I am surprised and a bit dismayed this book doesn't get enough exposure from other readers because this is a decent book. Well crafted paranormal romance with murder mystery that happened almost a century ago, but it wasn't creepy enough to make me quit it altogether (paranormal anything wasn't my forte usually), it had enough twist and turn that kept me intrigued, mixed with humor whenever there's a scene from Clara's boisterous friends, not to mentioned the cutest dog ever, how could anyone miss it? I do admit the first two chapter kind of slowed me down but once I move past it it was smooth sailing.

Five paws up for Elle E Ire’s Speak EZ!! This sapphic-ghost-romance-time hop is complete with an old speakeasy and the cutest little dog who bridges the 1920s with the current day. One of the things I liked most about the paranormal aspect of this book was that it leaned into spooky vs. terrifying. I was intrigued by the spookiness and more than willing to follow the modern-day protagonist Ciara into the search for answers from the past. Ciara and her four friends dig into the speakeasy’s 1920’s history and learn it was owned by Mickey who was murdered. As the mystery of her death unravels, Ciara and her friends learn that everyone has a secret and sometimes secrets refuse to be buried. This novel is a delight to read!

Loved the supernatural aspect of the book. it had a great balance of being a bit creepy and romantic at the same time. The time jumps were a bit confusing (not the chapters but the time jumps within the chapters) but once I "got it" it was much easier to follow. I read it in two evenings because I could not put it down.

Speak EZ by Elle E. Ire is a most enjoyable read. I found it difficult to put down. This story has it all – romance, mystery, ghosts, and a dog. What more could one ask for? The characters are believable and engaging. Being an animal lover, I particularly like EZ. Of course, now I expect a book with a more feline focus.

SPEAK EZ by Elle E. Ire was exactly what I needed yesterday as I tried not to focus on an horrific event over which I had absolutely no control.

TL;DR: you want it if you, too, could use a sapphic ghostie-timeslip romance with a theatrical setting, an awesome dog, emerging friendships, and a whole lot of 1920s style.

Despite the book’s romance status, the main lead doesn’t meet her ghostly love interest until about a third of the way in. Until then, the focus rests on how, after a lifetime of moving around, Ciara settles into what she hopes will be her forever job and deepens her bonds with her new work friends while they explore their theatrical workplace, figure out the logistics of ghosts, and solve a century-old murder.

It’s great stuff. The old theatre’s fascinating. The friendships ring true. The mystery unfolds at a good pace. Once the romance kicks in, it develops in line with everything Ire has already laid in place. The ghost-rules push the plot in interesting directions. The dog is a delight.

Definitely recommended. You want to look for SPEAK EZ when it drops on December 3rd.

Like one of my fave series, Nearly Departed, the premise for this book had me hook, line, and sinker as soon as I read “mostly dead.” (Homage to The Princess Bride?) We meet Mickey from 1923, dead … mostly. And her beloved dog EZ, status is “complicated” and Ciara, very alive in the present. The mystery begins with our pup as he bridges the connection between here and there. It then takes on exciting shapes and people manage to interact and address each other across time and worlds. I cannot get too much into the mystery aspect because spoilers!! But Ire expertly leads us around by the nose to each possible “room” in the whodunnit and what are we gonna do about it. I devoured it with great appreciation. If it were possible, I’d give it both paws up.