Reaper's Assistant

Reapers of Rosethorne City #1

by Miri Cosette

Chaining myself to a broody reaper while colluding with a demon sounds like a death wish. But hey, I’ve been dead before.

You’d think being an assistant to the most notorious reaper in the city would have its perks. After all, what lowly human like myself wouldn’t appreciate a little borrowed magic?

Here’s the kick. I didn’t sign up for this.

I don’t remember signing up for this.

See, I died. And, according to my contract, agreed to return to the land of the living in exchange for a memory wipe and a lifetime of servitude to Apollo Grim, head reaper and insufferable prick.

Now, my best friend has been accused of murder. I know she’s innocent, but tensions are high and powerful people are looking for a scapegoat. To prove her innocence and find the true murderer, I have no choice but to team up with Detective Slater Brimstone, Rosethorne City’s most ruthless demon.

If Apollo ever finds out I’m working with Slater, our contract will be considered void and he’ll finish what he started. And this time, there’ll be no coming back from the dead.

Reaper's Assistant is a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy with plenty of twists and a dash of slow burn romance. Please note this book contains content such as adult language and mature themes. This book ends on a cliffhanger.

Genres: Fantasy

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

Miri Cosette is an urban fantasy author always looking around the corner for sparks of old magic in our fast-paced, technology-driven world. Inspired by mythology and folklore, her books are her playground, where fairies, vampires, shifters, and mermaids exist. When she’s not arguing with her characters or struggling to remember words (what’s that spinny thing on the ceiling again? Oh, yeah — a fan), she’s slowly chipping away at her miles-long TBR, traveling, trying new restaurants, attempting to play musical instruments, and watching documentaries. She lives in Nebraska with her adoring husband and snarky shiba inu.

Reviews

[Pippa Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper’s Assistant is the first book in the Reapers of the Rosethorne City series and it’s packed with action, drama, heartache and attraction right from the start.

We’re introduced to Harper, the unwilling assistant to the city’s most powerful and feared Reaper, Apollo. Having been his assistant for little over a year, she’s still no closer to finding out who she really is or why Apollo resurrected her.

It’s the end of the week and Harper meets up with her two friends for drinks, but things don’t stay normal for long. After some trouble with a group of avian shifters, and one of her friends leaving for her shift at the Crypt, Harper and Cleo head off to Cleo’s for a late night movie, only to find her apartment surrounded by cops, including the legendary demon detective, Slater Brimstone.

Things rapidly move from confusion to disbelief as the detective arrests Cleo for a crime Harper knows she didn’t commit. If that wasn’t bad enough the detective insists on Harper accompanying him to the station for questioning. The trouble is her boss, Apollo, has impressed on Harper that the one person she must avoid - at all costs - is detective Slater. No reason, as usual, just an order she must obey in line with her contract of servitude.

Harper’s determined to prove Cleo’s innocence while having to keep quiet around her boss so he doesn’t discover who she’s working with to try to free her friend. There’s plenty of mystery, thrills and dicey situations to follow, as Harper doggedly pursues leads regardless to the risks to herself as she tries to uncover the true perpetrators of the crime. New friendships form while others crumble and, where intrigue and deception lead, can betrayal be far behind?

I’ve loved immersing myself in Harper’s world, willing her on even with so much stacked against her. There are some surprises along the way, both for Harper and for the reader - I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel wetted my appetite to read Reaper's Assistant big time. Harper, a sassy with a lot of snark character is bound to Rosethorn City's notorious Reaper with a lifelong servitude and amnesia. Extremely well written, decidedly far from boring. Trying to make fun of Apollo, gave me a good laugh or 3. Add in murders, deceit, new friends, an underlying attraction to the Reaper while trying to find out more of her past to the plot and then a whopper of a cliffhanger. I know I'm hooked.
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank Miri

[Susan Abney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reapers Assistant by Miri Cosette is an excellent read and as a first book, I was captivated pretty much immediately. I read a lot of books and this gets straight to action, which keeps the reader totally ready to read the next page and the next thing you know you’ve finished it on a major cliffhanger wanting more.

This was an “easy” read and the language and writing style were very fluid. As someone who is dyslexic, I definitely prefer to read things that are not old English for this reason. I love a good modern urban fantasy setting and this definitely did it for me. I cannot wait for more world and character building because I WANT MOREEEEE. I literally stayed up all night to read it once I was able to have it on Kindle and seriously don’t regret losing sleep to read 😂.

Death Daddy 👻 (Apollo) and Detective Daddy 😈 (Slater) have me hoping and wishing for a slow burn, enemies and/or friends to lovers, or even a why not both troupe to the point I’m anxiously awaiting the next book. I want their fire to burn the whole thing down, ok?? 😩😩😩

This has zero spice to it, which is ok. The sexual tension is enough for me (for now) 😇🥰. As much as I love a smutty book, I love a good plot better!

[Kozmokitap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suprising, intriguing and full of mysteries;
It's Miri Cosette's first book and its very successful.
It hooks the reader on the first moment. Curiosity and excitement increases till the last pages along with different characters and events.
Harper comes to her senses covered in blood. First chapter starting like this piqued my interest instantly. Harper was dead and Apollo Grim brought her back to life in exchange for her being his slave and giving her memories to him.
Harper works as his assistant for one year. After her friend Cleo gets arrested for a crime Harper works with police officer Slater to prove Cleo's innocence. Apollo wanted her to stay away from Slaster. Harper lies to the reaper and covers her actions in order to help her friend. As we learn investigation details step by step we also wonder the reason of the tension between Slater and Apollo and wait excitedly if he is gonna learn Harper's past.
I loved this book which has fantasy, mystery and thriller. It ended in such a place that i will wait eagernessly for it's continuation.

[Callie Sprinkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book soo much! This is a fun quick read that was have you constantly guessing! The concept was unlike any other book I have read and I’m truly so excited for the next one!

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ripping yarn! A good PI case and an intriguing personal mystery in a shady, classic UF world. The plot was entirely driven by the MC being a fool, which was aggravating.

It ended on a cliffhanger and the next book won’t be out for a month, curses!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper is a human in a city full of supernaturals who believe they are the top of the food chain. After making a deal with a reaper, Apollo, she now appears as half-demon/half-human with limited magic due to the necklace Apollo has given her. She has no memory of her past and owes Apollo a life time of servitude as his assistant. But not knowing anything about herself and having to hide that has gotten old. Then after an altercation at their favorite hang out, her best friend Cleo is arrested for killing 3 bird shifters and Harper is set on solving the case. She even does the one thing she was never supposed to do and that is work with Detective Slater Brimstone. Now someone is out to get her and she has no idea which supernatural it is.
Harper has spent the last year with no idea who she is and even lying to those she considers friends. She is frustrated that she has no memories and even more frustrated he won't tell her anything - not even why she made this deal. She gets so upset to the point of being petulant at times, forgetting she made the deal as well. Although it must be hard to not even know who her family is or if they know she is gone. She is determined and dogged in her quest to free Cleo. Apollo comes off as an uptight stick in the mud most of the time. You're never quite sure what to think of him in regards to why he keeps Harper in the dark all of the time. Slater is a demon who is also a police detective. He wants Harper to help him with his investigation so justice can prevail and Cleo can be released. Harper knows better than to be around him, but she just can't help it.
This series is set in an urban fantasy setting where humas are in the know but also lowest on the totem pole gives a unique twist to this book. We have the usual suspects, vampire, demons, witches and shifters, but the shifters have separate groups and even wear ID bracelets to make it even more unique. This book was fun to try to figure out who the real bad guy was. And I have to say I spent the whole book thinking it was going to be a certain character and I was (as usual) floored. I was happily surprised that the person I thought was behind it was not. But the plot twists! I was not prepared for that ending either! Definitely a cliffhanger and I will be moving onto book 2 very soon!

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok..can I just say wow! Hate the cliffhanger but so ready to see what happens in the next book. So many twists and turns, secrets and lies, deception! You can feel the tension between Apollo and Harper but also between Slater and Harper. You're not sure who to root for but the cliffhanger will make that choice for you.

Harper is a strong FMC that has her memories erased by Apollo, who is a Reaper. She wants to know about her past but when she asks questions, Apollo does his best to stay silent or steer clear of the answers. When one of her best friends is accused of a crime, she does her best to claim she is innocent by working for Detective Slater Brimstone, who is a Demon. So many questions, so many suspects and still no answers. Time is running out and Harper will fight tooth and nail for her best friend, even if it goes against what Apollo tells her..to stay away from the detective.

I love the characters of this book. So many paranormal species. I wanted to scream when I read that cliffhanger. The author even apologizes about it but it gets you ready for the next book!

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.5*





First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper's Assistant is Cosette's debut novel, but you wouldn't know it by reading it.

She did an outstanding job of making characters that were believable, relatable, and real. They had hopes and dreams, faults and traumas, and all of the things that make a well-rounded person.

And the plot! It was unique and a fantastic blend of urban fantasy and mystery. I loved the idea behind the reapers. It explained Apollo's stand-offish attitude so well. It would be impossible not to become hardened in his position.

This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and kept me enthralled until the end. If I hadn't read the prequel first, I might have wondered why Harper didn't talk to Apollo about some things. I highly recommend that you sign up for Miri's newsletter to get that before diving into this book. You won't regret reading either of them!

*Reaper's Assistant does end on a cliffhanger. If you're not a fan, you might want to wait for book 2.*

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*ARC Reader*~

An excellent debut from Miri Cosette! I had the distinct pleasure of reading this book as an ARC, and it was so good! The worldbuilding of Rosethorne City was immersing without being heavy handed. The characters are fleshed out and complex, with realistic relationships. And the plot (and it's twist) are enticing without breaking too harshly from familiar tropes - while also not falling into their traps. I didn't want to put the book down. I also cannot get past the twist ending of this book - spoilers ahead, you've been warned! I have never been so delighted by the reveal of a bbeg in a story! I've also never been so blindsided - which delights me to no end. I'm a serial predictor in the media I consume, and to be caught off guard is a novel experience. Cosette did not hint at Felicity being our murderer at ALL and yet it was perfectly plausible in it's reveal. An amazing payoff.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read! The author does a great job of mixing urban fantasy with a good ole who done it story. There’s a great mix of characters with the main character having a wonderful quirkiness to her all while trying to find out information as to how she became a reaper’s assistant. I already can’t wait for book 2 to come out!


Harper has entered into a lifetime contract as an assistant to Apollo Grim, who is a reaper. However one of the terms of this contract was that Apollo took all of Harper’s memories so she has no idea why she agreed to this contract or who she is. When her best friend, Cleo, is accused of murder Harper stumbles upon Slater Brimstone, the lead detective on the case and the one person Harper was strictly forbidden to have any interactions with. Now behind Apollo’s back Harper is trying her best to help prover her friend didn’t commit any murders.

[Leslie Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper’s Assistant by Miri Cosette will definitely keep you guess. Harper (our protagonist) joins forces with the city’s notorious demon detective behind her bosses back to try and prove her friend’s innocence. Through their investigation we learn more about the world’s politics and hints at Harper herself but never quite enough as there are soooo many unanswered questions. The reveal of the real murderer’s identity came out of left field for me and the cliffhanger at the end!!! No spoilers though.

The pacing was done well, and the main characters are nicely written. The world setting is intriguing with small bits given to us here and there that give a lot of room for future stories with side characters throughout. I eagerly await the next book in this series to find out what happens.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Witch & Wizard Thriller is superb. Harper Jones, a reaper's apprentice, woke up with no memories, not even her name, to learn she was Apollo Grim's (head reaper) apprentice. Soon afterward, her best friend, Cleo Bongano (cheetah shifter), is accused of murdering three bird shifters. She works with Detective Slater Brimstone to solve the murder, against Apollo's wishes, to save her friend.

Harper starts the story as a weak-willed, disgruntled character. As the story progresses, she grows a backbone and a willingness to break the rules. The resolution of the case is seemingly impossible to predict. Further, the title ends in a cliffhanger for which the author apologizes. Nevertheless, it was fantastic reading material.

Easy-to-read. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! If you’re wanting an urban fantasy with a compelling world, complex characters, exciting mysteries, and a humorous protagonist - then this book is for you.

Meet Harper Jones, a woman who has forfeited her identity to become the property of the moody, impossible reaper, Apollo Grim. Amidst her quest to recover her lost memories, her best friend is accused of murder and Jones must race against the clock to find the true murderer before her friend is executed. But in order to do so, she must work with a demon, a notoriously powerful and sexy demon who has a penchant for breaking the rules when it suits him. All while keeping her partnership a secret from her workaholic boss who has a personal grudge against her new partner. What could possibly go wrong?

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I took notes throughout my read, so let's dive in!

5%

I'm already enjoying the characters. Plus, reapers, high fae, and vampires have all been mentioned. Color me intrigued. 🖤

16%

The writing is wonderful and the story already has me hooked. Honestly, this is giving me Assistant to the Villain vibes, which is high praise. I loved that book.

24%

I've officially started following Miri Cosette so I don't miss out on future books!

100%

Well I got caught up in the reading and quit taking notes. It was so good. The mystery, the characters, and the twists? *chef's kiss*

Such a fun read! And that cliffhanger. 😅 Guess I'll be impatiently waiting for book 2.

[Naybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

Even though I could see the plot twist coming, I didn’t expect how it would be enacted. This book is amazing. It has hints of a love triangle without any romance and keeps you hooked throughout. I’m going to go crazy waiting for book 2.
You don’t know who to trust, who to love and who to hate. You’re rooting for Harper because she deserves to have a happily ever after… and we’re left on a cliff hanger DYING to know more.
The author clearly knows what she’s doing with this book and knows how to keep us on our toes. Would definitely recommend.

I did receive an ARC for this but hadn’t realised it was on KU at that point so I downloaded the KU version and read that so I could highlight parts.

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say, this book is quite well written and very creative. The beginning hooks you right in with the reaper resurrecting his assistant but she doesn't remember anything. She then walks this fine line of obedience and loathing with her boss for most the book, bordering on a girl crush for him. Definitely a great mix of magic, new world, and mystery throughout.
Unfortunately, it wasn't really my cup of tea due to many of the more adult themes and language. When I agreed to the ARC, I did not realize these elements. However, I do think many people would enjoy this story and it is well written, especially for being a debut novel!
*While I received an ARC, all views expressed are my own.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great start by a brand-new writer in what reads to be an exciting paranormal series. Yes, this ends with a cliffy. This who-done-it was a twisty story that grabbed me and kept me hooked to the end. The characters were well rounded and engaging, and the plot was intriguing. Harper Jones agrees to have her memories wiped and work forever for the Grim Reaper to return to Earth as his new assistant to Rosethorne City's head reaper Apollo. Months later when her best friend, Cleo has been accused of murder she turns to Detective Slater Brimstone for help. Does she find the real murderer? I volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.

[Geraldine Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper’s Assistant by Miri Cosette is a very impressive, well-written novel. This Urban Fantasy ropes you into a fascinating world of demons, shifters, fae, humans, and half-bloods. Harper’s life is an intriguing mystery, and equally interesting is the gruesome murder case she must solve. She finds herself torn between trust, loyalty, and her instincts. The action is tense, and the investigation effort is full of surprises and suspense. The descriptive scenes and smart dialogue carry the story very well. As a reader, emotions run high with each turn of the page and I highly recommend this novel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bookworming Adventures of ANW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaper's Assistant is a thrilling debut that effortlessly blends urban fantasy with a gripping murder mystery. Miri Cosette's world-building is impressive, and the plot twists kept me guessing until the final, jaw-dropping cliffhanger. The dynamic between the Harper and the two MMCs (Apollo and Slater) is electric, with undeniable chemistry simmering beneath the surface. While I craved a bit more romantic tension and spice, the overall story is compelling and definitely left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

It is a must-read for fans of the genre!

[Fallon O'Fae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a read! I couldn't put the book down (and got no sleep as a result lol). I had my suspicions throughout on various characters, but the twists and turns made me doubt myself countless times lol.

A very smooth read without spelling and grammar mistakes made this book a joy, and the author's tone throughout was consistent and believable. Chuckled quite a bit and outright burst into fits at one point (I'll just say: THE CAT!!! IYKYK lmao).

Hate that it ends on a cliffhanger though. Hurry up with book 2! Following Miri Cosette for sure.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

A compelling and dangerous world that the author has created. I loved the grittiness of the city. It’s a wonderful blend of light and dark with multiple species of paranormals living together. There are so many surprises, shocks and omg that cliffhanger! Loved the blend of urban fantasy and procedural where almost everyone is hiding something and trust is a dangerous commodity. Harper is a fantastic character and I cannot wait to see what happens next for her!
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn’t put the book down. Cosetter deftly weaves a story of mystery full of twists and betrayal, amazing characters, and a vivid world that keeps you at the edge of your seat. And that ending! I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
If you enjoy books by Heather G. Harris, and Lauretta Hignett you will enjoy this amazing debut novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! A fun, fast paced urban fantasy read that has you glued to the exciting and thrilling storyline. The world building is incredible and descriptive and the characters are well developed and a little complex and once started, I just could not stop reading. Well written and brimming with action, drama, danger and had twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this and after that ending cannot wait for the next book!

[Charmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Reaper's Assistant is great for a lazy read when you're looking for urban fantasy that doesn't make you think. It's a slow start with an unusual story, but it is predictable at several turns.

Harper is definitely not the type of character who is easygoing. She has a short temper to go along with the amount of unanswered questions she faces about her own past, present, and future. She does anything she must in order to get the answers she seeks. Unfortunately for her, she learns the truth a little too late.

I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to see where this story goes next.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper’s Assistant is the first book in the series. It has action, drama, heartache and attraction right from the start. It catches the reader on the first page. It causes to have excitement throughout entire book and all characters. This has zero spice to it, but a lot of sexual tension. It is huge cliffhanger with ability to wanting more. I really like that it has a good plot! I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this honest review voluntary.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy to say I loved this book! I'm very wary of reaper books because of the "Charley" books that I loved as well, so I'm afraid other books will be flavored by them. This book is completely original and while I could see things that were going to happen; I didn't care because these characters were perfectly portrayed. I can't wait until the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this is only book one of the Reapers of Rosethorne City Series!

Take one very unhappy Reaper’s Assistant, add in two friends, the most powerful Reaper in Rosethorne City and a Demon Detective and this book is what you end up with. Throw in a few murders, quite a few twists I didn’t see coming and a cliffhanger for an ending and this is one series I won’t be able to stop reading. I need to find out what happens next.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Reaper's Assistant! This book introduces an interesting world with different supernatural races. The story was engrossing- I couldn't put it down. I loved Harper as a character, and can't wait to continue her story, especially after that cliffhanger at the end. I highly recommend Reaper's Assistant for fans of paranormal mysteries with strong female leads.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.