In Give Up the Ghost, a time capsule is dug up, and in it is a blackmailer's book of secrets, and her daughter claims it.  And you know that means it's the beginning of problems!

Verity and Frankie have their work cut out for them investigating a murder, a blackmailer and a member of Verity's boyfriend's family being implicated in the murder!

This is a cosy mystery fantasy series which I've been enjoying for a while.  It's an entertaining and light read series, with some of the books being scarier than others!

Give Up the Ghost was published on 31st May 2022 and is available from Amazon and Waterstones.

Angie Fox has a Facebook page and a reader group.

I've previously read and reviewed the below books in the series:

Southern Spirits, A Ghostly Gift and The Skeleton in the Closet - book 1, 1.5 and 2

Pecan Pies and Dead Guys - book 7 

The Mint Julep Murders - book 8

The Ghost of Christmas Past - book 8.5

Southern Bred and Dead - book 9

The Haunted Homecoming - book 10

I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Moose Island Books and Author Collective 20  (the publishers) for this book.

I enjoyed this cozy ghost hunter mystery. I hadn’t read any of the previous books, while it would have probably provided a richer experience, I was able to follow along without feeling so was missing ‘something’
If cozy mysteries are your thing then you will love this story.

I hated to end this book. This series is so fun and I always look forward to reading this series. This is book 11 in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries. Verity Long and Frankie are on another adventure and this time Lucy the skunk has a love interest! When a burn book turns up with secrets that should have been left buried it could lead to a deadly situation. Twyla Sue claims her mother's burn book and starts using it for no good, it's no surprise she ends up dead but the question is who did it? Remember the dead can be just as deadly to the living so will Verity be able to figure out who did it without ending up permanently in the ghost plain?

You can pick up this book and not be lost but, it will make you want to know how Verity and Frankie's relationship came to be. This book is fun and of course a cozy mastery. So before you get to the end of the book let me know who you think did it. That is always the fun of these books trying to figure out who did it.

Even though I enjoy this cozy paranormal series, this book just didn't interest me. I found the plot line to be stale, and while I liked the eccentricity at first, it wears a bit thin in this 11th book of the series.

Another delightful adventure the author of Verity Long et al entertains us.
Verity and her boyfriend Sheriff Ellis are up for the next case. And this time his mother is involved. The reigning smalltownqueen who made Verity's life difficult till today is now in a bind herself and needs help.
A muder mystery you don't want to miss.

A vicious Burn book, a murdered hairdresser, and a town roiling as past secrets come out. I was jazzed to pick up the latest ghostly murder mystery with the loveable amateur detecting team of Verity and ghost gangster Frankie.

The books are standalone murder and ghost mysteries, but there is Verity’s ongoing story and build of relationships particularly her side plot romance interest with sheriff’s deputy, Ellis Wydell, the brother of her ex-fiancé and son of the woman who has most made Verity’s life miserable. So, reading in order gives the background ongoing story.

In this latest, Give Up the Ghost, the daughter of a former gossip queen and blackmailer gets back her mother’s burn book that held all the secrets the hairdresser learned about the people in town, but then is murdered and the book is missing. Unfortunately for Ellis who is a sheriff’s deputy, he arrives on the scene to find his mother near the body and she has blood on her. He’s taken off the case, ordered to handle a stakeout outside of town, and can’t be there when his mother is deserted by the rest of the family and her so-called friends when pages from the burn book show up to tattle on her past.

Virginia Wydell has made Verity’s life a nightmare since she walked away from her wedding with Beau and started dating Beau’s brother, Ellis. Ellis knows what he’s asking when he calls on Verity to use her connection to the ghost world to get at the truth and help his mother. And, Verity’s heart is big enough to take care of the woman for Ellis’ sake.

But one more startling bit ups the ante for Verity and Frankie. A ghost they go to interview knows how to free Frankie from Verity, accidentally grounding his spirit to her family land. They have slowly become a partnership and they often fret about being stuck with each other, but when the possibility of freedom is offered? Neither are as excited as they thought they’d be.

Give Up the Ghost was a wonderful blend of ghost adventure, small town antics, murder mystery, and some character plotting. Virginia Wydell has been the bullying snobbish woman through the whole series so it was both gratifying and a bit of a shock to see her get her just desserts in this one. I didn’t figure out the murder mystery even though the suspect list wasn’t very long, but I also wasn’t surprised when the truth came out, either. The murder was backburnered for much of the book and I was more interested in what was going on with Virginia and Frankie’s storylines.

My biggest relief was discovering this was not the final book and there will be more ghostly mysteries to solve. Granted, it will be interesting to see what the reveals do to the rest of the series, but I am all in to find out. The Southern Ghost Hunter series falls in the paranormal cozy category, but it has some good excitement and even some creepy moments. I whole-heartedly recommend these to the cozy crowd, but even some of the urban fantasy lovers out there who like a good ghost story.

A fun easy to read ghost mystery. I have read some of the previous stories involving Verity and whilst not necessary it did help knowing some of the background.
In this book Verity, her sidekick ghost, Frankie and her pet skunk are up their necks in the issues caused when a time capsule is opened in Sugarland, Tennessee.

There is plenty of humour and antics that keep this story moving swiftly along. All in all a fabulous cozy mystery book.

Ok, so I’ve not actually heard if this author before, however, the cover really caught my eye. I love anything Ghostly/Spooky, and this drew me in when I saw the writing style was totally different to what I’ve read before.
This is written in a very matter-of-fact way, it’s almost like you could be having this conversation with your best friend. Brilliant!
It’s definitely not what I usually get from a ghost story, but I really did enjoy this. It’s a lot more easy going, so easy to follow, funny, cozy-mystery kind of story and very engaging.
I’ll definitely be going back and seeing what other books there are for me to read. Truly, a lovely, perfect. Summer read.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

pet, skunk, situational-humor, ghost-hunting, ghosts, cozy-mystery, small-town, gossip, law-enforcement, family, family-dynamics, friendship, gangsters, verbal-humor, paranormal, series, extortion, entitled-attitude, bullies*****

Another great read in this series and a much-needed getaway from reality with lots of laughs!
Even if you've never met Verity, Frankie the gangster ghost, local law Ellis and his horrid mother, you've still got to enjoy this! Ellis's mother calls him to a murder scene and looks guilty as sin. That starts a sequence of events originally caused by a blackmailing hairdresser, continued by her daughter who is the murder victim now. Lots of fallout on all this! Meanwhile back at Verity's home, Frankie has brought home a ghostly racehorse (and other farm animals) because he is bored. Let the madness begin!
Not an unbiased review because I absolutely love the real star of this series--Lucille Desiree Long AKA Lucy, Verity's pet skunk!
I'm not sure about stand-alone quality since I am addicted to this series, but I think that it should do.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Moose Island Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Now I just have to wait to get the audio!

When I think of cozy mysteries, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels, thrills and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

If you've had the same favourite authors list for a very long time, pay attention!

Ever since I started to read books in their own language my Top 10 Urban Fantasy & Top 10 Paranormal ( cozy) Mystery has changed a lot. And even though Give up the Ghost isn't Angie Fox' best Southern Ghost Hunter book she still shows my in 2018 updated Favourites list (for both: Top Paranormal Mystery & Urban Fantasy authors) has her name on it for a reason.

If this is the first Angie Fox you're picking up, I'm telling you that this particular volume is probably the least 'stand-alone' of the bunch. Even though each book has its separate story and that mystery will be started and solved within the pages of that title, this novel has so many references to the longer red thread & events of previous books I'm not sure this is the way to begin Southern Ghost Hunter. Personally I think - despite different mysteries and/or murders in each book - this is a series which has buildups and larger stories throughout: newbies better start with title one. You won't regret it!

Angie Fox manages to write her characters to such an extent you really get a good idea of who they are. They'll remind you of a classmate, neighbour or family member and will infuriate or amuse you in equal ways. Authors that can make me laugh or anger, while keeping me on the edge of my seat are few and far between. But Angie Fox is definitely one of them, even in titles I consider “not as awesome” like Give up the Ghost. (PS. Definitely check out her Accidental Demon Slayer series too. Fun!)

Speaking of emotion : If you've loathed Virginia as much as I did in previous books you're definitely in for a surprise. Verity is finally standing up to her; speaking the truth she kept boiling inside for years. What's more: circumstances might force the Ice Queen of Sugarland to listen. Why!? Well, that is part of the plot, and would be a spoiler you'll never forgive.

It is one of the better parts of Give up the Ghost though, the book in which we finally learn what was in the small box, the last item in the Time Capsule of the previous book. During the waiting period for this title I wondered if it might be Frankie's favourite gun. But nope... It is an all-out feared 'artefact' in the town of Sugarland and bound to cause strife and misery amongst its inhabitants. It does. Not surprisingly – we're talking a Southern Ghost Hunter book here -, it is also the cause of a murder. One our favourite Ghost Whisperer Verity Long wants to solve more than ever. Because this time it could blacken big love Ellis' reputation.

Even though the charm of Sugarland's characters, the wonderful relationship between Ellis and Verity, the annoying antics of Frankie and the twists within the plot are part of this title again, Fox simply gave more in earlier titles. More of everything. More excitement. More (ghost)horror. More unexpected turns. Even more emotion. And that's despite the confrontation (s) between Virginia and Verity.

Not sure why I felt it like this, but to me Give up the Ghost not only felt as a weaker continuation of Homecoming, but – gasp - it also almost signaled as if Angie Fox is working towards the end of the Southern Ghost Hunter series, with maybe 1 or max 2 novels to round things up. What happened to Verity's mother-in-law and the mention of grandma Delia Long speaks to that too.

A lot of things from past novels come back or are explained, Frankie's heard a true solution for his grounding – though I wonder if he's able to do it. I'm thinking he'll decide to stay no matter what - and while annoying Duranja is upping his game to throw Verity in jail, he's being taken (even) less serious than before.

Don't get me wrong, I still liked Give up the Ghost, but I didn't * love * it, like I did other books in this series. A shame. I know this is an author that can do much better. I would actually re- read the rest of the series and do this with a very small percentage of novels. Book #11 in the Southern Ghost Hunter series might just be "good” this time, simply because all I've read before was excellent. I'm waiting for #12 with bated breath though. Angie Fox might have "Given up the Ghost" a bit this time in my critical opinion, but it's not just any author who ends up on my favourites list.

Rating: four out of the five available stars. If you're a Southern Ghost Hunter lover this title still can't be missed.

Verity Long is no stranger to scandal. In fact, it seems to follow her around like her pet skunk, Lucy. But Verity is as shocked as anybody when a town relic discovered in a time capsule unleashes a torrent of secrets that lead to murder.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover. I do love this series. Verity is my favourite.
I do hope there is more to come. This one kept me hooked and entertained until the last page…

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Author Collective 20 and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Full of pizzaz and charming characters, this is a tale that will delight even the most critical of critics. Angie Fox has a nuanced talent many only desire.

It starts with a bang and the descriptions are so vivid, it feels like I was part of the crowd.

With a looming scandal threatening the peace in Sugarland, Verity and Frankie must get to the bottom of it all and prevent bloodshed. An infamous book of scandals is on the loose along with a murderer. The list of possible suspects is about as big as the population of the town. And have they perhaps found the key to Frankie's freedom?

Verity’s curiosity and her previous success in solving murders of course mean that she cannot stay away. The plot seemed a bit convoluted at times, with vengeful ghosts, a second book of secrets, Frankie’s usual side-hustle, and Virginia’s world falling apart. There was a lot going on, and when the murderer was revealed, it felt a bit anti-climactic. And it would be great so see more of Verity and Ellis. It feels as if their relationship is standing still at the moment. Still love Ellis, though.

But I just loved the witty dialogue and engaging writing style. After 11 books in the series, I am by no means tired yet of Verity and Frankie. It’s a book I just couldn’t put down. If you think you can stop at the end of a chapter, forget about it. Five more minutes quickly becomes the entire evening in the blink of an eye.

I can definitely recommend this series if you like paranormal stories with suspense. And ghosts, of course. Each one stands well on its own and you don’t have to read them in order. But the characters do grow and change and do new things.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Give Up the Ghost is the eleventh book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. The main character, Verity, tracks down who has an 80’s Burn Book that was uncovered in an early-opened time capsule at the local high school. She’s also trying to determine the ID of a murderer; one suspect is her boyfriend’s mother. The writing is superb as always, and there are so many cute southern sayings I’m always laughing out loud while reading a book in this series. Verity is a smart main character who is always trying to do the right thing, while occasionally telling a few folks off along the way. Her pet skunk is adorable. The pages fly by and the mystery is a good one. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Moose Island Books for this wonderful ARC. I’m submitting my honest review and opinion. I will post this review to my blog, Goodreads, Bookbub, & Amazon accounts.

Gossip Girl as a ghost with a diary instead of a blog? This started with the voice of the Real Housweives narrator's first ever show in my head - the ones with Eva Longoria in it 😍

I tossed and dnf Six Rooms only to find myself reading somewhat similar to it but this one is funny (not boring) all adult (but enjoying it like a middle grade) and such a cozy read. I fly through it for two days not unlike the other book that I have been trying to get through for the past two weeks.

If you just want a happy and not all so serious mystery solving ghost stories set in a small town, then you are gonna love this. Ellis is so dense, Duranja is an asshole, Virginia is a bitch, Verity is the copycat of Nancy Drew and Frankie is sooooo funny - i love his character the most.

Thanks @netgalley for giving me the chance to read a copy of this book. More books from this aithor in thr future I hope. Though I didn't know that this is book 11 in a series. But hey, they are all standalones so you can read them in any order.

#cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #popcornread

I was lucky enough to have received a copy from Net-Galley in exchange for a review which I am happy to provide.
I love this series and I pretty much devoured the book despite trying to take my time with it. I would recommend to read the Series in order since each book picks up were the last one left off. But you still will be able to enjoy the book even if you are not familiar on how it all started. There is action and suspense a little romance and I really enjoyed it from beginning to end.

I have never read anything by this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the blurb.
I enjoy cosy mysteries and this is a cosy, supernatural mystery. The main character, Verity, has the power to see ghosts but only when "plugged in" to that side by her resident, grounded ghost - the gangster Frankie.
I quite liked that this isn't a power for her to keep hidden from people and that it's openly acknowledged, whether believed or not, around the town. It's not a power she's haunted (I'm sorry, I couldn't find a better word) by.
When a local hair stylist is murdered and her book of dark secrets, containing enough information to blackmail people, goes missing, Verity works to find the murderer.
This is an ideal book when you don't want anything too taxing or emotionally heavyweight. Surprisingly enjoyable.

Give up the Ghost is book number eleven in the Southern Ghost Hunter series by Angie Fox. This story continues where book ten left off, with a time vault in town opened, and all the items in need of documentation. The town watches as the items are pulled from the vault. A mysterious book that was not supposed to be in the vault is found, and it causes quite a stir.
This book is the center of the mystery in this story. It takes Verity Long on a hunt for an elusive ghost, and a possible solution to Frankie’s predicament of being grounded on Verity’s property.
Like the other books in the Southern Ghost Hunter series, Give Up The Ghost is filled with a cast of eclectic and fun characters, her dreamy boyfriend Ellis, and the cutest pet ever. We also learn more about Virginia’s past, and it’s not pretty. As book eleven comes to a close, I wonder if it’s possible that Virginia and Verity might someday have a civil relationship. I hope so.
As for her ghost, Frankie, it feels like two steps forward and one step back on his journey to freedom. He’s stubborn and resists change, even when it’s detrimental. He makes me laugh, but sometimes I also want to clobber him.
If you’ve read the other books in the Southern Ghost Hunter series, then you will surely enjoy this one. If you have just spotted this series for the first time, then I highly recommend that you go back and start from the beginning and read your way through, because you won’t want to miss them. These are supernatural cozy mysteries at their best. Angie Fox has a great sense of humor and adds just enough snark to make me laugh out loud from time to time. The main character, Verity Long, is southern to the core. She’s smart, upbeat, considerate, and she sticks her nose in places she shouldn’t all for the greater good of the town she loves, and the people (both alive and dead) who need her help. Highly recommended!

My third in this series although it is the eleventh instalment, sometimes Verity Long would like to forget that she lives with the ghost of a 1920s gangster. But the reluctant housemates must work together in Sugarland, Tennessee when a town relic, a sequin-covered book, is discovered in a time capsule dating back to 1985 at the time when Verity's mum's class were graduating. Secrets are released, leading to a murder.

I love Angie Fox’s fun and humorous writing style and I thought the plot was wonderfully engaging and imaginative. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, then you need to check out Give Up the Ghost. It's comical, and it will definitely keep you guessing. This very happy reader highly recommends it!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Author Collective 20, Moose Island Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.