In her latest novel, Olivia Blacke introduces readers to an unconventional crime-solving duo: a ghost and her very-much-alive roommate. Set against the backdrop of a gritty Boston neighborhood, “A New Lease on Death” marks the beginning of what promises to be an engaging supernatural mystery series.
The Plot
Ruby Young, a twenty-something optimist seeking a fresh start in Boston, moves into an apartment that comes with an unexpected tenant—the ghost of its former occupant, Cordelia Graves. While the two struggle to adapt to their unusual living arrangement, their neighbor Jake Macintyre is murdered outside their building. What initially appears to be a mugging gone wrong evolves into something far more complex, forcing the unlikely pair to work together to uncover the truth.
Character Development
Blacke excels at crafting multidimensional characters who feel authentic despite the supernatural elements of the story. Ruby’s relentless optimism and chatty nature perfectly contrast with Cordelia’s more reserved, cynical personality. Their relationship evolves organically from initial antagonism to genuine friendship, providing the emotional core of the narrative.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the mysterious Shannon to the troubled Markie, each character contributing meaningfully to the story’s progression. Even minor characters like Milly, the nosy neighbor, and Sean the bartender, feel fully realized.
Strengths
- Unique Premise: The concept of a ghost and living person solving crimes together isn’t entirely new, but Blacke’s execution feels fresh and original.
- Humor: The author masterfully balances dark themes with light moments, never letting the story become too heavy or too frivolous.
- World-Building: The Boston setting is vividly realized, with the author’s attention to detail bringing the neighborhood to life.
- Ghost Physics: The rules governing Cordelia’s ghostly existence are well-thought-out and consistently applied.
Areas for Improvement
- Some readers might find the pacing in the middle section slightly slow
- A few plot threads feel underdeveloped, particularly regarding Cordelia’s brother
- The resolution of certain subplots could have been more thoroughly explored
- Some secondary characters could have been more fully utilized
Writing Style
Blacke’s prose is engaging and accessible, with a natural flow that keeps pages turning. Her dialogue sparkles with authenticity, particularly in Ruby’s interactions with various characters. The author demonstrates skill in switching between perspectives, maintaining distinct voices for both Ruby and Cordelia.
Themes
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- Friendship and trust
- The nature of justice
- Domestic abuse and its impact
- The power of second chances
- The importance of found family
Technical Elements
The mystery itself is well-constructed, with clues and red herrings carefully placed throughout the narrative. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the story, never feeling forced or gimmicky. The author’s handling of the physical limitations and abilities of a ghost adds both humor and tension to the story.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Paranormal mysteries
- Cozy mysteries with an edge
- Female-driven narratives
- Stories with strong friendship themes
- Urban fantasy elements
Comparative Works
Fans of Charlaine Harris’s “Grave” series or Victoria Laurie’s “Ghost Hunter Mysteries” will find familiar elements to enjoy, though Blacke brings her own unique voice to the genre. The book also shares some DNA with more traditional mystery series like Sue Grafton’s alphabet mysteries, albeit with a supernatural twist.
Impact and Relevance
Beyond its entertainment value, “A New Lease on Death” tackles serious issues like domestic violence and mental health with sensitivity and nuance. The author manages to address these topics without losing the overall light tone of the series.
Series Potential
As the first book in a new series, “A New Lease on Death” successfully establishes a foundation for future installments while telling a complete, satisfying story. The world-building and character development leave plenty of room for expansion in subsequent books.
Final Verdict
“A New Lease on Death” is a strong series opener that successfully blends genres while maintaining its own unique identity. Despite some minor pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots, the strong character work, engaging mystery, and clever supernatural elements make this a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal mysteries.
Recommendations for Readers
This book is particularly recommended for:
- Mystery readers looking for something different
- Fans of supernatural fiction who appreciate humor
- Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists
- Those who like their cozies with a bit more edge
Author Background
Olivia Blacke is also known for her Brooklyn Murder Mysteries and Record Shop Mysteries series. “A New Lease on Death” represents a successful venture into supernatural territory while maintaining her trademark humor and strong character development.
Conclusion
“A New Lease on Death” is a promising start to what could be a compelling series. While there’s room for improvement in some areas, the strong central relationship between Ruby and Cordelia, combined with solid mystery plotting and meaningful themes, makes this an engaging read. The book successfully sets up future installments while delivering a satisfying standalone story.
The novel proves that there’s still room for innovation in the crowded paranormal mystery genre, particularly when handled with the kind of skill and sensitivity Blacke brings to her work. Readers looking for a fresh take on both ghost stories and murder mysteries will find much to enjoy here.