Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A seasoned assassin in search of a new life. A PPD precinct in need of a new chief. What could possibly go wrong?

Jin Kannon has just scored his one-thousandth confirmed kill and earns the right to choose his future. Finally, his dream of long walks on the beach and watching the sunset over the ocean is within his grasp, but like most things in life, it requires a few sacrifices.

To get what he wants, Jin willfully gives up access to his deeper djinn magic, most of his memories, and a fair bit of his assassin skills. As if all that isn’t bad enough, he also has to develop people skills, because his trip topside comes with a badge, a title, and a team of oddball supers.

Even worse, he arrives on his first day to find the place has gone to hell, and it's up to him to clean up the pieces.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2024

370 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

John P. Logsdon

142 books317 followers
John P. Logsdon is a former game designer, producer, and software engineer who shamelessly digs into the deep recesses of his mind to bring forth oddball characters and hilarious plots. He writes primarily in fantasy, urban fantasy, and science fiction, but he's also dabbled in cozy mystery from time to time. To see John's vast library of laughs, visit www.johnplogsdon.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
153 (50%)
4 stars
85 (27%)
3 stars
47 (15%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Tawnya.
395 reviews57 followers
October 6, 2025
It has been a few years since we got a new PPD. I wish we could get some new stories from the old crews. This new one has some of the normal vulgarities which has been with the books from the earliest days. It was pretty tame compared to some of the others. I will always love Samantha’s collection AKA Southeast Asia. Yeah, yeah. It is supposed to be about Mark and Bert. Once Samantha came on the scene things got REALLY interesting. The fact that two men wrote about her wall! LOL
With San Diego one would think having a succubus on staff would have upped the ante, but nothing will outdo the Las Vegas scene and the “weapon” of choice. That was wrong on so many levels. I worry that someone who is new to the PPDs might get the idea that these are PG-13. Um...nope!

There were a few issues with the book that I was surprised got through editing. Jin talks about being an assassin for 30 years. That is then lessened to 20 years. I wouldn’t mind a series based on his adventures in the Badlands. The bits we got were interesting. His time on the surface will hopefully be improved in the next book. His character (as he rightly points out) was worthless. Rudy needs to be improved. This idiot is supposed to be a seasoned cop?!? The “bad” guys are all over the place. Now to read the second book and hopefully see Jin actually do something.
679 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2024
Halfcocked (San Diego Paranormal Police Department (PPD) Book1) by John P Logsdon and Jenn Mitchell is a great new adventure with a new PPD!
Jin Kannon thought that being the new chief of the San Diego Paranormal Police Department in the Overworld would be a breeze after about 30 years as an assassin in the Netherworld. After all, what could go wrong?
Read this fun new story. It’s great!
Profile Image for Katy.
1,494 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book from the first paragraph onwards!

The premise of an assassin turned Police Chief, especially a Paranormal Police Chief, was great - but it was the humour, both subtle, and obvious, that caught my fancy, and I just rolled with it until I hit the end of the book! Lol

I enjoyed all aspects of this story - Cops & Cartels, Zombies, Vampires, and everything Paranormal, made normal - but I especially loved the main character, Jim Kannon,.

Jin is - or should I say, he was - an Assassin of 1,000 perps - but only BAD perps. He's an avid reader (just my type of hero), and is a Genie who loves Cowboy fashion, but wants, more than anything else, to be Topside, living by the Ocean, and enjoying Sunsets on the beach!

It's when he gets his wish, that everything starts going crazy, and this first book is his introduction to the world of the San Diego Paranormal Police Department!

And what an introduction it is!

I absolutely loved this book, and am just so glad that I have the first three of what I'm hoping will be a long series!

I wasn't familiar with one of the writers, John P. Logsdon, who is a comedy writer and, if this book is an example, I'll definitely be looking for more of his books!
No
The second Writer, Jenn Mitchell, is much more familiar to me, and I first came across her works while reading the DUO series - that's the Delta Underground Operatives - a whole lot of series set in one universe, and written by a raft of writers that I've come to love!

Jenn's books are awesome, and she fits in seamlessly with John's comedy touch, so I know this partnership is is going to be a great success.

Talking of success, I want to get on to reading Book Two of this new series: 'Shellshocked', so I'm going to finish up here, and make a start on it!

Once I've finished it, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of book two!
570 reviews
September 1, 2024
Woo hoo!!! He’s back!

I have been suffering from Logsdon longing ever since the Gravedigger series came to an end. So Yay! John is back! Moreover, it’s a whole new precinct for the PPD.

I am preaching to the choir if anyone reading this is already a fan of the series, but if you’re not get ready for a great ride. Now honestly, although there’s some brilliant ridiculousness throughout the entire book, this one lacks some of the tongue in cheek snark that I’ve come to associate with John’s writing. It doesn’t matter, though, because it’s a great story and the characters are as believably unbelievable as anyone could want.

That being said, this does not feel like a good entry point to the PPD universe, so if you haven’t read the rest, start with the Las Vegas PPD series and make your way forward. It’s a little of books, but I guarantee you’ll be hooked before you finish the first one.

So…. ENJOY!
Profile Image for Eric.
36 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
I have read a number of paranormal police department series and enjoyed them. I finished the first book in the San Diego version. I am somewhat disappointed.

The first book in the series appears weak to me with a very poor plot line. I understand that characters must be introduced, and their backstory presented in the first book. It is somewhat understandable. It is hoped that things get a little more exciting and intriguing in the following books in the series. If not, book two will be my last book for this series.
The one thing though is that there is too much sophomoric gutter humor that doesn’t need to be present. Eliminating that would make the book much more enjoyable. Rely on the plot, not gimmicks.
293 reviews
November 5, 2024
I've read other books in the general series which are better, but this one shows some promise and while it mostly just swears constantly which I don't really like much, the story is fairly interesting so I will see how the next one goes.
It's about a Djinn who takes the chief of police job for a bunch of twats who don't seem that competent in what they are doing, he was an assassin so he gets zapped, but they over do it, so they have to ease back. There is a vampire who wants to the county over, a drug cartel with an incompetent and totally unbelievable new boss whose a childish idiot hippy. Hopefully in the next one, he starts to use some of his talents.
680 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2024
Saw this one advertised on FaceBook quite a bit so I gave it a try. So, first time with these authors.
For me it came up a little bit short in the expectations department.

I understand there is the need to world build and all but the action I was hoping for based on the add was lacking. There are a couple of characters that have good potential and a couple that could be fodder with no problems for me. Also, the comedy seems forced at times.

I will probably give book two a shot hoping for an improvement but I cant see myself going past book two if there isnt leaps and bounds of improvement.
Profile Image for CJ Andes.
31 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2024
Need more stories

I disliked some of the sex remarks. Having some in a story is ok but to much and it detracts. I would like to see more seriousness between the characters. Build the team. I hope Jon becomes more a leader and hero, right now he appears to be a wimp. I also thought too much time was spent on the bad guys but since this is the first book felt maybe it was laying the ground work for future books. The story was easy to follow, written fairly well and has potential to be a great series. It held my interest.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,484 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2024
Wonderful new addition

What a great addition to the PPD universe as we hit San Diego with an unusual choice of Police Chief, the usual assortment of mixed characters for a team also join him, giving some great humour.
This universe is quite expansive, and we always get a laugh, explosive action, and drama. Having the new author Mitchell doesn't quell the expected Logsdon writing style, so you know what to expect.
514 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2024
This one gets the benefit of the doubt. The premise has great potential, several of the characters could be interesting and a good bit of the language use is definitely unique. But the overall style and a certain lack of depth just doesn't suit me.
My advice is if your a Prime member try it for free then decide to pay and/or continue. If its your cup of tea they buy it and get into the next book. As for me I'll be passing on the rest of this particular series.
Profile Image for A.L. Thornton.
Author 11 books
December 1, 2024
Actually it's a 3.5

Instead of feeling like a book it's more like a chapter. Not completely sure each "chapter" being from a different character is that effective either. The concept behind the storyline is sound but the execution is lacking, feeling almost childish. The characters are likable but feel almost flat and not well rounded. Although I enjoyed it to a point I actually forgot I was reading it until I opened my Kindle app.
Profile Image for Bitsy Overland Ginn.
7 reviews
November 9, 2024
lighthearted

If you expect suspense and gore, this is not for you. I liken it to being a character list of low mentality adults being led by a magically neutered former assassin, yet even the villains are low on intelligence and it all comes together in a slow but funny ride. I actually enjoyed it once I got closer to the end, I even laughed at Rogers predicament!
47 reviews
August 31, 2024
This is a great book, with a variety of species of characters that I haven’t read about before. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series for more laughs and to get to know the characters in more depth and to see how the plot develops. I would highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Charlotte Hawley.
34 reviews
September 8, 2024
Woo excellent new series

I’m already been hooked on SDPPD 😁 I can’t wait for the next book. I’ll be counting the days. I can definitely recommend this book whether it not your familiar with this series.
32 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2024
Wereroosters, unicorns, and zombies. Oh my!

Retirement on a beach, what could possibly go wrong? San Diego, beaches, leprechaun, mermaid, and a djinn who just wants to see a sunset.

Can't wait for the next book!

86 reviews
September 16, 2024
Fully cocked

A great introduction to a new series, love the lead character Jin, but reserve judgement on some of the others. Can’t wait to see where this goes. All the fun, of John’s other PPD books.
Profile Image for Hali.
283 reviews17 followers
February 21, 2025
I just couldn't get into this. The start of the book was good, but once Jin (Jin the Djinn really?) gets to the "overworld" it just seemed like things went downhill. I hate giving books a bad review but if I can't even get 30% into one I have to.
124 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
Very funny

Very amusing fantasy involving vampires, werewolves, a wererooster (!), a leprechaun, a marmaid etc, and a djinn assassin retiring to be a police chief. And a guy whose feet stink strong enough to melt titanium.
Profile Image for Paige Guido.
197 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2024
The PPD is back! Chief with a past. Squad full of quirky characters. Action, fun, laughs... it's all here. Kick back and just enjoy the ride.
6 reviews
September 7, 2024
Action, fun, adventure

Fast paced, comedy adventure with great characters built in the world of the PPD. Can't wait to see what happens next. Loved it! More please 🙏
90 reviews
September 19, 2024
Laugh out loud funny

This book is a fun ride just as every other Paranormal Police Department series. I enjoyed, and look forward to the next two books.
12 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
assassins and zombies oh my

Interesting start, similar enough to the first series so that you don’t need to start over, but fresh crew and setting makes for a nice difference.
Profile Image for Linda.
510 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2025
OMG this book rocked!

My sides hurt because I laughed so hard and for so long! The characters are well developed and so much fun to get to know.
Profile Image for Simon.
Author 7 books3 followers
March 15, 2025
Truly awful - genuinely halfcocked!
Profile Image for Nancy Warr.
103 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2025
Another book I couldn't finish, although I liked the main character the story was a bit odd. The story could've gotten better but I couldn't get into the peculiar odd story.
Profile Image for James Amos.
23 reviews
July 6, 2025
Another great book about the PPD, With unique set of characters. The book was interesting and laugh out load fun i could just not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.