This is the second book in the series Southern B&B Spirits by Pamela Kopfler. I enjoyed reading the first one in January of this year so much that I jumped at the chance to review an ARC of this second book from NetGalley. This one definitely didn’t disappoint, and it was very hard to put it down. It can work as a stand alone book, but I think you’ll really enjoy it a lot more if you read the first one, Better Dead. You’ll love Burl! 😉
My Goodreads review:
Downright Dead by Pamela Kopfler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s been awhile since I read the first book, but I quickly felt at home at Holly Grove B&B with the awesome main characters of Holly, Nelda, Sam, Miss Alice and Mackie…and of course, Jake!
When Holly’s dead husband Burl entered the pearly gates, Holly Grove’s resident ghost was gone. But the TV show that had filmed a segment about Burl’s haunting that made the B&B wildly popular returned to film some more, Holly panicked. If that wasn’t enough, a ghost debunker named Tru Stalwort, who regularly followed/harrassed the show and its star, Sylvia Martin, showed up early. He was just as obnoxious and nasty as Sylvia and Holly’s friend Liz (the producer) had described him. When he was found dead at foot of the widow’s walk, evidence pointed to Holly herself. Another body turned up later which really made Holly worry about the B&B’s reputation, but at least no one could blame her for that death. I loved how she and Jake sleuthed together. Even Miss Alice and Nelda got in on the action.
I liked the side story with Thomas Sinclair too. I thought it was odd that Nelda and Miss Alice seemed to know who he was, but wouldn’t comment on why. I can’t really tell more without spoiling this. Let’s just say this book was funny and cry-worthy–and at times I felt like punching Tru (when he was still alive and debunking, that is). I never suspected the awesome twist towards the end that concerned Holly. I had also not guessed the killer.
Even though everything was wrapped up well with a heart-warming ending, I’m definitely ready for another book in the series. It looks like Jake and Holly are back at a fairly good place. His being an ICE agent isn’t easy on their relationship, if they even have one, and I’m hoping they can work things out in future books.
I highly recommend this book if you’re cool with paranormal cozies. It can easily stand alone, but if you want to enjoy it to its fullest, I would suggest reading the first book, so you can get to know Burl better. He was so funny in the first book, and it’s really worth reading it to have all that back story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance e-copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 