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Niki Slobodian #2
The Devil Is a Gentleman
Where Niki goes, death is never far behind.
Everyone Niki knows hates Congressman Frank Bradley. He is the father of New Government, after all. He started the Registry, and the world adopted it. Bradley is the man who separated Abnormals and Normals, and made it a crime for Abbies to exist.
So when Bradley shows up at Niki's door bearing a terrible secret, then promptly disappears, she feels compelled to dig deeper. But the more Niki uncovers, the more danger she is in. A mysterious organization is out for her blood – literally – and her father's criminal past may not be as self-serving as she thought. There is also the matter of Niki's inscrutable employer Sam and the secret of his identity. With help from her partner Bobby Gage, Niki finds out just how little she knew about her family, and the truth of who she really is.
Praise for Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, book one of the Niki Slobodian series:
"Exemplary noir."
"A new kind of heroine."
"J.L. Murray...keeps you captive until the very last page. I didn't
want it to end."
"A legitimate page-turner."
"I can't wait for the next one."
Everyone Niki knows hates Congressman Frank Bradley. He is the father of New Government, after all. He started the Registry, and the world adopted it. Bradley is the man who separated Abnormals and Normals, and made it a crime for Abbies to exist.
So when Bradley shows up at Niki's door bearing a terrible secret, then promptly disappears, she feels compelled to dig deeper. But the more Niki uncovers, the more danger she is in. A mysterious organization is out for her blood – literally – and her father's criminal past may not be as self-serving as she thought. There is also the matter of Niki's inscrutable employer Sam and the secret of his identity. With help from her partner Bobby Gage, Niki finds out just how little she knew about her family, and the truth of who she really is.
Praise for Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, book one of the Niki Slobodian series:
"Exemplary noir."
"A new kind of heroine."
"J.L. Murray...keeps you captive until the very last page. I didn't
want it to end."
"A legitimate page-turner."
"I can't wait for the next one."
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2012
25 people are currently reading
398 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 45 reviews
January 27, 2018
The first book impressed me with its different approach on a down-to-earth but take no prisoners heroine, intriguing paranormal blacklisting system, and mysterious boss. The second isn’t quite as good as the first but it was still a fun, quick read. If you enjoy Urban Fantasies that are a bit over the top and quick to fly through, I recommend trying this one on for size.
Action is as intense and there’s plenty to keep the pace strong, but the sequel promises a bloodier time and higher body count. Niki takes a walk on the darker side and doesn’t shy away from becoming a violent avenger. Niki discovers more about her father and the dangerous organization that stands as the true enemy, says goodbye to a long-time friend, and discovers new hidden family. Enter Angelwine, an addictive and illegal substance that drains angels dry and turns minds mad.
Relationship wise we get more of Sam and discover what he is – a little misleading from the titles of the series and doesn’t make full sense. There’s plenty left about their connection that is vague and left for other series books. Eli isn’t already much but there’s plenty of page time for Niki to interact with other enjoyable characters, and villains take stick to the black shades rather than the multi-dimensional gray.
Reading the first book to understand this sequel and care about what’s going on is a necessity before touching this one. The fast pace and over-the-top adventures make it a quick read, even if it’s not anything shockingly new. There’s clearly a lot that’s leading up to bigger and more world-changing story-lines.
Action is as intense and there’s plenty to keep the pace strong, but the sequel promises a bloodier time and higher body count. Niki takes a walk on the darker side and doesn’t shy away from becoming a violent avenger. Niki discovers more about her father and the dangerous organization that stands as the true enemy, says goodbye to a long-time friend, and discovers new hidden family. Enter Angelwine, an addictive and illegal substance that drains angels dry and turns minds mad.
Relationship wise we get more of Sam and discover what he is – a little misleading from the titles of the series and doesn’t make full sense. There’s plenty left about their connection that is vague and left for other series books. Eli isn’t already much but there’s plenty of page time for Niki to interact with other enjoyable characters, and villains take stick to the black shades rather than the multi-dimensional gray.
Reading the first book to understand this sequel and care about what’s going on is a necessity before touching this one. The fast pace and over-the-top adventures make it a quick read, even if it’s not anything shockingly new. There’s clearly a lot that’s leading up to bigger and more world-changing story-lines.
November 15, 2017
Once again this is a pretty fun book, although it's definitely not reinventing the wheel in any sense. Still if you are looking for a straight forward, action packed, quick urban fantasy series I would definitely recommend checking this out.
However, I am little bit upset about the reveal of Sam's true identity. SPOILERS AHEAD, obviously. You're telling me that a guy that's named Sam, which is short for Samael, who owns a bar called The Deep Blue Sea, in a book that was called Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in a series where every single book title has the world Devil in it ...is the Grim Reaper of all things??? I'm guessing it was supposed to be a big twist or something but I'm more annoyed than anything.
However, I am little bit upset about the reveal of Sam's true identity. SPOILERS AHEAD, obviously. You're telling me that a guy that's named Sam, which is short for Samael, who owns a bar called The Deep Blue Sea, in a book that was called Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in a series where every single book title has the world Devil in it ...is the Grim Reaper of all things??? I'm guessing it was supposed to be a big twist or something but I'm more annoyed than anything.
April 12, 2013
Wow, just... wow!
Author J.L. Murray really kicks it up a notch in this sequel, as Niki hits the ground running and never stops. This time it's personal, and though we see more of Sam in this one (yay to that!), he's not footing the bill on this case. Hot on the heels of her last adventure, Niki's after The Blood, an evil organization responsible for the majority of her family's woes with Bobby by her side. I was blown away by the mythology in this one, the complex layers of how the world is put together has oodles of potential and I was not disappointed in the end. I can't wait to see how she tackles the next book.
Author J.L. Murray really kicks it up a notch in this sequel, as Niki hits the ground running and never stops. This time it's personal, and though we see more of Sam in this one (yay to that!), he's not footing the bill on this case. Hot on the heels of her last adventure, Niki's after The Blood, an evil organization responsible for the majority of her family's woes with Bobby by her side. I was blown away by the mythology in this one, the complex layers of how the world is put together has oodles of potential and I was not disappointed in the end. I can't wait to see how she tackles the next book.
January 15, 2013
Another fast ride. More interesting scenarios, great action and just plain fun.
I'm not all that pleased with the disappearance of one of the main characters from the first book, but it's not illogical at least, so we'll go from here.
I am starting to question where the author is going with this, it's getting a bit more 'suspend your belief' all along and it's beginning to appear the only surviving character may be the one main character. Not sure I really like that option all that well. I'd have probably dropped my rating on this half a star from the first book, if half star ratings were available but a second book in a series is often not 'quite' as good as the first but comes back in the third.
I'm not all that pleased with the disappearance of one of the main characters from the first book, but it's not illogical at least, so we'll go from here.
I am starting to question where the author is going with this, it's getting a bit more 'suspend your belief' all along and it's beginning to appear the only surviving character may be the one main character. Not sure I really like that option all that well. I'd have probably dropped my rating on this half a star from the first book, if half star ratings were available but a second book in a series is often not 'quite' as good as the first but comes back in the third.
May 24, 2014
Excellent and well-written paranormal mystery novel, much in the vein of a female version of the Dresden Files or Hellblazer. This is the second novel of a trilogy that really keeps you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next. Definitely recommended reading!
February 9, 2013
Really enjoyed this follow up to the first book. Learn more about several characters and some crazy stuff happens. All hell may break loose in the next book, though!
September 29, 2024
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
September 7, 2012
Today's review is on The Devil is a Gentleman by J.L. Murray
The Devil is a Gentleman is the second book in the Niki Slobodian series, and though I enjoyed it very much, I wanted to see more in the way of Niki's relationship with Sam. I mean, am I the only one that wants these two to get together? It's all there, I can see it coming; I think. I just don't want to wait to book four to get there.
Anyway, book two picks up right where we left our heroine. Hating her father for what he had become, but loving him just the same. But did she really know her father? In Gentleman, Niki finds out the truth about her him when she learns about The Blood.
The Blood is a group of twelve powerful individual's that even Sam want's Niki to avoid. But when the person responsible for The Registry, the one man who ruined your life, comes to you, an "abby" for help, how can you NOT get involved. It's only when Niki learns about how her father and her sister were treated, and continue to be treated by The Blood, does she begin to understand why Sasha did what he did.
But there's a war brewing. A war between Heaven and Hell, and Niki's actions will bring the deciding factor into play. Will Niki's "do-gooderness" win out in the end? We'll have to wait for book three to actually find out.
FYI, Gentleman is NOT a stand alone book. You will understand the overall concept better if you read the first book; Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, first. My only complaint is that I would really like to see a bit more romance for Niki. (I vote for Sam, just in case you're wondering)
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
The Devil is a Gentleman is the second book in the Niki Slobodian series, and though I enjoyed it very much, I wanted to see more in the way of Niki's relationship with Sam. I mean, am I the only one that wants these two to get together? It's all there, I can see it coming; I think. I just don't want to wait to book four to get there.
Anyway, book two picks up right where we left our heroine. Hating her father for what he had become, but loving him just the same. But did she really know her father? In Gentleman, Niki finds out the truth about her him when she learns about The Blood.
The Blood is a group of twelve powerful individual's that even Sam want's Niki to avoid. But when the person responsible for The Registry, the one man who ruined your life, comes to you, an "abby" for help, how can you NOT get involved. It's only when Niki learns about how her father and her sister were treated, and continue to be treated by The Blood, does she begin to understand why Sasha did what he did.
But there's a war brewing. A war between Heaven and Hell, and Niki's actions will bring the deciding factor into play. Will Niki's "do-gooderness" win out in the end? We'll have to wait for book three to actually find out.
FYI, Gentleman is NOT a stand alone book. You will understand the overall concept better if you read the first book; Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, first. My only complaint is that I would really like to see a bit more romance for Niki. (I vote for Sam, just in case you're wondering)
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
August 9, 2012
4.5 star
I was really excited when I saw the second Nikki Slobodian had come out. I started this book a little nervously, wondering if it could possibly be as good as the first book, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. It was, possibly even better then the first book.
The book starts off with a punch when Frank Bradley shows up at Nikki’s apartment hopped up on angel blood. The action doesn’t stop there as she goes on a mission to hunt down the angel who provided Bradley with the blood.
As the action unfolds, more mysteries are uncovered about Sam among other things. There were several things going on at the same time. None of them were too confusing. They just made things even more exciting.
Nikki’s character solidified as the book unfolded. Her character seemed to harden and coalesce as the book progressed making her larger then life. Bobby Gage, her partner was also further developed. More details about his life were revealed.
The more I learned about Sam, the more astonished I became. I totally didn’t see it coming. No spoilers, but it was a great surprise. Looking back, there were enough clues to who he was, I was just so absorbed in the story I just didn’t bother putting them together.
For a 200 pages book, there’s a lot packed inside of it. At the same time, I did wish it were longer just because I wished I could spend even more time with Nikki and co.
I was really excited when I saw the second Nikki Slobodian had come out. I started this book a little nervously, wondering if it could possibly be as good as the first book, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. It was, possibly even better then the first book.
The book starts off with a punch when Frank Bradley shows up at Nikki’s apartment hopped up on angel blood. The action doesn’t stop there as she goes on a mission to hunt down the angel who provided Bradley with the blood.
As the action unfolds, more mysteries are uncovered about Sam among other things. There were several things going on at the same time. None of them were too confusing. They just made things even more exciting.
Nikki’s character solidified as the book unfolded. Her character seemed to harden and coalesce as the book progressed making her larger then life. Bobby Gage, her partner was also further developed. More details about his life were revealed.
The more I learned about Sam, the more astonished I became. I totally didn’t see it coming. No spoilers, but it was a great surprise. Looking back, there were enough clues to who he was, I was just so absorbed in the story I just didn’t bother putting them together.
For a 200 pages book, there’s a lot packed inside of it. At the same time, I did wish it were longer just because I wished I could spend even more time with Nikki and co.
March 28, 2014
Another fast ride. More interesting scenarios and great action, albeit really bloody. This time, Nicki goes after a secretive and dangerous organization known as The Blood: A group that catches angels and drains them dry. She also discovers new family members in the process. And there's even more of Sam in this book, both inside his bar, and in his altered state, outside. If you haven't already figured out who he is, this book solves your mystery.
Nicki's and Sam's (professional) relationship was one of he highlights of this book for me personally. His actions towards the end of the book, which I am sure will have dire consequences, hints that there may be something "more" there...
What I am not at all pleased with, was the disappearance of several key characters from the first installment. I'd grown attached to Eli, and in this book he gets very little page time, which is a shame, because I would have enjoyed reading in greater detail about his personal quest... The same can be said for her granmother. Somewhere between this book and the first, something has changed in her life, but that's only mentioned in passing. I would have liked to hear more. Also, Nick is a gal of action, but I miss reading about her inner thoughts and feelings when bad things happen to her and her loved ones. Somehow that would have made this book better for me. Still, I am interested enough to pick up book # 3.
3? stars.
Nicki's and Sam's (professional) relationship was one of he highlights of this book for me personally. His actions towards the end of the book, which I am sure will have dire consequences, hints that there may be something "more" there...
What I am not at all pleased with, was the disappearance of several key characters from the first installment. I'd grown attached to Eli, and in this book he gets very little page time, which is a shame, because I would have enjoyed reading in greater detail about his personal quest... The same can be said for her granmother. Somewhere between this book and the first, something has changed in her life, but that's only mentioned in passing. I would have liked to hear more. Also, Nick is a gal of action, but I miss reading about her inner thoughts and feelings when bad things happen to her and her loved ones. Somehow that would have made this book better for me. Still, I am interested enough to pick up book # 3.
3? stars.
July 4, 2012
The trouble with books in a series in general is that you have to wait so long for the next one to come out and then you forget what it was about already. Well Niki starts off with a bang as usual, she is always in trouble and its just the depth that varies. Being an abnormal and also the daughter of Sasha Slobodian who is now in hell literally, Niki sets out to find out what is going on in her neighbourhood. Famous people are dying like Frank Bradley the congressman who started the whole registry idea, Gage is on hand as usual to be her partner in crime and Sam is at the bar that disappears all the time and then reappears at will. Niki smells a cover up and she is determined to find answers and vengeance for her family no matter what the cost. The group called The Blood are out to get her and they are super strong having ingested Angelwine (angel blood).Lots of secrets are uncovered, who Sam really is, who is the Morrigand and is Sasha still alive in Hell. Niki finds the odds are stacked against her and making a mistake could be fatal. What a cliffhanger, can't wait to see what happens next.
December 10, 2014
A good solid sequel to the previous entry in the series, it offers a new perspective on the events that took place in that book and then moves on. Niki's background and the world of the New Government in which she operates is more fleshed out. The action is a strep up from the previous one. The final fight was a definite "Oh Hell Yes" moment. My favorite part was when Niki has a moment when one of her father's and uncle's old cohorts gives a punk a lesson in respect and then later on she schools the fool herself. Love it! Ending hints that it will have repercussions from here on out and has a setup for the next book without being a cliffhanger which I hate to the extent that I think authors that do that should be run out of town.
December 7, 2015
I'm not as enamored as I was the first time but it's still good.
1st read from February 19 to 20, 2013
I think the main point I have against this book is the size. It's too damn small! I find myself wishing it was bigger so I could enjoy this story for longer...It is amazing. I am completely in love with it!
Niki has so many layers to unravel that it's absolutely delicious and Sam is so strong but tries so hard not to overwhelm her...I think he is the best angel I have read about so far.
I'm so anxious to find more and more about Niki, Sam, Gage, Sasha and everyone else!
1st read from February 19 to 20, 2013
I think the main point I have against this book is the size. It's too damn small! I find myself wishing it was bigger so I could enjoy this story for longer...It is amazing. I am completely in love with it!
Niki has so many layers to unravel that it's absolutely delicious and Sam is so strong but tries so hard not to overwhelm her...I think he is the best angel I have read about so far.
I'm so anxious to find more and more about Niki, Sam, Gage, Sasha and everyone else!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2012
JL Murray has a way of hooking the reader right from the start. You're not just reading the story - you're in the story. I was only going to peek at the beginning of this book for now, as I had read book one (and loved it), and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Fast-paced, powerful, and packs a punch. It's difficult to sum up the story without giving it away, so I won't. Just read it - but start with book one. Highly recommended!
June 29, 2012
Oh this is SUCH a wonderful series. I am really quite disappointed that there are only 2 but hopefully there will be many more. I loved the characters, especially Sam. While we did get a little bit more knowledge about him, there is still so much more to discover. I am annoyed with the cliff hanger ending though but that's just because there isn't another one out yet.
July 13, 2012
This is a minor UF series, either self-pub or indie. And for once this should not be considered an insult :)
Ms JL Murrey created her own world, with its rules and its denizen. It's fresh and interesting. Not all of it may be fully coherent, but this series is nice to read. You have a strong heroine, an unusual world and culture, lots of action. What else do you really need in a UF? :)
Ms JL Murrey created her own world, with its rules and its denizen. It's fresh and interesting. Not all of it may be fully coherent, but this series is nice to read. You have a strong heroine, an unusual world and culture, lots of action. What else do you really need in a UF? :)
February 25, 2013
loved it!
December 25, 2017
When I got KU I figured to go back through my TBR and read the 2nd books of some of the freebies I had read and liked. I will say that I like the set-up, the characters for the most part and generally like the book. The one thing that bugs the heck out of me—which I hoped the 2nd book wouldn’t do like the first—was the abysmal dialogue.
Sadly this book drove me bonkers with how dialogue is done. As a disclaimer I’m blind so I listen to my books using TTS so something stick out to me more than they would to a sighted person who visually reads a book. If a word is used frequently in a short amount of time it will stand out. I did a search and the word “said” was used 1,000 times and the page says this book has 190 pages. I chose, at random, a book on my kindle that was close to 300 pages and it used the same word like 171 times….
I’m not sure I got the punctuation right, but you get the idea….
“This is just an example.” I said
“Well, it isn’t accurate is it?” he said
“No, I’m just putting random crap out there!” I said
He said,” Well that makes sense then.”
This is one thing that Laurell K. Hamilton books started doing a lot towards the later Anita Blake books—which is not really why I stopped reading that series for some reason—and it drove me nuts then too. That is the only comparison that I can think of … just because of this book I’ve been trying to pay attention to dialogue in other books I read and for the most part the dialogue flows so I’ve not really noticed how it is done as much.
I really wish that this book didn’t do that. I stopped and started reading it a few times in the time I put it on my kindle because of this and I don’t think I will read the next one.
One other thing I want to say is that the ending, when she sees Eli for the first time in a long time, that whole scenario was just …. a total cop out and felt like a rush to wrap up a loose end. He almost seemed like an interesting character, though you know in book 1 that he wasn’t going to be a love interest again, but he could’ve been a nice side-kick or something. Maybe that happens in later books in the series, but I’m not going to keep reading to find out.
Sadly this book drove me bonkers with how dialogue is done. As a disclaimer I’m blind so I listen to my books using TTS so something stick out to me more than they would to a sighted person who visually reads a book. If a word is used frequently in a short amount of time it will stand out. I did a search and the word “said” was used 1,000 times and the page says this book has 190 pages. I chose, at random, a book on my kindle that was close to 300 pages and it used the same word like 171 times….
I’m not sure I got the punctuation right, but you get the idea….
“This is just an example.” I said
“Well, it isn’t accurate is it?” he said
“No, I’m just putting random crap out there!” I said
He said,” Well that makes sense then.”
This is one thing that Laurell K. Hamilton books started doing a lot towards the later Anita Blake books—which is not really why I stopped reading that series for some reason—and it drove me nuts then too. That is the only comparison that I can think of … just because of this book I’ve been trying to pay attention to dialogue in other books I read and for the most part the dialogue flows so I’ve not really noticed how it is done as much.
I really wish that this book didn’t do that. I stopped and started reading it a few times in the time I put it on my kindle because of this and I don’t think I will read the next one.
One other thing I want to say is that the ending, when she sees Eli for the first time in a long time, that whole scenario was just …. a total cop out and felt like a rush to wrap up a loose end. He almost seemed like an interesting character, though you know in book 1 that he wasn’t going to be a love interest again, but he could’ve been a nice side-kick or something. Maybe that happens in later books in the series, but I’m not going to keep reading to find out.
February 9, 2018
Another good entry in the Niki Slobodian seies
Two books read is a good sign for the series. I'll likely go for the next soon.
I did find more typos than I should have. One more proof reading ought to do it.
Two books read is a good sign for the series. I'll likely go for the next soon.
I did find more typos than I should have. One more proof reading ought to do it.
February 20, 2019
Simple story but damned enjoyable. Only real gripe is that Murray uses said even when people are asking questions and she just uses it a lot in general. But other than that, I liked it!
September 19, 2024
Goddamn, another corker!
December 18, 2014
After reading book one of the Niki Slobodian series I wasn't sure if I would go on to book two. While I enjoy the first book, it was a bit mediocre to me. However, after seeing several high ratings and glowing reviews from some of my Goodreads friends I wisely decided to read "The Devil is a Gentleman."
Our story begins with Niki being visited by none other than Councilman Frank Bradley, the man responsible for starting the legislation requiring all Abnormals to register with the government and basically strip them of their rights. He is unkempt and looking like something the cat just drug in. He begs Niki for her help right before he starts ranting about Klingon his mistress, angels and blood. When he attacked 's Niki, she puts three bullets in his heart but it doesn't stop him from running off in the night.
As Niki attempts to get a handle on what is going on she discovers a secret society that is feared by those aware of their existence. They are distributing a highly mind and physically altering drug called Angelwine and they want Niki dead. Nokia is not one to run away from a fight but this time, she will come face to face with family secrets, and the possible realization that her father is not such a bad guy after all. She will also have to deal with her feelings for Eli and explore her suspicions about Sam.
This book is a lot better than the first because it is a non-stop roller coaster ride chocked full of surprises. I'm very glad I decided to give this series a second one chance and look forward to following Niki on future adventures.
Our story begins with Niki being visited by none other than Councilman Frank Bradley, the man responsible for starting the legislation requiring all Abnormals to register with the government and basically strip them of their rights. He is unkempt and looking like something the cat just drug in. He begs Niki for her help right before he starts ranting about Klingon his mistress, angels and blood. When he attacked 's Niki, she puts three bullets in his heart but it doesn't stop him from running off in the night.
As Niki attempts to get a handle on what is going on she discovers a secret society that is feared by those aware of their existence. They are distributing a highly mind and physically altering drug called Angelwine and they want Niki dead. Nokia is not one to run away from a fight but this time, she will come face to face with family secrets, and the possible realization that her father is not such a bad guy after all. She will also have to deal with her feelings for Eli and explore her suspicions about Sam.
This book is a lot better than the first because it is a non-stop roller coaster ride chocked full of surprises. I'm very glad I decided to give this series a second one chance and look forward to following Niki on future adventures.
January 8, 2017
Being Sobodian... Blood And Honor
This series must be read in order. The first book is Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea. This is the second book. I can't wait to read Before The Devil Knows You're Dead!
With her father in Hell and Sofi visiting her niece Karen, Niki is all alone in her apartment. She can't find Sam or the Deep Blue Sea, for that matter. The bar refused to be found. Eli is missing as well. And everywhere there are ghosts. She tried to help some of them after they helped her kill Abbadon in the Warehouse... But nothing worked. Now the ghosts are forgetting, well everything, except her unfortunately. Why can't the ghosts move on? Abbadon did. What has she gotten herself into working for Sam? When a strange, insane guy shows up at her apartment calling her Nick, she doesn't know what to do or why he's looking for her as a guy... But his ramblings and attempts to murder her while muttering about The Blood makes her want to understand what exactly she is mixed up in now. After he takes off she contacts Bobby and starts to investigate. What did he want with her? Why was he trying to kill her? What exactly was wrong with him? Is this why the new Police Commissioner Eliza was trying so hard to hire her? What exactly is Sam?
This series must be read in order. The first book is Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea. This is the second book. I can't wait to read Before The Devil Knows You're Dead!
With her father in Hell and Sofi visiting her niece Karen, Niki is all alone in her apartment. She can't find Sam or the Deep Blue Sea, for that matter. The bar refused to be found. Eli is missing as well. And everywhere there are ghosts. She tried to help some of them after they helped her kill Abbadon in the Warehouse... But nothing worked. Now the ghosts are forgetting, well everything, except her unfortunately. Why can't the ghosts move on? Abbadon did. What has she gotten herself into working for Sam? When a strange, insane guy shows up at her apartment calling her Nick, she doesn't know what to do or why he's looking for her as a guy... But his ramblings and attempts to murder her while muttering about The Blood makes her want to understand what exactly she is mixed up in now. After he takes off she contacts Bobby and starts to investigate. What did he want with her? Why was he trying to kill her? What exactly was wrong with him? Is this why the new Police Commissioner Eliza was trying so hard to hire her? What exactly is Sam?
November 12, 2014
Congressman Frank Bradley is well known by all Abnormals. He's known as the "Father of New Government" and creator of the Registry, which persecutes "Abbies". So, it's a surprise when he shows up at Niki's door begging for her help.
Niki seeks help from Sam. He tells her about angelwine - made from the blood of angels. He believes this may be what caused Bradley's odd transformation. He warns her that the group who deals angelwine, called The Blood, is to be avoided.
While I enjoyed this installment, I didn't like it as much as book 1, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. But, I am liking the way the story continues to evolve and how we continue to learn more about the characters and this world.
(3.5 stars)
Niki seeks help from Sam. He tells her about angelwine - made from the blood of angels. He believes this may be what caused Bradley's odd transformation. He warns her that the group who deals angelwine, called The Blood, is to be avoided.
While I enjoyed this installment, I didn't like it as much as book 1, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. But, I am liking the way the story continues to evolve and how we continue to learn more about the characters and this world.
(3.5 stars)
May 3, 2015
I'd call this another hit. I continue to enjoy Niki and Bobby's wit and the mysteries Murray sets up for us. I also really started to feel the influence of, or similarities to Kim Harrison's The Hollows series or Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter (before the plots devolved into cheap erotica). It has a similar gun toting, strong heroine with a tendency to gather followers, fans and abilities as the series progress.
Like the first, this book also felt short. It also introduced some interesting side characters, that seemed to have just been dropped unceremoniously and it ended on a doozy of a cliffhanger, which I hate, but the writing was just as crisp and well edited as in the first. I'm looking forward to book 3, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.
Like the first, this book also felt short. It also introduced some interesting side characters, that seemed to have just been dropped unceremoniously and it ended on a doozy of a cliffhanger, which I hate, but the writing was just as crisp and well edited as in the first. I'm looking forward to book 3, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.
February 26, 2017
My latest favorite urban fantasy sleuth is back, this time badder than ever. Now that Niki's got a reputation for having taken out the demon lord Abaddon in the first book, she's a hot commodity for people who need help, and a source of anxiety for the secretive and cultish society known as The Blood. I'm enjoying the direction this book is taking - the secrets that are revealed about the motives of Niki's father Sasha, her half sister Natalie, the exit of Eli and the entrance of Sam, and of course, Niki taking a leadership role in her father's underworld ties to Ukranian and Russian gangsters. All of this with big guns ablazing, magic a casting, and, of course, some Angel Wine for the jitters. A very lovely sequel. Looking forward to the third book!
August 29, 2012
This was a Kindle free read. The first book was really pretty good. I liked the characters a lot. This book started off difficult to read. It almost felt like it had been written too quickly and not filled out well enough. It got better toward the end, but it felt rushed. I am interested to see if there is a third book and how that one flows because I still haven't given up on this author after the first book. Hopefully, there will be growth and the writing will get better instead of worse!
July 17, 2012
All I have to say is ' where is book 3?'
I had really enjoyed the first book in the series Between the Devil and the Deep Blue, but The Devil is a Gentleman was even better. Action packed, some questions are answered, others not, more so much more to be told. What a wonderful concept of heaven and hell. J.L. Murray has created a fascinating world that once you pick up the book, you ask everybody to please leave the room so that you can reach the last page.
Most definately worth the read.
I had really enjoyed the first book in the series Between the Devil and the Deep Blue, but The Devil is a Gentleman was even better. Action packed, some questions are answered, others not, more so much more to be told. What a wonderful concept of heaven and hell. J.L. Murray has created a fascinating world that once you pick up the book, you ask everybody to please leave the room so that you can reach the last page.
Most definately worth the read.
August 14, 2016
Rereading because I just acquired book 4. I stand by my earlier statements: Oh man! How long until the 3rd installation of Niki Slobodian is out? Loved this one more than book 1 and I didn't think that was possible.
December 25, 2012
Niki and Bobby investigate the disappearance then murder of Senator Frank Bradley, the guy who started the hated Abnormal Registry. As people fall by the wayside in gruesome fashion, the clues start to point to Niki's Dad being the culprit. Good addition to the storyline.
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