Southern Spirits by Angie Fox-4 stars

Fox, Angie, Southern Spirits: Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1. 7.34 hrs. Angie Fox, 2015. $19.95. Audible Download 

 

Source: Purchased a Copy 

 

On the verge of losing her grandmother's house after her nasty breakup with her fiancé, Verity Long isn't sure what to do. When she accidentally grounds a spirit in her house, Frankie the dead gangster decides to help her uncover a treasure buried at the old Thatcher. While there, she accidentally stumbles across Ellis Wyatt, her ex-fiancé's brother. When Ellis realizes Verity can see ghosts, he enlists her help with ridding his property of them. In return, he'll pay her the sum of money she owes his brother. Taking on this case, however, turns out to be worse than she expected. Not only is she starting to like Ellis, but there's a poltergeist and a murderer bent on leaving the secrets of Ellis' property buried. Will Verity figure out what the ghost and murderer are after before it's too late? 

 

Narrator, Tavia Gilbert does a great job of using unique voices to bring the characters voices and personalities to life. Her narrative pacing, however, is a little hard to get used to at first. The plot in this book is well developed, humorous, and complex. Once you get used to the narrator, this book is engaging, entertaining, and a fun, quick listen. Overall, fans of ghost mysteries, humor, and southern fiction will enjoy listening to this audiobook.  

 

4 stars, ADULT

Hidden Deception by Colleen Helme-5 stars

Helme, Colleen, Hidden Deception. 9.03 hrs. Colleen Helme, 2016. $19.95. Audible Download.

Source: Purchased a copy

One year ago, Shelby Nichols was shot in the head by a robber in a convenience store. As a result, she can now read people's minds. Unfortunately, it's always getting her into trouble, especially since Joseph "The Knife" Manetto, local mob boss enlists her help from time to time as a favor for letting her live. This time, her cases are her hardest yet. Some diamonds Manetto was selling to another mob boss were stolen by someone in his organization and now he's dead. If Manetto doesn't find the diamonds, there will be a mob war on the city's hands with Shelby in the middle. Things only heat up when, Detective "Dimples" Harris enlists herself to solve a lawyer's murder. If things couldn't get any worse, while looking at a house that goes up for sale, Shelby discovers two dead bodies buried beneath the crumbling foundation. Surrounded by deception everywhere, can Shelby live to tell her tales?
Narrator, Wendy Tremont King's unique voices bring Shelby's world to life with pizzazz and humor. Her intonations complement the different tones throughout the book. Her pace fit well with the author's page-turning plot and make this audiobook impossible to put down. The plot is well developed, humorous, and intriguing. Fans of Shelby Nichols or listeners who are new to the series will enjoy listening to this book.

5 stars, ADULT

Man on the Washing Machine by Susan Cox-5 stars

Cox, Susan, Man on the Washing Machine. 9.06 hrs. 8 CDs. Recorded Books, 2016. $102. Audible Download $24 

Source: Copy given in exchange for honest review

After her father killed her mother and  committed suicide in prison, Theophania Boggart and, shortly after, her grandfather move to San Francisco. Once there, Theo opens up her own natural body goods shop with Nicole, a girl she meets there. Things go great until Theo sees a man pushed out of a window. Soon after, her partner is found dead in a compost pile. With the subtle aid of her grandfather and the police, Theo starts to look into what really happened to her business partner.  Dark secrets from her friends' pasts come to light including something to do with the illegal trade of Rhino Horns, but how does one narrow down the suspects when they all seem guilty? Will Theo solve the case before she becomes the killer's next victim? 

Narrator, Liz Pearce does a great job of distinguishing the different accents and voices of the characters in Cox's book. Her lively narrative style keeps pace with the author's mix of action, mystery, and dialogue. The plot is well developed, engaging, suspenseful, and intriguing. Together, the two are the perfect complement to each other. Fans of mystery, English accents, and humor will enjoy listening to this book.  

5 stars, ADULT

Man on the Washing Machine by Susan Cox-5 stars

Cox, Susan, Man on the Washing Machine. 9.06 hrs. 8 CDs. Recorded Books, 2016. $102. Audible Download $24 

Source: Copy given in exchange for honest review

After her father killed her mother and  committed suicide in prison, Theophania Boggart and, shortly after, her grandfather move to San Francisco. Once there, Theo opens up her own natural body goods shop with Nicole, a girl she meets there. Things go great until Theo sees a man pushed out of a window. Soon after, her partner is found dead in a compost pile. With the subtle aid of her grandfather and the police, Theo starts to look into what really happened to her business partner.  Dark secrets from her friends' pasts come to light including something to do with the illegal trade of Rhino Horns, but how does one narrow down the suspects when they all seem guilty? Will Theo solve the case before she becomes the killer's next victim? 

Narrator, Liz Pearce does a great job of distinguishing the different accents and voices of the characters in Cox's book. Her lively narrative style keeps pace with the author's mix of action, mystery, and dialogue. The plot is well developed, engaging, suspenseful, and intriguing. Together, the two are the perfect complement to each other. Fans of mystery, English accents, and humor will enjoy listening to this book.  

5 stars, ADULT