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Bree and her ghostly men are back for another spooky adventure in Ghoul As a Cucumber , book 3 of this darkly humorous cozy fantasy series by bestselling author Steffanie Holmes.

If you love a sarcastic heroine, hot, possessive and slightly unhinged ghostly men, a mystery to solve, and a little kooky, spooky lovin� to set your coffin a rockin�, then quit ghouling around and start reading!

402 pages, ebook

Published November 30, 2023

529 people are currently reading
831 people want to read

About the author

Steffanie Holmes

115books1,243followers
Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: . She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list!

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5 stars
619 (45%)
4 stars
497 (36%)
3 stars
202 (15%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Annette.
3,612 reviews170 followers
December 14, 2023
Steffanie Holmes has quickly become one of my favorite authors of all time. I have a few more books of her Reverse Harem backlist to catch up with and then I read every Reverse Harem book she wrote. My favorite series, without a doubt, is the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries. I was therefore really excited that this series got a spin-off and even more excited when I discovered I absolutely loved the first two books. I was therefore happy I could grab an arc from BookSprout to continue the series.

In a way this series feels like the love baby of the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries and Briarwood Witches. Although each and every book has its own murder mystery, surprisingly enough there is even one in this book despite all the chaos and the brutal cliffhanger of the previous book, there is also a really exciting bigger plot and it's clear that the enemies our heroes are facing are only getting scarier and scarier.

So, since Bree is now dealing with trying to bring all her boyfriends back to life, a revived serial killer determined to kill her and her parents all of a sudden returning home there is a lot going on in this book. Especially since the author is adding some more challenges and twists and turns along the way. However, it never feels like the story gets out of control. It's clear the author knows what she's doing and where she's going and that everything is in there because of a reason.

And in between all the chaos, the action, the mystery solving and of course the smut there is also time for some really nice character growth. Bree is discovering what's truly important and what's truly worth fighting for. Pax is trying to find out if he can still fit into this world, Ambrose is discovering that maybe he's a lot more inspiring than he thought and Edward is confronted with his fears and insecurities.

I can't wait to dive into the final book in the series!
Profile Image for Alyson Walton.
863 reviews22 followers
September 22, 2024
What was that cliffhanger, Ms Holmes? I beg your pudding, I was not quite prepared for that?

Another fantastic jaunt with Bree and her ghosties (and ex ghosties) whilst trying to discover the secrets of her Ressurection power.

This authors work is fast becoming a favourite with me. I love her references to popular culture and literature laced through the books, and I think we may share the same sense of humour!

Let's face it, I'm going to start the next in the series straight away.
Profile Image for Felicia Seay.
386 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2025
A Fantastic Read

As book three in the series, you should know up front that none of the books in this series read well as a standalone story. You won't fully understand what is going on and why, unless you read them all in order. That being said, this is a fantastic continuation of the story. The wow factor really picks up in this story. It's both thrilling and hilarious. It's an absolute MUST READ story for fans of Paranormal and Supernatural Romance, as well as Murder and Crime Mysteries, Magic and Fantasy Fiction.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,736 reviews58 followers
January 16, 2024
I can't tell you how much I'm loving reading this series! After how book 2 ended Bree (FMC) and guys - Pax, Ambrose & Edward are looking for answers. Mainly to who the order of Noble Death are, what exactly Bree can do with her powers and how to help her ghosts. As usual all of that takes them on a comedic caper that had me cracking up laughing throughout this book. My word that cliff-hanger ending was a goody and I'm dying to get my hands on the final book now. A brilliant read.
Profile Image for Noxwitchbooklife.
841 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2023
A trip to London and some new ghosts to meet to solve this books mystery quest.

The hangover from the last books events with it's cliffhanger gets happily resolved as well as some more supernatural events coming out from this.

Full of plenty of amusing quips as well as scenes that have all the feels it was a very entertaining read.
Profile Image for Zara.
27 reviews
May 20, 2025
Thank fucking god that is over. No desire to read this at all. This was so shit?
Profile Image for Imee Benzon.
487 reviews20 followers
May 4, 2024
***FANTASTIC READ***

I loved Steffanie Holmes spooky copy fantasy with spice stories. Their well written, and their hilarious. Makes me giggles all over the place ☺️
720 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2024
Fun series

I am officially bingeing this entire series. I can't stop despite my book club book languishing on my night stand.

The series is full of quirky, loveable characters who are surprising at times. This series is fun to read.
Profile Image for Hannah Leaker.
142 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Ghoul as a Cucumber:
4.5/5 🌟

This has been my favorite book of the series so far. I'm so glad that Bree finally gets more answers about her magic, more than just knowing there are others who can see ghosts and that she's a Lazarus, but she finally connects with a non-evil priest who goes over all of her magical spooky ghost knowledge, as well as shows her some things she had yet to learn.

I'm also happy that her parents are finally home! I was starting to feel some sort of weird second hand homesickness you feel when you don't see your parents and you miss them horribly, despite being a fully grown adult. I am not, however, thrilled that they are attempting to sell the manor. Thank goodness her 3 boyfriends have been helping avoid a sale thus far, and I'm hoping in the next book they sell some of Edward's fancy wine to buy the manor themselves.

I'm also happy that Alice now knows that Brianna truly can see and communicate with ghosts, and now she can worry slightly less about her little secret.

I truly hope that Brianna and Edward make it out of the wine cellar. I'm hoping Pax comes in, Roman "Guns" Blazing, and kicks Jack the Ripper's non-corporeal evil ass. I hope they do find some way to banish him for good and find a more permanent solution to protect them all from the Order of Evil Clergy Men (I can't remember the actual name, but if you know, you know).

Also, side note. I personally think Pax is my favorite of her 3 boyfriends. Ambrose, to me, though he's sweet and smart and well traveled is too well mannered and therefore boring (again, just my personal opinion). I really like Ambrose, just not as a main love interest. And I really enjoy Edward as well. He's funny and haunted (haha, get it?). He's sarcastic and a bit of a dick when he wants to be. But, his melodrama does get under my skin just a wee bit. Therefore, Pax, the golden retriever ancient Roman Centurion is my obvious favorite. When he says he would do anything for her, he means it. He would kill himself, castrate himself, kiss Edward, wear yoga pants, I mean and the list just goes on. He's the best, and I will accept no notes on this opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brooke.
831 reviews42 followers
August 2, 2024
I immediately ran to this book and was completely shocked over and over again. This author knows how to pack a punch when it comes to not only these characters but the events that involve them.

The name of this book gave me some giggles and couldn't have been more on brand. There were times when I was surprised, confused, trying to figure out things along with everyone while also being jealous of her and these sexy men she is surrounded by! You can't help but wonder what it is like to be constantly surrounded by these three.

I loved being able to see Bree grow into her magic and explore more in her magic. I love that she is growing more brave and is learning more. I hope that she is able to take it to bigger heights as she learns more. I think what she has learned in this book (which is astronomical) and continue to build and grow even more in her magic.

I loved being able to see more of Edwards life and how he came to be where he is in his journey of his afterlife. It made me emotional for him because of how he felt about his life then and now because he felt as if he didn't belong. He felt as if his family didn't want him, especially his father. He felt used and abused by his friends.

TW: Parkinson's Disease, Dementia

I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad that it included more of her parents! I really loved seeing her parents and their interactions with her boyfriends. I liked being able to see the relationship that Bree and her dad had. It was such a sweet relationship that so many girls want with their fathers.

Let's Talk About 🌶️🌶️🌶� Baby: 🌶️🌶️🌶�/5

🌶️🌶️🌶� STEAMY- If it's not for you- Skip Through

We definitely got more spice in this book than the last. And some different spice!

We got some instruction from Edward to Pax, but also so demonstration. Some feelings were definitely shown regarding this. I can't wait to see what comes of this in the next book!
Profile Image for Angela.
7,220 reviews100 followers
October 9, 2024
4 Stars

Ghoul as a Cucumber is the third book in the Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries series by Steffanie Holmes. This series is a surprising little find- in a great way. The story/series is a spooktacular romp! A fun paranormal mystery series with plenty of supernatural elements, a sizzling reverse harem/why choose romance between a human and three ghosts, humour, banter, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, angst, emotion, action, adventure, danger, and more.
In this third instalment, Bree’s parents have returned from their trip, she is discovering more about her ‘abilities�, and the whole ‘spirit realm�- but that doesn’t mean that the danger has passed. Because now she has an even bigger target on her back. With powerful forces, hidden agendas, and murders - things are even more dire. Plus, she still has to uncover what Ambrose and Edwards unfinished business is, so she can bring them back to life.
So you might wonder why four stars instead of five� Well there were a few issues with the editing which pulled me out of the story from time to time. Typos which were missed. Then there was a little too much cheesy/adolescent antics/humour from the ancient ghosts. Pax in particular drove me crazy at times with his complete disregard of the fact that things have changed since he was alive 1000 years ago. But overall, these issues didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.
I couldn’t wait to dive into book #4, ‘Not A Mourning Person� to discover what happens next.
Happy Reading�

Thank you, Steffanie Holmes.

Profile Image for Giulia.
327 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2024
Continuano le avventure di Bree e dei suoi fidanzati fantasmi. In questo terzo capitolo della saga, la protagonista ha scoperto qualcosa di piu' sulla sua identita' e natura ma ancora tentenna ad accettarlo: passa da momenti in cui "ho la magia, sono cool" a momenti in cui "non la voglio, voglio essere normale". Non e' pronta nemmeno a riconoscere i suoi sentimenti per i suoi fatas-tici amici di infanzia, ma ne e' gelosa e possessiva. Insomma, questa ragazza e' proprio un gioiello!
A parte gli scherzi, in questo romanzo prende piede la componente soprannaturale, che scalza quasi del tutto quella "mistery" e l'equilibrio delle parti ne risente un poco. Anche il ritmo della narrazione e' piu' lento rispetto alla saga della libreria Nevermore (che mi ha fatto avvicinare all'autrice e con la quale sono presenti crossovers e cameo), in quanto bree rimane piu' cerebrale diMina, certo compie azioni gloriose ma passa la maggior parte del suo tempo ad interrogarsi e tormentarsi, creandosi piu' problemi di quanti non ne risolva.

Rimane comunque un romanzo divertente e piacevole, con alcune scene davvero divertenti che fanno sorridere mentre si legge. Un aspetto che mi dispiace e' che i personaggi, pur se descritti abbondantemente e sebbene la stori venga narrata da una molteplicita' di punti di vista, rimangono piuttosto superficiali: alcuni tratti del loro carattere evidenziati e sottolineati, il resto piuttosto in ombra.
Profile Image for Lit Echos.
66 reviews
March 22, 2025
Witty, Wild and Unputdownable

� She can see ghosts
� 3 Ghost MMCs
� Why choose?
� Friends to Lovers
� Mystery
� Paranormal

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶�

This third installment in the Grimdale Graveyard series is a delightful whirlwind of paranormal romance, humor, and thrilling action.

First Pax, the Roman warrior, and now Ambrose, the shy Victorian traveler, are alive! Two out of three of Bree's ghost boyfriends are navigating the world of the living, and the dynamic is absolutely brilliant. But the fun is mixed with mystery and mayhem, and plenty of monsters to fight, keeping the plot engaging and exciting.

Steffanie Holmes continues to deliver the perfect blend of humor, witty banter, and funny interactions. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. As much as it made me laugh, it also had me on the edge of my seat due to the intense action. The balance between humor and suspense is masterfully done.

I really loved the turn of events and the way the story unfolded. It's another book that I simply couldn't put down, and I finished it in less than 24 hours. The character development, the world-building, and the sheer entertainment value are top-notch. If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a healthy dose of humor and action, "Ghoul as a Cucumber" is a must-read!

2,674 reviews13 followers
December 22, 2023
Bree finally has the answer to the power she possesses, that resurrection magic is rare, and that a group of dark priests that call themselves the Order of the Noble Death have no problem raising dead serial killers to kill her. She also discovers that the three hot ghosts who soother her hurts when she was growing up are head over heels in love with her. She realizes that she loves them too, but she just can't seem to say the words to let them know she feels the same way about them. Unfortunately, just when she thinks she's getting a handle on her magic, her parents return to the manor and tell her that they have made a difficult decision which will change her life.
These characters are all well written and unique, I absolutely adore Bree and her three ghostly lovers. Murder, mayhem, magic, and steamy romance. Unexpected twists in the plot as well as riveting and sometimes hilariously funny dialog makes this a must-read book and series. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alycia'sBookshelf.
118 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2024
Ghoul as a Cucumber is a fun, quirky mystery set in the small and strange town of Croakwood. It’s packed with ghosts, ghouls, and plenty of laughs, making it a mix of cozy mystery and spooky comedy.

The main character is a bold and snarky sleuth who gets pulled into solving a very odd murder. The mystery has plenty of twists and turns, and with the help of some ghostly friends, she tackles the case with lots of attitude and humor.

Steffanie Holmes has a knack for creating weird and wonderful characters that really stand out. The town feels alive with its mix of living and not-so-living residents, and the ghostly details add a lot of charm. Sometimes, though, the story can feel a little messy, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s happening in all the chaos.

Even with a few bumps, this book is a lighthearted and entertaining read, perfect for anyone who loves paranormal fun and cozy mysteries. It’s not a must-read, but it’s definitely a good time if you’re in the mood for something silly and spooky.
8 reviews
January 20, 2024
Steffanie Holmes is a funny and kooky author. I know when I pick up her books I will have a tough time putting them down. (Who needs to eat dinner anyway?) Steffanie takes us back to the Grimdale Graveyard, Bree's favorite haunt. (pun intended). Poor Pax is still adjusting to the 21st century and Bree is questioning if it is a good thing he is undead? Ambrose has the best luck of all in this book. He becomes undead yet can still see and hear the ghosts. And he gets hired to give tours of the graveyard because he knows most of the authors buried there. Bree finds a way to market the graveyard to bring in tourists and finds out she is not the only one with real powers. Poor Edward, will he ever be alive? What is his unfinished business?

I grind my teeth at another cliff-hanger, but I know that Steff will make it all better when the fourth and final Grimdal Graveyard novel is released.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Greer.
90 reviews
March 10, 2024
“Above our heads, the dark clouds roll over. Thunder cracks in the distance. The air grows thin, full of malice. I make the sign against evil. Jupiter is displeased. The dead are supposed to stay dead.”—‘Ghoul as a Cucumber; Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries Book 3� by Steffanie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bree and her ghost boyfriends manage to save Pax from meeting his (second) death at the hands of Jack the Ripper, but her powers are getting stronger and she has no clue what to do. Edward has a secret that could bring Ambrose back from the dead, there’s a dead priest in the main room of the manor and Bree’s parents are back from holiday—what could go wrong??
The third installment of the Grimdale Graveyard Series was just as fun, just as kookie and just as spicy as the rest with a cliffhanger ending that has left me with a void in my heart!
My only real issue this time around was Bree and how painfully insufferable she is in this book. She’s honestly one of my favorite FMC and I have not been annoyed with her at all—until now. She’s overthinking everything and making not so great decisions that drag on and on and on.
Get it together ma’am!
Aside from that I am impatiently awaiting the release of the fourth book in the series at the end of the month 🙌🏽
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MsRHReviewer.
629 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2025
Archie's Weird Mysteries meets RH

About halfway through this book or so, I was suddenly reminded of the old cartoon series, "Archie's Weird Mysteries." Grimwood is a town surrounded by the paranormal, and since Bree has returned, it's only gotten worse. There have been mysterious murders and secret organizations, and now we're talking revenants and essentially demons coming after folks. Just becoming another day in the neighborhood!

One thing I found annoying was Bree being able to say "I love you" to the guys. Her fear of those three little words is explained a few times in the series, but she hasn't gone through any real loss or heartbreak before. I understand she doesn't want to lose any of her men, but she doesn't seem to understand her not saying the words doesn't prevent her from feeling them.

Anyway, we're moving on to the last book. Let's see how this series turns out!
Profile Image for Melissa Orton.
423 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2024
Book three of the Grimdale Graveyard Mysteries follows Bree and her 3 ghosts as mayhem ensues. I love how Edward, Pax and Ambrose are so uniquely written and the way they show their love for Bree. However, Bree is having a hard time expressing her love for her ghostly men putting a kink in their relationship. Bree begins to learn more about her magic, while the Order of the Noble are after her, and then her parents have finally returned announcing some changes. I just love the twists and turns Steffanie takes us on with a story that is not only well written but funny with some serious steam. I never knew how much I could love a supernatural series as much as I love this one. I’m going to be sad when book four comes out and I hope we get a peek back in on these characters in future stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashley Marie.
12 reviews
November 12, 2024
䳢ᴡҷ�.!!!?

Thank Goodness I am “late to the party� and I can read this entire series back to back without waiting anxiously to find out the end of the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book 3/4: If you haven’t already fallen in love with Bree, Pax, Ambrose, and Edward you need to start back at the beginning and see how much depth and love that Steffanie put into each of these characters to make them feel like your real friends.

I love closing my eyes and pretending I’m in Grimdale for all of the ghostly shenanigans that are happening. The book is such a nice roller coaster ride of ups and downs, and honestly you can never guess what’s coming next.

Spoiler ish~

The chapter and experiences for the open house for the manor� I wish I could’ve watched every encounter happen because I would’ve been laughing so hard. I don’t know how Bree managed to keep a straight face.

47 reviews
March 27, 2025
Continuing with the story of the three ghosts and Bree and their misfortunes, Ghoul as a Cucumber got a little out of hand lol. I was not expecting the ending to get so....not good! (For them, not that the story isn't good! Just to clarify!!) However, I have found that I am struggling getting through these last few books. It's taking me longer to read, not because of the books themselves, but I think because I like a little more...gore...murder...horror...this is more of a cozy read than I'm used to and although I'm vested and want to know what's happening next, I am ready for a 'harsher' book lol. Not to take away from these!! These are great books! Especially since the end of this one got me back interested with the action scene....I'm excited to finish this series off and see how our friends fare!
Profile Image for Tonya.
237 reviews
September 23, 2024
took a minute

This author is a kooky spooky reverse harem extraordinaire. The boys are fabulous if a bit � unevolved after so long. You’d think after a thousand years some of Pax’s roughness would have smoothed a bit but that’s nitpicking and unfair for fiction.
I read the first two and picked this up after it released sometime later. So there was a time gap from book Two to three for me. I think that added to the inability to pick this one up and dive right in because I was having to dust off my memory of book two because this one starts at the cliffhanger in the last book.
This is a lovely author and I highly recommend her nevermore books and this series. She’s fun and the story is energetic and the spicy stuff is very good
Profile Image for Denise.
3,549 reviews
December 1, 2023
Stef has done it again with this action filled, sexy romp through Grimdale. First, Bree has to get rid of Jack the Ripper and a dead body. Then Bree's parents return unexpectedly and make a heartbreaking announcement. Pax, Ambrose, and Edward are still both driving her crazy and keeping her sane as she faces her new reality. Now she knows what she is, and there are people and monsters after her. I don't want to spoil the story for you so I won't tell you any more. The ending is, of course, a cliffhanger. Spooky.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,813 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2023
Bree has lots to learn, and she might have found a way to learn more about what she is, and how to wield her powers. Has she managed to get rid of Jack the Ripper or is he out to get her in another way? Luckily she has her ghostly men and friends with plenty of quirks to entertain us and help her figure things out. I loved this addition of Bree and her men Ambrose, Pax and Edward, their adventures/challenges, the steam between them and their lively story (that certainly entertained me). I am looking forward to more tales of them.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,188 reviews
December 8, 2023
First, I love the veggie references. I love this series, well I love all Steffanie's stories, her Roman warrior seems to be getting the hang of life, her blind boyfriend gets to utilize his new skills and Bree is jealous of Edward's dalliance from his former life. Yet she finally finds the 3 words they all crave to hear from her even while fending off demons using fruits and veggies. Your up and down and sideways throughout the book and left with a nail bitter at the end. I sure hope they all see the HEA at some point. Soooo can't wait to see what is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brooke Torrey.
466 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2023
I’m so obsessed with this series!!! Each book just takes me on an exciting and interesting ride. This book is a paranormal romance with a sassy h and 3 ghostly H’s. This book gives you action, drama, mystery and drama from beginning to end. This is the third book in the series and must be read in order to understand the who, what, where and why’s. I absolutely love Steffanie Holmes. This series is original, beautifully written and keeps me turning the pages. The characters are complex and has great chemistry. I’m so excited to see what happens next in the final book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,056 reviews20 followers
December 27, 2023

Spooky and Dangerous, Emotional and Sweet

Bree is getting a handle on her resurrection powers, but will she be able to turn Ambrose and Edward back to Living safely? And can she save Pax? Oh boy, there’s a lot to unpack in this book, including Bree’s fear of loving and losing, the possible sale of Grimwood Manor, and the growing feelings between Bree, Edward, Ambrose and Pax. I loved all the ghostly investigations, the angst over their feelings, as well as both the introduction of new characters and the visit from Mina and Quoth from the Nevermore Bookstore series. A great read - that cliffhanger, oh my!
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,954 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2023
Yes! Steffanie has proven she deserves our loyalty.
This 3rd book in this series was amazing.
Bree has finally a name to what she is and everything is changing now.
As with the other books, there is a lot of action (in more than one way) and a new character or two to keep the story flowing. Yet this time Bree's parents have come back to the inn with some rather depressing news and it just keeps getting better.
The cliff hanger had me holding my breath.
Never worry though because Steffanie has given us her all and we have action, adventure, heat and laughs.
Highly recommended!
246 reviews
January 29, 2025
Bree finds out that ressurection magic has consequences as she has to deal with the deal of a member of the order and she also meets a priest who can help her understand what she has to do to use it properly. Meanwhile her parents are back and that puts the dampner on her sex life with her not-ghosts, while Edward is cut up with guilt he hid Ambrose's manuscript location and then reveals it but isn't the next to be ressurected as a result. Ambrose is next.
The story includes a Jack the Ripper attack and the ghost of the inspector who was trying to catch him.
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