I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman and the ghost who lives with her must work together to solve a murder in author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door”, the second book in the A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery series.
The Synopsis
The odd couple of crime-solving returns in Olivia Blacke’s Death at the Door, where a ghost and her living roommate find another mystery on their doorstep.
Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate―the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job.
When Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, the new life she’s been building hangs in the balance. The last time Cordelia dragged Ruby into a murder investigation, it was almost two ghosts living in the apartment, not one. Determined to protect Ruby, Cordelia tries to shield her from the investigation, but Ruby has other ideas. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light.
The Review
This was a brilliant cozy mystery read. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life in a way that was accessible to new readers while also building on the events and character development of the first book. The imagery in the author’s writing style was fantastic, capturing the cool Massachusetts vibes and the stylish, laid-back, and community-driven atmosphere of Ruby’s work life.
The heart of this narrative was the book’s character dynamics, especially between the two protagonists. The unique relationship Ruby has with her ghost roommate Cordelia, and their communication without Ruby being able to see or hear Cordelia, is fascinating to watch unfold in each scene, leading to both tense and humorous exchanges. The introduction of characters like Tosh and Cordelia’s brother elevates the story to a new level, and the mystery they find themselves in will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and a perfect blend of spooky and fun, author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door” is a must-read cozy mystery. The twists and turns in the story, the captivating character development, and the shocking finale will keep readers eager for more in this fun and cozy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Mysterious, Spooky, Cozy & Kooky! Olivia Blacke (she/her) is the Anthony Award-winning author of the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, as well as the cozy Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She had her first ghost encounter when she was five, but wasn’t involved with an active crime scene until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology degree, she channels her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-at-the-door-olivia-blacke/1146701017?ean=9781250336705
