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My Boyfriend Is a Monster #5
I Date Dead People
Nora Reilly is an old soul. Her idea of fun is reading a Jane Austen novel in her family's Victorian home. She didn't expect to find a kindred spirit in the house's oldest occupant, Tom Barnes. Tom is a sweet and handsome boy who died over a hundred years ago. His soul is trapped in the house, and he's not alone. There are other mysterious tenants . . . and darker shadows, sinister and nameless.
Does love stand a ghost of a chance against such odds? Nora's friends aren’t so sure. They think she should give up the ghost and look for a boyfriend who is a little more lively. But Nora will do whatever it takes to make the relationship work, even against the threat of meddling ghost hunters, snooping psychics, and the worst danger of all to her first solid relationship―her parents.
Does love stand a ghost of a chance against such odds? Nora's friends aren’t so sure. They think she should give up the ghost and look for a boyfriend who is a little more lively. But Nora will do whatever it takes to make the relationship work, even against the threat of meddling ghost hunters, snooping psychics, and the worst danger of all to her first solid relationship―her parents.
128 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2012
29 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 31, 2016
This time we have a ghost love interest. Anyway, this was cute. Tom is adorable. I like this one a little better than the last one. Like another reviewer mentioned, the art does remind you of Black is for Beginnings. Especially them facial expressions. The ending I kind of surprised but at the same time, kind of liked in a way. A little different than the last ones.
July 15, 2018
I think this one is my favorite so far! I adore paranormal romance stories and this one was so cute! I loved all of the characters and the illustrations, the dialogue and the humor, and of course, the romance!
February 25, 2019
I'm liking this series overall, but this particular one was just okay for me.
March 11, 2022
welp. this was dumb.
August 26, 2013
out of this series this was the only one i could get into and enjoy. i love ghost stories and i was pleasantly surprised by how much i liked this one. i tried reading all the rest but couldn't seem to get into those. but this one had good illustration and good writing.
March 27, 2022
Way better than the others, if sad 🥺
June 21, 2021
2 1/2 stars.
April 17, 2022
Nora's family has recently moved into a beautiful old house previously Eleanor Hays, a famous author. Although her younger siblings make some odd comments and several items go missing, Nora doesn't realize there's anything odd about her new home until she's home alone one evening and meets a ghost. It initially scares her, but Tom, the ghost, doesn't seem all that bad - he returns the stuff he took and just asks that Nora's family not remove the house's grandfather clock. However, he's not the only ghost haunting the house, and a couple of the others aren't nearly so nice.
Eh, this was okay. Apparently I read it back in 2012, but I didn't remember a thing about it, not even as I was reading. Nora and Tom fell in love very quickly (I suppose it's tough to properly develop a romance when one half of the couple can't leave the house), and it was clear that falling in love with a ghost probably wasn't going to end in a happily ever after for poor Nora. I wonder if all the other entries in this series involve the heroine
The artwork wasn't necessarily bad but wasn't really to my taste. A bit too busy. My ARC is in black-and-white, which doesn't necessarily mean that's what the final publication looks like, but the "Look Inside" portion shown on Amazon doesn't look any different.
Will I ever read more of this series? Well, I've had this ARC for at least 10 years, read it at least once before, and never felt the urge to try another one, so probably not. It looks like each entry is handled by a different author-illustrator pair, though, so it could be interesting to see how they vary in appeal and quality.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Eh, this was okay. Apparently I read it back in 2012, but I didn't remember a thing about it, not even as I was reading. Nora and Tom fell in love very quickly (I suppose it's tough to properly develop a romance when one half of the couple can't leave the house), and it was clear that falling in love with a ghost probably wasn't going to end in a happily ever after for poor Nora. I wonder if all the other entries in this series involve the heroine
The artwork wasn't necessarily bad but wasn't really to my taste. A bit too busy. My ARC is in black-and-white, which doesn't necessarily mean that's what the final publication looks like, but the "Look Inside" portion shown on Amazon doesn't look any different.
Will I ever read more of this series? Well, I've had this ARC for at least 10 years, read it at least once before, and never felt the urge to try another one, so probably not. It looks like each entry is handled by a different author-illustrator pair, though, so it could be interesting to see how they vary in appeal and quality.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
May 20, 2012
When the Reillys move into their new home, they learn that it’s haunted. There are several generations of spirits there, too, as well as a malevolent presence. Nora, the eldest daughter, confronts one of the ghosts, Tom, whom she believes has been tormenting her younger siblings. After talking to him, she realizes he can’t be responsible for all of the weird (bad) things that have been happening. In fact, the more time they spend together, the more strongly they feel for one another. A number of paranormal “experts” arrive on the scene to diagnose the house and its ghastly apparitions, but it’s Nora who finally sends the spirit world denizens packing – including her ghost guy, who is finally able to find his way to his eternal rest.
It’s a little convenient (but readers who like a little romance and a little supernatural probably won’t care) that Tom has perfected his ability to manifest physically in our world – so he can touch and be touched by Nora. Like the other books in this series, no one is really surprised by or objects to the teen’s relationship with a “monster.” Nora’s friends think it’s cool that she’s dating a ghost.
It’s a little convenient (but readers who like a little romance and a little supernatural probably won’t care) that Tom has perfected his ability to manifest physically in our world – so he can touch and be touched by Nora. Like the other books in this series, no one is really surprised by or objects to the teen’s relationship with a “monster.” Nora’s friends think it’s cool that she’s dating a ghost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
These graphic novels are very romantic & falling in love with a ghost is sweet and sad because he's not part of the living anymore. Helping the ghost in the hose crossover is a wonderful thing & helping the boy she loves finally reunite with his family is the most selfless act. I like the ending where she gets to meet a new boy & have a chance at love again but this time in the world of the living.
March 3, 2017
Content Rating and Review
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February 11, 2024
The sketchy illustrations were nice, but I wish they would’ve been in color. Although I must say that the B/W did create some good, scary angles with shadows and such.
“I’ll never find a Mr. Darcy or a Heathcliff in this world.” Nora just wanted that romantic love.
Then the creepiest house her parents moved her into somehow produces a ghost. A ghost! AAAAHHH!
Loved the frightened expressions! The story certainly gave that eerie vibe. But then Nora starts talking to the ghost named Tom and hears his story. Then they feel the spark of their touch. What happens when you start falling for a ghost? And what happens when the other ghosts of the house take over?
It’s funny how they try to get rid of the ghosts with a flamboyant ghostbuster TV crew and a so-called psychic.
A sweet and thoughtful ghost story!
“I’ll never find a Mr. Darcy or a Heathcliff in this world.” Nora just wanted that romantic love.
Then the creepiest house her parents moved her into somehow produces a ghost. A ghost! AAAAHHH!
Loved the frightened expressions! The story certainly gave that eerie vibe. But then Nora starts talking to the ghost named Tom and hears his story. Then they feel the spark of their touch. What happens when you start falling for a ghost? And what happens when the other ghosts of the house take over?
It’s funny how they try to get rid of the ghosts with a flamboyant ghostbuster TV crew and a so-called psychic.
A sweet and thoughtful ghost story!
January 30, 2020
Pretty But Predictable
First, I've got to say that the art was super cute, some of if not the best of the series. Lovely eyes, expressive faces, all that jazz.
The story, though, was pretty basic. Imagine a girl meets ghost story, and you've probably got this plot. You know where it's going and you'll probably guess its ending, which is too abrupt.
That said, I wasn't bored reading it, and the characters were likeable enough.
Do I recommend it? Well, I don't not recommend it. It's not bad, but there's definitely better out there. If you're curious about it, you might as well pick it up. You'll probably like it.
First, I've got to say that the art was super cute, some of if not the best of the series. Lovely eyes, expressive faces, all that jazz.
The story, though, was pretty basic. Imagine a girl meets ghost story, and you've probably got this plot. You know where it's going and you'll probably guess its ending, which is too abrupt.
That said, I wasn't bored reading it, and the characters were likeable enough.
Do I recommend it? Well, I don't not recommend it. It's not bad, but there's definitely better out there. If you're curious about it, you might as well pick it up. You'll probably like it.
December 31, 2025
I Date Dead People has officially unseated I Love Him to Pieces as my new favorite book in the My Boyfriend Is a Monster series! I didn’t have that expectation going into this book, but I’m not that surprised because some of my favorite books/series involve the MMC being a ghost. I don’t know why, but these kinds of stories just get to me, they make me feel a lot of emotions and while it wasn’t to the extent those series I was thinking of before, I was still very invested in Nora and Tom and I even got a little choked up at the end. I Date Dead People was so wonderful, thrilling, and sweet — I absolutely loved it!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
August 30, 2023
This book was a great book. It’s about a girl who is seeing people and other can’t. She doesn’t know so she hangs out with them yet she begging to catch feeling for one of them and decides to move on. She endures the relation ship and is un other by other thoughts. Their comes a point were her mother begins to wonder and asks her about her relationship. She then begins to relise. She then ends up the relation ship and she wakes up from her drea,
August 16, 2019
3.0
I really enjoyed this book in the continuing "Monster of the Week" this series is. It was sweet and cute and I truly enjoyed it. I believe this is I wanted to read this book from the onset, until I realized this was a series. Good news, you don't need to read the other books in the series to read this one. The only negative I have is that I'd like to have these in color.
I really enjoyed this book in the continuing "Monster of the Week" this series is. It was sweet and cute and I truly enjoyed it. I believe this is I wanted to read this book from the onset, until I realized this was a series. Good news, you don't need to read the other books in the series to read this one. The only negative I have is that I'd like to have these in color.
February 26, 2025
Enjoyable and short graphic novel. This is book 5, but the first book I read. Love the art. But I think it would have been nice in color. I enjoyed the romance and the little lessons on love from the main character a the end. A fun book for teen girls. Maybe I'll check out the other books in the series sometime.
July 19, 2017
I wish the story had gone deeper.
The artistry is beautiful, the characters are cool, but I wish the story had been longer to develop more.
The artistry is beautiful, the characters are cool, but I wish the story had been longer to develop more.
October 5, 2017
... *sniff sniff*
Well that was unexpected..
The feelings I mean, not the plot.
Well that was unexpected..
The feelings I mean, not the plot.
October 20, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series even if it does take me to places I don't want to go. I mean, honestly, making out with a ghost? Ugh!
Still, it's a fun read and great for my students.
Still, it's a fun read and great for my students.
April 29, 2018
This one could have gone into more about who Tom was. I think I would have cared more if we had more background. I guess they left it out to stay the same length as the others in the series.
May 3, 2018
This installment was super cute and kinda sad.
Loved the art.
I wish it had been longer to give a little more history on the characters.
Loved the art.
I wish it had been longer to give a little more history on the characters.
November 28, 2019
This was one of the best of this series. The relationship was cute and the story was engaging. Art was neat too!
January 25, 2020
Tom❤️Nora
Forever.
Forever.
Read
August 18, 2022meh.
I liked the art style a lot though
I liked the art style a lot though
December 30, 2023
Rating : pg - cartoon violence, black and white removes some drama
Recommend: romance, gn readers jh and up
Ridiculous and highly entertaining and predictable. Just fun. Some (GN) kissing.
Recommend: romance, gn readers jh and up
Ridiculous and highly entertaining and predictable. Just fun. Some (GN) kissing.
August 2, 2024
4.5 stars.
February 14, 2025
Book 5: she fell in love with a ghost then once he crossed over she went to crush on the living shortly after
April 14, 2025
A quick graphic novel read, I would be interested to try the other offerings in the series.
Read
December 30, 2025This was fucking bizarre/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews