What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghostly #8
Ghostly Dilemma
Sometimes it's the little cases.
Not every minute of being a detective is spent solving huge murder cases. Sometimes it's the little ones that take up Detective Young's life, like the seventy-year-old cold case that suddenly fell into his lap or figuring out if a death was suicide or murder.
Lance spends most of his time working cases that no one hears about. The unattended deaths of those not under a doctor's care take up most of his time. Now that he can speak to ghosts, some of those cases are the most interesting. Work isn't all that is keeping him busy—his brother's girlfriend has shown up in need of his help, and he can't refuse when she'd helped him so much in the past.
Life is never boring for Lance and Angus, and though work pulls them both in different directions, they always seem to meet up somewhere in the middle of things. Sometimes it feels like if murder and death didn't bring them together, they'd never get time together at all.
Not every minute of being a detective is spent solving huge murder cases. Sometimes it's the little ones that take up Detective Young's life, like the seventy-year-old cold case that suddenly fell into his lap or figuring out if a death was suicide or murder.
Lance spends most of his time working cases that no one hears about. The unattended deaths of those not under a doctor's care take up most of his time. Now that he can speak to ghosts, some of those cases are the most interesting. Work isn't all that is keeping him busy—his brother's girlfriend has shown up in need of his help, and he can't refuse when she'd helped him so much in the past.
Life is never boring for Lance and Angus, and though work pulls them both in different directions, they always seem to meet up somewhere in the middle of things. Sometimes it feels like if murder and death didn't bring them together, they'd never get time together at all.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2024
36 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Leya
100 books317 followersE.M. Leya lives surrounded by the beautiful mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah with her amazing daughter and loving pets. She is passionate about the world we live in and current events, deeming herself a "news junkie". She believes that we are all here to create something beautiful, whether it's through our talents or our actions. She enjoys writing stories that take us deep into real world problems while showing that love can happen for anyone, regardless of how dark their past might be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 6, 2025
“I’m curious what a proper goodbye consists of.”
“If we were home, it would be a lot more interesting. Here, you get a nice kiss.”
4⭐️
Back in the Ghostly World by E.M. Leya. These books are like warm, comfy, cozy murder mysteries with ghosts—which is exactly up my alley. Nothing major: this one is a cool cold-case mystery that pretty much just helps set up the next book, since the great twist of using ghosts really comes into play here.
Other than that, it’s the standard, easy read of a cold-case cozy mystery: we already know why and when it happened, and it’s just about legally tying it all together. These books are much more about the ghosts themselves as characters and the main cast, and that’s what I love about them. They feel like character pieces more than mysteries, and I’m all about that.
Coming off two months of paranormal smut for spooky season, it was nice to take a wholesome dive back into the Ghostly World as a palette cleanser. At the end of the day, these books never bore me. They make you want to smile the whole time—well, most of the time. Sometimes they’ll make you cry, but not this one.
“If we were home, it would be a lot more interesting. Here, you get a nice kiss.”
4⭐️
Back in the Ghostly World by E.M. Leya. These books are like warm, comfy, cozy murder mysteries with ghosts—which is exactly up my alley. Nothing major: this one is a cool cold-case mystery that pretty much just helps set up the next book, since the great twist of using ghosts really comes into play here.
Other than that, it’s the standard, easy read of a cold-case cozy mystery: we already know why and when it happened, and it’s just about legally tying it all together. These books are much more about the ghosts themselves as characters and the main cast, and that’s what I love about them. They feel like character pieces more than mysteries, and I’m all about that.
Coming off two months of paranormal smut for spooky season, it was nice to take a wholesome dive back into the Ghostly World as a palette cleanser. At the end of the day, these books never bore me. They make you want to smile the whole time—well, most of the time. Sometimes they’ll make you cry, but not this one.
October 2, 2025
4 stars. Audiobook. Paranormal cozy mystery with a touch of romance, zero spice, contemporary setting, series of 9 books following the same couple. Police homicide detective and medical examiner that can see ghosts. I would not say this is a buying-level series, but if you can get it from the library or part of a subscription service, then go for it. Maybe a good pallet cleanser after something super emotional since there is very little drama, angst or action.
The stories were well written and I eventually warmed to the characters, but the series overall was somewhat bland. It was too light in too many areas and needed a bump-up somewhere. No spice, little to no romance and sweetness, lack luster bad-guys, average investigating, no extra quirky parents, no nosy but endearing neighbors, no sassy friends or snarky ghosts, no obnoxious but lovable siblings/boss, no crass BFF or fun-loving crazy aunt. We don’t even get any decent hurt/comfort. At book 5, the MCs are a couple but still going home alone and spending so much time separate, even when they are dealing with some sad stuff and only a short drive away. There was some cuddle scenes and sweetness, but it’s really far into the series and sparse. I feel a bit unfair in my assessment because these books are fine, I’ve just read so many that are similar but way more than fine.
The stories were well written and I eventually warmed to the characters, but the series overall was somewhat bland. It was too light in too many areas and needed a bump-up somewhere. No spice, little to no romance and sweetness, lack luster bad-guys, average investigating, no extra quirky parents, no nosy but endearing neighbors, no sassy friends or snarky ghosts, no obnoxious but lovable siblings/boss, no crass BFF or fun-loving crazy aunt. We don’t even get any decent hurt/comfort. At book 5, the MCs are a couple but still going home alone and spending so much time separate, even when they are dealing with some sad stuff and only a short drive away. There was some cuddle scenes and sweetness, but it’s really far into the series and sparse. I feel a bit unfair in my assessment because these books are fine, I’ve just read so many that are similar but way more than fine.
October 17, 2024
Another great addition
I have followed this series from book one. It is always a pleasure when a new book is released. Lance and Angus are like the perfect couple. Lance can see and communicate with ghosts. Makes for some interesting times for him and his detective boyfriend Angus.
I have followed this series from book one. It is always a pleasure when a new book is released. Lance and Angus are like the perfect couple. Lance can see and communicate with ghosts. Makes for some interesting times for him and his detective boyfriend Angus.
December 23, 2024
I enjoyed the story but the errors/editing/proofreading were horrendous and distracting
This latest book in the series has several different cases happening and some life changes for Lance, Angus, and Franks. Each of the cases involves different skill sets and police work and we see more of how Lance’s gift gets put to use. A big change in that area occurs as a result of a death and that ghost’s reaction to his death. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Unfortunately my enjoyment of the book was significantly impacted by the sloppiness of the editing and proofreading. There were constantly errors popping up…continuity errors, missing or incorrect words, typos, or lack of research/incorrect information. It was exceedingly distracting.
This latest book in the series has several different cases happening and some life changes for Lance, Angus, and Franks. Each of the cases involves different skill sets and police work and we see more of how Lance’s gift gets put to use. A big change in that area occurs as a result of a death and that ghost’s reaction to his death. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Unfortunately my enjoyment of the book was significantly impacted by the sloppiness of the editing and proofreading. There were constantly errors popping up…continuity errors, missing or incorrect words, typos, or lack of research/incorrect information. It was exceedingly distracting.
October 11, 2024
terrific work, great storyline and characters
Rating: 4.5🌈
The Ghostly series by EM Leya is going strong as demonstrated by Ghostly Dilemma, the eighth book in this excellent paranormal law enforcement series. With the romantic relationship between ME Lance and Det. Angus is happy and they’ve moved in together, along with their dog Haunt. Frank, Angus’ partner has recently bought a home, and Lance’s older brother is leaving the military and coming back home. They’ve even gotten back Carrie (recovering from the hostage situation) and acquired a new receptionist. Things are going well.
So it’s time to get back to work, small caseloads, different jobs, various storylines. And by switching it up from a singular dramatic plot line to an almost typical workload for both the police department and medical examiner staff, Leya gives the readers a diverse range of cases and people’s stories and experiences that the characters and departments deal with.
And the author is able to demonstrate once again how well it’s not the high drama that can make a heartbreaking impact but sometimes it’s life’s smallest and most quiet stories that hit the hardest. Here not all the ghosts are victims, some are those who left life behind in natural causes or silent, peaceful moments. But, of course, not all. Leya makes each ghost a vibrant personality, no matter how they left their lives behind. We also see what happens to the people and lives they have lost. That’s reality too.
Each one a case of different lengths but each fascinating and of importance to the lives of those around Lance and Angus, a found family that continues to grow in numbers, both living and ghostly.
I adore this series because it’s so different in its approach to the ghostly world, and the way the author tells the stories associated with the people around the main characters as well as the characters themselves.
I’m highly excited to see what the next book will bring. And definitely recommending this series and story. Read these in the order they are written.
What a treat they are!
Ghostly series:
- [x] Ghostly Awakening #1
- [x] Ghostly Findings #2
- [x] Ghostly Envy #3
- [x] Ghostly Claus #4
- [x] Ghostly Target #5
- [x] Ghostly Hostage #6
- [x] Ghostly Death #7
- [x] Ghostly Dilemma #8
- [ ] Ghostly Bother #9 (coming soon)
Rating: 4.5🌈
The Ghostly series by EM Leya is going strong as demonstrated by Ghostly Dilemma, the eighth book in this excellent paranormal law enforcement series. With the romantic relationship between ME Lance and Det. Angus is happy and they’ve moved in together, along with their dog Haunt. Frank, Angus’ partner has recently bought a home, and Lance’s older brother is leaving the military and coming back home. They’ve even gotten back Carrie (recovering from the hostage situation) and acquired a new receptionist. Things are going well.
So it’s time to get back to work, small caseloads, different jobs, various storylines. And by switching it up from a singular dramatic plot line to an almost typical workload for both the police department and medical examiner staff, Leya gives the readers a diverse range of cases and people’s stories and experiences that the characters and departments deal with.
And the author is able to demonstrate once again how well it’s not the high drama that can make a heartbreaking impact but sometimes it’s life’s smallest and most quiet stories that hit the hardest. Here not all the ghosts are victims, some are those who left life behind in natural causes or silent, peaceful moments. But, of course, not all. Leya makes each ghost a vibrant personality, no matter how they left their lives behind. We also see what happens to the people and lives they have lost. That’s reality too.
Each one a case of different lengths but each fascinating and of importance to the lives of those around Lance and Angus, a found family that continues to grow in numbers, both living and ghostly.
I adore this series because it’s so different in its approach to the ghostly world, and the way the author tells the stories associated with the people around the main characters as well as the characters themselves.
I’m highly excited to see what the next book will bring. And definitely recommending this series and story. Read these in the order they are written.
What a treat they are!
Ghostly series:
- [x] Ghostly Awakening #1
- [x] Ghostly Findings #2
- [x] Ghostly Envy #3
- [x] Ghostly Claus #4
- [x] Ghostly Target #5
- [x] Ghostly Hostage #6
- [x] Ghostly Death #7
- [x] Ghostly Dilemma #8
- [ ] Ghostly Bother #9 (coming soon)
January 11, 2026
I have read every book in this series, except for the last one. (Ghostly Awakening, Ghostly Findings, Ghostly Envy, Ghostly Claus, Ghostly Target, Ghostly Hostage, Ghostly Death, and Ghostly Dilemma) The entire series are 4-4.25 stars all day long. If you are looking for sexy times on page that stem up your reading glasses, this is not that at all. All sexy times are off page and that doesn't distract from the stories at all but adds to its charm. It actually feels sweet. This is a soft, slow burn, low angst, story with two cinnamon rolls for main characters that both give me a toothache. This is seriously a great palate cleanser and while there are some stakes the story is not about that.
Lance, an assistance medical examiner is on his first day back at work after a bad car accident almost killed him. His only family is his brother, who is away in the Navy. Lance leads a quiet life very alone in his daily life with few friends he has at work. One his first day back, the ghost of one of the corpses on his table starts to talk to him and Lance thinks it is a side effect of the head injury he sustained, he feels crazy and is freaking out about what it means for his future. In comes Angus a homicide detective that inadvertently sees Lance interact with a ghost for the first time. Growing up with a mother who can speak to the dead, Angus feels compelled to help Lance understand what is happening to him.
What comes after is Lance finding friendship and love in both the living and the dead. Finding family, friends, and love has never been so sweet. The respect and care Lance and Angus show each other is top tier relationship goals. The books are not action packed, there are no explosions, no hanging by one finger off the edge of a cliff moments. But these stories carry a lot of heart and are just sweet. Definitely going to check out E.M. Leya's other series.
Lance, an assistance medical examiner is on his first day back at work after a bad car accident almost killed him. His only family is his brother, who is away in the Navy. Lance leads a quiet life very alone in his daily life with few friends he has at work. One his first day back, the ghost of one of the corpses on his table starts to talk to him and Lance thinks it is a side effect of the head injury he sustained, he feels crazy and is freaking out about what it means for his future. In comes Angus a homicide detective that inadvertently sees Lance interact with a ghost for the first time. Growing up with a mother who can speak to the dead, Angus feels compelled to help Lance understand what is happening to him.
What comes after is Lance finding friendship and love in both the living and the dead. Finding family, friends, and love has never been so sweet. The respect and care Lance and Angus show each other is top tier relationship goals. The books are not action packed, there are no explosions, no hanging by one finger off the edge of a cliff moments. But these stories carry a lot of heart and are just sweet. Definitely going to check out E.M. Leya's other series.
August 31, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I’m new to EM Leya’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Ghostly Series. There were a lot of different ghost interactions during this book. There was Scott Mayburn who finally opened up about a secret that he’s kept for 70 years, Senator Isaac Gibbons who is Jackson’s ex-girlfriend/possible new girlfriend when he’s back home for good father and Lance taught him and his daughter can communicate & finally there was Dawn who told Lance, Angus & Franks how she died and who was responsible.
Man, my heart hurt for her but I’m glad that she got justice and has found a fantastic group of friends. It’s just a shame she had to die for it to happen. I’m so glad that Franks adopted Dawn’s cat Pix, he’s definitely going to spoil that cat rotten. I would’ve loved to see Angus & Lance spend more time together as they were both extremely busy working their respective cases but that’s just a minor complaint. I’m looking forward to reading Ghostly Bother next, as well as more books by EM Leya in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
I’m new to EM Leya’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Ghostly Series. There were a lot of different ghost interactions during this book. There was Scott Mayburn who finally opened up about a secret that he’s kept for 70 years, Senator Isaac Gibbons who is Jackson’s ex-girlfriend/possible new girlfriend when he’s back home for good father and Lance taught him and his daughter can communicate & finally there was Dawn who told Lance, Angus & Franks how she died and who was responsible.
Man, my heart hurt for her but I’m glad that she got justice and has found a fantastic group of friends. It’s just a shame she had to die for it to happen. I’m so glad that Franks adopted Dawn’s cat Pix, he’s definitely going to spoil that cat rotten. I would’ve loved to see Angus & Lance spend more time together as they were both extremely busy working their respective cases but that’s just a minor complaint. I’m looking forward to reading Ghostly Bother next, as well as more books by EM Leya in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
October 13, 2024
Just like Haunt, I missed Bethany and Ray... 🤦♀️🤷♀️🤣
As for the mystery, it was so sad that Scott had to suffer like that, but I think he and Isaac have a great idea for future books... it's almost like the author planned it that way. LOL!!!
As for Angus and Lance, they are busy, busy, busy with a little love in the between times. I'll take that as a win for now!
I'm not sure when Ghostly Brother will be out, but I hope that isn't going to go the way it sounds... 🤔🤬
As for the mystery, it was so sad that Scott had to suffer like that, but I think he and Isaac have a great idea for future books... it's almost like the author planned it that way. LOL!!!
As for Angus and Lance, they are busy, busy, busy with a little love in the between times. I'll take that as a win for now!
I'm not sure when Ghostly Brother will be out, but I hope that isn't going to go the way it sounds... 🤔🤬
October 18, 2024
Pretty much a repeat of a review for one of the other books.
I really wished I could give more stars. I like Angus and Lance. I love the ghosts. But the writing - ugh! There is so much repeating going on, that if it got polished I’d bet the books would be half as long. I ended up skipping a few times because it was just the same and the same being said.
Also a few times with errors that should have been picked up in editing.
The story in this book is a bit weaker than the other books.
I really wished I could give more stars. I like Angus and Lance. I love the ghosts. But the writing - ugh! There is so much repeating going on, that if it got polished I’d bet the books would be half as long. I ended up skipping a few times because it was just the same and the same being said.
Also a few times with errors that should have been picked up in editing.
The story in this book is a bit weaker than the other books.
October 21, 2024
Lance & Angus
Really enjoyed this series. This installment was more of a day in the life of kind of storytelling. A few different cases and happenings for Angus & Lance over a period of time. Murderers being caught, plans for ghostly investigations, the captain meets the ghosts, Franks inherits a cat, Ray and Bethany go on vacation. Looks like there will be another book. I’d love to know what Jeremy gets up to. Looking forward to next book.
Really enjoyed this series. This installment was more of a day in the life of kind of storytelling. A few different cases and happenings for Angus & Lance over a period of time. Murderers being caught, plans for ghostly investigations, the captain meets the ghosts, Franks inherits a cat, Ray and Bethany go on vacation. Looks like there will be another book. I’d love to know what Jeremy gets up to. Looking forward to next book.
October 9, 2025
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable, low-angst book in this series. This one was more like a day-in-the-life of Angus and Lance. (More like a week) There was no mystery here. Angus and Lance solved a couple of different cases, with the help of an assortment of ghosts, but the different murderers were known from the beginning. Their little ghost family keeps expanding, and so does the group of people who are aware of Lance's ability.
These are an easy listen.
Read October 8, 2025
Another enjoyable, low-angst book in this series. This one was more like a day-in-the-life of Angus and Lance. (More like a week) There was no mystery here. Angus and Lance solved a couple of different cases, with the help of an assortment of ghosts, but the different murderers were known from the beginning. Their little ghost family keeps expanding, and so does the group of people who are aware of Lance's ability.
These are an easy listen.
Read October 8, 2025
October 12, 2024
Always such...
Always such a good read, this story as well as the previous ones have never failed to grab my attention from the first sentence till the very end. Love the characters even the new ones yes it's about time a cat made an appearance. I think Pix is going to be a great addition to the stories.very recommended.
Always such a good read, this story as well as the previous ones have never failed to grab my attention from the first sentence till the very end. Love the characters even the new ones yes it's about time a cat made an appearance. I think Pix is going to be a great addition to the stories.very recommended.
October 16, 2024
Book 8 and just as exciting to read as the previous 7 books, this is when Lance and Angus are asked to solve a 70 year old case which is as intriguing from the start but also throughout the book there are some other small cases that get solved. I really really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this series and author.
February 22, 2025
Ghostly adventures!
Hey, a great novel! As one who’s in belief that there’s an afterlife & that Ghosts & Spirits are all around us, & believing in the fact that only some of us could cope or believe in them. Great to get a novel that brings it all to life & laughter! Can’t wait to continue with these amazing books.
Hey, a great novel! As one who’s in belief that there’s an afterlife & that Ghosts & Spirits are all around us, & believing in the fact that only some of us could cope or believe in them. Great to get a novel that brings it all to life & laughter! Can’t wait to continue with these amazing books.
October 13, 2024
Lance and Angus are back and this time they are investigating a 70 year old murder.
When a local businessman dies, his ghost shows up at the morgue and gets Lance to investigate the death of his mother 70 years previously.
This series just keeps getting better and better
When a local businessman dies, his ghost shows up at the morgue and gets Lance to investigate the death of his mother 70 years previously.
This series just keeps getting better and better
October 26, 2024
absolutely Love this Series
What a wonderful series! I hope this series continues. I look forward for more. Lance, Franks and Angus make such a great team. Love all the ghosts too!!!
What a wonderful series! I hope this series continues. I look forward for more. Lance, Franks and Angus make such a great team. Love all the ghosts too!!!
June 14, 2025
Loving this series. But this book felt very tame compared to previous books. No major murder mystery, but a series of smaller cases being solved. And we have introductions of several new ghosts who will likely be regulars. And it’s love at first sight between Franks and a cat named Pix!
October 14, 2024
Christmas in October
That’s what I felt when I saw Lance and Angus’s new book. As with all the others, this book was fantastic. I can’t wait for the next.
That’s what I felt when I saw Lance and Angus’s new book. As with all the others, this book was fantastic. I can’t wait for the next.
October 25, 2024
I love this series
November 15, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. Excellent story.
November 24, 2024
Good reading
Easy to keep characters straight Know the main men love each other without intimate details' which I prefer. Very good reading.
Easy to keep characters straight Know the main men love each other without intimate details' which I prefer. Very good reading.
January 20, 2025
wow so many cases!
i missed ray and bethany!
i'm so sad for isaac and his family's secrets...
the mayor is a bitch for real and i can't wait for jackson's return.
i missed ray and bethany!
i'm so sad for isaac and his family's secrets...
the mayor is a bitch for real and i can't wait for jackson's return.
June 23, 2025
4.5 stars
September 2, 2025
This was a great sequel.
September 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this whole series. I’m so sad it’s done now!
September 12, 2025
The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed the story.
December 1, 2025
4 stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews