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The Bad Series #2
A Bad Time to Meet the Family
"In wine, there's truth. That's why they keep it locked in cellars."
After they barely got away with their necks intact in A Bad Place to Be a Hero, unlikely friends Thessa and Corlis are each facing challenges of their own. While Thessa is having difficulty adjusting to life as a commoner in New Montres, Corlis receives astounding news: the family that had abandoned him when he was an infant is inviting him to an extravagant summer celebration in their home.
Within days, the orphan turned innkeeper is whisked away to the idyllic countryside of Forterne province, with Thessa on his side to help him navigate the intricacies of high society. But just when everything looks almost too good to be true, another surprise guest turns up at the doorstep, whose intentions are nowhere close to cordial.
Once again, Corlis and Thessa are sent down a twisted path of intrigue and deceit, relying on their wits and each other to keep them out of trouble─but is their friendship strong enough to withstand the allure of wealth?
After they barely got away with their necks intact in A Bad Place to Be a Hero, unlikely friends Thessa and Corlis are each facing challenges of their own. While Thessa is having difficulty adjusting to life as a commoner in New Montres, Corlis receives astounding news: the family that had abandoned him when he was an infant is inviting him to an extravagant summer celebration in their home.
Within days, the orphan turned innkeeper is whisked away to the idyllic countryside of Forterne province, with Thessa on his side to help him navigate the intricacies of high society. But just when everything looks almost too good to be true, another surprise guest turns up at the doorstep, whose intentions are nowhere close to cordial.
Once again, Corlis and Thessa are sent down a twisted path of intrigue and deceit, relying on their wits and each other to keep them out of trouble─but is their friendship strong enough to withstand the allure of wealth?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2023
6 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2025
I liked this one way more than the first one, I don’t entirely know why, but I think it was way more suspense in this one. I couldn’t stop reading because I felt like I HAD to know who killed who!
I would say that Thessa and Corlis is my favorite characters in the series so far, so I really loved that we got to see their relationship grow in this second book. From hating each other to caring for each other. Also the character development for both of them through the book.
I would say that Thessa and Corlis is my favorite characters in the series so far, so I really loved that we got to see their relationship grow in this second book. From hating each other to caring for each other. Also the character development for both of them through the book.
June 10, 2024
More murder and dirty secrets
Alternate universe, magic, suspense, murder mystery, family secrets
Corlis and Thessa have a great day together, only to learn that an accident at a nearby construction site has seriously damaged the inn, and then things get interesting. Corlis and Thessa are like a fantasy medieval version of Nick and Nora. Well edited.
I purchased this book solely on the recommendation of Jill Bearup. I enjoyed the story and the fact that Corlis and Thessa are becoming good friends. Maybe more later? Already purchased book 3.
Alternate universe, magic, suspense, murder mystery, family secrets
Corlis and Thessa have a great day together, only to learn that an accident at a nearby construction site has seriously damaged the inn, and then things get interesting. Corlis and Thessa are like a fantasy medieval version of Nick and Nora. Well edited.
I purchased this book solely on the recommendation of Jill Bearup. I enjoyed the story and the fact that Corlis and Thessa are becoming good friends. Maybe more later? Already purchased book 3.
June 21, 2025
Är återigen så glad att jag fann dessa böcker! Tyckte denna bok var lika spännande som den förra men med nya oförutsägbara vändningar medan man kommer ännu närmare huvudkaraktärerna. Om det är något som den saknar så skulle det väl vara en karta över världen, alla de olika länderna och deras kulturer är så väl beskrivna och jag skulle vilja kunna ha en karta att bläddra till emellanåt för att veta vart allt är.
October 27, 2025
Those who enjoyed the previous book will definitely enjoy this one!
This has the feel of a delightful murder mystery in a country villa (mostly because it is one) but with enough genuine mystery that you are kept guessing the entire time.
This has the feel of a delightful murder mystery in a country villa (mostly because it is one) but with enough genuine mystery that you are kept guessing the entire time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 19, 2025Excellent!
I love the writing style. It was serious. It was funny. Imagery pouring out of a well crafted narrative. Once I hit Part V, I couldn't put it down. Have I caught enough details? Have I figured it out? I must know!
I am left wanting more. Bravo!
I love the writing style. It was serious. It was funny. Imagery pouring out of a well crafted narrative. Once I hit Part V, I couldn't put it down. Have I caught enough details? Have I figured it out? I must know!
I am left wanting more. Bravo!
July 31, 2023
Enjoyed it - gave it an extra star for ending in way that wasn't predictable - wasn't entirely satisfying either, but it was definitely interesting
October 11, 2024
RATING: 5/5; RECOMMENDS: 4.5/5
I have now discovered the pain of having a series I love that absolutely no one else has ever heard of. This and the first book are SO GOOD, I can’t believe I’ve never seen seen anyone on social talk about these books (aside from one Youtuber, which is how I discovered the series). I was so glad this book finally had an audiobook adaptation; I bought it and started listening to it immediately! I hope it won't take too long for the third one to be adapted because unless someone buys me a physical copy, that’ll probably be how I consume it.
Much like the first book, the characters make this story worth it. I actually enjoyed Corlis more this go-around now that he’s learned the value of politeness, occasionally holding his tongue, and is generally far less caustic. This is especially prominent in his relationship with Thessa, for whom he has an adorable softness; even when he snaps at her, it's clear it's a defense mechanism, not how he truly feels. Thessa is also fantastic; she’s lost some of her lingering naivety as she struggles to get used to the working-class lifestyle but still has an endearing touch of wide-eyed wonder. Her struggles with it never sound whiney; in fact, they are very relatable. And her fear of losing control and hurting people makes her incredibly sympathetic.
More importantly, the friendship between Corlis and Thessa is beautifully written. The two constantly look after one another, considering each other’s opinions and advice when making decisions. They always want good things for the other and try to protect the other, even at the expense of their own happiness. They cover each other’s weaknesses and complement each other's strengths, making them an impressive duo in the face of any obstacle. We should all hope to find a friendship like them one day.
That being said, Lorken’s absence is noticeable, and I was surprised he didn’t come up that much.
I enjoy Corlis and Thessa's struggle while surrounded by all this wealth. It's different for each of them: Corlis is entering this world for the first time, having technically been born into it but forced to live in poverty. While, for Thessa, this a return to a world she willingly left but misses the comforts of. Watching them ping-pong between liking this world of luxury and frills (Corlis having the added complication of this being his biological family and wanting to reject it and/or being suspicious of it. Again, it never comes across as whiney, which a lesser writer would have struggled with.
The little town in the majority of the story is set in is fascinating in both its similarities and differences to the grim, grimy, and poverty-stricken New Montres. While it appears calm, sparkling, clean, and privileged, it is just as full of secrets and lies. Even if I missed New Montres, the town serves as a fun place to visit but not to stay.
As for the plot, it is a delightful take on the classic whodunnit -much like the first book was a Steampunk-esc taken on a classic crime mystery. It reminds me of many of the Hercule Poirot novels and, amusingly enough, Knives Out. It was fun seeing how all the classic ‘rich family with dark secrets’ archetypes were adapted -right down to the Drunken Single Aunt. As a lover of these classic mysteries, this was a great treat.
I have now discovered the pain of having a series I love that absolutely no one else has ever heard of. This and the first book are SO GOOD, I can’t believe I’ve never seen seen anyone on social talk about these books (aside from one Youtuber, which is how I discovered the series). I was so glad this book finally had an audiobook adaptation; I bought it and started listening to it immediately! I hope it won't take too long for the third one to be adapted because unless someone buys me a physical copy, that’ll probably be how I consume it.
Much like the first book, the characters make this story worth it. I actually enjoyed Corlis more this go-around now that he’s learned the value of politeness, occasionally holding his tongue, and is generally far less caustic. This is especially prominent in his relationship with Thessa, for whom he has an adorable softness; even when he snaps at her, it's clear it's a defense mechanism, not how he truly feels. Thessa is also fantastic; she’s lost some of her lingering naivety as she struggles to get used to the working-class lifestyle but still has an endearing touch of wide-eyed wonder. Her struggles with it never sound whiney; in fact, they are very relatable. And her fear of losing control and hurting people makes her incredibly sympathetic.
More importantly, the friendship between Corlis and Thessa is beautifully written. The two constantly look after one another, considering each other’s opinions and advice when making decisions. They always want good things for the other and try to protect the other, even at the expense of their own happiness. They cover each other’s weaknesses and complement each other's strengths, making them an impressive duo in the face of any obstacle. We should all hope to find a friendship like them one day.
That being said, Lorken’s absence is noticeable, and I was surprised he didn’t come up that much.
I enjoy Corlis and Thessa's struggle while surrounded by all this wealth. It's different for each of them: Corlis is entering this world for the first time, having technically been born into it but forced to live in poverty. While, for Thessa, this a return to a world she willingly left but misses the comforts of. Watching them ping-pong between liking this world of luxury and frills (Corlis having the added complication of this being his biological family and wanting to reject it and/or being suspicious of it. Again, it never comes across as whiney, which a lesser writer would have struggled with.
The little town in the majority of the story is set in is fascinating in both its similarities and differences to the grim, grimy, and poverty-stricken New Montres. While it appears calm, sparkling, clean, and privileged, it is just as full of secrets and lies. Even if I missed New Montres, the town serves as a fun place to visit but not to stay.
As for the plot, it is a delightful take on the classic whodunnit -much like the first book was a Steampunk-esc taken on a classic crime mystery. It reminds me of many of the Hercule Poirot novels and, amusingly enough, Knives Out. It was fun seeing how all the classic ‘rich family with dark secrets’ archetypes were adapted -right down to the Drunken Single Aunt. As a lover of these classic mysteries, this was a great treat.
March 4, 2023
Jerry F. Westinger’s A Bad Time To Meet The Family is a beautiful mix of mystery and fantasy. It follows the story of two friends, Corlis and Thessa. Corlis was left in an orphanage as a baby and stayed there until he was adopted at ten. On the other hand, Thessa was born into wealth but recently ran away from her home. However, the book mainly focuses on the months after the death of Corlis’ adoptive mother and how he stumbles upon a man who claims to be his biological father. The author takes us through the awkwardness of their meeting and the attempted integration of Corlis into the man’s family. Beyond that, it explores how Thessa’s mystical abilities affect this process.
What starts off as a charming “finding your family” story eventually turns into a thrilling mystery. While the author doesn’t hesitate to shock us with a couple of twists, he still keeps things realistic. In many ways, this book is a slow burn. As if this isn’t enough, the book also has light sentences, excellent formatting, and perfect flow. The dialogue is realistic, and the characters’ decisions make much sense. But if there’s one thing that the book deserves praise for, it’s seamlessly integrating real-life themes like elitism, class, poverty, and contentment. Even though it is set in a fantasy world, it’s interesting how the characters of this book grapple with these themes just as we are in 2023. I liked how the author explored the theme of poverty, mainly how it puts you in an endless cycle of only focusing on survival. The author shows us how this denies you the opportunity to figure out what you want out of life and, in many ways, makes you afraid of doing so. On the flip side, he also shows us how wealth makes you keenly aware that there’s more to life than survival. Ultimately, he shows us how both wealth and poverty can breed discontentment and treachery.
A Bad Time To Meet The Family is a gripping mystery and shifter novel with a solid plot and is extremely well-written. This thrilling story is addictive enough to have readers hooked and unable to put the book down till they finish.
What starts off as a charming “finding your family” story eventually turns into a thrilling mystery. While the author doesn’t hesitate to shock us with a couple of twists, he still keeps things realistic. In many ways, this book is a slow burn. As if this isn’t enough, the book also has light sentences, excellent formatting, and perfect flow. The dialogue is realistic, and the characters’ decisions make much sense. But if there’s one thing that the book deserves praise for, it’s seamlessly integrating real-life themes like elitism, class, poverty, and contentment. Even though it is set in a fantasy world, it’s interesting how the characters of this book grapple with these themes just as we are in 2023. I liked how the author explored the theme of poverty, mainly how it puts you in an endless cycle of only focusing on survival. The author shows us how this denies you the opportunity to figure out what you want out of life and, in many ways, makes you afraid of doing so. On the flip side, he also shows us how wealth makes you keenly aware that there’s more to life than survival. Ultimately, he shows us how both wealth and poverty can breed discontentment and treachery.
A Bad Time To Meet The Family is a gripping mystery and shifter novel with a solid plot and is extremely well-written. This thrilling story is addictive enough to have readers hooked and unable to put the book down till they finish.
December 24, 2024
A very silly book, much like the first. This time I didn't feel bereft of characters. Probably because I had a full book of who the main characters were. The backs and forths are silly, and the ways that this world's magical industrial revolution moves is interesting.
June 22, 2023
Extremely fun. The world building is excellent. The plot is engaging. The mystery enticing. I am fully invested in the characters. I need MORE.
Just maybe not now, it's 3 am.
Just maybe not now, it's 3 am.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews