The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox
A haunted library is no place for a girl who can see ghosts, but when Verity Long stumbles on a dead body in the middle of the main reading room, she has to believe someone…even a dead someone…must have witnessed the crime.
Her ghostly sidekick Frankie warns her to stay out of it. The very alive, very handsome deputy sheriff, Ellis Wydell, inadvertently places her directly in the middle of it. And her ex-fiancé, Ellis’s brother, is back with an agenda of his own.
Undaunted, Verity presses forward, uncovering scandalous secrets, long-forgotten ghosts, and a shocking trail of clues that places her directly in the path of a killer.
The Bite Breakdown:
Quick Verdict
The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox blends paranormal mystery with small town humor, and Verity Long’s ghostly world continues to expand in entertaining ways. I found the combination of ghost lore, local politics, and murder investigation surprisingly engaging, especially because the heroine refuses to stay on the sidelines once the mystery begins.
At a Glance
- Genre: Urban Fantasy
- Subgenre: Paranormal Mystery, Cozy Mystery
- Trope: Reluctant Heroine
- Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series Book #2
- POV: First Person
- Romance Focus: Light romantic development between Verity and deputy Ellis Wydell
- Tone: Playful, suspenseful, and lightly eerie
The Premise (No Spoilers)
Verity Long lives in Sugarland, where her unusual ability to see ghosts frequently pulls her into situations she never planned to handle. Trouble begins after she stumbles onto a dead body in a library, which quickly transforms a normal day into the beginning of a murder investigation. Someone must have seen the crime, yet the only witnesses might belong to the spirit world.
Frankie, her ghostly companion and former gangster, urges caution and repeatedly warns her not to get involved. Despite that advice, Verity keeps digging for answers. Deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell unintentionally draws her deeper into the case, while the return of her ex-fiancé complicates matters even further. Secrets surface as she follows the trail, and her search eventually puts her directly in the path of the killer.
The Skeleton in the Closet functions as the second installment in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. Verity’s ongoing partnership with Frankie and her growing relationship with Ellis continue to develop as the supernatural investigation deepens.
What Worked
Verity’s narrative voice carries the novel. Her perspective combines humor, stubborn determination, and a touch of exasperation about the ghostly chaos around her. I appreciated how naturally the supernatural elements blend into everyday life in Sugarland. Ghosts feel like part of the town rather than decorative gimmicks.
Frankie adds an unexpected layer to the story. His presence turns the investigation into a cross-world partnership, and the contrast between a living amateur sleuth and a dead gangster keeps the dialogue lively. Scenes involving hauntings and ghost activity create tension without losing the book’s lighter tone. One moment might involve a sinister spirit or haunted location, while the next moment returns to Verity’s normal life and small town routines.
What Didn’t Work (or Might Not)
Readers expecting a tightly structured crime thriller may find the pacing more relaxed than anticipated. The mystery unfolds through gradual discoveries rather than constant action. Conversations and local dynamics sometimes take center stage over rapid plot advancement.
Some supernatural moments lean toward playful rather than frightening. Anyone seeking darker paranormal suspense might feel the story remains safely on the lighter side. The tone rarely abandons its sense of humor, even when the stakes increase.
Romance and Relationship Dynamics
Romance plays a secondary role, though it adds warmth to the story. Verity’s growing connection with Ellis Wydell develops gradually across the investigation. Their relationship mixes professional tension with genuine attraction, and their shared experiences around hauntings slowly deepen that bond. At one point, Verity and Ellis finally share a kiss after surviving dangerous encounters together.
Frankie’s presence complicates the dynamic in amusing ways because the ghost often observes Verity’s romantic life whether she wants him to or not. The result feels light rather than angsty, and the relationship development remains grounded within the larger mystery plot.
- Murder investigation
- Dead body discovery
- Ghosts and hauntings
- Poltergeist activity
- Supernatural danger
Who Should Read This
Readers who enjoy paranormal mysteries with humor will likely appreciate this series. Fans of small town settings, ghost investigations, and conversational first person narration should feel comfortable in Verity’s world. Anyone who prefers character driven mysteries over dark horror may also find the tone appealing.
Final Verdict
The Skeleton in the Closet delivers an entertaining blend of supernatural mystery and small town charm. Verity Long continues to grow as a heroine, and her unusual alliance with a ghost keeps the investigation lively.
Book Rating: 4 Stars
A lively paranormal mystery with an engaging narrator and a fun supernatural twist.
Heroine Strength: 4 Crowns
Verity pushes forward despite danger and actively drives the investigation.
Spice Rating: 1 Flame
Romance exists but remains light and mostly focused on emotional development.
Major Revelations and Turning Points
The investigation in The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox escalates when Verity Long and Deputy Ellis Wydell explore a haunted house connected to the case. Strange supernatural activity builds tension throughout the search, especially when a violent spirit disrupts their attempt to move through the building. Verity refuses to back down despite the danger and opens a damaged closet door that radiates dark energy. Inside, she discovers the body of a man stretched across the dusty floor, confirming that the haunting hides a far more tangible crime.
Clues begin to point toward Virginia Wydell as Verity follows the trail left behind by Darla Grace’s death. Frankie helps uncover evidence hidden on the Wydell property, including documents connected to the victim and the motive behind the killing. The discovery convinces Verity that Virginia murdered Darla Grace, a conclusion she voices openly once the pieces finally connect.
Alongside the investigation, Verity’s relationship with Ellis grows steadily stronger. Their partnership in the case creates constant proximity and trust under pressure. After surviving several dangerous encounters, the emotional tension finally breaks when Verity kisses Ellis. The moment surprises both of them, though neither pulls away, and the scene confirms that their connection now extends beyond professional cooperation.
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