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Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries #4
Not a Mourning Person
Was bringing three hot AF ghosts back to life a grave mistake?
All I wanted to do was kiss my ghost boyfriends, but instead, I broke the Veil between the worlds of the Living and the Dead. Whoops. Now, a horde of demons and hellbeasts are after us, and if I don’t get control over my resurrection magic soon, we’re in for some grave consequences.
Like the end of the world.
I’m creeping it real here – I’m terrified. There isn’t enough coffee in all of Grimdale to fortify me for this battle.
What if the price of falling for three beautiful, spirited, impossible men is worse than death?
What if the only way to stop Grimdale from becoming a literal ghost town…
…is to give up my soul?
Bree and her ghostly men are back for their final spooky adventure in Not a Mourning Person, book 4 of this darkly humorous cozy fantasy series by bestselling author Steffanie Holmes. If you love a sarcastic heroine, hot, possessive and slightly unhinged ghostly men, a mystery to solve, and a little kooky, spooky lovin’ to set your coffin a rockin’, then quit ghouling around and start reading!
All I wanted to do was kiss my ghost boyfriends, but instead, I broke the Veil between the worlds of the Living and the Dead. Whoops. Now, a horde of demons and hellbeasts are after us, and if I don’t get control over my resurrection magic soon, we’re in for some grave consequences.
Like the end of the world.
I’m creeping it real here – I’m terrified. There isn’t enough coffee in all of Grimdale to fortify me for this battle.
What if the price of falling for three beautiful, spirited, impossible men is worse than death?
What if the only way to stop Grimdale from becoming a literal ghost town…
…is to give up my soul?
Bree and her ghostly men are back for their final spooky adventure in Not a Mourning Person, book 4 of this darkly humorous cozy fantasy series by bestselling author Steffanie Holmes. If you love a sarcastic heroine, hot, possessive and slightly unhinged ghostly men, a mystery to solve, and a little kooky, spooky lovin’ to set your coffin a rockin’, then quit ghouling around and start reading!
404 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2024
About the author
Steffanie Holmes
97 books1,474 followersSteffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 26, 2024
At this point, anything SH writes is going to be a winner for me.
The last in the series with Bree, Pax, Ambrose, and Edward melted my heart in many ways.
I've just loved all the Lovecraft references I this series, SH did this with style! Throw in JTR and Abberline, and this story has all the spooky vibes you need.
As usual, SH deals with disability rep and a multiple person relationship in a beautiful way, fully showing the depth of Brees' love for all her boys.
I did struggle with the details concerning her father's illness (Alzheimers) as my father had vascular dementia and it was hard to read, but this is personal to me. It's not a reflection of SH writing.
The last in the series with Bree, Pax, Ambrose, and Edward melted my heart in many ways.
I've just loved all the Lovecraft references I this series, SH did this with style! Throw in JTR and Abberline, and this story has all the spooky vibes you need.
As usual, SH deals with disability rep and a multiple person relationship in a beautiful way, fully showing the depth of Brees' love for all her boys.
I did struggle with the details concerning her father's illness (Alzheimers) as my father had vascular dementia and it was hard to read, but this is personal to me. It's not a reflection of SH writing.
January 14, 2025
“..and remember that today and everyday afterwards, she is ours and we are hers”
Oh Ambrose!!🥺I love them all dearly but Ambrose has my heart for sure.
Not ashamed to say I shed some tears towards the end. I had to take a break from reading because I just didn’t want the book to finish I loved it that much!! After some encouragement from my Mom (who equally enjoys these books!) I picked it back up and finished it.
I love the fact the epilogues really tie up loose ends and don’t leave you wondering!
Oh Ambrose!!🥺I love them all dearly but Ambrose has my heart for sure.
Not ashamed to say I shed some tears towards the end. I had to take a break from reading because I just didn’t want the book to finish I loved it that much!! After some encouragement from my Mom (who equally enjoys these books!) I picked it back up and finished it.
I love the fact the epilogues really tie up loose ends and don’t leave you wondering!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
Well that was a beautiful ending. It hurt (a lot) but it was also such a beautiful and healing Happy Ever After. And I think it was the perfect ending for the book.
The rest of the plot was okay, some parts were even good, but especially the action scenes just drag on and have a kinda weird pacing.
Also a lot of the explanations about the Lazarus thing feel like they were just thought about for this final installment of the series. I would have loved at least some of the explanations (or at least foreshadowing them) in the prior books. It would have made the story richer.
Also the book feels like it needs one more round of revisions and editing. There are missing words or wrong words a few times (not so few times since I remember them after reading and I normally forget stuff like that) and in the end the timelines kinda don't make sense (a baby kicking in a time where the belly doesn't really show yet, and a daughter being described as young when her parents are supposed to be old and grey). But perhaps a few of these things could be fixed later (at least I think that is how it works with some eBooks).
The rest of the plot was okay, some parts were even good, but especially the action scenes just drag on and have a kinda weird pacing.
Also a lot of the explanations about the Lazarus thing feel like they were just thought about for this final installment of the series. I would have loved at least some of the explanations (or at least foreshadowing them) in the prior books. It would have made the story richer.
Also the book feels like it needs one more round of revisions and editing. There are missing words or wrong words a few times (not so few times since I remember them after reading and I normally forget stuff like that) and in the end the timelines kinda don't make sense (a baby kicking in a time where the belly doesn't really show yet, and a daughter being described as young when her parents are supposed to be old and grey). But perhaps a few of these things could be fixed later (at least I think that is how it works with some eBooks).
August 24, 2024
I feel like this was the weakest book of this series, and tbh I wouldnt continue if it wasnt the last book. However, life has been stressful so the vibe of life may have affected how I enjoyed the book
August 16, 2024
Bringing It To An End ? . . .
It seems odd to have a “fun” reading experience when you consider the subject matter here. But the author is amazing and will keep the reader entertained along the way…
Bree Mortimer has a skillset she has apparently still not quite mastered. She is able to bring ghosts back to life through resurrection magic. But every time she does so, it weakens the Veil. When she crosses that line, she finally breaks the Veil separating the living from the dead which opens the world to demons and other really nasty creatures. Will she end up losing her three ghost boyfriends? Will she be able to repair the damage she has caused? Or has she put her own soul in jeopardy this time?
The reader will love this story and its fun, quirky characters. But how do you end a story like this one? Grab your copy and see for yourself!
It seems odd to have a “fun” reading experience when you consider the subject matter here. But the author is amazing and will keep the reader entertained along the way…
Bree Mortimer has a skillset she has apparently still not quite mastered. She is able to bring ghosts back to life through resurrection magic. But every time she does so, it weakens the Veil. When she crosses that line, she finally breaks the Veil separating the living from the dead which opens the world to demons and other really nasty creatures. Will she end up losing her three ghost boyfriends? Will she be able to repair the damage she has caused? Or has she put her own soul in jeopardy this time?
The reader will love this story and its fun, quirky characters. But how do you end a story like this one? Grab your copy and see for yourself!
May 18, 2024
I've enjoyed this spooky series.
It has a combination of humour and genuine emotion described so very well.
I really did like the cross of murder mystery and supernatural with the touch of spice.
I really had no clue where the story was going to end up and it really did end up being tied up beautifully.
It has a combination of humour and genuine emotion described so very well.
I really did like the cross of murder mystery and supernatural with the touch of spice.
I really had no clue where the story was going to end up and it really did end up being tied up beautifully.
March 10, 2026
A wonderful conclusion to the four book series. I really did enjoy this book. Some parts were funny and then you’d get caught off guard with an emotional scene and cry with the characters.
Just thinking about being able to see the fate of your loved ones would be truly heart wrenching to go through and Bree found her way in the end. I loved the epilogues. Definitely happy with the conclusion.
Just thinking about being able to see the fate of your loved ones would be truly heart wrenching to go through and Bree found her way in the end. I loved the epilogues. Definitely happy with the conclusion.
May 11, 2024
***FANTASTIC ENDING***
What a beautiful series. I loved this world that Steff created. I'm into ghosts and reincarnation, so I devoured these books 📚 👌. Brilliant work.👏 👍 ❤️
What a beautiful series. I loved this world that Steff created. I'm into ghosts and reincarnation, so I devoured these books 📚 👌. Brilliant work.👏 👍 ❤️
November 16, 2024
A great finale
I really enjoyed this series. I adore the characters and the storyline. I am sad to see the series end, but I think it wrapped up nicely.
I really enjoyed this series. I adore the characters and the storyline. I am sad to see the series end, but I think it wrapped up nicely.
January 25, 2025
I have loved this series. The characters were a lot of fun. A girl who sees ghosts & 3 ghosts that she had the hits for & brings back to life - cause she is Lady of Death. People are out to kill her but her boyfriends (3 of them) help her save the world. Will have to check out other work by this author. Highly recommend her work
September 13, 2025
I really feel this series being four books is two books too long. I think this story would have been better served as a duology rather than the drawn out four books. There were many times, especially in books 2 & 4 I found myself skipping ahead due to boredom.
July 30, 2024
By book 4, this is boring. I had to force myself to finish the series since I'd read this far.
April 1, 2024
Well. Here we are. The finale of the Grimdale Graveyard book series (my autocorrect supplied Griddle for Grimdale. Pax would be delighted).
I picked up the first installment, You're So Dead to Me, half as a joke. I expected it to be poorly written, ill-conceived, and eye-rollingly raunchy, with maybe a few cheap laughs here and there, on par with the witty tongue-in-cheek title.
But then I finished it . . . and freaking loved it.
Steffanie Holmes has a gloriously beautiful and well-read prose, one that appropriately and confidently vacillates in dialogue for each character's voice. She is absurdly representative and inclusive in a way many popular authors either fail to accomplish or don't come close to breaching. And gosh damn, can she write a sex scene.
Though the plot line of the Lazarus was the most lackluster part of the series itself, what held true throughout the books, and why I covet the story so highly, were the characterizations of her main players, specifically our three favorite once-upon-a-ghostie boys: a throughly-delights-in-violence Roman centurion; a sunshiny, lives and loves life with eyes wide open blind adventurer; and a salaciously lewd yet delectably delightful poet of a British prince.
Ambrose, Pax, and Edward all thoroughly and completely stole the show and their intertwining relationship with Bree was where my heart pinged. I am a relationship reader through and through, and the relationship between these four, spread throughout the books, cemented my love for their story.
Look, I never planned to enjoy a reverse harem. I certainly never planned or even thought I could enjoy a romantic relationship between a staggering four individuals; I'm more of a she/he-is-the-only-one-for-me traditionalist. I fall for two characters entering a romantic relationship together—two only—and I fall hard.
Well, it seems that multiple romantic partners might not always be so cut and dry within my literary preferences, because somehow, Holmes convinced me that all four of these characters are, and will be, the only ones ever meant for each other, and I am more than ok with that.
Was this fourth book a delightful wrap-up to the series? Yes. I found the overall connecting points of the afterlife and the responsibilities Bree found herself faced with a nice completion to the filler plot of the Lazarus, even if those points could have been been built on a greater foundation in the preceding books. I enjoyed this aspect of the story more so in this book than I did in the others.
Did it also tear out my heart by showing a direct foreshadowing of future events to come that I most assuredly did not want to know would happen, even though logically I knew they must? FREAKING YES. Damn you, Stephanie, I mean, really, it wasn't fair.
Full disclosure: I wouldn't change it. Not the foreshadowing, not the realization of it. Heartbreak, for me, is a key element in all my most beloved stories. Something about experiencing actual chest pains while reading binds me forever to a book—go figure. My heart hurts, and it's a bad thing, but also a good thing. But damn it all, because and that he was so when it happens. Might take me a while before I stop hurting over that one.
There were grammatical errors. Pieces of missing sentence structure (at least two actually missing words), some character placements that were switched mid-scene improperly, etc. Things that could be tidied up with another sweep of editing.
Ultimately, I am delighted to have stumbled across this series and find myself slightly shamed that I thought these books would have little more to offer than a passing, fluffy few hours of storyline I would soon forget. I've learned (and continue to learn) that all it takes is the right author to write the right story and you can fall for just about any topic there is. Stephanie Holmes has become my one-in-a-million reverse harem paranormal romance author (did I mention I was decidedly not a paranormal girlie before this?). I've recommended the Grimdale books to many friends since and will continue to recommend it to many others after this final ending.
Edward: "I might be the one who haunted this house for six centuries, but I've always been haunted by you. You're why I write my poems, why I paint, why I seek every possible pleasure on this earth—because I wish to drive you from my flesh, to make you real."
Ambrose: "With every step along the pathway, in every realm before and after this one, I am always in love with you, Bree."
Pax: "I swore an oath to Jupiter that I will always protect you, my love . . . I will be there to slay your enemies and kneel at your feet . . . I will be with you always."
I picked up the first installment, You're So Dead to Me, half as a joke. I expected it to be poorly written, ill-conceived, and eye-rollingly raunchy, with maybe a few cheap laughs here and there, on par with the witty tongue-in-cheek title.
But then I finished it . . . and freaking loved it.
Steffanie Holmes has a gloriously beautiful and well-read prose, one that appropriately and confidently vacillates in dialogue for each character's voice. She is absurdly representative and inclusive in a way many popular authors either fail to accomplish or don't come close to breaching. And gosh damn, can she write a sex scene.
Though the plot line of the Lazarus was the most lackluster part of the series itself, what held true throughout the books, and why I covet the story so highly, were the characterizations of her main players, specifically our three favorite once-upon-a-ghostie boys: a throughly-delights-in-violence Roman centurion; a sunshiny, lives and loves life with eyes wide open blind adventurer; and a salaciously lewd yet delectably delightful poet of a British prince.
Ambrose, Pax, and Edward all thoroughly and completely stole the show and their intertwining relationship with Bree was where my heart pinged. I am a relationship reader through and through, and the relationship between these four, spread throughout the books, cemented my love for their story.
Look, I never planned to enjoy a reverse harem. I certainly never planned or even thought I could enjoy a romantic relationship between a staggering four individuals; I'm more of a she/he-is-the-only-one-for-me traditionalist. I fall for two characters entering a romantic relationship together—two only—and I fall hard.
Well, it seems that multiple romantic partners might not always be so cut and dry within my literary preferences, because somehow, Holmes convinced me that all four of these characters are, and will be, the only ones ever meant for each other, and I am more than ok with that.
Was this fourth book a delightful wrap-up to the series? Yes. I found the overall connecting points of the afterlife and the responsibilities Bree found herself faced with a nice completion to the filler plot of the Lazarus, even if those points could have been been built on a greater foundation in the preceding books. I enjoyed this aspect of the story more so in this book than I did in the others.
Did it also tear out my heart by showing a direct foreshadowing of future events to come that I most assuredly did not want to know would happen, even though logically I knew they must? FREAKING YES. Damn you, Stephanie, I mean, really, it wasn't fair.
Full disclosure: I wouldn't change it. Not the foreshadowing, not the realization of it. Heartbreak, for me, is a key element in all my most beloved stories. Something about experiencing actual chest pains while reading binds me forever to a book—go figure. My heart hurts, and it's a bad thing, but also a good thing. But damn it all, because and that he was so when it happens. Might take me a while before I stop hurting over that one.
There were grammatical errors. Pieces of missing sentence structure (at least two actually missing words), some character placements that were switched mid-scene improperly, etc. Things that could be tidied up with another sweep of editing.
Ultimately, I am delighted to have stumbled across this series and find myself slightly shamed that I thought these books would have little more to offer than a passing, fluffy few hours of storyline I would soon forget. I've learned (and continue to learn) that all it takes is the right author to write the right story and you can fall for just about any topic there is. Stephanie Holmes has become my one-in-a-million reverse harem paranormal romance author (did I mention I was decidedly not a paranormal girlie before this?). I've recommended the Grimdale books to many friends since and will continue to recommend it to many others after this final ending.
Edward: "I might be the one who haunted this house for six centuries, but I've always been haunted by you. You're why I write my poems, why I paint, why I seek every possible pleasure on this earth—because I wish to drive you from my flesh, to make you real."
Ambrose: "With every step along the pathway, in every realm before and after this one, I am always in love with you, Bree."
Pax: "I swore an oath to Jupiter that I will always protect you, my love . . . I will be there to slay your enemies and kneel at your feet . . . I will be with you always."
April 28, 2026
I don't really know how many more superlatives I can use to describe this series. But basically, it's 10/10, no notes, chef's kiss, perfection. This final book in the series rounds out the story in such a beautiful way, giving our characters a hard-fought-for ending to their story that manages to make you smile through the tears and leaving you as the reader satisfied and with a proper sense of closure.
The emotional impact of this book in particular is dialled all the way up. While there are still funny moments and the whole thing remains within the author's signature style, somehow the comedy blends in with the wider story to leave a rawness that spears the reader straight through the heart. There are passages and scenes in this book that will put you through the wringer, but alongside that they somehow elevate the book from what is already great story to something more. It's not just a kooky, spooky romance any more; the quality of the writing means this is a book that will sit with you for a long time to come. It should feel incredibly heavy going when you consider some of the themes, but it's just all-consuming and so completely devourable that it maintains a light touch nonetheless.
The relationships between the characters once again shift now that all are corporeal, and I love that the three boys seem more willing and able to work together cohesively now that they are able to fulfil their desires fully. Not just in terms of pleasing Bree (though that is a definite plus!), but it's the little things like Pax and Edward working together to defend the house that absolutely confirm their unit's solid as a rock status. And even when it's tested to its limit, by this point you know and believe with your entire being that the four of them are endgame.
It also makes you consider how you would react with Bree's powers, given their consequences. While I can't say I was ever truly convinced by her logic about certain things, the book does a wonderful job at suggesting that's because she's not convinced herself! The writing and structure allow you into her mind with ease so you can at least try to understand her perspective; far from it being one of those painful, scream at the character 'why are you being so flaming obtuse?!' moments, it illustrates well both her reasoning for her conscious decisions and the underlying subconscious that shows what she truly wants, needs and feels.
The storyline itself both brings a satisfying conclusion to the story arc that's been built up, while still offering some surprises, twists and turns that manage to send the reader spiralling. There are moments where you just want to put the book down because you need to process what's just happened, but equally they make you desperate to keep reading to ensure that things turn out the 'right' way. And the resolutions will make your heart flutter even while you're trying to process some big emotions!
Honestly, I wasn't quite prepared for just how hard this book would cement the series' place in my soul (even after a warning from the author herself!), but sufficed to say I'm confident this will be a regular reread and quite possibly an emotional support book in times to come. I can imagine at some point it wil make me bawl my eyes out, but also give me some peace and reassurance when I'm in a dark place. I've already ordered special trophy shelf editions of these for this very reason.
The emotional impact of this book in particular is dialled all the way up. While there are still funny moments and the whole thing remains within the author's signature style, somehow the comedy blends in with the wider story to leave a rawness that spears the reader straight through the heart. There are passages and scenes in this book that will put you through the wringer, but alongside that they somehow elevate the book from what is already great story to something more. It's not just a kooky, spooky romance any more; the quality of the writing means this is a book that will sit with you for a long time to come. It should feel incredibly heavy going when you consider some of the themes, but it's just all-consuming and so completely devourable that it maintains a light touch nonetheless.
The relationships between the characters once again shift now that all are corporeal, and I love that the three boys seem more willing and able to work together cohesively now that they are able to fulfil their desires fully. Not just in terms of pleasing Bree (though that is a definite plus!), but it's the little things like Pax and Edward working together to defend the house that absolutely confirm their unit's solid as a rock status. And even when it's tested to its limit, by this point you know and believe with your entire being that the four of them are endgame.
It also makes you consider how you would react with Bree's powers, given their consequences. While I can't say I was ever truly convinced by her logic about certain things, the book does a wonderful job at suggesting that's because she's not convinced herself! The writing and structure allow you into her mind with ease so you can at least try to understand her perspective; far from it being one of those painful, scream at the character 'why are you being so flaming obtuse?!' moments, it illustrates well both her reasoning for her conscious decisions and the underlying subconscious that shows what she truly wants, needs and feels.
The storyline itself both brings a satisfying conclusion to the story arc that's been built up, while still offering some surprises, twists and turns that manage to send the reader spiralling. There are moments where you just want to put the book down because you need to process what's just happened, but equally they make you desperate to keep reading to ensure that things turn out the 'right' way. And the resolutions will make your heart flutter even while you're trying to process some big emotions!
Honestly, I wasn't quite prepared for just how hard this book would cement the series' place in my soul (even after a warning from the author herself!), but sufficed to say I'm confident this will be a regular reread and quite possibly an emotional support book in times to come. I can imagine at some point it wil make me bawl my eyes out, but also give me some peace and reassurance when I'm in a dark place. I've already ordered special trophy shelf editions of these for this very reason.
August 4, 2024
I ran to this book because the last left me on a cliffhanger. I couldn't not read this one. I was sucked into the series what kind of person gets sucked into a series and can't finish the last book? Not this girl.
I was immediately back into this storyline from where I left off at the end of the last book and I couldn't stop reading. Well until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. Imagine that, not being able to keep you're eyes open because you've stayed awake so long to read because you HAVE to know what's going to happen next.
This book brought me through so many emotions. Happiness, sadness, anger, angst, being tense to bawling my eyes out. And a few other feelings, but we won't talk about those this early in our review. By the end I didn't know how I felt other than sad that I wouldn't be in this world anymore. That this was the final book and I didn't know how to feel about it. Now that I have had some time to think about it, I'm not okay. I'm saddened that I won't get to be back with my four favorite characters that I have come to love sooo much.
“Edward- “I’ve always loved you, Brianna. I loved you before you were even born. I might be the one who’s haunted this house for six centuries, but I’ve always been haunted by you. You’re why I write my poems, why I paint, why I seek every possible pleasure upon this earth – because I wish to drive you from my flesh, to make you real. But nothing I could ever imagine compares to the woman I hold in my arms. I feel as though I am lost in a dream, for surely nothing in my life could be so perfect, so made for me?”
The love that these four shared is so unlike any other I have ever seen. At times it's hard to even fathom that someone could love someone that much. Even though you could love someone that much, it's hard to see and know the love for that many people at once when living one person can be hard at times.
Seeing the trials and tribulations that these four have been through and went through in this book really showed their love and how much their love endured.
"I hope that she knows that no matter what happens, I will love her until the stars blink out and the ocean dries up, maybe even longer. I can’t give Bree the answers, but I can give her this release, this moment to collect herself.
I can remind her exactly what we’re fighting for. And perhaps, when I’m called to the front lines of this battle, I will give her the life that hums in my veins."
These lines can only portray a man that has the deepest of love for a woman he admires and carries the deepest love for.
I cried so hard during one part of this book. I couldn't help but just sit there and bawl. It didn't help that I could feel the love they felt for each other just pour from the book.
Let's Talk About 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Baby: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ STEAMY- If it's not for you- Skip Through
CW: MM engagement
This has some spicy 🥵 🥵 🥵 scenes in the book. Not as many as previous books but there is definitely some great scenes. If you aren't into MM then you will need to skim to see which parts you will want to skip. But I highly implore you to try it out. I used to not be into it, but I enjoyed the scenes through this book and the last with the MM scenes.
I was immediately back into this storyline from where I left off at the end of the last book and I couldn't stop reading. Well until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. Imagine that, not being able to keep you're eyes open because you've stayed awake so long to read because you HAVE to know what's going to happen next.
This book brought me through so many emotions. Happiness, sadness, anger, angst, being tense to bawling my eyes out. And a few other feelings, but we won't talk about those this early in our review. By the end I didn't know how I felt other than sad that I wouldn't be in this world anymore. That this was the final book and I didn't know how to feel about it. Now that I have had some time to think about it, I'm not okay. I'm saddened that I won't get to be back with my four favorite characters that I have come to love sooo much.
“Edward- “I’ve always loved you, Brianna. I loved you before you were even born. I might be the one who’s haunted this house for six centuries, but I’ve always been haunted by you. You’re why I write my poems, why I paint, why I seek every possible pleasure upon this earth – because I wish to drive you from my flesh, to make you real. But nothing I could ever imagine compares to the woman I hold in my arms. I feel as though I am lost in a dream, for surely nothing in my life could be so perfect, so made for me?”
The love that these four shared is so unlike any other I have ever seen. At times it's hard to even fathom that someone could love someone that much. Even though you could love someone that much, it's hard to see and know the love for that many people at once when living one person can be hard at times.
Seeing the trials and tribulations that these four have been through and went through in this book really showed their love and how much their love endured.
"I hope that she knows that no matter what happens, I will love her until the stars blink out and the ocean dries up, maybe even longer. I can’t give Bree the answers, but I can give her this release, this moment to collect herself.
I can remind her exactly what we’re fighting for. And perhaps, when I’m called to the front lines of this battle, I will give her the life that hums in my veins."
These lines can only portray a man that has the deepest of love for a woman he admires and carries the deepest love for.
I cried so hard during one part of this book. I couldn't help but just sit there and bawl. It didn't help that I could feel the love they felt for each other just pour from the book.
Let's Talk About 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Baby: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ STEAMY- If it's not for you- Skip Through
CW: MM engagement
This has some spicy 🥵 🥵 🥵 scenes in the book. Not as many as previous books but there is definitely some great scenes. If you aren't into MM then you will need to skim to see which parts you will want to skip. But I highly implore you to try it out. I used to not be into it, but I enjoyed the scenes through this book and the last with the MM scenes.
April 15, 2024
Steffanie Holmes has very quickly become one of my auto-buy authors. Of course I like some of her stories better than others, but all her stories star amazing characters and most of all lovely heroines. I was therefore insanely happy when I was able to get arcs for this series, although I was gonna get the paperbacks anyway for my collection. The paperback of this book will arrive only tomorrow, but thanks to BookSprout and the author I could already finish this book today.
There are parts of this book I liked a lot, especially the more emotional parts. There were several scenes where I really had to shed a few tears. Not because it was sad, on the contrary. I mostly shed a few tears because it was so beautiful. The romance in this series is so heartwarming, wholesome and beautiful. These characters love each other unconditionally. They love each other's quirks, they love each other's talents, they love every atom and part of each other's souls.
There are also parts of this book I liked a little less. Although I'm a huge fantasy lover, the fantasy elements in this book seemed a little over the top for me. That's totally a matter of personal taste. Despite the fact that it all felt a little over the top for me it all did make sense and it was clear that the author has been building up towards all this for a while already. And at least I liked the emotional consequences of everything that happened.
I also liked how in this book the guys are slowly starting to understand our world and to find a place for themselves in it. And of course their place was in the first place beside Bree, but it's more than that. The guys also had dreams for themselves, they also found their own talents and ways to do something meaningful, they also found their own passions. I will certainly miss all these characters, but the epilogues also made me close the book with a huge smile on my face.
There are parts of this book I liked a lot, especially the more emotional parts. There were several scenes where I really had to shed a few tears. Not because it was sad, on the contrary. I mostly shed a few tears because it was so beautiful. The romance in this series is so heartwarming, wholesome and beautiful. These characters love each other unconditionally. They love each other's quirks, they love each other's talents, they love every atom and part of each other's souls.
There are also parts of this book I liked a little less. Although I'm a huge fantasy lover, the fantasy elements in this book seemed a little over the top for me. That's totally a matter of personal taste. Despite the fact that it all felt a little over the top for me it all did make sense and it was clear that the author has been building up towards all this for a while already. And at least I liked the emotional consequences of everything that happened.
I also liked how in this book the guys are slowly starting to understand our world and to find a place for themselves in it. And of course their place was in the first place beside Bree, but it's more than that. The guys also had dreams for themselves, they also found their own talents and ways to do something meaningful, they also found their own passions. I will certainly miss all these characters, but the epilogues also made me close the book with a huge smile on my face.
April 18, 2024
This is such a sad moment. Our last outing for this series. Our last journey with Bree, Ambrose, Edward, and Pax. But you are in for a treat, there is no hole barred and they all bow out in a bang.
Everything comes to a head in this last adventure and I can promise you that Steffanie will play and twists all your emotions in this book. The bad guys are super bad, but the good guys and not necessarily the knights in shining armour type, but they certainly fight for the right side.
Bree learns that with the skills that she has and uses that there are, in many ways, there are prices to pay....perhaps this time there is an ultimate price tag attached to her abilities? But I do not think for a moment that she has any regrets for her actions and would change anything from the past. There must be a way out, some answer.
By the end of this book, and story, there are no big questions left unanswered. There are a number of surprises about past and future friendships and relationships that may well surprise you. Despite this being a now full and complete journey, we have reached an end to one adventure, but there is so much scope for new or parallel offshoots with not only the MFC and MMC's but a number of the sub characters too.
I do not believe that it is goodbye to this world and the people in it, but an opening for fresh wacky, spicey and kookie stories to shoot from.
This read will completely satisfy you. The kooky sure is wacky, the spooky is everything you expect of Bree and co - and sure raises questions and fear levels, and as for the spicy elements.... sit back and enjoy.
This is a great read; I loved every page and cannot imagine you. the reader, not being happy and fully satisfied with this story'
The only sad part for me is that, for now, we have reached the end.
Most certainly this is a 6 out of 5 star rated book.
Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everything comes to a head in this last adventure and I can promise you that Steffanie will play and twists all your emotions in this book. The bad guys are super bad, but the good guys and not necessarily the knights in shining armour type, but they certainly fight for the right side.
Bree learns that with the skills that she has and uses that there are, in many ways, there are prices to pay....perhaps this time there is an ultimate price tag attached to her abilities? But I do not think for a moment that she has any regrets for her actions and would change anything from the past. There must be a way out, some answer.
By the end of this book, and story, there are no big questions left unanswered. There are a number of surprises about past and future friendships and relationships that may well surprise you. Despite this being a now full and complete journey, we have reached an end to one adventure, but there is so much scope for new or parallel offshoots with not only the MFC and MMC's but a number of the sub characters too.
I do not believe that it is goodbye to this world and the people in it, but an opening for fresh wacky, spicey and kookie stories to shoot from.
This read will completely satisfy you. The kooky sure is wacky, the spooky is everything you expect of Bree and co - and sure raises questions and fear levels, and as for the spicy elements.... sit back and enjoy.
This is a great read; I loved every page and cannot imagine you. the reader, not being happy and fully satisfied with this story'
The only sad part for me is that, for now, we have reached the end.
Most certainly this is a 6 out of 5 star rated book.
Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2024
4 Stars
Not A Mourning Person is the fourth and final book in the Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries series by Steffanie Holmes. This series is a surprising little find- in a great way. The story/series is a spooktacular romp! A fun paranormal mystery series with plenty of supernatural elements, a sizzling reverse harem/why choose romance between a human and three ghosts, humour, banter, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, angst, emotion, action, adventure, danger, and more.
This is the final instalment in the series, so it was a bit of a bittersweet read for me. On one hand I needed to know how everything would play out in the end- but I wasn’t ready to leave Grimdale, Bree, Pax. Edward, and Ambrose yet. Bree (and Co) have been through a lot since this series started. She thought that seeing and talking to ghosts was as strange as things could get- but over the course of the series she has discovered that things are far stranger, more complex, and dangerous, than she ever could have imagined. Discovering the truth of who she is, and what that means for her and her 3 men, plays a big part in what happens in this final instalment. Throw in plenty of tension, lots of sizzle, intriguing developments, humour, emotion, and more- resulted in a fitting end to the series.
So you might wonder why four stars instead of five… Well there were a few issues with the editing which pulled me out of the story from time to time. Typos which were missed. But overall, these issues didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I will definitely be exploring more of Ms. Holmes books in the (near) future- her Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries (series) looks especially intriguing.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Steffanie Holmes.
Not A Mourning Person is the fourth and final book in the Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries series by Steffanie Holmes. This series is a surprising little find- in a great way. The story/series is a spooktacular romp! A fun paranormal mystery series with plenty of supernatural elements, a sizzling reverse harem/why choose romance between a human and three ghosts, humour, banter, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, angst, emotion, action, adventure, danger, and more.
This is the final instalment in the series, so it was a bit of a bittersweet read for me. On one hand I needed to know how everything would play out in the end- but I wasn’t ready to leave Grimdale, Bree, Pax. Edward, and Ambrose yet. Bree (and Co) have been through a lot since this series started. She thought that seeing and talking to ghosts was as strange as things could get- but over the course of the series she has discovered that things are far stranger, more complex, and dangerous, than she ever could have imagined. Discovering the truth of who she is, and what that means for her and her 3 men, plays a big part in what happens in this final instalment. Throw in plenty of tension, lots of sizzle, intriguing developments, humour, emotion, and more- resulted in a fitting end to the series.
So you might wonder why four stars instead of five… Well there were a few issues with the editing which pulled me out of the story from time to time. Typos which were missed. But overall, these issues didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I will definitely be exploring more of Ms. Holmes books in the (near) future- her Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries (series) looks especially intriguing.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Steffanie Holmes.
May 27, 2026
J’ai vraiment aimé toute la série et Not a Mourning Person a été une très jolie conclusion 🖤👻
C’était exactement ce dont j’avais besoin après plusieurs dark romances : quelque chose de plus frais et réconfortant, tout en gardant une vraie intrigue, du mystère et de l’action. La série trouve un super équilibre entre cosy mystery, surnaturel, humour et émotion.
Dans ce dernier tome, j’ai particulièrement aimé le développement de la relation entre Édouard, Pax et Ambrose, la closure avec sa nemesis Kelly et le happy ending pour Alice et Dani. Le found family trope et les personnages secondaires développés sont extrêmement important pour moi dans les why choose, et ici il est vraiment réussi. On sent qu’ils deviennent une véritable famille, avec leurs blessures, leurs différences et tout l’amour qu’ils finissent par construire ensemble autour de Bree.
La dernière bataille était très sympa, et j’ai été agréablement surprise de voir que ce n’était pas “juste” la fin classique du combat final. Toute la partie qui suit, où Bree doit accepter sa nouvelle destinée et apprendre à la concilier avec ceux qu’elle aime, avait un vrai goût bittersweet. J’avoue… j’ai même versé une petite larme 🥲
Et au final, la morale de la série est vraiment belle :
“That's what love is – being blessed to have someone in your life that you're afraid of losing.” "Grief only chases love, and everyone gets to live forever in someone else’s heart."
Bree a tellement évolué depuis le début. Elle reste imparfaite, parfois frustrante (toujours en train de fuir), mais profondément humaine, et c’est aussi pour ça que cette histoire fonctionne aussi bien.
Une série paranormal why choose pleine de fantômes, de chaos, d’amour et de found family que je recommande sans hésiter 👻✨
C’était exactement ce dont j’avais besoin après plusieurs dark romances : quelque chose de plus frais et réconfortant, tout en gardant une vraie intrigue, du mystère et de l’action. La série trouve un super équilibre entre cosy mystery, surnaturel, humour et émotion.
Dans ce dernier tome, j’ai particulièrement aimé le développement de la relation entre Édouard, Pax et Ambrose, la closure avec sa nemesis Kelly et le happy ending pour Alice et Dani. Le found family trope et les personnages secondaires développés sont extrêmement important pour moi dans les why choose, et ici il est vraiment réussi. On sent qu’ils deviennent une véritable famille, avec leurs blessures, leurs différences et tout l’amour qu’ils finissent par construire ensemble autour de Bree.
La dernière bataille était très sympa, et j’ai été agréablement surprise de voir que ce n’était pas “juste” la fin classique du combat final. Toute la partie qui suit, où Bree doit accepter sa nouvelle destinée et apprendre à la concilier avec ceux qu’elle aime, avait un vrai goût bittersweet. J’avoue… j’ai même versé une petite larme 🥲
Et au final, la morale de la série est vraiment belle :
“That's what love is – being blessed to have someone in your life that you're afraid of losing.” "Grief only chases love, and everyone gets to live forever in someone else’s heart."
Bree a tellement évolué depuis le début. Elle reste imparfaite, parfois frustrante (toujours en train de fuir), mais profondément humaine, et c’est aussi pour ça que cette histoire fonctionne aussi bien.
Une série paranormal why choose pleine de fantômes, de chaos, d’amour et de found family que je recommande sans hésiter 👻✨
September 1, 2025
This was my least favorite in the series, it def felt like the series was wrapping up and all the loose ends neatly tied. I'm not sure if the book editor took a vacation instead of working on this book or if the narrators made mistakes, but the continuity mistakes weren't annoying exactly, it's more that they took me out of the book while I had to stop and think for a second to make sense of it (such as repeatedly referring to Edward as a 500 and 600 year-old ghost when he was alive in 1620, making him 400-ish years old when the book takes place; also the narrators mispronounced words several times, said the wrong name for the character who was speaking, and called the character's town Argleton instead of Grimdale).
Another thing that irked me was that throughout the series the ghost characters (when they became alive) would make comments about not having ID, bank accounts, etc., but somehow it took until the 4th book for them to ask their good friend Mory from Nevermore Bookshop to make them fake IDs like he did for himself and the others in his books.
Also, Bree tells her father her truth in the last book but not her mother, although they reference Bree seeing ghosts and her ghosts coming back to life around her mother throughout the book so she must have been told at some point? Seems weird to omit a big deal like telling her mother since Bree had been keeping these huge secrets her whole life. Side note - when Bree told her dad, he told her he already knew she could see ghosts, but why had he never told her that before?? She had such a shit time growing up (not at home, but getting bullied at school and in the village, and going to umpteen doctors and specialists to figure out what was wrong with her) and thinking she was all alone in the world, I can imagine it would've given her so much comfort to be able to confide in her dad all that time.
In general I just didn't like the narrators, both of whom gave Edward and Ambrose basically the same voice and made Pax sound about as smart as a box of rocks. I'm sure that contributed to my not liking this series as much as the other series set in the same world, the Nevermore Bookshop series. All that being said, I read the whole series and did like it, I just didn't love it.
Another thing that irked me was that throughout the series the ghost characters (when they became alive) would make comments about not having ID, bank accounts, etc., but somehow it took until the 4th book for them to ask their good friend Mory from Nevermore Bookshop to make them fake IDs like he did for himself and the others in his books.
Also, Bree tells her father her truth in the last book but not her mother, although they reference Bree seeing ghosts and her ghosts coming back to life around her mother throughout the book so she must have been told at some point? Seems weird to omit a big deal like telling her mother since Bree had been keeping these huge secrets her whole life. Side note - when Bree told her dad, he told her he already knew she could see ghosts, but why had he never told her that before?? She had such a shit time growing up (not at home, but getting bullied at school and in the village, and going to umpteen doctors and specialists to figure out what was wrong with her) and thinking she was all alone in the world, I can imagine it would've given her so much comfort to be able to confide in her dad all that time.
In general I just didn't like the narrators, both of whom gave Edward and Ambrose basically the same voice and made Pax sound about as smart as a box of rocks. I'm sure that contributed to my not liking this series as much as the other series set in the same world, the Nevermore Bookshop series. All that being said, I read the whole series and did like it, I just didn't love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
I reviewed book 1 and since all 4 books in this series continue the same storyline I thought I would briefly review book 4. Please note that the books get progressively darker as you continue the series.
This book starts with backstory on Elsie, Brianna's great-grandmother, and how she won Grimwood Manor. We also learn more about how Bree is to follow in her footsteps. Jack the Ripper is still lingering, and we pick up where Bree and ex-ghost Edward are trapped in the hidden wine cellar. Darkness looms over Grimwood because the veil weakens each time Bree uses her powers. Now monsters and the New Order of Death are descending to get Bree under their control.
What a wild ride. This series was completely out of my wheelhouse, although I did enjoy it enough to want to see it through to the end. Wrapping up the series took a toll on my heart. The love Bree, Pax, Ambrose, and Edward had for each other was beautiful, and fun, and funny and cute... Ugh... pass the Kleenex, please. The ending was excellent and I walk away from these books very satisfied with how everything worked out... and I loved the second epilogue! I feel like the author wrapped things up perfectly.
Ghosts, demons, monsters, death, dying, afterlife, blood and gore, blindness, bullies, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's... all these things appear in these books. But so do friendship, family, lust, love, sex, witty banter, bad poetry (Edward), bloodlust (Pax), and zest for living the best life (Ambrose). Mina, Morrie, Heathcliff, and Quoth from the author's Nevermore series also make appearances.
This was an excellent series, although books 3 and 4 were riddled with errors, including wrong names, missing words, and wrong words. I may check out more by this author after a palate cleanse.
This book starts with backstory on Elsie, Brianna's great-grandmother, and how she won Grimwood Manor. We also learn more about how Bree is to follow in her footsteps. Jack the Ripper is still lingering, and we pick up where Bree and ex-ghost Edward are trapped in the hidden wine cellar. Darkness looms over Grimwood because the veil weakens each time Bree uses her powers. Now monsters and the New Order of Death are descending to get Bree under their control.
What a wild ride. This series was completely out of my wheelhouse, although I did enjoy it enough to want to see it through to the end. Wrapping up the series took a toll on my heart. The love Bree, Pax, Ambrose, and Edward had for each other was beautiful, and fun, and funny and cute... Ugh... pass the Kleenex, please. The ending was excellent and I walk away from these books very satisfied with how everything worked out... and I loved the second epilogue! I feel like the author wrapped things up perfectly.
Ghosts, demons, monsters, death, dying, afterlife, blood and gore, blindness, bullies, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's... all these things appear in these books. But so do friendship, family, lust, love, sex, witty banter, bad poetry (Edward), bloodlust (Pax), and zest for living the best life (Ambrose). Mina, Morrie, Heathcliff, and Quoth from the author's Nevermore series also make appearances.
This was an excellent series, although books 3 and 4 were riddled with errors, including wrong names, missing words, and wrong words. I may check out more by this author after a palate cleanse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
Ultimo libro per la saga di Grimdale Graveyard che vede protagonista Bree, una ventenne normale in tutto e per tutto, eccetto che puo' vedere i fantasmi, parlare con loro e, sorpresa, riportarli in vita! Co-protagonisti della vicenda sono PAX (un centurione romano), Edward (un principe diseredato) ed Ambrose (un avventuriero vittoriano), ex-fantasmi e fidanzati di Bree.
In questa ultima parte della storia i fili si tirano ed i nodi si sciolgono: Bree deve fare i conti con la sua vera identit'a' e cosa questa comporta, come sia possibile vivere una vita soddisfacente e conciliarla con quello che e' e quello che sa. Non e' facile, quuando dei mostri che sembrano sputati dall'inferno stesso fanno la ronda attorno a casa tua sotto un cielo innaturalmente nero e sembra davvero che tu sia l'unica in grado di porvi rimedio. Ma la morale dellafavola e' che l'amore puo' essere una debolezza ma anche una forza e spetta a noi decidere come usarlo.
E' stata una lettura divertente, questa saga (sebbene io abbia preferito la libreria Nevermore), con spunti accattivanti e personaggi ben costruiti. Come non amare Pax, Edward ed Ambrose? Come non fare il tifo per Danied Alice? Come non piangere di fronte alle ingiustizie della vita e come non sospirare di sconforto quando Bree si dimostra cieca di fronte a scelte che appaiono ovvie a chiunque tranne a lei? Steffanie Holmes da' un nuovo signficato (decisamente meno negativo) all'espressione "essere ghostati" e non manca mai dell'ironia e dello spirito che me l'ha fatta apprezzare inizialmente.
In questa ultima parte della storia i fili si tirano ed i nodi si sciolgono: Bree deve fare i conti con la sua vera identit'a' e cosa questa comporta, come sia possibile vivere una vita soddisfacente e conciliarla con quello che e' e quello che sa. Non e' facile, quuando dei mostri che sembrano sputati dall'inferno stesso fanno la ronda attorno a casa tua sotto un cielo innaturalmente nero e sembra davvero che tu sia l'unica in grado di porvi rimedio. Ma la morale dellafavola e' che l'amore puo' essere una debolezza ma anche una forza e spetta a noi decidere come usarlo.
E' stata una lettura divertente, questa saga (sebbene io abbia preferito la libreria Nevermore), con spunti accattivanti e personaggi ben costruiti. Come non amare Pax, Edward ed Ambrose? Come non fare il tifo per Danied Alice? Come non piangere di fronte alle ingiustizie della vita e come non sospirare di sconforto quando Bree si dimostra cieca di fronte a scelte che appaiono ovvie a chiunque tranne a lei? Steffanie Holmes da' un nuovo signficato (decisamente meno negativo) all'espressione "essere ghostati" e non manca mai dell'ironia e dello spirito che me l'ha fatta apprezzare inizialmente.
March 30, 2024
This was everything
I love everything I’ve read by Steffanie Holmes, and especially this series, so I was very excited to read an ARC of this book. And let me tell you, I loved it! I could not put it down! It follows the adventures of our main character Bree and her three ghost boyfriends. A centurion who loves Bake Off, a royal Prince who still thinks he should be worshipped and a gentle, thoughtful Victorian adventurer who happens to be blind. And also, she brings them back to life, but that just causes all sorts of mayhem. Suffice it to say, the whole series has been an absolute rollercoaster! I loved all the characters from the very first book, from her mum and dad, to her best friend Dani, the villagers,the ghost witches and of course her three very hot ghosts. I really enjoyed seeing how the three of them changed and how their relationship with Bree and one another evolved. The third book in the series was such a cliffhanger and I was dying to see, (pardon the pun), how the story would end. It did not disappoint. It gripped you from the very beginning, there was so much detail, so many twists and turns. I laughed and cried through the whole thing. And whilst it wasn’t the traditional HEA, it was a happily ever after that was tender and poignant and utterly perfect. All I can say is, do yourself a favor and read it, read the entire series, you will love it!
I love everything I’ve read by Steffanie Holmes, and especially this series, so I was very excited to read an ARC of this book. And let me tell you, I loved it! I could not put it down! It follows the adventures of our main character Bree and her three ghost boyfriends. A centurion who loves Bake Off, a royal Prince who still thinks he should be worshipped and a gentle, thoughtful Victorian adventurer who happens to be blind. And also, she brings them back to life, but that just causes all sorts of mayhem. Suffice it to say, the whole series has been an absolute rollercoaster! I loved all the characters from the very first book, from her mum and dad, to her best friend Dani, the villagers,the ghost witches and of course her three very hot ghosts. I really enjoyed seeing how the three of them changed and how their relationship with Bree and one another evolved. The third book in the series was such a cliffhanger and I was dying to see, (pardon the pun), how the story would end. It did not disappoint. It gripped you from the very beginning, there was so much detail, so many twists and turns. I laughed and cried through the whole thing. And whilst it wasn’t the traditional HEA, it was a happily ever after that was tender and poignant and utterly perfect. All I can say is, do yourself a favor and read it, read the entire series, you will love it!
April 27, 2024
“This need inside my heart is indescribable, the way it has become a living, breathing thing that claws at my insides. The want inside me is a distorted, festering thing, and only she can cut it free.”—‘Not A Mourning Person; Book 4 Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries’ by Steffanie Holmes
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Ripper is back with a vengeance! Now that all three of Bree’s ghost boyfriends have been resurrected there is a hole in the veil causing monsters that can only be conceived in one’s nightmares to cross into the world of the living. So it’s up to them to defeat the Ripper and shut the veil before the world descends into chaos.
I have to say I genuinely love this series and have enjoyed getting comfy and cozy with this kooky spooky ensemble, but… I could not get into this final installment to save my life.
Elements of the story I have found utterly charming and fresh just landed so very stale for me in the end. To the point where I really couldn’t care less what happened with Bree.
Don’t get me wrong, I still had a grand old time with Pax and Ambrose! And I really liked how the book closes up in the end—got teary eyed for my favs! But the story seemed to drag and a good deal of the exposition was unnecessary.
I’d still recommend this series and author because she’s an excellent storyteller and the series is GREAT fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Ripper is back with a vengeance! Now that all three of Bree’s ghost boyfriends have been resurrected there is a hole in the veil causing monsters that can only be conceived in one’s nightmares to cross into the world of the living. So it’s up to them to defeat the Ripper and shut the veil before the world descends into chaos.
I have to say I genuinely love this series and have enjoyed getting comfy and cozy with this kooky spooky ensemble, but… I could not get into this final installment to save my life.
Elements of the story I have found utterly charming and fresh just landed so very stale for me in the end. To the point where I really couldn’t care less what happened with Bree.
Don’t get me wrong, I still had a grand old time with Pax and Ambrose! And I really liked how the book closes up in the end—got teary eyed for my favs! But the story seemed to drag and a good deal of the exposition was unnecessary.
I’d still recommend this series and author because she’s an excellent storyteller and the series is GREAT fun.
March 24, 2025
Deeply Emotional and Hilariously Heartfelt
✨ She can see ghosts
✨ Resurrection magic
✨ Why choose?
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Paranormal
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, a whirlwind of excitement, love, lust, pain, and loss. Bree and her three ex-ghosts who are now alive again are in it for an epic adventure.
What truly set this book apart was the unique glimpse into the characters' eventual fates. While the story delivers a beautiful happily ever after, we're also given a poignant look at how their lives will conclude. This unexpected touch added a layer of depth and realism that I absolutely adored.
Like the previous books in the series, "Not a Mourning Person" is brimming with wit and humor, keeping the pages turning with laughter. However, it also delves into profound emotional territory, exploring the depths of love with a sincerity that resonated deeply. The expression of love in this book was simply breathtaking.
This entire series has been an absolute gem, and this final installment solidified its place among my all-time favorites. The combination of humor, heart, and the unique storytelling elements left me with a serious book hangover. If you're looking for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, look no further.
✨ She can see ghosts
✨ Resurrection magic
✨ Why choose?
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Paranormal
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, a whirlwind of excitement, love, lust, pain, and loss. Bree and her three ex-ghosts who are now alive again are in it for an epic adventure.
What truly set this book apart was the unique glimpse into the characters' eventual fates. While the story delivers a beautiful happily ever after, we're also given a poignant look at how their lives will conclude. This unexpected touch added a layer of depth and realism that I absolutely adored.
Like the previous books in the series, "Not a Mourning Person" is brimming with wit and humor, keeping the pages turning with laughter. However, it also delves into profound emotional territory, exploring the depths of love with a sincerity that resonated deeply. The expression of love in this book was simply breathtaking.
This entire series has been an absolute gem, and this final installment solidified its place among my all-time favorites. The combination of humor, heart, and the unique storytelling elements left me with a serious book hangover. If you're looking for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, look no further.
May 20, 2026
I thought the ending to the series was done well, with most of the strings tied up nicely. The only thing missing was what happened with the third mean-girl. We have a resolution for Alice and for Kelly, but the third is missing from the book.
More importantly, Dani finally redeemed herself as a bestie, in my view. She was there, she was ready to kick some tail, and she was all in. I also appreciate that we saw much more of Alice in the final book, enough to truly see her personality, and how she DOES actually fit in with the group.
Her men are a wonderful mess, Dad is the MVP, Mom is happy to remain oblivious, and I now want to read more about Quoth, even though murder mysteries still aren’t really my jam.
I truly enjoyed the ending and I’m happy to have purchased the deluxe, pretty version of the books to proudly display them on my bookshelf.
As a note, there were several typos I noticed throughout the book, such as words missing or double words. It didn’t take away from the reading experience, but it was noticeable since the other three books didn’t have that same issue. Also, the binding of the book was coming loose, so I held it carefully to keep it in place. Something I could undoubtedly report, but not enough of an issue to try to get a new one.
Ending was fabulous.
More importantly, Dani finally redeemed herself as a bestie, in my view. She was there, she was ready to kick some tail, and she was all in. I also appreciate that we saw much more of Alice in the final book, enough to truly see her personality, and how she DOES actually fit in with the group.
Her men are a wonderful mess, Dad is the MVP, Mom is happy to remain oblivious, and I now want to read more about Quoth, even though murder mysteries still aren’t really my jam.
I truly enjoyed the ending and I’m happy to have purchased the deluxe, pretty version of the books to proudly display them on my bookshelf.
As a note, there were several typos I noticed throughout the book, such as words missing or double words. It didn’t take away from the reading experience, but it was noticeable since the other three books didn’t have that same issue. Also, the binding of the book was coming loose, so I held it carefully to keep it in place. Something I could undoubtedly report, but not enough of an issue to try to get a new one.
Ending was fabulous.
May 14, 2024
Why Do Endings Hurt?
I have been a follower of Miss Holmes since I picked up the first book in the Nevermore Bookshop series. To have a second series in that same universe is a surprise and a delight.
My only complaint is not about her writing in any way. I am not ready to face the hard discussions of loss and grief. I know it's not something you can prepare for, but man, that part hit so close.
~~spoilers ahead~~
1. Pax becoming a pastry chef is truly the best but most unexpected twist of this whole series. If it wouldn't be a potential copyright issue, could you imagine Pax shaking the hand of Paul Hollywood? I need to see it.
2. Sympathizing with Kelly is not something I wanted. Even with that morsel of sympathy, her nastiness was on par with the eldritch horror that was released.
3. Stephanie Holmes can write a mystery in a way few authors can. I almost started questioning if I was wrong about Laura in book 1. Almost. This was a wonderful adventure.
Read this book!
Respect bats and their space, and always leave room for the ghosts ❤️
I have been a follower of Miss Holmes since I picked up the first book in the Nevermore Bookshop series. To have a second series in that same universe is a surprise and a delight.
My only complaint is not about her writing in any way. I am not ready to face the hard discussions of loss and grief. I know it's not something you can prepare for, but man, that part hit so close.
~~spoilers ahead~~
1. Pax becoming a pastry chef is truly the best but most unexpected twist of this whole series. If it wouldn't be a potential copyright issue, could you imagine Pax shaking the hand of Paul Hollywood? I need to see it.
2. Sympathizing with Kelly is not something I wanted. Even with that morsel of sympathy, her nastiness was on par with the eldritch horror that was released.
3. Stephanie Holmes can write a mystery in a way few authors can. I almost started questioning if I was wrong about Laura in book 1. Almost. This was a wonderful adventure.
Read this book!
Respect bats and their space, and always leave room for the ghosts ❤️
April 18, 2024
This is the last book in the Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries, and man, do I hate to see this series end! I love a book that can make me fall so in love with the characters and the story to where I laugh and cry while reading it. This book ran me through the emotional ringer for sure!
The Roman Centurian who loves to bake as much as impale his enemies with his sword. The playboy poet Prince and his devoted love. The blind Adventurer and his caring heart for everyone. Bree needs the love of these men to give her strength to fulfill her life's purpose and fix the hole in the veil. Them, along with her friends and a few ghosts, help her along the way.
If you love a PNR with a little Suspense, Murder, and Mystery AND you don't mind the MFC having a relationship with multiple lovers, you need to read this book and the three before it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Roman Centurian who loves to bake as much as impale his enemies with his sword. The playboy poet Prince and his devoted love. The blind Adventurer and his caring heart for everyone. Bree needs the love of these men to give her strength to fulfill her life's purpose and fix the hole in the veil. Them, along with her friends and a few ghosts, help her along the way.
If you love a PNR with a little Suspense, Murder, and Mystery AND you don't mind the MFC having a relationship with multiple lovers, you need to read this book and the three before it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2024
Best book of the series!!
I love that this book finally gives you answers to all the questions you ask yourself. It fixes all the problems, and each character grows into themselves so beautifully.
I will say, when Bree left for Malta, I was screaming. I was so angry. I didn't even want to read anymore. But then the boys were there and everything was amazing again. They got married, they had a child, and they lived beautiful lives together filled with love.
Such a wonderful ending to the series. There were so many hilarious moments, times when I just wanted to cry and I felt defeated, but some of the most sweet and loving words and actions. So, so good. I love the ending, and I usually don't like when series end with pregnancy/children, but this was done very well and obviously the throne of death will need a suitable successor.
Anyway, now I'm craving Pax-cakes.
I love that this book finally gives you answers to all the questions you ask yourself. It fixes all the problems, and each character grows into themselves so beautifully.
I will say, when Bree left for Malta, I was screaming. I was so angry. I didn't even want to read anymore. But then the boys were there and everything was amazing again. They got married, they had a child, and they lived beautiful lives together filled with love.
Such a wonderful ending to the series. There were so many hilarious moments, times when I just wanted to cry and I felt defeated, but some of the most sweet and loving words and actions. So, so good. I love the ending, and I usually don't like when series end with pregnancy/children, but this was done very well and obviously the throne of death will need a suitable successor.
Anyway, now I'm craving Pax-cakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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