After reading and loving "Wild Wild Death," the eighth book in the Pepper Martin series, I was really excited to read "Supernatural Born Killers" that just came out. What can I say except that for a novel that started off pretty well, it took a massive nose-dive half-way thru. I'm not just talking about rolling of the eyes. I'm talking loud groans of disappointment; and the shaking of my head, asking, "Why?” What the hell?" So dismayed, I wish I never purchased the damn book. Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm probably the only one who feels this way; however, I'm entitled to my opinion. And my opinion - this has to be the worst novel in the series. Too harsh? Too bad!
The Good: It started off well. We’re introduced to a couple of new and interesting ghosts. The puddles that keep showing up? Based on past mysteries Pepper has solved, this one should be interesting.
The Bad: Where should I begin? Well, Quinn is back in Pepper’s life. In fact, he finally accepts that Pepper sees and talks to ghosts. He also tells her that he loves her. I say: “whoop-dee-doo!” Whatever chemistry Quinn and Pepper had in the past is no longer there. No sparks, no fire, nothing. As for Quinn believing Pepper, we all knew he would eventually.
As for the new mystery, not only was it not fully developed, it was ridiculous. And the new ghosts we’re introduced at the beginning? They’re going to do all the administrative work for Pepper at the office so she can spend time with Quinn solving the new case. Right. If that wasn’t bad enough, we’re introduced to Pepper’s parents, with Quinn present of course. Weirder, right after the introductions, her parents divulge to them how they’ve kept in touch with Ella for the past few years and that they know all about Pepper’s ghostly investigations. They tell her that it’s not the bump on the head she got when she fell in the first book that gives her the ability to see and talk to ghosts; but that she’s always been “gifted.” Hold on to your socks, there’s more. Her parents have a new business, with business cards and everything; and it includes Pepper (news to her). They’re going into the private investigation (ghosts and all) business. First case, let’s just jump in and help Quinn and Pepper in their new and boring investigation. You would think someone like Quinn would have them back off. But nooooooo…. In fact, he thinks it’s a great idea. Are you kidding me??? Seriously Ms. Daniels, what the hell? If you haven’t caught on, I’m pretty peeved by now. The new direction the book has taken has left me dumbfounded. Once all was all disclosed, I pretty much gave up on the novel. To end my misery, I flipped thru the pages pretty fast. Easy since there was nothing of substance left. As I read the last couple of pages (I actually read each word), I have to wonder if Ms. Daniels decided to end the series as it felt that way to me.
In the end, this book left me feeling empty. It felt as though as I was reading a book written by someone other than Casey Daniels.