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The Lonely Mortician

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Cinn Spice is an expert in bad choices. Becoming a mortician to help her demanding relative should top them all. But she overachieves by participating in a dating show run by her former high school nemesis and falls for the unavailable jerk next door, all while a mysterious creep attempts to haunt her out of town.To fix her missteps, Cinn has to uncover the identity of “the ghost,” her neighbor’s secret, and the why behind her pushover flaw. If she succeeds without breaking too many laws, the holidays are bound to turn delicious.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2023

5 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

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D.M. Tregaskis

3 books24 followers

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5 stars
38 (62%)
4 stars
16 (26%)
3 stars
6 (9%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,163 reviews
September 27, 2024
Who knew a book about a mortician could be so much fun! I was completely charmed by this delightful story, and so impressed that this is the author’s first novel!

It was sweet, witty, perfectly paced, very tender at times, with just the right amount of spooky to keep me turning the pages.

I loved the cast of characters, and really loved Cinn’s growth arc. I adore characters who are a bit lost for a while, and then find themselves and their strength again.

The Lonely Mortician is a wonderfully unique and sweet holiday romance, and one I thoroughly enjoyed! I look forward to reading more works by this talented writer.
Profile Image for Kim Golding.
440 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
The Lonely Mortician has been on my TBR for a while and I decided that October was the perfect time to read it and I’m so glad I did!!

Cinnamon Spice aka Cinn is filling in as the town’s mortician and is the regular go-to for so many other things people in her small town need. When her new neighbor, Chief Hart, moves in, they start off in the wrong foot. But soon a haunted house mystery and a dating game bring them together more often than Cinn would like. Her frustrations with Chief Hart quickly change to feelings, but she knows a “secret” about him that has her trying her hardest to keep her distance.

There were so many fun things about this book that I loved! Cinn and her kind heart and her character growth, Chief Pete Hart and his determination to solve Cinn’s mystery and how dang sweet he was, Grayson and Mia, Betty and Evelyn and the Oldtimers, the dating contest, the secret misunderstanding made me lol, and the bats that fluttered in Cinn’s stomach, and more!

Such a fun fall/October/Halloween read!! 🦇
Profile Image for Kayla Lunt.
73 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2025
I’m not just saying this because the author is my friend, but this was so cute and had me laughing out loud at times. It was clean so you can recommend it to your grandma, which I did. She loved it so much, she stayed up till 2:00 am reading it because she didn’t want to put it down.
I’m excited to read the other books by DM Tregaskis. Bake Wars is out now, and Definitely Not Cruising For Love comes out in March on pi day.
Profile Image for Twins Reading Books.
234 reviews305 followers
December 18, 2023
D M Tregaskis elaborates a spellbinding narrative in her debut "THE LONELY MORTICIAN," a book that seamlessly blends the charm of small-town romance with the delightfully unexpected twists of holiday cheer. In a landscape adorned with familiar tropes, the author crafts a unique plot, harmonizing enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and the quaint allure of a close-knit community!
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Cinn Spice, our audacious protagonist, catapults readers into a world where bad choices and second chances coalesce. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of a small town, replete with meddling side characters who add a pinch of whimsy to the story. Tregaskis skillfully transforms the conventional into the extraordinary, offering readers not just a holiday dating show but a front-row seat to the quirks and quibbles of a community that refuses to be ordinary!
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The enemies-to-lovers trope, embodied in Cinn's interactions with her high school nemesis, adds a layer of tension that crackles with anticipation. As the story progresses, the old nemesis becomes a catalyst for a second chance at romance, beautifully orchestrated against the charming backdrop of a town that thrives on gossip and genuine affection!
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What sets "THE LONELY MORTICIAN" apart is its ability to synchronize these well-loved tropes into a narrative that feels fresh and invigorating. Tregaskis effortlessly commands the delicate balance between laughter and love, creating a mind-blowing tale that reflects with the heartwarming spirit of the holidays!
Profile Image for Michelle.
105 reviews
December 7, 2023
This one was a page turner for me. I stayed up til the small hours of the night reading. How did the author make this subject matter so fun?! I loved Cinn’s character and her relationship with her neighbors and friends.
Profile Image for Taylor.
323 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2024
This book was so FUN! I laughed, I cried, and man was I rooting for Cinn. She was so likeable and I loved her character development.
Profile Image for Meri Damron.
2 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2023
I loved this book so much. I laughed, I cried, I felt all the emotions. In a time where books are becoming more and more explicit, I greatly appreciate this book being a clean romance. It just gave me the warm and fuzzies, and I needed that.
86 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2024
Rom com vibes with enemies-to-maybe-lovers? Check!
Mild morbid mortician humor? Check!
Vigilante dective and the cop next door? Double check!
Dating show? Christmas vibes? Narcissistic in-laws and exes? Check, check, check!

I was honestly so impressed by the depth of this genre mixer! If you've ever watched the show Pushing Daisies, that's what it reminded me of. Part mystery, part mortician humor, part relationship drama, and 100% goodness. It was very unique while still featuring some of my favorite aspects from several different genres.

It was cool to follow Cinn's character over the course of the book. You can tell from the beginning that she's basically allowed herself to become a people pleasing doormat that says yes to everything people ask her to do and has trouble caring for herself. It's cool to see her journey of self-discovery and healing as she is forced to examine why she does what she does. It was also gratifying to see that her journey towards healtheir boundaries didn't mean that she had to sacrifice all of the middle-of-the-cinnamon-roll kindness and goodness that made up her soul (sorry, Cinn, that pun was just too easy!)

The side characters were also amazing! I loved how Cinn hung out with all of the "oldtimers" in town. Nothing says cozy mystery charm like old people with no filters and lots of time for stakeouts. The cast in the dating show was also hilarious. And the love interest(s)! I don't want to give any spoilers, so let's just say I totally ate up the hilarious dating show scenes. I could not have been happier with how everything

Overall, this was an amazing read! If you're a mood reader like me, this is a good one to pick up when you're not sure what to read next. It's more substantial and heavier than a typical rom-com, less "whodunit" than a cozy, and kind of Christmasy, but not really. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for anya.
66 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2025
You just know that the book is going to be quite an interesting one when it starts with the sentence "Cinn Spice took shallow breaths as she tapped blush onto her former math teacher's dead cheeks."

Yes, our dear protagonist is a mortician who goes by the name Cinnamon Spice. Yes, you read that right. Her name is something she often got bullied about in school, and was definitely a surprise to the people she met. (Her sister's name is Ginger Spice, so I suppose it's only fair to assume that her parents had a sense of humor, though one that didn't do much good to the two girls.)

Back to the story. Cinn, a history-major practicing as a mortician, lives in the little town of Oldport. When her bully from school, Kharma Sparks, suggests conducting a dating show in order to raise money to maintain their public library, Cinnamon has mixed feelings. As much as she wants the library refurbished, she isn't too confident about hopping onto a dating show that her enemy is hosting (it's the perfect recipe for disaster after all), and it does not help that the new police chief in town, Pete Hart, happens to be participating. While he is extremely attractive, the two did not get off on a good start.

That's how the story begins. No spoilers, but then, gradually, things go wrong, and it appears as if someone is after Cinnamon's brother-in-law's house (that she is looking after in his absence).

This book has just the right amount of romance and mystery. It's super creative (I love the entire setup so much, and Cinnamon Spice? MWAHH), and of course, quite sufficient to have you on your toes throughout the read.
48 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
So Fun & Quirky!

The Lonely Mortician has been on my TBR for a while and I decided that October was the perfect time to read it and I’m so glad I did!!

Cinnamon Spice aka Cinn is filling in as the town’s mortician and is the regular go-to for so many other things people in her small town need. When her new neighbor, Chief Hart, moves in, they start off in the wrong foot. But soon a haunted house mystery and a dating game bring them together more often than Cinn would like. Her frustrations with Chief Hart quickly change to feelings, but she knows a “secret” about him that has her trying her hardest to keep her distance.

There were so many fun things about this book that I loved! Cinn and her kind heart and her character growth, Chief Pete Hart and his determination to solve Cinn’s mystery and how dang sweet he was, Grayson and Mia, Betty and Evelyn and the Oldtimers, the dating contest, the secret misunderstanding made me lol, and the bats that fluttered in Cinn’s stomach, and more!

Such a fun fall/October/Halloween read!! 🦇
Profile Image for Dulce Perez.
267 reviews
March 17, 2025
Definitely cuter than I thought it would be I found myself yelling at the characters and laughing soo hard absolutely love a spooky holiday read 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
9 reviews
October 24, 2024
I found myself laughing out loud, feeling my bats stir at all the right places, and getting a little spooked in a fun way. Totally clean and appropriate. Would definitely recommend
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,477 reviews87 followers
December 22, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised! The cover and title didn’t appeal to me at all, but this book was a gem! The characters were quirky. I loved the dating show, and the mystery.
Profile Image for TexasMomma.
72 reviews
December 31, 2024
An absolute gem of a book! From the gorgeous cover to the adorable epilogue , I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to see what else this author comes up with in the future.
Profile Image for Dawn.
78 reviews8 followers
January 20, 2025
A fun take on The Bachelor meets small town mystery with a twist. A little Hallmark movie-like but right up my alley! If you are looking for a fun romance with a mystery to be solved pick this one up!
1 review
December 30, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed it, I thought I’d just start it but then I couldn’t put it down and I finished in a day. Has Darcy Coates’ vibes for clean horror, but more romance and comedy and less horror. Highly recommend. Teen and up.
8 reviews
December 31, 2023
Not too far into this read I was hoping for a Hallmark movie make of this book. I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Kelly.
Author 1 book18 followers
December 11, 2024
I never have time to read an entire book in one sitting, and usually that doesn’t bother me. However, when I started reading The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis, I did not want to put it down, and every time I had to, I couldn’t wait until I could pick it up again. I love Closed Door Romance stories in any genre and I read a LOT of them, but I can honestly say that I have never read one like The Lonely Mortician before.

D. M. Tregaskis wrote a story with a very complex story line and a lot of complications for the main female character, but I never once felt like it was bogged down or confusing. From Cinn’s job as a mortician, to someone haunting the house, to the dating game to raise funds for a community library, I was fully engaged in the story.

I found Cinn to be completely relatable and fully understood her confusion in regard to the men she dated for the dating game show. I felt her pain in the loss of people she loved, and not just in death. I also enjoyed watching Cinn’s change from the beginning of the story to the end. It was very realistic.

When two men, from the dating show, expressed serious interest in Cinn, I thought I knew which one I wanted her to choose. However, as the story progressed, that choice appeared much harder and not as crystal clear. D. M. Tregaskis also included some unique elements as well as some unexpected twists, which added depth and more than one positive message to the book.

This was the first book by D. M. Tregaskis I have read, but it will not be the last! I highly recommend The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis to anyone from young adults to adults of all ages who enjoy fun, unique romance stories, and I can’t wait to get my next D. M. Tregaskis book.
Profile Image for a.compulsive_ reader.
62 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2024
"THE LONELY MORTICIAN" stands as a crowning achievement in the realm of romantic comedies. D M Tregaskis has bestowed upon literature a work that transcends the boundaries of its genre, offering readers a sublime experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This masterpiece deserves nothing less than the highest acclaim, and I bestow upon it a well-earned five-star rating.
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The prose itself is a work of art, a lyrical composition that gracefully synchronizes suspenseful surprises with moments of levity. Tregaskis's command over language is evident in the eloquence with which she paints scenes, invoking vivid imagery and sensory experiences that transport the reader into the heart of the narrative.
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Cinn's character is a triumph of literary creation. Her relationships with neighbors and friends are depicted with such warmth and authenticity that they leap off the page, inviting readers into a world where laughter, tears, and the magic of the season are seamlessly interwoven. The supporting cast is equally delightful, adding layers of depth to a narrative already brimming with charm.
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This was a five stars read and a cozy gorgeous blend of romance and mystery that made me turn the pages in a very fasct pace, definitely worh reading and I can't wait to read more from this outstanding debut Author!
Profile Image for Travel With A Book.
99 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2024
D M Tregaskis's debut masterpiece, "THE LONELY MORTICIAN," is a literary gem that transcends the boundaries of romantic comedy, delivering an enthralling narrative that seamlessly combines humor, heart, and a touch of holiday enchantment. This captivating tale, rich in both character and mystery, unfolds with a brilliance that kept me eagerly turning the pages into the small hours of the night.
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The relatability of the main character, Cinn, is the beating heart of this novel. Her struggle to navigate the intricacies of life, coupled with the unique challenges of her profession as a mortician, creates a captivating backdrop for a story that is as heartwarming as it is unpredictable. Tregaskis skillfully introduces an element of spookiness that adds an exhilarating layer to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they ponder the identity of the story's elusive villain.
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The Lonely Mortician offers a delightful escape into a world where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist harmoniously. From the relatable struggles of its protagonist to the delightful relationships that pepper its pages, this book elicits a range of emotions that linger long after the final chapter. It's a fun, heartwarming, and thoroughly enjoyable read that, once picked up, becomes impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Jane Williams.
71 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2024
D M Tregaskis's debut, "THE LONELY MORTICIAN," effortlessly enchants with its romantic comedy brilliance. This captivating narrative, interwoven with enemies-to-lovers, small-town allure, second chances, a holiday dating show, and the delightful chaos of meddling characters, is an absolute delight that defies literary norms.
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At its core is Cinn Spice, a protagonist whose relatable struggles unfold against a backdrop of unexpected encounters and quirky moments. What sets "THE LONELY MORTICIAN" apart is its timeless appeal as a holiday favorite. The narrative, infused with humor, heart, and an intriguing mystery, beckons a yearly return for the sheer joy it imparts. The pages of this book effortlessly turn, revealing a story that is as surprising as it is heartwarming.
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Cinn's character is stunning, her relationships adding layers of warmth and authenticity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including the old nemesis turned romantic interest and the meddling side characters, contribute to a charming landscape where laughter and love abound!
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"THE LONELY MORTICIAN" is not just a book; it's a celebration of love, laughter, and the enchantment that happens when you least expect it. D M Tregaskis has gifted readers a tale that goes beyond expectations, creating a delightful rom-com magic that will resonate with audiences for seasons to come!
Profile Image for Cadence.
94 reviews
January 8, 2025
The Lonely Mortician was a sweet holiday Romance with a bit of a mystery mixed in.  All in all I really enjoyed this unique story.  Once I got into the meat of it, I made it through the rest pretty quickly.  There was some repetition with a few different thoughts and phrases that continued throughout, but nothing that took away from the story much. 

Miscommunication was a major trope and I know that some people don’t like having that in their books. I, however, tend to enjoy it for the most part.  Not communicating well is actually pretty realistic compared to some of the other tropes out there.  Though, this one did seem to take a bit longer to clear up than one would expect.  That being said, I did enjoy this story.  Also, as mentioned before, it really was pretty unique.

I loved the characters, especially Pete.  He was so many of the things that I love in a mmc; sweet, protective without being controlling, caring and ready to sacrifice for those he loves.  I also enjoyed Cinn.  She reminded me quite a bit of my past self.  It took me quite a while to learn not to let everyone walk all over me.  I loved her growth throughout the story, it really hit home.   This is the author's first book, which is so amazing.   I can’t wait to read her other books, including Definitely NOT Cruising for Love, which comes out this Spring.  

**I was given this eARC copy in exchange for my honest review**
Profile Image for Alyssa.
45 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2024
"Becoming a mortician was never part of her plans."

I've really debated on how to rate this one! Probably more like 3.5 stars. It has a unique storyline that keeps you wanting to solve the mystery, while at the same time having some things that I didn't do so well with.

I really like Cinn and Pete! They are great characters that are just really good people. Writing a story about a mortician was an interesting idea and the mystery kept me wanting to know more. I also thought the holiday dating show was fun and I enjoyed the happy ending!

For those who are a bit more on the squeamish side, like myself, the descriptions of the embalming process were hard to read. I guess I should have expected that but I hadn't. There is also blood dumped on the characters and mention of prostitutes.
I also didn't really like that Cinn spent most of the book assuming that Pete was attracted to men. Of course that was worked out at the end for a clean romance!
Profile Image for Ruth.
66 reviews
December 30, 2023
Really fun read. It had it all: witty dialogue, swoony slow-burn romance that felt authentic, satisfying character growth, spookiness, mystery, comedy, found family, and a dating show that kept you guessing and the pace quick all the way to the end. I couldn't put it down.

I did have a few editing quibbles because I'm an editor, and I felt one misunderstanding between the two leads went on too long to be believable (which is honestly the genre most of the time and probably not something that would bother most people), but those were minor problems. It's unusual for me to get this sucked into a book. Definitely worth a read if you like romance, especially clean romance.
Profile Image for Jenny.
15 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this little book. It was a nice, cozy change from what I am use to reading. I love the name play with Cinnamon and Kharma.
I was skeptical at first, because of the name of the book but once I started reading and got a feel for the characters I was hooked.
I felt all of Cinn's emotions with her. I understood the want/need for revenge. I am so happy with the turn that was taken and would happily read another. Please tell me that there will be a book 2!!!! I'm invested and need to know what happens next with Cinnamon and Pete. Thank you for this treasure.
Profile Image for Chelsey.
93 reviews
September 15, 2025
I picked this one up based on a recommendation from a friend that they enjoyed it and it was clean. I actually really ended up liking it! The characters banter with an enemies to lover style was super cute and the mystery ghost break-ins kept me wondering which of the other characters was behind it. Top it off with a dating show with a mortician and I was thoroughly entertained.
2 reviews
December 7, 2023
Wonderful story, fun characters, and an intriguing mystery. This book gives you all the feels. The characters draw you in from the beginning and keep the pages turning. So glad I picked this up. I’m excited to see more from this author.
1,470 reviews19 followers
January 29, 2025
more than once

There are some books I´m sure I will read more than once and this one surely belongs to this category. Cinn and Pete touched my heart, they made me laugh and wish all the best for them.
Profile Image for Jana L..
Author 2 books22 followers
April 2, 2025
I had a hard time putting this one down

This one was really cute and kept me turning page after page until it was all complete and my heart was satisfied.

If you want to read a sweet romance with a little bit of spook, and a dating competition on the side, look no further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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