by the end of the story.  I enjoy these stories for their upbeat whimsy and for the fun combination of the living and the dead.  This one does not let me down. 

Five purrs and two paws up.

A haunted church. A ghastly death. Can Verity clear up the case before she’s buried way over her head?

The blurb about the book sucked me in and I had to start reading this immediately. Verity has had a day she wishes to forget about. Her boyfriend dumped her and she was able to figure out who killed her roommate, who is a ghost of a gangster. She wants to have a day just to herself when something terrible happens. A friend of hers plunges to their death. While chasing clues as to whether it was an accident or on purpose, Verity must look at different places for clues. We get to meet many different ghosts and verity’s pet skunk. Verity is a very loveable character and has a great sense of humor as well. This is a well written mystery that entices you with great characters as well as a plot and story that is  very well written and has a great storyline.

Thank you to netgalley as well as author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

You can't ever go wrong reading a book in this series. Once again the author writes a highly entertaining book. There's plenty of southern wit and charm in this book along with ghosts and more ghosts! I'm sure I'll never get tired of Verity's antics. This is another winner for Angie Fox! Verity, Frankie, more ghosts, and a pet skunk.... Need I say more?!

SBAD by Angie Fox is book nine in her Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.
Verity Long is up to her next adventure. Her boyfriend Ellis, brother of her ex-fiance, her pet skunk and last but not least, Frankie. And Frankie is about to play a mayor role in this suspenseful story.
I love the Verity long stories, a great read.

It was my first book written by Angie Fox and it was intresting. It was a little spooky, especially with ghosts from the church. It was funny, parts when Verity supports Frankie during his gangster's stuff. I didn't know earlier books from "Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries" series, so I highly appreciate that Author gave us a background about things from previous books. 

Verity is a really good character in my opinion. She is living in small town, with her skunk Lucy nad her housemate Frankie who is a gangster ghost. How Verity stucks with Frankie made me laughing out loud. Verity is intelligent person who can handle all things which life will prepere for her, but even her nerves of steel have a trouble with agressive ghosts. 

Majority of male characters in this book are really annoying. Ellis has an obssesion about Verity's safety. He wants to close her in the golden cage and rules her to give up ghost hunting. Even it's important for her and she is good in that, but Ellis doesn't see it. 
Frankie thinks only about his issues and tasks. He pushes Verity to helping him, even if she has another really important for her mystery to resolve. 
I found here one nice male character. Jorie's husband-ghost. He tries to really help Verity and he understands her point of view. 

Second good character is Lucy, probably bacause she is a skunk with character. Her relation with Frankie is so funny. 

Plot is full of mysteries and ghosts. Way how Verity manages her own invastigation at the beginning is a little chaotic, but later she has a plan and goes with points one by one. 
Gangster's society is very well written. We meet a lot of different persons which are a little stereotypical, but reflects the atmosphere of the twenties of the 20th century. 

I saw here a similar vibes which I felt when I was watching "Ghost Whisperer". I definately want to read next books from this series. Thank you NetGalley and Moose Island Books for copy.

This time out it’s Frankie’s turn to take the ghostly lead as he needs Verity to help him navigate some of his old gangster haunts as he chases down the truth to find out why he was shot in the head. The hope being that coming completely to terms with his death will allow him to finally leave Verity’s property without her needing to carry his ashes with her. 
I love the glimpses we get into the gang land that Frankie was part of and his recollections throughout this book are always interesting. 
Meanwhile Verity also has boyfriend troubles among other things – Ellis is upset that her ghost hunting and frequent hang outs with the ghostly Frankie are putting her more and more on the wrong side of the law he has sworn to uphold. 
Add that to the sudden and suspicious death of her grandmothers best friend along with the odd behaviour of the ghosts in a local graveyard and Verity is kept incredibly busy!
I love that she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and the work she is doing (even if half the town think she is crazy). There’s a special kind of strength in being true to yourself and its a pleasure to read a character who has that outlook on life. 
As always with this series there is a wonderful mix of light heartedness and the more serious side of life. It was a real pleasure to catch up with Verity and Frankie again and I look forward to their next outing.

Like this series,great characters,fun,easy to read,mystery and romance.
Like Frankie the ghost 
Voluntarily reviewed.