Murder on the Sugarland Express

Murder On The Sugarland Express is another wild ride paranormal cozy murder mystery. I love Verity, her boyfriend Ellis, but especially her lively pet skunk-Lucy. Each time her unintended house guest-Franke ithe gangster ghost-tunes her into his world, she ends up running from murderous ghosts. It's great fun!

Murder on the Sugarland Express is a fun adventure through time with multiple ghost and historical reference. The very “Agatha Christie” feel of this story will keep readers turning the page and entertain them throughout. Verity and Ellis are wonderful characters with everyday problems and a few that are extraordinary. Verity doesn’t just see ghosts, she lives with them, talks to them and tries to help them whenever she can. Ellis is a police officer, and even though most people wouldn’t believe that Verity talks to ghosts, he accepts it at face value without question. If Verity tells him a ghost told her something important, he jumps into action. Combined they make a fantastic duo of ghost hunter and crime fighter. Other characters are warm and compassionate as well as interesting and fun. The cast of suspects are likable, intriguing and well rounded. They have characteristics that readers find in everyday life with those they know and love. Add an adorable pet skunk, and you have the makings of a memorable book. The Sugarland Express is romantic as only old trains can be. The opulence of the cars brings to mind a time long ago when passenger travel was about the adventure and not the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B. The setting is perfect for a mystery. Who can’t imagine a train filled with ghosts and the living intermingling on an adventure that ends in murder? The long-dead victim is tragic while the newest victim is far from it. The motive for the murder is not readily clear and at times can seem almost absent. Clues are there to be found if the reader takes the time to look for them. The unveiling of the killer is dramatic and filled with action, and of course, ghosts. Although Murder on the Sugarland Express is a fast-paced easy-to-read book, it is also an ode to the most famous mystery writer of all time, Dame Agatha Christie. In some ways, it is almost too close in comparison to “Murder on the Orient Express.” Take out the ghost, and the reader may well think they are reading an altered version of Ms. Christie’s book. And herein lies the problem. On its own, this book is worth reading, but the comparison to Agatha Christie’s work is inevitable and unfortunate in some ways. Ms. Fox is a talented writer, and her passion for her craft is evident. However, writing a book that so closely resembles a rather famous one, can be hard to achieve without coming off as a copycat. Although Ms. Fox has achieved this with her book, it is difficult to read it without comparing it to Ms. Christie’s material. This is the sixth book in the series, and some readers may not understand the references to other murders, or relationships. The inner workings of Verity’s relationship with Ellis, his brother Beau and their mother can be difficult to understand without any references to explain the situation. The book would benefit from a short introduction helping to explain how Verity finds herself in her current predicament and the intricate relationship between her and the other characters. Over-all Murder on the Sugarland Express is an enjoyable read that will have readers interested from the first paragraph. Anyone who enjoys Agatha Christie novels will like Angie Fox’s Southern Ghost Hunter series and this book in particular.

A Classic Tale of Murder Mystery Mayhem with a Contemporary Twist Angie Fox has given us the sixth full length installment in her popular Southern Ghost Hunter series with Murder on the Sugarland Express. Take everything you love about classic British mysteries and give them a generous contemporary, paranormal twist, and you have another exciting read with Verity Long and her mismatched crew of friends, followers, and tag-alongs. This volume has Verity and hot cop boyfriend, Ellis, boarding the newly restored Sugarland train for a week of rest and relaxation and a chance to be a normal couple without Ellis’ toxic family, their meddling hometown neighbors, or Verity’s unexpected, unwanted, and generally uncooperative sidekick, former gangster and formerly living human, Frankie the German, hanging about and causing trouble. But when Frankie wheedles his way onboard with Verity and Ellis, you know you’re in for a wild, unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Fox has carved out a bit more of this emerging genre, mixing paranormal with contemporary mysteries, using a classic setting, and throwing in a bit of well crafted romance, in both worlds. The parallels are cleverly included and make for another can’t-put-it-down tale of love and loss. These books are always delightfully character driven, and this latest offering is no exception. Fox seems to have settled quite comfortably with her heroine’s development. Not only is the relationship with Ellis growing, but we’re seeing sides of Verity that bring her closer to the surface. Escape is such an important element in reading fiction, but it’s particularly enjoyable when you have a protagonist that you can relate to, and Verity is becoming that favorite beloved character with every new work. The nod to mystery icon Agatha Christie is evident in more than just the title. There is a noticeable attention to detail that brought the piece alive. From the description of the train, to character features and clothing, you can clearly envision the settings, people, and parts to this story. As usual, the ending is fast-paced and unexpected, exactly what you want a mystery to be. This book also comes at the ideal time of year! Not only is it a great gift for the reader on your list, but it’s the perfect way to take some “me” time during the busy holiday season. Grab your coffee/tea/hot chocolate and snuggle up for a fun couple of hours with quirky characters and memorable storylines. Murder on the Sugarland Express is another hit in this entertaining series.