by Ann M. Noser
Series: Under The Blood Moon #1
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Quiet college sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice: “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”. But when cute Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters. Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back. Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell. The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury. As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a young father determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first. More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows. Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims
How to Date Dead Guys by Ann M. Noser intrigued me from the title to the synopsis. A tragic accident, a book of shadows and a young, awkward woman who tries to right a wrong made for a captivating tale. I expected a book filled with paranormal woo-woo and humor, but this tale also offered character growth, and an interesting mystery. Noser weaved in fleshed-out characters and life lessons.
The tale begins when we meet Emma Roberts, a shy sometimes-awkward college sophomore who dresses like a tomboy and blushes when speaking to the opposite sex. She is studious and her roommate is outgoing, a girlie girl who is more interested in boys than textbooks. When she drags Emma along to a frat-party, she meets Mike a fellow sophomore. When a tragic accident occurs, and Mike ends up dead, Emma is blamed. When her roommates’ friend leaves a Book of Shadows behind in their room, Emma decides to bring back the dead. The tale that unfolds is filled with romance, mystery, and life lessons. I found myself lost within the pages of How to Date Dead Guys and quickly consumed this.
The characters are all unique, and the departed we soon learn have unfinished business. Noser’s spin on their return was clever. Emily loves literature and math in fact, books and math make more sense to her then people. It was fun witnessing her personal growth as she befriended these dead guys. She is a natural with the Book of Shadows, yet the reader cannot help feeling uneasy about its power. All of the dead guys’ stories were interesting, and their personalities very different. I ended up caring about each of them. Secondary “living” characters weaved into the tale adding to the mystery and suspense. A local police officer suspects Emma knows more then she is letting on. Her appearance at past victims homes only reinforces his suspicion.
How to Date Dead Guys has a strong storyline from the witchcraft under the Blood Moon, to the overall mystery involving drowning victims. While romantic feelings develop on Emma’s part, this tale focuses on helping the dead guys and the mystery surrounding their deaths. Through it all we see Emma grow, mend fences and find herself. An overall arc develops and the ending hints of things to come. The case regarding our dead guys wraps up in this tale and will satisfy readers. I am anxious to see where Noser takes Emma next.
If you are looking for a paranormal tale that offers a mystery and character growth, you will be delighted with How to Date Dead Guys. Fleshed out characters, suspense, humor and connections made this a blast read.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kacii
This most definitely sounds like a book worth reading. I’m a little skeptical about the witch-and-spells bit though. I’ve never been a huge fan of books like that. I may just take a chance on this one though. I’ll definitely add it to my TBR.
Thanks for sharing!
Kacii
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I love the title of this book! The characters and storyline sound wonderful.
A great review Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun Sharon and unique..I hope you try it.
Lauren H.
I’ve just added this to my reading list!
kimbacaffeinate
Fantastic Lauren..enjoy!
PurpleBook
This does sound interesting, I love witchcraft in my paranormal books, even though I also prefer my books to have a little more romance in it. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
While romance isn’t really strong, there are feelings and I don’t think the tale suffered from the lack of it.
Lupdilup
Another addition to my TBR 🙂 I would have expected just a humorous tale, a light read (soon be a listen, I hope) buy the title, although the cover is more serious for just that, I’m glad that it has a mystery and unique characters, and sounds like something I could enjoy.
Thank you Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It would be cool on audio.
Jessy Jones
Hello! I’ve a question which has nothing to do with your post, I’m afraid. (sorry)
How do you get that blurb box in your post? I can use HTML, if that’s how you do it. (I use blogger, if happens to matter.)
kimbacaffeinate
Hello Jessy. Yes it is html. Under menu on my blog go to “Features & Events” you will find Blogger Tips & Tricks. To make this box read this post: http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2012/08/how-the-heck-did-you-do-that-blogger-tips-and-tricks-1.html
You will see an important message about the quotation marks. When coping the code highlight all quotations marks and replace them using your keyboard. When I moved to WordPress it turned all of them backwards on the post. Good luck!
Jessy Jones
Thanks!! Those seem quite helpful, I’ll have to try it soon on a post.
Michelle
This sounds really good! It sounds like it has a bit more depth than I would have thought. Great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It does, and yet it is highly entertaining 🙂
Dre
At first, I thought this was a zombie dead dead. After reading your review, I feel like Emma is a good main character, and the fact that you cared about the guys that came back to life means that they all left impressions on you. That’s a good sign!
kimbacaffeinate
This was unique. I hope you get to try it.
Teddyree
The title got my attention straight away and character development definitely ticks boxes for me. Another author to look out for 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love the title.
Jessica
This sounds REALLY good. I usually try to avoid books where the MC falls for a ghost (b/c how can that end well), but I see an exception in my future 😉 Thanks for bringing this one to my attention!
kimbacaffeinate
No real romance in this one Jessica..so it’s Go for you 🙂
Christy
Sounds good! Except the blush when talking to the opposite sex thing. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah but we see lot of growth from there and it made sense as you learned about her.
Cyn
I feel like I’d read this book for the title alone, haha. Glad to hear there’s some humour to go with the paranormal woo-woo! Thanks for the review, Kim (:
kimbacaffeinate
it was a well rounded tale Cyn, and that title is catchy!
Paij Slater
Great review. I have had this one on my TBR list for a little bit. I am anxious to read it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Paij and I look forward to your thoughts on it 🙂
Mary
Love the title and the story sounds fun! (The cover, however. No.)
kimbacaffeinate
Not in love with it myself..but the title makes me laugh every time!
Lori
Another book for my TBR, Kimberly you’re trouble for my book budget! I don’t read too much YA or NA but if it’s paranormal I’ll usually give it a chance, great review. Love that title! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was good Lori, and while the characters are NA, it wasn’t anything like the slew of books on the market.
Heidi
this sounds cute and quirky, I think I would totally like this one. Even the title is catchy, right?
kimbacaffeinate
This was cute and refreshing for the NA genre.
A Voracious Reader
Yes! I want this one. lol *puts arm out to push Kimba behind me* Watch out! I’m going to add it. *gingerly puts on shelf, sighs in relief* lol
*psst* No need to return visit. I don’t have anything new up. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
What? Well what if I wanted to visit your blog and leave smiley faces on all of your old posts? Or sign in under different names and leave quotes?
A Voracious Reader
You’d do that, wouldn’t you? LOL
Katherine
This definitely sounds like it has potential. I like books where characters find their footing in life and this sounds like one of those but with a very interesting way of getting there. I’ll definitely have to try this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Katherine, and really all of the characters learn something about themselves.
Kris
I love a good book with witchcraft and intrigue. The title and synopsis look interesting, and your review has me sold on this book. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kris, I enjoyed all of the elements in this tale.
braine
Dating dead guys eh, I should probably try that, maybe that will help me meet quality dudes LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahahaha…you made me spew my drink and almost choke.
blodeuedd
I am not sure…
kimbacaffeinate
It was a good one Linda 🙂
Amber
This book looks interesting, and your review has sold me on it. I’ll definitely give it a try! There isn’t enough mystery in most paranormal novels, so the change should be refreshing.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Amber, I would love to hear your thoughts on it
Debbie Haupt
Oh you’re so right Kimba, great premise. Hmm looks like I’m adding some woo woo to my shelf.
Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
Nothing wrong with adding a little paranormal woo-woo to the mix 🙂
Siiri
This cover gives me all sorts of Witches of East End and Charmed vibes 😀 Emma Roberts. LOL. Like that actress? Heh. I’m glad you enjoyed the mystery and everything else. Seems like it was filled with awesome characters and I’m glad the secondaries added to the already awesome read 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I know exactly who you mean Siiri. This was a good one, and I am looking forward to the next one
Melliane
I like the idea of bringing the dead back. It’s always a topic interesting. I didn’t know this one but it sounds nice, and the characters are a little different. thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Melliane this was a cool read 🙂
Rita
What a a title, made me laugh out loud. However your review shows it is not just the run of the mill paranormal…it actually has a decent character growth in it. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
It was well developed, and the title makes me giggle.
Jenea
I saw this one and was curious about it because it sounded really good. I’m convinced that I need to read it now! Awesome review.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, enjoy Jenea!
Stephanie
I love a book with witchcraft and this sounds like a promising read. I love the title.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to read it Stephanie, and yes the title is awesome
Candace
I would have thought by that title that this would be a more humor based story. But it sounds like it actually has depth and stuff. I hadn’t heard of it before but it sounds pretty good!
kimbacaffeinate
It has some humor, and I certainly laughed aloud but it has a good mystery thread and coming of age thing going on.
Stephanie Faris
I love the title on this one. Definitely attention-getting!
kimbacaffeinate
The title makes me giggle every time 🙂
Rashika
This sounds so good, Kimba! 😀 I love that if there is a romance it doesn’t seem to be the focus of the book and it focuses more on character development and the plot than it does on anything else! 🙂
Lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Nope some feelings swirling around.
kindlemom1
I am glad you enjoyed this Kim, I really did too and it surprised me how original it really was.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, it was more then what I was expected.
brandileigh2003
The life lessons sounds great especially when you were not expecting that sort of depth
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi I had fun reading this one 🙂
Carrie
Oh this does sound really good. Great review too. I’m going to keep an eye out for it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Carrie, I hope you get to read it
Nick
Well, that is definitely an attention-grabbing title, Kim! I like that this is a paranormal with NA characters. It definitely looks like an interesting read and I’m curious about these dead guys!
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Nick and the characters were likeable..win!
Livia
Sounds so, so good, and like the very promising start to what might be a fabulous series! I’m feeling with witchy vibe this summer, lol, so it’s definitely going on my wishlist 😀
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I have had the same vibe myself Livia
Ann M. Noser
Thanks for the great review!
So glad you enjoyed it!
I’m polishing book two of the series, so hopefully it won’t be too long between release dates. 🙂
Have a fun day-Ann Noser
kimbacaffeinate
Wonderful Ann, I am looking forward to it
Jennifer Bielman
This does sound interesting. Definitely an interesting premise.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, thanks Jennifer
kim { Book Swoon }
How to Date Dead Guys sounds like a nice mix of coming of age, spooky witchcraft, and great secondary characters! I like the fact that the departed characters were all unique, and each had unfinished business that needed to be taken care of. Eeek, imagine all those guys/departed following you around. Glad you enjoyed this one, Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Kim, it was refreshing to read a paranormal tale with a mystery in the NA genre