Review By: Tami Rigling
Publisher/Year: Baywolf, 2020
Series: Ghost Detective #1
Genre(s): Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Content Warnings: Death, murder, and paranormal themes; clean content and not frightening
Reviewer’s Note: “I picked it because I was looking for a light, quirky, paranormal type book that fit the October/Halloween theme.”
Goodreads Link: Ghost Mortem
Summary:
Audrey Fitzgerald’s life takes a wild turn when the ghost of her best friend suddenly appears in her apartment, claiming he was murdered and needs her help to solve the mystery. With the reluctant assistance of a charming detective and a snarky talking cat, Audrey dives into a supernatural investigation filled with humor, chaos, and ghostly surprises.
Review:
Ghost Mortem offers a humorous, lighthearted take on the paranormal cozy mystery genre. Audrey’s clumsy charm and the quirky supporting cast make for an entertaining setup, but the story feels forced at times and ends abruptly, leaving major threads unresolved. While the humor and tone are engaging, the pacing and conclusion may frustrate readers seeking a standalone story. Clean content and mild suspense make it suitable for older teens who enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.
The key themes explored are the acceptance of the supernatural within the mundane and found family. Audrey’s struggle with her own awkwardness ties into a strong theme of self-acceptance. The story operates successfully within the “cozy” genre convention by minimizing explicit violence and focusing on the community solving a mystery.
The book likely features a vibrant, slightly spooky cover that would certainly appeal to the target audience. The cover is the primary draw, suggesting fun and light horror. Inside, the content is clean and mild, and the text is broken up by simple chapter-head illustrations (such as a stylized ghost icon or a teacup) that enhance the cozy, quirky atmosphere without distracting from the narrative flow.
The book would likely be picked up by older teens due to its engaging title and cover, especially those looking for a bridge between YA fantasy and adult cozy fiction. For the classroom, Ghost Mortem serves as a strong example for students studying genre conventions, particularly the balance of mystery and comedy in “cozy” fiction, or how an author manages narrative pacing.
An excellent activity would be to hold a “Write an Alternate Ending” contest, focusing on resolving the threads left loose by the abrupt conclusion, or organizing a “Paranormal Cozy Costume Day.” While the title itself is broadly themed, the novel successfully incorporates characters from diverse backgrounds in its supporting cast, subtly promoting inclusivity. The author is known for their similarly themed works, such as The Spectral Supper Club and Teatime with a Wraith, which maintain the same engaging blend of humor and haunting.
