Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Jessica Arden starts Ghosted Cozy Mysteries series. It’s set in New Orleans and stars Paige Harrington who suddenly finds herself being called to investigate a murder—by the ghost of the victim.

It’s a closed room mystery, with a limited number of suspects. But since it was dark, the ghost has no idea who killed him, so no easy solution there. Paige sets out to investigate, but she can’t exactly tell the police where she gets her information from, not even when her good friend is framed for the murder.

She isn’t alone though. She’s helped by her ex-boyfriend who suddenly returns to town after disappearing four years earlier with only a goodbye note. His leaving has left Paige with self-confidence issues, and now that he’s back, old romantic feelings resurface too. It makes working together difficult.

This was a quirky and fun book, but not a terribly good mystery. Paige ignores obvious questions that would lead to solving the mystery faster, random people show up just so they can offer helpful information that she then ignores, and in the end the killer reveals themself before she even suspects them. The killer’s motivation is bizarre, to say the least.

But what truly irked me and lowered the rating was the deus ex machina solution. I dislike them in general, and here it removed Paige’s agency completely. Instead of being the main actor of her story, someone who rises to the occasion despite being the underdog, she was forced to look from the sidelines as others handle the difficult parts for her. For someone already dealing with self-confidence issues, this should’ve been the worst kind of outcome. Yet she doesn’t even notice.

I had some smaller issues too. Paige took to becoming a ghost PI a bit too easily; not even a token question about why it happened. Character info was repeated several times, as if for the first time; random character facts sprang out of nowhere, and important info was omitted completely. For example, I thought Paige was showing unseemly interest in a married man, only to learn towards the end of the book that he’s divorced. The cast of characters was slightly too large, and not everyone was necessary for the story. But in general, the characters were nice and interesting (Auguste the talking hedgehog was my favourite) and they will carry the series onwards.

I am a huge fan of cozy paranormal mysteries, so of course I had to read this one. Right away, I knew I was going to love this. Paige is a great character, and she learns of the paranormal in a very technological way. Loved that! She already has a great support system in place, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out in future books. Add to that great writing, interesting plot, and other great characters (including her pet hedgehog!), this book kept me reading until the end. I think I’ve added a new author to my list! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Ghosts? Check
Creepy secret society? Check
Talking hedgehog sidekick? Unexpected, but check!
It took me a minute to get invested in this story with all of the negative self talk from the main character, doubting all of her decisions based on a failed relationship. BUT her attitude quickly shifts, finding self confidence (and unexpected allies!)!
At times, I found myself chuckling at the banter and it was the perfect book to get me out of a reading slump.
Looking forward to what happens next!!

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to review this book with an electronic advanced readers copy.

A paranormal cozy with a bit of everything: ghost tour shop manager who's loved by all, recently departed victim who got himself in too deep with the wrong people for the wrong reasons, good friend wrongly accused of murder, a talking hedgehog, a ghost detective ex-boyfriend, a cute cop willing to help, ghost mentors, and more. Well-written, but a slow beginning.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a fun cozy starring a young woman coming into her own and helping out a friend being wrongly accused of murder. She has help, of course, in the ghost of the victim, the ghosts of her grandmother and her grandmothers bff, a talking hedgehog and her ex-boyfriend. Paige is likeable and quirky and fits right in in New Orleans. This was a sweet start to a new series and I look forward to future adventures with Paige and company.

I enjoyed this mystery a lot! Some parts were a little silly, like a talking hedgehog, but I enjoyed the suspense of it all.

Paige opens what she believes is a dating app however when she slides up for cute Austin she isn’t agreeing to a date. She is actually agreeing to help a ghost solve his murder. Paige didn’t know Austin was dead until his body lands at her feet, and she hears Austin talking to her. Paige has never helped a ghost before. She doesn’t even know where or how to start. How can she help a ghost solve a murder? Especially since her friend has been arrested for his murder.

If you love paranormal books and cozy mysteries, you will enjoy Once Ghosted, Twice Shy. It’s a enjoyable read filled with fun characters and interesting tidbits about New Orleans. I look forward to more books by Jessica Arden

Once Ghosted Twice Shy is as the series title suggest a cozy mystery that is just perfect to read between two more heavier reads.

Paige works at ghost stour gift shop as a manager in New Orleans. When she gets a weird big fortune telling package and a very weird app on her phone she can suddenly see ghosts, namely one of the body that fell on top her during one of her ghost tours. And she has to help them out to figure out their murderer. A ghost detective if you will. But it is not all fun and games when her mentor turns out to be her long lost ex or when they have to get right into a secret society.

I think what made this book fun are all the little quirky things. The app that Paige gets on her phone, going along with modern technology. Her hedgehog that starts talking to her and turns out to be a find partner in crime. Her friends who jump right on board with her sleuthing without asking (too) many questions. Her ghost grandma and her friend that come help out. And the mystery was interesting because I was interested in the murder vicitim and his life. Secret societies are always interesting to take a look into I find.

My downside would be is that I would have liked to have gotten more of a feel of New Orleans. New Orleans is a charismatic setting and with ghost tours and the secret society a lot more could have been done with that. I also would have loved to have seen more diversity on the page front and center.

But overal Once Ghosted Twice Shy is a fun cozy mystery with supernatural elements.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a funny and smart beginning to the Ghosted Cozy Mysteries series by Jessica Arden. The paranormal element to the book was so creative! Paige, our main character receives a fortune telling machine from an unknown sender. She soon finds that she has access to an app where she starts her adventure as a ghost investigator. For someone who has been trying to find her "thing' or "calling", this wasn't what Paige had in mind!

I appreciated the diversity of the cast of characters, which is much needed in the cozy mystery genre. Paige's ghostly case had me entertained and wondering how the story would end. I am happy that I got to read the first book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Wayfarer for the electronic review copy.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Wayfarer for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first in a new series. This was an interesting premise. I enjoyed the book. I didn't really like Hudson at all, but oh well such is life. I did like Paige and all her other friends. A good beginning. A good read. 3.5 stars

This was a fun read. I liked the idea of the author using modern technology with ghost adventures. The ‘ghost app’ on Paige’s phone was a unique idea.

I absolutely loved her pet hedgehog 🦔! It made me want one, who knew they could be pets!

This had the right amount of mystery and intrigue with ghosts, atmosphere in New Orleans.

I was surprised at the end.

I am looking forward to Paige’s next adventure.

This is an honest review of ARC I received from NetGalley.

I don’t need a fortune teller to predict this series will be a hit. Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a witty and fun paranormal cozy mystery with of wide assortment of psychic sidekicks to guide protagonist Paige Harrington on the road to sleuthing. She’s the great granddaughter of famous mystery writer Magnolia Castile, who penned the Matilda Mayhew series in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Paige has read the well loved books so many times she automatically reaches for one whenever she needs solace. She definitely needs consoling after the dead body of a man she knew falls from the roof of the ghost tours gift shop she manages. When a ghost app appears on her phone, matching her with the spirit of the dead man, she takes on her first case to find his murderer. Maybe, like her great grandmother, solving mysteries is in her blood.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a highly entertaining cozy for lovers of quirky, light paranormal stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and Wayfarer for providing an ARC to read for review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*
This review will be posted to Bayside Book Reviews on release day at https://baysidebookreviews.com

I just had so much fun with this book, besides being one of my favorite genres the author made it easy to go through the thriller parts. It is an easy read, couldn't put it down and then I didn't want to finish it. I am looking forward to the next book of this series, can't wait to read about the new missions of these unusual characters.
It was perfect for me!!

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This novel was everything that I hoped it would be! There was suspense, hilarity, quirky minor characters, a villainous underground society, and even a bit of a love story mixed in. I was drawn into the novel from page one and finished reading it in two days. If you’re looking for a fun and fast-paced cozy mystery, this is definitely one to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wayfarer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC

Very fun cozy mystery that managed to intertwine some humor among the paranormal mystery components. I thought this book had a unique premise where Paige, the main character who manages a ghost tour gift shop in New Orleans, one day notices a mysterious app on her phone that she thinks is a dating app, but actually turns out to link her up to a dead spirit looking for her to help solve the mystery of his death. Great easy read, and the addition of the talking hedgehog made it all the more enjoyable for me. On a random note, the little Ghost Sleuths at the beginning of every chapter were so cute!

A winner from the start! New Orleans, an app to communicate with ghosts, a cute little hedgehog, what's not to love? Original and satisfying. Can't wait for more of this series.

A little paranormal + a little hedgehog = the cutest book to get you in the mood for spooky season! I haven't read anything like this, so it was a fresh take. Thank you to NetGalley and Wayfarer for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Delightful cozy mystery with an original premise. Ghosts, a special app, New Orleans, a secret society and a adorable speaking hedgehog named Auguste. Need I say more. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then you should definitely read this one. Looking forward to more adventures with Paige and her friends.

After reading only a few chapters of this unique cozy mystery I knew I was going to love it! All Paige wants in life is to find the one thing she is ment to do with her life.. The thing that will make her happiest, and help to make her feel fullfilled..( I can totally relate to Paige with this feeling)..
So when this weird fortune teller machine finds its way to the doorstep of her workplace she has no idea this is the first day of her new life.. When a new app shows up on her phone called Ghosted she assumes its some new dating app.. When the guy she matches with ends being found dead...she quickly realizes with his help that she is supposed to solve his murder.. ( I would absolutely love this to be a real thing.. I don't know how good I would be with the murder solving part, but to have an app that matches you with a ghost would be sooo cool!!) Then she goes home to find that her lovable hedgehog Auguste who can talk... and has a french accent? Then she meets her ghost hunting mentor, someone from her past she never expected to see again.. and she is off on a new life path... When her mentor/friends ends up in the crosshairs of the police as a suspect Paige will do whatever it takes to find out who the real murderer is.. Even if that means putting herself in the killers sight.
Paige and her friends have quickly become favorites and I can't wait to see what case Paige will be solving next.. .It kept me endlessly entertained from page one, and I really loved all the characters.. Especially Auguste.. I mean a talking hedghog, what could be cuter? he even has his own set of litte booties!!

Jessica Arden has penned an introduction to "A Ghosted Cozy Mystery' series that not only hooks you and reels you in, but leaves you wanting more.
The concept for the series is original and current among the throng of cozy mysteries out there - not only does the main character converse with ghosts who need her help, but she is matched up with them through an app that makes matches between investigators and the deceased with unfinished business. Add in the unusual yet adorable pet hedgehog, who is refreshingly articulate when she finally can hear what he has to say, (no 'I has cheeseburgers' here) and this first book in the series is set for success.
The book is well written, with an intriguing mystery that brings to mind thriller plot points, well rounded characters of both the alive and ghost persuasion, and plenty of suspects to keep you turning the pages to the end.
I was provided with an ARC of the book through NetGalley and I look forward to the next in the series.