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Grim Reality #1
To Catch Her Death
What do you get when you cross a hockey mom with the grim reaper? Me, Lisa Carron. If being a depressed, frumpy, widowed mother of three wasn’t bad enough, I just found out I’m a grim reaper. I know what you’re thinking. Wow, that’s kind of sexy and full of awesomeness. Hardly. Oh, and my clients? Stupid people. Like I don’t get enough of that from the living. Since Alaska is big and angels of death are few, I’ve been partnered with reaper extraordinaire, Nate Cramer. He’s strong, silent, and way too good looking for my recently widowed state. Oh, and he reaps violent criminals, so that should be interesting. Forget the danger and the hours of self-analysis it will take for me to find my reaper mojo. My biggest problem? Hiding it all from my overly attentive family and nosy neighbors. Now that’s going to take a miracle.
204 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 144 reviews
March 28, 2019
Whenever I go to a book convention, I try to read as many of the attending authors as possible. I'm going to Book Lovers Con in May, so I'm checking as many new-to-me authors off my list as I can.
I basically went into this book blind, but I love paranormal and the plot sounded fun. However, I had issues with To Catch Her Death.
The story wasn't a romance, which surprised me but wasn't a big deal. I actually liked the basic set up for the story, but I had a lot of content issues, some of which will sound a bit nit-picky.
I had problems with the way the gay side character was depicted in the story. It was a small thing, just a few scenes, but as a gay romance reader and reviewer, I didn't appreciate the way the gay hairdresser was shown. Plus, no one, and I mean no one, would go for a spiky blond cut with two pieces hanging down long around the face. I was getting bad Kate Gosselin flashbacks.
The plot became predictable and boring, the editing needed a LOT of help, and though I think the author had some really interesting ideas, I don't think she is the author for me.
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I basically went into this book blind, but I love paranormal and the plot sounded fun. However, I had issues with To Catch Her Death.
The story wasn't a romance, which surprised me but wasn't a big deal. I actually liked the basic set up for the story, but I had a lot of content issues, some of which will sound a bit nit-picky.
I had problems with the way the gay side character was depicted in the story. It was a small thing, just a few scenes, but as a gay romance reader and reviewer, I didn't appreciate the way the gay hairdresser was shown. Plus, no one, and I mean no one, would go for a spiky blond cut with two pieces hanging down long around the face. I was getting bad Kate Gosselin flashbacks.
The plot became predictable and boring, the editing needed a LOT of help, and though I think the author had some really interesting ideas, I don't think she is the author for me.
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October 28, 2013
I loved this story. Given the choice between UF and PNR, I'll chose UF every time -- but this one was different. A lot of UF is dark: angst, self-reflection, unbelievable danger, unrealistic fight scenes, and a clear line of good and evil. Which can become formulaic after a while.
To Catch Her Death transcends the obvious. This refreshing story introduces us to a heroine who reminds me of ME. Slightly heavier than she might like, not as athletic as she's hoped, occasionally klutzy -- but above all, very real. She has real problems with money, her kids, and more past martial issues than she can face at the moment.
But does she crawl into a container of ice cream and wallow? No (well, maybe for a little while). She picks herself up, takes an unconventional job as a reaper, and forces herself through a harrowing obstacle course that at times reminded me of Wipe Out combined with Ninja Warrior.
The plot progresses at a good clip, with no overly slow moments that make you want to put the book down. I loved the hints of magic, a raven as a familiar, and a partner who challenged (and annoyed her) rather than one who became the obvious romantic entanglement had this been a PNR story.
Brux has managed to combine humor, wit, realism, and a paranormal plot with the expertise of Julie Kenner (Carpe Demon) and Darynda Jones (First Grave on the Right), with the deep characterization found in Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich's series. I've heard Brux is writing a YA tie-in series on Lisa Carron's daughter, Bronte, and I can't wait to read it with my daughter--she will LOVE IT.
Overall: An A+ read I'm glad I spent my money on. Fantastic work!
To Catch Her Death transcends the obvious. This refreshing story introduces us to a heroine who reminds me of ME. Slightly heavier than she might like, not as athletic as she's hoped, occasionally klutzy -- but above all, very real. She has real problems with money, her kids, and more past martial issues than she can face at the moment.
But does she crawl into a container of ice cream and wallow? No (well, maybe for a little while). She picks herself up, takes an unconventional job as a reaper, and forces herself through a harrowing obstacle course that at times reminded me of Wipe Out combined with Ninja Warrior.
The plot progresses at a good clip, with no overly slow moments that make you want to put the book down. I loved the hints of magic, a raven as a familiar, and a partner who challenged (and annoyed her) rather than one who became the obvious romantic entanglement had this been a PNR story.
Brux has managed to combine humor, wit, realism, and a paranormal plot with the expertise of Julie Kenner (Carpe Demon) and Darynda Jones (First Grave on the Right), with the deep characterization found in Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich's series. I've heard Brux is writing a YA tie-in series on Lisa Carron's daughter, Bronte, and I can't wait to read it with my daughter--she will LOVE IT.
Overall: An A+ read I'm glad I spent my money on. Fantastic work!
February 11, 2025
That was a hoot! Another to mark off my "Books Languishing The Longest On My Kindle" Goals List.
November 4, 2013
Once I picked it up I could not put it down, I love this story, I am so looking forward to the next book, so many questions un-answered, I was so dissapointed when my e-reader wouldn't turn to the next page at the end..but I will be waiting for the next book, Great Job with this book Boone...
August 6, 2016
This book held that special magic for me; intelligent and entertaining story, coupled with strong, sympathetic, whitty, adult heroine. Boone Brux strategically leaves tantalizing "bread crumbs" throughout the book for events that are resolved later as well as hooking the reader into wanting more in the form of future stories.
Lisa Carron, the heroine in question, is a widowed mom trying to put her life back together after her husband's tragic death and leaving his family in financial straits. Ms Brux was able to capture the woman next door in her Lisa character. Someone the reader can imagine living next door and being friends with.
Lisa is accidentally introduced into the world of grim reaping and into the life of sexy grim reaper Nate Cramer. Other characters introduced include a "porter" called Hal, best friend Vella, and reaper colleagues. For those who are fans of the demon, Al, in the Rachel Morgan series, they will absolutely love Hal.
Beyond the story of Lisa becoming a reaper is a larger story of something disturbing but significant about to happen in the land of the dead, involving hell. The unresolved stories of reaping Kelly and Nuk, Jeff's possible infidelity, Nate and Willow's animosity, Hal as Lisa's death contact, and of course the significance of Lisa's raven familiar leaves the reader excited for more to come in the series. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Lisa Carron, the heroine in question, is a widowed mom trying to put her life back together after her husband's tragic death and leaving his family in financial straits. Ms Brux was able to capture the woman next door in her Lisa character. Someone the reader can imagine living next door and being friends with.
Lisa is accidentally introduced into the world of grim reaping and into the life of sexy grim reaper Nate Cramer. Other characters introduced include a "porter" called Hal, best friend Vella, and reaper colleagues. For those who are fans of the demon, Al, in the Rachel Morgan series, they will absolutely love Hal.
Beyond the story of Lisa becoming a reaper is a larger story of something disturbing but significant about to happen in the land of the dead, involving hell. The unresolved stories of reaping Kelly and Nuk, Jeff's possible infidelity, Nate and Willow's animosity, Hal as Lisa's death contact, and of course the significance of Lisa's raven familiar leaves the reader excited for more to come in the series. Can't wait for the next in the series.
April 19, 2014
This book was so damn cute it hurt. It's the only book published in this series so far, and I had a little toddler tantrum when I realized I had to wait to keep reading. Note: this is a story told over several books, so there are plenty of plot threads that aren't tied up here. In particular, if you are used to romantic relationships being culminated in a single book, know that the main relationship here looks like it will grow more naturally over multiple books. So enjoy it -- don't rush through looking for the climax. (See what I did there?)
WHAT I LIKED
-----------------
- Quick and witty dialogue
- Main female character is full of real flaws - easy to identify with and laugh with
- The best friend, who I see as Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias
- Gallows humor. I LOVE GALLOWS HUMOR, and this book does not disappoint
- Real kids. So many authors put kids in books but obviously haven't actually met kids in real life. I fell in love with this messy family right out the gate.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
--------------------
- I wished the story moved a little faster, because I'm impatient
- There are some things that seemed obvious to me that the main character didn't pick up on. I felt like there were enough clues available to the character that she should have figured things out earlier.
If you like dark humor, real messy people, and wicked sarcasm, I highly recommend.
WHAT I LIKED
-----------------
- Quick and witty dialogue
- Main female character is full of real flaws - easy to identify with and laugh with
- The best friend, who I see as Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias
- Gallows humor. I LOVE GALLOWS HUMOR, and this book does not disappoint
- Real kids. So many authors put kids in books but obviously haven't actually met kids in real life. I fell in love with this messy family right out the gate.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
--------------------
- I wished the story moved a little faster, because I'm impatient
- There are some things that seemed obvious to me that the main character didn't pick up on. I felt like there were enough clues available to the character that she should have figured things out earlier.
If you like dark humor, real messy people, and wicked sarcasm, I highly recommend.
November 10, 2013
disappointed by this book.
i normally love grim reaper series (Darynda Jones, charley davidson comes to mind), but this...seem to just touch on it slightly.
Mostly it was about a woman getting over her husbands death, finding out he was a grim reaper (and we didnt find out much), the induction (which went on for pages all about health check, psych checks, paperwork filing, a physical test, walking around the building, going into "command central"), looking after her 3 children.
The biggest scene was her daughter being in a car accident similar to how her father died, and being ok with jsut a broken arm.
Didnt find much about the characters. Only 2 reapings done throughout the book, which was a little lack lustre.
I found myself skimming the last 20 pages, as nothing else happens.
it feels like a preface for a book. but i was expecting more of a story here too, and there was none.
i dont like to not like books, as i know the authors spend so much time and energy and effort into writing them, and i guess you cant please all the people all of the time, and im sorry i didnt like it!
Read on behalf of bewitching Book tours
i normally love grim reaper series (Darynda Jones, charley davidson comes to mind), but this...seem to just touch on it slightly.
Mostly it was about a woman getting over her husbands death, finding out he was a grim reaper (and we didnt find out much), the induction (which went on for pages all about health check, psych checks, paperwork filing, a physical test, walking around the building, going into "command central"), looking after her 3 children.
The biggest scene was her daughter being in a car accident similar to how her father died, and being ok with jsut a broken arm.
Didnt find much about the characters. Only 2 reapings done throughout the book, which was a little lack lustre.
I found myself skimming the last 20 pages, as nothing else happens.
it feels like a preface for a book. but i was expecting more of a story here too, and there was none.
i dont like to not like books, as i know the authors spend so much time and energy and effort into writing them, and i guess you cant please all the people all of the time, and im sorry i didnt like it!
Read on behalf of bewitching Book tours
January 19, 2014
This book is beyond grim!
Jumping into Lisa Carron's life was awesome! Yes she just lost her husband a year ago, but she's the type of character that touches your heart, makes you laugh and who you want to have a drink with!
Now that she's reaping souls, she's having to find a way to change her life style without alarming her children or her mother....who let's just say isn't all that pleasant. Not only is her new job requiring her to go out at all hours, but the physical demands are kicking her butt! It doesn't seem too difficult for her to balance, but the first book didn't dive too deep into her actually reaping souls. It'll be interesting to see what hurdles are thrown into her path in the future.
It did set it up for a great book #2 though, there was a lot of great character building, plot lines laid out and little hints to some plot twists.....oh then there was Hal Lee Lewya! He's a porter to Heaven or Hell, and let's just say he doesn't always play by the rules.....
Boone's writing style was fast passed, intricate and perfectly vulgar! I am thrilled to have been introduced to her as an author, and I can NOT wait to see where this series goes!
October 22, 2013
OMG is all I can say . Boone has done it again. In this laugh out loud book , we find Lisa Caron . A widow with three kids living in Alaska. Finding herself in a convience store hold up where she watches the scene unfold aNd someone gets shot . She accidentally becomes a grim reaper . With Nate to help her or watch her fail , there are scenes where you think it's the later. Her life starts to change as she gets her life back in irder and her children back in track . With the help of her friend Vella , her family , Nate and her raven familiar , she just might make it
This book had me from page one . There are some great laugh out loud scenes in this book . As Lisa fumbles through her reaper training . Vella is the best friend who likes to drink beer with her and is Lisa's sounding board. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read with a giggle or twenty . Check it out . Boone has hit it out of the park again
This book had me from page one . There are some great laugh out loud scenes in this book . As Lisa fumbles through her reaper training . Vella is the best friend who likes to drink beer with her and is Lisa's sounding board. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read with a giggle or twenty . Check it out . Boone has hit it out of the park again
October 26, 2013
Really awesome fun read!! I love paranormals that have a sense of humor!! This is the start of a really exciting and fun series.
The pacing was wonderful and the storytelling engaging!! I was delighted from beginning to end! Ms Brux creates a full and rich world with delightful characters!! So many wonderful sub plots and strings that come together beautifully!!
Lisa is just the sort of spunky gal I adore! She is working on getting her life back on track and her growth through the book is fun to watch. I was behind her the whole journey!!
I can not wait to read more of this series!! There are still thread that can be resolved and so much more that can happen in the vast wilds of Alaska!
The pacing was wonderful and the storytelling engaging!! I was delighted from beginning to end! Ms Brux creates a full and rich world with delightful characters!! So many wonderful sub plots and strings that come together beautifully!!
Lisa is just the sort of spunky gal I adore! She is working on getting her life back on track and her growth through the book is fun to watch. I was behind her the whole journey!!
I can not wait to read more of this series!! There are still thread that can be resolved and so much more that can happen in the vast wilds of Alaska!
November 4, 2013
This is a wonderfully funny book! I couldn't stop laughing while reading about this widowed mother of three that suddenly finds out that she is a grim reaper of all things! She decides to just go with it, since it is a paying job after all! Plus, of course, she would be doing a great service to the world.
The author has captured my attention with this book, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Disclaimer: I did receive a free ebook for review purposes. This had no influence on my review. I always give my honest opinion on all my reviews. I was not required to leave a positive review.
The author has captured my attention with this book, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Disclaimer: I did receive a free ebook for review purposes. This had no influence on my review. I always give my honest opinion on all my reviews. I was not required to leave a positive review.
October 23, 2013
What a fun story featuring a lot of snarky, witty dialog (my favorite), coupled with a outrageous storyline. I was pulled in by the first page, curious to see where the author would go with this crazy concept of mortal grim reapers working out of a corporate office... I especially liked the sliding pay scale for reaching quotas LOL Lots of one liners, crazy-ass secondary characters, crafty teens/pre-teens, and a fun ride. Good character development and world building, I'm looking forward to following the story as it develops and matures- Excellent start to a series!
October 23, 2013
To Catch Her Death is filled with so much witty humor that you will die laughing. It is a perfect read for a chilly, autumn afternoon or evening when you just want to relax and escape. I can't wait to see what further adventures Ms. Brux has in store for Lisa.
October 23, 2013
This book was cute and funny. I laughed so much! Once I started I couldn't stop reading.
did-not-finish
May 8, 2023DNF - 12%
The narrative voice made me want to throw my Kindle into a very large body of water.
Also, why is it appropriate or funny for women to extensively objectify men's bodies when we generally agree it's not okay to go the other way around? Gross.
The narrative voice made me want to throw my Kindle into a very large body of water.
Also, why is it appropriate or funny for women to extensively objectify men's bodies when we generally agree it's not okay to go the other way around? Gross.
January 16, 2014
3.75 stars
TO CATCH HER DEATH is the first storyline in Boone Brux’s new paranormal/UF Grim Reality series focusing on new reaper Lisa Carron and the world in which she has been introduced. As a widowed mother of three, Lisa has floundered in a state of depression and withdrawal for over one year but the day she walks into a convenience store holdup, her life will change forever. With her ability to see the dearly departed, she will embark on a whirlwind training session where the rules and regulations are literally out of this world. Add in a gorgeous and handsome partner named Nate Cramer and Lisa’s new job looks better every day-if it wasn’t for the fact that she has to deal with dead people all the time.
Lisa Carron is a sassy, no nonsense thirty five year old woman who knows a thing or two about death and loss. She is strong but sensitive; sassy and acerbic; and willing to give the grim reaper thing a go.
We are introduced to Lisa’s best friend Vella where much of the sarcastic and witty interplay between two besties is fun and playful: there is also the potential for a love interest in the form of Lisa’s new reaper partner Nate (let’s hope); and we all want to know a little bit more about the big man himself-Constantine.
But there is also the underlying story that runs throughout the novel (and possibly the series) as it pertains to Lisa’s husband and his early demise. There is more to this particular part of the storyline than has been revealed and I am looking forward to discovering the connection.
Boone Brux has written a storyline with a little bit of humor and fun; some paranormal and magical aspects and one that introduces the major players in the world of the Grim Reapers and the worlds beyond.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
TO CATCH HER DEATH is the first storyline in Boone Brux’s new paranormal/UF Grim Reality series focusing on new reaper Lisa Carron and the world in which she has been introduced. As a widowed mother of three, Lisa has floundered in a state of depression and withdrawal for over one year but the day she walks into a convenience store holdup, her life will change forever. With her ability to see the dearly departed, she will embark on a whirlwind training session where the rules and regulations are literally out of this world. Add in a gorgeous and handsome partner named Nate Cramer and Lisa’s new job looks better every day-if it wasn’t for the fact that she has to deal with dead people all the time.
Lisa Carron is a sassy, no nonsense thirty five year old woman who knows a thing or two about death and loss. She is strong but sensitive; sassy and acerbic; and willing to give the grim reaper thing a go.
We are introduced to Lisa’s best friend Vella where much of the sarcastic and witty interplay between two besties is fun and playful: there is also the potential for a love interest in the form of Lisa’s new reaper partner Nate (let’s hope); and we all want to know a little bit more about the big man himself-Constantine.
But there is also the underlying story that runs throughout the novel (and possibly the series) as it pertains to Lisa’s husband and his early demise. There is more to this particular part of the storyline than has been revealed and I am looking forward to discovering the connection.
Boone Brux has written a storyline with a little bit of humor and fun; some paranormal and magical aspects and one that introduces the major players in the world of the Grim Reapers and the worlds beyond.
Copy supplied by the author.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 2, 2014
I received this book from a First Reads giveaway.
I really only started to like it in the last two chapters. The rest was exposition upon exposition, telling instead of showing. It seems like an extended prologue, but it had some promise, and I might give the next book in the series a shot.
There are some typos and punctuation errors, and the writing is fine at best. I'm glad I was able to try it without paying and being disappointed.
I really only started to like it in the last two chapters. The rest was exposition upon exposition, telling instead of showing. It seems like an extended prologue, but it had some promise, and I might give the next book in the series a shot.
There are some typos and punctuation errors, and the writing is fine at best. I'm glad I was able to try it without paying and being disappointed.
December 29, 2019
A pleasant surprise
I was a little hesitant going into this book, but I must say that I really liked the story and the characters. Lisa and her family are recovering from the death of her husband, and now that she’s finally decided to get her life back in order, her life takes an unexpected turn thanks to a mini mart robbery, and a guy called Nate.
This was a fun paranormal cosy mystery that I am definitely going to be continuing on with 🥰
3.5 stars ⭐️
I was a little hesitant going into this book, but I must say that I really liked the story and the characters. Lisa and her family are recovering from the death of her husband, and now that she’s finally decided to get her life back in order, her life takes an unexpected turn thanks to a mini mart robbery, and a guy called Nate.
This was a fun paranormal cosy mystery that I am definitely going to be continuing on with 🥰
3.5 stars ⭐️
September 15, 2023
A two star read by the absolute skin of its teeth. I like the premise of the story being told but this book was 98% set up and like .00005% resolution. The rest of the book was…filler to be honest.
It feels like this is half a book, we’ve come to a mid point climactic event, we’ve mysteries still to solve and we are just missing the conclusions. I found the writing to be basic and repetitive, and characters felt stereotypical. Not my cup of tea but it was free and filled an hour.
It feels like this is half a book, we’ve come to a mid point climactic event, we’ve mysteries still to solve and we are just missing the conclusions. I found the writing to be basic and repetitive, and characters felt stereotypical. Not my cup of tea but it was free and filled an hour.
April 26, 2021
Lisa is a character! The beginning put me off this book but when I picked it back up, I got a kick out of Lisa the new reaper!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 144 reviews