Verity Long is overdue for a little R&R (rest and romance) with her boyfriend Ellis, and a vintage train trip through the Tennessee mountains seems like just the ticket. The Sugarland Express carries history and nostalgia in every compartment, and Verity is determined to enjoy it—without ghostly interference. But the ghosts have other plans…
On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.
To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers—dead or alive—could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again.
In the past few books, Verity and Frankie’s working relationship has been nonexistent. More and more, Verity is becoming reliant on her own skills and luck to solve the mysteries and crimes that have been occurring all over Sugarland. I can understand the need for Frankie’s world to expand outside of Verity’s needs and I am thrilled to see his budding relationship with Molly. But the only way these books work is if he begins to become more involved in “helping” Verity. I put that word in quotations because let’s be honest, he’s not really that big a help. But still…
I liked this book and how it was a nod to the famed Agatha Christie novel, Murder on the Orient Express. I’ve never actually read the book, so I’m not sure how well it lines up or is different. But I do understand the gist of the storyline.
Verity and Ellis believe they can find peace and quiet as they embark on the Sugarland Express’ maiden trip. However, there wouldn’t be a book if that was the case and it’s only a matter of time before there’s a ghostly mystery or murder to solve. What they don’t count on is the fact that Verity’s ex-fiance (and Ellis’ younger brother), Beau would also be on the same train ride… or his mother, Virginia. If that doesn’t make things awkward enough, Verity and Ellis’ room is right next to Beau’s.
While the awkwardness is part of the drama in this story, the mystery unfolding throughout the book leaves Verity and Virginia working together to find a murderer. I actually enjoyed seeing a better side of Virginia, even if it doesn’t mean everything is a-okay between the two women. It was even nice to see that Verity was able to address her past with Beau.
For the sake of not spoiling the story, I’ll keep things vague. But I highly recommend this book and even this series. I am sad that I will have to wait several months before the next book. But this series was so good and engaging that I practically devoured all of the books over the past week. So, if you are a lover of cozy mysteries or paranormal mysteries, this is the series for you!
Reviewer’s Note: I received this advanced reader copy from Netgalley.
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