The Soul of WBVR by Elizabeth Andre is a supernatural cozy mystery. It’s a “cozy mystery” in that it doesn’t get very dark, but keeps you intrigued until the very end. It’s the type a mystery you read with a cup of tea in your reading chair under your favorite blanket.
This is the third book in a series (but can be read as a stand-alone) focusing on the work of the Paranormal Grievance Committee or the “PGC”. The PGC is an investigation agency led by two lesbians, Maya Nicholas and Julie Sussman, which focuses on solving paranormal mysteries. Some of the members have special abilities like talking to ghosts and casting spells.
The series focuses not only on the specific mystery that the PGC is currently solving, but also the women and men who make up the PGC and their lives.
In The Soul of WBVR the PGC is tasked in helping Joyce Barkley, a legendary radio deejay, with a serious problem. When Joyce inexplicably hears the voice of an old friend on the air years after her tragic death, those around her are convinced that the aging DJ is either going senile or has suffered another stroke. She brings in the PGC to solve the mystery of why she is hearing the voice.
Will the PGC be able to prove that Joyce is actually being haunted and not just having another stroke? Further, if there is a haunting, why now, and how can the PGC stop it?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
There are a lot of pros in this novel. First, I love a history lesson that doesn’t overwhelm the reader. I learned about the importance of African American radio deejays in the 1950’s and 1960’s and how they were perceived as pillars in their community.
I also loved how the author effortlessly deals with big themes such as sexism, homophobia and agism while keeping the story light.
The story was well written and kept me interested until the end. I was eager to solve the “who done it” and get to the bottom of the mystery. The book was so well written, I easily took it for granted that ghosts exist and that they can be understood. The story never felt contrived.
Finally, I believe every novel should include a little romance, and this novel delivers on that count as well.
Cons And Heads Up
No Cons. The only “Heads Up” is if you wanted to learn more about the backstory of the PGC, you probably want to read the series in sequence and read the first two novels before this one.
The Conclusion
The Soul of WBVR is a great cozy mystery that delivers just enough intrigue to keep you guessing. I really enjoyed the story of Joyce, Natasha, and the radio station. I enjoyed the little history lesson regarding the importance of black radio stations and deejays. I also loved learning about the people behind the PGC. I am seriously crushing on both Maya and Julie! I loved both of those characters and I am eager to see what life has in store for them next!
Excerpt from The Soul of WBVR by Elizabeth Andre
This small talk was all fine and good, but Joyce was starting to feel the urge to flee again. Maya seemed to sense this. “I have to confess that we heard some of your Saturday afternoon show,” Maya said.
Julie nodded. “Yeah. We weren’t quite sure what was happening.”
Joyce felt mortified. She realized how unprofessional she must have sounded over the air. She’d always prided herself on how smooth and polished she was in all situations. “I’m so sorry you heard that,” she stammered.
“It’s okay,” Julie said. “The music you played was great.”
Maya jumped in. “It really was. If it won’t make you too uncomfortable, can you go over what happened?” She smiled encouragingly. “Take your time.”
Grateful for Maya’s kindness, Joyce began to relax a little.
Julie asked if she could record what Joyce said.
She nodded. Hesitant at first, she began to recount what had happened during the Saturday and Sunday shows. Even a few days later, the moment when she heard that voice still shocked her. “It sounded so much like her. It was like back when she’d call me, and we’d talk on the phone. It was like nothing had happened. It was like she never died.”
A heavy silence descended on the table. “What do you think she wants?” Maya asked.
“I don’t know. She just wanted to talk to me, I guess.”
“So you were friends when she was alive?” Julie said.
Joyce took a moment to answer. She could only say so much about secrets she swore she would never reveal.
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Series
Paranormal Grievance Committee Chronicles
The Curse of the Old Woods
Muses
The Soul of WBVR
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781689451017
Publisher: Tulabella Ruby Press
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Note: I received a free review copy of The Soul of WBVR by Elizabeth Andre. No money was exchanged for this review. When you use our links to buy we get a small commission which supports the running of this site
