I LOVED this book!! I've read another series - the Freaky Circus - from this author and really enjoy that one as well, but I super-duper loved this boI LOVED this book!! I've read another series - the Freaky Circus - from this author and really enjoy that one as well, but I super-duper loved this book. I loved everything about it and I'm positive this is going to be a favourite series that I'm going to be obsessed with.
I love the world-building here; it's creative and interesting with lots of potential and scope for future books.
I REALLY love the characters - all of them! Literally every character in this is likable and interesting and unique and all of them have quirks, which just makes them even more fun. Izzy is a terrific main character and I love her a lot already after only one book.
Finally, what I love the very most about this author and her writing is the humour. Amanda M. Lee has an excellent sense of humour and it permeates this entire story. Even when dramatic, dangerous or terrifying things are happening, the gallows humour the characters use to cope is quite simply a hoot! I laughed out loud many times reading this and it was wonderful!
One aspect of this book that particularly tickled me is that the story is set on Belle Isle near Detroit Michigan. I grew up in Windsor Ontario, which is just across the Detroit river from Belle Isle and it was so cool that places mentioned in the book are some that I have been to many times, including Belle Isle (which really is absolutely beautiful and if you ever have the opportunity to visit definitely do it!) and Windsor is even mentioned (in relation to the tunnel to get there from Detroit). This was just a neat side aspect that added to my own enjoyment of the story being able to know the places where the action was happening.
I've already bought the second book in this series and I can't wait to get to it and continue living in this world. If you enjoy paranormal fiction, smart, kick-ass female characters, plenty of action and some very snarky humour in your books then I highly recommend this series!...more
I like this series. It has lots of things I like: paranormal stuff, interesting characters, strong female characters, an exciting, dramatic plot and dI like this series. It has lots of things I like: paranormal stuff, interesting characters, strong female characters, an exciting, dramatic plot and dark humour.
Book two in the series was still good but the sword of Damocles hanging over the characters in this one (which I won't say more about to avoid spoilers) made for a darker feel, and not because of the monsters (there are always monsters in this series).
I love the setting of the circus because aside from the fact they travel making for changes in situation that can be interesting, the circus life is already a little off-centre, and the fact that the members are also monster hunters just ups the ante on the unexpected situations the stories will be able to tell.
I especially love the author's perspective on dark humour and I laugh out loud a lot at the things the characters say and do. The humour is a big selling point for me on these books. I will definitely be continuing on with this series, at least until I find out how the cliff-hanger at the end of this book plays out....more
This book is a great reminder that reading other people's reviews is fine, but you shouldn't let them make decisions about whether or not you read a bThis book is a great reminder that reading other people's reviews is fine, but you shouldn't let them make decisions about whether or not you read a book. I really enjoyed this, but if I'd let other people's reviews decide for me I probably wouldn't have tried this out and that would have been a loss.
Other reviews talked a lot about how immature Poet is, and how her snarkiness got old very fast. I didn't react to this book that way at all. In fact I LOVED how sarcastic Poet is! Her approach is very similar to mine, except I usually keep my snark inside my head rather than saying it out loud . . . usually. I loved Poet's sense of humour and dark approach to the crazy her life is made up of. In fact not only did I laugh out loud multiple times, but I even snorted a few times from laughing. The humour in this story was great!
I found this story to be unique, creative, quiky and very entertaining. A travelling circus that doubles as a troupe of monster-hunters has so much scope for great stories, and this author told a very clever and exciting story here. I was delighted to discover that there are a number of additional books in this series and I am definitely going to be buying them and continuing to go along on Poet and the gang's adventures. This book was really good!...more
I love a good band of misfits, in this case ones with weird and slightly creepy and terrifying skills aThis was such a fun book - I really enjoyed it.
I love a good band of misfits, in this case ones with weird and slightly creepy and terrifying skills and abilities. Particularly Gideon, who as the planner of this adventure has chutzpa for days and attitude up the wazoo, both of which make him delightfully charming even as he is infuriating.
The rest of the gang are all broken in some way, but also likable for the very foibles that make them so valuable to Gideon's grand plan for the heist.
Which brings me to the next thing I love - a good heist story, especially when the object of the heist richly deserves everything coming to him. A good heist story has to have a rotten villain and the one is this book really is someone you can love to hate.
Finally, a whole bunch of weird and wonderful artifacts with powers is always a fun addition to any story, and to a mystical magical heist story, weird and scary artifacts are simply icing on the cake.
This is the first Simon R. Green book I've read, and it was terrific. There's creepy, there's sad, there's cheeky British-style humour, and there's plenty of drama, excitement and magical shenanigans - a fun, fast, entertaining read. I loved this and will definitely look for other books from this author. ...more
The House of Werth is on of my all-time favourite series. I always enjoy a visit to their world, where insanity, hilarity and shenanigans of the firstThe House of Werth is on of my all-time favourite series. I always enjoy a visit to their world, where insanity, hilarity and shenanigans of the first water are always on offer!
Charlotte E. English has my kind of sense of humour, and she balances that with an ability to humanize characters who are anything BUT human in the standard definition of same. I have read a number of her books across different series, and have enjoyed all of them.
If you enjoy paranormal fiction, with quirky but likable oddball characters, clever paranormal world-building and cheeky plots filled with the quintessential dry British flavour of humour then I highly recommend all this author's books, but confess to a particular fondness for the - so far - three House of Werth books. They are a delight!...more
I love this series! It is the perfect combination of two things I already love: anything paranormal, and Pride & Prejudice.
Book 2 lost absolutely no mI love this series! It is the perfect combination of two things I already love: anything paranormal, and Pride & Prejudice.
Book 2 lost absolutely no momentum from book 1 and included all the components I adored in the first book.
The world-building in this series is very clever and creative and definitely a bit different from any other stories I've read in this genre. I absolutely love that Gussie is unrepentently independent and does not care one whit whom she discomposes with her behaviour and actions. She does what she likes and lives her life on her own terms, as bizarre as those terms may be! She is simply wonderful!!
The stories this author comes up with for her characters is exciting, and unique and very engaging. I really enjoyed going on this new journey with the Werths and experiencing all their newest catastrophes.
This is definitely a new favourite series for me in the paranormal genre and I will be watching for more books from this author to continue with it. This series will definitely be a "must read" for me....more
I absolutely loved this story! It is weird and odd and unusual, but also it is clever, creative, cheeky and engaging.
I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes, anI absolutely loved this story! It is weird and odd and unusual, but also it is clever, creative, cheeky and engaging.
I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes, and also a fantasy fan, so when I read that this was a fantasy retelling of Holmes with a female sorceress as Holmes I was very intrigued and hopeful of a good story. I was not disappointed.
The author does a fabulous job of invoking the spirit of the Holmes character, but still making Sheharazad Haas unique and different with her own quirks and idiosyncracies. I especially loved the interplay between Haas and Wyndham [the Watson character] as they went on their investigation. Wyndham is a prude and a prig, but he still manages to be likable in spite of how not like Sheharazad he is, and how affronted he is by her relaxed attitude to things like sex, decorum and polite habits.
I especially found it amusing the lengths Wyndham goes to to attempt to avoid including the curses the people around him use as he is retelling the story of their adventure. It probably should have gotten annoying - based on the frequency of it through the story - but somehow it never did. I found it charming instead.
Just everything about this book was creative and clever and well-done. I really really enjoyed it!
Format note: I listened to this as an audio book and the male narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and breathing energy and cheek into the story....more
This book was so fun! It was clever, creative, unique and quirky.
I loved the world-building in this. The concept that a perfectly mixed cocktail can gThis book was so fun! It was clever, creative, unique and quirky.
I loved the world-building in this. The concept that a perfectly mixed cocktail can give you magical powers allowing you to fight and kill demons trying to eat the life-force of humans is pretty darn clever. The excerpts from the "bible" for the mixologist-bartender-demon-fighters with the recipes for various drinks along with the history of the ingredients and the powers they give you was an especially fun aspect of the story.
I liked all the characters in this. They are all totally unique, but badass in their own ways. As a Canadian I did have a particular attachment to Bucket who really was an absolute hoot!
This plot was really well-conceived and had a great pace with just the right combination of kick-ass action and mundane activities for the characters to really keep a reader reading (well that's what happened for THIS reader, anyway).
This was just so much fun! I really enjoyed it....more
I ADORE this series!! It is one of those rare, few series that are automatic "to read" for me. No discussion, just on the list as soon as there's a neI ADORE this series!! It is one of those rare, few series that are automatic "to read" for me. No discussion, just on the list as soon as there's a new book out. Jodi Taylor never lets me down and she hasn't with this book either - LOVED IT!
There are only a handful of long-term series where I just get each new book no questions, because it is difficult to develop characters in natural ways that make sense, and create new stories for each book without going off the deep-end to the point where the reader feels cheated because things get crazy. This series has so much going for it, and obviously, the author has a strong vision for her characters and her world, that there is plenty of variety and interesting things for the characters to do, without throwing things off a cliff in terms of continuity.
I admit I was nervous about this book after the way the last book ended. I mean given the way the books story lines run how was it going to work that Max (view spoiler)[ was pregnant (hide spoiler)]?! I really worried about how that plot point was going to play out in the context of this world, and what goes on with the Historian lunatics of St. Mary's. But I needn't have worried!
One of the things I especially love about these books is that we get history lessons in a tremendously entertaining way. I mean, St. Mary's are disaster-magnets, no question, so no matter what historical event they jump into, you know they're going to bollocks it up. But we still get to learn a bit about those historical events and I find that delightful.
The other thing that makes me completely obsessed with this series is the incredibly cheeky clever humour the author ALWAYS works in throughout these books! Her one-liners are hysterical and these books always ALWAYS make me laugh out loud and uncontrollably when I read them. It's a bit problematic, actually, because I listed to these books in audio format [FYI if you have any interest in audio books the narrator of these is PERFECT! She nails the accents and attitude of the prose spot-on every time!] and on my daily subway commute. I get odd looks when I randomly start to giggle uncontrollably sitting on the train. I'm sure people wonder what the heck I'm listening to, but I simply can't help it. These books are THAT FUNNY!!
There's always some danger and drama in a St. Mary's book, and this one was no exception. I was chewing my fingernails there at the end and worried about a horrifying cliff-hanger, but the author again didn't let me down. Although the door is open for future mayhem for Max and company, the plot of this book was appropriately wrapped up, so I was very satisfied.
Can't wait to listen to the next book. Dear Jodi Taylor: just in case you read this - PLEASE KEEP THESE BOOKS COMING!!!! I will read as many as you write, no exceptions!!...more
St. Mary's never lets me down! I loved this as much as all the previous books.
This is one of my top 5 consistently favourite series ever, and each newSt. Mary's never lets me down! I loved this as much as all the previous books.
This is one of my top 5 consistently favourite series ever, and each new book is a guaranteed five-star read. These book fabulously combine history, ripping-good action and drama, absolutely lunatic [but in the very best way!] nut-job characters, and so much dry British humour that you really need a transfusion of fluids by the end of any of the St. Mary's books!
Really, I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this or any of the books in this series - I adore everything about it, and excitedly look forward to each new book [which I listen to on audio format, and if you have any interest in audio books, the narrator of the series does a smashing job!] as a thrilling treat that I get to immerse myself in and just enjoy a great story with characters I love!...more
I love everything about this series! The second book was just as excellent as the first.
There is so much to love in this series, it's hard to review wI love everything about this series! The second book was just as excellent as the first.
There is so much to love in this series, it's hard to review without fawning.
First and foremost, I love Irene. As a heroine, she's a combination of Elizabeth Bennet [sarcastic humour], Dr. Who [travelling to alternate worlds with aplomb and panache], and any tough-as-nails, ass-kicking heroine you care to name. She deals with chaos - literally! - on a constant basis, and just shakes it off and keeps calm and carries on, as any good Brit ought. I adore her dry, also British sense of both humour and the absurd in the life she leads. I laugh constantly reading these books!
I also love the world the author has created with this series. It is an unadulterated love-letter to books and reading, but it also gives us magic, paranormal creatures, spies, intrigues and political maneuvering. The world makes sense, and "works" for lack of a better description. The components are well-conceived and they hold up as a setting for Irene's continued adventures.
The supporting characters are also great. They are fully created personalities on their own, but the way they interact with Irene is exciting and entertaining and keeps the plot moving along at a fast clip. They all play their assigned roles in a way that adds to a reader's enjoyment of the story, which is what supporting characters are supposed to do.
The story in this book was an extension of the first book, and continues the cliff-hanger we were left with at the end of book one, which is all I will say to avoid spoilers. Things move forward, and there is resolution, but also set-up for the third book.
I will absolutely be reading the third book. I love this series, and it will definitely go on my "best series" list. Excellent read for those who like their paranormal weirdness with a dose of British humour and "get-on-with-it-ness"....more
This was a fun paranormal story. It put me in mind of the Parasol Protectorate in terms of quirkiness and amusing sarcastic humour - both of which thiThis was a fun paranormal story. It put me in mind of the Parasol Protectorate in terms of quirkiness and amusing sarcastic humour - both of which this has.
I liked the character of Bee - she was spunky and droll and took absolutely everything that happened to her - and there was plenty in the story - in her stride, calmly dealing with what had to be dealt with in an efficiently English sort of way.
The story wasn't exceptionally exciting or unusual, but it was serviceable, and it sets up for the second book nicely, while still resolving the plot of the current book, which I like.
There were plenty of funny situations, and interesting characters surrounding Beatrice as she attempts to fulfill her responsibilities as an investigator for the Society for Paranormals. I will read future books in this series when I'm looking for something quick and easy to read, with some cleverness and sarcastic British humour - this has both....more
It's always a bit nerve-wracking to start book 2 in a series where you loved book 1, as you hope that the author can keep the momentum and great writiIt's always a bit nerve-wracking to start book 2 in a series where you loved book 1, as you hope that the author can keep the momentum and great writing going. More often than not the second book is a letdown, but happily not in this case - I loved book 2 just as much as I did the first book!!
The author takes Katherine on a journey that puts her in places and situations that are very different from what was going on in the first book, but everything is just as well-conceived and clever and engaging as was the first book. Things continue where they need to continue, in terms of character development and history, but the new aspects are interesting and dramatic, with plenty of hurdles for Katherine to scale in order to keep those she loves safe, while also searching for Lane.
The pacing of this was just as strong here as it was in the first book. I found it hard to stop once I'd started this, as I just wanted to know how it would all turn out, and each time I was tempted to stop, something really exciting would happen and I had to keep going.
The characters also developed in very interesting ways, and not just Katherine, but pretty much all the characters who continue to this book from the first have some growth and interesting situations to experience. Uncle Tully particularly gets some very big opportunities to grow in this book, and I thought that those scenes were handled very thoughtfully and sensitively. I especially liked that aspect of the book.
Honestly, I loved everything about this book. It is just a great a read as the first book was. I don't know if the author has more books planned for this series, especially given how this book was wrapped up, but if there are more books to come, I would definitely give them a try. ...more
It is astounding to me how excellent this series continues to be at the fourth book in. I liked this book as much as I loved the first in the series [It is astounding to me how excellent this series continues to be at the fourth book in. I liked this book as much as I loved the first in the series [which was a LOT - five stars then too].
The author is fabulous, and I can only assume that she has everything in this series fully formed out in her head already, because the world-building in this is sensational, the characters are out-of-this-world amazing, and the plots just keep getting funnier, more exciting and more clever with each new book. Chronicles of St. Mary's is now in my top 5 favourite series EVER, and it gets better with each new book. I can't get enough of this series!!
The last book left us hanging off a cliff by our last two finger nails, which, I admit, was upsetting. But with this book, things are resolved. But, of course, being St. Mary's, they don't stay resolved for more than a minute before chaos ensues, mayhem arrives, and Max and friends are off on life-threatening adventures yet again. I mean, you want to be upset for these poor people, what with the ridiculous things they are forced to deal with. Then again, considering who these people are, and what they're used to dealing with day in and day out, well, a drink [or six] and some sarcastic trading of insults will more or less settle the nonsense so everyone can just get back to it.
The cleverness and humour in these books is simply beyond almost anything else out there, and it delights me with every new book. There are few other series in which the books literally make me laugh out loud continously as I read them. This series does that with every book.
The world is so well-conceived that it seems obvious what's going to happen how the characters will behave . . . well afterwards it's obvious, while it's happening, you're just so engrossed you can't do more than hang on tight with both hands while praying everyone will come out the other side in one piece . . .or at least alive, which, being St. Mary's is probably the best case scenario.
Truly, I can't think of enough accolades to give this series. I've loved every book so far, and this one, as I said before, was my favourite after the first book in the series. I'm besotted by these characters, the world they live in, and the adventures they go on. I have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed that Jodi Taylor has many more stories in her head for the St. Mary's gang to live out. I will keep reading these as long as she writes them. Love this series!!...more
This second, and very, very long-awaited follow up to The Rook was good. It wasn't as good as the first book, but not because of the story.
As other reThis second, and very, very long-awaited follow up to The Rook was good. It wasn't as good as the first book, but not because of the story.
As other reviewers have noted, for some unknown reason, the author opted to write large amounts of history/backstory about the Grafters into the story. These were - in my opinion - far too lengthy and detailed, and almost unnecessary to advance the real plot and its related action. Each of these history lessons stopped the momentum of the actual story dead in its tracks every single time for me! Things would just get thrilling and nail-biting, and then we would have to stop for a history lesson, that went on for pages, when realistically a couple of tightly written paragraphs could have given us what we REALLY needed to understand to stay with the plot. I don't know if the author thought he was building suspense with these interludes, but for this reader, he wasn't. All he did was drag me OUT of the excitement of the story and annoy me with minutiae while I waited to get back to the real story.
That said however, the actual plot of the book where the real action was happening was absolutely fantastic and just as amazing as the first book. If we had reduced the history stuff by about 75% this would have been a 5-star review for me absolutely no question! The real plot of the Checquy versus the new nemesis and the attempts to align with the Grafters was sensational, and I loved every word of THAT!!!
The characters, both new and returning, were as fully realized and engaging as in the first book. Whether they were good or bad, they all enthralled me with their actions and choices. Odette is a fantastic addition to the world here, and Felicity as well is just someone you want to root super hard for. Even the minor supporting characters felt real and drew me into the story all the way. I didn't want to stop this once I started, except for the history stuff.
A note on format: I listened to this on audiobook, and the narrator was absolutely spectacular!! She nailed every single accent of every character [and they pretty much covered the entire world - English, Irish, Scottish, German, French, American, and some that were completely unique] perfectly, and her delivery really brought the dry English humour to life. If you have any interest in audio format, this is a terrific book to listen to rather than read to get the full effect of the various accents of the characters.
The tongue in cheek humour of these books is definitely one of my favourite things about the world-building here, and it comes through in full in this book just like in the first. The desperate situations the characters find themselves in over and over would be maudlin if not for the zingers the author gives them to say or think about how ridiculous and irritating this all is, as the world burns down around them. It's hilarious and it made this story so fun.
I'm glad I finally got to read this closure on the Checquy and find out what happened to Rook Thomas and her merry band of freaks. I wish the author had left out the unnecessary detail as I would have loved to give this the same 5 stars I gave the first book. But when the story was the focus this was a fabulous read, so I gave it 4 stars, and only took one away for the blah, blah stuff.
If you loved the first book, you definitely must read this one! Just skip through the history lessons and you'll be fine....more
When I found this, the description I saw was: "Think Doctor Who with librarian spies" and my reaction was: Yes, please!!!! The book did not let me dowWhen I found this, the description I saw was: "Think Doctor Who with librarian spies" and my reaction was: Yes, please!!!! The book did not let me down - I adored everything about this!!
The world-building in this book is fantastic. It is detailed, organized and fully realized. I totally fell into this world while reading the book and loved being there.
There is a ton of action, suspense and drama in the story. You are never sure moment to moment what's going to happen, who's going to survive, and if the world is going to come to an end. It was tons of fun to go on this adventure.
I loved the characters in this. Everyone has terrific lines, there's buckets of cleverness and humour, and everyone gets plenty of excitement for the read to live vicariously. The pace is breathless right from page one, and the intensity really never lets up once you start reading, so plan to read this when you have time because you won't want to stop once you start.
I literally loved this book! One of the best books I've read this year, no doubt about it. I am thrilled there is a book two already out, because I cannot WAIT to go back into this world. Loved, loved, loved this!!...more
I am now officially obsessed with this series!!! This is one of the cleverest, funniest and most unique stories I have ever read.
There is just SO MUCHI am now officially obsessed with this series!!! This is one of the cleverest, funniest and most unique stories I have ever read.
There is just SO MUCH in these books to love I hardly know where to start.
To start with, the characters are fantastic! Smart , funny, resourceful, and sarcastic every last one of them
The fact that you get multiple mini-history lessons in each book is a delightful bonus (even if the author does take some literary license with what actually happens on occasion, it still makes for terrific romps through history for the reader) and has reminded me how much fun and excitement history can be in the right hands.
I also love, love, love the author's wickedly funny and hugely sarcastic sense of humour. The small almost throwaway lines that pepper each book are simply hysterical. Given the odd and dangerous world the St. Mary's folks live in, a somewhat dark approach to life and levity is entirely appropriate and not only adds to the entertainment value of the story, but also helps to offset the darker moments in the books. And there are dark moment. History hasn't always been sunshine and unicorns, after all. But that is where the action and adventure comes in. Like I said, something for everyone in this series.
But the biggest draw for me with this series is how unbelievably creative and unexpectedly unique the plots of each book are. In every book so far the author has started out giving me a rip-roaringly exciting and engaging story chock-full of action, adventure and dramatic humour, which should be more than enough for any reader. But then halfway through, there appears a shocking twist of epic proportions that knocks me on my ass and leaves my mouth hanging open. Of course looking back those twists all make perfect sense considering what the St. Mary's world is all about but I am surprised each time it happens.
The fact of the world the author has created makes the plot twists not only great reading, but also completely believeable and plausible which is always a nice surprise. When an author really has a complete and fully developed world for their characters to run around and get into trouble in, it just makes the whole reading experience more full and real, and this series truly does that for me.
I absolutely adore everything about this series and highly recommend it as a fabulous read! I can't wait to read all the other books to come because so far everyone every one of them have been spectacular reads!...more
A very short -9 pages - Christmas Story but all the things I love about the St. Mary's gang are here. There is cleverly written history connections, hA very short -9 pages - Christmas Story but all the things I love about the St. Mary's gang are here. There is cleverly written history connections, hilariously messed up adventures that go totally awry, the black humour that characterizes this series and character shenanigans....more
So, when the first line of a book is: "Ever had a job that threatened to drive you straight into a loony bin?", you have a pretty good idea what kind So, when the first line of a book is: "Ever had a job that threatened to drive you straight into a loony bin?", you have a pretty good idea what kind of story you're in for. And this book absolutely lived up to its first line - I loved it!!
As cozy mysteries go, this one is more clever, more creative, and more unusual than the norm, and it has a "magical" aspect that not only takes things in an interesting direction, but adds that "secret ingredient" to take a read from "it was fine" to "I loved it!" and this book has all that.
It's hard to really do this justice in a review without giving away too much and including spoilers, but I will give it a try.
The setting is a blast! Being the executive assistant to a kooky bazillionaire obviously offers all KINDS of fun situations for our main character Foxtrot to navigate. Working on an estate that includes a pet cemetary [but not the Steven King kind . . . well, MOSTLY not!] and for a boss who is liable to do/want/buy/arrange literally any bizarre thing makes for some very interesting goings on.
The case of characters is also eclectic and lots of fun. Rock stars, animal trainers, Olympic teenaged gymnasts - and those are just ZZ's guests. The other employees on the estate are their own kinds of quirky.
Foxtrot is a delight! Nothing phases her, and her assistant skills are more than put to the test in this book's goings-on. I love this line about her approach to "handling" her boss: ". . . whenever possible you wanted a Plan B, C, and even D ready to pull out when events decided to suddenly veer away from your carefully laid-out itinerary and into oncoming traffic." I especially love her explanation of why her job as an assistant was perfect for the things she's now dealing with: "When things really hit the fan, it was people like me who often wound up saving the day - not because we had the solution, but because we could efficiently convey the pertinent information from the person in charge to the people on the ground." As a communications person, that also describes what I do for a living, so it was neat.
There's a ton of very clever humour woven into the story, and that is always a feature in a book that gets high ratings from me. Lines like: ". . . electric elephants? How in the name of Oprah's pap smear was I supposed to deal with things like THAT?" and, "Keene seemed to have indulged in more than just alcohol as an appetizer. He . . . kept staring at the chandeliere as if he expected it to burst into monkeys at any moment."
And I would be remiss in not talking about the talking cat and dog who help Foxtrot out. Again, without spoiling, it's hard to say too much. But suffice it to say each of them is a character and filled with personality, both individually and together, and their interactions with Foxtrot are absolutely hilarious.
One of my favourite moments in the book - and there were lots of them - was when we finally get the explanation for where the nickname Foxtrot for our intrepid heroine came from and what it means. It is super clever, and I loved it!!
Overall, this is a cozy with a sort-of paranormal aspect. It was a terrific read, and I will definitely read future books in this series. There is nothing bad about this book....more
I love this series! In three books I have never once been disappointed. Harris does a fabulous job of combing crazy paranormal stuff with perfect momeI love this series! In three books I have never once been disappointed. Harris does a fabulous job of combing crazy paranormal stuff with perfect moments of graveyard humour that make me laugh out loud.
The "people" living in Midnight Texas are mostly not actually people at all, but rather a very eclectic and unique group of paranormals. The y are a very interesting mix of folks, and they mesh very nicely together to make the town function.
This book is the culmination of many themes and occurrences from past books in terms of what goes on in Midnight. I absolutely loved how Harris brought everything together and wrapped up what I assume is the final book in this series [although I would certainly read more if she decided to continue with these characters]. The story lines of the lives of the various individual characters, as well as the over-arching plot about what is happening in the town were thoroughly and very entertainingly resolved in this book. As Hannibal from the old A-Team tv series used to say: "I love it when a plan comes together", and it absolutely did here.
I enjoy how Harris manages to insert a sense of normalcy into a town full of individuals who are anything but normal, even while they are doing supernatural things, and dealing with supernatural problems. It feels absolutely reasonable to talk about who's going to feed the cat [even if he is a snarky, TALKING cat!] and what to have for dinner, while battling monstrous things and supernatural challenges.
While I love all the characters in this series, I can't write this review without a special mention of Mr. Snuggly, the talking cat. He and his comments absolutely made me howl, and his scenes are without question my favourites in the books. Again, the seamless combination of being an obviously magical cat who can talk, with his worry over his person feeding him on time and properly and when he gets rewarded with treats for doing something for his person is just too hilarious and I adored it!!
Really I loved everything about this series! I never got into Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series at all, but this series sucked me in right from the beginning and never let go. Highly recommended if you like supernatural suspense, and are open to something a little different from the norm, which includes carefully inserted humour along with magic and monsters....more
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