Grave Expectations

Bell’s supernatural cozy debut, the first in a series, follows aspiring psychic Claire, who is hired by Figgy Wellington-Forge to perform a séance for her nana’s birthday at the family’s crumbling English estate. Unbeknown to Figgy, Claire is accompanied by her ghostly partner, Sophie. Claire knew 17-year-old Sophie when she was still among the living. While everyone thinks Sophie ran away, Claire knows she was murdered, as Sophie’s ghost has been hanging around ever since. When the two arrive at the manor, they find they’ve landed in a murder mystery. Figgy’s ex-policeman brother and their nonbinary teen nibling, Alex, join them, and together, they delve into the mansion’s mysteries. Although they aren’t the most skilled detectives, they hilariously and wholeheartedly throw themselves into their quest. Narrator Sophie Roberts gives voice to Bell’s many different characters, both dead and alive. She provides unique, appropriate voices for each, from a 165-year-old gardener haunting the grounds to a hip teen. Listeners will appreciate the small moments that lighten the novel, with plenty of nods to Scooby-Doo and playful references to mystery tropes.