Sophia Rose is her with another Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery. Come see why she loved the paranormal mystery, Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies by Angie Fox.
by Angie Fox
Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #14
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Verity’s family tree has deep roots…and deadly secrets
Some families pass down antiques or china. Verity’s family? They can’t seem to pass up a good mystery. So when Verity’s dearly departed grandmother drops by unexpectedly, Verity is overjoyed—until she learns Grandma Didi is back with a chilling request tied to a cherished family heirloom.With the help of her ghostly sidekick Frankie—who is too busy declaring her grandmother his ultimate nemesis—Verity traces a trail of clues from her beloved family home to a forgotten suffragette hideout to a secret enclave hidden in the Sugarland Library itself.
But every discovery pulls Verity deeper into danger, and some in Sugarland will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. If Verity isn’t careful, she could lose more than her family legacy—she could end up following her grandmother to the other side.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Verity lands a new adventure when a fire breaks out in the library- and her sister and the young children are inside. That’s when Verity gets a shock because her grandmother’s ghost is suddenly there. Only the first of shocks Verity will experience in Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies, Angie Fox’s latest and still going strong in the Southern Ghost Hunter series.
Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies is the fourteenth installment in a paranormal cozy mystery series that is strong on hometown, friends, family, and ghostly mystery vibes. The books carry over growing and changing characters and relationships so work best in order.
In this latest, Verity was enjoying some non-ghostly downtime while her pet skunk Lucy competes in a pet obstacle course race when the library catching fire is the start of big changes and some bigger choices for Verity. Not only is her sister Melanie trapped and needing rescue in the fire, but the only reason Verity was in time for Melanie was with the aid of her grandmother Didi’s ghost. Didi’s ghost directs her to grab a white Suffragette sash on her way out.
Didi’s appearance complicates not just Verity’s life, but Frankie is definitely riled up about having a more dominant ghost on the Long family property taking charge and changing everything on the poor gangster. Didi and Frankie are like oil and water.
Didi has come back to set right a past wrong she accidentally did her own Grandmother Rose whose ghost in the golden after place is infuriated that Didi endangered Rose’s legacy. The fire in the library was no accident, a skeleton is found as a result and documents, particularly related to Rose have gone missing. Someone in the present is on the same track as Verity, Didi, and the reluctant Frankie and they are willing to kill to get what they want.
While this is cozy in tone, there are some deep emotional moments and this book. Verity is faced with the question, ‘How would one act if they suddenly had a loved one return from the dead?’ Verity’s reaction is probably what we all would be like- hold onto that person as hard as possible even when letting go might be best for all concerned. Through the length of this series, Verity has been living in the past, trying to live up to the ideal of Didi, actually. Verity has carried a lot of guilt for being the one who lost all the family heirlooms and much of what belonged to her grandmother when she was forced to sell it all to pay for that scotched wedding to Ellis’ brother. This is her chance to heal from all that miserable guilt and move on from the past. She needed Didi’s ghost to show her this and more- even enlighten her about Frankie.
Then there was the hidden family legacy she had to investigate that would hopefully give answers about the skeleton found at the library and how to put Great-great grandmother Rose’s spirit to rest. It was an exciting treasure hunt that even got the irascible Frankie excited. And, wow, there were some fab family secrets for Verity to learn as a result.
All in all, Verity was her usual gutsy, impulsive self who leads with her heart, but is surrounded by people and ghosts who help her get there in the end. I look forward to each book and, after a feeling of satisfaction, go back to anticipation for the next new release. Can’t praise the series enough to paranormal cozy mystery fans.
About Angie Fox
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Angie Fox writes sweet, fun, action-packed mysteries. Her characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, Angie is afraid of basements, bees, and going up stairs when it is dark behind her. Let’s face it. Angie wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her books.
Angie is best known for her SOUTHERN SPIRITS™ mysteries, and for her ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER books.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
This is one of my favourite series and I am excited to read this latest book.
Sophia Rose
You’re in for a treat, Role’!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Definitely sounds like a good cozy mystery. Great review!
Sophia Rose
Oh yeah! One of my big cozy paranormal mystery recommends, Lisa.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
It’s so exciting to get a new installment of a beloved series! I’m also eagerly awaiting the next one as soon as I finish, lol. I’ll have to check this series out.
Sophia Rose
You said it, Rachel. This is one that I put on my calendar when I get the new release date. 🙂
Katherine
Every review I read of this series looks better than the last. I’m hoping to start it soon. They all look like such fun reads.
Sophia Rose
Oh good! Glad we could tempt you, Katherine. It is indeed an entertaining series. 🙂
Angela (Angel's Book Nook)
Great review. Thanks for you thoughts. I’ve only listen up to book 4 and really enjoyed. I’ve been on a mystery kick. Might have to get back to this series. It’s nice it’s still going strong.
Sophia Rose
Yes, a couple times I’ve thought it was going to be the last book, but then get the pleasure of more time with Verity and Frankie. 🙂
Sophie
I love when a cozy book also has a deeply emotional undertone!
Sophia Rose
I agree. It gives it substance and connection.
Anne- Books of My Heart
I’ve read the start of the series and liked it. Perhaps I’ll get back to it one day.
Sophia Rose
Yes, most definitely, Anne! 🙂
Teresa Broderick
A wonderful review! Makes me interested in looking up the series.
Sophia Rose
Yay! Glad to tempt you, Teresa!
Bree Dalton
Such a fun cover!
Sophia Rose
I love the covers for this series, too. So whimsical and catch the tone of paranormal cozy mystery so well.