I discovered this book by browsing Bookbub. It was listed as mystery and it was free, so I saw no harm in downloading it. I was very iffy about whether or not I would like it, but I'm so glad I took the chance on this book because no, I didn't like it, I LOVED it! I didn't want to stop reading, despite how reading it on the phone gave me a headache and also despite the fact that I prefer a real book in my hands.

I honestly loved this book so much. Frankie is the coolest ghost ever, and Verity didn't annoy me in the least, which is quite rare for me - I've never been fond of female characters. While reading, I got some serious Supernatural TV show vibes, like this was a filler episode and the Winchesters would pop out at any moment. Having Verity and Frankie help them with a case... oh my god, that would be the best collab ever made. I knew this book was about a mystery but I never would have guessed that Verity would get a ghostly partner to help her solve the mystery. To be fair, I didn't think there would be a murder, either, but I was pleasantly surprised by both. This is such a unique twist on ghost stories/ghost mysteries and I love it!

I really connected with Verity. I felt so bad about the way the town treated her. It really angered me, to be honest, but I'm proud of her for standing her ground and not giving up. I admire her strength and will. I was hoping there would be no romance since I hate that genre, but the romance wasn't typically what you see in books these days. It was subtle and sweet, and it had me smiling rather than cringing, as I typically do. I was also surprised there wasn't a clash between Verity and her ex, but maybe that will come in at a later book.

There was something really special to me about when Verity was helping to shoulder Ellis when he got hurt. It made me smile, because it's usually the other way around or, if the woman is helping, she's too weak to help carry the male or the male protests. Ellis didn't fight her - he was hurt and grateful for the help and, even though she wasn't strong enough to physically carry him, she did her best to help steady him, and that was quite heartwarming.

Did I mention how much I love Frankie? I totally pictured him using an Italian accent with a southern twang to it and I loved it. Not gonna lie, I did think at first that maybe they fell in love. I'm not above love beyond dimensions, don't judge me.

Now as for the ending... ooohhh my goooodddd. I won't spoil it, I promise, but HOLY SHIT, I did NOT see that coming! I've never been good at figuring out who is actually guilty, but I can usually at least suspect the real criminal. But this time? Nada. Zilch. Nothing. I didn't suspect him ONE BIT and it made my jaw job when he revealed himself.

All in all, I'm so glad I got this book for free because I doubt I would have purchased it, and I'm so glad that I got to read this. I even stopped playing my game to get through this book because I wanted to know what happened next.

10/10 - Highly recommend!

Merged review:

I discovered this book by browsing Bookbub. It was listed as mystery and it was free, so I saw no harm in downloading it. I was very iffy about whether or not I would like it, but I'm so glad I took the chance on this book because no, I didn't like it, I LOVED it! I didn't want to stop reading, despite how reading it on the phone gave me a headache and also despite the fact that I prefer a real book in my hands.

I honestly loved this book so much. Frankie is the coolest ghost ever, and Verity didn't annoy me in the least, which is quite rare for me - I've never been fond of female characters. While reading, I got some serious Supernatural TV show vibes, like this was a filler episode and the Winchesters would pop out at any moment. Having Verity and Frankie help them with a case... oh my god, that would be the best collab ever made. I knew this book was about a mystery but I never would have guessed that Verity would get a ghostly partner to help her solve the mystery. To be fair, I didn't think there would be a murder, either, but I was pleasantly surprised by both. This is such a unique twist on ghost stories/ghost mysteries and I love it!

I really connected with Verity. I felt so bad about the way the town treated her. It really angered me, to be honest, but I'm proud of her for standing her ground and not giving up. I admire her strength and will. I was hoping there would be no romance since I hate that genre, but the romance wasn't typically what you see in books these days. It was subtle and sweet, and it had me smiling rather than cringing, as I typically do. I was also surprised there wasn't a clash between Verity and her ex, but maybe that will come in at a later book.

There was something really special to me about when Verity was helping to shoulder Ellis when he got hurt. It made me smile, because it's usually the other way around or, if the woman is helping, she's too weak to help carry the male or the male protests. Ellis didn't fight her - he was hurt and grateful for the help and, even though she wasn't strong enough to physically carry him, she did her best to help steady him, and that was quite heartwarming.

Did I mention how much I love Frankie? I totally pictured him using an Italian accent with a southern twang to it and I loved it. Not gonna lie, I did think at first that maybe they fell in love. I'm not above love beyond dimensions, don't judge me.

Now as for the ending... ooohhh my goooodddd. I won't spoil it, I promise, but HOLY SHIT, I did NOT see that coming! I've never been good at figuring out who is actually guilty, but I can usually at least suspect the real criminal. But this time? Nada. Zilch. Nothing. I didn't suspect him ONE BIT and it made my jaw job when he revealed himself.

All in all, I'm so glad I got this book for free because I doubt I would have purchased it, and I'm so glad that I got to read this. I even stopped playing my game to get through this book because I wanted to know what happened next.

10/10 - Highly recommend!