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The Body Shop #2
Amber Gambler
The other family business at The Body Shop is slow after word gets out that Frankie had clients die—cease to exist?—on her watch. Considering they were dead to begin with, she understands why the news shook the spirit community’s faith in her, but it’s a hard hit to her bottom line.
When a spirit appears in her office, ready to sign a contract, she’s eager to please. Until she learns why he wants to hire her. He heard about her clients’ deaths, yes, but he also learned Frankie was instrumental in bringing their killer to justice.
The spirit’s human granddaughter has gone missing, and he wants Frankie to find her before it’s too late. Frankie’s no detective, but her schedule is wide open. The job is to save the girl, but with so many gods and monsters prowling the streets of Thunderbolt these days, she’ll be lucky if she can save herself.
When a spirit appears in her office, ready to sign a contract, she’s eager to please. Until she learns why he wants to hire her. He heard about her clients’ deaths, yes, but he also learned Frankie was instrumental in bringing their killer to justice.
The spirit’s human granddaughter has gone missing, and he wants Frankie to find her before it’s too late. Frankie’s no detective, but her schedule is wide open. The job is to save the girl, but with so many gods and monsters prowling the streets of Thunderbolt these days, she’ll be lucky if she can save herself.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2024
775 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
104 books2,840 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
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https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 30, 2025
Very interesting!
Amber Gambler
By Hailey Edwards
This is book #2 in the series and starts where book 1 ends. It has the same main characters plus new ones too. Lots of action, mysteries, and dealing with creatures and ghosts and gods. It's pretty fascinating.
Amber Gambler
By Hailey Edwards
This is book #2 in the series and starts where book 1 ends. It has the same main characters plus new ones too. Lots of action, mysteries, and dealing with creatures and ghosts and gods. It's pretty fascinating.
September 25, 2024
3.5/5.0
Any who know me know I love Hailey Edwards writing style. Her dry and often quirky, off-beat sense of humor just hits with me, as does her “real” but basically good heroines. So, I don’t think I’ll ever really hate any of her books.
That being said, I don’t think this specific installment in her new and all kinds of creative new series is quite as strong as the first. There are some plot holes that were never really explained - like why DID Harrow hide Audrey and never tell Frankie or anyone? That seemed weird, and we never do get a grip on his reasoning - and a few scratch the head moments I never could figure out. There also needed to be a bit more understanding in a few places, like what exactly happened to Frankie in the big climax scene? Even the epilogue was so vague it leaves one scratching their head more than yearning for the next book.
STILL… I enjoyed the ride. I love the characters, and will (probably) always pick up the next Edwards book.
Any who know me know I love Hailey Edwards writing style. Her dry and often quirky, off-beat sense of humor just hits with me, as does her “real” but basically good heroines. So, I don’t think I’ll ever really hate any of her books.
That being said, I don’t think this specific installment in her new and all kinds of creative new series is quite as strong as the first. There are some plot holes that were never really explained - like why DID Harrow hide Audrey and never tell Frankie or anyone? That seemed weird, and we never do get a grip on his reasoning - and a few scratch the head moments I never could figure out. There also needed to be a bit more understanding in a few places, like what exactly happened to Frankie in the big climax scene? Even the epilogue was so vague it leaves one scratching their head more than yearning for the next book.
STILL… I enjoyed the ride. I love the characters, and will (probably) always pick up the next Edwards book.
September 24, 2024
Still like the FMC and the love interest!
My biggest issue with this installment was
Overall, love the series and can't wait for the next book.
My biggest issue with this installment was
Overall, love the series and can't wait for the next book.
March 24, 2025
While each audiobook in this series brings a brand new mystery, I recommend listening to them in order. From the quirky characters, relationships and overall series arc, you won’t want to miss a thing.
Business is not booming. Potential customers have learned of the deaths involving their previous clients. Eep. When a dead grandfather concerned for his missing granddaughter makes a request, Frankie jumps on the case. Diving in head first is never a good idea, as Frankie is about to learn.
In the meantime, Harrow still blames Kierce for his uncle’s death and Kierce is off healing. Josie is upset that her boyfriend was using her and it’s only going to get worse. As Frankie searches for the missing granddaughter, the bodies of dead girls are popping up all along the river.
Together Carter and Harrow investigate, along with Frankie. I am not at all pleased with Harrow and I am even more unsure of Frankie’s feelings. She claims to be over her ex Harrow, has feelings for Kierce, but she is so busy protecting her family and taking care of a certain crow, that I am not sure what will happen.
The mystery was suspenseful and the pacing on this one was neck-breaking. There was a lot going on as Frankie dealt with angst from all sides. I love Edwards worlds and characters, so of course I cannot wait for the next audio.
Candace Joice narrates and brings these characters to life, be they alive, dead or immortal. The storyline is well suited for audio and listening enhanced my enjoyment.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Business is not booming. Potential customers have learned of the deaths involving their previous clients. Eep. When a dead grandfather concerned for his missing granddaughter makes a request, Frankie jumps on the case. Diving in head first is never a good idea, as Frankie is about to learn.
In the meantime, Harrow still blames Kierce for his uncle’s death and Kierce is off healing. Josie is upset that her boyfriend was using her and it’s only going to get worse. As Frankie searches for the missing granddaughter, the bodies of dead girls are popping up all along the river.
Together Carter and Harrow investigate, along with Frankie. I am not at all pleased with Harrow and I am even more unsure of Frankie’s feelings. She claims to be over her ex Harrow, has feelings for Kierce, but she is so busy protecting her family and taking care of a certain crow, that I am not sure what will happen.
The mystery was suspenseful and the pacing on this one was neck-breaking. There was a lot going on as Frankie dealt with angst from all sides. I love Edwards worlds and characters, so of course I cannot wait for the next audio.
Candace Joice narrates and brings these characters to life, be they alive, dead or immortal. The storyline is well suited for audio and listening enhanced my enjoyment.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 22, 2025
I wasn't liking this as much as the last one and after a couple of twists, I liked it less. So then the end... and the cliffhanger epilogue, made it pretty sure I won't read on until it is all tied up and I can read to the end. We really don't know what the implications of the changes in both Frankie and her relationships will be. This had a lot of unexplained inexplicable actions and holes in the plot. Harlow just didn't make sense several times and the big ending is a whammy that isn't explained well and we really don't know what happens until it is explained at the end and what exactly it means? Argh**
So I am in the middle of 2 and 3 rating but since I have since started the Beginner's Guide and realize that in some ways, this is similar but that one was done better in both the tension with ex and possible new guy, I just didn't enjoy this much and most was OK and the ending, meh. So, if I do continue this, which is possible for certain as I really liked the first book, but, that the world seems to be thrown at us with more complications and few explanations, sigh... Going back to Beginner's now to book 3. This one will be on hold.
September 19, 2024
"Amber Gambler" is second installment in the Body Shop series. While the storyline and plot is unique I have to admit that I was less enthused because I wanted a more adult read experience and this series is turning out to be a YA/New Adult kind of thing. Don't get me wrong, there was a time YA was all I read but now that I am retired and no longer teaching I want a more mature read.
This time, Frankie's business has dwindled since her last case. Most prospective clients have learned that there were deaths and they are going elsewhere for their needs. However, an elderly dead grandfather come to Frankie for assistance in locating his teenage granddaughter. She is missing and he is afraid for her safety. Frankie takes on the case not knowing what she is fully getting herself into.
Meanwhile, Harrow is blaming Kierce for the death of his uncle, Josie is struggling with her own guilt after finding out her former FWB was none other than the God Anku and he was using her all along. Of course, Kierce is still missing in action after being badly hurt in his battle with Anku but his trusty crow, Badb is around stealing her way to provide comfort for herself until he returns.
While investigating the missing person case, the bodies of teen girls drown by various rivers are popping up everywhere. Carter and Harrow are working together on these cases but they are also linked to the case Frankie is working on. Matty and Pedro are also not about to let Frankie go running around town unprotected and their fierce loyalty to their sisters is prevalent throughout this story.
While the plot was innovative and unique, it also became tiring at times due to so much running around and really getting no where fast. There were some interesting moments for the characters but the romantic overtures were juvenile and silly. In all honesty, the romance was lukewarm at best and not the innocent portrayal Ms. Edwards was shooting for.
At this point, I am not sure how I feel about moving forward with this series or if I should just cut my losses and finding a new series to try. Maybe I should just wait until I read book 3 to make that determination. Hopefully it will help me determine what my next move will be. Sorry Ms. Edwards, this series just isn't doing it for me.
June 18, 2025
“Please don’t tell me you’re becoming one of those ghost whisperers who goes around solving crimes for the dead.”
“Um…”
“How cliché would that be?”
He scoffed at the very idea.
Frankie, necromancer (she’s still not sure about this), her brother, sister, and maybe boyfriend who’s also an assistant to Death, are back at it in this story. Crime fighting might not be in her realm of work choices, but it seems to keep finding her.
Starting right from the first in the series, this one gets right into the nitty gritty with missing girls and ALL the paranormal creatures. The same humor surrounding the characters is here, and the spicy tension between Frankie & Kierce is moving forward and fast! I love Badb, the crow, and Frankie’s Dryad sister is comic relief.
CW/TW: Death, Blood, Fire
“Um…”
“How cliché would that be?”
He scoffed at the very idea.
Frankie, necromancer (she’s still not sure about this), her brother, sister, and maybe boyfriend who’s also an assistant to Death, are back at it in this story. Crime fighting might not be in her realm of work choices, but it seems to keep finding her.
Starting right from the first in the series, this one gets right into the nitty gritty with missing girls and ALL the paranormal creatures. The same humor surrounding the characters is here, and the spicy tension between Frankie & Kierce is moving forward and fast! I love Badb, the crow, and Frankie’s Dryad sister is comic relief.
CW/TW: Death, Blood, Fire
October 8, 2024
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Amber Gambler, by Hailey Edwards, is the second installment in the authors The Body Shop series. Frankie's business has dwindled since her last case. Most prospective clients have learned that there were deaths and they are going elsewhere for their needs. However, an elderly dead grandfather come to Frankie for assistance in locating his teenage granddaughter. She is missing and he is afraid for her safety. Frankie takes on the case not knowing what she is fully getting herself into.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Amber Gambler, by Hailey Edwards, is the second installment in the authors The Body Shop series. Frankie's business has dwindled since her last case. Most prospective clients have learned that there were deaths and they are going elsewhere for their needs. However, an elderly dead grandfather come to Frankie for assistance in locating his teenage granddaughter. She is missing and he is afraid for her safety. Frankie takes on the case not knowing what she is fully getting herself into.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 21, 2024
Did I really just 2-star Hailey Edwards? I did. This was such a disappointing read. Too much going on, a heroine who felt more kiddish than the adult she is, and sadly, I was bored by it all.
July 12, 2025
Amber Gambler is book two in The Body Shop by Hailey Edwards and narrated by Candace Joice. It picks up right after the conclusion of the first book.
Each audiobook in the series brings us a new mystery to enjoy. We’re treated to quirky characters, relationships and an overall series arc, you won’t want to miss a thing, so I’d recommend reading in order.
Overall, Amber Gambler is an interesting story, and I enjoy the premise of the series, but there are issues with the execution this time around.
Frankie’s ghostly business isn’t booming since the ghostly plane has heard about the deaths that previously happened. When a grandfather ghost stops by asking for help in finding his lost living or dead granddaughter, Frankie jumps on the mystery.
Frankie claims to be over her ex Harrow, she also has feelings for Kierce, but she’s also so busy protecting her family that her feelings are all muddled. Harrow still blames Kierce for his uncle’s death and Kierce is off healing. I’m not happy with Harrow nor with his actions in Amber Gambler. Then we have Kierce and that attraction.
In the last novel the Mary’s learn that their friend was not who he seemed and he was using them. In this novel they are still dealing with that betrayal while Carter and Harrow investigate the dead missing girls, along with Frankie. The mystery was suspenseful.
Things that bothered me: Frankie can be annoying at times. I appreciate an empathetic heroine; however, she spends way too much time worrying about other people’s feelings and how other people are treating others instead of doing what she needs to do to solve the case or move forward. Then there's a lot of personal drama in this novel; between Frankie, Kierce, and Harrow. It overwhelms the story and takes away from the mystery.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Frankie. Candace Joice utilizes a soft voice for Frankie that fits the character; however at times it comes across as whiny or exhausted. Joice does a great job adjusting her voice for each character and tone for gender. She expresses emotion well.
All and all, I’m still interested in The Body Shop series despite having issues with Amber Gambler. It was an enjoyable listen.
Rated: 3 Stars
Each audiobook in the series brings us a new mystery to enjoy. We’re treated to quirky characters, relationships and an overall series arc, you won’t want to miss a thing, so I’d recommend reading in order.
Overall, Amber Gambler is an interesting story, and I enjoy the premise of the series, but there are issues with the execution this time around.
Frankie’s ghostly business isn’t booming since the ghostly plane has heard about the deaths that previously happened. When a grandfather ghost stops by asking for help in finding his lost living or dead granddaughter, Frankie jumps on the mystery.
Frankie claims to be over her ex Harrow, she also has feelings for Kierce, but she’s also so busy protecting her family that her feelings are all muddled. Harrow still blames Kierce for his uncle’s death and Kierce is off healing. I’m not happy with Harrow nor with his actions in Amber Gambler. Then we have Kierce and that attraction.
In the last novel the Mary’s learn that their friend was not who he seemed and he was using them. In this novel they are still dealing with that betrayal while Carter and Harrow investigate the dead missing girls, along with Frankie. The mystery was suspenseful.
Things that bothered me: Frankie can be annoying at times. I appreciate an empathetic heroine; however, she spends way too much time worrying about other people’s feelings and how other people are treating others instead of doing what she needs to do to solve the case or move forward. Then there's a lot of personal drama in this novel; between Frankie, Kierce, and Harrow. It overwhelms the story and takes away from the mystery.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Frankie. Candace Joice utilizes a soft voice for Frankie that fits the character; however at times it comes across as whiny or exhausted. Joice does a great job adjusting her voice for each character and tone for gender. She expresses emotion well.
All and all, I’m still interested in The Body Shop series despite having issues with Amber Gambler. It was an enjoyable listen.
Rated: 3 Stars
October 8, 2024
Compelling and action packed
This second book in the series got off to kind of a slow start and I was confused for a bit trying to remember information from the first book. But after a bit, the memories kicked in and so did the action of this book.
There’s lots of things to take in here. There’s a new case for Frankie but there are still remnants of the last situation that all three Mary’s are trying to recover from. Relationships with Harrow and Carter are tense and she’s got a crow to take care for its not-dead master. And we’ve got more missing girls and more gods.
The action keeps moving until we get to an exciting climax that brings everything together and sets us down a whole new, bizarre path. I did not want the book to be over! We get a kinda-sorta resolution to this book’s case but there are still a lot of questions that I guess can get in line with the still lingering questions from book one. I really need book three right now!
This second book in the series got off to kind of a slow start and I was confused for a bit trying to remember information from the first book. But after a bit, the memories kicked in and so did the action of this book.
There’s lots of things to take in here. There’s a new case for Frankie but there are still remnants of the last situation that all three Mary’s are trying to recover from. Relationships with Harrow and Carter are tense and she’s got a crow to take care for its not-dead master. And we’ve got more missing girls and more gods.
The action keeps moving until we get to an exciting climax that brings everything together and sets us down a whole new, bizarre path. I did not want the book to be over! We get a kinda-sorta resolution to this book’s case but there are still a lot of questions that I guess can get in line with the still lingering questions from book one. I really need book three right now!
September 21, 2024
I’ve been reading this author for years, and every book has been a wonderful adventure including this latest. Frankie is worried about the lack of her special clients when a ghost comes to her for help. Of course, this leads to all kinds of mayhem, and there are plenty of twists and turns to lead us astray. We learn some interesting information in this, we have doubts about people, and Frankie is led to think that there’s more to her than meets the eye. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series, and I really can’t wait to see what they’re all going to get up to in the next installment. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 29, 2024
This is an odd book/series for me. I like them, but they are tough reads. I should be able to read this in one sitting, 3-4 hours, but it has taken me 3 days and I've read 4 other books in between. Not sure why that is.
Frankie really goes through it in this one. It feels like her innocence is taken away, betrayed by those she trusted, those that she should trust and learning more about her heritage. Through it all she does have her siblings there, giving her support she needs. Carter is another who has become a great support. It's just all the others that seem up in the air.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here for Frankie.
Frankie really goes through it in this one. It feels like her innocence is taken away, betrayed by those she trusted, those that she should trust and learning more about her heritage. Through it all she does have her siblings there, giving her support she needs. Carter is another who has become a great support. It's just all the others that seem up in the air.
It will be interesting to see where things go from here for Frankie.
September 26, 2024
I liked this one even more than Fair Market Value! And Badb still is THE BEST character :D
I'm really curious where this story will take us next :)
I'm really curious where this story will take us next :)
February 21, 2025
4.5 Stars:)
June 22, 2025
Still loving this series!
April 7, 2025
Picking up right after the conclusion of the first book, Amber Gambler continues the story of Frankie searching for the missing human/living granddaughter of a ghost client. The story quickly expands when it’s discovered that a few girls with a hint of magical blood are missing, and some already deceased.
Overall, Amber Gambler is an interesting story, and I enjoy the premise of the series, but there are issues with the execution. I’ll start with the good stuff: I enjoy the expanding mythology and learning more about Frankie’s abilities. I love the bond she has with her siblings and network of ghosts. I adore Carter and love that she and Frankie are becoming good friends. Their bumpy journey is touching and hilarious. To a lesser degree, I like the romantic subplot for Frankie, but she’s also all over the place and the relationship feels like it’s moving forward way too fast.
That said, Frankie can really annoy me at times. I appreciate an empathetic heroine; however, she spends way too much worrying about other people’s feelings and how other people are treating others instead doing what she needs to do to solve the case or move forward. The personal drama between Frankie, Kierce, and Harrow overwhelms the story and takes away from the mystery. I hate how wishy-washy Frankie is with respect to Harrow, and his character is irritating.
I also didn’t like the loose ends with plot points that were raised and then dropped. I had more questions after finishing the book, but not in a “what will happen next” way, but rather in a “what just happened” way. In the end, Frankie does close her case on the missing granddaughter, but it fed into so many more plot lines that confused me. It just left me unsatisfied.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Frankie. Joice utilizes a softened feminine voice for Frankie that is generally fitting; however, it often came across like Frankie is whiny or exhausted. She adjusts her voice effectively to express emotion. Joice alters her tone during dialogue for gender and regional accents, making characters unique sounding. She is far more effective creating additional and identifiable female characters than male ones.
In the end, I’m still intrigued by The Body Shop series despite having issues with the characters and plot in Amber Gambler. I hope the next title clears up some questions and that the author strengthens Frankie’s personality.
My ratings:
Story: C/C-
Narration: B-
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Overall, Amber Gambler is an interesting story, and I enjoy the premise of the series, but there are issues with the execution. I’ll start with the good stuff: I enjoy the expanding mythology and learning more about Frankie’s abilities. I love the bond she has with her siblings and network of ghosts. I adore Carter and love that she and Frankie are becoming good friends. Their bumpy journey is touching and hilarious. To a lesser degree, I like the romantic subplot for Frankie, but she’s also all over the place and the relationship feels like it’s moving forward way too fast.
That said, Frankie can really annoy me at times. I appreciate an empathetic heroine; however, she spends way too much worrying about other people’s feelings and how other people are treating others instead doing what she needs to do to solve the case or move forward. The personal drama between Frankie, Kierce, and Harrow overwhelms the story and takes away from the mystery. I hate how wishy-washy Frankie is with respect to Harrow, and his character is irritating.
I also didn’t like the loose ends with plot points that were raised and then dropped. I had more questions after finishing the book, but not in a “what will happen next” way, but rather in a “what just happened” way. In the end, Frankie does close her case on the missing granddaughter, but it fed into so many more plot lines that confused me. It just left me unsatisfied.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Frankie. Joice utilizes a softened feminine voice for Frankie that is generally fitting; however, it often came across like Frankie is whiny or exhausted. She adjusts her voice effectively to express emotion. Joice alters her tone during dialogue for gender and regional accents, making characters unique sounding. She is far more effective creating additional and identifiable female characters than male ones.
In the end, I’m still intrigued by The Body Shop series despite having issues with the characters and plot in Amber Gambler. I hope the next title clears up some questions and that the author strengthens Frankie’s personality.
My ratings:
Story: C/C-
Narration: B-
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
November 14, 2024
Please wait while I SCREAM over this book. I never know what's going to happen next! Which love interest will win? Why? How will the other screw up this time? I have SO MANY questions!
And that ending?AHHHH
And that ending?AHHHH
March 3, 2025
It happened again. And there's no one to blame but myself. Because, let’s be honest—we read these stories because even when they’re predictable, we still want to experience them again, just to see how they’re told. It’s fun. It’s not meant to be taken too seriously. It’s comfort food.
But I guess I just didn’t enjoy this one as much.
The climax of the story was (again) just not enough. It simply lacked impact.
The siblings kept being irrelevant—never truly contributing anything significant to the story.
The FMC, as I mentioned in the previous review, turned out to be the “special snowflake,” and the ex kept his role of being nothing more than a tool to create drama. Still, it fell flat because he turned out to be more of a weasel than anything else, keeping things really inconsistent with his past persona. And honestly, the whole "I hate you, I’ll never forgive you" to "maybe we still have a chance as friends and allies" loop felt so forced.
I have no interest in how this story plays out. The romance had potential as a slow burn, but the author completely burned that down with the shallow "attachment" they suddenly had for one another, making everything feel empty. They were practically a couple after barely two weeks (or slightly more).
Love at first sight, apparently.
Well, maybe not so apparently because, of course, this took us straight into some obvious foreshadowing—the looming end of the world, yep.
The epilogue, with its “Do they remember anything?” mystery, was a good attempt to force intrigue, but, c'mon. Their connection to the descent of death gods, and that epilogue conversation—all hint at them being “destined” or whatever.
Look, in all my years of reading these kinds of stories—Romeo and Juliet, Persephone, and all that drama—they’ve never been my thing. Not then, not now. So yeah, this is my stop… but hey, if that’s your vibe, enjoy the ride.
But I guess I just didn’t enjoy this one as much.
The climax of the story was (again) just not enough. It simply lacked impact.
The siblings kept being irrelevant—never truly contributing anything significant to the story.
The FMC, as I mentioned in the previous review, turned out to be the “special snowflake,” and the ex kept his role of being nothing more than a tool to create drama. Still, it fell flat because he turned out to be more of a weasel than anything else, keeping things really inconsistent with his past persona. And honestly, the whole "I hate you, I’ll never forgive you" to "maybe we still have a chance as friends and allies" loop felt so forced.
I have no interest in how this story plays out. The romance had potential as a slow burn, but the author completely burned that down with the shallow "attachment" they suddenly had for one another, making everything feel empty. They were practically a couple after barely two weeks (or slightly more).
Love at first sight, apparently.
Well, maybe not so apparently because, of course, this took us straight into some obvious foreshadowing—the looming end of the world, yep.
The epilogue, with its “Do they remember anything?” mystery, was a good attempt to force intrigue, but, c'mon. Their connection to the descent of death gods, and that epilogue conversation—all hint at them being “destined” or whatever.
Look, in all my years of reading these kinds of stories—Romeo and Juliet, Persephone, and all that drama—they’ve never been my thing. Not then, not now. So yeah, this is my stop… but hey, if that’s your vibe, enjoy the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
3.25
You had me until she died. Now I’m out.
You had me until she died. Now I’m out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
This f/up to Fair Market Value wasn't at all what I'd expected. That's on me though b/c when I like a series by a known-to-author, I don't read the blurb for any book other than the first; I want to be surprised. This time I was surprised by what was missing. I was expecting something clearly mentioned in the blurb as something that isn't happening. I kept waiting for it and would've benefited from knowing it wasn't forthcoming. Oh well. Live, read and learn 😆
This book would've gotten 4-stars but for the author's other series character traits seeping into those of this series. I wanted to give it 4-stars for that reason initially - b/c I really like those other series and most of those other characters - then I realized these MCs should be original and they are a bit, but a bit not.
Still, I like HE's writing, the worlds and characters she builds, so I'm sticking. I'm looking forward to book 3, Midnight Auto Parts next year (or later this year; I'm always caught off guard by the speed at which she releases books).
This book would've gotten 4-stars but for the author's other series character traits seeping into those of this series. I wanted to give it 4-stars for that reason initially - b/c I really like those other series and most of those other characters - then I realized these MCs should be original and they are a bit, but a bit not.
Still, I like HE's writing, the worlds and characters she builds, so I'm sticking. I'm looking forward to book 3, Midnight Auto Parts next year (or later this year; I'm always caught off guard by the speed at which she releases books).
August 9, 2025
I had a hard time getting into this book. It couldn't hold my interest. I think I'll skip the rest of the series.
September 22, 2024
Book 1 was better (spolier alert)
Let me preface this with the fact I am a huge Hailey Edwards fan and have read all her serieses. Maybe I would have liked this better if I had not. I highly enjoyed book 1, I thought it was fun and fresh. This installment felt stale. I saw the divine blood thing coming since the beginning. So much so that the book mirrors Sin and Chocolate (different author) more than I would like. Death God's child who communes and helps ghosts that protects her 2 adopted family members 1 trouble making girl and 1 sick male who needs special medical attention. And the romantic relationship was excarly lile the one Grier found herself with (boas old BF who betrays her vs Linus) in the How to Save and Unead Life (Same author). Linus(save an undead series) , Ash (greywitch series) and Keirce all have carbon copy personalities, even when it comes to sexual prowess. It was frustrating. If I had not read her other series I would not have seen the paralelles in the MMCs. Will I read book 3? Of course! I just am not as excited as I normally would be.
Let me preface this with the fact I am a huge Hailey Edwards fan and have read all her serieses. Maybe I would have liked this better if I had not. I highly enjoyed book 1, I thought it was fun and fresh. This installment felt stale. I saw the divine blood thing coming since the beginning. So much so that the book mirrors Sin and Chocolate (different author) more than I would like. Death God's child who communes and helps ghosts that protects her 2 adopted family members 1 trouble making girl and 1 sick male who needs special medical attention. And the romantic relationship was excarly lile the one Grier found herself with (boas old BF who betrays her vs Linus) in the How to Save and Unead Life (Same author). Linus(save an undead series) , Ash (greywitch series) and Keirce all have carbon copy personalities, even when it comes to sexual prowess. It was frustrating. If I had not read her other series I would not have seen the paralelles in the MMCs. Will I read book 3? Of course! I just am not as excited as I normally would be.
March 30, 2025
After the events in Fair Market Value clients are staying away from Frankie’s unique necromancy business in droves. But one brave spirit, Bishop, thinks Frankie can help save his human granddaughter. Though Frankie has new and improved skills, she hasn’t had time to learn or understand them and neither she nor Bishop are sure she can solve the mystery and satisfy him. That doesn’t mean she can’t try. The granddaughter turns up but she’s not the only one. What’s going on, whose doing these things?
After testing Frankie’s power, Carter’s back and healed enough to thankfully keep down cheese puffs. And other nonsense. To my taste, this series is still finding its way but hasn’t come together enough to satisfy. As I write this, I’ve decided I’m neither a curious nor patient enough reader to continue this series.
Rating: 2.25stars
After testing Frankie’s power, Carter’s back and healed enough to thankfully keep down cheese puffs. And other nonsense. To my taste, this series is still finding its way but hasn’t come together enough to satisfy. As I write this, I’ve decided I’m neither a curious nor patient enough reader to continue this series.
Rating: 2.25stars
November 3, 2024
This author obsesses with statement or words in this book it’s the name Mary, the three siblings have this name as their First name…problem is they go by their second name I.e. Frankie, Marty, Josie. But when they are talking with each other they refer to each other as Mary. It’s confusing and annoying..this is the second series from this author that i noticed this annoying ocd writing.. last series was obsession of writing about what food they were eating and how it was prepared…finally the reused plot of turning Harrow into irredeemable ex/bad guy to make room for new love interest..think I am done with this author which is a shame as I loved her earlier works. Think I have outgrown the YA NA story lines.
November 5, 2024
I read the first book in this series in a day. This one took me a month. And, I only finished it because it became the book I would read when o was stuck somewhere with my phone and no books. I cannot decide between 2 and 3 stars
The first half was awful. It made no sense and the drowning ghost was never fully resolved it felt like.
The plot got distracted by the weird romance thing with Kierce. And the Ken doll episode. This is where the long I don’t want to read thing occurred.
The LAST 20% was good. If I was rating only the last 20%, I’d give it a solid 4 stars.
I think we experiment with this series has ended with this book. The magic explanations are lacking and have no consistency.
The first half was awful. It made no sense and the drowning ghost was never fully resolved it felt like.
The plot got distracted by the weird romance thing with Kierce. And the Ken doll episode. This is where the long I don’t want to read thing occurred.
The LAST 20% was good. If I was rating only the last 20%, I’d give it a solid 4 stars.
I think we experiment with this series has ended with this book. The magic explanations are lacking and have no consistency.
October 24, 2025
Action packed, fast paced and exciting. This installment in the series was all that and more. I think i liked it better than the first book, which is unusual for me. Frankie is growing in power and a lot of questions get answered while asking even more. Kierce is growing on me and I really dislike Harrow. I do wish that Josie and Matty would take more responsibility for themselves, but I don't know if Frankie would let them. She is too used to being the protector in the Mary's.
April 9, 2025
Amazing storytelling by Hailey Edwards. A absolute treasure of a story and cast of characters.
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Amber Gambler really was a revelation for me. Where I might have been slow to connect with the universe and the relationships here, maybe even understanding the main character of Frankie Mary as much as I should, this story now immediately has me committing to them, and this series. I’m all in.
It picks up after the shocking events of Fair Market Value. The Mary’s are dealing with the emotional and physical damage of the deep betrayal of someone who they thought was a friend. Frankie’s recovering, missing Kierce who’s left to heal his wounds as well as trying to find the right mental state to heal herself from the trauma of Lyle and his son, Harrow.
There’s Carter’s awful storyline left hanging to bring in here, plus Josie and Matty’s own emotional wounds.
With all that going on, a ghost comes to Frankie in his need. His granddaughter is missing and he needs Frankie’s help to find her.
Edwards story is so compelling in that it’s complex and emotional nature allows the author to explore the tragedy of those children who were failed by the society, social care system, or even their own families. Whether it’s the Mary siblings and their horrific experiences in their foster care system or for the missing girls and abandoned kids Frankie finds along the way, this is a raw, tragic and deeply personal element here.
Frankie is undergoing physical and psychological changes as well, changes she’s not understanding, something she’s hiding from her family.
Kierse and his companion crow, Badb , a great character who’s both comedic relief and mysterious being, are back as powerful entities. Kierse is also the potential romantic partner and is more multidimensional. I’m absolutely team Kierse, especially considering the events the play out. Harrow continues to be that toxic personality that everyone regrets.
Carter is a marvel. She’s quickly becoming a great new surprise as a layered individual who can deliver a new facet of her personality when it’s time.
As Frankie works with Carter and Kierse to find the missing child, the narrative builds a compelling emotional journey with Edwards creating multiple threads that connect murder mysteries , numerous mythological gods and legends , entwined with deeply intimate personal experiences and characters histories.
Characters now become more flawed, more complex and wounded. Believable because they’re grounded by revealed histories and ,now, shared trauma, that we too have been a part of. Especially that devastating dramatic event that ends the book.
Amazing storytelling by Hailey Edwards. A absolute treasure of a story and cast of characters.
A must read.
Great cover art both for storytelling and characters.
Cover by Damonza
Illustration by Marouane Hs
The Body Shop series:
Fair Market Value #1
Amber Gambler #2
Midnight Auto Parts #3
Cheater Slicks #4 - Dec 25,2025
Other linked series:
The Potentate of Atlanta (6 book series) - this is set within The Potentate apparently
The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy (9 book series) in Savannah
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Amber Gambler really was a revelation for me. Where I might have been slow to connect with the universe and the relationships here, maybe even understanding the main character of Frankie Mary as much as I should, this story now immediately has me committing to them, and this series. I’m all in.
It picks up after the shocking events of Fair Market Value. The Mary’s are dealing with the emotional and physical damage of the deep betrayal of someone who they thought was a friend. Frankie’s recovering, missing Kierce who’s left to heal his wounds as well as trying to find the right mental state to heal herself from the trauma of Lyle and his son, Harrow.
There’s Carter’s awful storyline left hanging to bring in here, plus Josie and Matty’s own emotional wounds.
With all that going on, a ghost comes to Frankie in his need. His granddaughter is missing and he needs Frankie’s help to find her.
Edwards story is so compelling in that it’s complex and emotional nature allows the author to explore the tragedy of those children who were failed by the society, social care system, or even their own families. Whether it’s the Mary siblings and their horrific experiences in their foster care system or for the missing girls and abandoned kids Frankie finds along the way, this is a raw, tragic and deeply personal element here.
Frankie is undergoing physical and psychological changes as well, changes she’s not understanding, something she’s hiding from her family.
Kierse and his companion crow, Badb , a great character who’s both comedic relief and mysterious being, are back as powerful entities. Kierse is also the potential romantic partner and is more multidimensional. I’m absolutely team Kierse, especially considering the events the play out. Harrow continues to be that toxic personality that everyone regrets.
Carter is a marvel. She’s quickly becoming a great new surprise as a layered individual who can deliver a new facet of her personality when it’s time.
As Frankie works with Carter and Kierse to find the missing child, the narrative builds a compelling emotional journey with Edwards creating multiple threads that connect murder mysteries , numerous mythological gods and legends , entwined with deeply intimate personal experiences and characters histories.
Characters now become more flawed, more complex and wounded. Believable because they’re grounded by revealed histories and ,now, shared trauma, that we too have been a part of. Especially that devastating dramatic event that ends the book.
Amazing storytelling by Hailey Edwards. A absolute treasure of a story and cast of characters.
A must read.
Great cover art both for storytelling and characters.
Cover by Damonza
Illustration by Marouane Hs
The Body Shop series:
Fair Market Value #1
Amber Gambler #2
Midnight Auto Parts #3
Cheater Slicks #4 - Dec 25,2025
Other linked series:
The Potentate of Atlanta (6 book series) - this is set within The Potentate apparently
The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy (9 book series) in Savannah
February 19, 2025
4.5 stars
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
Ghost whisperer teams up with her secret-harbouring ex and a woman who wants to suck her dry, to find a missing girl
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Kinda cute
Immersive
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
I’m confused again
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Urban fantasy
Chosen one vibes
Mystery
Found family
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
With the news out that some of Frankie’s previous clients died-died, her side business has become painfully slow. So when a ghost asks her to look for his missing human granddaughter, she can’t really turn him down.
She teams up with Harrow and Carter again since they have resources and end up investigating related cases.
Other things of note (for my memory more than anything): there’s a fire tree, Armie keeps appearing in her realistic nightmares, she thinks she can hear Kierce now and then, weird things keep happening to her power-wise.
I love their little found family and how they would genuinely kill or die for one another. Carter is really cementing her place as a trusted friend, and Kierce is still adorably awkward.
There’s one thing that happened that I’m confused about, again. It feels kind of like joining a conversation part way through. The author knows the reasons because she plotted and wrote the book, but I don’t feel like the reason was explained so I can’t understand the logic behind it.
Why did Harrow take and hide Audrey? Why didn’t he tell Frankie and Carter about it? Am I just completely missing chunks of these books, is it just me left confused each time?
Side note: I spent all of the first book shipping Frankie and Harrow. I thought they’d be end game. And I spent a lot of this book thinking the same and that everything that happened was just to throw us off that fact. However it was categorically stated several times that Frankie will NEVER get back with Harrow after kidnapping Matty.
Also the teaser reveal at the end suggests there is a muuuuuuuch bigger picture at play! My guess (romantically speaking) is that Frankie’s soul was Kierce’s one true love when he was human all those millennia ago. And there’s some sort of prophecy about him finding her again and then saving the world somehow and he divine parent is possibly a bad guy trying to destroy the world bit by bit. Who knows. I’m invested though!
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤🤤🤤
(Still no smut)
🤣🤣🤣
😭😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
Ghost whisperer teams up with her secret-harbouring ex and a woman who wants to suck her dry, to find a missing girl
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Kinda cute
Immersive
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
I’m confused again
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Urban fantasy
Chosen one vibes
Mystery
Found family
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
With the news out that some of Frankie’s previous clients died-died, her side business has become painfully slow. So when a ghost asks her to look for his missing human granddaughter, she can’t really turn him down.
She teams up with Harrow and Carter again since they have resources and end up investigating related cases.
Other things of note (for my memory more than anything): there’s a fire tree, Armie keeps appearing in her realistic nightmares, she thinks she can hear Kierce now and then, weird things keep happening to her power-wise.
I love their little found family and how they would genuinely kill or die for one another. Carter is really cementing her place as a trusted friend, and Kierce is still adorably awkward.
There’s one thing that happened that I’m confused about, again. It feels kind of like joining a conversation part way through. The author knows the reasons because she plotted and wrote the book, but I don’t feel like the reason was explained so I can’t understand the logic behind it.
Why did Harrow take and hide Audrey? Why didn’t he tell Frankie and Carter about it? Am I just completely missing chunks of these books, is it just me left confused each time?
Side note: I spent all of the first book shipping Frankie and Harrow. I thought they’d be end game. And I spent a lot of this book thinking the same and that everything that happened was just to throw us off that fact. However it was categorically stated several times that Frankie will NEVER get back with Harrow after kidnapping Matty.
Also the teaser reveal at the end suggests there is a muuuuuuuch bigger picture at play! My guess (romantically speaking) is that Frankie’s soul was Kierce’s one true love when he was human all those millennia ago. And there’s some sort of prophecy about him finding her again and then saving the world somehow and he divine parent is possibly a bad guy trying to destroy the world bit by bit. Who knows. I’m invested though!
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤🤤🤤
(Still no smut)
🤣🤣🤣
😭😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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