So many characters were introduced in the first few pages of this novel that I found it difficult to keep track of who was who. They’re all in a café, and a character named Thelma thoughtlessly makes a remark that causes another (overly sensitive and immature) character to burst into tears. Thelma calmly continues writing in her notebook with a shaky hand (she has Parkinson’s). Then the first-person protagonist—Chantilly Adair—slams Thelma’s notebook shut and tells her to “Stop acting ugly and apologize.” I thought Chantilly’s behavior bossy, rude, and insensitive, and I almost set the book aside at that point, thinking I don’t like any of these people; but then, I persevered, and I’m glad I did.

After a few more pages, I found myself vicariously living in a small town where everybody knows everybody, and long-gone pasts such as high school days (the phrase “back in the day” is overused by multiple characters) crop up regularly as topics of conversation. The plot is improbable, but still, I became engaged in these characters’ lives. I did guess whodunit about two-thirds of the way through, yet it didn’t detract from the excitement of reading the poignant climax. This novel is no lighthearted romp, like most cozies; instead, it takes a hard look at human relationships and the emotional misery they can cause. The fact that several of these anguished characters are teenagers, including the narrator’s own son, makes this story even more heart-wrenching. It’s painfully real, despite the narrator’s fanciful (and fun) conversations with ghosts, including the murder victim. When I finished reading, I mentally thanked the author for showing me some new aspects of human nature.

But I continued to feel exasperated by Chantilly’s attitude toward Thelma. Later in the book, Chantilly says, “Thelma had a heart of gold. I aspired to be like her.” Huh? This doesn’t jive with Chantilly’s scolding, condescending behavior toward Thelma in the first few pages. But silly me—wondering about people who exist only on paper. Now that’s the result of reading a good book! I give this one four stars. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cozy mysteries. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson knows how to set a scene, create a character, make you feel like you’re right there next to them solving crime. Settle in for the day or night and read this fantastic page turner.

Chantilly Adair is working on a project for the historical society and is culling information at the high school from her school days when she sees an old classmate. It seems that Chantilly seeing him this way can only mean one thing...Hank is dead!

While Hank’s death is ruled an accident, Hank says otherwise. In order to get the police to even look at it again, Chantilly is going to need to find some proof that will require them to open an investigation. With Hank having been a bully in school, there aren’t many people who don’t hate him, providing a whole bunch of suspects. Chantilly has her work cut out for her, but she will do her best to prove Hank was murdered and he can move on. Though Chantilly has to hope she doesn’t let the killer know she’s on to them, or she may move on before Hank.

This is the fifth book in this series, but the first I have read and it was perfect as a standalone. I’m excited to find four more books on this series and have added them to my reading list.

I adore this series from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson.

Chantilly Adair, who can see and speak to ghosts, manages the Castleberry Historical Society and is working on a display about the local high school. It’s there that Hank Manning, the bully that she and almost everyone else had to deal with in school, shows up and asks Chantilly to figure out who murdered him. Jack, Chantilly’s boyfriend and local LE, tells her that his death wasn’t murder but neither Hank or Chantilly believes that is true. So Chantilly starts her own investigation to try to figure out who it was that pushed Hank from a tree stand. How do you find a murderer when almost everyone is happy he is dead? Chantilly does with help from Hank and a few other school spirits.

The regulars, Del, Thelma, Olivia and Austin from the previous books are here too. Love Thelma. She’s a hoot.

This series is definitely in my top 3. It’s fun and light read. Absolutely perfect fun. I can’t recommend this book enough.

This was a fabulous book! This is the first I’ve read in the series but I will be rectifying it.
Great characters and I really enjoyed the paranormal storyline.
The whodunit kept me invested and guessing.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Enjoyed every bit of this instalment.
Fun characters that make the story flow with ease.
Great for a weekend read.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, they're well developed. It has some pretty good twists to it. I like that she can see ghosts and that she helps them. #DeceasedandDesist #NetGalley

When a former local high school bully Hank Manning is found dead and his death ruled an accident everyone is happy that he got what he deserved. When his ghost appears to Chantilly in their old high school and claims that he was murdered it's up to her to figure out if it was really a murder or an accident. Does she want to help a guy who tortured everyone back in high school? He seems remorseful, but is he really?
Meanwhile Austin seems to have a new girlfriend who might be involved in Hank's death. Does she really like Austin or is she using him to cover up the crime?