Scan barcode
sambeex's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Haunted Heist by Angie Fox is the third book in the Southern Ghost Hunter series. Verity Long is trying to get an honest job and stay away from spirits (ghosts, poltergeists). Reggie Thompson, President of First Bank of Sugarland, might have work for Verity. He wants to update all of the banks printed materials. Verity borrows business type clothes from her sister (Verity’s wardrobe is minimal since she had to sell everything to pay Mrs. Wydell) for the appointment. Verity gets the job but is hanging around the bank waiting for Frankie (who is visiting his friend, Suds who died while digging a tunnel into the vault and is still digging). Verity hears a scream and goes running. Carla, Vice President, has found Reggie is dead in the vault. He was killed in the manner of the gangster, Handsome Henry Hagar, who died in 1933. Reggie even had the gangster’s pocket watch on him (which does not make Handsome Henry happy). Did the ghost come back for revenge? Can a ghost kill? Verity wanted to let the police handle the case, but she is the only person who can interview the dead (lucky Verity). Ellis Wydell (deputy and Verity’s sort-of boyfriend) set off to interview gangsters with Frankie’s assistance (who is quite happy to visit his old friends and he wants to find his missing gun). Will Verity be able to find the killer? And will the killer be a living person or ghost? Verity also has to deal with her relationship with Ellis? Ellis’ mother (a real hoyden) does not want Verity seeing any of her precious sons (since she already left one at the altar), but Ellis wants to be with Verity (you cannot help who you love)? Is Verity up for the challenge?
The Haunted Heist was just delightful. It has mystery, romance, humor, and ghosts! What more could you want in a book. The only downfall was the mystery was so simple and extremely easy to solve. The Haunted Heist is easy to read and can read finished in a couple of hours. Angie Fox did a wonderful job writing this novel (combining all the elements). The characters are interesting (especially the ghosts) and quirky (like Verity owning a skunk for a pet). I give The Haunted Heist 4.5 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but I downgraded because the mystery was a snap). In order to understand everything that is happening in The Haunted Heist, you will need to read the previous books in the series (they are equally delightful). My favorite character is Frankie. Frankie continues to be delightful. He is still obsessed with getting himself free of his urn. I think he is going to keep Verity very busy.
I received a complimentary copy of Haunted Heist from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
The Haunted Heist was just delightful. It has mystery, romance, humor, and ghosts! What more could you want in a book. The only downfall was the mystery was so simple and extremely easy to solve. The Haunted Heist is easy to read and can read finished in a couple of hours. Angie Fox did a wonderful job writing this novel (combining all the elements). The characters are interesting (especially the ghosts) and quirky (like Verity owning a skunk for a pet). I give The Haunted Heist 4.5 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it, but I downgraded because the mystery was a snap). In order to understand everything that is happening in The Haunted Heist, you will need to read the previous books in the series (they are equally delightful). My favorite character is Frankie. Frankie continues to be delightful. He is still obsessed with getting himself free of his urn. I think he is going to keep Verity very busy.
I received a complimentary copy of Haunted Heist from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
I bought [b:The Haunted Heist|28808222|The Haunted Heist (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #3)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1455099885s/28808222.jpg|48360803] on Kindle at the beginning of the summer and added the audio version because it was offered at a reduced rate. I alternated between reading the kindle version and listening to the story on Audible which is the first time I have done this but it won’t be the last. As you can tell by my 5 star rating, I really loved everything about this story and as a narrated book, I was impressed with Tavia Gilbert's performance; loving her tonal adjustments for the dialogue and the pace at which she read the story. I would definitely buy books narrated by her in the future.
...So, what did I like about it?
I love [a:Angie Fox|1332605|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1215460648p2/1332605.jpg]’s writing style; I find her books very easy to read and I like the way she weaves all the elements of her stories together; the mystery, the strained relationship between Verity and the rest of the townsfolk of Sugarland, Verity’s financial struggles and, of course, the ghosts and their issues. [b:The Haunted Heist|28808222|The Haunted Heist (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #3)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1455099885s/28808222.jpg|48360803] did not let me down.
I loved that the characters, both living and dead, were complex and multi-dimensional with their own stories, agendas and personalities. As my regular followers will know, I prefer to read stories with intelligent, witty heroines who have plenty of gumption and resilience and who never give up and so I find myself full of admiration for Verity; she's loyal, funny and I love that, against the odds, she's resilient enough to make the decision to give her romantic life a fair shot too.
I liked that there were plenty of twist, turns and red herrings to satisfy my inner Miss Marple and keep my little grey cells busy reading this story - I love it when authors can surprise me.
Although I wouldn’t class this as a romance novel, I enjoyed how the relationship between Verity and Ellis continues to develop throughout this book; the pace feels very natural and realistic. I have no doubt that their romance will not be an easy ride but I look forward to seeing where Ms Fox takes it in future books.
OK, for a cozy mystery this has some wonderfully tense moments and I think I actually held my breath for a few pages - scary! I would like to add that I usually work out the ‘who dun it’ aspect in cozy books before the big reveal at the end too but that wasn't the case here and I loved that!
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I loved every page, hence the 5 star rating.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book; it has everything that I look for in a 5 star story; I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat (I was even a bit scared at times), I was gripped! Murder, mystery, humour and a cute romance what more could a girl want!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys ‘cozy mysteries’ with a paranormal focus. We get a sneaky teaser from the next book in the series [b:Deader Homes and Gardens|32149236|Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #4)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474568614s/32149236.jpg|52786914]; which is already on my Kindle waiting patiently.
I bought [b:The Haunted Heist|28808222|The Haunted Heist (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #3)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1455099885s/28808222.jpg|48360803] on Kindle at the beginning of the summer and added the audio version because it was offered at a reduced rate. I alternated between reading the kindle version and listening to the story on Audible which is the first time I have done this but it won’t be the last. As you can tell by my 5 star rating, I really loved everything about this story and as a narrated book, I was impressed with Tavia Gilbert's performance; loving her tonal adjustments for the dialogue and the pace at which she read the story. I would definitely buy books narrated by her in the future.
...So, what did I like about it?
I love [a:Angie Fox|1332605|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1215460648p2/1332605.jpg]’s writing style; I find her books very easy to read and I like the way she weaves all the elements of her stories together; the mystery, the strained relationship between Verity and the rest of the townsfolk of Sugarland, Verity’s financial struggles and, of course, the ghosts and their issues. [b:The Haunted Heist|28808222|The Haunted Heist (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #3)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1455099885s/28808222.jpg|48360803] did not let me down.
I loved that the characters, both living and dead, were complex and multi-dimensional with their own stories, agendas and personalities. As my regular followers will know, I prefer to read stories with intelligent, witty heroines who have plenty of gumption and resilience and who never give up and so I find myself full of admiration for Verity; she's loyal, funny and I love that, against the odds, she's resilient enough to make the decision to give her romantic life a fair shot too.
I liked that there were plenty of twist, turns and red herrings to satisfy my inner Miss Marple and keep my little grey cells busy reading this story - I love it when authors can surprise me.
Although I wouldn’t class this as a romance novel, I enjoyed how the relationship between Verity and Ellis continues to develop throughout this book; the pace feels very natural and realistic. I have no doubt that their romance will not be an easy ride but I look forward to seeing where Ms Fox takes it in future books.
OK, for a cozy mystery this has some wonderfully tense moments and I think I actually held my breath for a few pages - scary! I would like to add that I usually work out the ‘who dun it’ aspect in cozy books before the big reveal at the end too but that wasn't the case here and I loved that!
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I loved every page, hence the 5 star rating.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book; it has everything that I look for in a 5 star story; I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat (I was even a bit scared at times), I was gripped! Murder, mystery, humour and a cute romance what more could a girl want!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys ‘cozy mysteries’ with a paranormal focus. We get a sneaky teaser from the next book in the series [b:Deader Homes and Gardens|32149236|Deader Homes and Gardens (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries, #4)|Angie Fox|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474568614s/32149236.jpg|52786914]; which is already on my Kindle waiting patiently.
cheesygiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
Verity Long is back and, this time, she has a job interview lined up at the local bank. When Verity goes for her interview, it gets interrupted by ghosts in the bank vault. When the manager, Reggie, goes to check it out, he ends up dead. And it's up to Verity and her ghostly pal Frankie to figure out who done it.
Verity and Frankie get themselves into lots of scrapes with some ghosts and one ghost in particular that they think might have killed Reggie the bank manager. His name is Handsome Henry and he's one scary ghost that killed a lot of people back in his day. But did he do it or did someone still of this realm do it? Could it have been his daughter? He brings her back to his small hometown from a big city after the death of his wife. Maybe she wanted his money and to go back to where she was living in the lap of luxury. Or was it someone Reggie worked with?
In the end, Verity and Frankie figure it out with the help of Ellis and even Handsome Henry.
Verity's relationship with Ellis may be coming out into the open sooner than she was ready. She runs into her evil battleax almost mother in law as she's coming out Ellis's front door. Ellis is more than ready now to let her and the whole town know but Verity is scared. Scared mostly of Ellis's mom. She does found out her best friend knows and so does her sister. Maybe someday soon the can make it official. Not in marriage but just regular dating like most everyone else does.
I really enjoyed this installment to the series. I hope Verity continues solving mysteries but also keeps a job and comes out with her relationship with Ellis.
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Verity and Frankie get themselves into lots of scrapes with some ghosts and one ghost in particular that they think might have killed Reggie the bank manager. His name is Handsome Henry and he's one scary ghost that killed a lot of people back in his day. But did he do it or did someone still of this realm do it? Could it have been his daughter? He brings her back to his small hometown from a big city after the death of his wife. Maybe she wanted his money and to go back to where she was living in the lap of luxury. Or was it someone Reggie worked with?
In the end, Verity and Frankie figure it out with the help of Ellis and even Handsome Henry.
Verity's relationship with Ellis may be coming out into the open sooner than she was ready. She runs into her evil battleax almost mother in law as she's coming out Ellis's front door. Ellis is more than ready now to let her and the whole town know but Verity is scared. Scared mostly of Ellis's mom. She does found out her best friend knows and so does her sister. Maybe someday soon the can make it official. Not in marriage but just regular dating like most everyone else does.
I really enjoyed this installment to the series. I hope Verity continues solving mysteries but also keeps a job and comes out with her relationship with Ellis.
eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
angels_gp17's review against another edition
4.0
The Haunted Heist is book three in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series by Angie Fox and narrated by Tavia Gilbert.
I adore this series. Each book brings a fun mystery and even funner characters to fall in love with.
We have Frankie the gangster ghost who is a hoot and brings lots of laughs and entertainment. We have our lead Verity who is trying everything she can to set Frankie free, but life sure has had its ups and downs now that she can see ghosts. Then we have the vindictive x-mother-in-law Virginia Widel who is a piece of work and has and continues to make Verity’s life hard. Then we have Ellis, the romantic interest, who is back.
Oh man Verity just can’t catch a break. We end up with a murder at the local bank. This one kept me wondering who committed the murder and why. The characters help drive the story. As for the romance it comes second to the mystery. I was throughly amused and entertained.
Audio: Tavia Gilbert continues to bring life, laughs, and magic to the characters in this series. I highly recommend the audiobooks for this series.
The Haunted Heist had me invested in the mystery and characters. I continue to enjoy the blend of paranormal with cozy mystery.
Rated: 4 Stars
I adore this series. Each book brings a fun mystery and even funner characters to fall in love with.
We have Frankie the gangster ghost who is a hoot and brings lots of laughs and entertainment. We have our lead Verity who is trying everything she can to set Frankie free, but life sure has had its ups and downs now that she can see ghosts. Then we have the vindictive x-mother-in-law Virginia Widel who is a piece of work and has and continues to make Verity’s life hard. Then we have Ellis, the romantic interest, who is back.
Oh man Verity just can’t catch a break. We end up with a murder at the local bank. This one kept me wondering who committed the murder and why. The characters help drive the story. As for the romance it comes second to the mystery. I was throughly amused and entertained.
Audio: Tavia Gilbert continues to bring life, laughs, and magic to the characters in this series. I highly recommend the audiobooks for this series.
The Haunted Heist had me invested in the mystery and characters. I continue to enjoy the blend of paranormal with cozy mystery.
Rated: 4 Stars
leacherry's review against another edition
5.0
I lived this one in the series. Then again, I love all of them. A murder in the bank causes everyone to think that a ghost might be behind it. So much happens and I just can’t wait to hear how everything goes for the bunch!
bikes_books_yarn's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I pictured the main character wringing her hands and saying "Oh my! Oh Dear!" through most of this book. Really struggled to connect. Struggled with her relationships with almost everyone. Not sure if I want to read more in this series or not?
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
Verity is back. She still has no real job but she has her skunk, Lucy, and her ghost friend, Frankie and her maybe romance with her ex’s brother Ellis but things are looking up because the new manager at the bank wants her to do some work for them. Too bad he got dead right after offering her the work. When Frankie recognizes the killers signature as belonging to a ghost buddy of his it is time for Verity and Ellis to do a little sleuthing on their own. And like any book by Angie Fox hilarity ensues. The Haunted Heist is a silly, short and super fun escape. I highly recommend.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.