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Niki Slobodian #1
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
“It’s not like the movies, where they don’t know they’re dead. They don’t often haunt people or places for revenge, and as far as I know they don’t befriend lonely children. Usually. If you could see them, you might not even know them from some of the living. Empty-eyed and looking around at the world like they can’t believe it’s all still there and going on without them. Or maybe they’re seeing it for the first time. This city is full of ghosts. I can see them all. Lucky me.”
Niki Slobodian sees things – things that aren't supposed to be there. Labeled an Abnormal by New Government, her name is tacked onto the Registry, which seems to be getting longer these days. Now she can't work or she'll end up the same place as her father: in prison. But with no money coming in, Niki's getting desperate.
So when a mysterious client offers to get her off the Registry in exchange for taking his case, Niki jumps at the chance. All she has to do is round up a homicidal Dark that's escaped from Hell and is cruising around the city in borrowed bodies. The murders are piling up, with Niki's notorious father somehow involved, and Niki's running out of time. And it seems the Dark isn't the only thing that escaped...
Niki Slobodian sees things – things that aren't supposed to be there. Labeled an Abnormal by New Government, her name is tacked onto the Registry, which seems to be getting longer these days. Now she can't work or she'll end up the same place as her father: in prison. But with no money coming in, Niki's getting desperate.
So when a mysterious client offers to get her off the Registry in exchange for taking his case, Niki jumps at the chance. All she has to do is round up a homicidal Dark that's escaped from Hell and is cruising around the city in borrowed bodies. The murders are piling up, with Niki's notorious father somehow involved, and Niki's running out of time. And it seems the Dark isn't the only thing that escaped...
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2012
107 people are currently reading
1777 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Murray
22 books150 followersJ.L. Murray is the author of the Niki Slobodian series (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Devil Is a Gentleman, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Devil Was an Angel, and The Devil's Backbone), The Thirteen series (Jenny Undead and Eat the Ones You Love), After the Fire, Blood Day, the Blood of Cain series (Monstrous, Hoarfrost, Sanguine), the Gothic Folk series (The Hungry Deep), and The Collins Widow.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
Murray is a firm believer that horror can be beautiful, and that good and evil are very far from black and white. She lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon and can be reached through her website at www.jlmurraywriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 27, 2018
Surprisingly fun! Niki Slambodian is a detective of sorts who has just received a second chance – her name off the blacklisted registry, a new employer who pays big, and a chance to tie up loose ends about a mystery with her criminal father. Of course it’s all life and death while figuring out how capture a homicidal Dark that’s escaped from Hell and is tied in with her imprisoned father.
Being able to see ghosts is fascinating, but the book does little with this ability. The ghosts can’t communicate with actual conversation, but more of a desperate groaning and reaching. If anything they seem to be an annoyance to Niki and she doesn’t come across particularly compassionate, although I guess you would get hardened over the situation eventually.
I don’t find Sam particularly fascinating yet, but he’s intriguing enough to exist as a mysterious boss and unknown paranormal. I loved the new partner she gets paired with, and Eli as the ex who is discovering new things about himself while finding out Niki’s secrets added another personal layer. Loved the ending with her father and their complicated relationship.
Pure Urban Fantasy because of the paranormal elements involved, it’s as much a detective story. Niki being a complex character with a strong history left to be discovered made her an interesting person to be in the head of, and the pacing of the short novel made it a quick read. The ending was a mega-battle that flowed well and wrapped up one creepy story, but left plenty more possibilities to come with future stories.
Being able to see ghosts is fascinating, but the book does little with this ability. The ghosts can’t communicate with actual conversation, but more of a desperate groaning and reaching. If anything they seem to be an annoyance to Niki and she doesn’t come across particularly compassionate, although I guess you would get hardened over the situation eventually.
I don’t find Sam particularly fascinating yet, but he’s intriguing enough to exist as a mysterious boss and unknown paranormal. I loved the new partner she gets paired with, and Eli as the ex who is discovering new things about himself while finding out Niki’s secrets added another personal layer. Loved the ending with her father and their complicated relationship.
Pure Urban Fantasy because of the paranormal elements involved, it’s as much a detective story. Niki being a complex character with a strong history left to be discovered made her an interesting person to be in the head of, and the pacing of the short novel made it a quick read. The ending was a mega-battle that flowed well and wrapped up one creepy story, but left plenty more possibilities to come with future stories.
November 13, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
November 13, 2012
This was a "buy on a whim" book. The "Whim" inspired by being free. It paid off.
It's a good read, light or easy/quick as the drugery or absense of drugery in reading goes (that's a good mark). There are a few "tropes" and "cliche-ish" things and characters in here, but Murry manages to make those appealing and fresh. It's sort of Kate Shugak meets Harry Dresden (or A Cold Day For Murder meets Storm Front). Both books that I liked.
The main character, Nikki Slobodian, was well designed and even though I would have liked to see her face and be affected by more adversity, this wasn't a paranormal action adventure like Monster Hunter International. It was a detective story. Nikki had an interesting past, of which enough was left for us to uncover in later novels to keep her interesting. The story was told in traditional "First Person." Traditional means past tense, not present tense. I liked the way Murray let us inside Nikki's head so we got an idea of what she was like. Sometimes that doesn't work or gets overdone, in this case it worked out.
I'm not sure she came across as "Strong" as Murray wanted her to look, but that is because, in my opinion she was under-tasked. Lots of what happened seemed more like a drive by shooting of supernatural opportunity. Nikki was also more complex in nature than the story she had been written into. That kept her interesting, but, sort of highlighted the idea that there could have been more levels to this story and a few more pages (bytes... I did read the kindle version).
Nikki came across as strong, but it seemed more like she got swept up in events and dragged along more than taking an active role in how they turned out.
I'd put this book in the same basket with other non-paranormal detective stories like A cold Day for Murder (mentioned above) and Untraceable, maybe even Finding Round (though that would be more because of the level of complexity and the length. I think anyone who writes female characters could take a look at Anne and Mrs. Noble for an example of feminine strength, without being weak).
The bottom line is, you will not be disappointed by this book. All of the examples and books mentioned here are similar in different ways all about the same quality, give or take and all were enjoyable, fun reads that, maybe had some room to improve and still turned out to be wonderful stories and good reads.
Warnings
None to be too worried about. YA, or older would have no problems with this. No sex, but love and romance (not much of that either) some violence, but handled appropriately, sexy characters but not "over sexed" (actually understated, in my opinion).
Recommended.
It's a good read, light or easy/quick as the drugery or absense of drugery in reading goes (that's a good mark). There are a few "tropes" and "cliche-ish" things and characters in here, but Murry manages to make those appealing and fresh. It's sort of Kate Shugak meets Harry Dresden (or A Cold Day For Murder meets Storm Front). Both books that I liked.
The main character, Nikki Slobodian, was well designed and even though I would have liked to see her face and be affected by more adversity, this wasn't a paranormal action adventure like Monster Hunter International. It was a detective story. Nikki had an interesting past, of which enough was left for us to uncover in later novels to keep her interesting. The story was told in traditional "First Person." Traditional means past tense, not present tense. I liked the way Murray let us inside Nikki's head so we got an idea of what she was like. Sometimes that doesn't work or gets overdone, in this case it worked out.
I'm not sure she came across as "Strong" as Murray wanted her to look, but that is because, in my opinion she was under-tasked. Lots of what happened seemed more like a drive by shooting of supernatural opportunity. Nikki was also more complex in nature than the story she had been written into. That kept her interesting, but, sort of highlighted the idea that there could have been more levels to this story and a few more pages (bytes... I did read the kindle version).
Nikki came across as strong, but it seemed more like she got swept up in events and dragged along more than taking an active role in how they turned out.
I'd put this book in the same basket with other non-paranormal detective stories like A cold Day for Murder (mentioned above) and Untraceable, maybe even Finding Round (though that would be more because of the level of complexity and the length. I think anyone who writes female characters could take a look at Anne and Mrs. Noble for an example of feminine strength, without being weak).
The bottom line is, you will not be disappointed by this book. All of the examples and books mentioned here are similar in different ways all about the same quality, give or take and all were enjoyable, fun reads that, maybe had some room to improve and still turned out to be wonderful stories and good reads.
Warnings
None to be too worried about. YA, or older would have no problems with this. No sex, but love and romance (not much of that either) some violence, but handled appropriately, sexy characters but not "over sexed" (actually understated, in my opinion).
Recommended.
March 2, 2014
Niki Slobodian used to be a successful PI, but she was too successful as far as New Government is concerned. They used her trial to put her on the Registry (a list of people with abnormal abilities), she couldn't work anymore to pay bills and for the past year she has been struggling. With her grandmother in hospital, her criminal Summoner father in prison, she has to accept an offer from Sam, a strange man she meets at a bar that is not always there.
Niki sees ghosts and she can talk to them. Her new partner Gage can read obscure languages from grimoires. They have to catch a being escaped from the pits of Hell. While it is not useless, Niki's partner's ability slows him down and makes him weak. Further more, he can't stand blood. You can imagine how well that goes in a story where almost every crime scene is a bloodbath.
It is a light (as light as it can be with lots of blood) urban fantasy with just a touch of romance and an interesting beginning of a series.
Niki sees ghosts and she can talk to them. Her new partner Gage can read obscure languages from grimoires. They have to catch a being escaped from the pits of Hell. While it is not useless, Niki's partner's ability slows him down and makes him weak. Further more, he can't stand blood. You can imagine how well that goes in a story where almost every crime scene is a bloodbath.
It is a light (as light as it can be with lots of blood) urban fantasy with just a touch of romance and an interesting beginning of a series.
March 29, 2012
Excellent paranormal/horror novel with a touch of hard-boiled detective. Think Jim Dresden meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer minus all the Gen X baggage. Good plot, good characterizations and excellent prose skills are exhibited by Ms. Murray. Definitely recommended!
November 4, 2021
Ohh, this is fun!
We've all read soo many books with protagonists who see ghosts, right? So, the chances of finding something with a new twist are slim to none (impossible, more like).
So, imagine my surprise when I was actually hooked on this story!
The world is definitely new, and the plot was surprisingly good. It's a series that's worth reading by all you UF lovers out there (even though you also probably read way too many books with ghost-seeing MCs).
I appreciated the depth of the MC and her life story. Yes, she was kick-ass, but with a good reason. Also, the love story will have a huge twist later on (writing the review after reading the whole series), I was a bit shocked.
But all in all, definitely a series worth trying.
We've all read soo many books with protagonists who see ghosts, right? So, the chances of finding something with a new twist are slim to none (impossible, more like).
So, imagine my surprise when I was actually hooked on this story!
The world is definitely new, and the plot was surprisingly good. It's a series that's worth reading by all you UF lovers out there (even though you also probably read way too many books with ghost-seeing MCs).
I appreciated the depth of the MC and her life story. Yes, she was kick-ass, but with a good reason. Also, the love story will have a huge twist later on (writing the review after reading the whole series), I was a bit shocked.
But all in all, definitely a series worth trying.
June 26, 2013
3,5 stars
This city is full of ghosts. I can see them all. Lucky me.
Interesting start of a new series featuring Nikki Slobodian as the main character.
The only reason this doesn't get a four star rating, is because i needed more background on the setting in which the story takes place.
We don't have a time line. We are told, that things are very different of what they used to be in the past...a long forgotten past.
In this story, there's two kinds of persons: The Normals and the Abnormals. Guess who gets to be persecuted?
There's this feeling of Witch hunt. If you're considered an Abnormal _ someone with some kind of powers or gifts _ your name will be placed into a Registry, and your life will take a turn for the worst...
Thats what happened to Nicki. As a private investigator she was able to gain the hate of a chief of police determined to end her, and her career.
Since then she hasn't been able to work, her guns were confiscated, her godmother is in the Hospital sick, and Nikki is running out of cash.
But all of that is about to change...
On a stormy night, while walking through a deserted warehouse district she discovers this strange bar, "The Deep Blue Sea". A bar that she could have sweared wasn't't there in the past.
Inside she meets this misterious Character named Sam, who enlists her aid promising her big bucks...oh, and he knows everything about her...especially her ability of seeing ghosts.
A magical gate has been open in Hell directly to earth, and bad things, dangerous things are on the loose. As if that wasn't enough, Nikki's father, the most famous Summoner between the Abnormals (and doing time for that) may also be envolved...but he was in jail..or wasn't he??
This was a fast read. Most of the characters were compelling ( i wasn't crazy about Nikki's ex-boyfriend. He's just a little too bland..).
The writting was crisp and engaging, and on and on, a good story with some spookiness envolved.
So yes, i'll be sure to read the following volumes.
Pet peeves: I just hope Nikki stops saying Peachy! all the time, and Gage stops with the sis thing...really!!
This city is full of ghosts. I can see them all. Lucky me.
Interesting start of a new series featuring Nikki Slobodian as the main character.
The only reason this doesn't get a four star rating, is because i needed more background on the setting in which the story takes place.
We don't have a time line. We are told, that things are very different of what they used to be in the past...a long forgotten past.
In this story, there's two kinds of persons: The Normals and the Abnormals. Guess who gets to be persecuted?
There's this feeling of Witch hunt. If you're considered an Abnormal _ someone with some kind of powers or gifts _ your name will be placed into a Registry, and your life will take a turn for the worst...
Thats what happened to Nicki. As a private investigator she was able to gain the hate of a chief of police determined to end her, and her career.
Since then she hasn't been able to work, her guns were confiscated, her godmother is in the Hospital sick, and Nikki is running out of cash.
But all of that is about to change...
On a stormy night, while walking through a deserted warehouse district she discovers this strange bar, "The Deep Blue Sea". A bar that she could have sweared wasn't't there in the past.
Inside she meets this misterious Character named Sam, who enlists her aid promising her big bucks...oh, and he knows everything about her...especially her ability of seeing ghosts.
A magical gate has been open in Hell directly to earth, and bad things, dangerous things are on the loose. As if that wasn't enough, Nikki's father, the most famous Summoner between the Abnormals (and doing time for that) may also be envolved...but he was in jail..or wasn't he??
This was a fast read. Most of the characters were compelling ( i wasn't crazy about Nikki's ex-boyfriend. He's just a little too bland..).
The writting was crisp and engaging, and on and on, a good story with some spookiness envolved.
So yes, i'll be sure to read the following volumes.
Pet peeves: I just hope Nikki stops saying Peachy! all the time, and Gage stops with the sis thing...really!!
November 6, 2017
This is your fairly standard urban fantasy detective story, but if it's a genre you like [and I do] that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was a quick read although I think it did suffer a bit from being so short. I would have liked a bit more world building and background on things like the new government and abnormals but I assume we'll be getting that as the series goes along. I liked Nicki as a character, although again we haven't really gotten to know that much about her because of the short and fairly straight forward storyline. Still it seems like a fun series that I definitely plan to continue with. Also I want to see how long it takes them to figure out who Sam actually is ;)
December 3, 2022
A grungy urban fantasy. Not really my cup of tea, but if you like your fantasy to come with guns, gangsters and grime, it might well be yours.
August 13, 2012
JL Murray is a master of “suspension of disbelief.” At no point are you thrown out of the story rolling your eyes at some of the wonderfully strange happenings going on. “Paranormal Noir” is not the type of story I would normally pick up, but I was so intrigued with the author’s attitude toward writing that I had to see how that played out in her story-telling. I was not disappointed.
Murray’s characters, especially Niki Slobodian, are rich and multi-dimensional, and it comes across with surprisingly few descriptions. The story moves right along, and we learn about the characters mostly through their dialogue, thoughts and actions. The people in the story feel very real. The “good guys” have their faults, and the “bad guys” have moments where you almost feel their pain.
The story is fast-paced, quirky, intense, and funny at times. Running beneath all that are some rather subtle, thought provoking ideas of what good and evil really are - or are not. It’s a story that stays on your mind after the cover is closed.
I love a book that just tells the story, unencumbered by lengthy, unnecessary detail, and Murray does this beautifully.
Highly recommended, but make sure your kindle is fully charged because you won’t want to put it down.
Murray’s characters, especially Niki Slobodian, are rich and multi-dimensional, and it comes across with surprisingly few descriptions. The story moves right along, and we learn about the characters mostly through their dialogue, thoughts and actions. The people in the story feel very real. The “good guys” have their faults, and the “bad guys” have moments where you almost feel their pain.
The story is fast-paced, quirky, intense, and funny at times. Running beneath all that are some rather subtle, thought provoking ideas of what good and evil really are - or are not. It’s a story that stays on your mind after the cover is closed.
I love a book that just tells the story, unencumbered by lengthy, unnecessary detail, and Murray does this beautifully.
Highly recommended, but make sure your kindle is fully charged because you won’t want to put it down.
January 6, 2017
Escaped From Hell And Other Disasters
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Devil Is A Gentleman!
Nikki's life has been on a downward spiral ever since her ability to see ghosts was discovered and she ended up on the Abnormal Registry. Abnormals are not allowed to work... At least not legally. Struggling to pay the bills was hard enough before Sofi got sick. Now with the hospital bills, it is an exercise in futility. What is she going to do? Finding The Deep Blue Sea (a bar she would have sworn was not there when she was a child) while wandering her father's old stomping grounds seems like she has entered the Twilight Zone... The bar's mysterious owner offers her a job and it seems too good to be true. Is he setting her up? Is this a trap? Can he really get her off the Registry? And if so... How? What does he want from her? Should she take the job? Is this the answer to all her prayers? Or her first step on the road to Hell?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy apocalytal dystopian paranormal romance mysteries full of intrigue, action, adventure, suspense, humor and plenty of horror where nothing is what it seems and noone is quite telling the truth :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Devil Is A Gentleman!
Nikki's life has been on a downward spiral ever since her ability to see ghosts was discovered and she ended up on the Abnormal Registry. Abnormals are not allowed to work... At least not legally. Struggling to pay the bills was hard enough before Sofi got sick. Now with the hospital bills, it is an exercise in futility. What is she going to do? Finding The Deep Blue Sea (a bar she would have sworn was not there when she was a child) while wandering her father's old stomping grounds seems like she has entered the Twilight Zone... The bar's mysterious owner offers her a job and it seems too good to be true. Is he setting her up? Is this a trap? Can he really get her off the Registry? And if so... How? What does he want from her? Should she take the job? Is this the answer to all her prayers? Or her first step on the road to Hell?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy apocalytal dystopian paranormal romance mysteries full of intrigue, action, adventure, suspense, humor and plenty of horror where nothing is what it seems and noone is quite telling the truth :)
February 14, 2013
You don't have to be told that Niki Slobodian is tough, you know it...a rarity in the genre. A woman of few words, it's not hard to believe that Niki is a detective that has seen more than a few nasty things in her life. All of the characters in this book have a certain depth to them, the enigmatic Sam, loyal Bobby Gage, Niki's notorious father, to name only few. They have a duplicity that makes them very real.
The book itself has that classic noir feeling to it. The world J.L. Murray has built is not warm and fuzzy, good and evil are not so black and white. In fact, I think she does a good job not telling you who is good or bad, but letting the reader determine who's who for themselves.
The story could possibly use a little more flesh, there are a few places were the progression is a little jagged, but the world itself is very solid and easily unfolds in the minds eye. You can see the Deep Blue Sea with its pulsing neon sign and the dilapidated old warehouse that Niki keeps coming back to.
This is definitely urban fantasy, a little dark, a little gritty, and I enjoyed reading it immensely.
The book itself has that classic noir feeling to it. The world J.L. Murray has built is not warm and fuzzy, good and evil are not so black and white. In fact, I think she does a good job not telling you who is good or bad, but letting the reader determine who's who for themselves.
The story could possibly use a little more flesh, there are a few places were the progression is a little jagged, but the world itself is very solid and easily unfolds in the minds eye. You can see the Deep Blue Sea with its pulsing neon sign and the dilapidated old warehouse that Niki keeps coming back to.
This is definitely urban fantasy, a little dark, a little gritty, and I enjoyed reading it immensely.
June 23, 2013
I finished this only because there was some plot and I wanted to see how the author ended the story. The writing style, or more appropriately, lack there of, almost made me give up. At best, I'd say it was the level of an elementary school student. The writing was very simplistic, especially the dialog. In some places, the dialog was so stilted and corny, it was comical, when I am fairly certain the author intended to convey high drama. This book is the first of a series. Safe bet that I won't waste my time with the next one. The author gets some credit for creativity with the plot, though.
February 24, 2012
This book wasn't what I thought it would be, but it was a very easy read. A thriller about a summonner who brings an evil Demon from hell and whose daughter has to get rid of it. The book sort of draws parallels to X-Men in that there are normals and abnormals, just like there are humans and mutants.
Read
August 30, 2018Questo libro è esattamente quello che mi aspettavo: una lettura veloce e fresca. La protagonista, Niki Slobodian, è un personaggio meglio riuscito di quanto possa sembrare, così come i secondari (ho personalmente adorato Gage).
Per essere un libro così breve, l'autrice è riuscita a rendere i suoi personaggi quasi vivi, grazie anche agli ottimi dialoghi.
Non posso dire lo stesso della trama, che ho trovato più scontata, ma comunque divertente da seguire.
Dopo tutte le recensioni lette in giro, mi aspettavo qualcosa di molto più violento (non fraintendetemi, non è esattamente una storia allegra o priva di uccisioni o sangue) ma avevo avuto paura che potesse risultare troppo pesante. Invece è stata una lettura gradevole, che mi ha anche tirato fuori qualche sorriso ogni tanto.
Per essere un libro così breve, l'autrice è riuscita a rendere i suoi personaggi quasi vivi, grazie anche agli ottimi dialoghi.
Non posso dire lo stesso della trama, che ho trovato più scontata, ma comunque divertente da seguire.
Dopo tutte le recensioni lette in giro, mi aspettavo qualcosa di molto più violento (non fraintendetemi, non è esattamente una storia allegra o priva di uccisioni o sangue) ma avevo avuto paura che potesse risultare troppo pesante. Invece è stata una lettura gradevole, che mi ha anche tirato fuori qualche sorriso ogni tanto.
March 26, 2023
Short, easy read
Interesting concept. Not much character development. The formatting makes it appear longer than it actually is.
The story is told first person and, like most in this POV, suffers an overabundance of "I's." This story could be great if told third person limited, so that we get a broader perspective on the situation, and the heroes given a bit more arc to their characters.
Overall, a quick, easy read about hunting demons for a mysterious employer in a land under a totalitarian government.
Interesting concept. Not much character development. The formatting makes it appear longer than it actually is.
The story is told first person and, like most in this POV, suffers an overabundance of "I's." This story could be great if told third person limited, so that we get a broader perspective on the situation, and the heroes given a bit more arc to their characters.
Overall, a quick, easy read about hunting demons for a mysterious employer in a land under a totalitarian government.
March 25, 2014
Despite my 3+ star rating, I really liked this book. However, it was really short, and I would have preferred a little more focus on the world building. We learn that the "New Government" treats "abnormals" (half demons, psychics, summoners etc) as pariahs and outcasts. They're put on trial and placed in the Registry, which bans them from work and social welfare. But how did this come about? Details, please! This could easily have been included in a full size book. Character descriptions were also a little too vague for my liking. I don't need to know that a somebody has rock hard abs, a chiseled jaw, a masculine laugh, or long, luscious locks of hair or size d cups. But it would have been nice to know something about their looks... anything...
Anyway, as a result of this new law, Niki Slobodan, an ex private detective and seer of ghosts, has lost her license, guns, work and boyfriend. She's struggling to stay afloat, pay her rent and her grandma's medical bills. Until a stranger in a bar approaches her with an offer: Hunt down creatures from Hell in exchange for a sizeable amount of money and a way off the Registry. He also introduces her to Bobby Gage, another employee with supernatural talents.
Despite the relatively unfinished world building, Niki Slobodian is a well rounded character. We learn that she has criminal connections through her estranged and imprisoned Summoner father. Niki however, grew up with her hard working and law abiding grandmother(?) who has visions of the future. And that she chose to break up with her boyfriend Eli, just before the trial that branded her as an Abnormal.
Sam, the enigmatic bar owner is an interesting character. He seems to be a well of information, as well as gracious, smart and mysterious, with connections to both Heaven and Hell. (We know who he is, Niki doesn't... yet...) I'm not quite sure what his motives are, but I'm ready to find out more. (And what our bar keep does in his spare time, since The Deep Blue Sea disappears at will.)
One complaint though: I've been an avid reader of paranormal books for a year now. One thing that really strikes me is that 99.9% of all these fallen archangel/devil characters go by one of the following names: Luke, Lukas or Luce; after Lucifer. Or Sam, Samuel; after Samael, the angel of death. (Don't get me wrong, I happen to adore one Sam in particular. She's female, however, and she's NOT named after Samael, but after a human woman; Samantha;-) Besides, she's got other... let's just say... *interesting* names. Hah!)
I'd humbly like to offer aspiring authors a few alternative nicknames for *their* devil. (DAMN, I forgot Nick, that one's common too...)
How about these names: Ambert, Anwaar, Bert, (or if you are Republican) Barrak? All names mean "light". (Lucifer = The Light Bringer....) Or perhaps Eden, Edan or Eaden is more to your liking? (Derived from Eden, of course. I bet your devil would be proud to bear any of those names, considering the successful role he played in that garden.)
Thinking of naming your devil Sam after Sammael, the angel of death? How about Thanatos instead, or just Thane for short. (Thanathos means death, and Thane is a good, contemporary name.)
Congrats on picking a name that's not a dime a dozen... And BTW: you're welcome;-)
Well, my devil rant is done, back to this book: I intend to read the rest of this series and I fully expect to rate the next book higher, as it started to get really good towards the end. I'm ready for book #2.
Anyway, as a result of this new law, Niki Slobodan, an ex private detective and seer of ghosts, has lost her license, guns, work and boyfriend. She's struggling to stay afloat, pay her rent and her grandma's medical bills. Until a stranger in a bar approaches her with an offer: Hunt down creatures from Hell in exchange for a sizeable amount of money and a way off the Registry. He also introduces her to Bobby Gage, another employee with supernatural talents.
Despite the relatively unfinished world building, Niki Slobodian is a well rounded character. We learn that she has criminal connections through her estranged and imprisoned Summoner father. Niki however, grew up with her hard working and law abiding grandmother(?) who has visions of the future. And that she chose to break up with her boyfriend Eli, just before the trial that branded her as an Abnormal.
Sam, the enigmatic bar owner is an interesting character. He seems to be a well of information, as well as gracious, smart and mysterious, with connections to both Heaven and Hell. (We know who he is, Niki doesn't... yet...) I'm not quite sure what his motives are, but I'm ready to find out more. (And what our bar keep does in his spare time, since The Deep Blue Sea disappears at will.)
One complaint though: I've been an avid reader of paranormal books for a year now. One thing that really strikes me is that 99.9% of all these fallen archangel/devil characters go by one of the following names: Luke, Lukas or Luce; after Lucifer. Or Sam, Samuel; after Samael, the angel of death. (Don't get me wrong, I happen to adore one Sam in particular. She's female, however, and she's NOT named after Samael, but after a human woman; Samantha;-) Besides, she's got other... let's just say... *interesting* names. Hah!)
I'd humbly like to offer aspiring authors a few alternative nicknames for *their* devil. (DAMN, I forgot Nick, that one's common too...)
How about these names: Ambert, Anwaar, Bert, (or if you are Republican) Barrak? All names mean "light". (Lucifer = The Light Bringer....) Or perhaps Eden, Edan or Eaden is more to your liking? (Derived from Eden, of course. I bet your devil would be proud to bear any of those names, considering the successful role he played in that garden.)
Thinking of naming your devil Sam after Sammael, the angel of death? How about Thanatos instead, or just Thane for short. (Thanathos means death, and Thane is a good, contemporary name.)
Congrats on picking a name that's not a dime a dozen... And BTW: you're welcome;-)
Well, my devil rant is done, back to this book: I intend to read the rest of this series and I fully expect to rate the next book higher, as it started to get really good towards the end. I'm ready for book #2.
December 18, 2014
I've always loved Private Investigator TV shows and books; so, imagine mixing up the P.I. concept with a female herione and a paranormal story line. What more could you ask for?
Nikki Slobodian's electricity is about to be turned off and she is close to being evicted. Life is tough when the police commissioner has place you on a list, ruined your reputation in the paper, stripped you of all means of support and your terminally ill godmother is about to be sent home because you can no longer pay for her care.
Then, you walk into a bar called The Deep Blue Sea where you meet a guy named Sam who offers to buy you a drink and says he has a job for you. The next day when you wake up you think you dreamer the whole thing until a package arrives with $50,000, a badge, information about your new partner and the knowledge you have been removed from the list.
Nikki quickly gets caught up on her bills and gets to work trying to determine who has summoned a demon from hell through a recently opened portal. The primary suspect is none other than Nikki's dear old jailbird dad. To solve this mystery Nikki will have to face the demons of her past including facing her ex-lover, Eli. There will be no shortage of murderer and carnage before these matters will be resolved.
I enjoyed the story line but felt the background, characterizations, and world building was rushed and inadequate. I like yo truly know my characters, what they look like, their emotions and their chemistry with others. Due to the brevity and haste in which this story is told, this was not successfully done leaving the foundation for this series sitting on shaky ground.
Although I enjoyed this story I am unsure if I will continue on with other installments. I just need more depth and complexity. However, I will definitely keep this author and series on my radar.
Nikki Slobodian's electricity is about to be turned off and she is close to being evicted. Life is tough when the police commissioner has place you on a list, ruined your reputation in the paper, stripped you of all means of support and your terminally ill godmother is about to be sent home because you can no longer pay for her care.
Then, you walk into a bar called The Deep Blue Sea where you meet a guy named Sam who offers to buy you a drink and says he has a job for you. The next day when you wake up you think you dreamer the whole thing until a package arrives with $50,000, a badge, information about your new partner and the knowledge you have been removed from the list.
Nikki quickly gets caught up on her bills and gets to work trying to determine who has summoned a demon from hell through a recently opened portal. The primary suspect is none other than Nikki's dear old jailbird dad. To solve this mystery Nikki will have to face the demons of her past including facing her ex-lover, Eli. There will be no shortage of murderer and carnage before these matters will be resolved.
I enjoyed the story line but felt the background, characterizations, and world building was rushed and inadequate. I like yo truly know my characters, what they look like, their emotions and their chemistry with others. Due to the brevity and haste in which this story is told, this was not successfully done leaving the foundation for this series sitting on shaky ground.
Although I enjoyed this story I am unsure if I will continue on with other installments. I just need more depth and complexity. However, I will definitely keep this author and series on my radar.
July 31, 2012
Today's review is on Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea by: J. L. Murray
It took me a while to figure out why I enjoyed reading this book so much. The quirkiness of the heroine Niki Slobodian, the mysterious Sam, and the magical sidekick Bobby Gage remind me of Kelley Armstrong's - Women of the Otherworld series, and a bit of Kim Harrison's - The Hollows series. (This is a great compliment as these two series are two of my favorites.)
Murder, mystery, and a quest for good to triumph over evil, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is well written with just enough twists to you interested and keep you turning page after page to see what happens next. The writing is such that the book flows quickly, and your done before you know it, leaving you aching for the next installment.
The world has changed, and now those who have paranormal abilities are labeled Abnormal and are segregated from the Normals. With the New Government comes the Registry, and all Abnormals are required to be on that list. Niki Slobodian is just one of those names.
Niki sees the dead, and when others in the police department find out, she looses her job and the man she loves. With her grandmother in the hospital and no money to pay the bills, Niki jumps at the chance to work for Sam for some serious cash and a chance to get taken off of the Registry. But this case will become one of the most dangerous and thought provoking of Niki's career.
Fun and exciting, Before the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a welcome addition to my paranormal library.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
It took me a while to figure out why I enjoyed reading this book so much. The quirkiness of the heroine Niki Slobodian, the mysterious Sam, and the magical sidekick Bobby Gage remind me of Kelley Armstrong's - Women of the Otherworld series, and a bit of Kim Harrison's - The Hollows series. (This is a great compliment as these two series are two of my favorites.)
Murder, mystery, and a quest for good to triumph over evil, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is well written with just enough twists to you interested and keep you turning page after page to see what happens next. The writing is such that the book flows quickly, and your done before you know it, leaving you aching for the next installment.
The world has changed, and now those who have paranormal abilities are labeled Abnormal and are segregated from the Normals. With the New Government comes the Registry, and all Abnormals are required to be on that list. Niki Slobodian is just one of those names.
Niki sees the dead, and when others in the police department find out, she looses her job and the man she loves. With her grandmother in the hospital and no money to pay the bills, Niki jumps at the chance to work for Sam for some serious cash and a chance to get taken off of the Registry. But this case will become one of the most dangerous and thought provoking of Niki's career.
Fun and exciting, Before the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a welcome addition to my paranormal library.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
June 7, 2012
Read my reviews here and on the Akamai Reader!
Niki was all that you could wish for in a strong female protagonist. She had humor, sarcasm in all the right places, and chutzpah. She also showed just the right amount of vulnerability when it counted. I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she was catapulted from one impossible situation to another.
I enjoyed both Bobby and Eli as supporting characters. Bobby for his hulking, almost brotherly presence and Eli for his romantic connection. I appreciated both of them in their own ways as they each had their own charms.
Eli and Niki are old flames and meet again during the course of the investigation. Their encounters are sweet and I thought that Niki showed her vulnerable side well. She manged to appear both tough yet fearful of getting hurt again. All the while I cheered them on.
As you have Niki and Bobby hunting down the denizens of hell through the city, you’re taken on a wild ride. The plot is quick paced but it’s not rushed. There are pauses here and there for it to slowly build back up again. There are also enough twists and turns in the story to keep it from going stale. It was exhilarating and I felt like I was on one fun roller coaster.
I had a ball with Niki and I hope there are many more books to come in this series.
Niki was all that you could wish for in a strong female protagonist. She had humor, sarcasm in all the right places, and chutzpah. She also showed just the right amount of vulnerability when it counted. I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she was catapulted from one impossible situation to another.
I enjoyed both Bobby and Eli as supporting characters. Bobby for his hulking, almost brotherly presence and Eli for his romantic connection. I appreciated both of them in their own ways as they each had their own charms.
Eli and Niki are old flames and meet again during the course of the investigation. Their encounters are sweet and I thought that Niki showed her vulnerable side well. She manged to appear both tough yet fearful of getting hurt again. All the while I cheered them on.
As you have Niki and Bobby hunting down the denizens of hell through the city, you’re taken on a wild ride. The plot is quick paced but it’s not rushed. There are pauses here and there for it to slowly build back up again. There are also enough twists and turns in the story to keep it from going stale. It was exhilarating and I felt like I was on one fun roller coaster.
I had a ball with Niki and I hope there are many more books to come in this series.
May 3, 2015
I really quite enjoyed this book. I found Niki to be a strong, quick-witted heroine. Her sidekicks were useful and there was a surprising amount of humour. It all came together in an interesting paranormal action/adventure mystery with excellent writing and flawless editing. There did seem to be a lot of history between some of the characters that made me wonder if I was really reading the first book, but I caught up soon enough.
My only real complaint, two-fold as it is, was that the book felt very short. Amazon lists it at 160 pages, but I started it after dinner and was in bed before 11. In that time, I also bathed the kiddies and sent them off to dreamland. So even if it there is an physical page count of 160 somewhere, I bet it's double spaced.
Also contributing to this perception of brevity was the way challenges were overcome very, very easily. If seemed like Niki and her crew waltzed in, said "be gone" and vanquished the big-bads effortlessly. Of course, it wasn't that simple, but it felt like it was. She managed to solve two mysteries and save the day twice in the 160 pages available. That didn't leave a lot for buildup, tension, or elaborate planning.
Yes, it all felt too easy but that really was made up for by the humour and engaging characters. I can't wait to read The Devil is a Gentleman.
My only real complaint, two-fold as it is, was that the book felt very short. Amazon lists it at 160 pages, but I started it after dinner and was in bed before 11. In that time, I also bathed the kiddies and sent them off to dreamland. So even if it there is an physical page count of 160 somewhere, I bet it's double spaced.
Also contributing to this perception of brevity was the way challenges were overcome very, very easily. If seemed like Niki and her crew waltzed in, said "be gone" and vanquished the big-bads effortlessly. Of course, it wasn't that simple, but it felt like it was. She managed to solve two mysteries and save the day twice in the 160 pages available. That didn't leave a lot for buildup, tension, or elaborate planning.
Yes, it all felt too easy but that really was made up for by the humour and engaging characters. I can't wait to read The Devil is a Gentleman.
August 4, 2012
Let me start off by saying I liked this book. It was something different from what I normally read, but it was a good paranormal thriller. And I liked the character of Nikki enough that I would like to read the next book in the series.
My main complaint about the book was the formatting. I got this book for my Kindle and was not happy with the way the book appeared. The type was incredibly small - smaller than any other book that I've read on the device. The other issue was the type was very light and inconsistent. There were parts that were easy to read and there were other parts that seemed very washed out and faded.
Don't get me wrong, I would recommend this book to others. The story moves quickly and is interesting. The characters are also likeable. My only suggestion would be to get the book in print and not on an e-reader.
UPDATE: After a very nice e-mail from the the author, J.L. Murray, I reevaluated my rating of the book. It turns out that the formatting issue was a device issue that Amazon was aware of and will be fixed in upcoming software updates. The next book in the series, "The Devil is a Gentleman", is definitely on my to-get list.
My main complaint about the book was the formatting. I got this book for my Kindle and was not happy with the way the book appeared. The type was incredibly small - smaller than any other book that I've read on the device. The other issue was the type was very light and inconsistent. There were parts that were easy to read and there were other parts that seemed very washed out and faded.
Don't get me wrong, I would recommend this book to others. The story moves quickly and is interesting. The characters are also likeable. My only suggestion would be to get the book in print and not on an e-reader.
UPDATE: After a very nice e-mail from the the author, J.L. Murray, I reevaluated my rating of the book. It turns out that the formatting issue was a device issue that Amazon was aware of and will be fixed in upcoming software updates. The next book in the series, "The Devil is a Gentleman", is definitely on my to-get list.
December 6, 2015
2nd time reading this and it's about as good as the first time. I did notice I sounded like a used car salesman when I wrote the previous review. No idea why.
* 1st read from February 18 to 19, 2013
Interesting premise. Fast-paced. Likable characters. Mysterious. What more could you want?
The female lead is very interesting. With a complex exposure of good versus evil since childhood, Niki has become a strong willed woman with a compassionate heart despite her fathers background as a Mafia kingpin.
Things get tough though when she slips and she is discovered as an abnormal. A human with abilities. In her case, a human who can see ghosts among other not so friendly characters. She's put in the registry, a list of abnormals society intends to destroy.
Meet Sam. A mysterious guy in a mysterious bar. The Deep Blue Sea. Offers her a job for a large sum hunting demons. Considering she's out of money and in the registry...probably her only chance of paying the hospital bills her dying grandma is leaving. The offer to get off the registry is just the cherry at the top. How can one refuse?
Soon enough she learns things are about to get hairy.
* 1st read from February 18 to 19, 2013
Interesting premise. Fast-paced. Likable characters. Mysterious. What more could you want?
The female lead is very interesting. With a complex exposure of good versus evil since childhood, Niki has become a strong willed woman with a compassionate heart despite her fathers background as a Mafia kingpin.
Things get tough though when she slips and she is discovered as an abnormal. A human with abilities. In her case, a human who can see ghosts among other not so friendly characters. She's put in the registry, a list of abnormals society intends to destroy.
Meet Sam. A mysterious guy in a mysterious bar. The Deep Blue Sea. Offers her a job for a large sum hunting demons. Considering she's out of money and in the registry...probably her only chance of paying the hospital bills her dying grandma is leaving. The offer to get off the registry is just the cherry at the top. How can one refuse?
Soon enough she learns things are about to get hairy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2013
Although this book was OK, I’m still ambivalent about going on to the next one. I am guessing it will be pretty much more of the same. There were certain things about it that, not surprisingly enough, were definitely and unequivocally annoying.
Please give the reader some leeway for a brain. The main character for all her ‘knowledge’ asks some pretty stupid questions. Then we all know that salt harms a demon. She has a big sack of rock salt. Everyone goes through an enormous, stressful, altercation that drags on, then at the very end, oh what a genius, she throws, oh no let’s correct that, she blows the rock salt into the face of the demon.
Is it possible to blow rock salt off your hand? Do you think you could blow hard enough to send rock salt off into an upwards motion, defying the laws of physics and gravity? How close do you reckon you’d have to get to possibly blow anything at something to hit it successfully in the face? Maybe baby powder?
Please, give the reader some credibility to perform a thought process. I mean, this is a book, we can read can’t we? Dumb, dumb and dumber.
Please give the reader some leeway for a brain. The main character for all her ‘knowledge’ asks some pretty stupid questions. Then we all know that salt harms a demon. She has a big sack of rock salt. Everyone goes through an enormous, stressful, altercation that drags on, then at the very end, oh what a genius, she throws, oh no let’s correct that, she blows the rock salt into the face of the demon.
Is it possible to blow rock salt off your hand? Do you think you could blow hard enough to send rock salt off into an upwards motion, defying the laws of physics and gravity? How close do you reckon you’d have to get to possibly blow anything at something to hit it successfully in the face? Maybe baby powder?
Please, give the reader some credibility to perform a thought process. I mean, this is a book, we can read can’t we? Dumb, dumb and dumber.
August 19, 2014
Loved the story, characters, and the world.
J.L. Murray created a world with characters that make you want to read more. The story paced well. Character and story driven, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, kept me entertained and not wanting to put the book down. I immediately bought the second book upon finishing this one so that I could continue to read the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a good read with a heroine who is tough yet not cold. I usually hesitate to make comparisons but perhaps if you're on the fence about reading this series this will help you decide to read it. Niki is tough like Anita Blake (early Anita) but sees the world in less black and white, more that gray that it really is. She's open enough to know things aren't always the way they seem. Though she does have strong sense or what is right, she also realizes that sometimes the right thing is a bit wrong because the means to that right thing isn't always pretty. She's a great character with character.
J.L. Murray created a world with characters that make you want to read more. The story paced well. Character and story driven, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, kept me entertained and not wanting to put the book down. I immediately bought the second book upon finishing this one so that I could continue to read the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a good read with a heroine who is tough yet not cold. I usually hesitate to make comparisons but perhaps if you're on the fence about reading this series this will help you decide to read it. Niki is tough like Anita Blake (early Anita) but sees the world in less black and white, more that gray that it really is. She's open enough to know things aren't always the way they seem. Though she does have strong sense or what is right, she also realizes that sometimes the right thing is a bit wrong because the means to that right thing isn't always pretty. She's a great character with character.
July 5, 2015
When I picked up this book, I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately hustled into the world of Niki Slobidian. She is an Abnormal living in a world where Normals persecute those who have abilities and powers seen as unnatural. She’s put on the registry to be watched closely but when a case opens after a Dark is released from a portal to Hell, she regains her normal life back and begins this mission to find out why and how the portal was opened.
This first novel of the series had me intrigued from the beginning. I was drawn to Niki as a very strong, female lead. She was fiercely independent and passionately caring about, Sofi, the woman who brought her up, she knows she must solve the mystery and find out why her dad is involved. It’s very clear there’s a lot of story of Niki that we don’t know yet but I have to say I’m looking forward to finding out.
The novel moved at a very quick pace, full of action and intrigue that kept me guessing and wanting more. I’ll be back for more from this girl!
This first novel of the series had me intrigued from the beginning. I was drawn to Niki as a very strong, female lead. She was fiercely independent and passionately caring about, Sofi, the woman who brought her up, she knows she must solve the mystery and find out why her dad is involved. It’s very clear there’s a lot of story of Niki that we don’t know yet but I have to say I’m looking forward to finding out.
The novel moved at a very quick pace, full of action and intrigue that kept me guessing and wanting more. I’ll be back for more from this girl!
February 17, 2015
Fans of Suzanne McLeod Spellcrackers.com series or Vicki Pettersson's Celestial Blues series will love Niki Slobodian. This was a well written, well edited cocktail of noir.
I was not in the mood for anything heady, too complicated or convoluted and this was the ticket. Ms. Murray did an exceptional job of creating interesting and appealing characters -- both the bad and the good guys. The pacing kept the story moving and there was neither too much action or dead time. The feeling of cloak and dagger, of fedoras shrouding faces and streetlights obscured by night mist added pleasurable undertones and I look forward to more novels.
My only criticism lies in the fact I do wish that I had a better sense of what Eli and Niki looked like. There was little time spent on descriptions, backstories or love scenes. And I do love a little heat with my noir. Perhaps more will be revealed in further installments.
I was not in the mood for anything heady, too complicated or convoluted and this was the ticket. Ms. Murray did an exceptional job of creating interesting and appealing characters -- both the bad and the good guys. The pacing kept the story moving and there was neither too much action or dead time. The feeling of cloak and dagger, of fedoras shrouding faces and streetlights obscured by night mist added pleasurable undertones and I look forward to more novels.
My only criticism lies in the fact I do wish that I had a better sense of what Eli and Niki looked like. There was little time spent on descriptions, backstories or love scenes. And I do love a little heat with my noir. Perhaps more will be revealed in further installments.
April 11, 2013
In the land of free books, it takes a lot for me to relax and get lost in a story these days, and this book had my inner editor tied up in the corner by page one. The further I read, the more I liked it and Niki's badass voice. Author J.L. Murray takes us on a fast paced race to catch the escaped demon before he cuts a bloody swath through town, skilfully weaving just enough of the past into the present to make us care about these characters. She truly has a gift for setting the scene, her descriptions making the people and places jump right off the page. Will I be ponying up the cash for the rest of the series? Hell yeah!
November 16, 2012
I decided to read the book purely based on the blurb which I liked. The only redeeming factor of the book was that it was thankfully kept short.
Predictability, shallow characterization, lack of explanation and incomplete world building all contribute towards a very bland story. The main flaw of the book was that the author failed to put the reader in the protagonist's shoes which would have meant a more involved reading experience.
Would not really recommend this book considering the varied choice available to readers in the same sub-genre.
Predictability, shallow characterization, lack of explanation and incomplete world building all contribute towards a very bland story. The main flaw of the book was that the author failed to put the reader in the protagonist's shoes which would have meant a more involved reading experience.
Would not really recommend this book considering the varied choice available to readers in the same sub-genre.
March 21, 2012
What a great line "I see dead people" and Niki Slobodian really does, she is an Abnormal. She can see the dead, has a dad who makes the Godfather look good and is hunting demons to survive. The new government is persecuting people like her, people who are different and she is out to save the world, one demon at a time. Action packed with a touch of romance thrown in and some interesting characters make this book a must read.
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