A Ghostly Suspect By Tonya Kappes: Review/Giveaway

Jul 6, 2019 | 2019 Articles, Kathleen Costa, Mysteryrat's Maze

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either an ebook or print copy of A Ghostly Suspect, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky!
Emma Lee Raines has a special talent, not one she chose or practiced or one for which she could earn accolades. Thanks to a falling plastic Santa Claus, the subsequent concussion left Emma Lee with the ability to see and communicate with the dead, really, the “murdered” dead. The ghostly apparitions come, often at inopportune moments, to plead for Emma Lee to uncover what happened, find the killer, and help them cross over. Sometimes they are helpful, and sometimes they’re more of a nuisance. All in all Emma Lee has been successful with several investigations, often with some personal peril, but she is tired of the ruse, the pretending that nothing’s wrong, and she’s not suffering from Funeral Trauma nor is she just plain crazy.

A Ghostly Southern Mystery

1- A Ghostly Undertaking (2015)
2- A Ghostly Grave (2015)
3- A Ghostly Demise (2015)
4- A Ghostly Murder (2015)
5- A Ghostly Reunion (2016)
6- A Ghostly Mortality (2017)
7- A Ghostly Secret (2017)

A Ghostly Suspect earns 5/5 Jars of Sweet Tea…Clever and Engaging!

It’s literally been two years since Emma Lee Raines last saw the ghostly appearance of a recent murder victim. She has been relishing in her “ghost-free” existence, building a pre-need funeral business, and making Eternal Slumber the go-to place to send loved ones off to the next world. Friend, psychic, and very much alive Debbie Dually pops in frantically spreading incense around and interrupting Emma Lee’s meeting with her preneed clients. Debbie had helped Emma Lee to understand her role may be that as a “Betweener,” but oddly today she is emphatic about having Emma admit she really sees “murdered dead people.” Her emotional confrontation with Emma Lee is partly witnessed by the antagonistic sheriff Trevor O’Neill, and when Debbie’s body is later found, that confrontation is all the evidence the sheriff needs to haul in Emma Lee.

This is my favorite series in the Kappes Universe, and this eighth book didn’t disappoint: clever mystery with a twist adding psychics and a few extra ghosts, humorous predicaments, perils, and a few misunderstandings. I enjoy Kappes’s use of the first-person narrative sharing Emma Lee’s perspective including her fears and frustrations over her…gift? curse? I love Zula Fae Raines Payne, Emma’s granny, who is strong and independent, but she’s not willing to recognize or be open-minded to the truth about Emma Lee’s ability. There is romance for Emma with Jack Henry Ross, former sheriff and now with the state police, and although Jack Henry has learned of Emma’s gift, there continues to be conflicts over how she should proceed with her investigations into suspicious deaths. The unique side of Kappes’s work is the southern flair she adds. As she herself is a Kentucky “belle,” she can weave into the story and her characters the manners, mores, and mystique of being southern. From how to behave to settling down, from gossip hierarchy to sweet tea, the culture seems to be a character of its own. Missing? Zula’s Sweet Tea recipe…it’s gotta be more than just sugar added. It soothes and inspires. Just saying…

Be a Big Tanya Kappes Fan!
Tonya Kappes is one of my Top Ten favorite authors of some exciting ghostly, magical, and caffeinated themed series, all for which I am an eager fan! For ghosts she has the popular seven-book Ghostly Southern Mystery and seven-book Kenni Lowry series. Add some magic with the eleven-book Magical Cures Mystery and three-book Spies and Spells series. Get a little caffeinated with her six-book Killer Coffee Mystery, and for lots of fun, she has the six-book Camper & Criminals Cozy series. Under her pen name Maymee Bell, she has introduced the delightful two-book Southern Cake Baker Mystery. Something for every cozy taste!

Facebook – Author Tonya Kappes
Join the “Cozy Krew”
Become a Member at the Website – Tonya Kappes

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of A Ghostly Suspect, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “suspect,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 13, 2019. U.S. residents only. If entering via comment please include your email address and if entering via email please include your mailing address (in case you win). BE SURE TO STATE WHETHER YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors

You can use this link to purchase the new book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

69 Comments

Glen Davis on July 6 at 9:19am

Sounds interesting. Count me in!
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- Shari on July 7 at 6:46pm
  
  Love her books!!
  Reply
Dianne Casey on July 6 at 1:37pm

I love this series! Looking forward to reading “A Ghostly Suspect”.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
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Brenda Gallop on July 7 at 10:20am

I love ghost stories..
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Jeannie Huffman on July 7 at 12:17pm

I would love to win a print copy!! Woodstock216@gmail.com
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carrie Meyer on July 7 at 12:19pm

My favorite series of Tonya Kappes!!!
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- Michelle F on July 9 at 8:29pm
  
  Glad there is a new installment of the Ghostly Southern Mystery series- I would love to win a copy ?
  Reply
Sonya Steele on July 7 at 12:19pm

I love Tonya Kappes books!
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Casey Cline on July 7 at 12:20pm

I would love to read this! Thank you for the opportunity. I would prefer a print copy. ?
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Marcia on July 7 at 12:27pm

Love, love, love Tonya’s books! This is the only one of her series I have yet to start. Would love a print copy for my collection. Email is makennedyinaz@hotmail.com. Thanks!!
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Nicole on July 7 at 12:42pm

I’m in love with all of Kappes series and just started this one but I’m excited for the chance.
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Cindy Burns on July 7 at 12:43pm

I need to catch up but I love this series!
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Cheryl Arcemont on July 7 at 12:45pm

Unfortunately for me, I have yet to read any of this series. I have to save some Christmas money this year because I know I don’t just want one book – I need them all so I can binge read the whole series! I love all of Tonya’s books so there is no reason I wouldn’t fall in love with this series! Thank you for the giveaway!
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Jeanne Fullam on July 7 at 1:03pm

Your books are so much fun
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Tonya Kappes on July 7 at 1:19pm

Thank y’all so much!! xoxo
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Jerry Pierson on July 7 at 1:53pm

My husband and I love Kathi Daley’s books. Thank you your giveaway and a chance to win an e-book copy of A Ghostly Suspect.
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Betsy Pauzauskie on July 7 at 1:57pm

WOW! You made this sound soooo good! And, love your cute rating of 5/5 Jars of Sweet Tea! The fact this is your favorite book in this series makes it a must have . . . plus the fact that I enjoy paranormal stories! Southern charm is icing on the cake. I’d love a paperback. Thank you for your informative review!
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Cindy norman on July 7 at 2:02pm

I love this series
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Tammy Hudson on July 7 at 2:17pm

This was a great read . I would love a print copy thanks for the chance.

Tighegan42atgmaildotcom
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John Presler on July 7 at 2:26pm

Great series – Thanks for the chance to win!
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Lynn Russell on July 7 at 2:30pm

Love Tonya Kappas books. I would love the ebook.
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Janet Swindell on July 7 at 3:02pm

I just love Tonya Kappes books! Always a fun read with great
Characters
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Joanie Hinton on July 7 at 3:03pm

I have just started this series; really like it!!!
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Adrienne Asher on July 7 at 3:49pm

Love Tonya Kappes books, especially this series !
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Cathy on July 7 at 4:02pm

Sounds great, thanks for the chance! cgstratman(at)hotmail(dot)com
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Janet Overstreet on July 7 at 5:30pm

I’m excited about this latest book in the Ghostly Southern Mystery series. Emma Lee is such a great character. But I have to say I live all of Tonya’s books. She creates and brings to life such wonderful, interesting, funny and lovable characters. Just start one of her books and you don’t won’t to put it down until you finish it.
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Mary Cheverie on July 7 at 6:33pm

I would love the print version. Please contact me if I win and will give you my address. Thanks for the opportunity.
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Natalie Daniels on July 7 at 7:40pm

I would love a chance to win! Thank you for the opportunity!
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Robin Gardner on July 8 at 4:13am

My TBR pile is getting bigger!
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Brittany Harris on July 8 at 4:28am

I love this series so much! Definitely excited!
bnharris6218(at)outlook(dot)com
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Terri Echols on July 8 at 5:05am

Sounds like a fun read!
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Paula Adams on July 8 at 6:17am

Love this series. Love the cover. Thank you for this chance! pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
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Jo Anne Vincenti on July 8 at 7:03am

would love to read, sounds so good – thanks for the chance – if I win would love a ebook – jody.714@hotmail.com
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DOWARD WILSON on July 8 at 10:51am

One of the best series I’ve read.
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Raelene Cowley on July 8 at 2:37pm

Love Tonya’s books!! She makes them so interesting that they are really hard to put down once you start reading them! My husband says I don’t get enough sleep because I read half the night!!! Oh well ?
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Kathleen Walsh on July 9 at 4:07am

Would love to read this book. Sounds good!
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Margaret on July 9 at 4:15am

I would love to read, sounds interesting
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Danielle Hammelef on July 9 at 4:19am

Mysteries are so much fun to read and have always been my favorite genre. I haven’t read this series yet, so thanks for the chance to win a copy to read and review! dhammelef (at) yahoo (dot) com
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Margo Sue on July 9 at 4:37am

Would love a print copy!
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Barbara Hackel on July 9 at 4:45am

I love this series! This book sounds terrific! (And it is, I’m sure!)
I can’t wait to read it!!
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Kay Garrett on July 9 at 5:43am

Thank you for your review on “A Ghostly Suspect” By Tonya Kappes. Always enjoy this author’s book when I get a chance to read one. I’ve not had the opportunity to read this one. It sounds amazing, but I’d expect nothing less from Tonya. 🙂

Appreciate the chance to win a print copy of “A Ghostly Suspect”.
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Marlena Maier on July 9 at 5:44am

Love Tonya, thanks for the chance!

Marlenamaier@ymail.com
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Kathleen Kendler on July 9 at 5:46am

I’ve just started reading this series. I love it! Thanks for the chance – if I win would love a printed copy to get friends hooked on the series. kckendler at gmail dot com
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Michele R on July 9 at 5:52am

Awesome series! Tonya writes the best stories. I can’t wait to read her new book!
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Christina Riggs on July 9 at 6:09am

I’d love to read your book.
whistleinthewind74@hotmail.com
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Grace Henley on July 9 at 6:36am

Would Love to Win a Copy, I Love Your Books!! Thank you for this Chance!!
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Karina Thibodeau on July 9 at 6:47am

I love Tonya’s books. Thank you for the chance.
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Roxy on July 9 at 6:50am

Love the books, would like a printed copy for my collection, thanks
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SandyG on July 9 at 7:03am

Thanks for the chance to win a copy
sgiden at verizon(.)net
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Jeannie Murphy on July 9 at 7:34am

bring it on, I’m always in for a good ghost story.
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Linda Wilmoth on July 9 at 7:44am

I have not read any of the ghostly series, but have loved the other books.
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Nora-Adrienne on July 9 at 7:47am

Yes please, I’d love to be entered in the giveaway. I WANT THIS BOOK!!!
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MaryJane Hopper on July 9 at 8:26am

Another great book from Tonya Kappes!
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- Sandy Garvey on July 9 at 10:10am
  
  Tonya’s books make me laugh. Please enter me. Thanks for writing such good books.
  Sand1948(at)Gmail(dot)com
  Reply
Kathleen Bylsma on July 9 at 9:12am

Fie on Gravatar. Greed is ugly.
Sorry, Tonya 🙁
This is my favorite of your series!
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Randi Robinson on July 9 at 9:16am

I love Tonya and I love this series! I would love to win this book.
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denise on July 9 at 10:29am

Love Tonya’s books. sent an email.
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Jane Geiger on July 9 at 12:19pm

Love Tonya’s books! Can’t wait for this one!
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johnna smith on July 9 at 12:47pm

really fun series
johnnabooks(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
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Jane Starcher on July 9 at 2:13pm

I love Tonya’s books. This sounds like a great series.
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Robin Coxon on July 9 at 4:43pm

Thank you for hosting Tonya Kappes and her latest book, A Ghostly Suspect. This sweet southern belle is a hoot to know and her writing includes her charm in each one.
Reply
Vicki Boyd on July 9 at 7:11pm

Would love an opportunity to win the giveaway
Thank you so much
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Senta Jenkins on July 10 at 7:02am

Can’t wait to read this one!
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sue Hieber on July 10 at 8:15pm

On boy, oh boy, I want to win! I love tonya!
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Linda Kwolek on July 11 at 7:26pm

I love your your newsletter, coffee with Tonya.
Linda Kwolek
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Debbie Rhoades on July 13 at 3:21pm

I love Tonya’s books, anything she writes, and would love to read this one! Thank you very much for the chance!
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Linda Kish on July 13 at 7:06pm

I would love the chance for a print copy. It sounds terrific.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com
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Nora-Adrienne on July 18 at 7:35am

I would love to win this book and add it to my shelf with other Tonya Kappes books.
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Lorie on July 22 at 10:26am

Thanks for entering, we have a winner!
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