Welcome to the afterlife! Cordelia is dead and lonely. But actually she’s not in the afterlife. She’s a ghost. In her own, somewhat dismal, apartment!

Not very long after she dies, her building super rents the apartment to a young woman from Baltimore who is moving to Boston to get away from a bad breakup. She has sold her car but otherwise has very little money and needs a job.

Blacke has written a ghost story and a murder mystery that makes it an unusual candidate for the label “cozy” but that’s where I think it probably belongs. Ruby, the new tenant, can't see or hear Cordelia, the ghost tenant, but figures out that she is there. They use a magnetic poetry kit and an etch-a-sketch, among other means, to communicate with each other--well, at least Cornelia does. She can hear Ruby just fine.

The murder involves the neighbor across the hall, who may not be exactly what he seems. Cordelia begins by helping Ruby get her old job at a tech company, and by leading her to a stash of money she has hidden in the silverware drawer. Freed from utter poverty, Ruby is in for the chase.

A New Lease on Death is an easy read, but fun. If you want the equivalent of a beach read while you're curled up in front a fire this winter, it might just tickle your fancy.

This cozy, supernatural mystery novel was so binge-able and perfect for this spooky season! I was instantly drawn in by the uncommon duo, who pair up when their neighbour, Jake Macintyre, is found dead right outside their building. Communication is initially difficult between the two, mainly because Cordelia is a ghost, while Ruby is very much alive. Since Ruby is currently living in Cordelia’s fully furnished apartment (ghost included), the two embrace their new “roommate” situation in order to solve the mystery behind Jake’s unexplained death. This novel has some pretty heavy subjects such as suicide, substance abuse and domestic abuse, which I found to be approached with care and awareness. I was super invested in the uncommon friendship, the humoured interactions, the enigmas and the hint at the series continuity.
Can’t wait to read more by Olivia Blacke!

✵𝖬𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗍. 𝖬𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗇’𝗌 𝖯𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗌／𝖬𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖺𝗎𝗋 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖠𝖽𝗏𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋’𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.✵

"A New Lease on Death" is the first book in a new series by author Olivia Blacke. It's a quick, easy, and fun to read cozy mystery set in and around a rundown apartment building in a "down on its luck" section of Boston, Massachusetts.

With a quirky set of characters that include:

a plucky twenty year old with questionable fashion sense and absolutely no verbal filter

an aging, pizza-loving sleazy-adjacent lothario

a nosy septegenarian who just might be a serial killer

and a quiet, but mysterious bookloving office manager.

Now add a little unsolved murder, mix in a line up of likely suspects, and just for a bit of extra fun, throw in a meddling ghost, and you have yourself a wintery Boston mystery to solve!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced galley copy of "A New Lease on Death." This book has a publish date of October 29, 2024.

I was excited to read this but it's very slow moving. I didn't end up caring about who killed the dead and didn't care for the ghost roommate angle. One narrator would have been better; I don't feel like there was enough to differentiate between the living and nonliving characters.

"A New Lease on Death" by Olivia Blacke offers an intriguing premise with Ruby Young navigating the ghostly mysteries of her Boston apartment. While the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, the story’s charm lies in Ruby’s determination to uncover the truth behind her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre’s death. Blacke’s creative approach to blending the supernatural with a cozy mystery keeps you engaged, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre. Overall, it's a curious start to what could be an interesting series!

Okay. I messed up. I was bored, trolling NetGalley and I didn't read the blurb. I also thought I was requesting a book by a different author I had read and liked. Although I do read some paranormal, it is not my preferred genre. But it being Halloween time the book fit a challenge I was doing, read a book about ghosts. Check. Unfortunately, that is about the only positive thing about this book. It just didn't grab me, and all the introspection was just boring. I did enjoy the dark, sarcastic humor, but not enough to redeem the book.

Cordelia Graves - Ghost. She died from mixing pills and booze, a lot of booze, but that was normal for Cordie. She was forty-two, lived in a tiny apartment in a iffy part of Boston. She had no friends, and her last fling was with her married boss. Not a great life and now she's dead.

Ruby Young- Twenty-year-old who has rented Cordie's apartment and helps figure out who shot Jake. She left home with no plan on how to make it on her own. Ruby had no job prospects when she hit Boston and basically moved into Cordie's life.

Jake Macintyre - Dead guy who lived across from Cordie, he was murdered in front of his apartment building. Jake was loved by everyone, a great guy who gambled and moved from woman to woman often. But he was a great guy, everyone thought so, except maybe the person who shot him.

My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

This darkly funny series starter is a creative take on your typical cozy mystery. Readers will delight in the unlikely crime-solving duo of the annoyingly perky Ruby and the grumpy Cordelia (her recently deceased neighbor). Their developing camaderie throughout the story offsets any shortcomings in the mystery's plot. Can't wait to see what case these sleuths get caught up in next!

Want a ghost story that isn't scary and still features a ghost? Well this is just what you need. A ghost and human team up in this fun who dun it type novel!

A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why I Chose It: I loved the premise of a ghost and perky roommate.

This was a cute, fun read that will check off a box for “ghost story.” I liked the characters well enough, but they weren’t explored to their fullest potential. I liked the plot, but it got repetitive and didn’t surprise me. I felt like some stuff was a bit superfluous and didn’t need to be included (bus scene). All in all, while a surface-level read, it was enjoyable and made for a great spooky season addition.

Fans of cozy mysteries, supernatural elements, and quirky characters will enjoy this one.

Who said ghost stories had to be scary?! This was such a fun and quirky ghost story and I absolutely loved it!!! The story follows Ruby who has recently moved into an apartment where someone was found dead. The previous tenant was Cordelia and even though she is no longer alive, she still roams the apartment. Soon enough Ruby senses Cordelia's presence and they strike up an odd but fun companionship.
When Ruby/Cordelia's neighbor from across the hall is found murdered outside the apartments, Cordelia and Ruby go on a mission to uncover the truth.
I loved this book because of the unique friendship that Ruby and Cordelia had. I loved that Ruby was very determined to get to the bottom of Jake's murder and how protective Cordelia is throughout the ordeal.
I strongly recommend this book. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

A fun start to a new series featuring 20 year old Ruby and Cordelia her 40 year old ghost who team up - after a rough start- to find the murderer of their neighbor Jake. This has great atmospherics on Ruby's side-she's virtually penniless having fled Maryland for Boston without a job (or appropriate to Cordelia's mind, clothing for a job). She was able to take over Cordelia's lease, and all of her stuff, because Cordelia was, unfortunately, found in the bathtub after several days. These two are very different but they eventually find a way to communicate not only toward their shared goal but also toward making Ruby's life a little easier. The mechanics of being a ghost are entertaining. The mystery of Jake, well that's a little more complex than it appears on the surface so the pair wends their way through his friends, family, and more than one red herring. No spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next installment.

I know the book isn't even out yet, but why can't I read the next book yet ?😫 I absolutely hate waiting. It's a good thing that I have about a million other books to read to distract me, but seriously, I hate waiting.

I love that this isn't just the normal ghost book, where Ruby can see ghosts. Cordelia is constantly struggling to find different ways to communicate with Ruby, like refrigerator magnets or an Etch-a-Sketch.

The book did a perfect job with the cozy mystery, with nothing feeling rushed. Of course, the author leaves other mysteries left unanswered, so then you are left weeping because there aren't dozens more books published to immediately go read, so you can figure out what is happening.

Definitely a great book and can't wait to read more!!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the free kindle ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a fun murder mystery, perfect for a cozy night's read.
The story is told in two points of view- Ruby (a 20 year old) and Cordelia (40 year old ghost). I enjoyed both points of view immensely. The concept of what it's like to be a ghost is explained in detail and is believable.
I liked how both characters worked together to solve the mystery. They worked in a mutually beneficial way. The development of the friendship, and the care they develop for each other was engaging.
I can't wait for the next of the series to come out!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Olivia Blacke for the advanced ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cordelia Graves navigates the supernatural world with an unexpected twist—she’s dead but still living in her Boston apartment, well maybe not exactly “living”. When a snowstorm blankets the city, chaos ensues, people rushing home, businesses shutting down early, leaving Cordelia to discover a peculiar scene outside her building: Jake Macintyre, her across-the-hall neighbor, lies lifeless in flannel jammies and cozy socks, his phone clutched in his hand. This mysterious death sets the stage for an enthralling investigation; however, police are calling it a simple mugging gone wrong.
Cordelia, although still adjusting to her own ghostly existence, is eager to assist Jake in smoothly transitioning into the afterlife. However, her spectral perspective suffers a setback when a sudden incident leaves her one ghost short. Feeling responsible for the events that transpired, Cordelia is resolved to uncover the mystery surrounding Jake's premature death. Enter Ruby, Cordelia’s vibrant and quirky roommate—a plant-killing whirlwind who takes on tasks that Cordelia cannot handle, such as using computers, questioning the living, and even stepping into Cordelia's old job.
Yet, the duo faces a spectral snag: how can the deceased Cordelia communicate with the very much alive Ruby? As Ruby delves deeper, she discovers that Cordelia is much more complex than she initially believed. Together, Cordelia and Ruby unearth secrets far beyond their expectations – Jake was not merely the pizza-loving, loud-partying neighbor they had assumed. As they try to piece together the puzzle of Jake's murder, time runs thin, and the risk of their investigation grows as cold as that tragic wintery night looms large. Can Cordelia and Ruby bridge the divide between the living and the dead and crack the case, or will they be left in a chilling standstill?
A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke is an enthralling supernatural mystery that masterfully blends the paranormal with a classic whodunit. This novel draws readers in with its intriguing premise and keeps them on the edge of their seat with an unpredictable storyline. This author’s ability to craft a narrative that is both original and engaging is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. The book’s unique approach to storytelling, utilizing multi-perspective narratives from both the living and the dead, adds a refreshing twist to the mystery genre.
The characters in A New Lease on Death are as captivating as the plot itself. Each character is well-developed, with their own distinct personality and motivations, making them unique and memorable. The dynamic between Cordelia, a ghost trying to solve her neighbor’s murder, and Ruby, her living roommate and sleuthing sidekick, is both humorous and entertaining. Humor is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing moments of levity amidst the subtle suspense. Olivia Blacke's wit and clever dialogue offers a delightful contrast to the more suspenseful areas of the novel, ensuring that the pacing remains engaging throughout. The humor not only entertains but also deepens the reader's connection to the characters, making their journey all the more compelling.
Olivia Blacke excels at crafting her "dead" characters, vividly portraying their experiences in the afterlife and the emotions felt by the living regarding their spirits. For instance, the author likens the sensation of air pressure building in an airplane to Ruby's experience of entering a haunted apartment. Additionally, Cordelia's encounter with a living person is compared to the jolt of a jellyfish sting, creating a vivid image in readers' minds of the emotions and physical feelings these characters are experiencing.
Olivia Blacke's descriptivism paints vivid pictures in the reader's mind, allowing them to visualize the setting and characters with ease. Her use of picture-painting language elevates the storytelling, making even the supernatural elements feel both enchanting and believable. The atmospheric descriptions of a snow-covered Boston begins the chilling backdrop to the mystery, enhancing the tension and intrigue that permeate the novel.
The plot is peppered with unexpected twists and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Olivia Blacke expertly weaves these elements into the narrative without overwhelming the reader, striking a perfect balance between surprise and clarity. Her ingenious use of plot devices, such as in medias res and plot coupons, enriches the narrative. This approach makes the story both engaging and thrilling.
The novel culminates in a twist ending that is both satisfying and unexpected. Olivia Blacke's ability to surprise her readers with a conclusion that is both logical and unforeseen is a testament to her narrative skill. A New Lease on Death is a must-read for fans of the supernatural and mystery genres alike offering a ghostly tale that will keep readers spookily enchanted and positively spellbound until the final page is exorcised.

A millennial and a ghost team up to solve the murder of a man neither of them knew well. As the two work together, they must navigate the challenges of communication and cohabitation. Author Olivia Blacke brings a heartwarming tone to this book, despite a pace that drags a touch, in A New Lease on Death.

Cordelia Graves is bored out of her mind. Now that she’s been dead for a while and floated all around her hometown of Boston, Cordelia’s ready for something different. At the very least, she’s ready for some company. She didn’t know being a ghost would be so lonely.

When she finds the body of Jake Macintyre right outside their apartment building, she thinks she’ll be able to help Jake navigate the afterlife and also have some company. Jake, though, doesn’t take so well to being dead and disappears, leaving Cordelia right back where she started. Also, there’s the nagging sensation that something isn’t right about Jake’s death. Maybe the bullet hole in his head has something to do with that.

Not that Cordelia had a close relationship with Jake. They lived across the hall from one another, and occasionally Jake’s parties got a little loud. They never had any problems, but they weren’t exactly best friends either. So why does his dying bother Cordelia so much?

Maybe it’s because Jake died right outside the building on a snowy day without shoes or a jacket and still holding his cell phone. What if the person who killed Jake comes back? Cordelia feels obligated to warn her roommate about the situation. Even if she resents the roommate living in her space.

She supposes it wasn’t Ruby’s fault. After all, when Cordelia died the apartment became available. There was no way the super was going to let the apartment sit vacant.

For Ruby Young, the apartment is the start of her new life. She’s reeling—and running—from heartbreak. Coming to Boston is a way for Ruby to assert her independence. Moving into Cordelia’s apartment, fully furnished with all of Cordelia’s personal items, was a stroke of good luck.

Except ever since Ruby moved in, she’s sensed a presence. When she finds out about Jake’s murder, the presence becomes stronger. Before long, Ruby figures out the presence is Cordelia.

It surprises Ruby how chill she is about living with a ghost, but it also makes sense Cordelia would still be around. With the way Cordelia died—apparently by suicide in the bathroom—it would be hard to let go. But now Cordelia’s determined to help Ruby…what? Solve Jake’s murder? That must be it. They have to solve Jake’s murder together.

Ruby’s trusting heart exasperates Cordelia and endears her to Ruby all at the same time. As the roommates work through the excruciating process of figuring out how to talk to each other and what happened to Jake, they become friends. And the longer Cordelia is friends with Ruby, the more fervently she hopes Ruby doesn’t end up joining her on this side of death.

Olivia Blacke’s deep experience in the craft makes for an immensely enjoyable read. Blacke gives both Ruby and Cordelia the opportunity to share the story in alternating first-person chapters. Some books with more than one first-person POV find it difficult to distinguish between the POV characters. Blacke, however, solidifies Ruby and Cordelia’s personalities early on, making their chapters stand apart from one another.

The book falls squarely in the cozy mystery genre, and Blacke proves with her seasoned writing that a clean book can be just as compelling as one rife with profanity and intimate scenes. This, above many other elements, will most likely draw readers in. Ruby is genuinely sweet without once coming across as saccharine. Cordelia, at times, sounds and behaves much older than the mid- to late-40s age range originally proposed, but her big sister/mama bear instincts toward Ruby later in the novel are relatable and real.

The book’s pacing suffers somewhat from the quiet plot. So many chapters are taken up by character development and the establishment of the relationship between Cordelia and Ruby that the solving of the murder feels a tad quick. However, the murder mystery at the heart of the book doesn’t feel beyond the scope of the story world, a good thing given that so much of the story takes place within Cordelia and Jake’s apartment building.

Those looking for a new fun read in the cozy mystery genre will definitely enjoy this one.

This was definitely different from any cozy I've read before. We start out with a frozen body in front of an apartment building in a not so great area of Boston and that's when we meet Cordelia. Cordelia knows the body as it used to belong to the guy who lived across the hall from her. She's also getting used to having a roommate in her small dingy apartment. The problem is that the roommate, Ruby Young, doesn't know she's really there as Cordelia is actually a ghost.
The book alternates between Ruby and Cordelia's perspective. Ruby is young and optimistic and a bit down on her luck. Even when she was alive Cordelia was a bit of a loner and definitely not what one would describe as upbeat. Together, however, they're an interesting pair as they figure out how to communicate and try to find out just who took out their across the hall neighbor and maybe Cordelia herself.
Since this is a fairly complicated premise there is quite a bit of setup and it takes a bit for things to really get going in the story. This makes for a bit of a slower pacing. However, the characters were well drawn and lots of fun and the premise kept me guessing. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Olivia Blacke has written a darkly humorous supernatural mystery, A New Lease on Death, featuring Ruby Young and Cordelia Graves. Ruby Young has just moved into a fully furnished Boston apartment that comes with noisy neighbors and the ghost of its former owner, Cordelia Graves. When neighbor Jake Macintyre is shot outside their building, Cordelia is determined to bring his killer to justice. Naturally, she needs to find a way to gain the help of Ruby. She can move things, but can’t be heard or seen.

The story has some funny and cute moments, but it also has some real-life struggles such as being away from home and needing a job in addition to the duo trying to solve the murder. The author did a great job on characterization and atmosphere. However, the pacing was somewhat uneven and there is some repetition. Woven into the story are threads of unlikely friendships, murder, relationships, living away from home, and much more.

Overall, this is a fun, charming, and entertaining cozy paranormal mystery and the series has a lot of promise. I’m looking forward to the next book.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Olivia Blacke provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 29, 2024.

I did enjoy this one! It was very quick to read and I'm getting more into cozy mysteries (and always love a ghost!). I am intrigued enough to read the second book, because I really did enjoy the characters, even though the ending felt a bit rushed and I don't usually love an aggressive cliffhanger. I like each book to be fairly self contained, which is the only reason why continuing is only a "probably" because of spite lol.

A cozy mystery with humor, hijinks, and lovable characters. It kept me guessing. The beginning and end were fast paced but the middle dragged a bit. The ending was great and I really hope there's a second book.

If you're looking for a lighter spooky season read this one is perfect. Cordelia and Ruby as roommates and an unlikely amateur sleuth team are adorable and funny. I loved that Cordelia was deceased and needed Ruby's help to solve her neighbour's murder. I absolutely cannot wait to read about these ladies again, and I'm hoping they will star in a sequel. This book is perfect for cozy, paranormal, and mystery fans.