When the Dead Speak: A Riveting Haunted House Mystery

by Clay Wise

When Ally Hawkins sees her late husband’s ghost, she’s drawn into a deadly conspiracy behind his death. Hunted by dangerous enemies both living and dead, she must uncover the truth before she becomes the next target.

Genres: Mystery, Horror

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2025

Reviews

[Carole Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

While looking for scary books for October, I found this one, and it was freeeee then. Love a freebie.

Here we follow Ally and her crew. When Ally sees her late husband's ghost, she is drawn into a deadly conspiracy behind his death. They are hunted by the living and dead as she uncovers the truth to help her husband's ghost find peace.

Whelp. I guess this is technically part of a series even though it wasn't made clear on Goodreads. I realized this after I felt like I was missing something. I read a few reviews and WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. Yeah. I mean - it did find as a standalone, but there were moments that I felt like a new person at the party.

I was entertained by this and was curious about what was going to happen. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next and how they were going to find the truth. Lots of bad people covering stuff up, for sure.

I feel for Ally...I wouldn't want that power, especially seeing a dead loved one. EEEE.

But yes, I enjoyed this, but I did feel like I was missing some stuff. It did well enough as a standalone, but I think going back and reading previous stories might have helped me like this a touch more.

I'm going to stamp this with a 3.

[B.D. Messick]

This is another wonderful addition to the Ally Hawkins and the Ghost Advocates adventures. We get some answers we've been waiting for over the span of several books, and everything that had been left hanging is tied up neatly. I loved the background stuff on Cain, his upbringing and the visit to his home town, but what really floored me was the Ghostscape. Im not going to give anything else away. I would recommend reading all of the connected stories, beginning with the fantastic Blackwater Cottage. Well done again, Mr. Wise! Let me add one thing, I have never commented on another review for a product, but there is a 1-star review for this book where the only comment concerns an error on the cover. It's obvious that this person did not read the book, so that review should be ignored. I will admit that MANY times the covers for Mr. Wise's books have nothing to do with the content of the novels (snowy cabins when there are no snowy cabins within), but to bring that up is literally 'judging a book by it's cover'.

[Beverley Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story. Thanks, Clay!

Leaving this review to show my love and support for the Author, Clay Wise. His books are my favorite from the ARHHM collection. Thank you SO much for another wonderful story that continues the journey of Ally and her friends. I’ve been “patiently” waiting since 2024 for the next book in your series to be released. Can’t wait to read the next one, keep up the great work!

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

My First Clay Wise and Wow. It was Great!

I usually read cozy mysteries, but for a change of pace this was a good choice. Be warned there is some strong language and intimate scenes in this book, but I am a grown up. I did really like the characters. They are well developed and likeable, I miss them already, lol. They are so much fun. Don't miss this book.

[shona mcinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

When dead speak

Great story lots of great banter.the ghosts needed help and got it tho it wasn't easy to win against a pure psycho.only complaint really was the two leading character's need of sex every chance they got.and tmi for us

[Kandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story with a lot of fun and colorful characters. Since I have never read any of the books in this series, it took me a minute to figure out some of the characters but it made it no less enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more books from this series.

[Micky Parise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book I read from Clay Wise and a very nice read. The storyline was great, characters you can really relate to and just a overall from start to finish book. Recommend.