It’s all in a day’s work for Emma Lee Raines by Tonya Kappes

Feb 24, 2015 | A Day In My Life

A Ghostly Undertaking With a funeral, a ghost, a murder . . .

If it weren’t for bad luck. . .Well, you know the saying and I’m no exception to the rule. Growing up and living in the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home should’ve been my first clue that my life was going to be any less than normal.

I embraced my high school nickname, Creepy Funeral Girl, and took over the family business after my parents retired, leaving me in charge of getting the dearly departed residents of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky six feet under to their final resting place.

At least that’s what I thought until the one ill-fated snowy day when I was walking through the town square to grab some lunch from Artie’s Meat and Deli. The snow that covered the shop roofs were quickly melting from the sunshine, causing the plastic Santa on Artie’s roof to slide off and hit me square in the head. Knocking me out flat.

I swear I thought I was a goner, gone to the big guy in the sky, and joined all my clients I had put six feet under because when I woke up Ruthie Sue Payne, Eternal Slumber latest client, was standing next to me, bunny slippers and all.

Doc Clyde confirmed I was not dead, but I had the “Funeral Trauma.” He said I’d been around the dead too long and needed a little time off, but Ruthie didn’t see it that way.

In fact, Ruthie said that the accidental slip and fall autopsy report was wrong and that she was murdered. Pushed!

Worse, she wasn’t going to leave me alone until I helped get her to the “other side” by figuring out who murdered her. One problem. Ruthie’s archenemy was my Granny, Zula Raines Payne. After all, Ruthie’s ex-husband left her for Granny and the two had not gotten along since.

Now it was personal. Ruthie accused my Granny of killing her when I know Granny was not capable of doing such an act. Or was she?

Jealousy made people do strange things and in the south, we like to sweep things under the rug with a big smile on our face pretending nothing ever happened.

Ruthie wasn’t the only one who thought her death was suspicious. Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, my high school crush and now Sheriff of Sleepy Hollow, was sniffing around asking all sorts of questions not just about the death of Ruthie Sue, but the odd behavior I was displaying by talking to myself in public.

I guess I could hide my crazy to help out hunky Jack Henry and exonerate my Granny in the process so I could get Ruthie Sue Payne to the other side.
ghostly southern

Read A Ghostly Undertaking now available everywhere e-books/books are sold. Here’s what’s up in A Ghostly Undertaking:
ghosty text

You can read more about Emma Lee in A Ghostly Undertaking, the first book in the highly anticipated A Ghostly Southern Mystery series, published by HarperCollins.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on March 3 for the chance to win a signed copy of A Ghostly Undertaking along with a Kappes Tote. Two lucky winners will be randomly selected. Winners will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Tonya has written over 16 novels and 4 novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for SOUTHERN SMALL TOWN MYSTERIES charged with emotion and humor, and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers and a stray cat in northern Kentucky and grew up in Nicholasville. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full time but can be found at all of her guys high school games with a pencil and paper in hand.

To sign up for Tonya’s newsletter, stalk her on social media, view book trailer, and upcoming news, check out Tonya’s website, Tonyakappes.com.

142 Comments

noraadrienne on February 24, 2015 at 1:18 am

Dru, I’m a HUGE Tonya fan and our local libraries refuse to carry her books. So I’m just going to have to win a copy in your giveaway. Mwa Haa Haaaaaaaa
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:12 am
  
  Hi Nora! I hope you win! They will carry this one I bet 🙂
Ginger griffin on February 24, 2015 at 1:21 am

Sounds like a wonderful book and cannot wait to read it.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:12 am
  
  Thank you for entering Ginger!
mary robinson on February 24, 2015 at 1:58 am

Eternal slumber funeral home! Ha that alone tells me that this is going to be a great story.I have yet to win a book but maybe my luck will change with this one.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:13 am
  
  Hi Mary! Good luck! Thank you for stopping by!
bookmom on February 24, 2015 at 2:13 am

Don’t enter me! This sounds like a fun new series. I hold out hope my library will pick up some of Tonya Kappes books.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:13 am
  
  I hope they do too!! Thanks for stopping by!
Mare F on February 24, 2015 at 5:39 am

This sounds like the perfect antidote to a long New England winter. I’m really looking forward to this one.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:14 am
  
  Thanks, Mare! I hope you enjoy it! You just might find yourself laughing out loud!
Carol M on February 24, 2015 at 6:13 am

I enjoy ghost stories and this sounds like a good one! Thank you for the giveaway!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:14 am
  
  Hi Carol! Good luck!! Ghosts are so much fun to write about.
Mary Ann on February 24, 2015 at 6:21 am

Definitely adding this one to my list of must reads!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:14 am
  
  Thank you, Mary Ann!!
Jane R on February 24, 2015 at 6:27 am

This sounds like a great new series. I’m going to keep my eye out for it. Thanks for the info!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:15 am
  
  Thank you, Jane! It has been a fun series to write and four of the novels will be released this year.
Gram on February 24, 2015 at 6:40 am

This sounds like a great fun book. Count me in.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:15 am
  
  Good luck, Gram!
Jen on February 24, 2015 at 7:03 am

Sounds like a great ghostly haunting book! This is a new series for me, and I will be checking out the books. Thank you.

myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:16 am
  
  Good luck, Jen! It is a new series and the first four novels will be released this year so no waiting months upon months! I hope you enjoy!
Dawn Frazier on February 24, 2015 at 7:11 am

Would love to read this! Sounds great!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:17 am
  
  Good luck, Dawn! It was a ton of fun to write 🙂
holdenj on February 24, 2015 at 7:58 am

I would like to think I would have been kinder and not called her Creepy Funeral Girl in high school. This is a new to me series! Thanks for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 11:37 am
  
  Oh…Emma Lee gets her revenge *cackle* Seriously, thank you for entering! Good luck!!
Lisa Cobb Sabatini on February 24, 2015 at 8:02 am

Hilarious! I love cantankerous old folks, and a dead one who can follow the protagonist around is even better!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 11:38 am
  
  Yes, Ruthie is very cantankerous! I hope you enjoy A GHOSTLY UNDERTAKING!
Lisa Brown on February 24, 2015 at 8:07 am

Great story line, hope to get a chance to read it 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 11:38 am
  
  Thank you, Lisa! Good luck.
Debbie Carnes on February 24, 2015 at 8:34 am

Sounds great, but then again ALL your books are wonderful. Can’t wait to read this one 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 11:39 am
  
  AWE, DEBBIE! Love seeing you here! Thank you so much for stopping by. Your kindness is much appreciated! Thank you and good luck!
Judy Weaver on February 24, 2015 at 8:44 am

Sounds like a great read!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 11:40 am
  
  Thank you, Judy! Good luck 🙂
Daniele K on February 24, 2015 at 9:29 am

This sounds like fun!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:02 pm
  
  Thank you Daniele! Good luck!
rochf on February 24, 2015 at 9:36 am

I have to read a book whose protagonist’s nickname was Creepy Funeral Girl.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:02 pm
  
  Hahahaa!! Thank you!
Barbara Hackel on February 24, 2015 at 9:57 am

I am a long time fan of Tonya, and once again she has a sure hit series started! Can’t wait to read them all! Thanks to Tonya and Dru for the opportunity to win this book!. Question for Tonya…where does this fit in with the book Beyond the Grave? I am a little confused. Thanks!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:04 pm
  
  Hi Barbara! This is actually the first book in the Beyond the Grave that was self published. The series got bought by HarperCollins. The other three books will be out this year too! So NOOOOO waiting all those months for the next book. Thank you so much for stopping by and letting me explain it.
Amy M. Reade on February 24, 2015 at 10:03 am

I love the references to the South in the blurb. Sounds like a great book. Fabulous name for a funeral home!!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:09 pm
  
  Thank you, Amy. Growing up in a small southern town has it’s great perks for a good backdrop!
marylouh on February 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

Love the bunny slippers. Should be a fun read.
thanks for the chance to read it.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:13 pm
  
  Thank you, Marylouh! Good luck!
sallycootie on February 24, 2015 at 10:44 am

This sounds like an interesting new series with some humor thrown in. Thanks for the giveaway.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:13 pm
  
  HI, Sallycootie! I hope you do enjoy a little humor. Who said murder can’t be fun?
Kicha on February 24, 2015 at 10:45 am

This book does sound like fun … love the paranormal mysteries.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:15 pm
  
  Thank you, Kicha! Good luck!
Joan V. on February 24, 2015 at 10:50 am

I loved the excerpt from this book. It sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun to read.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:16 pm
  
  Thank you, Joan! I had a lot of fun writing it.
Becky Prazak on February 24, 2015 at 10:53 am

What a great sounding book! Can’t wait to read it!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:16 pm
  
  I love seeing you here Becky!!! YAY!
Katrina Powers on February 24, 2015 at 11:00 am

This looks like a fun series. Can’t wait to read it!!!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:19 pm
  
  Thank you, Katrina! I’m excited for readers to discover this series.
anne on February 24, 2015 at 11:03 am

Thanks for this great giveaway and wonderful feature.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:19 pm
  
  Thank you, Anne! Good luck!
Wendy Lee on February 24, 2015 at 11:39 am

Sounds like yet another good one!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:20 pm
  
  Thank you, Wendy! I”m thrilled it is finally released.
Libby Dodd on February 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm

Not a great way to have your day go!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:20 pm
  
  Thanks Libby!
Sue C on February 24, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Love her books. Would love to read this. sclickner@juno.com
Betty on February 24, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Wow! The book sounds fantastic! Thank you for the chance to win a copy plus a nifty tote to carry it and my other treasures (books) in.
woodrumbetty@gmail.com
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:21 pm
  
  Thank you, Betty! Good luck! The totes are nice and sturdy!
Anita Yancey on February 24, 2015 at 12:40 pm

It sounds like a amazing book. I love that cover. Thanks for the chance to win it.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:22 pm
  
  Thank you, Anita! I do adore the cover. I’m pretty blessed.
Mary Ellen Suter on February 24, 2015 at 1:24 pm

i am excitedly looking forward to reading this new book by Tanya Kappes. I have read her previous books and truly enjoyed them. Which is why I preordered this one as soon as possible. Happy reading to all as we learn to know a new set of characters.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:22 pm
  
  HI!! So happy to see you here! Thank you for your kind words. I’m so excited about this series.
Susan P on February 24, 2015 at 2:00 pm

I would LOVE to win a signed copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity. 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:24 pm
  
  Hi, Susan! Good luck!!
Mary Jane Hopper on February 24, 2015 at 2:26 pm

Sounds like another good book for my shelf.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:24 pm
  
  Thank you, Mary Jane! I hope you grab a copy or win one of these!!
Anita Miles on February 24, 2015 at 3:10 pm

This sounds like my kind of book! can’t wait to read
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:25 pm
  
  Thank you, Anita! If you like mystery tied with humor and some paranormal elements…I’m your gal!
kansan4dogs on February 24, 2015 at 4:19 pm

This sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll have to check out this series and get to know what look to be some, well, unique Southern characters. 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 4:26 pm
  
  I love writing my southern flare. It does come natural since I grew up in a small southern town. It is a lot of fun! I hope you check it out, Kansan4dogs!
suekey12 on February 24, 2015 at 4:55 pm

The ghost of her grandmother’s enemy? Now that would be a hard ghost to help, if you ask me. This sounds like a fun book with some interesting characters.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:43 pm
  
  It’s a hoot and a holler, suekey12! Emma Lee wants to help Granny so it’s more important than ever to find Ruthie’s killer so Granny will be set free and Ruthie will go to the great beyond. Good luck!
Becky on February 24, 2015 at 5:33 pm

hi! i’d love to win! 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:44 pm
  
  Good luck, Becky!
Sandy Todd on February 24, 2015 at 5:58 pm

This series sounds an awful lot like the Pepper Martin mysteries by Casey Daniels. I’d like to read it just to compare. Thanks for the intro and review Dru Ann…once again…well done!
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:44 pm
  
  Sandy, I have heard that before. I have not read that series. I should probably pick one up! Let me know how it compares if you get a chance! Good luck!
Julie on February 24, 2015 at 6:58 pm

I’m interested, especially since I enjoyed her previous eBooks.
- Tonya Kappes on February 24, 2015 at 7:45 pm
  
  Thank you Julie! I hope you give it a try! Thank you for enjoying my others. That makes my heart smile.
Dru on February 24, 2015 at 7:53 pm

I like the premise, especially hunky Jack Henry.
Lynn Scholl on February 24, 2015 at 8:09 pm

This book grabbed me from the beginning. It will have you laughing and wondering who did it. Tonya is a great author and I just love all her books. She is also a wonderful person that will interact with her fans. I really recommend people to get out there and pick up this book !!!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:55 am
  
  Thank you, Lynn! I am so happy you love Emma Lee! You make my heart sing 🙂
Linda Langford on February 25, 2015 at 12:10 pm

I can hardly wait to read this series!! Thank you for the chance to win!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:55 am
  
  Good luck.
Teresa Kander on February 25, 2015 at 12:22 pm

I can’t wait to start this new series….thanks for the chance to win!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:56 am
  
  Hey there! I’m so happy to see you here! Good luck.
susan on February 25, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Would love to read this! Love the ghosties!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:56 am
  
  Thank you, Susan. I love those snarky ghosts too!
charlene capodice on February 25, 2015 at 12:36 pm

absolutely need to read these! love the covers and the titles!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:57 am
  
  Thank you! I do love the covers too. I’m so blessed.
John Mazur on February 25, 2015 at 12:46 pm

This will be my first book by you, but I would love the opportunity to read it. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway.
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:57 am
  
  Thanks John! You picked a fun book for your first. I hope you take on chance on the others!
stardustindy on February 25, 2015 at 12:46 pm

Oh this sounds like so much fun, I can’t wait to read this one! Congratulations on your latest release Tonya!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:57 am
  
  Thank you so much!
Missi Stockwell Svoboda on February 25, 2015 at 1:13 pm

Sounds like a great series to get me through these cold winter months waiting for the grass to reappear. Thanks for the opportunity to win one !!!!!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:58 am
  
  We definitely need something to get us through this winter! This is perfect it that job 🙂
Terri Crossley on February 25, 2015 at 2:30 pm

This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:58 am
  
  Thank you Terri! Good luck.
Barbara Hawk on February 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

Sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the opportunity!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:59 am
  
  I do know it was a lot of fun writing it! Good luck.
Betty Jo English on February 25, 2015 at 3:50 pm

The Ghostly Undertaking sounds intriguing. Cannot wait to read
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:59 am
  
  Good luck.
Chassity BIddix on February 25, 2015 at 4:46 pm

These books look great would love to win.
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 7:59 am
  
  Isn’t the cover great?!
Joann Hunter on February 25, 2015 at 6:20 pm

I absolutely love Tonya’s books! More please!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 8:00 am
  
  AWE! Thank you for making my smile bigger! xo
Stacy Durnwald on February 25, 2015 at 8:52 pm

Definitely wanting to check out this series!! Fingers crossed I win a copy! 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 8:00 am
  
  Good luck and crossing fingers, toes, and eyes!
Lynn hogan on February 25, 2015 at 8:58 pm

I would absolutely love to read this book! Putting one wish list!!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 8:00 am
  
  Good luck!! Wish hard!
Anne Mikusinski on February 25, 2015 at 9:23 pm

I would love to win. Thanks for the chance!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 8:01 am
  
  Good luck!
Patricia Allen on February 26, 2015 at 2:46 am

I am looking forward to reading this series, the book looks great. It is always fun when I find new books to read. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 8:01 am
  
  Thank you! Good luck.
Margo Sue on February 26, 2015 at 10:12 am

This sounds like as much fun as your other series. Can’t wait to read it!
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm
  
  Thank you, Margo Sue! I have to say it’s a lot of fun.
Jackie LePree on February 26, 2015 at 10:22 am

Your coffee posts wake me up to my own caffeine cravings.
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 1:10 pm
  
  Thank you Jackie! I hope you say hi over there one day!
Rita M Quante on February 26, 2015 at 10:41 am

You had me at ‘I’m telling you, I was murdered’. Can’t wait to read it; sounds like a good series.
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 1:14 pm
  
  Ruthie was definitely easy to write. Good luck!
MaryAnn Forbes on February 26, 2015 at 12:23 pm

Thanks for the opportunity to win A Ghostly Undertaking; sounds like a great read! Good luck Readers.📖📚
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 1:15 pm
  
  Hi, MaryAnn! Good luck!
Jill F. on February 26, 2015 at 12:32 pm

I’ve never heard of this series and now I NEED THEM ALL in my life! Thank you for the chance. 🙂
- Tonya Kappes on February 26, 2015 at 1:16 pm
  
  Hi, Jill! A Ghostly Undertaking is the first in the series. A Ghostly Grave will be released on March 31. I’m thrilled two more will be released this fall. I’m so happy HarperCollins isn’t making readers wait a year between releases.
Judy on February 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm

I once worked at a hospital and visited the autopsy room. I enjoyed a book where the amateur sleuth lived above a funeral home. This one sounds like it might be right up my alley.
girlfromwva on February 26, 2015 at 2:51 pm

i can’t wait to read this…(also can’t wait to see you again in August in Bardstown!) congrats with your successes!
Sandy Hemsher on February 26, 2015 at 4:03 pm

I have just started reading ghostly cozy mysteries. Love them. Want to read this one!!!!Adding to Goodreads list!!!!
cyn209 on February 26, 2015 at 11:46 pm

Sounds like an awesome read that I would enjoy…..
Thank you for the giveaway!!
kayk597 on February 27, 2015 at 6:43 pm

Hi Tonya. This sounds like a great series. Reading Casey Daniels’ Pepper Martin series now, and I’d love to compare the 2 series. Thanks so much for giving us a chance to win this book.
Verna Gass on February 27, 2015 at 10:37 pm

A mystery & ghost…what’s not to like?
ANN*H on February 28, 2015 at 1:10 am

Oh wow these sound like interesting reads for me
Karen Terry on February 28, 2015 at 1:35 pm

It sounds very interesting.
Lynn hogan on February 28, 2015 at 5:59 pm

Love to read
Lynn hogan on February 28, 2015 at 6:01 pm

Love the teaser! Look forward to reading!
Kathleen Bylsma on February 28, 2015 at 8:33 pm

Now, this sounds like a good read!
Terri Crossley on February 28, 2015 at 11:59 pm

Thanks for the chance! I really enjoy Tonya’s books and would love to win this one!
Marilyn Watson on March 1, 2015 at 5:40 am

Unique and nothing I love better than a cozy..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
ladyjanel on March 1, 2015 at 7:07 am

So want to read this series!! Have it on my to buy list on amazon now. Thank you very much for the chance. Hoping to win. 🙂
Jen Frederick on March 3, 2015 at 3:31 pm

I love your books Tonya, and I’m sure this new series is great. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for the chance Dru and Tonya.
Dru on March 3, 2015 at 6:43 pm

Thanks Tonya for comment and interacting with my readers.

Contest is closed.