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Libby Foster Cozy Mysteries #1
Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets
A stolen story... a secret source... and an extra body! Can our psychic sleuth figure out who the murderer is before she is the next victim?Libby Foster's return to her charming hometown of Black Ridge Cove, Maine, is anything but ordinary in this heartwarming yet thrilling installment of the Libby Foster Cozy Mystery Series. Once a high-flying investigative journalist, Libby’s life takes a whimsical twist when her latest scoop is snatched away by her no-good ex-boyfriend. Seeking solace, she leaves the hustle of Boston for the quaint cobbled streets of Black Ridge Cove. But her quiet retreat is quickly upended by a series of peculiar and enchanting events.A ghostly encounter that chills her to the bone, a baffling explosion possibly linked to her mystical best friends, and a most unusual occurrence at a memorial service - an extra body in the casket!With a pinch of psychic intuition and a dash of plucky determination, Libby, alongside her quirky circle of friends, embarks on an adventure to unravel the mysteries enveloping her beloved town. In this cozy and spirited tale, witness Libby Foster piece together clues and maybe, just maybe, prevent herself from becoming the killer's next cozy target. Grab a bowl of your favorite chowder and settle in for a delightful, ghost-tinged mystery that's as warm and inviting as Black Ridge Cove itself.Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets is the first book in the paranormal Libby Foster Cozy Mystery series. If you are a fan of whodunits, paranormal amateur sleuths, and charming - albeit secretive - small towns, then you will love this cozy mystery by Ana Bisset.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2019
226 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 28, 2019
The story is good, but this book is in dire need of an editor. Missing words, some sentences where "I" said something that was obviously spoken by another character, punctuation really needs help. I had to re-read several parts to understand what the author was trying to convey, and that really interrupts the story.
February 13, 2022
Who killed Diego and why??? And then there is Tony and their editor taking her piece!!! You never know who to trust!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
January 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this first in a new series. It was pretty funny in some places and suspenseful where it needed to be. I just love Grammie's character and found myself wishing that among the ghosts Libby could see, I wished her Grandpa could appear and talk to her as one. But in this story, most of the ghosts didn't really know she was there anyway. She did have a flashback in her mind about Grandpa though.
I was pretty sure I knew whodunit, but there were several other possibilities too. The mob family and Libby wondering how in the world the ghost she'd seen had his body end up in a casket with another person. It seems like there could be potential for her and Kyle to get back together eventually. He'll have to win her trust all over again though, so he'd better be careful this time, lol.
I do agree with the other reviewers who were mentioning this book needing more editing and proofreading work. I liked the story regardless, but it'd be much easier to read if it was re-edited. Since the series is in KU, I'll probably borrow the second book when it's out.
I was pretty sure I knew whodunit, but there were several other possibilities too. The mob family and Libby wondering how in the world the ghost she'd seen had his body end up in a casket with another person. It seems like there could be potential for her and Kyle to get back together eventually. He'll have to win her trust all over again though, so he'd better be careful this time, lol.
I do agree with the other reviewers who were mentioning this book needing more editing and proofreading work. I liked the story regardless, but it'd be much easier to read if it was re-edited. Since the series is in KU, I'll probably borrow the second book when it's out.
June 17, 2023
If you love small towns, second chances, ghosts, and bestie sleuths, give Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets a read. It's quick and fun and perfect for the summer, especially because it's the start of a series.
When Libby Foster's sleazy now-ex and their boss steal her notes and story ideas, the journalist blows up and walks out. She returns to her hometown in Maine where her ex-ex is the new sheriff in town. It doesn't take long for ghosts to appear, one of whom belongs to a dead body that shows up hidden in an occupied casket at a funeral. Mayhem and snooping ensues, including a late night escapade to an old empty house. Add in the mob and Libby's informant in Boston (surprise reveal!) and you've got a good, old-fashioned cozy mystery.
This story really concentrates just as much on the relationships as on the mystery, at times leaving the reader wondering why a scene is part of the story. Told in first person there's also a lot of "I thought"s going on and not much in the way of descriptions. What things look like (and what people look like) is left more to the reader's imagination than I typically like. Individualizing characters needs some work. For instance, Libby and one of her friends, Nikki, are indistinguishable in dialogue. Same with the men in the mob family. Libby's other friend, Mel, is more unique. And Grammie is a treasure. It'll be interesting to see how, or if, characters develop better in the subsequent books. A few subplots (including some of those "why are you here" scenes) generate plenty of fodder for the subsequent novels in the series. Bisset does a good job of setting that up for a long-running series.
When Libby Foster's sleazy now-ex and their boss steal her notes and story ideas, the journalist blows up and walks out. She returns to her hometown in Maine where her ex-ex is the new sheriff in town. It doesn't take long for ghosts to appear, one of whom belongs to a dead body that shows up hidden in an occupied casket at a funeral. Mayhem and snooping ensues, including a late night escapade to an old empty house. Add in the mob and Libby's informant in Boston (surprise reveal!) and you've got a good, old-fashioned cozy mystery.
This story really concentrates just as much on the relationships as on the mystery, at times leaving the reader wondering why a scene is part of the story. Told in first person there's also a lot of "I thought"s going on and not much in the way of descriptions. What things look like (and what people look like) is left more to the reader's imagination than I typically like. Individualizing characters needs some work. For instance, Libby and one of her friends, Nikki, are indistinguishable in dialogue. Same with the men in the mob family. Libby's other friend, Mel, is more unique. And Grammie is a treasure. It'll be interesting to see how, or if, characters develop better in the subsequent books. A few subplots (including some of those "why are you here" scenes) generate plenty of fodder for the subsequent novels in the series. Bisset does a good job of setting that up for a long-running series.
February 19, 2023
Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets by Ana Bisset. Libby Foster Cozy Mystery book 1.
This e-book was free on amazon.com in February 2023 and the blurb sounded interesting.
This is a new to me author and this maybe the first book published by this author? The reader is introduced to a variety of characters and settings to establish the story arc for the series. A great start. I was engaged with the characters and the plot for this book. The main mystery is solved at the end of the book and there are enough sub plots to carry on to the next book. My gripe is with the editing/proof reading, missing words, incorrect words used etc. which takes the reader out of the story by having to re-read paragraphs to figure out what the author is trying to say.
Publication date for this book was: April 14, 2019.
I understand that new authors do not want to spend large sums of money on professional editors, but please have several people proof read your book before you publish, so you will get more 5-star reviews. I really liked this book but for me, it needs to be re-edited. 3 stars.
For those readers that want to read the next books in this series, these are the books that are available on amazon.com in February 2023.
Dastardly Deeds and Possible Parricide (A Libby Foster Cozy Mystery Book 2) is US $ 5.17
Expunged Exes and Malefic Mobsters (A Libby Foster Cozy Mystery Book 3) is US $ 3.99
This e-book was free on amazon.com in February 2023 and the blurb sounded interesting.
This is a new to me author and this maybe the first book published by this author? The reader is introduced to a variety of characters and settings to establish the story arc for the series. A great start. I was engaged with the characters and the plot for this book. The main mystery is solved at the end of the book and there are enough sub plots to carry on to the next book. My gripe is with the editing/proof reading, missing words, incorrect words used etc. which takes the reader out of the story by having to re-read paragraphs to figure out what the author is trying to say.
Publication date for this book was: April 14, 2019.
I understand that new authors do not want to spend large sums of money on professional editors, but please have several people proof read your book before you publish, so you will get more 5-star reviews. I really liked this book but for me, it needs to be re-edited. 3 stars.
For those readers that want to read the next books in this series, these are the books that are available on amazon.com in February 2023.
Dastardly Deeds and Possible Parricide (A Libby Foster Cozy Mystery Book 2) is US $ 5.17
Expunged Exes and Malefic Mobsters (A Libby Foster Cozy Mystery Book 3) is US $ 3.99
April 18, 2019
The Mob and the Journalist
A terrific read. A plot that has murder, ghosts and the Mob all in one neat package. Well written and only a few proofing errors. The characters are warm, vivid and full whilst at the same time displaying all the natural human failings. From curiosity to major ego. The 'baddie' was obvious but I must admit that I was surprised at the identity of her secret informant.
After her boyfriend and editor stole her story about the mob connections in town, she has packed up and come down to her safe haven - her Gran. Shame she also had to see a ghost on her way to the front door and now had to attend a funeral. A funeral that ended with two bodies in the casket and an explosion. Now her appetite is whetted. With the help of her two friends (one's a witch and the other is an empath) she starts investigating. Another murder, a rare book, an informant, a police chief who left town two days before their wedding and an attempted murder. Can they find the killer before her life flashes before her eyes?
A terrific read. A plot that has murder, ghosts and the Mob all in one neat package. Well written and only a few proofing errors. The characters are warm, vivid and full whilst at the same time displaying all the natural human failings. From curiosity to major ego. The 'baddie' was obvious but I must admit that I was surprised at the identity of her secret informant.
After her boyfriend and editor stole her story about the mob connections in town, she has packed up and come down to her safe haven - her Gran. Shame she also had to see a ghost on her way to the front door and now had to attend a funeral. A funeral that ended with two bodies in the casket and an explosion. Now her appetite is whetted. With the help of her two friends (one's a witch and the other is an empath) she starts investigating. Another murder, a rare book, an informant, a police chief who left town two days before their wedding and an attempted murder. Can they find the killer before her life flashes before her eyes?
June 18, 2020
This preview of the story has some normal happenings that happen to young women that are trying to get ahead in a "man's" world. She is a journalist that is working with a source within a mob syndicate. She has a male colleague that steals her notes and passes it off as his. She blows up, gets fired (of course) and runs home to granny. What this creep does not know is that she has extensive notes on a flash drive. When she gets home, she tries to get into the garage apartment where she will use as her new home base. That doesn't work out too well...there is a male ghost trying to get into a filing cabinet of her granny's. Must be strong to have these two things happen to her and not go off the deep end.
April 25, 2019
This was a really good book! Libby is a reporter working on a story about a crime family. When she finds out her boyfriend and boss have collaborated on stealing her story, she's had enough. She moves back home and is really happy to see her grandmother and best friends. She gets home in time to see the same ghost twice and go to a funeral. When a body falls out of someone else's coffin, things hit the fan! It seems that Libby will be writing about a crime family after all. She's definitely investigating a murder. All the makings of a great cozy mystery are right in this book. I definitely recommend it and am looking forward to more from this author.
May 17, 2019
Libby, a reporter writing about a mob family, decides to move back home after being cheated and deceived by both her boyfriend and her boss. Small towns don't mean that there is no crime! In no time at all, Libby has to solve a murder along with the help of her Grammie, friends, and a confidential informant. I guess she will be writing that crime story after all.
This was a fun story to read with interesting characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the Libby Foster series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
This was a fun story to read with interesting characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the Libby Foster series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
July 12, 2023
This was rather a fun read. I particularly liked that fact that Libby's ability to see ghosts is not overly explained, or a massive part of the story; it just *is*. Refreshing to see the paranormal treated this way.
The story is a little bit formulaic, but then, it's a cozy mystery, so that's to be expected. The twist at the end is amusing, and sets up Book 2 nicely.
It did hit one of my pet peeves -- authors who invent firearms. To the best of my knowledge, no one makes a 22-gauge shotgun.
The story is a little bit formulaic, but then, it's a cozy mystery, so that's to be expected. The twist at the end is amusing, and sets up Book 2 nicely.
It did hit one of my pet peeves -- authors who invent firearms. To the best of my knowledge, no one makes a 22-gauge shotgun.
January 19, 2023
This is the first book in a new series. Libby moves back to her Grammies home, but has the mob followed her? Libby has the sight to see ghosts, and she sees one before she even gets in the door. This is funny at times and suspenseful at others. Whodunit, is it always the mob? You need to read it to find out.
March 1, 2023
The best mob mystery ever!
The author presented such a compelling beginning, I couldn't put this book down. What's not to like in a cozy mystery that contains grandmothers, the mob, two murders and two bodies in one casket?I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to read the next book!
The author presented such a compelling beginning, I couldn't put this book down. What's not to like in a cozy mystery that contains grandmothers, the mob, two murders and two bodies in one casket?I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to read the next book!
December 27, 2024
I liked this story far more than I expected to. The characters were captivating from the beginning, the plot is straightforward even with all the red herrings, and the premise is finding out who killed the hoodlum and stashed his body with the last of the Smith family's funeral. the answers were unexpected and there is a real zinger at the end of the story. I highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2019
Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets is the first Libby Foster cozy mystery. I really enjoyed this mystery. I liked Libby, her grandmother and friends. They are well written and developed. The plot has many twists and turns plus Libby has a secret informant. This book kept me entertained.
May 13, 2019
Great 1st book
Libby and friends are getting mixed up in all sorts of mischief. Not to mention the fact that she sees the departed. And sometimes they talk to her..
sometimes they don't. You really need to read this to see what happens!
Libby and friends are getting mixed up in all sorts of mischief. Not to mention the fact that she sees the departed. And sometimes they talk to her..
sometimes they don't. You really need to read this to see what happens!
June 23, 2019
Good
I did enjoy this small town cozy mystery, it has a great start and a cracker of an ending, the past relationship also intrigued me. But the proof reading and lack of editing let this book down so much, I’m disappointed I paid for it.
I did enjoy this small town cozy mystery, it has a great start and a cracker of an ending, the past relationship also intrigued me. But the proof reading and lack of editing let this book down so much, I’m disappointed I paid for it.
July 6, 2019
Excellent
Great Book! Love the sarcasm and humor. The characters are fabulous and the storylines are hilarious, exciting,and fantastic. Very excited for the next book in this series.
Great Book! Love the sarcasm and humor. The characters are fabulous and the storylines are hilarious, exciting,and fantastic. Very excited for the next book in this series.
December 9, 2022
Murder and Ghost
This is the first book in this series and the first by this author I have dead. I really did enjoy this mystery cosy and am looking forward to the next book in this series
This is the first book in this series and the first by this author I have dead. I really did enjoy this mystery cosy and am looking forward to the next book in this series
January 2, 2023
The problem with Ghost
Libby has the ability to see the dead. When she sees Diego’s ghost, she realized he didn’t know he was dead. Who did it and why was what got her into trouble with the mob. Great book, even if you aren’t into ghosts.
Libby has the ability to see the dead. When she sees Diego’s ghost, she realized he didn’t know he was dead. Who did it and why was what got her into trouble with the mob. Great book, even if you aren’t into ghosts.
March 2, 2023
This was not my favorite mysteries for one big reason. I dislike when any group of people get put down or stereotyped. This book went overboard insulting Italian persons. Individually and as a group. This is a mouthy book that says very little.
August 9, 2023
Interesting. Wish there was a little more depth to the characters and maybe that will happen as we move into the series. There were a few grammatical errors that confused the intention of the story on that area. However, overall it was interesting enough to want to read the next book.
September 18, 2024
This is a fun fast paced cozy mystery.
I knew who the murderer was long before Libby figured it out but it was still fun. The ending made me add this series to my ever growing list.
I knew who the murderer was long before Libby figured it out but it was still fun. The ending made me add this series to my ever growing list.
April 8, 2025
This is a quick and easy read. Libby Foster returns to her hometown and gets involved in a murder investigation. After all, she is an investigative reporter. But surprise, why are there two bodies in the casket? She had better find out. Fun and enjoyable cozy mystery series.
September 3, 2025
DNF @67%. Just couldn't get into it. Book seems fine but not much to keep me hooked or interested. I don't even feel like I even know what the plot is about and I'm already halfway through the book. So, I'ma just DNF
February 25, 2023
Captivating!
This story kept my interest from beginning to end. It is well written with a good plot and an interesting ending.
This story kept my interest from beginning to end. It is well written with a good plot and an interesting ending.
July 13, 2023
This was a good story, relatively short and fast paced but that worked for me. The ghosts were somewhat in the background, but that was okay too. I’m moving on to book 2.
October 13, 2023
Empty Promises and Crowded Caskets
Libby Foster does it again She moves home and helps to find a murderer and starts up the post in her town A good story
Libby Foster does it again She moves home and helps to find a murderer and starts up the post in her town A good story
December 31, 2023
Decent read.
January 6, 2024
Enjoyed the first book and will read the next one. If you like cozy mysteries this is a nice series to sit down on a cold day to read.
February 11, 2024
The story is fine but really could have used an editor. I had to read many parts several times to figure out what was happening
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews