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NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services
Ghosts are real...
...and there is an underfunded government agency that help the recently deceased transition into the afterlife.
Spiritual energy is running wild in the rural Midwest and when a remote NRDS office settles in, nothing goes according to plan.
Follow this cast of NRDS as they work through spirit cases, struggle with small town politics, and try to dig themselves out of tons and tons of paperwork. Because what is a government agency without an insurmountable amount of red tape?
NRDS Season 1 is a compilation of episodes 1-66 of the Kindle Vella series of the same name.
...and there is an underfunded government agency that help the recently deceased transition into the afterlife.
Spiritual energy is running wild in the rural Midwest and when a remote NRDS office settles in, nothing goes according to plan.
Follow this cast of NRDS as they work through spirit cases, struggle with small town politics, and try to dig themselves out of tons and tons of paperwork. Because what is a government agency without an insurmountable amount of red tape?
NRDS Season 1 is a compilation of episodes 1-66 of the Kindle Vella series of the same name.
- GenresParanormalLGBT
569 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2023
33 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Rindfleisch IX
22 books67 followersHello! I am a writer of things Dark, Strange, and Queer. I currently live with his partner of eleven years in Illinois with a menagerie of animal children, including a Siberian husky, miniature dachshund, African grey parrot, Quaker parrot, and suspiciously immortal cat. I love creating art, nerding out over science, video games, tabletop RPGs, and spending hours in the kitchen crafting up delectable vegan grub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 11, 2023
[Review originally posted to Goodreads on February 26th, 2023]
Note: I recieved an ARC of this novel via StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.
Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to crucify me, but I did promise an honest review.
(Ghosts are real...
...and there is an underfunded government agency that help the recently deceased transition into the afterlife.
Spiritual energy is running wild in the rural Midwest and when a remote NRDS office settles in, nothing goes according to plan.
Follow this cast of NRDS as they work through spirit cases, struggle with small town politics, and try to dig themselves out of tons and tons of paperwork. Because what is a government agency without an insurmountable amount of red tape?
NRDS Season 1 is a compilation of episodes 1-66 of the Kindle Vella series of the same name.) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
I loved Ethan and Buck's dynamic. While the rookie teaming up with the veteran badass is nothing new, their interactions were really fun and genuine. What's also interesting is that, despite them being at different points in their career, they do share a major challenge. Fitting in at and adapting to a new branch. Also, even when Buck gets really pissed at Ethan when he screws up, at the end of the day, he's still the most helpful, friendly, and supportive person on team to Ethan. Not only that, but the nature of their dynamic changes over time. First they're just coworkers, then they become friends and eventually, surrogate father and son.
There's one aspect of the worldbuilding that I found to be interesting. So the ghosts in this universe are sectioned into classes, with Class Zeros being the least harmful and most civilized and Class Fives being the most dangerous and feral. There's strong potential for a ghost moves down the rung, becoming more feral and dangerous if nothing is done about them. Not only does it provide some kind of stakes and urgency for the organization, but I think it also helps give the story a bit of its own identity and stand out from other supernatural hunter stories.
I like how the agents of the organization have to use different tactics to take care of the ghosts. For example, sometimes they'll have to pose as staff from the nursing home and gently convince the ghosts to go with them to their final resting places. Other times, they'll have to straight up blast them with tasers and badges. Not only does it make these scenes more interesting and exciting, but it also contributes to making the ghosts feel unique and shows that, to be a good agent, one has to have more than just a hammer in their problem solving toolbox.
I really did not like the first chapter. While it does do a good job conveying how this department works, none of the characters have any development outside of their team roles save for Buck, a badass veteran agent who is also gay. Heck, half of them don't even get real names. Because of this, it was really hard for me to get invested in them. Now I'm not asking for everything there is to know about all these characters in the first chapter, but giving the characters at least one or two more traits would've helped. For example, maybe the pony tailed lady could wear a Bugs Bunny pin and tie and be called Nancy or maybe the baby faced guy could be named Franklin and assign stats like HP, power, and so on to the ghost that took two of the agents, with maybe Ramirez responding, "Are you gonna do this with every ghost?", and then Franklin grinning and saying, "Yes." It's not a ton, sure, but it is a good start. But, then again, except for Buck and one or two other characters, none of these characters are seen or mentioned ever again. Now one may argue that this chapter is supposed to establish the organization and Buck's seasoned badass persona. Here's the problem. Not only does the rest of the book help the reader understand how the organization works better through actually showing the reader, but this first chapter doesn't even do a good job establishing Buck. Like, when he tells the crew to wait to use their badges and tasers during a mission, they don't listen and he doesn't even put up that much of a fight. In short, this entire chapter could honestly be cut and the reader would miss nothing.
From chapter ten to chapter eleven, the story focuses on Ethan and the other agents competing in various events. These chapters make absolutely no sense. While it's established how some of the games work, that the crew's motivation for competing is to get their branch put on the map, and that they get medals for winning, the rest of this competition is not. Are the medals tiered ala the "gold, silver, bronze" system of the Olympics? Is the winning branch determined by how many top tier medals a branch gets? What does the branch receive by winning? A large cash prize? Upgraded office equipment? Is attendance of this competition required? Also, it's established in chapter ten that River has won the House of Horrors event four years in a row, an event that is described as "... a haunted house so horrifying, so terrible, so disturbing that everyone taps out before they get to the end..." Yet, somehow, despite River overcoming this extremely difficult event four times, this still hasn't put their branch on the map. Why? Shouldn't there be at least one handful of people saying something like, "Holy crap! Look at this guy from the New Richmond branch!" and then sharing their amazement with people on social media, creating a snowball effect of more and more people talking about him and making him and the branch go viral? If even this hasn't put the branch on the map, why keep trying? I mean, it wasn't established that attendance of the competition was mandatory or anything.
Chapter thirty-four absolutely stumped me. So in this chapter, "Wait, what?" was my reaction. No joke, I had to go back to see if I missed something, but I don't think I did. Prior to this chapter, Oh and the only development the novel gives to As a result, I legitimately did not care about it at all. If the novel honestly wanted the reader to care, it would've given insight into something like
How the novel handled its main cast was just awful. Despite it clearly trying to have an ensemble cast, none of the characters get more than a single sentence worth of development aside from Ethan and Buck. For example, River is the hippie from St. Louis who likes D&D, Melissa is the strict boss because of upper management, Alexus is the aggressive know it all, and so on. To make this extra insulting, there are moments where the novel has golden opportunities to flesh out its characters, but barely does so. For example, out of all the characters who go on the camping trip in chapter fifty-six, only get any kind of development. Also, this novel is nearly six... hundred... pages. Now call me crazy, but I think nearly six hundred pages is more than enough time to properly develop a cast of characters. Let's go back to that camping trip for a moment. Maybe there could be a point where the members of the New Richmond branch are sitting around a campfire, playing one of those "Share one thing we don't know about you"-type games.
Throughout the story, there are clearly a few grammatical errors. For example, the beginning quotation mark in this sentence of chapter three, (I hate you.” Buck huffed.) is missing. Also in chapter three, there's this sentence (“Gonna to tell us, or what?” Buck asked.) Here, the word "to" isn't necessary because not only is "gonna" a shortened version of "going to", but it also sounds more natural without it. In chapter eighteen, the word "hist" in this part: (Ethan wondered if this could be the same Herschel he’d met on hist first day when footsteps sounded again, bounding toward him, echoing louder and louder in his ears.) should be "his".
Now this novel is part comedy, but the humor really, really didn't land for me. For example, in chapter seven, there's a "Red Tape, Am I Right?" joke that might've made me laugh. But half of chapter seven is dedicated to dragging out this one joke. There is no reason for this. It's a joke that could've been confined to just one or two sentences and been a lot punchier. There's also a running gag that just didn't work. So at certain points, some character will call Bob (the no nonsense military ghost working at the New Richmond branch)... well... Bob, but Bob will get angry and say, "My name's not Bob. It's---" and then get cut off before he can say it. On paper, this isn't a bad idea for a running gag. But what kills it is the execution. Like, it just repeats the same joke over and over instead of building upon the joke or doing some kind of variation with it. For example, maybe one variation could be that the interruptions get more and more ridiculous, with one possible variation being BOB getting interrupted by an army of ghost crabs scuttling around the airport on their way to see the big wigs of NRDS. Maybe a possible way to build on the joke could involve BOB revealing his true name letter by letter each time he says, "My name's not BOB. It's---"
Overall, NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services (NRDS Season 1) is a novel that's really great... when it's actually devoting time to developing its characters and world, but for whatever reason, prefers to spend its long page count on poorly crafted jokes, chapters with zero purpose, practically undeveloped romances, and events that make no sense.
Like I've mentioned before, what I read was an ARC, so there is a possibility that some of these issues may get fixed in the final version.
Also, this novel is just the first season of the Kindle Vella series in novel format, so there's a possibility that more development will be given to the characters in season two, but if I'm being honest, I don't think I'm going to continue with this series.
Overall Grade: F+
Note: I recieved an ARC of this novel via StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.
Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to crucify me, but I did promise an honest review.
(Ghosts are real...
...and there is an underfunded government agency that help the recently deceased transition into the afterlife.
Spiritual energy is running wild in the rural Midwest and when a remote NRDS office settles in, nothing goes according to plan.
Follow this cast of NRDS as they work through spirit cases, struggle with small town politics, and try to dig themselves out of tons and tons of paperwork. Because what is a government agency without an insurmountable amount of red tape?
NRDS Season 1 is a compilation of episodes 1-66 of the Kindle Vella series of the same name.) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
I loved Ethan and Buck's dynamic. While the rookie teaming up with the veteran badass is nothing new, their interactions were really fun and genuine. What's also interesting is that, despite them being at different points in their career, they do share a major challenge. Fitting in at and adapting to a new branch. Also, even when Buck gets really pissed at Ethan when he screws up, at the end of the day, he's still the most helpful, friendly, and supportive person on team to Ethan. Not only that, but the nature of their dynamic changes over time. First they're just coworkers, then they become friends and eventually, surrogate father and son.
There's one aspect of the worldbuilding that I found to be interesting. So the ghosts in this universe are sectioned into classes, with Class Zeros being the least harmful and most civilized and Class Fives being the most dangerous and feral. There's strong potential for a ghost moves down the rung, becoming more feral and dangerous if nothing is done about them. Not only does it provide some kind of stakes and urgency for the organization, but I think it also helps give the story a bit of its own identity and stand out from other supernatural hunter stories.
I like how the agents of the organization have to use different tactics to take care of the ghosts. For example, sometimes they'll have to pose as staff from the nursing home and gently convince the ghosts to go with them to their final resting places. Other times, they'll have to straight up blast them with tasers and badges. Not only does it make these scenes more interesting and exciting, but it also contributes to making the ghosts feel unique and shows that, to be a good agent, one has to have more than just a hammer in their problem solving toolbox.
I really did not like the first chapter. While it does do a good job conveying how this department works, none of the characters have any development outside of their team roles save for Buck, a badass veteran agent who is also gay. Heck, half of them don't even get real names. Because of this, it was really hard for me to get invested in them. Now I'm not asking for everything there is to know about all these characters in the first chapter, but giving the characters at least one or two more traits would've helped. For example, maybe the pony tailed lady could wear a Bugs Bunny pin and tie and be called Nancy or maybe the baby faced guy could be named Franklin and assign stats like HP, power, and so on to the ghost that took two of the agents, with maybe Ramirez responding, "Are you gonna do this with every ghost?", and then Franklin grinning and saying, "Yes." It's not a ton, sure, but it is a good start. But, then again, except for Buck and one or two other characters, none of these characters are seen or mentioned ever again. Now one may argue that this chapter is supposed to establish the organization and Buck's seasoned badass persona. Here's the problem. Not only does the rest of the book help the reader understand how the organization works better through actually showing the reader, but this first chapter doesn't even do a good job establishing Buck. Like, when he tells the crew to wait to use their badges and tasers during a mission, they don't listen and he doesn't even put up that much of a fight. In short, this entire chapter could honestly be cut and the reader would miss nothing.
From chapter ten to chapter eleven, the story focuses on Ethan and the other agents competing in various events. These chapters make absolutely no sense. While it's established how some of the games work, that the crew's motivation for competing is to get their branch put on the map, and that they get medals for winning, the rest of this competition is not. Are the medals tiered ala the "gold, silver, bronze" system of the Olympics? Is the winning branch determined by how many top tier medals a branch gets? What does the branch receive by winning? A large cash prize? Upgraded office equipment? Is attendance of this competition required? Also, it's established in chapter ten that River has won the House of Horrors event four years in a row, an event that is described as "... a haunted house so horrifying, so terrible, so disturbing that everyone taps out before they get to the end..." Yet, somehow, despite River overcoming this extremely difficult event four times, this still hasn't put their branch on the map. Why? Shouldn't there be at least one handful of people saying something like, "Holy crap! Look at this guy from the New Richmond branch!" and then sharing their amazement with people on social media, creating a snowball effect of more and more people talking about him and making him and the branch go viral? If even this hasn't put the branch on the map, why keep trying? I mean, it wasn't established that attendance of the competition was mandatory or anything.
Chapter thirty-four absolutely stumped me. So in this chapter, "Wait, what?" was my reaction. No joke, I had to go back to see if I missed something, but I don't think I did. Prior to this chapter, Oh and the only development the novel gives to As a result, I legitimately did not care about it at all. If the novel honestly wanted the reader to care, it would've given insight into something like
How the novel handled its main cast was just awful. Despite it clearly trying to have an ensemble cast, none of the characters get more than a single sentence worth of development aside from Ethan and Buck. For example, River is the hippie from St. Louis who likes D&D, Melissa is the strict boss because of upper management, Alexus is the aggressive know it all, and so on. To make this extra insulting, there are moments where the novel has golden opportunities to flesh out its characters, but barely does so. For example, out of all the characters who go on the camping trip in chapter fifty-six, only get any kind of development. Also, this novel is nearly six... hundred... pages. Now call me crazy, but I think nearly six hundred pages is more than enough time to properly develop a cast of characters. Let's go back to that camping trip for a moment. Maybe there could be a point where the members of the New Richmond branch are sitting around a campfire, playing one of those "Share one thing we don't know about you"-type games.
Throughout the story, there are clearly a few grammatical errors. For example, the beginning quotation mark in this sentence of chapter three, (I hate you.” Buck huffed.) is missing. Also in chapter three, there's this sentence (“Gonna to tell us, or what?” Buck asked.) Here, the word "to" isn't necessary because not only is "gonna" a shortened version of "going to", but it also sounds more natural without it. In chapter eighteen, the word "hist" in this part: (Ethan wondered if this could be the same Herschel he’d met on hist first day when footsteps sounded again, bounding toward him, echoing louder and louder in his ears.) should be "his".
Now this novel is part comedy, but the humor really, really didn't land for me. For example, in chapter seven, there's a "Red Tape, Am I Right?" joke that might've made me laugh. But half of chapter seven is dedicated to dragging out this one joke. There is no reason for this. It's a joke that could've been confined to just one or two sentences and been a lot punchier. There's also a running gag that just didn't work. So at certain points, some character will call Bob (the no nonsense military ghost working at the New Richmond branch)... well... Bob, but Bob will get angry and say, "My name's not Bob. It's---" and then get cut off before he can say it. On paper, this isn't a bad idea for a running gag. But what kills it is the execution. Like, it just repeats the same joke over and over instead of building upon the joke or doing some kind of variation with it. For example, maybe one variation could be that the interruptions get more and more ridiculous, with one possible variation being BOB getting interrupted by an army of ghost crabs scuttling around the airport on their way to see the big wigs of NRDS. Maybe a possible way to build on the joke could involve BOB revealing his true name letter by letter each time he says, "My name's not BOB. It's---"
Overall, NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services (NRDS Season 1) is a novel that's really great... when it's actually devoting time to developing its characters and world, but for whatever reason, prefers to spend its long page count on poorly crafted jokes, chapters with zero purpose, practically undeveloped romances, and events that make no sense.
Like I've mentioned before, what I read was an ARC, so there is a possibility that some of these issues may get fixed in the final version.
Also, this novel is just the first season of the Kindle Vella series in novel format, so there's a possibility that more development will be given to the characters in season two, but if I'm being honest, I don't think I'm going to continue with this series.
Overall Grade: F+
March 17, 2023
Good Series
This started off a bit slow to me bit it didn't take long to catch my interest. It definitely held it through to the end.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This started off a bit slow to me bit it didn't take long to catch my interest. It definitely held it through to the end.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 22, 2023
NRDS, Season 1 is a Kindle Vella with 66 episodes that have been collected into a full volume. It’s almost like reading a sit-com, where every chapter is a short episode. The concept of the book is that a government agency (National Recently Deceased Services) helps people who are stuck as ghosts move on ‘into the light’. The book follows Ethan, a new NRDS agent. There’s a cast of a few central characters who you get to know very well. Your favorite character will be Buck, a gruff veteran of NRDS who takes Ethan under his wing. Or possibly Gerry, Buck’s doting husband who is basically just the sweetest being, living or dead, on the planet. Or Alexus, who actively carries a machete on her person and an ax in her car.
The book starts off slow. It takes about 6 chapters for the characters to start establishing themselves. Fortunately, the chapters are quite short so it’s not a huge investment. If there were one thing that would help a reader with the slow parts of the book, know that Ethan does get better. He’s a little cringey at first, but that’s just because he’s completely new at the job. Once he actually READS THE MANUAL, he’s much more proficient.
The book nicely wraps up the major plot points and threads, while leaving plenty for future seasons. It will be interesting to see what direction all the characters go into!
Recommendation: if you like Brooklyn 99, it really seems like the NRDS characters are meant to be analogous to some of the notable characters in the 99. Also, all of the best characters are gay, which is true both of NRDS and in general. There’s a solid mix of humor, from physical to wordplay to full-blow absurd situations.
Content warnings: strong language (effing f-bombs). Some sexual content in the form of a ghost orgy. If anything, this is just a continuation of the recommendation section.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is 100% my own opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I influenced by the authors in any way.
The book starts off slow. It takes about 6 chapters for the characters to start establishing themselves. Fortunately, the chapters are quite short so it’s not a huge investment. If there were one thing that would help a reader with the slow parts of the book, know that Ethan does get better. He’s a little cringey at first, but that’s just because he’s completely new at the job. Once he actually READS THE MANUAL, he’s much more proficient.
The book nicely wraps up the major plot points and threads, while leaving plenty for future seasons. It will be interesting to see what direction all the characters go into!
Recommendation: if you like Brooklyn 99, it really seems like the NRDS characters are meant to be analogous to some of the notable characters in the 99. Also, all of the best characters are gay, which is true both of NRDS and in general. There’s a solid mix of humor, from physical to wordplay to full-blow absurd situations.
Content warnings: strong language (effing f-bombs). Some sexual content in the form of a ghost orgy. If anything, this is just a continuation of the recommendation section.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is 100% my own opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I influenced by the authors in any way.
May 8, 2024
NRDS by authors J.P Rindfleisch IX and Jeff Elkins is a book about detectives, ghost detectives, and the agency designed to investigate spectral occurrences within the rural Midwestern city of New Richmond. Readers follow the agents employed by the National Recently Deceased Service to deal with this. We see them dealing with politics, spirits and their associated cases, literal briefcases, and piles and piles of paperwork.
I really enjoyed this book and got absorbed in the story very quickly despite my initial uncertainty as to what I was going to make of it as it’s not a genre I tend to read very often, though not through lack of enjoyment of it. I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar related issues with regard to its editing. Within a chapter I knew I wanted to continue reading, I got drawn in by the lovably confused, jock-type who is our main character, Ethan. I was intrigued to see where it could go and I also wanted to find out more about the backgrounds to each of these characters, the ways that they could interplay and work with each other. I can’t say I was disappointed with what I found.
Sometimes the dialogue was alright, it took a little getting used to personally, however, that isn’t a bad thing. I found the plot to be engaging and it was like a physical hook at times, taking me along for the ride. There were scenes where the team were bonding with each other, and outside of work where Buck would be with his husband, or when Ethan was with his family, and those I found to be a little slow, but it didn’t take away from the story as it was separate to the main investigation that was occurring in the workplace. Sometimes slow scenes can enhance the pacing within other aspects.
Ultimately, I became thoroughly immersed in the story and invested in the lives of the characters, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the antics of these characters and their next adventures.
I award this book 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book and got absorbed in the story very quickly despite my initial uncertainty as to what I was going to make of it as it’s not a genre I tend to read very often, though not through lack of enjoyment of it. I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar related issues with regard to its editing. Within a chapter I knew I wanted to continue reading, I got drawn in by the lovably confused, jock-type who is our main character, Ethan. I was intrigued to see where it could go and I also wanted to find out more about the backgrounds to each of these characters, the ways that they could interplay and work with each other. I can’t say I was disappointed with what I found.
Sometimes the dialogue was alright, it took a little getting used to personally, however, that isn’t a bad thing. I found the plot to be engaging and it was like a physical hook at times, taking me along for the ride. There were scenes where the team were bonding with each other, and outside of work where Buck would be with his husband, or when Ethan was with his family, and those I found to be a little slow, but it didn’t take away from the story as it was separate to the main investigation that was occurring in the workplace. Sometimes slow scenes can enhance the pacing within other aspects.
Ultimately, I became thoroughly immersed in the story and invested in the lives of the characters, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the antics of these characters and their next adventures.
I award this book 5 stars.
May 6, 2024
NRDS is a book about detectives, ghost detectives, and the agency designed to investigate spectral occurrences within the rural Midwestern city of New Richmond. Readers follow the agents employed by the National Recently Deceased Service to deal with this. We see them dealing with politics, spirits and their associated cases, literal cases, and piles and piles of paperwork.
I really enjoyed this book and got absorbed by it very quickly despite my initial uncertainty as to what I was going to make of it as it’s not a genre I tend to read very often, though not through lack of enjoyment of it. I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar related issues with regard to its editing. Within a chapter I knew I wanted to continue reading, I got drawn in by the lovably confused, jock-type who is our main character, Ethan. I was intrigued to see where it could go and I also wanted to find out more about the backgrounds to each of these characters, the ways that they could interplay and work with each other. I can’t say I was disappointed with what I found. Sometimes the dialogue was alright, it took a little getting used to personally, however, that isn’t a bad thing. I found the plot to be engaging and it was like a physical hook at times, taking me along for the ride. There were scenes where the team were bonding with each other, and outside of work where Buck would be with his husband, or when Ethan was with his family, and those I found to be a little slow, but it didn’t take away from the story as it was separate to the main investigation that was occurring in the workplace. Sometimes slow scenes can enhance the pacing within other aspects.
Ultimately, I became thoroughly immersed in the story and invested in the lives of the characters, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the antics of these characters and their next adventures.
I really enjoyed this book and got absorbed by it very quickly despite my initial uncertainty as to what I was going to make of it as it’s not a genre I tend to read very often, though not through lack of enjoyment of it. I didn’t notice any spelling or grammar related issues with regard to its editing. Within a chapter I knew I wanted to continue reading, I got drawn in by the lovably confused, jock-type who is our main character, Ethan. I was intrigued to see where it could go and I also wanted to find out more about the backgrounds to each of these characters, the ways that they could interplay and work with each other. I can’t say I was disappointed with what I found. Sometimes the dialogue was alright, it took a little getting used to personally, however, that isn’t a bad thing. I found the plot to be engaging and it was like a physical hook at times, taking me along for the ride. There were scenes where the team were bonding with each other, and outside of work where Buck would be with his husband, or when Ethan was with his family, and those I found to be a little slow, but it didn’t take away from the story as it was separate to the main investigation that was occurring in the workplace. Sometimes slow scenes can enhance the pacing within other aspects.
Ultimately, I became thoroughly immersed in the story and invested in the lives of the characters, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the antics of these characters and their next adventures.
November 25, 2024
NRDS: National Recently Deceased Services by JP Rindfleisch IX is a wildly fun, darkly comedic series that blends supernatural elements with a bureaucratic twist. The premise of a government agency dedicated to helping the recently deceased transition into the afterlife is unique and delivers endless laughs, especially with the eccentric team dynamic.
Ethan, the well-meaning but clueless newbie, adds a refreshing layer of innocence, while his quirky colleagues—ranging from the no-nonsense veteran to the laid-back hippie—keep things lively and unpredictable. The series mixes humor, supernatural chaos, and small-town politics with skill, making for an entertaining read that’s both absurd and endearing.
The ghostly showdowns, office antics, and constant sense of impending disaster make every chapter engaging and fun. If you enjoy a mix of humor, supernatural adventures, and quirky team dynamics, NRDS: Season 1 is a must-read. It’s a hilarious ride through the paranormal, where nothing is ever quite as expected.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan, the well-meaning but clueless newbie, adds a refreshing layer of innocence, while his quirky colleagues—ranging from the no-nonsense veteran to the laid-back hippie—keep things lively and unpredictable. The series mixes humor, supernatural chaos, and small-town politics with skill, making for an entertaining read that’s both absurd and endearing.
The ghostly showdowns, office antics, and constant sense of impending disaster make every chapter engaging and fun. If you enjoy a mix of humor, supernatural adventures, and quirky team dynamics, NRDS: Season 1 is a must-read. It’s a hilarious ride through the paranormal, where nothing is ever quite as expected.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2023
Having previously read several books by Jeff Elkins, I jumped at the chance to review a pre-release copy of this book when the opportunity arrived in one of his author newsletters. I was out of touch and hadn't caught the Kindle Vella serial version (66 chapters, total).
I was grinning and chuckling multiple times from the beginning of the book - lots of fun dialog and antics. But in chapter 12, I lost it and basically laughed so hard I was howling at multiple places in the chapter. Thank goodness I was NOT in public at this point. Lol.
It was difficult, but I had to pause reading to get some sleep and then work the next day. (Why did I start the book so late in the evening???) And then, chapter 43 happened. Oh, my heavens - it beat chapter 12 by a long shot. I think all my neighbors heard me, even through the closed (and curtained) windows.
I enjoyed it so much, I pre-ordered my own finalized copy.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the episodes in Season 2!
I was grinning and chuckling multiple times from the beginning of the book - lots of fun dialog and antics. But in chapter 12, I lost it and basically laughed so hard I was howling at multiple places in the chapter. Thank goodness I was NOT in public at this point. Lol.
It was difficult, but I had to pause reading to get some sleep and then work the next day. (Why did I start the book so late in the evening???) And then, chapter 43 happened. Oh, my heavens - it beat chapter 12 by a long shot. I think all my neighbors heard me, even through the closed (and curtained) windows.
I enjoyed it so much, I pre-ordered my own finalized copy.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the episodes in Season 2!
April 2, 2023
This was a fun read that started out slowly and unevenly for me, but it picked up the pace fairly quickly and held my interest for the remainder of the book. I have to admit that I kept picturing Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as Buck and Ethan the entire time I was reading it. There were active, intense parts and then there were the laugh-out-loud parts and even one or two places where, if I'm honest, there were a few tears. For the most part, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
So why not 5 stars? Because the profanity, especially the F-word was painted with an entirely too heavy brush, in my opinion. Now, I'm a big girl and I can handle profanity. But when I can't get through 2 pages without multiple, multiple instances of the F-word I think it's going a bit far. Just my personal opinion and an opportunity to warn those who are even more easily offended than I am.
I received a copy from the authors at my request via StoryOrigin and this is my honest opinion.
So why not 5 stars? Because the profanity, especially the F-word was painted with an entirely too heavy brush, in my opinion. Now, I'm a big girl and I can handle profanity. But when I can't get through 2 pages without multiple, multiple instances of the F-word I think it's going a bit far. Just my personal opinion and an opportunity to warn those who are even more easily offended than I am.
I received a copy from the authors at my request via StoryOrigin and this is my honest opinion.
June 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I felt that the pacing was really well done and it kept making you want to read more and more to find out what was going to happen I liked the combination of mystery and ghost hunting as well as office drama. Felt that the characters were really well developed and even Side characters made you feel attached to them overall really nice storyline that flowed well and helped develop plot efficiently. I felt that there are some more uninsured questions that hopefully will be answered in the next in the series. The interpersonality between characters really sold me on their ability to work together and made them more enjoyable. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Supernatural paranormal ghost hunting and crime novels or anyone who honestly likes the office because I feel like a lot of the comedy that made the office successful came through in this book as well.
October 22, 2025
I enjoyed the book but there is plenty of room for growth...growth is exactly what is missing from most of the characters in this book. I understand that they are originally serials but besides buck and Ethan most of the cast is forgotten or shoved to the sides I terms of growth. I was hopeful when BOB had his time but instead of growth and development we got an asshole randomly becoming more aggressive and pissing off the team, if any other ghost acted his way they would have been cased. Also I kind of hated how the relationship ship of Bryce and Ethan just sort of appeared out of no where with intense feelings happening very quickly. One minute we are meeting Bryce then the ghost sex orgy and then all of a sudden we are spouting I love yous. Overall it was good but has potential to be great with some fine tuning.
March 23, 2023
I enjoyed reading the beta version of this action-packed tale. I especially liked getting to know the agents of NRDS, a motley crew who battle each other nearly as much as the ghosts they encounter. While the setting and characters were engaging, the beginning chapters had some continuity issues that prevented me from really getting into the story until I got further in.
The beta version of this book contained numerous editing errors that needed to be addressed, such as periods in the dialogue tags instead of commas, the wrong character name in the middle of an action scene, and missing or repeated words. My rating is based on the expectation that these errors will be cleared up before publishing a polished version.
The beta version of this book contained numerous editing errors that needed to be addressed, such as periods in the dialogue tags instead of commas, the wrong character name in the middle of an action scene, and missing or repeated words. My rating is based on the expectation that these errors will be cleared up before publishing a polished version.
September 12, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: This book was such a fun and fresh feeling combination of an office comedy like Brooklyn 99 and a paranormal crime procedural show like Lost Girl or Wynonna Earp. I love the idea of an agency like NRDS existing, solving wild paranormal problems while also slogging through soul draining banality of paperwork and bureaucracy. And having veteran agent Buck with bright eyed and bushy tailed Ethan reminded me a lot of the original Men In Black partnership dynamic which I adored. If you're looking for a book that will take you right out of your every day life and appreciate that your workday has no actual soul drain as a possible on the job hazard, even if it feels like it sometimes. 5/5 Stars
September 24, 2024
This is horrifically hilarious. Imagine, if you can, a book written like John Scalzi's "The Human Division", which combines Agents Skully and Mulder of the "X-Files" (definitely not Agents J or K of "Men in Black") with the down-to-earth saltiness of Gail Z. Martin's "Spells, Salt, & Steel" monster hunters and the activities of "The Ghost Busters", complete with a small-town rookie who apparently has never read a manual. Just look what happens when you don't get read in! I have a feeling that Benjamin Wallace (author of the Duck & Cover Adventure series) would enjoy this.
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2023
I received a free Advance Reader Copy.
NRDS is a fun, action-packed story that literally made me laugh and cry. The core idea of NRDS, a governmental agency of social workers whose job is to help spirits pass over, is engaging and brilliantly executed. The characters are diverse and engaging, with distinct personalities and voices. The action is fast-paced, and the plot is unpredictable with a satisfying ending. I get bored with "fun" books that don't have emotional depth. I was never bored with this story. I'm looking forward to season 2!
NRDS is a fun, action-packed story that literally made me laugh and cry. The core idea of NRDS, a governmental agency of social workers whose job is to help spirits pass over, is engaging and brilliantly executed. The characters are diverse and engaging, with distinct personalities and voices. The action is fast-paced, and the plot is unpredictable with a satisfying ending. I get bored with "fun" books that don't have emotional depth. I was never bored with this story. I'm looking forward to season 2!
December 15, 2024
The story is built on episodes and at first I didn’t get it but after about 10 episodes there was a common thread. I still think it started out a bit slow and it took me a while to read this book.
I liked the characters, their differences and dynamics. I wish there had been more depth to some of them or perhaps some explanation to their behaviour. I also liked the main story. Some of the episodes I didn’t understand and some of them ended too early.
Over all I think it was an entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the characters, their differences and dynamics. I wish there had been more depth to some of them or perhaps some explanation to their behaviour. I also liked the main story. Some of the episodes I didn’t understand and some of them ended too early.
Over all I think it was an entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 15, 2024This is the 1st book of NRDS series. I am in love with this book. I enjoyed being able to have a mystery book that is a little different than what I am used to. I laughed within a few minutes of reading it. The details of what happens with spirits after they have been deceased. I look forward to reading more in this series. I really want to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2025
So..... this was .... interesting.
Unfortunately, it was also very slow and too long with not enough details for character and relationship development.
I am still not sure how Ethan and Bryce ended up together 😕
The idea and the world building qwee great though, and if this book would get some work.dine, it would have gotten 4 to 5 stars
So, I am not quite sure if I want to read the next one ... but that I am still thinking about it, means the book is not a total loss
Unfortunately, it was also very slow and too long with not enough details for character and relationship development.
I am still not sure how Ethan and Bryce ended up together 😕
The idea and the world building qwee great though, and if this book would get some work.dine, it would have gotten 4 to 5 stars
So, I am not quite sure if I want to read the next one ... but that I am still thinking about it, means the book is not a total loss
February 17, 2023
Well written with good, strong characters. It was entertaining throughout with plenty of humour, action, dangerous assignments and compassion. I really enjoyed reading it. Definitely looking forward to reading more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2023
Ethan learns from Buck how to help those who have died pass over to the afterlife. There are various cases to cover and paperwork to handle. The concept is great, but the story is dialogue-heavy and monotonous.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
April 11, 2023
NRDS is a silly, fun, energetic, and creative blend of lore we all know and enjoy.
The engaging storyline starts immediately and continues to entertain throughout.
Don't read this expecting a gripping thriller that will leave you checking under your bed at night or hearing imaginary things that go "bump in the night." Read this expecting to have a good time and smile the whole way through.
The engaging storyline starts immediately and continues to entertain throughout.
Don't read this expecting a gripping thriller that will leave you checking under your bed at night or hearing imaginary things that go "bump in the night." Read this expecting to have a good time and smile the whole way through.
August 16, 2024
I laughed SO hard with this book. Omg it was so dang funny! And the story itself was just awesome. Alexus is my spirit animal 🤣🤣 Anyone who loves paranormal would love this. It's fun & entertaining, with a great mystery. I want to read more of these guys!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2024
I loved this story. I found myself laughing out loud in some scenes. The story has twists, turns, action and adventure. Ethan is a new agent and learning as he goes. Buck his mentor is breaking him in. I cannot wait for season 2 to come out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2023
Ghostbusters meets Men in Black. East, fun read, great dialogue. If you love unlikely heroes and their crusty, middle-aged mentors; old cars and ordinary objects as supernatural tools, you'll love hanging out in this world.
March 15, 2023
This series of stories that is funny and keeps you on your toes. The characters are so diverse and you follow Ethan as he starts his career at NRDS. This is definitely a series i will follow on Vella.
November 29, 2024
This was a quirky and fun paranormal story I enjoyed! Definitely not what I was expecting but a great story to pass an evening.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2025
Fun read
This was a fun read. I really liked all the characters. There were a couple of typos, but it wasn't too bad and didn't bother me. Overall, I'd like this to become a long series
This was a fun read. I really liked all the characters. There were a couple of typos, but it wasn't too bad and didn't bother me. Overall, I'd like this to become a long series
March 22, 2023
a really unusual government team of folks out to protect lives and afterlives
skills, methods and stories that let the mundane and supernatural clash and collide in colorful and explosive ways
skills, methods and stories that let the mundane and supernatural clash and collide in colorful and explosive ways
November 20, 2024
Hilarious. Even in death you can't escape the government. Makes me think of the movie RIPD. I could not stop reading or laughing. This book was awesome and I can't wait for the next one.
May 13, 2025
This was a fun read. I like how the chapters can be read as little individual scenes. Great for when you can only get a quick read in. I hope the rest of the reads are put into book form.
May 26, 2025
I loved this from the very beginning to the end. I’m a sucker for dark humor and this book is loaded with. Federal agents with a shades of ghost busters. The cast of characters and situations are just plain wild. My favorite character was the team’s agent ghost BOB (bag of bones). I’m still waiting to find out his real name. He had me laughing out loud so many times. Second favorite team member is Alexus, a kickass gal who believes every girl should own a machete! I can’t wait for the next book to come out. Ethan does find his love and they were off to HQ in DC.
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