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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
About the author
Hailey Edwards
100 books2,891 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 168 reviews
May 5, 2026
Second in the Body Shop series, Amber Gambler continues many of the storylines started in book one—but for me, it never quite pulls its elements together into something fully engaging.
I continue to enjoy the general premise of Frankie as a necromancer, although her abilities have surprisingly little impact here beyond the initial case of an elderly ghost asking her to find his granddaughter. It’s an interesting setup that never quite deepens.
There’s also a slow-burn romance with Kierce, the “personal assistant” to a death god, though he’s absent for part of the book recovering from earlier events. Badb, his familiar, continues to provide a bit of fun—though I admit I got briefly stuck on it building a nest out of a blanket (birds really don’t do that with cloth).
Alongside the central plot of searching for the runaway girl, there’s an ongoing thread of someone targeting Frankie and her family. Her ex-boyfriend Harlow remains in the picture, still trying to interact with her with frustratingly ambiguous intentions. I had trouble telling whether he genuinely believes he’s helping or if his inconsistency is simply a plot device. Detective Carter, on the other hand, continues to occupy a space in Frankie’s life that extends beyond the case, and I appreciated the attention given to non-romantic relationships.
Overall, it was a fun read in moments. There are a couple of twists, though one felt like it was meant to be a “gotcha” that didn’t quite land. Much of the larger arc seems clearly positioned for resolution in the final book—but in the end, I found my momentum fading rather than building.
Three and a half stars, rounding down because I stopped caring enough to continue
I continue to enjoy the general premise of Frankie as a necromancer, although her abilities have surprisingly little impact here beyond the initial case of an elderly ghost asking her to find his granddaughter. It’s an interesting setup that never quite deepens.
There’s also a slow-burn romance with Kierce, the “personal assistant” to a death god, though he’s absent for part of the book recovering from earlier events. Badb, his familiar, continues to provide a bit of fun—though I admit I got briefly stuck on it building a nest out of a blanket (birds really don’t do that with cloth).
Alongside the central plot of searching for the runaway girl, there’s an ongoing thread of someone targeting Frankie and her family. Her ex-boyfriend Harlow remains in the picture, still trying to interact with her with frustratingly ambiguous intentions. I had trouble telling whether he genuinely believes he’s helping or if his inconsistency is simply a plot device. Detective Carter, on the other hand, continues to occupy a space in Frankie’s life that extends beyond the case, and I appreciated the attention given to non-romantic relationships.
Overall, it was a fun read in moments. There are a couple of twists, though one felt like it was meant to be a “gotcha” that didn’t quite land. Much of the larger arc seems clearly positioned for resolution in the final book—but in the end, I found my momentum fading rather than building.
Three and a half stars, rounding down because I stopped caring enough to continue
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!
February 5, 2026
The second installment picks up where book one ending and it was such an addicting listen. So much goes down. Lots of chaos, action, mystery, and gods fill the second installment. There are some unanswered questions about Harrow and Audrey, but I hope in the next book, we get some info. I was also left with some questions about Frankie and what truly happened with the god.Kearce is an interesting character and I enjoyed getting to learn a bit more about him in this book.
The narrator, Candace Joice narrates the second book. She does a wonderful job portraying Frankie and several of the characters throughout the book. Her tones and inflections were spot on and I was able to differentiate between the characters.
A very special thanks to Tantor Media for the gifted audiobook.
The narrator, Candace Joice narrates the second book. She does a wonderful job portraying Frankie and several of the characters throughout the book. Her tones and inflections were spot on and I was able to differentiate between the characters.
A very special thanks to Tantor Media for the gifted audiobook.
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.
April 2, 2026
Urban fantasy with the interference of demi-gods and creature of myth in the real world, plus ghosts. It was good enough to finish but I feel no need to read further in the series. Lots of kidjep and the death of street kids, plus betrayal and evil intentions by a romantic partner. There are definitely larger plot lines about the mc's parents' identity and what these forces want with her, but ... I'm good. This book wrapped up the short-term plot lines and I don't really want to read more. It would feel like homework. This is kinda the most DNF-feeling read that I actually did finish, weirdly.
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 20, 2026
Love the Mary's.
Three supernatural children raised in a children's home all given names beginning with Mary whether they were boys of girls. The home supposedly run by nuns but in reality horrific creatures who tormented and tortured the children not caring if they survived so Frankie, Matty and Josie bonded together becoming siblings and vowing to always be there for each other. As teenagers they end up living on the streets in order to survive still sticking together no matter how hard things got. Now they are in their thirties and are still together they live in a building that they have built themselves running a car repair shop out of the ground floor. The three siblings then each have a floor to themselves Frankie on one, Matty on two with Josie on three, this is so the sisters can protect Matty who as an Onerios is the most vulnerable of the siblings. They just want peace and to survive but for some reason unknown to them they keep being targeted and have had to overcome many threats. Frankie with her necromancy can usually handle whatever comes along and Josie as a dryad can also handle most threats the family find themselves facing. But when the enemy comes from within their close circle of friends (a small group) the fallout is severe................................
Three supernatural children raised in a children's home all given names beginning with Mary whether they were boys of girls. The home supposedly run by nuns but in reality horrific creatures who tormented and tortured the children not caring if they survived so Frankie, Matty and Josie bonded together becoming siblings and vowing to always be there for each other. As teenagers they end up living on the streets in order to survive still sticking together no matter how hard things got. Now they are in their thirties and are still together they live in a building that they have built themselves running a car repair shop out of the ground floor. The three siblings then each have a floor to themselves Frankie on one, Matty on two with Josie on three, this is so the sisters can protect Matty who as an Onerios is the most vulnerable of the siblings. They just want peace and to survive but for some reason unknown to them they keep being targeted and have had to overcome many threats. Frankie with her necromancy can usually handle whatever comes along and Josie as a dryad can also handle most threats the family find themselves facing. But when the enemy comes from within their close circle of friends (a small group) the fallout is severe................................
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.
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