This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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RUBY
Ruby is a young twentysomething-ish woman*, new to Boston, having moved there following a bad breakup. She's left the comforts of home and family to start again and prove to herself (and probably her ex) that she can do it on her own. She's generally optimistic, talks to herself, is a bit overwhelmed with everything but she still has a cheerful personality—which is reflected in everything from the way she dresses to the way she looks at life. Despite Winter in Boston, which really isn't treating her well, that is.

* Just before scheduling this post, I remembered that Ruby can't spend time in bars. So, she's a really young twentysomething-ish. I could probably look it up, but that's good enough.

She's jobless, but looking, and is getting close to the desperation point. But she's not going to quit until she has to.

She shares her apartment with a woman who is very different than her, and their communication...well, it's lousy. And not just because Ruby's killed all but one of her houseplants.

CORDELIA
Cordelia is noticeably older. Not truly grumpy, but optimistic and bubbly are definitely not things she's been called (or would want to be called). She's maybe not a huge success, but she does well enough that she's not worried about money or comfort (there's more to it than that, but I'll let you read it for yourself). She likes to stay home in the evenings and read.

And drink. And drink some more. I don't know if she's technically an alcoholic (a functional one, for what it's worth) or if she's just a heavy drinker. It's probably an academic question, really.

Cordelia doesn't have much of a social life, she gets along with her coworkers—none of whom know that up until recently she'd been having an extended affair with their very married boss.

She doesn't understand Ruby's optimism, her approach to life/job hunting, resents what she's doing to her houseplants, and just doesn't know how to get through to her at all.

A large part of that stems from the fact that Cordelia was found dead a few months ago, and is now a ghost who likes staying in her former apartment while she gets a handle on the whole afterlife thing. Ruby, is (I should've said earlier, but I just assume it) very much alive and was more than happy to move into an already furnished apartment.

WHAT'S A NEW LEASE ON DEATH ABOUT?
The book opens with Cordelia trying to talk the brand-new ghost of their neighbor through the opening minutes of his afterlife. He'd been murdered just outside their building and he is not taking the whole experience very well.

In one of the early attempts at actual communication between the roomies, Ruby gets the idea that Cordelia is trying to tell her they should investigate the murder like someone on one of the True Crime podcasts she's a huge fan of. Cordelia was actually trying to keep Ruby as far as she could from all that, and seemed more than ready to accept the police's rushed theories.

Before you know it, these two had become much more than people...entities?...sharing an apartment, they were a semi-functional team on the hunt for a killer.

THE GHOSTLY BRASS TACKS
This isn't a book steeped in magic, supernatural creatures, and other things common in Urban Fantasy or even other supernatural mysteries I've talked about here. The Supernatural (at least in this book) is limited to ghosts who linger around—and not many do. We're not really told why, but Cordelia has a theory.

It's not easy to help someone when you're incorporeal, invisible, and unable to make yourself heard. It's also hard to "lean on" or assist someone if you're not all that sure is actually around, or off doing their own thing.

And honestly, that's just the beginning of their problems.

Blacke paints a picture of Claudia's reality, her state, her learning curve, and her abilities to interact with the physical world and people in a way that absolutely makes sense, is consistent, well thought-out, and believable. It's truly impressive—and darn entertaining—to watch Claudia try to be Ruby's partner through all this.

It's strong to say there's a relationship between these two, but there is.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT A NEW LEASE ON DEATH?
In brief—this is everything I hoped it would be (well, I wanted a few more jokes, but I got over that). I bought in right away to everything—Blacke made that really easy—and both the plot and characters kept me fully engaged. I was faster than the pair on a thing or two (nothing applicable to this case, but what appears to be the next one), but didn't get to the solution to the mystery until about the same time as Ruby and Cordelia.

It's both a fun and well-executed novel and a solid introduction to a world and series (it's at least a duology, I just don't know how many books Blacke/Minotaur Books have in mind). There's not a huge cast of characters that we can expect to see again—but there are some. We'll see some of Ruby's coworkers, I'm sure (eep—minor spoiler, she finds some kind of job); there are some figures we'll see from the apartment building; and there's one ghost I expect Cordelia to learn a bit more from. But it's essentially a cast of two—and that's more than enough to fuel this book and series.

In a step in a new direction for Blacke, this isn't a cozy mystery—or so Blacke's website says. And it's true, I suppose—largely depending on how strictly you define "cozy." But almost every cozy reader will embrace the storytelling. Blacke's fans, in particular, will be fine with this after a little adjustment, and will likely embrace it without much trouble.

It's not as lighthearted, warm, fuzzy, and pun-filled as The Record Shop Mysteries were. There's little in here that's outright funny—although you'll smile most of the time, and the book is rarely dark. Tonally, it's close to Darynda Jones' mysteries, Janet Evanovich, and Lee Goldberg's Eve Ronin (although all of those contain more jokes).

What Blacke carries over from the Record Shop Mysteries is her charm. You will like these two women right away. You'll look for signs of friendship, camaraderie, and understanding between the two—and be pleased when you find them (and when you don't have to look anymore).

This is the fourth book by Blacke that I've read, and it's the fourth book of hers that I enjoyed. But she's displaying a greater skill when it comes to writing, plotting, and character here than she has before. I think that's a function of subject/subgenre rather than skill or anything. I've liked her books before, but this impressed me in a way the others haven't. I don't think it's me comparing the two series—because I honestly want her to circle back soon to the environs of Sip & Spin Records (as little as I expect it). It's just this is a better canvas for her to display more of her talent.

If you've tried her earlier material, you'll see what I mean. If you haven't, just realize I was dancing around a point—and maybe landed near it.

Regardless—this is a fun odd couple/buddy cop outing featuring amateur sleuths (so, yeah "buddy cop" isn't technically right, but you know what I'm saying) with a side order of supernatural woowoo. The solution to the mystery is satisfying and fitting—and the conclusion of the novel launches into the next novel/series. What's not to like? Very little. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next volume. I feel like there's something I'm not saying, but I can't figure out what it is. So I'll just leave it at this point.

I'm looking forward to the next book, I expect almost everyone who reads A New Lease on Death will find themselves in the same boat. And I really hope many people come aboard—like you. Yes, you. Pick this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

"A New Lease on Death" was such a fun read. Olivia Blacke created such an awesome little world with Ruby and Cordelia.

This was a blast to read and I could not put it down. I found myself very entrenched with the story as Ruby tried to navigate solving a murder with the help of a ghost sidekick in Cordelia. I love ghost stories and this was such a humorous take.

I am really looking forward to more books by Olivia Blacke now.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for selecting me for the ARC.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…I love this character driven type of story which is a seamless blend of mystery, humor, and the supernatural…

When down on her luck Ruby Young moves into a seemingly ordinary Boston apartment, not only was it fully furnished but she soon discovers it comes with a rather unusual roommate: a ghost named Cordelia. Cordelia, the former tenant died in the apartment months prior to Ruby moving in and is still lingering. The two could not be more unalike and Cordelia is a little irked with Ruby’s treatment of her belongings often letting her know in the only way she can, by moving things around. When the kind yet womanizing neighbour Jake across the hall is found dead, shot between the eyes, together the unlikely pair embark on a mission to solve the murder of their neighbor.

I love this character driven type of story which is a seamless blend of mystery, humor, and the supernatural. While the mystery plot is quirky and fun, I really love the character development of Ruby and Cordelia. Their unique dynamic and evolving friendship are really make the story for me. I really enjoyed A New Lease on Death and would highly recommend it.

So much fun and a good mystery to boot. Really witty writing. "the beer was cold and who really cared if your shoes stuck to the floor? It was a dive bar, not a hospital." "Yes, my building had an elevator, but the last time it worked, Cyndi Lauper had a number one song on the charts. " The story ended with some unanswered questions but the acknowledgements alluded to a sequel. I love Ruby and Claudia together and so look forward to future adventures. Plus Harp is still a mystery.

This author is new to me and I definitely enjoyed this book. I felt the plot was well written, the details were interesting, and I really liked the characters! I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great job. The only thing I didn't like is the way the book ended ... it is almost like a cliffhanger. Although the main mystery for this story is solved the book ended with a strong possibility of another mystery needing to be solved (& I felt little 'clues' throughout the book that had me wondering about a possible 2nd book). Overall, a good story that kept me engaged until the end!

A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke is a quirky and fun read that shows death isn’t the end—at least not for Ruby Young and her ghostly roommate, Cordelia. Ruby moves into a Boston apartment that has all the usual city problems, plus a dead body on the sidewalk and, oh yeah, a ghost hanging around. When their neighbor Jake is killed in what looks like a mugging, Cordelia insists they dig into it, and Ruby finds herself dragged into the mystery.

This book has its fair share of cute and funny moments, but it also touches on real-life struggles like feeling homesick and searching for a job. Blacke really nails the characterization and sets up a great atmosphere, which makes the characters feel relatable. That said, the pacing was a bit uneven, and there were moments that felt a little repetitive.

Ultimately, the story blends themes of unexpected friendships, murder, and the ups and downs of living away from home. Overall, it’s a charming and entertaining cozy paranormal mystery, and since it ended on a cliffhanger, I'm curious to see what happens next.

When a great Books, it was a very well written.. There are so many twisting terms in that Murder mystery. It kept me guessing right to the end. Ruby moved into this apartment where I The woman was found dead. She's like.
An investigator reporter and she tied it all together Jack j The next door neighborhood who's murdered. The dead woman showed up as a ghost and ruby used to talk to her. I can read this book.You'll find out how all this time together.

A New Lease on Death brings a fresh twist to a murder mystery. A 20-somthing looking for a fresh start, and a mid-40s ghost teaming up to solve a murder is something I've never experienced before, but can't wait to continue. Blacke lays out the story perfectly, comedy and tragedy balancing each other out in just the right way. The novel ends (spoiler) on a cliff hanger, but I've never been happier to be left in suspense. The sequel can't come soon enough!

Ruby Young and Cordelia Graves are the best duo! Cordelia is a ghost and she’s “living” in Ruby’s apartment. They team up to solve the murder of a another neighbor.
This was a fast paced, fun book. I loved the way they connected with each other. I hope book two comes out soon! Many thanks to the author, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

3.5 star
I liked seeing the witty female in a funny murder mystery. This a cozy mystery you'll love to curl up and read.

The multiple POVs help add depth to the story. It gives us a fun and cute aspect but also so real life issues and struggles people may run into for us to relate.

There are some choppy moments and repetition but still overall an enjoyable read.

A mystery becomes cozy when it becomes entertaining as well as mysterious. This one is cozy from page 1. A new series that Olivia Blacke has given an unusual plot line while building a community and cast of characters that are a little on the unusual side too. When Ruby finds a deal on a rental apartment that is fully furnished.....like fully everything is furnished......she figures ther's a story but she's desperate and takes it. Cordelia, the former renter is now just former, but her ghost is sticking to the place she knows best. And so starts the story of unlikely roommates who team up to solve a neighbor's murder as they learn to share a space. It's going to be fun to see how Ruby and Cordelia use their new found friendship to keep their circle safe. Loved every page!!!

Ruby has had some spooky things happen to her since moving into her new apartment. She finds out that her neighbor, Jake, was recently killed in a mobbing. Along with that, she comes to find out that she is being “haunted” by the former tenant of the apartment Cordelia. After finding out she shouldn’t be spooked by Cordelia, Ruby find that she might be just the upper hand she needs to help find out what exactly happened to Jake. Will this duo be of great success in avenging Jake’s murder, or will the spooky vibes of being haunted in her apartment return!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Olivia Blacke’s “A New Lease on Death” is a darkly humorous supernatural mystery that introduces readers to an unconventional crime-solving duo. Set in a quirky Boston apartment, the story follows Ruby Young and her ghostly roommate, Cordelia Graves, as they navigate the challenges of city life and the afterlife.
The pacing is brisk, keeping readers engaged as Ruby and Cordelia form an unlikely partnership. The dynamic between the living and the dead adds a unique twist to the classic whodunit, making the investigation both entertaining and suspenseful.
Ruby and Cordelia are a fantastic duo. Ruby’s youthful energy and Cordelia’s old-world charm create a perfect balance. Their evolving friendship is heartwarming and adds depth to the narrative.
At its core, “A New Lease on Death” is about friendship and perseverance. It explores how two very different individuals can come together to overcome obstacles and seek justice.
It’s a perfect pick for a weekend read, offering a delightful escape into a world where the living and the dead must work together to uncover the truth.
I certainly hope there is a sequel!!!

I really enjoyed the entire concept of this mystery - a ghost and her “roommate” work together to solve the murder of a neighbour. Written with smart dialogue, A New Lease on Death has a great pace and interesting characters.

Ruby is heartbroken, moved to a new town, got a new apartment, trying to find a new job. She is hopeful, but also missing home. But what Ruby doesn’t know is that she moved into an apartment where a woman, Cordelia died, and to make matters even weirder, her ghost is around. I had this CRAZY feeling I was going to love this book, because the first chapter made me laugh so much, even though something tragic, and Cordelia was EVERYTHING. How are these two women going to communicate throughout the whole book??? And now Ruby has this itch to solve a case of a dead neighbor, but then again what REALLY happened to Cordelia??? This is labeled as book 1, I need Book 2 to launch TOMORROW! Because that ending gave me FUEL, I need more of Cordelia and Ruby.

The author did paranormal perfectly. She wrote the story as if ghosts were a natural thing, and it completely hooked me. The writing was strong, the plot was enjoyable, and the two leads, Ruby and Cordelia were so much fun and rather interesting, as they learned to co-exist with each other. Perfect ending as I was saying that myself, happy the author went there. This was a new author for me, and I’m a huge fan after finishing this book.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.

Happy Publication Day
We meet two roommates that meet under really different circumstances so when their neighbor end up dead they get together to solve the murder but the twist in this case is one of them is a ghost. The way they end up taking to each other is sometimes comical.
This is a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist that’s a perfect read for this time of year. Thank you @netgalley

The blurb for this one really pulled me in, but unfortunately it ended up not really being my cup of tea. The premise was interesting; a 20 year old Ruby moves into a new apartment that happens to be haunted by the previous occupant, Cordelia. When her neighbour is murdered and no one seems interested in investigating, Ruby and Cordelia team up to solve the mystery.

Unfortunately in execution this fell flat for me. It was marked as “darkly funny” but the joking parts were strained. Ruby also is very much the quirky “dream girl” character, described as cute and perky, always wearing cringey shirts with “funny” taglines. She also is very naive (which as a young woman living alone in a shady neighborhood of Boston… I’m not buying). Cordelia is snarky and judgemental, and while she warms up to Ruby by the end of the book it felt very offputting. The plot is slow moving, so without any connection to the main characters I wasn’t particularly invested in the story.

But just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you! It has an interesting premise and is evidentially set up to become an ongoing mystery series!

There’s a new paranormal cozy mystery series to watch out for! A New Lease on Death is a fun and kooky whodunnit that is an absolute delight to read! Cordelia, the resident ghost, and Ruby, a perky Gen-Z, formed an unlikely duo in solving their neighbor Jake’s murder. I always love reading about found family stories. What is unique in this series is that Ruby is unable to see or hear Cordelia’s ghost, hence communication is a real challenge! You have to read the book to find out how they managed to solve the murder mystery despite this issue! Thank you @Minotaur_Books for providing my ARC. It sure is the perfect fall read! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!

I have been on a cozy murder mystery kick so when I saw this book I had to read it immediately.
I think the mystery aspect of the book was really well done and fully captivating. The stakes weren't too high of course but it was still and easy and exciting read. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Cordelia and Ruby as they work together and solve a murder of Rubys new next door neighbor.

Dark and quirky and an oddly funny supernatural story.
Perfect book for spooky season

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.