The Undead Complex

The Undetectables #2

by Courtney Smyth

A witty, witchy fantasy murder mystery packed with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles. Mallory, Diana, Cornelia and Theodore are hired to solve a murder on a TV shoot by the victim herself. Perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries and cosy crime by authors such as Ben Aaronovitch, Josiah Bancroft and Tammie Painter.

Five months after they stopped The Whistler, business is booming for the Undetectables. Just not work that requires magical forensic investigators. So when Diana’s ex asks them to solve a murder – her own – Diana, Mallory and Cornelia can’t say no.

Going undercover to investigate the set of the TV show, Undead Complex, Diana returns to her life as a propmaker. But even the appearance of a genuine-article Francine Leon dollhouse leaves her feeling pulled down a path of crime-solving she doesn't want to walk forever.

Meanwhile, Theodore's coming apart at the seams – literally – and Mallory is running out of ways to help him. Especially as he seems to be keeping secrets from her.

As the clues – and the bodies – keep piling up, each one making less and less sense, the Undetectables find themselves in a race against time to find out what, exactly, the killer is up to – before the final cut.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Queer, Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Paranormal

528 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Undetectables so was really excited to learn there would be a second book and even more delighted to get a copy. It’s not only a brilliant read but just perfect for autumn and the spooky season. Not to mention anyone who loves witches (and who doesn’t love them?).

I did feel this one was a little more creepy than the first. I think it works well since it shows how the team have come along from their first investigation to now. The writing is also so atmospheric and fantastic you feel like you are there.

The main thing I love about this series is the representation and it isn’t limited to certain areas. I actually adore the disability representation and while it most certainly is not easy for the characters they don’t let it fully define them. It’s so refreshing and well done, in my opinion at least, and I really hope more authors will start doing this going forward.

Characters are for me one of the best parts of this series and I really hope we get more information about Cornelia next. I will also say that twist at the end I did NOT see coming and now I have even more questions so I really hope Smyth isn’t going to stop here! If you love witchy mystery reads that have a lot of atmosphere and a fantastic cast this is for you.

As always thank you to Titan Books and Netgalley for my e-arc. My review is always honest and truthful.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading the sequel to "The Undectables", and I wish I would have read it sooner!
Our gay, magical, witch PI team is back to solve a murder on the set of a tv show where things don't seem to be going well. This one brings more of the same humor and even more of a ghost wearing cat ears!

[Carly (Sad Autumn Girl Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Diana was wondering if Mallory still hadn’t gotten used to the idea that she was not going to be replaced by someone less chronically ill when she saw what had caught Mallory’s attention.”

First published: 24/09/24
Genre: Paranormal, murder mystery, YA
Page count: 527
Series: The Undetectables #2
Format read: 📱
Others read by this author: The Undetectables
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (⬆️)

It’s hard not to just repeat my review of the first Undetectables book, as the reasons I loved it were so similar, but I definitely thought the plot of this one was more complex & engaging. I loved that we got to find out more about Diana, motherfucking genius & hot sword lesbian, who’s incredibly sassy & hilarious, but keeps a lot to herself. I love entomologist Corneilia & her parade of bugs, including ‘horrible Travis’. I loved our new side characters, Taylor & Kingston aka Shit King, as well as the other characters on the set of The Undead Complex, the members of Crown & Hemlock, & the utterly fabulous Dr Ray. My all-time favourite fibro friend Mallory was still the star though, & reading this while I was in a flare up was incredibly comforting & made me feel so seen & understood. I genuinely miss these characters when I’m not reading about them, & hope that there is much more to come from Courtney (& let’s be honest, there better had be after that ending)!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enought to get a review copy of this book from netgalley. I had read the first book and loved it! It was great to return to these characters and their magical world. This one felt like it could be a spooky, cozy, queer midsommer murders. There was a mysterious murder on set and the team had to infiltrate the set to make their investigations. I really appreciated the way these murders were set up, bodies that looked like people who were still alive, a mysterious doll house. And an fascinating subplot about what was up with their returned from the dead (again) ghost.
This series is really refreshing. It has such great disability and queer rep. More than anything I think it shows the best way to be a friend to someone who has a different energy level and pain level than most people. The ending was tantalising and I can't wait for book 3.
Even though I got a free preview copy from netgalley. I will definitely be buying this when it comes out as it will be one I'd like to read again as a physical copy.

[Heather - Just Geeking By · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Undetectables was one of my favourite books last year, and I loved returning to this world again. There was plenty of mystery to be had again, and once again I enjoyed the way that Smyth drew out all the details. It is a slow-paced book and some readers may become frustrated with how slowly things move, however, I personally consider it a credit to Smyth's style.

Her characters are wonderfully written, and their flustering as they try to solve their second big case feels very genuine. There were many times when I laughed out loud while reading the dialogue. I also appreciated that the real look at their friendship, acknowledging that no one and no relationship is perfect.

With regard to disability representation, this book continues the solid representation of Fibromyalgia (Mallory) and introduces the topic of a possible neurodiverse diagnosis for one of the other characters. Another is struggling with hearing loss and tinnitus after the events of the first book. I liked the way that Smyth introduced both of these, especially the hearing loss, as it makes the point that anyone can become disabled at any point.

The one thing I disliked about this book was the emphasis placed on the way a character spoke with an accent. I felt that it was completely unnecessary after the first time a word was spelt out to keep doing so. The whole thing felt very ignorant.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first one - this is an overly complicated mystery with an exhausting internal monologue by one of the main characters. I realized that book one -also with said monologue was from a different character than book 2. With the way book 2 ended I am guessing that the internal monologue will be with the third detective.

I am not sure I will read the third one - I do like the characters and the world but these books drag a bit for me...

[Emmie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Undetectables and was incredibly eager to dive back into this world with these amazing characters who I quickly grew to love. Honestly this series is the best for this time of year with its mystery and it's spooky vibes!

I loved the setting of this one and the film set as a whole! It was creepy, atmospheric and had me on the edge of my seat while also trying to figure out who the culprit was! Smyth has done an amazing job of crafting this fantastic mystery that has you guessing up until the very end.

One thing I love about this series is the representation, especially the disability representation which is something I feel you dont always see in books of this genre. I also loved that we got to know our loveable characters even more, especially Diana who has her own POV in this one! I'm so excited to (hopefully) learn more about Cornelia as I'm so intrigued by her character!

Honestly a great series that I cannot help but recommend, especially if you're looking for an urban-fantasy murder mystery with amazing representation and friendship at its core! I am so excited to read more!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it's just because I was reading this in short, speed-reading spurts, but I didn't really get the plot. Also was annoyed by the extremely slow burn although tbh I'm not invested in their romance. I think Theodore is my favourite.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Fussl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this book.

I'm usually not a mystery reader. That said, I read the first book a while ago and fell in love with all the characters so when I saw there was a second one out soon I just had to read it. These books make it so much fin to keep guessing along with the characters on who did it. And when I connect something before the characters do its the most satisfying thing ever lol. Having finished this, Id say it sounds like there will be a third book too. Personally, I can't wait.

[Jennifer Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sisters are back in this new installment to solve a murder. This time someone they know has been killed coming back as a ghost and someone is missing from a tv show set. At first they’re not sure if the body is real or if it’s a hoax but things are about to get stranger.

The writing is just as good in this one but I didn’t love the storyline quite as much as I love the first one. We don’t see Theodore the ghost as much this time around which I was a little sad about as I loved his character. But the sisters is one of the reasons why I loved the first book so much. The girls are very typical sisters who give each other jip but they can stand up for themselves well when it comes to each other. Their conversations bring some lightheadedness to the book. Hilarious and witty conversations are a part of what makes these stories for me as much as the relationships, the fantasy and supernatural elements as well as the mystery.

The sisters are as kick ass as ever in this one. Despite the problems they face as sisters, I love reading about them as they work. They’re also the kind of people that will risk everything, letting themselves get possessed and putting themselves in danger to solve crimes.

There’s a fantastic magical system. Cloaking spells, listening spells, witchlight travel and occults. There’s also demons, vampires, faeries, trolls, necromancers, a killer on the loose, a dollhouse that reappeared hundreds of years later (also plays a big part in the story) and so much more. Vampires play more of a story in this one. A Magic Magical Machine (a mass spectrometer) that can turn magical autopsy samples into charts.

This one was chunkier than the first one and comes with even more fantasy and mystery. There felt like there was even more strange goings on in this one. And of course, there’s some brilliant disability and LGBT representation I should mention. One thing I did find with this one that because it was chunkier the pacing felt maybe a just little bit slower. Couldn’t recommend this one more for anyone who loves fantasies, mysteries and a supernatural twist.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I won this book at this year's Waterstones BookFest in a game of lucky dip - lucky me indeed!

When I realised it was a sequel, I got myself a copy of the first book to read, and after a bit of a rocky start I ended up enjoying it. This book improves on the first - while it retains its quirky, rambling charm (which may or may not appeal), it feels more polished, more sure of itself. It's probably longer than it needs to be, yet I never felt bored. Confused, sometimes, when things got a bit convoluted, but never bored. I enjoyed the main cast even more than I did in the first book, finally got more of a grip on Cornelia (she's still the least developed of the three - though to be fair she's also the only one not to get POV chapters yet), and just generally had a lot of fun with the book's vibe. It won't be for everyone, but it worked for me.

If I have one criticism, it's that the suspects were hard to keep track of. There were a lot of them, and beyond the more colourful characters like Sandi, they weren't super memorable. Or rather, I remembered things about the suspects but couldn't remember which suspect I was remembering by name, or what their role on the TV production was. For example, when it came to the big reveal, I was like "Oh - which one was Rachel again? Oh she was the one who was trying to keep in control of things" and "OK I know Whitlock is one of the security guys but what else do I remember about him? Ohhhh he was the one with the satchel that I thought might be important?". A cast list at the beginning might have been helpful in that regard - perhaps there will be one in the final version? Regardless, some confusion with keeping track of a big cast is OK, but I do think in a novel this long there was definitely space that could have been dedicated to giving them a little more room to breathe and stand out.

Overall a good read, and I will be picking up the third book whenever it comes out!

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

2SLGBTQIA+ Paranormal Mystery about a detective agency run by three witches and a ghost in a cat costume as they deal with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles on their newest case.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Smyth's The Undetectables series, which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Paranormal Mystery that features three very different witches and a ghost stuck forever in a cat costume, who work together as magical forensic investigators. Hired to solve a murder on a TV shoot by the victim herself the team will have to unravel fiendish puzzles and deal with ancient magic. With plenty of twists and turns, Smyth has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Smythe's world building is well-crafted; you'll find a modern world filled with magic, ghosts and other supernatural beings. Told in multiple POVs, Smyth's writing and character work are stellar. With a diverse and inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ cast, the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Each of the four MCs have a unique voice and it's great to catch up with them. Additionally, I appreciate Smyth's approach to Mallory's fibromyalgia and dealing with chronic pain. Smythe takes on some sensitive subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Undetectables.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[James Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faes Off

I really enjoyed The Undetectables, the first book in this series by Courtney Smyth. In that, three young witches and a ghost investigated an occult serial killer and formed their own rather chaotic detective agency in the process. It had good representation all round, which you might expect from the tagline “Be gay. Solve crimes. Take naps.”, but it also focused on one character’s chronic pain in a way I’d not seen before, as well as the general mental health of the characters.

In this sequel, Mallory, Cornelia, Diana, and Theodore are back, and trying to solve a murder on the set of a local TV show. The twist is that the victim is Diana’s ex, Taylor, and the twistier twist is that the person who hires them is also the surprisingly-still-alive Taylor.

Alongside this main case, they are still investigating Theodore’s own murder and other plot threads from the first book, while navigating their own rather messy relationships. If I had one criticism, it’s that we don’t get the resolution to all of these things in this book, and it’s clearly being set up for a future instalment. Which is not bad in itself, but perhaps something to be aware of going in. I don’t know if it is intended as a trilogy, or just an ongoing series, but each book has the feel of a season of a TV show.

Still, the main case alone is satisfying enough, and Taylor is a good addition to the cast, alongside a familiar face from the first book who is, shall we say, quite different here. Other themes of disability including hearing loss are also touched on, which I appreciated. There are elements of horror here that may be a bit much for some, but while the murders are gruesome, Smyth does not linger too much on the details.

Definitely recommended!

Thanks to Titan Books for the review copy.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Undead Complex is the second book in Courtney Smyth's Undetectables series and it is a strong addition. The set up is clever, with the team being tasked to investigate the murder of Diana's ex- girlfriend Taylor- by Taylor herself who is decidedly not dead despite appearances. This means the team going under cover on the set of a tv series to try to root out the killer. However that is not the only problem faced by the Undetectables, something is wrong with their ghostly pal Theo and time may be running out to help him, especially if he continues to deny that anything is wrong.
While you could read this book as a stand alone I think the reader would enjoy it much more having read the first book, the heart of the series is the friendship between the members of the Undetectables team which is established in book one and built upon here. I really appreciated the disability representation, Mallory , the forensic expert on the team has Fibromyalgia and throughout the book there is a real effort to show not just how it impacts her on a daily basis but also how important and impactful accommodations and acknowledgements are. There is also some really good queer representation and a slow burning romance that had me rooting for the characters in question to get it together.
In terms of the plot of this book, it is quite convoluted at times, I definitely needed to pay attention to keep up with what was going on, but it was cleverly done. The mystery is resolved by the end of the book but that does not mean I was not left wanting more, there is a little reveal that will keep me eagerly awaiting the next book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Undead Complex is the second mystery featuring an ensemble cast of misfit paranormal detectives by Courtney Smyth. Released 1st Oct 2024 by Titan Books, it's 528 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. Audiobook due out from the same publisher in early 3rd quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a queer friendly paranormal investigative team with multiple representations including disabled, witchy, and breathing-challenged (i.e., a ghost). There's a bit of a scooby-doo vibe along with a very well fleshed-out magical system and interesting three dimensional characters.

Although the denouement and resolution are self-contained in this book, the plot follows on *heavily* from the backstory and setup in book 1, so readers who come into the series with this book will likely be somewhat lost for a while. A third book is due out late third quarter 2025.

Four stars. Serviceable plot, well written characters, plotting maybe a trifle slow (it's a hefty book), but overall recommended for fans of UF/fantasy/mystery/paranormal. Language and graphic content are roughly R-rated. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or for a short binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Arboreal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Undetectables. The characters were fantastic and the world building was really interesting and I was really looking forward to reading the second book in the series, The Undead Complex.

Unlike the first book in the series, The Undead Complex is mostly from the point of view of Diana rather than Mallory. Personally, I enjoyed Mallory's POV better, but Diana's POV is still very rich with compelling details and the author has given her a wonderful voice. I do really appreciate that Diana is shown dealing with the physical and mental effects on her from the first book.

The world building is still very compelling. More details are revealed in this novel and the texture and mysteries are becoming richer and richer. I really enjoyed the reapprearance of side characters from the first book and the new details about all the different types of beings. We also learn more about the Ternion, and especially important to this book, about the important figures in the Occult religion before the Vampire Wars.

For all that I enjoyed about this book, the mystery itself was disappointing. I am fine with the clues not making sense in the middle of the book, but even by the end the clues that I would expect to resolve into a coherent motive and method just does not pan out. The resolution just leaves too many open ends and unresolved asides that the ending was more frustrating rather than revealing.

All in all, I will read the next book in the series because I really do enjoy the worldbuilding and characters. I do hope the author spends more time making the mystery in the next book more satisfying.

[Stacey Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where magic and the mundane coexist, the three witches of the Undetectables private investigations company are the go-to team when things get strange. *The Undead Complex* picks up a few months after the events of *The Undetectables*. Diana’s old flame, Taylor, is working in the prop department on a TV horror series pilot at Larkin Studios, located on the grounds of Oakpass Manor—the former home of the Larkin family, who mysteriously vanished one night 100 years ago. When Taylor’s body is found at the studio, only for Taylor to show up for work later that day, it becomes clear that something sinister and bizarre is at play. Taylor enlists the Undetectables to investigate, while Mallory delves deeper into the murder of their ghost friend, Theodore. As the witches navigate their inexperience and learn on the job, their missteps add both suspense and humor.

Smyth's universe is richly diverse, encompassing a wide array of magical beings alongside a full spectrum of intersectional human identities. She continues to deepen the world she builds through intricate details of its history, magical systems, and politics, while also adding layers to her characters. The relationships among the three friends are complex, with their individual strengths and vulnerabilities enriching their interactions.

Start with *The Undetectables* and then dive into this one. Highly recommended for its delightful blend of humor, action, and its multifaceted portrayal of queer, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I read The Undetectables right before this because I'm a completionist, but I think Smyth does a great job of summarizing the events of the first book that you wouldn't be lost jumping in to this book without reading the first. The Undead Complex picks up shortly after the events of the first book, with Mallory, Diana, and Cornelia dealing with the ramifications of basically blowing up city hall and potentially having a new lead on the crime that launched them into detective work to begin with. However, that all get put to the sideline when someone from Diana's past shows up dead on a film set nearby - or is she dead? And if she's not dead, why is there a body that looks just like her? The mystery here was very intriguing and enticing. The use of the miniatures to help solve the crime was inspired. Very twisty and turny, and yet again surprisingly cozy for how gruesome some of the murders were. The pacing and plotting were solid for me and kept my interest, which is really saying something considering this book is even longer than the first. Though, that said, I do think the Katherine ghost solving bit felt a bit thrown away as a b-plot for what ultimately ends up having a huge impact. I would've loved to see more of Sully (the detective) and hope that she'll be incorporated to a greater degree in future installments. More than anything though I love the casual queerness. And that reveal on literally the last page of a book that is over 500 pages leaves me already gagging to see what happens in the next book.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five months after stopping The Whistler, the Undetectables have a lot of business, but not magical forensic work. So when Diana’s ex asks them to solve her own murder, the team jumps at the chance. This involves going undercover to investigate the set of the TV show, Undead Complex. Diana works as a prop maker again and isn't sure she wants to remain an investigator. Theodore's coming apart and Mallory is running out of ways to help him. Clues and bodies pile up and don't make sense, becoming a race against time to find the killer before it's too late.

We start off slow and steady with this novel, easing into the different characters and a little bit of summary of the first book. There are different plot threads going on, and the three friends sometimes talk around the issues that bother them. It's as messy as real life and introduces more complications for the team. Once we have that established, we're sucked into the mystery of the Undead Complex set. There are few people making this show, and too many of them are confused about important details. That means we get confused as well, with real clues buried in the messy timelines of each body that turns up. The history of Oakpass and the studio is important, and is another thread bogged down beneath the confused people on set. We eventually get an explanation for it, as well as what happened to the Larkins and why it was all happening. This is an interesting follow up to the first novel, ending with quite an emotional cliffhanger for a third novel to explore.

[Breige · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Undetectables are back! The team are hired to investigate a murder by the murder victim themselves. Diana's ex Taylor is the victim in question, working on the TV show Undead Complex in a big historical manor with its own weird history (the owners disappeared without a trace about a 100 years previously). Diana joins the show to work undercover, however more dead people keep cropping up. Can the team solve this case before it's too late?

I really loved the first book The Undetectables. This book has similar representation, lots of LGBTQ+ characters and disability rep, which is fantastic to see. We have complex friendships and romance too thrown into the mix, with a lot of magic to boot. This book should be right up my alley but unfortunately, while there were elements I did like, overall it wasn't for me. There are a lot of characters, to the point where I was a bit confused at times. It also feels so slow moving. I think partially because there were plot points from book one still being explored/tied up, as well as some potential plots for book 3 being built up. So the book was long. It took me 6 and half months to finish.

I am glad to see plenty of reviews enjoying the series. It really is a brilliant concept, I love the world building and the 3 characters at the centre (well 4, as there's also Theodore, but to be honest he wasn't in this much) are great too. A fun, slightly convoluted witchy mystery, which would have been great if slightly shorter.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, witchy fantasy murder mystery brimming with ancient magic and puzzles, the sequel to *The Undetectables* picks up five months later. Mallory, Diana, Cornelia, and Theodore are hired to solve a murder by the victim herself, which makes it a perfect pick for anyone who loves supernatural mysteries with a cozy crime twist. Struggling to find magical cases, the team can’t say no when Diana’s ex, Taylor, asks them to investigate her own murder on the set of *Undead Complex*. Diana feels a bit out of her depth, Theodore’s coming apart after their last case, and Mallory’s struggling to help him.

As clues and bodies stack up, The Undetectables find themselves in a race to unravel the killer’s plan before it’s too late. Having loved *The Undetectables*, I couldn’t wait to dive into this sequel. It’s the perfect autumn read with all those witchy vibes—definitely creepier than the first but showing how much the team’s grown. The writing pulls you right in, and the representation, especially around disability, is so well done and truly refreshing. The characters are still the heart of it all, and I’m hoping we get more about Cornelia next. And that twist at the end? Didn’t see it coming! If you’re into atmospheric, witchy mysteries, you’ve got to check this out.

Big thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

[kimberley (thearieslibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, witchy fantasy murder mystery packed with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles. Mallory, Diana, Cornelia and Theodore are hired to solve a murder on a TV shoot by the victim herself.

What a wild ride this book was. There was definitely a lot going on, where I felt a little lost at times but when I came to terms with everything going on, I really enjoyed it.

I love so many of characters and was so glad to be back with them. It was so much fun learning more about them and getting to follow them on another adventure. I loved being able to see the returning characters progress and it was so much fun being in Diana's head and watch her unravel all of the pieces of the puzzle with her besties.

I was obsessed with the setting - a creepy, haunted manor that has a pilot episode being filmed in it? Say less, I'm sold. The descriptions were so stunning to read about and I couldn't get enough of them. It added to the atmosphere beautifully.

I love Courtney's writing and this book was no exception. I think it sets up for the next book in the series with how nicely everything was flowing, September 2025 cannot come sooner!

⚠️ CWs: cursing, murder, blood, chronic illness, derogatory language, grief, alcohol use, vomit, physical assault, confinement; mentions death, vomit, person with substance use disorder, animal death, drug use ⚠️

[Siavahda · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*

I had a lot of fun with the first book in this series, but Undead Complex…I’m just bored. Now that the characters have been established, I’m not that interested, and again, it was fun to see the Undetectables figuring out magical forensics in book one, but now they have that down, the process of their investigation held no appeal for me. And it felt like Undead was taking forever to get anywhere – although I’m not sure if it actually was, or it it just felt like that because I wasn’t enjoying myself. I recognise that the new case – a dead body showing up with the face of someone still very much alive – is objectively weirder than a serial killer case (which is what we had in the first book), but still, I was bored. I didn’t care AT ALL about what was going on or who the killer might be, or how everything would resolve – I couldn’t care less about the tv set and the drama among the crew and cast. I just wanted it to be over – and then realised I could make that happen! So.

The fibro rep continues to be excellent, but I just don’t care about the story said rep is in, unfortunately.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this! I really enjoyed 'The Undetectables', so more in that world, with the most bizarre detective agency ever? Yes, please!

And it was fun - but somehow not as much as the first episode. I think perhaps it's because I didn't engage with Diana as much as I had Mallory. Of course we'll have favourites in the trio, but her frustrating inclination to essentially charge on regardless of others was annoying to me. Also the ongoing theme of secrets kept pulling me out of the story. This group really has trust issues (still!).

Also the underlying mystery made the town seem somehow very different to how it appeared before. From the political side to the media, this had more of a 'Jilly Cooper' vibe, which wasn't a bad thing - just a bit unexpected and jarring at times.

Definitely a good book, and I look forward to the (inevitable?) third, just not as gripping as Part 1.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertainingly different fantasy. Having read book one, I read this for the banter, puns and relationships. Cosy and satisfying. Read book one first, this book will be more enjoyable that way, because this is a series to enjoy the development of our knowledge of the characters. An other mystery for The Undetectable Detective Agency to solve, and again find themselves in the paranormal firing line. With wit, style and intelligence, and maybe a few deaths along the way they are ready to solve the case. Maybe showing their hearts to each other and the world. That might actually prove to be more painful than dying. And again a hint of more ‘undetectable’ mayhem to come. I really hope that will be soon. Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I really want to love this series, but I only seem to be able to like it. The original tagline - be gay, solve crime, take naps - was so much fun and right up my alley. Unfortunately, the execution of the stories haven't totally worked for me. I like the characters and the world a lot. I think it's mostly the pacing that's a problem for me. Both books were too long for my liking. I thought they could've used some trimming, mostly in the middle.

That said, I did enjoy this one more than the first. The characters are endearing and I found the plot more interesting this time. I wouldn't say the third book in the series (I'm assuming there will be one based on the ending to this one) is on my must read list, but I am curious to see where the story's heading and will keep an eye out for it.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Undead Complex, book 2 in the series, isn’t perfect but I enjoyed spending time with the characters.

These books continue to have wonderful disability representation. Mallory is easily the best or in the top 2 best characters with fibromyalgia I’ve seen. But there are all different types of representation as well. And we get more of Diana’s perspective in this book and she’s a delight. I wish we got more of Cornelia in this book, but I imagine we will in book 3. Their friend group is wonderful.

I also felt that I had a better grasp of the world building here than in book 1, but I suspect that’s because the author tightened their focus a bit. Unfortunately, the mystery continues to be the weakest part of the books, but even if that continues into book 3, I’ll still feel like it was time well spent.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in the series which may explain why I found the beginning very choppy with the relationship between all the characters a bit unclear. It smooths out a bit as the story went along, but honestly, the character development left me cold. The group is supposed to be tight knit, but never really feels that way.

The pacing of the mystery was slow and how it was laid/rolled out was not to my mystery reading taste.

If I came across the first book, or any subsequent book, at the library or for free (as I received this one from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review), I'd give it a go to see if more exposure to the characters and writing style increased my enjoyment of the series because there is potential.

[N L Hiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney Smyth has again masterfully crafted a story you don't want to miss out on! The characters are brilliantly constructed with multifaceted layers of substance and relatability, inside a world filled with magic, monsters, fantasy, and intrigue. And the character dynamics are chef's kiss good! On top of that, the threads they've weaved throughout this story are expertly written and placed. I have laughed, teared up, gasped, and (quite literally) shouted. If you love mystery whodunits, with fantasy, magic, representation (diverse characters, disabilities, illnesses, and neurodivergence), and like a hefty scoop of gay - PLEASE read this series! I am waiting (as patiently as Diana) for the next book to be released.