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Ghostly #1
Ghostly Awakening
As assistant medical examiner, Lance is used to seeing strange things, but when he suddenly starts seeing ghosts, he worries he's losing his mind.
Angus grew up around the strange. With his mother able to see and speak to ghosts, he's grown up knowing there are things most people can't see or understand. When he accidentally catches Lance arguing with a ghost, he knows he has to step in before the man thinks he's going crazy.
As Lance adjusts to his new ability, he also realizes seeing ghosts has its advantages. When several women are murdered in the area, it's up to Lance and Angus to work with the ghosts of the victims to catch the killer.
Angus grew up around the strange. With his mother able to see and speak to ghosts, he's grown up knowing there are things most people can't see or understand. When he accidentally catches Lance arguing with a ghost, he knows he has to step in before the man thinks he's going crazy.
As Lance adjusts to his new ability, he also realizes seeing ghosts has its advantages. When several women are murdered in the area, it's up to Lance and Angus to work with the ghosts of the victims to catch the killer.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2022
250 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Leya
100 books313 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 10, 2025
Blah, blah, blah.
That’s what I got from this book: over-talking, over-sharing, and over-explaining. Repeatedly. And in case I forgot about the previous times something was explained, it was repeated again.
UGH!
Plot-wise this could have been interesting, but the writing was so pedantic that it simplified the story.
Call me surprised when I got to the end of this book to find that this is not a debut novel, because it sure felt like one.
Unfortunately, I read this so I could read the second book on the series for a challenge. I should have skipped it as I did many pages in this book that inundated me with slow-witted retellings of events already explained or information so obvious a toddler could have figured it out.
This is not an author I’ll enjoy reading again. Sorry to all those who like this story, but it just wasn’t for me (and I don’t think it’s a case of “it’s me, not the book. It was definitely the book.
That’s what I got from this book: over-talking, over-sharing, and over-explaining. Repeatedly. And in case I forgot about the previous times something was explained, it was repeated again.
UGH!
Plot-wise this could have been interesting, but the writing was so pedantic that it simplified the story.
Call me surprised when I got to the end of this book to find that this is not a debut novel, because it sure felt like one.
Unfortunately, I read this so I could read the second book on the series for a challenge. I should have skipped it as I did many pages in this book that inundated me with slow-witted retellings of events already explained or information so obvious a toddler could have figured it out.
This is not an author I’ll enjoy reading again. Sorry to all those who like this story, but it just wasn’t for me (and I don’t think it’s a case of “it’s me, not the book. It was definitely the book.
August 2, 2025
Originally rated it 3 stars but I've been thinking of it and I found it easy to get invested in. The mix of cozy vibes between the characters and some of the plot but then have darker themes in the cases worked really well.
February 16, 2023
Leya is a new-to-me writer and maybe just isn't for me. I really liked the premise but the execution was lacking.
This book is like 85% dialogue and it all reads as stilted and unnatural. The two characters are pretty awkward together and they both are very talkative, which I find annoying. I prefer a much better balance between dialogue and exposition.
I didn't see any chemistry between Angus or Lance which would have been fine if this book was more explicit, like they both just really needed to get laid and were convenient for each other, but this is such a slow burn that there's barely any heat at all (they don't kiss until the last chapter despite dancing around each other from the first page).
The ghost characters, besides the murder victims and maybe Angus' mom's friend Betty, were entirely pointless. Like why put so much time into Ray and Cher's characters when they don't do anything to forward the story. So she taught Lance how to cook a few meals that he could feed to Angus. And Ray just hangs out on the back patio and burns through Lance's Kindle's battery life. Why? Who cares?
There was also a really strong Christian undercurrent that isn't for me, with lots of discussions of Heaven and God and how they're absolutely real. I don't mind characters that have faith but when it's written as a fact like this with no ambiguity, it feels preachy.
The author also doesn't fully understand police procedure. Angus would have no chance convicting Josh and his partner wouldn't have just accepted all these ghost-given clues as Angus' "hunch". You need stronger evidence along with a (barely) confession to get multiple murder charges.
It was good enough to complete, mostly for interest in the premise, but I don't see going through with the series or any other books from this author.
This book is like 85% dialogue and it all reads as stilted and unnatural. The two characters are pretty awkward together and they both are very talkative, which I find annoying. I prefer a much better balance between dialogue and exposition.
I didn't see any chemistry between Angus or Lance which would have been fine if this book was more explicit, like they both just really needed to get laid and were convenient for each other, but this is such a slow burn that there's barely any heat at all (they don't kiss until the last chapter despite dancing around each other from the first page).
The ghost characters, besides the murder victims and maybe Angus' mom's friend Betty, were entirely pointless. Like why put so much time into Ray and Cher's characters when they don't do anything to forward the story. So she taught Lance how to cook a few meals that he could feed to Angus. And Ray just hangs out on the back patio and burns through Lance's Kindle's battery life. Why? Who cares?
There was also a really strong Christian undercurrent that isn't for me, with lots of discussions of Heaven and God and how they're absolutely real. I don't mind characters that have faith but when it's written as a fact like this with no ambiguity, it feels preachy.
The author also doesn't fully understand police procedure. Angus would have no chance convicting Josh and his partner wouldn't have just accepted all these ghost-given clues as Angus' "hunch". You need stronger evidence along with a (barely) confession to get multiple murder charges.
It was good enough to complete, mostly for interest in the premise, but I don't see going through with the series or any other books from this author.
July 17, 2025
"Whether they were solving crimes, entertaining ghosts, riding motorcycles, or just simply kissing, Angus filled a void in Lance's life he hadn't even known was there. But now that that void was filled, he couldn't imagine it ever being empty again."
4.5 ⭐
Why not hop on the paranormal cozy mystery romance train while I’m at it?
This has been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I finally decided to give it a shot. Spoiler alert: I’m enjoying it, since I’ve now read three of them in a row.
As cozy mysteries go, this is about as PG, maybe even G rated as it gets. So if you are looking for something with a little more heat in the kitchen, this ain’t it, hun. This series is about ghosts and Lance, who can see them, and how he , as a medical examiner, learns to handle this new gift and helps hot detective Angus solve murder cases. Classic setup. Give me a thousand of them.
As a lifelong lover of Ghost Whisperer (yes, the TV show), I eat this shit up every single time. I could read a hundred different series with the same premise and still be entertained.
This is a slow, low-stakes cozy mystery series. The mysteries are the kind most people, not including me, could probably figure out within the first few chapters. But me, being dumb as a box of rocks, I rock with it anyway. Because I have zero clue what is going on and I am absolutely here for the vibe. And I enjoyed the vibe.
If you are looking for a lazy, hang-around-the-house mystery with likable characters and a good time, this might be it for you.
I really enjoy getting to know the ghosts too, they are honestly the best part. And maybe I am a little emotional right now, but some of these scenes have me teary eyed for no damn reason. Those ghosts pull on my heartstrings like nobody’s business.
4.5 ⭐
Why not hop on the paranormal cozy mystery romance train while I’m at it?
This has been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I finally decided to give it a shot. Spoiler alert: I’m enjoying it, since I’ve now read three of them in a row.
As cozy mysteries go, this is about as PG, maybe even G rated as it gets. So if you are looking for something with a little more heat in the kitchen, this ain’t it, hun. This series is about ghosts and Lance, who can see them, and how he , as a medical examiner, learns to handle this new gift and helps hot detective Angus solve murder cases. Classic setup. Give me a thousand of them.
As a lifelong lover of Ghost Whisperer (yes, the TV show), I eat this shit up every single time. I could read a hundred different series with the same premise and still be entertained.
This is a slow, low-stakes cozy mystery series. The mysteries are the kind most people, not including me, could probably figure out within the first few chapters. But me, being dumb as a box of rocks, I rock with it anyway. Because I have zero clue what is going on and I am absolutely here for the vibe. And I enjoyed the vibe.
If you are looking for a lazy, hang-around-the-house mystery with likable characters and a good time, this might be it for you.
I really enjoy getting to know the ghosts too, they are honestly the best part. And maybe I am a little emotional right now, but some of these scenes have me teary eyed for no damn reason. Those ghosts pull on my heartstrings like nobody’s business.
December 14, 2022
2.5 Stars.
I loved the start of the book. It was well written and interesting enough to keep me reading more. However, past chapter 6, the book has a lot of repetition and unnecessary filler in the form of Angus+Lance forming their relationship while the murderer continued their work.
I loved the insulin murder as a diabetic because it was researched enough that it made sense. I loved the Walmart camera angle as a murder show aficionado, because if it is anything I have learned, never buy your murder/clean up tools from Walmart and then keep the receipt with you.
Up until that point, the book was on fire. Then, from Chapter 6 it was a repetition of all that had happened so far and a brief introduction of Cel. And I get that it is basically the start of the series but there was no point in introducing so many ghosts which in some ways took away from the mystery being solved.
While I also liked A+L's relationship growing, it was so slow. Like that couple in a tv show you have to wait 2 seasons for them to finally explosively kiss after a life threatening scene.
Then, it isn't rocket science/even in the least bit surprising as to who the murderer is. However, one thing I didn't understand was
So, started off well, dragggggeeeed in repetition of oh, I cannot talk to you in public, oh, I'm cooking for you supper, oh, new ghost in the area, then the eventual finalé, where again, Angus fills out the story for the murderer which just wouldn't hold up.
I loved the start of the book. It was well written and interesting enough to keep me reading more. However, past chapter 6, the book has a lot of repetition and unnecessary filler in the form of Angus+Lance forming their relationship while the murderer continued their work.
I loved the insulin murder as a diabetic because it was researched enough that it made sense. I loved the Walmart camera angle as a murder show aficionado, because if it is anything I have learned, never buy your murder/clean up tools from Walmart and then keep the receipt with you.
Up until that point, the book was on fire. Then, from Chapter 6 it was a repetition of all that had happened so far and a brief introduction of Cel. And I get that it is basically the start of the series but there was no point in introducing so many ghosts which in some ways took away from the mystery being solved.
While I also liked A+L's relationship growing, it was so slow. Like that couple in a tv show you have to wait 2 seasons for them to finally explosively kiss after a life threatening scene.
Then, it isn't rocket science/even in the least bit surprising as to who the murderer is. However, one thing I didn't understand was
So, started off well, dragggggeeeed in repetition of oh, I cannot talk to you in public, oh, I'm cooking for you supper, oh, new ghost in the area, then the eventual finalé, where again, Angus fills out the story for the murderer which just wouldn't hold up.
December 5, 2022
An interesting book with an ME who following an accident can now speak to ghosts. He is teamed up with a local cop who believes in ghosts although he can't see or hear them.
A good mystery which kept me guessing to the big reveal.
It says its book 1 so I am hoping book wont be far behind.
A good mystery which kept me guessing to the big reveal.
It says its book 1 so I am hoping book wont be far behind.
February 17, 2025
2.5/5 stars rounded down.
The writing felt juvenile, as did the characters. I didn’t care for how the conversations went in this book. It wasn’t the worst thing I read but it was a good distraction. This book helped me through a long night of anxiety and insomnia so I have to give it some kudos for keeping me company.
TW: rape, sexual assault, violence, grief, murder, gore, sexual abuse, injury detail, death, blood
The writing felt juvenile, as did the characters. I didn’t care for how the conversations went in this book. It wasn’t the worst thing I read but it was a good distraction. This book helped me through a long night of anxiety and insomnia so I have to give it some kudos for keeping me company.
TW: rape, sexual assault, violence, grief, murder, gore, sexual abuse, injury detail, death, blood
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December 10, 2024Audio: 3 stars for Greg D Barnett. He wasn’t bad, just not great either… Audio can be found on Everand
Book: DNF @69%
Well I was hoping for so much more than what this gave me. This was just boring and didn’t feel any connection between Angus and Lance.
Also there was a lot of dialogue about the same thing over and over that idk I got bored.
Really the book came down to me being bored, and I stopped caring about the actual murder case. I might skim to the end, but ehh not feeling it.
Book: DNF @69%
Well I was hoping for so much more than what this gave me. This was just boring and didn’t feel any connection between Angus and Lance.
Also there was a lot of dialogue about the same thing over and over that idk I got bored.
Really the book came down to me being bored, and I stopped caring about the actual murder case. I might skim to the end, but ehh not feeling it.
May 24, 2024
Cute! Will definitely keep going in series. Another psychic book are we surprised?
June 8, 2023
I liked it
Pretty good start to a new series. I love the take on ghosts. Making friends and hanging out, way cool. I enjoyed our MC’s. Lance survived a horrific auto accident that left him with the abilities to see and speak to ghosts. Angus’ mother has been able to do this his entire life so it doesn’t shock him. They team together with Angus leading the investigation since he is a detective and Lance finding clues as he is the coroner, and being able to speak to them helps Angus question them. My major issue is that this is a way tooooooooo slow burn. Anyway, off to the next one.
Pretty good start to a new series. I love the take on ghosts. Making friends and hanging out, way cool. I enjoyed our MC’s. Lance survived a horrific auto accident that left him with the abilities to see and speak to ghosts. Angus’ mother has been able to do this his entire life so it doesn’t shock him. They team together with Angus leading the investigation since he is a detective and Lance finding clues as he is the coroner, and being able to speak to them helps Angus question them. My major issue is that this is a way tooooooooo slow burn. Anyway, off to the next one.
June 4, 2023
I'm not sure how I feel about this one, honestly. I found the writing to be a little cheesy at times. Some sentences seemed to repeat the same thought within the same short paragraph. It's never a good thing when I'm reading, and then a couple of sentences later, I'm like, wait, didn't I just read that same thought? Then I re-read it and yes, yes I did just read that.
I didn't mind the case. It dragged out a little too much. I felt like this could've been maybe 100 pages shorter. I struggled towards the end. This book was way to slow-burn for me too. Literally, they don't kiss until the last page of the book. And then the inner thoughts is like this is his forever person and Angus feels a void for Lance, over just one kiss. LOL. Yeah, I'm struggling with this a little bit.
I'll be reading the next book because I'm reading this for a challenge and I have to read the next one as well. So I'm really hoping we get more of their relationship in the next one.
I didn't mind the case. It dragged out a little too much. I felt like this could've been maybe 100 pages shorter. I struggled towards the end. This book was way to slow-burn for me too. Literally, they don't kiss until the last page of the book. And then the inner thoughts is like this is his forever person and Angus feels a void for Lance, over just one kiss. LOL. Yeah, I'm struggling with this a little bit.
I'll be reading the next book because I'm reading this for a challenge and I have to read the next one as well. So I'm really hoping we get more of their relationship in the next one.
June 16, 2025
June 2025
Kindle edition
Had to read for a group challenge. Knew off the bat I'd like this one. I liked that there was no secrets between Lance and Angus, Angus immediately moved into support mode and never left. Think Franks won't be fooled for long. The ghosts were nice and I liked how Lance helped Ray out, whilst being helped by another. The murders were brutal and the darker side of the book. The R word was thrown around a lot. The mother's murder was sickening. Looking forward to more from this series but really hoping the next time he doesn't see his brother is as a ghost.
Kindle edition
Had to read for a group challenge. Knew off the bat I'd like this one. I liked that there was no secrets between Lance and Angus, Angus immediately moved into support mode and never left. Think Franks won't be fooled for long. The ghosts were nice and I liked how Lance helped Ray out, whilst being helped by another. The murders were brutal and the darker side of the book. The R word was thrown around a lot. The mother's murder was sickening. Looking forward to more from this series but really hoping the next time he doesn't see his brother is as a ghost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
4.25⭐️
Awesome start to a new mystery series!! I’m so impressed with this ghostly stuff, I can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Lance, the medical examiner HAD a quiet life, until ghosts started showing up after his almost fatal car accident. Bring in the sweet & sexy detective, Angus and we have not one, but two grown men chasing down ghosts to get the answers they need for a local string of murders.
The suspense, the humor, and the sprinkles of romance is all delivered in a perfect little package of a story.
I must mention Angus’ mom is a mom for ALL, what a hip, cool, down to earth mama! 👻
Awesome start to a new mystery series!! I’m so impressed with this ghostly stuff, I can’t wait to dive into book 2.
Lance, the medical examiner HAD a quiet life, until ghosts started showing up after his almost fatal car accident. Bring in the sweet & sexy detective, Angus and we have not one, but two grown men chasing down ghosts to get the answers they need for a local string of murders.
The suspense, the humor, and the sprinkles of romance is all delivered in a perfect little package of a story.
I must mention Angus’ mom is a mom for ALL, what a hip, cool, down to earth mama! 👻
November 16, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 5, 2024
My first exposure to this author - a sufficiently interesting first book to a paranormal investigative series. Will try next book to see if the writing style and the MCs grow on me.
April 30, 2023
After reading this, I’m genuinely surprised to learn this isn’t Leya’s first book. It has a lot of first book feels about it, actually it has a lot of first fanfic feels about it. After ten years of writing novels I would have expected this to be more polished and less awkward.
But boy was it awkward. I’d say a solid 85-90% of this book is dialogue and it’s awkward stilted dialogue at that. People just don’t talk like that - unless you’re giving a lecture. Everyone sounded like every time they opened there mouths it was to give a rehearsed answer or to give a little mini speech. There was no natural flow of conversation and within conversation pieces of information were frequently repeated. One character might tell another (and did) that the roommate found the body and then that other character would would comment and the original speaker would say “when the roommate Gretchen found the body” (that might actually have been her name??).
Nothing flowed in this book and because it was awkward (and preachy) there was never any chance of finding chemistry between the MCs or really engaging in the plot. And even beyond the conversations, while the medical examiner seemed competent at his job Angus (remembered his name!) seemed to be terrible at his.
This book had so much promos but it just didn’t work. At all. If this is where her writing is at after a decade, I’ll be giving all her books a hard pass.
But boy was it awkward. I’d say a solid 85-90% of this book is dialogue and it’s awkward stilted dialogue at that. People just don’t talk like that - unless you’re giving a lecture. Everyone sounded like every time they opened there mouths it was to give a rehearsed answer or to give a little mini speech. There was no natural flow of conversation and within conversation pieces of information were frequently repeated. One character might tell another (and did) that the roommate found the body and then that other character would would comment and the original speaker would say “when the roommate Gretchen found the body” (that might actually have been her name??).
Nothing flowed in this book and because it was awkward (and preachy) there was never any chance of finding chemistry between the MCs or really engaging in the plot. And even beyond the conversations, while the medical examiner seemed competent at his job Angus (remembered his name!) seemed to be terrible at his.
This book had so much promos but it just didn’t work. At all. If this is where her writing is at after a decade, I’ll be giving all her books a hard pass.
May 8, 2023
good!
This is my first book from this author and I’ll definitely be checking out book two! The revelation as to the killer was quite sad in a away, but I had a general feeling about who it may be. The romance is super slow burn but I liked these two together. The ghosts were a big part of the story and it really added to it.
This is my first book from this author and I’ll definitely be checking out book two! The revelation as to the killer was quite sad in a away, but I had a general feeling about who it may be. The romance is super slow burn but I liked these two together. The ghosts were a big part of the story and it really added to it.
December 8, 2023
⭐️3.5⭐️
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.
December 7, 2022
Lance returns to work as a medical examiner only to see a ghost. Specifically, the ghost of the man on his table. As he is trying to figure out if he is losing his mind, Angus, a detective, tries to help since he is familiar with this trait. As these two navigate ghosts and their growing feelings, you will be pulled in and fall in love with them. So looking forward to more in this world!
April 7, 2024
this was the perfect combination of crime mystery and paranormal.
i loved each and every one of the characters we met!
a special place in my heart got lizzy & betty with their amazing friendship, cel and her love of cooking and ray with his curiosity.
i wish we could have met lance's brother.
also angus admitting to someone (franks or mike) about this new world would be nice.
i loved each and every one of the characters we met!
a special place in my heart got lizzy & betty with their amazing friendship, cel and her love of cooking and ray with his curiosity.
i wish we could have met lance's brother.
also angus admitting to someone (franks or mike) about this new world would be nice.
September 25, 2024
What a pleasure it was to read E.M. Leya's Ghostly Awakening!
I am a big fan of paranormal / ghost mysteries, and Leya writes a nice one here. Plus this is a really good start to the series... I'm 100% going to continue.
Five stars for the narrator, Greg D. Barnett. This is a new narrator for me and I was really pleased with his performance. A different and fitting voice for each character, and Barnett kept up the quick pace of this story. Really wonderful.
I am a big fan of paranormal / ghost mysteries, and Leya writes a nice one here. Plus this is a really good start to the series... I'm 100% going to continue.
Five stars for the narrator, Greg D. Barnett. This is a new narrator for me and I was really pleased with his performance. A different and fitting voice for each character, and Barnett kept up the quick pace of this story. Really wonderful.
March 1, 2023
Decent
This was a decent read. More of a storyline read for me instead of a character read. I always enjoy ghost paranormal stories.
This was a decent read. More of a storyline read for me instead of a character read. I always enjoy ghost paranormal stories.
June 1, 2023
I really liked the premise for this series, where the ME can interact with ghost and the budding romance with the homicide detective. I’m not really feeling the chemistry yet between Lance and Angus. As for the mystery of the serial rapist/killer became too obvious at one point. But it’s the first book in the series, I’m still looking forward to the next.
November 5, 2025
I feel like this book is setting up the series to be boring AF. I was slightly entertained, but nothing was exciting.
February 22, 2024
Exciting and entertaining, sometimes gruesome, sometimes something to smile about.
Looking forward to the next part of this series! 😀
Looking forward to the next part of this series! 😀
January 16, 2024
Trigger warning!! Book has vivid description of rape by victim (actual rape occurs off page)
Well that was a disappointment.
It was really good in some ways: good mystery and detective work, interesting interactions with ghosts, different take on how ghosts live. (This is the afterlife I want, having friends, hanging out and going to shows.) I liked the characters and other characters who will probably be recurring were made three dimensional as well. The sexual tension was pretty good, well romance tension? (It wasn’t very sexual.) I wanted them to get together really badly.
The author also said some things I really liked such as how migraines aren’t just bad headaches but affect the whole body. and a character wanted his parents to spend his inheritance because they earned it and should be the ones who enjoyed it. I liked that it occurred to someone that pretending to be talking on the phone would save someone who could see ghosts from anyone thinking he was crazy. That’s always driven me nuts in books. It’s such an obvious solution.
But then there was the stuff I didn’t like. The beginning felt contrived and too convenient; Angus just happening to be there the first time Lance sees a ghost and just happens to have a mother who sees ghosts and can explain it all. But I expected that to improve and it did up to a point. There was still too much explained by the mother rather than Lance having to figure it out. Way too much talking. Which was annoying since the detective work wasn’t that way. Even with the ghosts, Angus still didn’t have anywhere close to enough information to figure stuff out. Then the murderer not leaving any trace at all?
But the two things I hated were first, there was no climax. They figured out who the killer was and went through all the logical steps to arrest him, etc. Not a bit of danger let alone life endangerment. I kept waiting and then I realized it wasn’t going to happen and was really disappointed.
Secondly and worse was the fact that not only did the guys wait way more time to get together than any couple would have, gay or het, especially with all the gobs of not at all subtle innuendo, they didn’t even announce their feelings to each other until the second to last page!!
I don’t know if I’ll read the next one. Usually book series improve but I really live for that action and danger and excitement.
But I did learn something new. I always love that. Apparently hamburgers in their current iteration were invented between 1885 and 1902 depending on who claims to have invented it. There were similar things before that, as early as the 17th century. Even the Roman’s ate something similar to a hamburger without the bun!
Well that was a disappointment.
It was really good in some ways: good mystery and detective work, interesting interactions with ghosts, different take on how ghosts live. (This is the afterlife I want, having friends, hanging out and going to shows.) I liked the characters and other characters who will probably be recurring were made three dimensional as well. The sexual tension was pretty good, well romance tension? (It wasn’t very sexual.) I wanted them to get together really badly.
The author also said some things I really liked such as how migraines aren’t just bad headaches but affect the whole body. and a character wanted his parents to spend his inheritance because they earned it and should be the ones who enjoyed it. I liked that it occurred to someone that pretending to be talking on the phone would save someone who could see ghosts from anyone thinking he was crazy. That’s always driven me nuts in books. It’s such an obvious solution.
But then there was the stuff I didn’t like. The beginning felt contrived and too convenient; Angus just happening to be there the first time Lance sees a ghost and just happens to have a mother who sees ghosts and can explain it all. But I expected that to improve and it did up to a point. There was still too much explained by the mother rather than Lance having to figure it out. Way too much talking. Which was annoying since the detective work wasn’t that way. Even with the ghosts, Angus still didn’t have anywhere close to enough information to figure stuff out. Then the murderer not leaving any trace at all?
But the two things I hated were first, there was no climax. They figured out who the killer was and went through all the logical steps to arrest him, etc. Not a bit of danger let alone life endangerment. I kept waiting and then I realized it wasn’t going to happen and was really disappointed.
Secondly and worse was the fact that not only did the guys wait way more time to get together than any couple would have, gay or het, especially with all the gobs of not at all subtle innuendo, they didn’t even announce their feelings to each other until the second to last page!!
I don’t know if I’ll read the next one. Usually book series improve but I really live for that action and danger and excitement.
But I did learn something new. I always love that. Apparently hamburgers in their current iteration were invented between 1885 and 1902 depending on who claims to have invented it. There were similar things before that, as early as the 17th century. Even the Roman’s ate something similar to a hamburger without the bun!
Read
April 18, 2023DNF didn’t click with me
January 3, 2025
I adored this.
No angst. It was fun.
I don't mind angst, but it's nice one in a while for something light.
I'm so glad book 2 is already out. I look forward to more.
~~~~~~
Reread
Seems like coroner or mortuary technician that see ghosts books have been popping up alot.
But hey, it's a good combo. It works well. No complaints, other than it's easy to confuse the series.
This is a good one. I really enjoy the characters. I love Angus's mom. Not only is she fun with the ghosts, but love that she spends her days going to musical concert, and musical concert.
Angus is gonna have to come up with better explanations than a gut feeling for his leads.
The ghosts are great too. Lance agreeing to cooking lessons from a ghost he just met. He's a little free inviting them into his home. I hope he doesn't end up overwhelmed.
I actually found this series due to a challenge. I'm glad I did. I would really like to follow up this year and complete the whole series. It's worth the binge read. But I'll spread them out a bit.
No angst. It was fun.
I don't mind angst, but it's nice one in a while for something light.
I'm so glad book 2 is already out. I look forward to more.
~~~~~~
Reread
Seems like coroner or mortuary technician that see ghosts books have been popping up alot.
But hey, it's a good combo. It works well. No complaints, other than it's easy to confuse the series.
This is a good one. I really enjoy the characters. I love Angus's mom. Not only is she fun with the ghosts, but love that she spends her days going to musical concert, and musical concert.
Angus is gonna have to come up with better explanations than a gut feeling for his leads.
The ghosts are great too. Lance agreeing to cooking lessons from a ghost he just met. He's a little free inviting them into his home. I hope he doesn't end up overwhelmed.
I actually found this series due to a challenge. I'm glad I did. I would really like to follow up this year and complete the whole series. It's worth the binge read. But I'll spread them out a bit.
December 11, 2022
So sorry to others who liked this but it was so boring to me. I ended up skimming it.
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