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Bodymore #3
Grieve More, Bodymore
Regret is the Beginning; Horror is the Transformation; Tragedy is the Offspring.
After seeing Wayland off to the afterlife, Joey's left grieving over the reality that her father and best friend are gone. She can't let it stop her though. She's got a job to do for Charon, her regular life to return to, and the complications brought on by having Jag carry her heart. She can't even focus on that when she discovers running from her problems doesn't actually get rid of them.
Stalked by the ghosts of Baltimore, Joey can't get away from her mistakes. Meanwhile, now that the badges can see her again, she's got a couple of things to explain, like jumping out the window at the station and why there was blood in her boyfriend's apartment. Telling them ghosts are real isn't enough; she has to prove it. Ralph seems like a good option as the guy who makes deals with death, but when she shows up at his bar, he's missing too. Time is running out on her credibility and with every second that passes, she risks sinking Jag's life for holding onto him for so long, the blood came off her hands and got all over him.
After seeing Wayland off to the afterlife, Joey's left grieving over the reality that her father and best friend are gone. She can't let it stop her though. She's got a job to do for Charon, her regular life to return to, and the complications brought on by having Jag carry her heart. She can't even focus on that when she discovers running from her problems doesn't actually get rid of them.
Stalked by the ghosts of Baltimore, Joey can't get away from her mistakes. Meanwhile, now that the badges can see her again, she's got a couple of things to explain, like jumping out the window at the station and why there was blood in her boyfriend's apartment. Telling them ghosts are real isn't enough; she has to prove it. Ralph seems like a good option as the guy who makes deals with death, but when she shows up at his bar, he's missing too. Time is running out on her credibility and with every second that passes, she risks sinking Jag's life for holding onto him for so long, the blood came off her hands and got all over him.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2023
7 people want to read
About the author
Ian Kirkpatrick
10 books129 followersIan Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author and Majima stan.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 21, 2025
Initially I had not planned on reading this book because of my general dislike for Plead More, the previous book in the series. Fortunately, my desire to see how the story ends won over, I picked up Grieve More, and gave it a go.
This book is a sizeable step up from Plead More. If you read Plead More and decided to stop, as I almost did, I recommend that you finish the series because Grieve More is worth its asking price and is an enjoyable read.
First, the pros. My largest compliment, hands down, is to the worldbuilding. Most of the mechanics of the supernatural world and afterlife that were introduced or teased in previous books were expounded upon in a massive way throughout Grieve More. The worldbuilding itself borrows heavily from various renditions of the afterlife explored in a variety of religions mixed with a healthy dose of unique concepts.
The story also explores several other side characters in greater depth like the recurring Detective Stone, KC, and Ralph. It also shifts Val and Charons' roles in the story in a pretty significant way. It feels like this final rendition of Charon and Val was supposed to be how they were portrayed all along, but the previous books missed the mark on them.
Then there's the sense of darkness and dread that the story is draped in. I did not get this same evil vibe from Bleed More or Plead More. The other books were much slower paced and generally described urban decay with a supernatural lilt. Grieve More is considerably faster paced and shifts the setting to look more like a hellscape. I enjoyed both aspects quite a bit.
Finally for the pros, and this is a spoiler if you haven't read Bleed More, so skip this paragraph if you haven't read it but want to. We actually get to hunt escaped souls in this one! This was a huge complaint I had about Plead More, where very, very little escaped soul hunting happened. Now we get to see Joey actually do a little legwork in her arrangement with Charon and it is pretty satisfying.
With all that said, I do have some complaints about the story. First and foremost, while the worldbuilding is creative and interesting, much of it comes incomplete, in exposition dumps from characters, or inconsistent with previously established lore for the world. Had the world development done in Grieve More been spread over Plead More and Grieve More, I think it could have been integrated into the story in a much more fluid way. Instead, we get all the worldbuilding in the last book, making it feel rushed.
While this part of Joey's story is hands down the biggest character development she's seen over the series, it wasn't enough to redeem her actions in Plead More. I have to say the same for Jag, who started out as my favorite but deteriorated into a weak doormat character. He does have some moments here, as does Joey, but Plead More did too much damage to undo in a single book shared with the bloated KC and Ralph storyline.
One of the complaints I've had through much of the series has been character motivations and emotions. Unfortunately, that doesn't change with this book. Character motivations are all over the place, they make absolutely ridiculous decisions that defy logic for the sake of the overall story path, emotions switch on a dime with virtually zero provocation, and those emotional switches and outbursts are ignored completely by other characters. Some interactions, particularly between Detective Stone and KC, had me pulling out my hair in frustration.
In summary, it's absolutely worth a read if you've already read Bleed More and Plead More because it does wrap up the Joey storyline in a satisfying way and gives you a ton of cool concepts and worldbuilding. The series as a whole probably settles around a 3/5 for me and is worth the money and time to read.
This book is a sizeable step up from Plead More. If you read Plead More and decided to stop, as I almost did, I recommend that you finish the series because Grieve More is worth its asking price and is an enjoyable read.
First, the pros. My largest compliment, hands down, is to the worldbuilding. Most of the mechanics of the supernatural world and afterlife that were introduced or teased in previous books were expounded upon in a massive way throughout Grieve More. The worldbuilding itself borrows heavily from various renditions of the afterlife explored in a variety of religions mixed with a healthy dose of unique concepts.
The story also explores several other side characters in greater depth like the recurring Detective Stone, KC, and Ralph. It also shifts Val and Charons' roles in the story in a pretty significant way. It feels like this final rendition of Charon and Val was supposed to be how they were portrayed all along, but the previous books missed the mark on them.
Then there's the sense of darkness and dread that the story is draped in. I did not get this same evil vibe from Bleed More or Plead More. The other books were much slower paced and generally described urban decay with a supernatural lilt. Grieve More is considerably faster paced and shifts the setting to look more like a hellscape. I enjoyed both aspects quite a bit.
Finally for the pros, and this is a spoiler if you haven't read Bleed More, so skip this paragraph if you haven't read it but want to. We actually get to hunt escaped souls in this one! This was a huge complaint I had about Plead More, where very, very little escaped soul hunting happened. Now we get to see Joey actually do a little legwork in her arrangement with Charon and it is pretty satisfying.
With all that said, I do have some complaints about the story. First and foremost, while the worldbuilding is creative and interesting, much of it comes incomplete, in exposition dumps from characters, or inconsistent with previously established lore for the world. Had the world development done in Grieve More been spread over Plead More and Grieve More, I think it could have been integrated into the story in a much more fluid way. Instead, we get all the worldbuilding in the last book, making it feel rushed.
While this part of Joey's story is hands down the biggest character development she's seen over the series, it wasn't enough to redeem her actions in Plead More. I have to say the same for Jag, who started out as my favorite but deteriorated into a weak doormat character. He does have some moments here, as does Joey, but Plead More did too much damage to undo in a single book shared with the bloated KC and Ralph storyline.
One of the complaints I've had through much of the series has been character motivations and emotions. Unfortunately, that doesn't change with this book. Character motivations are all over the place, they make absolutely ridiculous decisions that defy logic for the sake of the overall story path, emotions switch on a dime with virtually zero provocation, and those emotional switches and outbursts are ignored completely by other characters. Some interactions, particularly between Detective Stone and KC, had me pulling out my hair in frustration.
In summary, it's absolutely worth a read if you've already read Bleed More and Plead More because it does wrap up the Joey storyline in a satisfying way and gives you a ton of cool concepts and worldbuilding. The series as a whole probably settles around a 3/5 for me and is worth the money and time to read.
March 13, 2024
After the previous book in the series, I didn’t know what to expect from Bodymore #3, but somehow I got exactly what I wanted!
Now that the worst is (hypothetically) behind her, Joey is desperate to figure out how to move forward, but the world of the dead and the darkness both external and internal won’t let her go just yet. This time, however, despite all her uncertainties, Joey seems ready to fight back.
It’s refreshing and in a greater measure rewarding to see this character finally grow and learn, not merely from her mistakes, but chiefly from all the people who kept by her side throughout her turbulent life (and death). The plot of the book takes an adventurous turn in the form of a rescue mission, but what’s truly and acutely showcased in the narrative is a battle with inner demons. That’s been the case with previous instalments in this series too, but where before everything seemed gloomy and hopeless, now some sliver of light is offered a fighting chance.
On an emotional side, Joey still has Jag to keep her grounded and safe. On a more proactive side, there are KC and Rocky to help her with immediate dangers. And even within the realm of the dead, Joey isn’t alone, as not all contacts from that world wish her to fail. So even though the story puts forth threatening scenarios and heavy themes, the tension isn’t overbearing. It’s exciting!
The fantasy elements are all amped up, too. They seamlessly play into this journey, while their descriptions in the narrative often make for very creative visuals. We also get a better idea of how things work as more structure is added to the paranormal aspects of this world. Mysteries remain, but Joey’s part in it all becomes clear and wrapped up in a satisfying conclusion.
The book is also elevated by its supporting characters. We get to know KC, Ralph, and Rocky much better, who each bring a new perspective on things, and all become integral parts of the story and the series.
Maybe some of the action scenes could’ve been cleaner, but I have no real complaints about Grieve More, Bodymore. It even made the last two books better in retrospect, so I’m very happy with this story and this trilogy!
Now that the worst is (hypothetically) behind her, Joey is desperate to figure out how to move forward, but the world of the dead and the darkness both external and internal won’t let her go just yet. This time, however, despite all her uncertainties, Joey seems ready to fight back.
It’s refreshing and in a greater measure rewarding to see this character finally grow and learn, not merely from her mistakes, but chiefly from all the people who kept by her side throughout her turbulent life (and death). The plot of the book takes an adventurous turn in the form of a rescue mission, but what’s truly and acutely showcased in the narrative is a battle with inner demons. That’s been the case with previous instalments in this series too, but where before everything seemed gloomy and hopeless, now some sliver of light is offered a fighting chance.
On an emotional side, Joey still has Jag to keep her grounded and safe. On a more proactive side, there are KC and Rocky to help her with immediate dangers. And even within the realm of the dead, Joey isn’t alone, as not all contacts from that world wish her to fail. So even though the story puts forth threatening scenarios and heavy themes, the tension isn’t overbearing. It’s exciting!
The fantasy elements are all amped up, too. They seamlessly play into this journey, while their descriptions in the narrative often make for very creative visuals. We also get a better idea of how things work as more structure is added to the paranormal aspects of this world. Mysteries remain, but Joey’s part in it all becomes clear and wrapped up in a satisfying conclusion.
The book is also elevated by its supporting characters. We get to know KC, Ralph, and Rocky much better, who each bring a new perspective on things, and all become integral parts of the story and the series.
Maybe some of the action scenes could’ve been cleaner, but I have no real complaints about Grieve More, Bodymore. It even made the last two books better in retrospect, so I’m very happy with this story and this trilogy!
October 24, 2025
A must-read for fans of the Bodymore series!
I have really enjoyed reading this series, and Kirkpatrick delivers an engrossing sequel with Grieve More. There is an emphasis on descriptive language use in tone and setting that reminds me more of the first book, Bleed More. This style of writing was what initially drew me into the story, so I was happy for the reintroduction.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers by discussing characters and plot, but I will say that fans of Detective “Rocky” will be pleased as he makes a return appearance =)
I also want to add that I want to go back an read Bodymore Zero now too. I initially read the prequel out of order since it was a stand-alone story line. However, now that I am more familiar with the characters, I think it will be even better.
Please note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have really enjoyed reading this series, and Kirkpatrick delivers an engrossing sequel with Grieve More. There is an emphasis on descriptive language use in tone and setting that reminds me more of the first book, Bleed More. This style of writing was what initially drew me into the story, so I was happy for the reintroduction.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers by discussing characters and plot, but I will say that fans of Detective “Rocky” will be pleased as he makes a return appearance =)
I also want to add that I want to go back an read Bodymore Zero now too. I initially read the prequel out of order since it was a stand-alone story line. However, now that I am more familiar with the characters, I think it will be even better.
Please note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2023
The first two books in the series, Bleedmore Bodymore and Pleadmore Bodymore introduce us to Joey, a Baltimore mechanic with a hard luck story and severe distrust for authority. Her boyfriend Jag and best friend Wayland are at odds over her.
Grievemore picks up right after the events of Pleadmore end. Joey is united with her boyfriend. (Sorry, no spoilers.)
I enjoy the arc and creativeness Ms Kirkpatrick shows when explaining Joey and her friends. Most of the supernatural elements in Baltimore revolve around the dead and those close to death. Ghosts haunt everything.
I really felt connected to Wayland over the series and was hoping for more from him.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grievemore picks up right after the events of Pleadmore end. Joey is united with her boyfriend. (Sorry, no spoilers.)
I enjoy the arc and creativeness Ms Kirkpatrick shows when explaining Joey and her friends. Most of the supernatural elements in Baltimore revolve around the dead and those close to death. Ghosts haunt everything.
I really felt connected to Wayland over the series and was hoping for more from him.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2023
Ian Kirkpatrick has done it again. I stumbled across this series with the first one, Bleedmore, Bodymore. I am very much a "judge a book by its cover" type reader and upon seeing the first cover, I had to check it out. I was not disappointed and furthermore, I was not disappointed with this book either.
This book sees the return of Joey, a mechanic from Baltimore with a terrible life story. This book picks up right after the events of the last book, Pleadmore, Bodymore. There is a lot I could say about this book and the series, but I feel I would give too much away. Read the series, I promise you will enjoy it. The creativeness from Ian is incredible and I really love the supernatural aspects of the series. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
This book sees the return of Joey, a mechanic from Baltimore with a terrible life story. This book picks up right after the events of the last book, Pleadmore, Bodymore. There is a lot I could say about this book and the series, but I feel I would give too much away. Read the series, I promise you will enjoy it. The creativeness from Ian is incredible and I really love the supernatural aspects of the series. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
October 28, 2023
This is a great series. I love how messed up Joey is and how Jag loves her anyway. Her messed up life and outlook makes her so real.
I'm excited knowing there is another book coming; I've been wondering about Ralph & KC's story!
I'm excited knowing there is another book coming; I've been wondering about Ralph & KC's story!
November 9, 2023
Another excellent book in this series. I read through the book quickly because I was so engaged with the characters. These books are always very emotional. This book sticks with me days after I have finished reading. Get this series!
October 1, 2023
Absolutely wonderful read. Very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews