I loved this book in the Mitzy Moon Mysteries series! In this one Mitzy needs to solve the murder of her Ghost-ma’s arch nemesis! It was too fun and a bit twisty. There were some paranormal developments but I’ll leave you to find out what they were on your own. I do hope that they continue making appearances though in future books. Erick and Mitzy also had a new development. Silas was in this one offering more guidance. That just made my day as I really like him. Paulsen just might be getting to like Mitzy. Mitzy has come a long way from who she was in book one.
This book did have a sneak peek at the end of it. It was the first time this has happened in this series and I’m torn on whether or not I love it. Don’t worry the mystery in this book is completely solved. The final chapter just gave a big hint as to what direction we are headed. I’ve never been a fan of cliffhangers. They tend to stress me out. However this author tends to write fast so I’m okay with it. It did get me excited for the next book. I’m just not certain I want to see it in every book.
If you are new to this series I would strongly recommend you start at the beginning. Mitzy goes through a lot of growth in each book. There is a lot that goes on that you miss out on when you are relying on the first chapter catch up. I believe this series is a strong on that gets better with every book. The stories pull you in so you are flying through the books. You can catch up easily. ( )

I am always excited when another Mitzy Moon book is released. This is book #8 in the series, and it is just as fresh and fun as book #1. The series just keeps getting better and better. I believe the key to that is the wonderful cast of characters that Silvertale creates. Mitzy, with all her quirks, never takes for granted this new life she has inherited. Her emotional attachments to her Ghost-ma and Odell leave me a bit misty-eyed at times, while the banter between them leaves me laughing. And Pyewacket, the independent caracal, always reminds me of the “The Cat Who…” series and its feline sleuths Koko and Yum-Yum.

At the beginning of this installment, Mitzy Moon is attending the viewing and later memorial service for Lilliane Barnes, a woman in the community and Ghost-ma’s foe. But we know there must be a murder here – and there is. All the characters I love so dearly – Ghost-ma, Pye, Erick, Silas – come together to solve the mystery. Under Silas’ mentorship, Mitzy’s paranormal skills continue to evolve. The light romance between Mitzy and Sheriff Erick continues to grow, providing moments of sweetness. There are some reveals that will set us up for future installments of the series.

The teaser at the end of this book has left me in anticipation of where the next installment will take me.

“Wakes and High Stakes” is one of my favorites in this series, as I felt there was more substance to the investigation. A real page-turner. I recommend this series for a quick, easy, and fun read.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in my review are entirely mine. ( )