Ghosts are People Too

Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium #2

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

When her best friend Gen comes from Birmingham for an extended visit, psychic medium Chantilly Adair can’t wait to show her Castleberry, Georgia.

Excited to introduce her to what makes her hometown so unique, Chantilly plans to throw a party the size of Atlanta’s Mercedes Stadium. Though she hasn’t attempted an event that big since her own wedding, she’s ready and willing to take the ball and run with it.

But when trouble comes to town in the form of her best friend’s soon-to-be ex-husband, threatening both Chantilly and Gen, and winding up dead in the cellar of a local historical property, her plans change.

The cops can’t find a suspect, other than Gen, of course.

Now, for Chantilly to clear her best friend, she’ll need help from the property’s owner, who just happens to be dead…

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com

Reviews

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Chantilly Adair Series is just as intriguing as the first! The characters are really well developed and quite interesting. Chantilly has to use her new "gift" of talking to ghosts to help solve crimes without getting locked up for being crazy! The personalities of the core cast of characters are so very entertaining that you can't wait for the next book to visit with them again! The personalities of the characters definitely add depth to an already well plotted story line! Definitely a series you should pick up and read if you like a bit of the paranormal mixed into your cozy mystery!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts are People Too is Book Two in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Cozy Mystery Series.

The series is developing at a well paced rate. Chantilly sees ghosts, but she hasn't always, not until she fell down the stairs. To learn more about the backstory, check out Book 1, Get Up and Ghost: A Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Cozy Mystery.

Chantilly's friend Gen shows up unexpectedly with a bag of money , and I LOVE Gen's character. Hopefully we will see her again soon.

This was a great mystery with lots of interesting characters. This is a stand alone book, but you're totally missing out if you don't read Book 1, its so great.

I HIGHLY reccomend this book and I cannot wait for book 3 in this well written , fun series.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castleberry, Georgia. Present day. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Ghosts Are People Too (Chantilly Adair
Paranormal Mystery #2) is a quick read, but I am finding that the characters especially Chantilly feel real to me. The author has added some Civil War experiences and feelings that I have read in non-fiction books, and I believe that is adding to the realness of emotions that are being portrayed. I had to laugh when a ghost said to Chantilly as she walked into a hospital “You’re new at this.” he said. I pretended to read a text on my phone but nodded.” Well done. 4 stars.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were asked what I enjoy most about this series and book, I would have to say, the real feel of it. I love Chantilly. She tries her best to be a good friend, a good mom, just a good person who sees ghosts. I like how the author is giving her time to learn and adjust to the care of the lost souls. In this book, Chantilly is still adjusting to her people skills with the dead. The hospital scene first overwhelmed me, then, with the appearance of Emma, just broke my heart while lifting it with hope.
Chantilly’s friend Gen comes for a visit and winds up a widow. The story was a an entertaining mystery. We have our friends from book one back again, still funny, caring and ready to help. Jack is back and things are strained with another murder to solve. I love how the relationship with him and Chantilly is not hurried along. Will they be friends or more? I don’t know. I’m hoping but it’s still too early to tell. The ghosts in this book were so touching. They have their own story. Even with all this going on, the mystery remains the main focus. I loved this book and I believe you will too. I call it the breakout series for this year.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Habersham. Now she's a Ghost
She's been waiting on her husband to come home from the war... he promised he'd come home..... Chantilly can see ghosts and she can talk to ghosts course No One Believes her... chantilly's best friend Gen Comes To Town she's left her husband she believes he's into something bad.. he's coming to an awful lot of money..
Bank accounts in her name overseas that are not something she has, she had nothing to do with so she knows there's something going on.. will Chantilly be able to talk to the ghost find out what's going on will they find out who the Killer is well this is book 2 and, and I am totally enjoying these books I got this book for an honest review and I know I'm looking forward to more of these stories I just don't like to give away too much of the book because well I know you'd like to read it and see all the awesome things that this author comes up with amazing stories.. and I don't like to leave spoilers in my reviews so definitely pick up a copy when this book comes out and you'll see what all the fun is about...

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short but a good read

Nice plot but it gave away the culprit too soon. Also at just 80% of the page count it was short - well shorter than I expected. The characters are as complex as anyone you're likely to meet and as real.
When her BFF runs to her, she is amazed. The friend had always been deeply in love with her husband even when it became clear she couldn't have children after a miscarriage. So what went wrong? A bank account with a heap of money in it. Money laundering, murder and a ruthless killer plus a police chief that has been avoiding her since she found the killer of Bobby. Can they get the killer before she and her friend join the ranks of the dead?

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chantilly's best friend Gen shows up unexpectedly. Tilly knows something is wrong.
Once Jen opens up, Chantilly learns that Gen left her husband after learning he had been keeping secret accounts in overseas banks in her name. Lots of it. She removed the cash and took off.

When he shows up looking for the money. He is later discovered to have been killed.

Now Chantilly needs to use her ability to talk to the dead to try and protect Gen.

[Tammy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and I thought it was great I love Chantilly Adair she is a medium and can speak to ghosts. This has great character and world building. When her good friend comes to visit from Alabama and accused of murder she must help clear her name. I highly recommend this book and series

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book

This is the first time I've read anything by this author. I am so happy I read this book. Chantilly is a great character, and her cohorts, Del and Thelma are a laugh a minute.
This story is well written, filled with twists and turns, and of course, a whole lot of ghosts that need help.

[Sanchary Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up Ghosts Are People Too because I needed something light after reading a series of heavy Booker Prize winners, and this fit the bill perfectly. It’s a short, quick read, exactly the kind of palate cleanser I was looking for. I also received a free copy through a special initiative by the authors, which I’m genuinely grateful for.

Within the cozy mystery genre, I’d say this is better written than many others I’ve come across. The plot is entertaining: it follows a middle-aged woman who has just found her footing after several personal challenges and discovers that she can see ghosts. That element reminded me a bit of the TV show. The motivation for her solving the central mystery felt more compelling than usual for a cozy, especially because it directly affects her best friend.

The usual small-town charm is very much present, along with the expected lineup of quirky and entertaining side characters. In that sense, it ticks all the cozy boxes.

That said, this is definitely a light, “don’t-think-too-hard” read. If you start analyzing it deeply, the flaws become more noticeable. Personally, I didn’t entirely enjoy a couple of the side characters, particularly the two older women who are portrayed as close friends. I understand what the author was trying to do with them, but the execution didn’t fully land for me.

I also wasn’t convinced by how the theme of infertility and unresolved grief was handled. Cozies sometimes struggle when they try to incorporate heavier themes, and here it felt slightly underdeveloped. Readers unfamiliar with how the genre operates might find that tonal imbalance more jarring.

Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read. It delivered what I wanted in the moment: something entertaining, undemanding, and set in a world I wouldn’t mind revisiting. I’d be open to reading more stories from this setting.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the second book of a new series and already I feel like I am friends with all of the characters! The author is doing a very nice job of building the series with a great underlying story and wonderful characters. Chantilly Adair sees ghosts. She hasn’t always seen ghosts, it all started when she took a tumble down the stairs and hit her head in book one. Her ability seems to be getting stronger, and her attitude is just wonderful in regards to helping her ghostly friends with their problems. In this book, her best friend from out of town shows up at her door for a surprise visit, but all is not what it seems. She has just left her husband, who ends up a corpse shortly after following her to Castleberry, Georgia where Chantilly is the director of the local historical society. All of the characters from the first book make an appearance in the second book, and I really hope the introduction of Gen, Chantilly’s friend, is a permanent addition to the series because she is just awesome! I believe this new series has all the ingredients I love in a good cozy mystery: Good friends, funny, lovable characters, a budding romance, and of course murder! I am a big fan of this author and have read every single book I can find by her, and this new series does not disappoint, and I definitely recommend starting with book number one to get the full feel of the story.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book - Awful Editing

I really love the books by this author. The first book in this series was great! This second book, however, felt like it was written and edited very hastily. There were unfinished sentences, grammar errors, and sentences structured incorrectly. It wasn’t just a few - it was dozens of errors, which really take away from the story. While the premise for the story was interesting, it didn’t make sense how her friend responded to the murder of her spouse. Who goes on to plan a party in a town you don’t live in the day after your husband is murdered? Also, the tension that was created between Chantilly and Jack didn’t make sense, nor did her accusation of his big ego, which never existed in the first book and wasn’t true to his character. The readers can see right through this and it felt like weak writing. I’m also curious as to why Olivia is written more as someone in her 50s than someone in her 20s. It feels like she needs a little refresh for her character. Having said all of that, the story is still interesting and the writing is enjoyable.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new favorite series for me. Seeing and communicating with ghosts is new to Chantilly. When her best friend Gen's angry husband comes looking for Gen and ends up dead in front of an old abandoned house, Chantilly hopes the ghosts that remain at the house saw what happened and can tell her, so she can clear her friend. Problem is the ghost of Anna Kentworth doesn't want Chantilly there and is making it pretty clear to leave her and her children alone or else. Good story of Chantilly trying to find out what really happened to Gen's husband, his business partners also showing up and trying to balance her real job at the historical society planning a ghost tour. Sheriff Jack is not amused by Chantilly's getting mixed up in the case. Thelma and Del are regular characters, pun intended, in the series and provide the humor. Fun crossover with another series by this author too. I highly recommend this series.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was good enough for me to read this, and this is good enough to read the next.
Good: 1.The characters are fun, relatable, and three dimensional. I love the main cast of women.
2. Such a fun, fast read. This book is a yummy snack, very addictive but easy and lightweight.

Neutral: 1. The stories seem to be written like episodes for a TV series. The "guest stars" don't seem to reappear, and the only development of them relates to the plot.
2. The author uses slang/dialect for the dialog.

Not good: 1. The editing still is pretty bad. Dialect grammar aside, the grammar and punctuation are poor. There are cut and paste issues (I guess) but also regular type-os, also quite a bit of incorrect personal pronoun usage. It reads like no one reread it after it was written.

HOWEVER it's both fast and entertaining enough to read the next one. (All seem to be available for loan with Kindle Unlimited)

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second one in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Cozy Mystery series. It works well as a standalone, but I think it's better enjoyed after having read the first book in the series. I love the main character of Chantilly, and the supporting characters are great too. This story was a lot of fun--sometimes funny, sometimes a little sad. I love the historical aspect of it, since Chantilly works at the historical society--it's a great way to tie in the ghost aspects, using stories from the past and the way they're connected to the present mystery. This was one of those books I found hard to put down--I wish I'd had time to finish it in one setting. I look forward to more books in this series, as I've liked everything I've ever read by this author. I was provided an Advanced Release Copy free of charge, but these opinions are my own.

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Chantilly Adair Series - More Drama, action and of course, Ghosts!

Chantilly can see and talk to ghosts. She works at a small-town southern historical society. This way she has a better chance of digging into people's history. Especially civil war history of a small, Georgian townspeople. Never know when you may need that to speak to a ghost, right?
This book is better than the first because she already knows she has this ability but is still novice enough to need help. Help she receive from another character, a different series written by Aspenson. The one who speaks to her dead mother, and of course that series mother's ghost!
Not as campy as it sounds, I promise. Check out both series for a keep reading long into the night, Angela Panther and now, Chantilly Adair.

[Darcysmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chantilly Adair is back and getting better at using her newly acquired gift of communicating with spirits. And boy are there plenty of spirits to talk to in Castleberry, Georgia! Chantilly is neck-deep in planning a ghost tour when her best friend Gen comes to her for help and a safe place to land after leaving her husband.
Gen brings a pile of trouble along with her heartbreak when she comes to Chantilly. With the help of Chantilly's friends, they get to work on helping Gen and solving a shocking murder.
Ghosts are People Too is a fast-paced pageturner. The characters are developing nicely, the town is set up to be an excellent setting for upcoming stories, and the mysteries are fun to read.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chantilly Adair’s fall down a flight of stairs and hitting her head has added a new element to her life…she can see and communicate with ghosts. Unfortunately, her budding relationship with chief detective Jack Levitt has come to a halt. He was upset at her involvement in solving a murder and although he is her son’s lacrosse coach, things are decidedly cool between them. Chantilly is just beginning to get her life back on track after the death of her parents and her divorce when her best friend arrives in Castleberry. Gen has left her husband and it’s not long before trouble follows. When there is another murder, will Chantilly be able to avoid getting involved or will she really have no choice in the matter? A fun small-town mystery full of interesting characters. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Chantilly story - this time she's helping to clear the name of her friend who is accused of murder. At the same time, she's also planning a tour of her town, using her knowledge of the spirits in certain historical venues.

Chantilly's ability with ghosts is still in its early stages, but she's slowly getting more comfortable at dealing with them, and helping them where she can. And she's always got the great Angela Panther (and Fran!) to help her if she needs it.

The characters in this series are fun, the older ladies are always hilarious. Chantilly's friends and family are always at the forefront of her mind and she does what it takes to help the people important to her.

This isn't a very long story, but it's a good one.

[Alma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC for this book for a honest review. When her best friend Gen comes from Birmingham for an extended visit, psychic medium Chantilly Adair can’t wait to show her Castleberry, Georgia. Excited to introduce her to what makes her home town so unique, Chantilly plans to throw a party the size of Atlanta’s Mercedes Stadium. But when trouble comes to town in the form of her best friend’s soon-to-be ex-husband, threatens both Chantilly and Gen, and winds up dead in the cellar of a local historical property, her plans change. Once again I really enjoyed Book 2 of Chantilly Adair's ghost adventures. I love all the characters and all the Southern charm of the town of Castleberry, Georgia. I look forward to reading more of Chantilly's adventures!!

[Mjuneb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantilly’s Best Friend’s Trouble

Chantilly’s friend, Genevieve, comes to visit and things get complicated fast. Chantilly is getting ready for the area’s first Ghost tours of the most haunted places in the area. The two friend’s and Olivia, the assistant at the museum start to tour the next set of sites for the tour when Genevieve’s husband Jeffrey shows up and demands that she give him the money he hid out of the country. (She discovered the account in her name and had it moved to the U.S. and closed the account.) His body is not the only one found murdered on that haunted site before the story ends. Can they find out what Jeffrey was up to and save themselves before more people end up dead?

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantilly works for the local historical society and she sees ghosts ever since she hit her head. She hasn't really told anybody about seeing ghosts though so she really has to watch herself so people won't think she's nuts. She's planning a ghost tour at some of the historical places where people have seen ghosts. When her best friend Gen shows up in town, Chantilly knows something is up. Gen isn't her normal self. Soon after, there's a murder. Chantilly has to look into it to help prove Gen's innocence. This is a great book with ghosts, good friends, bad guys, danger and laughter. It hits all the right notes for me. I totally enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it.

[Mari Schroer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantilly Adair is back and she is honing her psychic medium skills. Chantilly is in the middle of planning a haunted Castleberry tour for the Historical Society when her best friend Gen Avondale shows up out of the blue. Chantilly knows that something is wrong but Gen is not sharing. When Gen’s husband shows looking for her she tells him she is not there. Gen’s husband turns up dead not long after and the search for the murderer is on. Chantilly uses her psychic medium skills to find clues and run down the killer. This is such a fun series, with the quirky characters you would expect in a small southern town, and of course the ghosts.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quirky cast of characters makes this series so much fun to read. Chantilly is adjusting to her new reality and trying to learn how to use her new abilities. I like how the author is developing the character steadily. This second book is even better than the first. There is a good dose of humor to go along with the mystery. I really enjoyed the introduction of Gen and hope we see more of her in future books. I also like the way things are pacing naturally between Chantilly and Jack. I expect they will build to a relationship in the future which will be interesting to see play out. This is quickly becoming my favorite series by this author. It's one not to be missed!

[Andra Weis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghosts are People Too, the second book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series, by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson was an enjoyable literary journey of the cozy mystery type . In a nutshell, I am really enjoying this series and the writing of this author with respect to this unfolding series. The character development is good.

Chantilly, a single mom by divorce is living in Castleberry, Georgia with her son Austin and working for the Castleberry Georgia Historical Society. One result of a fall down the stairs at the historical society previously was the appearance of a latent gift, the ability to see ghosts. In this book we have one of Chantilly’s best friends (Gen) from Birmingham coming for a visit. Not all is rosy in Gen’s home life - a disgruntled soon-to-be ex-husband follows Gen to Castleberry and from there, problems (i.e. a death) soon occurs. It behooves Chantilly to find the true killer because suspicion immediately falls to her bestie Gen. And that can not be so!

From book one in the series, Get Up and Ghost, we met Del and Thelma. Two of the most interesting, funny and unique best of friends (though most definitely they do not behave that way all the time). Interesting conversation amongst friends (I love these two characters - such a hoot!):

‘Del, you can’t use up all your courage,” Thelma said. “That’s silly.”
Del patted her hand. “Thanks, Thelma. It’s nice to know you think I’m brave.”
“Well now, I didn’t say that. I meant you don’t have any courage to use.”

What transpires is a delightful story of Chantilly unravelling the true nature of why and by whom Gen’s husband was murdered. The plot has many layers and definitely kept me on my toes, just the way I like my mysteries  The “ghostly” interactions added the needed depth to the story. I found her growth in this area interesting to observe and partake in.

Chantilly’s relationship with Jack is once again (or is it still) strained with this new mystery to be solved. I do hope that in the future she will be able to tell him about her gift. And that they can truly get together and be happy. But in the meantime, it is fun to experience their relationships ebb and flow. That is what one gets when they fall for a lawman!

All in all, a book which captured my interest and kept me reading as quickly as possible until the very end. I enjoyed being stumped by the various twists and turns, getting to experience some of Castleberry’s unique residents and all around ghostly encounters.

It is with baited breath I proceed on to book three of the series - Praying for Peace.

*I would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

[Barrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good

This is a short cozy read filled with humor and complex characters, I loved all the ghosts the plot is engaging and flows well. Chantilly can see and speak with ghosts and is in charge of the towns historical society witch helps when her bff turns up saying that she's left her husband because he's laundering money proof being that she found a offshore account containing a ton of money in her name she knows nothing about. When her husband is found murdered the race is on to find the murderer before someone else dies. With the help of the ghosts the girls set out to do just that.A great read but a little short for my taste, Baz.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chantilly’s best friend Gen has arrived in Castleberry for a surprise visit. However, Gen isn’t visiting, she has a suitcase full of cash and needs help to find out what is going on with her husband. Chantilly in the meantime is planning a ghost walk for Castleberry. She puts Gen to work on the ghost walk party and then Chantilly is off to solve the mystery.

I enjoyed this second book in The Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Cozy Mystery series. The characters are developing nicely and I look forward to the next book

[Meg Fulmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me the enjoyment of a book comes down ultimately to if I find the characters like able and enjoyable. I enjoy Chantilly and her interesting and somewhat crazy cast of supporting characters. In this book we delve deeper into her ghost seeing abilities and the haunts in the town of Castleberry. This time her best friend Gen shows up with a bag of money and more questions than answers, which makes for an interesting tale. By the end I’ll be honest I really wanted to take the historical haunted tour, I hope we get to learn more about the towns ghostly past and Chantilly’s future.

[Tiffany Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Chantilly Adair series and all books can be read as stand alone. In this story Chantilly is still able to speak to ghost and is in the process of starting a ghost tour for the town of Castleberry. While researching the ghosts and their history, her best friend from Birmingham shows up. Gen tells Chantilly she has left her husband and he soon shows up in Castleberry. What follows is another hilarious episode of the Castleberry Golden Girls.
Can't wait to read the next book!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is one of my favorite authors. Her style of writing is expressive, descriptive and to the point. Her storylines are creative and humorous! This installment of the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series does not disappoint! I was hooked from the first book when the main character Chantilly went from being non-paranormal to seeing ghosts. The lovable characters become more developed as well as the storyline with the introduction of new characters to us and old friends to Chantilly. I can't wait to see what happens in book #3!