Southern Ghost Hunter Books in Order
How to Read the Southern Ghost Hunter series
Standalone stories, but characters and relationships develop across the series.
The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series is best read in its intended chronological order. Each book features a self-contained mystery with a satisfying resolution, but the overarching narrative tracks Verity's growing abilities, her evolving relationships (especially her slow-burn romance), her deepening bond with Frankie, and recurring town dynamics. Sequential reading preserves the emotional continuity, character growth, and subtle callbacks that make the series feel like an ongoing visit to a beloved community.
About the Southern Ghost Hunter series
Series Premise
At its core, the premise follows Verity Long, a down-on-her-luck graphic designer in small-town Georgia who, after a series of misfortunes, accidentally traps a ghost on her property. This mishap grants her the unexpected ability to see and communicate with spirits, turning her into an unwitting ghost whisperer. With the help of her sassy, wisecracking ghostly sidekick—a 1920s-era gangster named Frankie—Verity becomes entangled in solving murders and mysteries that involve restless spirits, hidden secrets, and the living who refuse to let the past stay buried. Her talent draws her into cases where ghosts seek justice or closure, often leading her to team up with local law enforcement (particularly a handsome deputy) while navigating small-town gossip, family drama, and her own chaotic life.
Main Characters
• Verity Long — The relatable, quick-witted protagonist; kind-hearted, resourceful, and newly gifted with ghost-seeing abilities, she balances sleuthing with everyday struggles and a growing romance while staying true to her optimistic spirit.
• Frankie — Verity's ghostly sidekick; a 1920s gangster trapped on her property, he’s sarcastic, street-smart, and endlessly entertaining, offering comic relief, historical insight, and loyal (if mischievous) companionship.
• Ellis Wydell — The handsome deputy sheriff and Verity's love interest; steady, protective, and quietly charming, he supports her investigations while navigating his own family complications and deepening feelings.
Setting
The setting is the fictional small town of Sugarland, Georgia—a quintessential Southern gem with sweet tea, porch swings, historic homes, and a slower pace that hides plenty of secrets. The community buzzes with local festivals, family gatherings, gossip at the diner, and a mix of old money, quirky residents, and lingering history. Supernatural elements blend seamlessly: ghosts haunt antebellum mansions, graveyards, and everyday spots, while the town's warmth and nosiness provide the perfect backdrop for Verity's investigations and personal growth.
Tone & Themes
Tonally, the series is playful, witty, and warmly uplifting, delivering cozy mystery comfort with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and gentle suspense. Fox's prose sparkles with Southern sass, clever one-liners, and affectionate humor, keeping even ghostly encounters light-hearted. The tone remains optimistic and fun—murders are solved, spirits find peace, and love blossoms—without heavy darkness. Central themes include second chances (for the living and the dead), the power of empathy and listening to those overlooked, forgiveness and letting go of the past, found family (both human and spectral), resilience after setbacks, and the joy of embracing one's unique gifts amid chaos.
In the end, the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series is a sunny, spirited delight that proves even the dead can’t resist a good mystery—or a little Southern charm. Angie Fox crafts cozy paranormal tales that wrap around your heart like a warm glass of sweet tea—funny, heartfelt, and utterly addictive—reminding readers that sometimes the best way to move forward is to listen to the past. With Verity, Frankie, and the quirky folks of Sugarland leading the way, these stories deliver laughter, light suspense, and just enough romance to keep you smiling long after the last ghost finds peace. If you crave cozy mysteries with ghostly twists, witty banter, and a touch of Southern magic, this series will haunt your bookshelf in the very best way.
FAQ
18 books total: 15 main + 3 extra stories
No new book in the series is currently scheduled. The latest book, Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts, was published in March 2026.
Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts was published in March 2026.
The first book in the series is Southern Spirits, published in January 2015.
The series primarily falls into the Cozy Paranormal Mystery genre.
It’s best to read the series in order. Each book has its own story, but ongoing character arcs and relationships develop across the series.
At its core, the premise follows Verity Long, a down-on-her-luck graphic designer in small-town Georgia who, after a series of misfortunes, accidentally traps a ghost on her property. This mishap grants her the unexpected ability to see and communicate with spirits, turning her into an unwitting ghost whisperer. With the help of her sassy, wisecracking ghostly sidekick—a 1920s-era gangster named Frankie—Verity becomes entangled in solving murders and mysteries that involve restless spirits, hidden secrets, and the living who refuse to let the past stay buried. Her talent draws her into cases where ghosts seek justice or closure, often leading her to team up with local law enforcement (particularly a handsome deputy) while navigating small-town gossip, family drama, and her own chaotic life.
The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.