Spirits, Tales & a Body by the Bales

Lily & Cassie by the Sea Mysteries #2

by Nellie H. Steele

Haunting happenings. A shocking murder. Will a mother-daughter duo discover the buried truth before an innocent life is destroyed?

Lily and Cassie are desperate to be welcomed into their new town. But their back-breaking work constructing a Halloween maze keeps getting waylaid by odd events. And when haunting events continue at their new home, mother and daughter suspect they may be facing a mischievous spirit.

When a body is found on opening night, their hard work is cast aside for the murder investigation. Surprising secrets and dark truths lurk around every corner, leading the ladies further in a web of lies and deceit.

Will Lily and Cassie sort fact from fiction and discover the truth before the trouble turns deadly for them?

Spirits, Tales & a Body by the Bales is the second installment in the charming seaside mother-daughter cozy mystery series by Nellie H. Steele.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Halloween, Paranormal, Supernatural, Mystery Thriller

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2023

About the author

Nellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.

Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery by author Nellie H. Steele is the second book of a series featuring mother and daughter widows who have relocated to a haunted house in a small seaside town. The third book will be released in 2024. Very enjoyable read! I will look forward to reading the third book when it is released.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, with humor, ghosts, quirky characters,and mysteries to solve. Cassie and Lilly are a great duo

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series, I really enjoyed it. It is well written and leaves you wanting more !

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great spooky mystery

I love this pirate/modern day mystery! A wonderful spooky and historical continuing mother and daughter story. Love the quirky town people, especially the sheriff. Can't wait for book 3 to find out what happens next with Lily, Cassie, and Ri. Does she stay? I hope.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Manor . . .

Lily and Cassie are looking for acceptance and welcome from the town as they settle in. They offer to build a Halloween maze for the upcoming Fall Festival, but strange things begin to happen and it looks like it may be the work of a spirit. They find out that the barn where the maze is being built may have been cursed, as the oddities keep occurring. But when a “real” dead body is found against the barn’s back wall in the fortune teller’s room of the maze, it’s time to start investigating what is going on and who murdered this person who looks so much like Cassie’s recently deceased husband, Trevor? Is there a connection?

This was a well-written story line with intriguing characters. It is very easy to become immersed in the story with the excellent way the author paints the scenes for us and the natural dialog among the characters. Grab your copy and find out the mystery and its strange resolution.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the resolution in book 1 of the series, mother-daughter duo, Lily & Cassie, think that their troubles in Whispering Manor are through. Settling into the community, they volunteer to set up a haunted maze in a local barn for Halloween. After the maze is vandalized, they learn that the barn is said to be cursed. Bringing home a haunted doll prop, they are again plagued by strange occurrences in the manor. When a dead body with ties to Cassie’s husband is found in the maze, they again find themselves engaged in a mystery where the past and present meet.

Nellie H Steele has crafted another intriguing story with quirky characters, supernatural occurrences, and a compelling mystery. While the murder mystery itself is self contained, the overarching mysteries of Henrietta & Cliff as well as the questions about Cassie’s husband make reading the series in order recommended. I’m looking forward to book three to get further questions answered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mickey Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy thriller, what's not to like?

Captivating and cozy story, with two strong female leads. There's murder and suspenseful storytelling, and a bit of spooky ghost stuff thrown in for and extra twist. Well done!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery relationship listening 😊🤔

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of five

Lily &Cassie learn that Cassie's husband had a brother. Who has been murdered. They are involved in the investigation and the doll who haunts the house. The more they learn the less they understand. It ends happily but with lots of unanswered questions.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels 👒😎 2025 🎎

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great 2nd installment and the mystery deepens. Definitely continuing with the series

[Sanderella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers!! Can I give this book 13 stars!? What's not to love!? A haunted Victorian house, set by the sea side, exciting story line, great characters, murder, mystery, hidden journals, and the best ghost ever!! This book has many emotions running through it ~~ from sad to funny. I don't want to have to wait until next year to read the 3rd book!! Mz Steele is a fresh new author for me and I can't wait to read more books by her!!
👸💜🌹

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

once I started this book I could not put it down it kept me on edge with Cassie and Lily getting ready for Halloween unexpected things begin to happen and Henriettas ghost is back needing help. And then a body is found in their barn and Cassie finds that her dead husband wasn't what she thought. Then they find themselves in dander. This book was excellent.

[Barbara Buckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

We know things get busy on the fall but for Lily and Cassie, things are very eventful! Well written, fun, scary....all things I like in a good book. Can't wait for the next adventure!

[Lavada Haga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. The main characters are a mother and daughter living together in a haunted house. That's all the spoilers I am saying. I enjoyed it very much and I can't wait until the next episode comes out.

[Carol L · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the treasure found everything is good to go....or???? Lily and Cassie solved one case and thought they were done with their "haunted house". But when they took on the Halloween maze, a brand new "curse" takes on a mystery of its own. Don't wait to get in on this mystery - help is accepted from an unexpected source!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that’s where this was headed. I can’t with dolls though… nope… no thanks.

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author. :)

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would probably give this 3.5 stars. Same as the first in the series as far as being cliched, although the forced dialog seemed to get a bit better.

[SeaofBooks3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing follow up to book 1. There were quite a few twists and turns I was not expecting...especially the ending. Cannot wait to read book 3 when it comes out in 2024.

[Jennifer Shonk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++

Just a great comfy read with a little spook. New to this author and I love her. Her style is relaxing.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirits, Tales and a Body by the Bales
By
Nellie H Steele

Spirits, Tales & a Body by the Bales is the second book in the Lily and Cassie by the Sea Mystery Series by Nellie H Steele. I found the storyline to be engrossing and I enjoyed reading about the remarkable interactions among the characters on all levels.
Lily, along with her daughter Cassie, has the desire to fit into their new home in their adopted coastal town of Hideaway Bay after the tragic death of both husbands in a tragic plane accident. Lily and Cassie eagerly accept the challenge of designing and building the town's haunted barn and maze for the town's Halloween Fall Festival. As the construction of the festival progresses, strange events begin to evolve as well as suspicious hauntings in their new home. When opening night finally arrives, the evening is cut short by the discovery of a dead body that seems uncannily familiar.
I absolutely enjoyed the story and found the relationship between the mother and daughter tastefully entertaining. They have their boundaries with one another, yet their dependence on one another is abundantly clear. The story’s world-building is remarkable and the characters are well-written, relatable, and gripping. I did, however, find the character of the town’s sheriff, Wyatt, annoying on several occasions. The inclusion of a haunting element into the story was powerful and the manner of its introduction was absolutely exceptional.
I enjoyed reading this mystery story and following the adventures of this mother/daughter duo and their encounters with apparitions, both friendly and hostile. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good murder mystery with a haunting twist. This review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when I opened this up after I saw it was on Kindle unlimited after I read the first book over a year ago. I was excited for a fall rendition of some spooky happenings in the house!

Fall was in full swing within this book and I really enjoyed the vibes I got from it. Everywhere close to me it's hot, and I could use all the fall 🍁 vibes 🍂.

This book definitely took me in a different direction than I expected. I was expecting a cozy mystery, which we kind of got. But this mystery went to a whole new direction. It went left field while Cassie was still in the right trying to figure everything out. Luckily, the spooky side of everything gave her some help along the way. Even though it may have scared her the most at first.

Henrietta or RI definitely made sure that she was going to make her presence known. She had so much to say and she wanted to help Cassie and Lily out, so in turn they could help her.

I got some laughs throughout the book about the Sheriff and how he reacted when he thought a ghost was in the house he was in with Lily and Cassie. He was such a lil 'fraidy cat. I can't say I wouldn't have the same feelings though if I was in his same shoes.

Now I just need to know where everything goes from here for Cassie and Lily after everything in this book unfolded!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother and daughter, a small seaside town and a Halloween maze what could go wrong? For Lily and her daughter Cassie a ton! They thought they’d put their troubles aside after they closed off a secret tunnel into their house but spooky things keep happening to them as they prepare the Halloween maze for the town. Unexplainable occurrences in their house, vandalism in their maze, townsfolk talking about hauntings and curses and then a body oh my! What started out as a way to try and acclimate to their new home turns sideways and the mother daughter duo decide to find the truth. Will their answers lead them to the spirit realm or and all too human culprit? Time will tell.
Clever, well written story. I wouldn’t recommend reading after dark it’s super spooky in a fun way! I loved the quaint town, the quirky residents and the strong bond between mother and daughter. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend reading book one before this as there’s not a lot of background given on the characters and the reasons they moved to town. Other than that I say break out the flashlights and prepare to be spooked!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW if you enjoy a fabulously written cozey mystery you've come across a good one with an array of characters that are vibrant, colorful, quirky and charming as well as a precocious and demanding spirit with a tale that will definitely have you captivated from the very beginning with the intrigue of a murder, unexpected visits bringing more intense intrigue and more mysterys than you could imagine. All entwined by a plot that keeps you questioning how, what, when and where you might find in the next few moments keeping you turning page after exciting page until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Spirits. Tales & a Body by the Bales " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. It's best you use the little girls room, grab a big snack, something to drink,turn off your phone, then settle in your favorite place to enjoy this captivating tale. 😊 Kat

[Heather K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert:
Oh my gosh! I just finished Spirits, Tales & a Body by the Bales and it was fabulous!! Lily and Cassie, who are still considered new comers in town, design a haunted maze in an old barn for the town's Halloween festival. Several town's people, including the mayor, are trying to get a peek but Cassie and Lily are adamant that the maze remain a surprise. A body is discovered in the maze a short while after opening, who is he? Who killed him? And does he have ties to Lily and Cassie? Lily is still reading Henrietta's diary, Sherriff Wyatt is still very protective of the two ladies, and Whispering Manor is still haunted! I thought I knew how this book would play out but I was so surprised!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

It is certainly an autumnal cozy book, perfect for cuddling up to the fireplace and have with a hot cider when it's cold outside, and I liked Cassie's character a lot, but I do think it was too slow-paced, especially in the beginning.
A lot of what Lily and Cassie are doing at most given moments were spelled out in too much detail (f.e. describing every step of eating the take-out, from getting it out of the bag, to opening the container, to eating it, etc).
It made the reading a bit tedious, so I haven't fully finished it yet.
Once I'm fully done I'll return to add to my review, until then I'll stick to 3 stars :)

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spirits, Tales & a Body by the Bales: A Mother/Daughter Cozy Mystery is book #2 in the Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries series by Nellie H. Steele.

Lily and Cassie are working on a Halloween maze that everyone in the town is anxious to see. Unfortunately, events make it challenging.

Wow! This book had so many twists! I loved this book because I had no clue about the ending. This doesn’t follow a standard, predictable formula. I have to say I am more like Wyatt regarding hauntings. Great characters and an interesting murder mystery that opened much bigger mystery makes this a very entertaining read.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the treasure was found in book one, Lily and Cassie thought that they're days and nights would be back to normal. However, that is not the case. They're hearing noises and seeing things. Is Willy the cause? Or is it something more?

Making a haunted maze for the town Halloween celebration should be fun. That is until a dead body is found in the maze. Why does he look so familiar to Cassie?

I love this series! The characters are fun and likable. I'm wondering if something is going to happen with Lily and Wyatt. I'm hoping so. I don't want to wait until 2024 for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good ghost story! But anymore it's hard to find new ones that actually have a great story and not too much paranormal but enough to keep you hooked! This is one of those! The haunting wasn't over done, it was interesting! I can not wait for the next one! And there are books about Ri before she became a ghost! I will be patiently waiting for the next book about Lily and Cassie and for now if off to read about Ri and her pirate life!. I definitely recommend!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Cassie are Back!!!

Join Lily and her daughter Cassie in another mystery filled adventure, the pirate treasure has been found but some strange things are still happening in the house in Hideaway Bay. We find out more about the past occupants of the house and even about Cassie’s husband, along the way there will be a murder and many mysteries, so if I were you the reader, I would drop everything and read Spirits, Tales and a Body by the Bales right this minute. I can promise you that you’ll be glad you did.

[Pam]

Not interested.

Amazon synopsis:
With spooky preparations filling their days, Lily and Cassie find themselves caught up in a web of lies and deceit. In the small town of Hideaway Bay, the mother and daughter team’s efforts to build a haunted maze for the town’s Halloween festivities are constantly interrupted by strange events.

But when a real body turns up on opening night, they must unravel the secrets and dark truths lurking around ever corner to prevent the trouble from turning deadly again.