Queen of the Dead is a standalone urban fantasy novel written by Sarah Broadway, published by Angry Robot Books. A fast-paced proposal that blends cozy-small town charm with supernatural chaos, featuring an unlikely heroine that just wants to mind her own business, a dash of romance and a bit of spooky vibes to deliver a round story.

Lou is trying to carve a normal life for herself, despite being able to see and speak to ghosts; her nice routine starts to break when a ghost delivers a cryptic message to her and a cult of necromancers infiltrates her small town, Magnolia Grove. She will be forced to fight against them and to find unlikely allies for it, including the romantic interest of Steve, a policeman that doesn't seem afraid of the dark, but with his own set of secrets; Lou will need to accept her abilities if she wants to save the city.

I was gladly surprised by Lou as the main character: she's not a heroine, she wants to mind her own life, but her abilities seem to have different plans for her; she's a fish outside the water trying to navigate this world of necromancers, powers and secrets. The group that she ends working with gives all the vibes of a found family, which was one of the best aspects of the book; however, I found the romance to be too rushed, especially as it starts as an instalove.

In terms of plot, the story leans more into the paranormal side, a bit spooky at some points but never frightening; there's space for humour and jokes, and the romance also helps alleviate the tension. It is really fast-paced, which makes this book compulsively readable, a novel that you devour in few sessions.

Queen of the Dead is a solid debut novel, a fast-paced urban fantasy novel perfect if you are looking for Supernatural vibes and an almost cozy story. A debut novel that makes me want to read more books by Sarah Broadway!