Step into the charmingly spooky world of the Ghostly Southern Mystery series, where small-town gossip meets ghostly sleuthing in the heart of Kentucky! Written by Tonya Kappes, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Emma Lee Raines, a funeral home director who gains the uncanny ability to chat with ghosts after a freak accident. With southern charm, quirky characters, and a dash of paranormal flair, these books are perfect for readers craving a lighthearted whodunit with a supernatural twist.
Emma Lee’s adventures in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, blend humor, romance, and murder mysteries as she helps restless spirits solve their untimely demises. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or just love a good ghost story, this series promises a rollicking ride through a town where the dead are as chatty as the living.
How Ghostly Southern Mystery Began
Tonya Kappes, a USA Today bestselling author known for her southern cozy mysteries, launched the Ghostly Southern Mystery series in 2013 with A Ghostly Undertaking. Inspired by her love for quirky characters and small-town settings, Kappes crafted a world where the supernatural feels as natural as sweet tea on a porch swing. The idea of a funeral director turned ghost-whisperer came from her knack for blending humor with heart, creating a series that’s both eerie and endearing.
Kappes’ own Kentucky roots shine through in the series’ vivid setting and colorful dialogue. Her goal was to write stories that feel like a visit to a gossipy southern town, complete with nosy neighbors and a touch of magic. The result is a series that’s as much about community as it is about solving crimes.
The Heart of Ghostly Southern Mystery
The series kicks off with A Ghostly Undertaking, where Emma Lee, after being bonked by a plastic Santa, starts seeing ghosts like Ruthie Sue Payne, who insists she was murdered. Emma teams up with her high-school crush, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, to crack the case. In A Ghostly Grave, Emma digs into the murder of Chicken Teater, navigating jealousy over his prize hen, Lady Cluckington. A Ghostly Demise sees her chasing clues for Cepheus Hardy’s killer, while A Ghostly Murder tackles the death of hypochondriac Mamie Sue, with millions at stake.
Themes of family, loyalty, and small-town life weave through the series, set against the backdrop of Sleepy Hollow’s gossip-filled streets. Kappes’ witty prose and paranormal elements—like Emma’s role as a “Betweener” helping murdered ghosts—add a fresh spin to the cozy mystery genre. The romantic tension with Jack Henry and the antics of Emma’s feisty Granny Zula Fae keep readers hooked, while the Kentucky setting feels like a character itself, brimming with southern hospitality and secrets.
Each book delivers a standalone mystery but builds on Emma’s growth and relationships, making the series best enjoyed in order. Fans praise Kappes for her unpredictable plots and laugh-out-loud moments, like ghostly cats triggering allergies or Emma’s undercover stint as a psychic in A Ghostly Suspect.
Why Ghostly Southern Mystery Resonates
The Ghostly Southern Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, enchanting readers with its blend of paranormal fun and southern sass. Its appeal lies in its relatable heroine, Emma Lee, who balances everyday struggles with her ghostly gift, and the vivid sense of place that makes Sleepy Hollow feel like home. The series’ eight books have earned glowing reviews for their humor and heart, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon calling them “laugh-out-loud funny” and “perfect for a cozy night in.”
Kappes’ ability to craft flawed, lovable characters and twisty mysteries has made the series a fan favorite, inspiring readers to crave more of Emma’s adventures. Its light tone and supernatural charm offer a refreshing escape, proving that even the dead can spark lively stories.
- First book published: 2013 (A Ghostly Undertaking)
- Number of books: 8
- Setting: Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky
- Genre: Paranormal cozy mystery
Grab A Ghostly Undertaking and dive into the Ghostly Southern Mystery series’ world of ghosts, grits, and good ol’ southern sleuthing!