Plot Summary
New Town, Old Ghosts
Alexis "Lexie" Delaney arrives in Spring Mountain, hoping for a normal life with her Uncle Rory after years of instability and abuse. But her family's legacy—the Sight—means she sees the dead, and the ghosts are already waiting. Lexie's first day is a blur of new beginnings and old fears, as she tries to settle into a real home for the first time in years. Yet, even as she unpacks, a murdered man's ghost appears, reminding her that her "normal" will always be shadowed by the supernatural. Lexie's resolve to keep her secret and survive is tested from the start, setting the tone for a year where the living and the dead will both demand her attention.
Unlikely Friendships Form
Lexie's first days at Spring Mountain High are a whirlwind of awkward introductions and unexpected alliances. She quickly draws the attention of a tight-knit group of boys—Isaac, Ethan, Miles, Asher, and Zeke—each with their own quirks and scars. Despite her efforts to keep her distance, Lexie's wit and resilience win them over, and she's swept into their world of inside jokes, protective gestures, and genuine care. For the first time in years, Lexie feels the possibility of belonging, even as she struggles to hide her bruises—both physical and emotional—and the truth about her ability to see the dead.
Secrets and Sight
Lexie's secret is a heavy one: the Sight, passed down through the women in her family, lets her see and interact with ghosts. As she helps restless spirits move on, the toll on her body and mind grows—nosebleeds, headaches, and nightmares are constant companions. Her new friends sense something is off, but Lexie is determined to protect them from her world. Meanwhile, the ghosts grow more aggressive, and Lexie's connection to the Veil—the barrier between life and death—feels increasingly fragile. The cost of helping the dead is mounting, and Lexie's isolation deepens, even as her friendships strengthen.
The Boys' Circle
The boys become Lexie's anchor, offering her the stability and acceptance she's never known. Study sessions, shared meals, and late-night confessions create a sense of family, but Lexie's fear of rejection lingers. When her secret is finally revealed after a violent ghost attack, the boys' response is not horror or abandonment, but fierce loyalty and a determination to protect her. Together, they form a circle of trust, vowing to face whatever comes—living or dead—as a team. For Lexie, it's a revelation: maybe she doesn't have to carry her burdens alone.
Ghosts and Growing Closer
As Lexie helps more ghosts move on, the emotional and physical toll intensifies. The boys rally around her, learning the rituals and protections that keep her safe. Their bond deepens through shared danger and vulnerability, and Lexie begins to heal from her past traumas. Yet, the supernatural threats escalate—a particularly malevolent ghost, "Bitch Ghost," targets Lexie and her friends, pushing them to their limits. The group's unity is tested, but their commitment to each other only grows stronger, transforming them from friends into a chosen family.
Schoolyard Drama
High school life is no less treacherous than the supernatural. Lexie faces bullying, rumors, and social sabotage—especially from Jessica, the school's queen bee, and her cousin Tara. A humiliating photo incident and relentless gossip threaten Lexie's hard-won sense of belonging. But with the boys' support and her own unbreakable spirit, Lexie stands her ground, refusing to be shamed or silenced. The drama reveals the true nature of her friendships and the strength she's found in herself, even as the line between the living and the dead continues to blur.
Haunted and Hunted
The supernatural danger intensifies as Bitch Ghost grows stronger, feeding on the strange energy saturating the town. Lexie's protective charms begin to fail, and her friends are targeted—Miles is nearly strangled in his sleep, and Zeke is injured in a garage accident. The group scrambles to find new defenses, seeking help from a local witch, Serena, who reveals that Lexie is not just a Seer, but a Necromancer—someone who can control the dead. The revelation is both a gift and a curse, and the stakes are raised: the Veil is closing, and the dead are growing desperate.
Bonds and Betrayals
As the group faces mounting supernatural and personal challenges, old wounds and new betrayals come to the surface. Lexie's past abuse is revealed, and the boys struggle with their own demons—Isaac's self-destructive tendencies, Zeke's anger, and Miles' haunted home life. The pressure threatens to fracture their unity, but through honest conversation, shared vulnerability, and a few well-timed interventions, they find their way back to each other. The bonds they've forged are tested, but ultimately prove unbreakable, even as the darkness around them deepens.
The Party and the Price
A school party becomes the backdrop for a series of confrontations—Lexie faces harassment, Isaac's drinking spirals out of control, and Bitch Ghost possesses a classmate, nearly killing Lexie. The group is forced to take drastic action, deciding to salt and burn the ghost's remains—a dangerous and morally fraught ritual. The experience leaves them shaken and guilt-ridden, especially Lexie, who feels responsible for the soul's destruction. The price of survival is steep, and the group is left to grapple with the consequences of their choices.
The Veil's Warning
In the aftermath of the ritual, Lexie is pulled into the Veil and witnesses its corruption firsthand. The natural order is broken—the Veil is closed, souls cannot move on, and a terrible energy is building. Lexie realizes that someone is manipulating the boundary between life and death, and that the chaos in Spring Mountain is only the beginning. The revelation is overwhelming, and Lexie is left traumatized and guilt-ridden, haunted by the soul she helped destroy and the knowledge that the worst is yet to come.
The Cost of Power
Lexie's breakdown in the wake of the ritual is raw and devastating. The boys rally around her, refusing to let her shoulder the blame alone. Together, they confront the reality that their actions—however well-intentioned—have consequences, and that the supernatural world is more dangerous and complex than they ever imagined. Lexie's power is both a blessing and a curse, and the group must learn to navigate the moral gray areas of their new reality. Healing begins, but the scars—both physical and emotional—remain.
Breaking and Healing
Recovery is slow and painful. Lexie struggles with nightmares, guilt, and the fear that she will never be whole again. The boys refuse to let her retreat into isolation, offering comfort, distraction, and unconditional support. Through shared meals, inside jokes, and late-night confessions, the group begins to heal. Lexie learns to accept help, to forgive herself, and to find strength in vulnerability. The experience leaves them forever changed, but also more united than ever.
Facing the Darkness
With the immediate threat gone but the Veil still closed, the group turns their attention to the larger mystery. Lexie trains to control her abilities, the boys research the supernatural, and together they prepare for whatever comes next. The sense of impending doom lingers, but so does hope. Lexie's chosen family stands with her, ready to face the darkness together. The journey is far from over, but for the first time, Lexie believes they might just survive it.
The Aftermath
Life returns to a semblance of normalcy, but the events of the past weeks have left their mark. Lexie navigates the fallout at school, the complexities of her relationships, and the ongoing challenges of her abilities. The group's bond is stronger than ever, but the shadow of the Veil's corruption looms. Lexie is determined to find a way to restore balance, to protect her friends, and to honor the memory of the soul she couldn't save. The story ends on a note of resilience and resolve, with Lexie and her chosen family ready to face whatever comes next.
Lessons in Survival
Lexie's journey is one of survival—of abuse, of supernatural threats, and of her own guilt and fear. Through it all, she learns that strength is not the absence of vulnerability, but the willingness to keep going in spite of it. Her friendships become her lifeline, and her willingness to accept help is as important as her ability to give it. The lessons she learns—about trust, forgiveness, and the power of chosen family—are hard-won, but they become the foundation for her new life.
The Weight of Guilt
The guilt of destroying a soul weighs heavily on Lexie, but she is not alone in her suffering. The boys share the burden, reminding her that responsibility is not hers alone. Together, they learn to live with the consequences of their actions, to seek forgiveness, and to find meaning in the aftermath. The experience binds them together in ways they never expected, forging a family out of shared pain and mutual support.
A New Kind of Family
In the end, it is the family Lexie chooses—not the one she was born into—that saves her. The boys become her brothers, her protectors, and her confidants. Together, they create a home where she is safe, seen, and loved. The supernatural may still threaten, but Lexie knows she is no longer alone. The story closes with the promise of new beginnings, of healing, and of the unbreakable bonds that have been forged in the crucible of adversity.
The Veil Remains Closed
Though the immediate danger has passed, the Veil remains closed, and the mystery of its corruption is unresolved. Lexie and her friends are left with more questions than answers, but also with a renewed sense of purpose. The journey is far from over, but they are ready to face whatever comes next—together. The story ends with Lexie determined to find a way to restore balance, to protect her chosen family, and to honor the memory of those lost along the way.
Characters
Alexis "Lexie" Delaney
Lexie is a seventeen-year-old girl marked by trauma, resilience, and a supernatural legacy. Orphaned by her father's death and abused by her mother, she's spent years on the move, never able to settle or trust. The Sight—her ability to see and interact with the dead—has isolated her further, making her wary of connection. Yet, beneath her sarcasm and guarded exterior is a fierce loyalty and a desperate longing for belonging. Lexie's journey is one of learning to accept help, to trust others, and to forgive herself for the things she cannot control. Her relationships with the boys become her lifeline, teaching her that family can be chosen, and that vulnerability is not weakness. As a Necromancer, Lexie's power is both a gift and a curse, forcing her to confront the moral complexities of her abilities and the cost of survival.
Zeke Blackthorn
Zeke is the group's silent guardian, a mountain of a boy with a haunted past and a hair-trigger temper. Scarred by family trauma, he's built walls around himself, but Lexie's arrival cracks his defenses. Zeke's protectiveness borders on obsessive, especially when Lexie is threatened, but it's rooted in a deep fear of loss and a desperate need to keep his chosen family safe. His journey is one of learning to trust, to let others in, and to accept that strength is not just physical. Zeke's relationship with Lexie is complex—part brother, part confidant, part unspoken longing—and his willingness to stand by her, even in the face of supernatural danger, cements his place as her fiercest ally.
Isaac Turner
Isaac is the group's wild card—fun-loving, impulsive, and fiercely loyal. His energy masks deeper insecurities and a tendency toward self-destruction, especially when drinking. Isaac's struggles with control and self-worth are brought to the surface by Lexie's presence, forcing him to confront his own demons. His bond with Lexie is playful and affectionate, but also deeply protective. Isaac's journey is one of learning to channel his energy into healthier outlets, to accept help, and to recognize his own value within the group.
Ethan Turner
Ethan, Isaac's twin, is the group's resident flirt and musician, using humor and charm to deflect from his own pain. His passion for music is both a refuge and a shield, and his easygoing nature belies a deep well of empathy. Ethan is often the first to offer comfort, distraction, or a well-timed joke, but he's also capable of surprising insight and emotional intelligence. His relationship with Lexie is marked by playful banter, mutual respect, and a growing sense of responsibility. Ethan's journey is one of learning to be vulnerable, to let others see past the mask, and to find meaning beyond the surface.
Miles Huntington
Miles is the group's brain—a quiet, observant presence with a photographic memory and a deep well of compassion. Haunted by his father's abuse and his mother's emotional absence, Miles finds solace in logic, science, and the company of his friends. His relationship with Lexie is gentle and supportive, offering her a safe space to be herself. Miles' journey is one of learning to step out of the shadows, to assert himself, and to recognize the value of emotional connection. His calm, rational approach often serves as the group's anchor in times of crisis.
Asher Westfell
Asher is the group's athlete and peacemaker, balancing the pressures of family expectations, personal loss, and his own dreams. His easy charm and protective instincts make him a natural leader, but beneath the surface, he struggles with grief and a sense of responsibility for his twin sister, Jessica. Asher's relationship with Lexie is marked by mutual respect, shared vulnerability, and a growing sense of trust. His journey is one of learning to pursue his own happiness, to set boundaries, and to accept that he cannot save everyone.
Rory Delaney
Rory is Lexie's uncle and a local police officer, stepping in as her guardian after years of neglect and abuse. Haunted by the loss of his sister and the family's legacy of the Sight, Rory is determined to protect Lexie at all costs. His approach is a mix of tough love, overprotectiveness, and genuine care, offering Lexie the stability and safety she's never known. Rory's journey is one of learning to let go, to trust Lexie's judgment, and to accept that some battles must be fought together.
Tara Delaney
Tara is Lexie's cousin and a symbol of the "normal" life Lexie has never had. Popular, ambitious, and often antagonistic, Tara's relationship with Lexie is fraught with jealousy, misunderstanding, and occasional moments of connection. Her lack of the Sight sets her apart from the family legacy, fueling her resentment and insecurity. Tara's role is both adversary and mirror, forcing Lexie to confront her own desires for acceptance and belonging.
Jessica Westfell
Jessica is Asher's twin and the school's reigning mean girl, wielding social power with ruthless efficiency. Her antagonism toward Lexie is rooted in insecurity, grief, and a desperate need for control. Jessica's actions—spreading rumors, orchestrating humiliations—serve as a catalyst for Lexie's growth, forcing her to stand up for herself and her friends. Jessica's journey is one of self-destruction and, ultimately, poetic justice, as her own tactics are turned against her.
Serena
Serena is a local witch who becomes Lexie's mentor, helping her understand the true nature of her abilities. Wise, compassionate, and pragmatic, Serena offers guidance, protection, and hard truths. Her role is to help Lexie accept her identity as a Necromancer, to teach her the rituals and disciplines necessary for survival, and to remind her that power always comes with a price.
Plot Devices
The Sight and Necromancy
The Sight is the central supernatural device, passed down through the women in Lexie's family. It allows her to see, hear, and interact with the dead, but at a steep cost—physical pain, emotional trauma, and social isolation. The revelation that Lexie is not just a Seer but a Necromancer—capable of controlling the dead—raises the stakes and complicates her relationship with her abilities. This device drives the plot, shaping Lexie's interactions with both the living and the dead, and forcing her to confront the moral ambiguities of her power.
The Veil
The Veil is the metaphysical boundary between life and death, normally allowing souls to pass on. Its corruption—someone has closed it, trapping souls and flooding the world with dangerous energy—serves as the story's central mystery and escalating threat. The Veil's state is revealed through foreshadowing (increasingly aggressive ghosts, unexplained energy surges) and direct experience (Lexie's visions). The device creates a sense of impending doom and drives the characters to seek solutions beyond their understanding.
Found Family
The theme of found family is woven throughout the narrative, serving as both a plot device and an emotional anchor. Lexie's relationships with the boys—and their willingness to accept her, protect her, and share her burdens—provide the support she needs to survive and heal. The group's dynamic is explored through shared rituals (study sessions, meals, salt circles), inside jokes, and moments of vulnerability. The device is used to contrast Lexie's past isolation with her present sense of belonging, and to highlight the power of chosen family in overcoming adversity.
Moral Ambiguity and Consequence
The story is structured around a series of morally ambiguous decisions—helping ghosts move on, salting and burning remains, risking the destruction of a soul. Each choice carries consequences, both practical and emotional, forcing the characters to grapple with guilt, responsibility, and the limits of their knowledge. The device is used to explore the complexities of survival, the cost of power, and the importance of forgiveness—both of oneself and others.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—strange energy, increasingly aggressive ghosts, visions of the Veil's corruption—building tension and anticipation for future conflicts. Symbolism is used throughout: salt as protection and purification, the circle as unity and safety, the Veil as both barrier and bridge. These devices reinforce the story's themes and create a sense of cohesion and depth.
Analysis
Trying to Live With the Dead is, at its core, a story about survival, trauma, and the redemptive power of chosen family. Through Lexie's journey, the novel explores the isolating effects of abuse and supernatural burden, but also the possibility of healing through connection and vulnerability. The supernatural elements—ghosts, the Sight, the Veil—serve as metaphors for the invisible wounds we carry and the ways in which the past can haunt the present. The narrative refuses easy answers, instead embracing the messiness of moral ambiguity and the reality that sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to devastating consequences. The boys' unwavering support for Lexie is both heartwarming and realistic, showing that true family is not defined by blood, but by loyalty, acceptance, and shared struggle. The story's ultimate message is one of resilience: that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, it is possible to find hope, to forgive oneself, and to build a life worth living. In a modern context, the book resonates as a testament to the importance of mental health, the necessity of support systems, and the courage it takes to keep going when the world feels impossible.
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