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Ghost Detective Novels #1
Beyond the Grave
The forever rebellious Clothilde’s gravestone only mentions her first name and date of death. A small bump in the ground next to her grave marks former police officer Robert’s last resting place.
And in thirty years, no visitors for either of them.
Confined within the cemetery borders and yearning for closure to move on, the two ghosts can’t go after the people who killed them.
Until Clothilde receives her very first visitor — and along with it, the means to escape the cemetery.
Beyond the Grave is the first novel in the Ghost Detective series, following Robert and Clothilde in their search for justice.
And in thirty years, no visitors for either of them.
Confined within the cemetery borders and yearning for closure to move on, the two ghosts can’t go after the people who killed them.
Until Clothilde receives her very first visitor — and along with it, the means to escape the cemetery.
Beyond the Grave is the first novel in the Ghost Detective series, following Robert and Clothilde in their search for justice.
252 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2021
475 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
R.W. Wallace
69 books44 followersR.W. Wallace writes in most genres, though she tends to end up in mystery more often than not. Dead bodies keep popping up all over the place whenever she sits down in front of her keyboard.
The stories mostly take place in Norway or France; the country she was born in and the one that has been her home for two decades. Don’t ask her why she writes in English – she won’t have a sensible answer for you.
Her Ghost Detective short story series appears in Pulphouse Magazine, starting in issue #9.
The stories mostly take place in Norway or France; the country she was born in and the one that has been her home for two decades. Don’t ask her why she writes in English – she won’t have a sensible answer for you.
Her Ghost Detective short story series appears in Pulphouse Magazine, starting in issue #9.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 27, 2022
Oh Yeah...I LOVED this book! A small graveyard, two ghosts. One teenage girl, Clothilde, and one lousy cop, Robert. For 30 years they have been hanging out not knowing that they are buried almost together.... Robert in an unmarked grave next to Clothilde's grave marked only with her name and date of death. Clothilde was always what can only kindly be described as "rebellious" A small bump in the ground next to her grave marks former police officer, Robert's final resting place. so, we have a small graveyard, two ghosts. One teenage girl, and one not very good cop that for 30 years have been side by side. Thirty years they've laid in the ground with not one single visitor for either of them. Their ghosts are confined within the cemetery borders but both yearning for closure to move on and go after the people who killed them...but they can't, that is until Clothilde receives her very first visitor and along with it, the means to escape the cemetery and find their killer(s). Robert proves he's a better ghost than he was a living man by helping other ghosts pass on to next life and Clothilde hangs around in teenage fashion and enjoys his company. One day that all changes for our two ghosts when the police come and exhume her body, in the process they find an unmarked wooden box lying right next to her. An investigation begins to find out why he is buried beside her and why both had been murdered. This becomes an opportunity for both ghosts to leave the cemetery and get involved in the investigation and find the culprit. I can't wait to visit more with Robert and Clothilde in the next book Unveiling the Past.
April 27, 2022
My word, this was different and fun and yet very serious at the same time. I loved the idea and the writing AND the setting. Fresh, original and with engaging characters. Definitely worth a read and I will be checking out this author's other novels.
November 26, 2023
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
October 2, 2022
Loved it!
I enjoyed this plot and found it entertaining. I definitely want to read the next book in this series! I like the characters alot.
I enjoyed this plot and found it entertaining. I definitely want to read the next book in this series! I like the characters alot.
May 5, 2022
Robert and Clothilde have become great friends after thirty years stuck in the graveyard together. After solving the after-death problems for many other ghosts, it's finally their turn for justice!
The author has found a very clever way to circumvent the self-imposed limitations of her version of ghostly mechanics. And such interesting new characters are added in as the official detectives - the new combination of main characters adds real flavour to their interactions.
I loved this story and look forward to more in the series.
The author has found a very clever way to circumvent the self-imposed limitations of her version of ghostly mechanics. And such interesting new characters are added in as the official detectives - the new combination of main characters adds real flavour to their interactions.
I loved this story and look forward to more in the series.
May 18, 2025
Kartais knygą nusiperku, nes Amazon pigiai duoda, o publika vertina palankiai. Bet matyt šitą praktiką reikia rišti, nes va - perskaičiau vaiduoklinį detektyvą nevaikam. Tipo vaiduokliai padeda detektyvui. Nei aš detektyvus mėgstu, nei vaiduokliai įspūdį padarė. Soso ir tikrai nepirksiu tolimesnių, net jei ir vėl Amazon nebrangiai siūlo. #LEBooks #ByeondTheGrave #GhostDetectiveNovels #RWWallace
September 15, 2022
A different kind of ghost story. A different kind of mystery. It's always nice to come across a new author and a new series!
October 9, 2022
Much better than I was expecting
This story is well written, serious, endearing, and sad, all in one. The main characters are two 30 yr old ghosts and two modern day police officers and the premise works surprisingly well. Although this is pretty much another cliff hanger, and I despise them, the story is presented well enough, I still want the rest of the story. I highly recommend this book.
This story is well written, serious, endearing, and sad, all in one. The main characters are two 30 yr old ghosts and two modern day police officers and the premise works surprisingly well. Although this is pretty much another cliff hanger, and I despise them, the story is presented well enough, I still want the rest of the story. I highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2024
259 pages
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book was fun and enjoyable to read. It also gave me hope. Odd as it sounds, I know it is pure fiction, but it got me wondering. What if such a thing as unsettled spirits of our loved ones hung around for a while? Could my recently deceased sister still be around? Could I talk to her? Oh, I intellectually know it’s silly. But as is said, “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
Clothilde was just twenty when she died. When she was murdered. Robert joined her in the cemetery some months later. They have been in the cemetery for thirty years. Neither has ever received a visitor. A man comes to see Clothilde. It is her uncle. He talks to her. He tells her she was murdered.
At the same time, a police captain named Emeline Evian is sent from Paris to look into cold murders from thirty years before. Clothilde’s case is on her list. As they are exhuming her grave for autopsy, they discover Robert. They don’t know who he is. The pathologist finds that he has been shot. Murdered. He was tossed in Clothilde’s grave with nothing to identify him.
Emeline is sensitive to the two ghosts' suggestions. I got a chuckle or two at her reactions.
The police set about trying to solve the two murders. The book becomes a competent police procedural. They interview witnesses, suspects and people who might have known the two. I enjoyed the relationship between the two officers. They made a good team.
I will definitely look into more of Ms. R.W. Wallace’s books.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book was fun and enjoyable to read. It also gave me hope. Odd as it sounds, I know it is pure fiction, but it got me wondering. What if such a thing as unsettled spirits of our loved ones hung around for a while? Could my recently deceased sister still be around? Could I talk to her? Oh, I intellectually know it’s silly. But as is said, “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
Clothilde was just twenty when she died. When she was murdered. Robert joined her in the cemetery some months later. They have been in the cemetery for thirty years. Neither has ever received a visitor. A man comes to see Clothilde. It is her uncle. He talks to her. He tells her she was murdered.
At the same time, a police captain named Emeline Evian is sent from Paris to look into cold murders from thirty years before. Clothilde’s case is on her list. As they are exhuming her grave for autopsy, they discover Robert. They don’t know who he is. The pathologist finds that he has been shot. Murdered. He was tossed in Clothilde’s grave with nothing to identify him.
Emeline is sensitive to the two ghosts' suggestions. I got a chuckle or two at her reactions.
The police set about trying to solve the two murders. The book becomes a competent police procedural. They interview witnesses, suspects and people who might have known the two. I enjoyed the relationship between the two officers. They made a good team.
I will definitely look into more of Ms. R.W. Wallace’s books.
July 14, 2023
While possessing all the traits of a traditional cozy mystery, the twist in this novel is that protagonists Robert and Clothilde are crime-solving ghosts. Bound to the cemetery where they’ve been buried for thirty years, they help other ghosts resolve issues and move on. But they can’t resolve their own issues, since both were murdered. Nor can they leave the cemetery to find the killer(s). Enter police officer Emeline Evian, who through a series of circumstances, unknowingly enables the ghosts to follow her around while investigating their cases.
The story is told from Robert’s and Emeline’s points of view, which makes it part police procedural and part cozy mystery. Robert, although a police officer when he was alive, believes he must make amends for past misdeeds before he can move on. He’s a flawed, but well-rounded character. Given that Clothilde died when she was an older teenager, we know less about her, yet her strong personality is clear.
Set in Toulouse, France, the pacing builds well to a suspenseful climax. While not all of the issues were resolved, I’m certain they will be in subsequent installments. It’s a fun premise that I’m sure mystery fans will enjoy.
The story is told from Robert’s and Emeline’s points of view, which makes it part police procedural and part cozy mystery. Robert, although a police officer when he was alive, believes he must make amends for past misdeeds before he can move on. He’s a flawed, but well-rounded character. Given that Clothilde died when she was an older teenager, we know less about her, yet her strong personality is clear.
Set in Toulouse, France, the pacing builds well to a suspenseful climax. While not all of the issues were resolved, I’m certain they will be in subsequent installments. It’s a fun premise that I’m sure mystery fans will enjoy.
December 25, 2023
I was Most Pleasantly Surprised.
Even though this was free, and because it was free, I hesitated. Because, two ghost detectives?
Obviously, I had never even heard of these stories. And there is so much junk out there...
To me, this had lots of warning flags. The words that came to my mind were "cozy", "clean", "respectful" and such. I am not ashamed to admit that "middle aged woman authoress" also bobbed up.
I am 66, and just like Maurice Chevalier, "I am glad I'm not young anymore".
Because I have been disappointed by far too many books like that.
Life is short and growing shorter, books are many.
I was pleasantly surprised. This is not cozy, it is not "clean", which always means severly prejudiced.
This is a fun take on how life as ghosts could be like. Yes, pun intended. Because these ghosts are very much alive, and they want justice. They deserve justice. They get justice. At least some.
I am going to read the sequel to see what happens.
Recommended for grown-ups who like logic even in their Urban Fantasy.
Even though this was free, and because it was free, I hesitated. Because, two ghost detectives?
Obviously, I had never even heard of these stories. And there is so much junk out there...
To me, this had lots of warning flags. The words that came to my mind were "cozy", "clean", "respectful" and such. I am not ashamed to admit that "middle aged woman authoress" also bobbed up.
I am 66, and just like Maurice Chevalier, "I am glad I'm not young anymore".
Because I have been disappointed by far too many books like that.
Life is short and growing shorter, books are many.
I was pleasantly surprised. This is not cozy, it is not "clean", which always means severly prejudiced.
This is a fun take on how life as ghosts could be like. Yes, pun intended. Because these ghosts are very much alive, and they want justice. They deserve justice. They get justice. At least some.
I am going to read the sequel to see what happens.
Recommended for grown-ups who like logic even in their Urban Fantasy.
April 28, 2022
Detecting from the Beyond
We have all seen movies or read books where the ghost of a victim of violence cannot rest til their murder is avenged. Wallace’s book takes a different twist when two thirty year old ghosts locked within a cemetery’s walls get a chance to escape when their bodies are exhumed! A detective brought to Toulouse from Paris works to uncover the murders of a string of young girls whose deaths are made to look like suicide. Her work is complicated when grave diggers not only dig up the casket of a young victim, but also uncover a crude casket buried next to the girl’s casket. This illegally buried body leads everyone —- including our ghostly friends — on a wild journey to uncover the true story what happened 30years previously. Get ready for a very different, but hauntingly mystery investigation.
We have all seen movies or read books where the ghost of a victim of violence cannot rest til their murder is avenged. Wallace’s book takes a different twist when two thirty year old ghosts locked within a cemetery’s walls get a chance to escape when their bodies are exhumed! A detective brought to Toulouse from Paris works to uncover the murders of a string of young girls whose deaths are made to look like suicide. Her work is complicated when grave diggers not only dig up the casket of a young victim, but also uncover a crude casket buried next to the girl’s casket. This illegally buried body leads everyone —- including our ghostly friends — on a wild journey to uncover the true story what happened 30years previously. Get ready for a very different, but hauntingly mystery investigation.
August 8, 2025
First of all let's get something out of the way, this is actually a 5* novel brilliantly written by a talented author and an author new to me. The whole Ghost following someone isn't a new idea, the author has developed her own set of rules for how the ghosts interact with each other and the physical world and it creates an interesting take on the genre. The reason for the 4* is because you only get a conclusion to part of the mystery and there is still a lot to learn and I am NEVER a fan of stories that require having to buy other books in the series in order to get a concert to the whole mystery, I think it's unfair to the reader and a little deceptive. I do want to see what happens next and if this book is any indication then I will likely be expected to purchase another 3 books to get the conclusion to the whole mystery, something that doesn't sit well with me.
September 18, 2022
Beyond the Grave by R W Wallace - Ghost Detective Novel # 1
The overreaching story arc of this series is the premise of 2 ghosts, Clothilde and Robert, helping a Detective Inspector find justice and discover who and why they were murdered and gather evidence that can be used in a court of law to convict the guilty. Each full-length novel has another crime that is solved at the end of each book, but it is linked to the overall storyline and therefore it is recommended that the full-length books of which there are 4 at the time of writing this review (September 2022) are read in order to get the full picture as each book contains more clues as to the motive of why this killing spree started 30+ years ago. The story telling is great and I was engaged with the story from the first chapter. Subsequently, I purchased books 2, 3 and 4. There are more books to come in this series. When you subscribe to the author's newsletter, at the end of each full-length novel is a link to a short story relating to events when the 2 ghosts were stuck in the cemetery. An interesting read.
The overreaching story arc of this series is the premise of 2 ghosts, Clothilde and Robert, helping a Detective Inspector find justice and discover who and why they were murdered and gather evidence that can be used in a court of law to convict the guilty. Each full-length novel has another crime that is solved at the end of each book, but it is linked to the overall storyline and therefore it is recommended that the full-length books of which there are 4 at the time of writing this review (September 2022) are read in order to get the full picture as each book contains more clues as to the motive of why this killing spree started 30+ years ago. The story telling is great and I was engaged with the story from the first chapter. Subsequently, I purchased books 2, 3 and 4. There are more books to come in this series. When you subscribe to the author's newsletter, at the end of each full-length novel is a link to a short story relating to events when the 2 ghosts were stuck in the cemetery. An interesting read.
January 18, 2024
This is a great mystery with wonderful characters. The ghost protagonists are Clothilde and Robert, who have been living in a cemetery since their deaths about 30 years ago. The living protagonist is Evian, a female police officer who is sensitive to the dead, but unaware of them influencing her. Evian comes to the Toulouse from Paris to investigate some old crimes and ends up looking into the cases of Robert and Clothilde. Without her knowledge, they come with her and help her solve the crime.
This first book is the beginning of a series and I am really interested in following this series because the writer is so creative. I won't give anything away, but the way that Clothilde influences Evian to keep them near her is both unusual and amusing.
This is definitely worth reading.
This first book is the beginning of a series and I am really interested in following this series because the writer is so creative. I won't give anything away, but the way that Clothilde influences Evian to keep them near her is both unusual and amusing.
This is definitely worth reading.
May 2, 2022
This is a murder mystery written from the viewpoints of two ghosts. Their bodies are dug up at the local cemetery, by an inspector investigating a series of supposed suicides, and police corruption. The story takes place in France, but except for place names, the text is in English. There were sections that dragged a bit, as scenarios were often repeated. While the ghosts get a little satisfaction, the reader needs to continue to books 2, 3 and 4 to find out if their stories end, and they finally can find peace in the afterlife.
June 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The ghosts are both engaging characters, and the 'rules' for the limits of how far they can roam make sense. I also really enjoy the two lead police characters. The mystery, a series of crimes over a period of at least thirty years is also intriguing with a well developed sense of 'who can you trust' that has our police and ghosts pretty much on their own as they try to unravel the mysteries. I highly recommend this book (and I'm already reading the next in the series!)
October 4, 2022
Fresh viewpoint
I'd love to know the detectives take on what she's seeing and feeling. But I'm still caught up in the story. Told from the ghosts viewpoint as they follow along with the police to solve their murders. Its an amazing storyline but it does take a bit to get used to. Everyone is so used to the main characters being the police, or the just turned 40 wonderwomen that we don't get much from the ghost view, just how frustrated the ghost makes people that see/hear them. If you like the genre but want something new, try this series!
I'd love to know the detectives take on what she's seeing and feeling. But I'm still caught up in the story. Told from the ghosts viewpoint as they follow along with the police to solve their murders. Its an amazing storyline but it does take a bit to get used to. Everyone is so used to the main characters being the police, or the just turned 40 wonderwomen that we don't get much from the ghost view, just how frustrated the ghost makes people that see/hear them. If you like the genre but want something new, try this series!
October 21, 2022
Enjoyed so much
This was a quick read, because I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the story line and I look forward to reading the second book. It's interesting that Chlotilde and Robert are ghosts in a cemetery helping other ghosts with their unfinished business so they can move on. Enter detectives Evian and Doubira. They are looking into the deaths of six girls, when their investigation takes on very interesting twists and turns that involve Chlotilde and Robert...
This was a quick read, because I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the story line and I look forward to reading the second book. It's interesting that Chlotilde and Robert are ghosts in a cemetery helping other ghosts with their unfinished business so they can move on. Enter detectives Evian and Doubira. They are looking into the deaths of six girls, when their investigation takes on very interesting twists and turns that involve Chlotilde and Robert...
April 23, 2023
Great premis, well executed
Robert and Clothilde are ghosts inhabiting a small cemetary near Toulouse in modern day France. They both yearn to find out how they ended up there, and with the unexpected exhumation of Clothilde’s casket, and Evian, a Paris-based detective with an unknowing sensitivity for the supernatural, they get their chance.
I loved the idea of these protagonists and the author carried it off really well. All three MCs were well drawn and relatable, and secondary characters played their part well.
So glad I found this series, off to book 2….
Robert and Clothilde are ghosts inhabiting a small cemetary near Toulouse in modern day France. They both yearn to find out how they ended up there, and with the unexpected exhumation of Clothilde’s casket, and Evian, a Paris-based detective with an unknowing sensitivity for the supernatural, they get their chance.
I loved the idea of these protagonists and the author carried it off really well. All three MCs were well drawn and relatable, and secondary characters played their part well.
So glad I found this series, off to book 2….
September 19, 2023
Hurray for Ghosts...
Hurray for Ghosts...and those who listen to them!
Well writen and well worth every minute I spent immersed in these pages. Great mystery and good end to this story arc. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I was reminded of what Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said:
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience." (Fitting that Monsiur Teilhard is French.)
Content: clean
Trigger: victim case reports note they were raped; zero details
There is a happy ending after their endings.
Hurray for Ghosts...and those who listen to them!
Well writen and well worth every minute I spent immersed in these pages. Great mystery and good end to this story arc. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I was reminded of what Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said:
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience." (Fitting that Monsiur Teilhard is French.)
Content: clean
Trigger: victim case reports note they were raped; zero details
There is a happy ending after their endings.
October 9, 2023
Robert Villemur and Clothilde Humbert are crime fighting ghosts who are bound to a small cemetery near Toulouse in modern day France. They have been buried for thirty years and help other ghosts resolve their issues to move on. When Clothide’s casket is exhumed by a Paris detective named Emeline Evian who believes Clothilde’s death was not a suicide but in fact murdered and she must prove it. Evian has supernatural senses and Robert and Clothilde get their chance to escape the cemetery. I really enjoyed this remarkable paranormal mystery suspense novel.
November 11, 2024
Unusual and Different
Not sure what I was expecting but this beat any preconceived notions I had. How does being a ghost work? Why does one become a ghost and not just move on to whatever is next? Find out here. Its a most interesting theory and I like the way the author never lets us forget that they are ghosts but also gives them their unique personalities. This a good mystery, set in France, and involving murder and mayhem. If you like the odd, unusual, quirky book this one is for you.
Not sure what I was expecting but this beat any preconceived notions I had. How does being a ghost work? Why does one become a ghost and not just move on to whatever is next? Find out here. Its a most interesting theory and I like the way the author never lets us forget that they are ghosts but also gives them their unique personalities. This a good mystery, set in France, and involving murder and mayhem. If you like the odd, unusual, quirky book this one is for you.
November 16, 2021
I read the short introductory novel, 'Common Ground,' which is vital if you plan to read this one.
R.W. Wallace creates a remarkable ghost story that is intriguing and spellbinding. The two main characters, Robert and Chothilde, have been murdered some 30 years ago and so they become friendly companions in the cemetery helping others ascend from the grave. This work takes the reader into the search for their killers and the police woman in charge who takes no prisoners. I highly recommend and totally enjoyed both books.
R.W. Wallace creates a remarkable ghost story that is intriguing and spellbinding. The two main characters, Robert and Chothilde, have been murdered some 30 years ago and so they become friendly companions in the cemetery helping others ascend from the grave. This work takes the reader into the search for their killers and the police woman in charge who takes no prisoners. I highly recommend and totally enjoyed both books.
September 14, 2022
Robert and Clothilde, the deadnamic duo are out of the graveyard and solving their deaths thanks to a detective who is sensitive to their spiritual influence. A really imaginative and in a way amusing story. They are linked in death by the way they died at the hand of a serial killer who has dirty cops in his arsenal and they are now able to leave their burial site with the help of Evian to hunt him down and in Robert's case to clear his name. Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining.
September 25, 2022
This is a pleasant if innocuous read. Two ghosts attach to the detective assigned to solve their murders. The cases have been cold for decades. One ghost is a serial killer's victim, the other a marginally corrupt cop assigned to solve her case.
Mildly interesting this book lacked any urgency or suspense. The mystery was bland. None of the characters were especially likable or compelking. The paranormal aspects were restrained. It was okay.
Mildly interesting this book lacked any urgency or suspense. The mystery was bland. None of the characters were especially likable or compelking. The paranormal aspects were restrained. It was okay.
November 28, 2023
Refreshing and fast paced
A good idea, well developed in believable characters. Fast paced with a good storyline. A whole new refreshing take on ghost stories. At first I thought this would be aimed at teens and young adults but it held my attention (56 year old male) well.
Only negative was the rush to a seemingly premature crescendo, when I felt the finale could have been elaborated on.
A good idea, well developed in believable characters. Fast paced with a good storyline. A whole new refreshing take on ghost stories. At first I thought this would be aimed at teens and young adults but it held my attention (56 year old male) well.
Only negative was the rush to a seemingly premature crescendo, when I felt the finale could have been elaborated on.
December 4, 2021
Very good
I rarely find books that can't wait to see what's next. This is one. The story is engaging and the characters are likeable. It's fun to watch Clothide and Robert work to communicate with Eviane. The book ends with a hint of a next story waiting, but the end is satisfying regardless. I'm going to look for the next in this series.
I rarely find books that can't wait to see what's next. This is one. The story is engaging and the characters are likeable. It's fun to watch Clothide and Robert work to communicate with Eviane. The book ends with a hint of a next story waiting, but the end is satisfying regardless. I'm going to look for the next in this series.
February 8, 2022
Good Ghost Detective Story
I enjoyed this book. My only regret is that the entire mystery wasn't solved in this book but then if it was you would not have anything to look forward to in the upcoming books.
Though the mystery is not completely solved at the end, there is enough of it solved to enjoy this novel
I enjoyed this book. My only regret is that the entire mystery wasn't solved in this book but then if it was you would not have anything to look forward to in the upcoming books.
Though the mystery is not completely solved at the end, there is enough of it solved to enjoy this novel
March 22, 2022
Amazing
I was given this advanced copy of this book and I'm willingly leaving this honest review. Where to begin this was a book I was glued to from to the end. It w me guessing till the end. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend it. Easy to read and great characters you can fall in love with.
I was given this advanced copy of this book and I'm willingly leaving this honest review. Where to begin this was a book I was glued to from to the end. It w me guessing till the end. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend it. Easy to read and great characters you can fall in love with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews