4.5 (439 ratings)

Don't Wake the Dead (The Wraith Files Book 1)

Name: Don't Wake the Dead (The Wraith Files Book 1)
Rating: 4.5 (439 reviews)
Author: C.C. Wood
ISBN: B01G6FUG2O

by C.C. Wood

ghosts

About this book

Zoe Thorne has spent her entire life pretending she is ordinary, desperately hiding the fact that she can see the restless dead. But being an outsider gets old, and her lonely existence shifts the moment she encounters Malachi Flemming and his eccentric crew of paranormal investigators. Suddenly, Zoe finds the found-family she never knew she needed, trading her isolation for a chaotic, ghost-hunting life that is as dangerous as it is hilarious.

Their latest case begins on a desolate country road where they cross paths with the spirit of Hank Murphy, a man murdered decades ago who is hungry for justice. As Zoe and her new team dig into the cold case, they quickly realize they have stirred up a killer who will stop at nothing to keep their dark secrets buried. The stakes turn deadly, forcing the group to face threats that are far more lethal than the ghosts they usually encounter.

If you are hunting for your next urban fantasy obsession, look no further. This series opener perfectly balances spine-tingling paranormal mystery with a slow-burn romance and sharp, laugh-out-loud banter. It is a rollicking, unputdownable read that proves some secrets are better left dead—unless you are brave enough to face the consequences.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B01G6FUG2O

Reader Reviews

loved every second of this new series, can't wait for more

June 1, 2016

GOLD LIPSTICK Every single time CC Wood announces that she's writing paranormal romance I have that moment of telling myself that I don't read PNR, I don't enjoy it, no really it's a conversation I have with myself EVERY SINGLE TIME. Each time I find myself wondering what it's about, whether I will enjoy it, all this posturing has lead me to a conclusion, I may not enjoy paranormal romance, but I love Ms Wood's paranormal romance, I never feel like I'm drowning in ghosts and werewolves and...

A rollicking, fun read, and I'll look for more in the series

May 13, 2023

I was charmed by this story. I loved Zoe as a protagonist. I liked Zoe's zany friend, Jonelle. Teri was hilarious (I nearly died when she called Jonelle a 'cock-hopper'!). Zoe and Mal are drawn to one another, although Zoe tries to keep things platonic. I was impressed that Mal respected her wishes and didn't push. The plot made sense, and it showed Zoe engaged in activities other than merely sleuthing. )

Don't Wake the Dead . . . A review

July 23, 2016

Saw this book mentioned on Facebook - had $3.12 gift card balance on Amazon, so for $2.99, I had a story to read . . . Which I just finished . . . in under 24 hours . . . That's how entertaining, humorous, fast paced, interesting and well written this was! Zoe is a reluctant heroine, Mal is ( WOOF! ) her handsome new 'boss', Teri is a rather interesting, slightly naughty resident ghost and the twists and turns of this Texas tale of 'ghosts & ghouls & things that go bump in the night' kept me...

C. C. Wood Hits This One Out Of the Park!

May 31, 2016

This book is appropriately creepy while being ridiculously funny! Throw in some sexual tension and C. C. Wood starts her next book series off with a total win! Zoe has been able to see ghosts, ghouls, & zombies since she died (apparently for no known reason) when she was five. After she was saved by a neighbor and brought back to life she realized she was seeing \"people\" that weren't there. Turns out it's because they're ghosts. Being young and not knowing any better she talks about the...

Ghosts, ghouls, and a cozy mystery

October 24, 2021

This was a great story with fun characters who had real issues. Ever since Zoe died (for 2 minutes) when she was five, she can see and hear ghosts. And attracts ghouls and zombies (and can send them back). She even has a live-in ghost! But everyone in town thinks she’s a nutcase. Then Mal and his ghost-hunting team show up and suddenly, she has friends… and a job. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with what she can do and especially one killer. The characters are fun - especially Zoe’s...