The last two books in the Southern Ghost Hunter series had something missing in my opinion. They were still good books, but where novel 11 seemed to be an almost vgoodbye and missed a bit of... spirit, the 12th title was too little Frankie, too much Duranja (even though that redemption arc was needed, desperately). In review terms that meant both books received 4 stars rounded up (seriously: when will the option come to give quarter points on Amazon, GoodReads or BookBub? Or at least halfsies?), where I'd given this great, entertaining series mostly 5 stars otherwise.

Death at the Drive-In, book 13 in the collection, falls back on the 'formula' of Southern Ghosthunter that made me devour and recommend each and every novel sofar: witty, a bit scary, lots of adventure, heartfelt emotions and the great chemistry between main characters. What's more: all the favourites are here this time around, with the focus on Verity & Frankie - as I like! As it should.

In this installment Verity has no choice but to dive into a decades old missing person's case. In 1956 a Sugarland local went missing. The police closed the case, concluding the girl eloped with her mobster boyfriend, not reaching out due to fear of her mobster's dad. That story turns out to be false, and the girl 's real cold blooded murder in the 50's is now bleeding over into current day Sugarland and endangering the afterlives of Frankie and his sweetheart Molly.

With Molly's afterlife on the line Frankie goes a little crazy - what else is new ?- and with the case reopened and her friends in danger it is up to Verity (and a very unexpected sidekick) to roam the old Irish mobster stomping grounds in the ghostly realm to solve the murder as fast as possible. Not to mention, stay out of the clutches of whomever living has been sneaking around in the dark there as well.

As said earlier, this is a true Southern Ghost Hunter book. It is mostly Frankie and Verity together, with the latter once again looking into the barrel of ghostly guns and the eyes of dead(ly) scary gangsters whenever "The German' lends her his power to search for clues. Verity in danger from the dead on top of the living is what makes these books fun.

Frankie is his high-energy, untrustworthy, sticky-fingered self, with even El Gato making an explosive (and slightly hilarious) appearance. But a couple of scenes show us that the mobster might have a big mouth, under the tough shell sits a gooey center. Melody and Ellis aren't in the forefront, but their smaller supporting- literally- roles when help is needed, give the loving feel so known to these books. For a little spice Shotgun Maisie makes an entrance every now and then as well.

As most great SGH books there's a lot on the line and it causes some exciting scenes. Also caused by a Verity who, while a seasoned and courageous ghost detective, still remains a little too trusting. Luckily there are several utterly cute Lucy moments to give your racing heart a break.

I could tell you Death at the Drive-In had a wonderful happy ending and is a well written, fast paced novel with a good plot. But that will come as no suprise if you've been following this series for a while. What did come as a surprise to me, is that the whole "Frankie finding his way out of the rosebush", that was so clearly a point in book 11, seems to have hit a pause. I hope it means that the idea I had of this series ending real soon was wrong*. After reading this book I'm nowhere near done again with Verity and her gangster friend. Plus... where's grandma?!

One tiny negative point plot-wise, was that I could figure out the bad guy (s) a little too early for the suspense to remain as strong ~ the hints are there. But, granted, it did still happen at the end of book, not halfway. And even then - don't worry! - Death at the Drive-In stays plenty exciting until everyone is safe again. And even the very, very end has an interesting surprise. One that feels a bit like the beginning of another redemption arc (*and then quite possibly my thought of an author working towards an ending could be correct). But we will see.

If you needed a fast and simple answer to the question if the latest in the series was worth your hard-earned coin, then: Yes! Death at the Drive-In is a good ol 'fashioned Southern Ghost Hunter title where you can get enough mystery, smiles and a big dose of ghosty gangster to satisfy any Angie Fox addiction. Read at your own sleep deprivation- peril, because the well-known "one more chapter" reader's affliction is a sure thing with the 13th book.

Recommendation: Read!
5 Stars 🌟 rounded up (4.75 stars, 9+ out of 10)

"Death at the Drive-in" by Angie Fox is a thrilling and captivating mystery novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Verity Long, a ghost hunter who is helping a friend solve a cold case from 1956. Kitty Cunningham disappeared on the way to the Starlite Drive-In, and now evidence of foul play has surfaced in the ghostly realm.

With the help of a wise-cracking gangster ghost, Verity delves into the hidden side of 1950s Sugarland, from the abandoned drive-in to a long-forgotten mob vault. As she stirs up spirits and secrets alike, she discovers that some corners of Sugarland's history are darker and more dangerous than she ever imagined.

Angie Fox has crafted a well-written and engaging story with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. The mystery is complex and intriguing, and the 1950s setting adds a unique and captivating element to the story.

Overall, "Death at the Drive-in" is a must-read for fans of mystery and paranormal fiction. Angie Fox has created a world that is both haunting and thrilling, and readers won't be able to put the book down until they've discovered the truth behind Kitty Cunningham's disappearance.

I do NOT remember that many people knowing that Verity talks to ghosts but, we are already suspending disbelief in this story, so why not here as well? Even more startling, Verity actually works with Virginia (her current AND ex fiances mother, read the rest of the books in the series, it's worth it)
Frankie is really excited to show off his new still to his girlfriend Molly but she's been possessed. And this ghost is a young woman who was killed in 1956.
Kitty Cunningham disappeared and was assumed to have run away with her boyfriend. But her boyfriend was the son of the local mob boss and a hit had been put on her so no on really knows. It's going to be a race against time to figure out what happened to her since her possessing Molly means that she can drain Molly's power, and Frankie's as well. And if they are drained, they will cease to exist.

Four stars
This book comes out March 19, 2024
Follows Dread and Buried
ARC kindly provided by Moose Island Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Another great hit from Angie Fox.

Things are never quiet in Sugarland where ghosthunter Verity Long and her 1920's ghostly gangsta sidekick Frankie the German are concerned.

In this latest installment Frankie's ghost girlfriend Molly has been possessed by another spirit. On the clock to save her before she's gone forever. Verity and Frankie find themselves in the middle of a cold case, and they'll need to solve it to bring the angry spirit peace.

Kitty Cunningham disappeared in 1956 on the way to the Starlite Drive-In. That same night police raided the Irish pub which was the front for the Irish mob - led by the father of Kitty's boyfriend.

But was it the mob or the Police that killed Kitty?

Verity and Frankie set out to find answers, but along the way they find someone among the living may want to keep those secret buried.

And when Verity's old nemesis Virginia Wedell decides to get involved...hell might just freeze over.

Arc generously provided by NetGalley.

Back in 1956, a woman named Kitty vanished on her way to the drive in. There’s been no updates until recently, with it being linked to a modern day crime. Ghost hunter Verity and her ghostly gangster side kick Frankie are tasked with trying to solve the case. Very fun, light read

This book was amazing, the mystery was well done! I so love Verity, and look forward to a new book from this author all the time!! This was another winner in this long running series! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!!

A missing girl from 1956 is at the heart of the ghostly uproar that descends on Verity and Frankie in this latest supernatural case to crack bringing to light the dark side of Verity’s sweet Sugarland. This is an auto-buy series and I can’t help bouncing with excitement for the latest Southern Ghost Hunter mystery.

After their recent case was solved, Verity is taking some quiet time to prep her pet skunk Lucy for the annual pet obstacle course race and her ghostly gangster detecting partner, Frankie, is busy making shine in a rickety still out by the apple trees for his ghostly sweetheart. Situation normal. Until it isn’t.

Suddenly Frankie’s gal, Molly is possessed by another spirit and the clock is ticking on cracking the case to give the spirit peace so she’ll move on before eating up all of Molly’s ghostly energy. The case takes them to the old drive in, a no tell motel, and an Irish gang’s pub that had their heyday back in the fifties. Frankie is a gangster on a mission even if he has to take down the Irish gang and drag Verity into deadly danger to do it.

Death at the Drive In leaped out of the gate with good action and kept me riveted through the twists and turns to the end. I love how this book had some great action scenes and suspense even while keeping up the great partnership fun of Verity and Frankie with their opposite approach to solving the case- sweet, small-town girl vs a gangster ghost still with a streak of larceny. The dialogue and Frankie’s antics is quite humorous between the two of them. And, then there was that great moment when Verity ends up with a stunner human back-up partner none other than her long-time nemesis when her cop boyfriend is busy elsewhere.

I’m still of the opinion, thirteen books in, that Southern Ghost Hunter is one of the best paranormal cozy mystery series out there and not to be missed by those who love the genre.

Holy Moly! I have read most of the books in this series and this one by far has been my favorite. Gangsters, crooked cops, gangster bars, oh my! Talk about thrilling! Verity, as always, is one of my favorite female sleuths. She is very likable and very relatable. I love the fact that she is more than happy to help anyone, dead or alive. If you could help someone who was stuck in limbo between this realm and the next, wouldn't you?

This was really exciting as it was a cold case that needed to be solved that was over 70 years old. A great way to bring justice and some answers to those poor family members that are still alive and who still long for the truth about their lost loved one. As always, there is a ton of action, lots of twists and turns, red herrings, acts of betrayal, and pure unadulterated true love.

It was everything I have come to expect and love about this series. And things with Verity and Ellis just keep getting hotter and hotter! I am still waiting on those two to get engaged sometime soon! I think Lucy would be the ideal flower skunk lol.

This is a book that will have you thinking about it long after you have read it. I enjoyed myself immensely while immersed in this book. Once it grabs a hold of you, you don't want to put it down. I know I certainly had trouble putting it down. I finished it in one day. I just couldn't seem to stop myself. This is a book to be greatly enjoyed and I know you will too.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Angie Fox for the ability to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are completely honest.

I have enjoyed other books by Angie Fox but found Death at the Drive-in to be slow going. Verity and her ghost friend gangster Frankie are off to find his ghostly girlfriend Molly before she is absorbed by another ghost from the past.

I really enjoyed this book! If I’m going to be honest this was the first book I have read from this series and from this author but It definitely won’t be the last!! Being book 13 in a series I was a little nervous going into it because I didn’t want to be confused the entire time given I didn’t read the other books first. But I can confidently say I wasn’t confused at all. Angie Fox did an amazing job giving me all the information I needed to completely understand this book and the characters without leaving me confused or lost. While also making me fall in love with this universe that I genuinely want to go back and read the first 12 books even though I already know what’s happening by book 13. And that rarely happens to me!! This book had an amazing plot and wonderful characters. The mystery kept me on my toes the whole time and the friendships warmed my heart the whole way through!! 10/10 would definitely recommend!!

Omg! Loved it till the end.
This cozy murder mystery is entertaining, funny and well crafted.
Love the new interactions with opposing characters and to see more of Melody’s involvement.
Heartwarming and romantic, nail biting scenes and obscure characters. It has it all!

The Angie Fox Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries are one of my favorite book series. Frankie's ghost girlfriend, Molly, is being is being taken over by Kitty – a very old ghost without a body. Frankie is frantic to get help from Verity so both Frankie and Molly can be saved. Another great book in an excellent series.

A possessed ghost! Oh my. I never could’ve imagined. This is such a great new twist on an adventure for Verity. Still the things we love. The mob. Ghosts. Murder mystery. But in a whole new way. It’s fun. It’s twisty. What a ride. An added bonus is a new development in one of her relationships. I love this series so much. It always goes somewhere unfathomable. I can’t wait for the next.

Angie Fox is a new to me author and I am excited to have read this fun adventure of a mystery. This book has a mix of everything you could think of from ghost-hunting, cold cases, to cozy mystery and everything in between. Fox does a wonderful job at creating fun characters in all aspects of the story. You feel like you are there with Verity solving and in the adventure right along with her. I love the southern setting and the 50s backdrop. Created a great atmosphere I wasn’t expecting for this story. The wit and humor helped develop and move the story along. You will love this book. It is the perfect story to get all snuggled and cozy with while you try to figure out the mystery. Enjoy this fun adventure.

Another fantastic read by Angie Fox. The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries is one of my favourite ever book series. I know when I pick up a copy im going to be gripped from the beginning to the end.
Death at the drive is book number 13 and I hope this series wont end for a while. When Frankies girlfriend is taken over by another spirit, Verity and Frankie must find Molly and get the unwanted spirit out of her before its too late. In 1956 teenager Kitty went missing and was never found again, without a body Kitty is just floating around. She is desperate to be reunited with her love Patrick. When she sees a chance to take over Molly and head to the drive in the last place she saw him.
The search is on for Verity to save both Frankie and Molly, as Kitty is having to drain them both to stay where she is. I love the town of Sugarland and the motley crew of ghosts you meet. I have to say that Virginia is starting to grow on me now. We saw a softer side of her in this book.
Death at the drive in is a 5 star read. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.

Exciting action, decades-old mysteries that need solving, and cheeky ghosts, what more do you need?

Molly made Frankie into a better man, without doubt, but deep in his black little heart he is all gangster and in this book he got the chance to express that part of himself to the fullest. I always wish there was more of Ellis, I just love him. No matter how bizarre Verity’s life gets, their relationship is the one constant that we can all rely on. Verity picked up a very unlikely ally, which made for super entertaining reading.

The story played out well-paced, with a plethora of smaller plots that all came together really well without causing confusion. The author does an excellent job of connecting the present day to the past, and the good and bad guys for both eras.

This series is for you if you like ghosts, solving mysteries and crimes, and humour, all with a steady-as-a-rock relationship. This book can be read on its own, but I think reading the series in order will make more sense. The characters and their relationships change and grow over time and you don’t want to miss that.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Yet another caper in Sugarland. I love this series! It is such a fun ride - the best way to forget my day-to-day troubles. As a long time fan I especially appreciate how the characters (such as Virginia and Frankie) have grown over the years.

This book in the series presents readers with more ghostly intrigue. When Frankie's girlfriend is compromised, his bond with her affects his ghostly being. Verity must work quickly to save him. She discovers mob roots and corruption she didn't expect in her small Southern town. I loved how Ellis's mother helped her when he was unavailable. I'm ready for Ellis and Verity to move forward with their relationship. I love how they support each other so well.

Verity and her gangster ghost sidekick are neck-deep in mystery again as they investigate the cold-case of the disappearance of Kitty Cunningham in 1956 on her way to the drive-in. Turns out Sugarland had a dark side back then and the mob thrived near the drive-in. But this mystery doesn't want to stay in the past and could have deadly consequences for Verity and a friend.

This is a fun series. The characters have great heart (well-most of them), there is an adorable pet skunk and Verity's ghostly glimpses back in time give an interesting and vibrant look at the past. Plus, most of the ghosts are funny and so lively. But I also like that not everything is too sweet. Verity has problems with some people. In this book she ends up spending a lot of time with her boyfriend's mother who has been pretty despicable to her.

Definitely a good addition to the series and one you don't want to miss. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I don't know how, but this series keeps getting better. I adore Verity and this one is one of my favorites. The setting descriptions made me feel like I was right there. The mystery is engaging and full of surprises. The ending was perfect!