Rules for Ghosting : A Novel – Shelly Jay Shore

Ezra Friedman sees ghosts—a gift (or curse) he’s avoided since childhood. Growing up in his family’s funeral home, he dealt with spectral disapproval from his late grandfather while navigating his own trans identity. Now, after losing his job and his mother’s sudden announcement of leaving the family, Ezra is thrust back into the funeral business. Surrounded by restless spirits, he must confront the ghosts of his past—and present.

When Ezra develops a crush on Jonathan, a volunteer at the funeral home, complications arise. Jonathan’s late husband, Ben, appears as a ghost who defies every rule Ezra thought he knew. Ben’s presence forces Ezra to question his understanding of life, death, and love. As Ezra balances family chaos, financial worries, and his growing feelings for Jonathan, he learns that healing often requires embracing the very things he’s spent years avoiding.

The novel weaves Jewish traditions and rituals into its narrative, from Passover seders to funeral rites, grounding the story in cultural authenticity. Ezra’s journey is one of self-acceptance, blending humor and heartache as he navigates his role in a family business teetering on collapse. The ghosts in Rules for Ghosting aren’t just plot devices—they’re mirrors reflecting unresolved grief, unspoken truths, and the weight of legacy.

Shore’s writing balances warmth and wit, crafting a story where queer joy and Jewish identity take center stage. Ezra’s relationships—with his siblings, his community, and himself—are tenderly explored, offering a refreshing take on found family. The romance between Ezra and Jonathan unfolds slowly, complicated by secrets and spectral interference, but remains hopeful at its core.

A national bestseller praised for its originality, Rules for Ghosting is a testament to resilience. It’s about learning to live with the ghosts we carry and finding light in unexpected places. Whether you’re drawn to paranormal elements, heartfelt family drama, or queer love stories, this debut novel delivers a rich, layered experience that lingers long after the final page.