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The Case of the Reluctant Necromancer: A Cozy Paranormal Whodunit
There are three things Barry never See ghosts.Practice necromancy.Violate hospital policy.By break time on Tuesday, he’s managed all three.
When the ghost of Contessa Clark interrupts her own autopsy to insist she’s been murdered, Barry just wants her to stop haunting his morgue. Unfortunately, the easiest way to get rid of a dead woman is to make her . . . not dead.
Now Contessa is alive, someone may still want her that way, and Barry has somehow become an unwilling detective despite being far more comfortable with corpses than living people. Between suspicious exes, anonymous threats, questionable investigative methods, and a father who has entirely too much to say about Barry’s nonexistent love life, solving Tessa’s murder is getting complicated.
Falling for the formerly dead woman he resurrected? That definitely wasn't covered in medical school. And if they don’t figure out what happened the first time, Tessa’s second chance at life might be a short one.
When the ghost of Contessa Clark interrupts her own autopsy to insist she’s been murdered, Barry just wants her to stop haunting his morgue. Unfortunately, the easiest way to get rid of a dead woman is to make her . . . not dead.
Now Contessa is alive, someone may still want her that way, and Barry has somehow become an unwilling detective despite being far more comfortable with corpses than living people. Between suspicious exes, anonymous threats, questionable investigative methods, and a father who has entirely too much to say about Barry’s nonexistent love life, solving Tessa’s murder is getting complicated.
Falling for the formerly dead woman he resurrected? That definitely wasn't covered in medical school. And if they don’t figure out what happened the first time, Tessa’s second chance at life might be a short one.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 4, 2026
Cute who-dunnit murder mystery
I absolutely adored this cute little cozy mystery romance with just a touch of paranormal elements. All of that together made for such an entertaining read!
Based on the cover, I expected some sort of ghost story, but there was a little twist involving that part that I definitely didn’t see coming. I also loved the unlikely romance that develops between our two main characters, Barry and Tessa, as they team up to piece together the mystery behind an attempted murder.
It was a fun mix of mystery, romance, and paranormal elements that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
I absolutely adored this cute little cozy mystery romance with just a touch of paranormal elements. All of that together made for such an entertaining read!
Based on the cover, I expected some sort of ghost story, but there was a little twist involving that part that I definitely didn’t see coming. I also loved the unlikely romance that develops between our two main characters, Barry and Tessa, as they team up to piece together the mystery behind an attempted murder.
It was a fun mix of mystery, romance, and paranormal elements that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
October 6, 2026
The Case of the Reluctant Necromancer is a delightful paranormal mystery that combines cozy fantasy, romantic tension, dry humor, and a genuinely entertaining murder investigation. J.C. Wade takes a wonderfully absurd premise—what happens when a morgue employee is confronted by the ghost of the woman whose autopsy he is performing?—and builds it into a clever, character-driven whodunit.
Barry Kavanagh is an especially appealing protagonist. He is practical, uncomfortable with the supernatural, and far more at ease around corpses than living people. Unfortunately for him, the ghost of Contessa Clark is determined to prove that she was murdered. Barry’s attempts to make the problem disappear lead him to perform the one act he has sworn never to attempt: necromancy. Bringing Contessa back to life may solve his immediate ghost problem, but it also places both of them in danger—and makes Barry an extremely reluctant detective.
The mystery is supported by an enjoyable cast of suspects, including suspicious exes, anonymous threats, and Barry’s wonderfully intrusive father, who seems much more concerned with his son’s nonexistent love life than with the increasingly dangerous investigation. These details give the story personality and keep the plot from becoming a standard supernatural murder mystery. The humor is particularly effective because it grows naturally out of Barry’s discomfort and the increasingly impossible situations in which he finds himself.
The developing relationship between Barry and Contessa adds another strong layer to the novel. Their chemistry has the appealing quality of a slow burn: neither character is prepared for the emotional complications created by Contessa’s second chance at life, and their connection develops alongside the investigation rather than overwhelming it. The romance feels woven into the mystery, giving the story warmth without sacrificing suspense.
Wade also strikes a satisfying balance with the darker elements. There is a murder, a morgue, ghosts, and necromancy, but the overall atmosphere remains inviting rather than grim. Readers looking for graphic horror or bleak dark fantasy may find this gentler approach unexpected, while fans of cozy paranormal mysteries will likely appreciate the blend of spooky circumstances and feel-good charm.
With its quirky premise, reluctant hero, supernatural complications, witty dialogue, and unusual romance, The Case of the Reluctant Necromancer is an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy mysteries with a romantic subplot. It is a fun, lighthearted read with enough mystery to keep the pages turning and enough heart to make Barry and Contessa’s story memorable.
Barry Kavanagh is an especially appealing protagonist. He is practical, uncomfortable with the supernatural, and far more at ease around corpses than living people. Unfortunately for him, the ghost of Contessa Clark is determined to prove that she was murdered. Barry’s attempts to make the problem disappear lead him to perform the one act he has sworn never to attempt: necromancy. Bringing Contessa back to life may solve his immediate ghost problem, but it also places both of them in danger—and makes Barry an extremely reluctant detective.
The mystery is supported by an enjoyable cast of suspects, including suspicious exes, anonymous threats, and Barry’s wonderfully intrusive father, who seems much more concerned with his son’s nonexistent love life than with the increasingly dangerous investigation. These details give the story personality and keep the plot from becoming a standard supernatural murder mystery. The humor is particularly effective because it grows naturally out of Barry’s discomfort and the increasingly impossible situations in which he finds himself.
The developing relationship between Barry and Contessa adds another strong layer to the novel. Their chemistry has the appealing quality of a slow burn: neither character is prepared for the emotional complications created by Contessa’s second chance at life, and their connection develops alongside the investigation rather than overwhelming it. The romance feels woven into the mystery, giving the story warmth without sacrificing suspense.
Wade also strikes a satisfying balance with the darker elements. There is a murder, a morgue, ghosts, and necromancy, but the overall atmosphere remains inviting rather than grim. Readers looking for graphic horror or bleak dark fantasy may find this gentler approach unexpected, while fans of cozy paranormal mysteries will likely appreciate the blend of spooky circumstances and feel-good charm.
With its quirky premise, reluctant hero, supernatural complications, witty dialogue, and unusual romance, The Case of the Reluctant Necromancer is an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy mysteries with a romantic subplot. It is a fun, lighthearted read with enough mystery to keep the pages turning and enough heart to make Barry and Contessa’s story memorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book. I have been in a major book slump recently. I was offered the chance to read this and it did not disappoint. It's a super cozy, cute, adorable murder mystery/romance. Normally, those two categories don't go together but the author certainly worked her magic on this one because it was such a wonderful read. It was the perfect read for the transition into the fall cozy/spooky season. I loved every second of reading this. 10 out of 10 highly recommend. It's the perfect book to read with a cozy drink.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It had a little bit of everything a love story, murder mystery, fantasy, and humor. I think I loved the humor and awkward moments the most and laughed out loud several times. The characters were very relatable. The crazy senerio’s they were put in were funny but the relationships that were built because of them were very heartwarming.
October 6, 2026
Great book! For a book about attempted murder, a ghost and a necromancer....this is the most lighthearted and funny read I've picked up in ages. I immediately loved the protagonists and was invested in the story.
September 30, 2026
Amazing book! So fun, and the perfect mix of mystery and comedy! Recommended for any and everyone who loves to read and get lost in a novel!
October 1, 2026
So loved this book. Murder/mystery, romance and humor all in one book! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews