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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.
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.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2024
About the author
John P. Logsdon
143 books318 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 29, 2026
I am rereading this, and decided to flesh out my review. I originally gave this 3-stars. I usually round up, so I am unsure why I didn’t do it in this instance. Does it deserve 4-stars? Not really. But 3.5 isn’t an option.
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 have 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 in the Southeast Asia series. 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
I enjoyed the book being completely third-person. I wish more urban fantasy authors used it.
The PPD officers in this book are made up of species that are more G-rated than normal. We have a mermaid, a unicorn, and a leprechaun. These iterations are far removed from a Disney movie. But we all know those movies changed old fairy tales so much, that they might as well have just created a new word instead.
Take leprechauns. Darby O’Gill and the Little People had them being tricksters, but in a playful way. The lore is less pleasant. They can’t all be joyful cereal mascots. Lieutenant Lacy Meany is somewhere in-between. She is most definitely NOT child-friendly.
Then we have unicorns. Oy. There are so many books were the creatures are blood-thirsty killers. My favorite unicorn is Grimm from the href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/1843... Temple series. His hatred of rainbows is so bloody funny. He broke the Bifrost! Freakin’ psycho. The unicorn here, Raina Mystique, has the disposition of a Lisa Frank notebook come to life. She is upbeat. As long as there isn’t a full moon. Halfcocked doesn’t go into detail about what changes. That happens in a later book.
One would think having a succubus on staff would have taken this into X-rated territory, but nothing will outdo the scene with the satyr from Searing Destiny and the “weapon” of choice. I didn’t hate Miss Kane, but was happy we didn’t have to deal with her too much. Over the years, we have met other succubus. Southeast Asia has a whole squad of them. Miss Kane’s introduction didn’t do the character any favors. She treats others worse than some of the cartel members. Ian Dex would have loved her. If that whole lifestyle is your thing, then that’s great. Jin had no interest in it. I remember loathing the AI, Rusty. He’s not as worthless as Sue from the New York PPD, but there came a point when I wanted him hung by his sub-routines. Of course, his infatuation with Miss Kane means he’d probably enjoy it.
I originally wrote to being surprised at some of the errors that got through editing. Having reread all of the PPD books, I now know that editing seems to be lacking throughout all of them. As long as a book has less than five minor mistakes such as transposing letters, I do not include specifics. Factual mistakes should never happen though.
Specific to this book:
At one point, Rudy is in a limo and says he’s with Hector. Nope. There is a reason why Rudy is with Alejandro.
Jin talks about being an assassin for 30 years. That is then lessened to 20 years. Make up your mind.
I wouldn’t mind a series based on Jin’s 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 able to do something.
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 have 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 in the Southeast Asia series. 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
I enjoyed the book being completely third-person. I wish more urban fantasy authors used it.
The PPD officers in this book are made up of species that are more G-rated than normal. We have a mermaid, a unicorn, and a leprechaun. These iterations are far removed from a Disney movie. But we all know those movies changed old fairy tales so much, that they might as well have just created a new word instead.
Take leprechauns. Darby O’Gill and the Little People had them being tricksters, but in a playful way. The lore is less pleasant. They can’t all be joyful cereal mascots. Lieutenant Lacy Meany is somewhere in-between. She is most definitely NOT child-friendly.
Then we have unicorns. Oy. There are so many books were the creatures are blood-thirsty killers. My favorite unicorn is Grimm from the href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/1843... Temple series. His hatred of rainbows is so bloody funny. He broke the Bifrost! Freakin’ psycho. The unicorn here, Raina Mystique, has the disposition of a Lisa Frank notebook come to life. She is upbeat. As long as there isn’t a full moon. Halfcocked doesn’t go into detail about what changes. That happens in a later book.
One would think having a succubus on staff would have taken this into X-rated territory, but nothing will outdo the scene with the satyr from Searing Destiny and the “weapon” of choice. I didn’t hate Miss Kane, but was happy we didn’t have to deal with her too much. Over the years, we have met other succubus. Southeast Asia has a whole squad of them. Miss Kane’s introduction didn’t do the character any favors. She treats others worse than some of the cartel members. Ian Dex would have loved her. If that whole lifestyle is your thing, then that’s great. Jin had no interest in it. I remember loathing the AI, Rusty. He’s not as worthless as Sue from the New York PPD, but there came a point when I wanted him hung by his sub-routines. Of course, his infatuation with Miss Kane means he’d probably enjoy it.
I originally wrote to being surprised at some of the errors that got through editing. Having reread all of the PPD books, I now know that editing seems to be lacking throughout all of them. As long as a book has less than five minor mistakes such as transposing letters, I do not include specifics. Factual mistakes should never happen though.
Specific to this book:
At one point, Rudy is in a limo and says he’s with Hector. Nope. There is a reason why Rudy is with Alejandro.
Jin talks about being an assassin for 30 years. That is then lessened to 20 years. Make up your mind.
I wouldn’t mind a series based on Jin’s 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 able to do something.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
September 22, 2024
a interesting new type of supernatural series
There is no end of tension and conflict with these bizarre characters
Drug wars, gang wars and zombies! Who knew it would be so good to read.
There is no end of tension and conflict with these bizarre characters
Drug wars, gang wars and zombies! Who knew it would be so good to read.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🙏
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 🙏
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.
This book is a fun ride just as every other Paranormal Police Department series. I enjoyed, and look forward to the next two books.
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 15, 2025
Truly awful - genuinely halfcocked!
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.
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.
March 27, 2026
The book blurb asks “What could possibly go wrong?”. Well quite a lot from this readers perspective.
It starts off kind of okay but then it goes downhill quite rapidly.
The story is weak at best and quite bad at times. The hero, supposedly this bad-ass is, well not so much bad-ass, not so intelligent and I never much took a liking to him.
Then we come to the supernatural menagerie. A wererooster, seriously? A rooster? Was that supposed to be funny?
Then the author piles on with unfunny sexual jokes and for good measure add some woke rants, for example, about zoos and “animals rights to choose”. What the fuck?
Overall low IQ story splattered with low IQ (sexual) jokes and woke rants. This one goes onto the rubbish shelf.
It starts off kind of okay but then it goes downhill quite rapidly.
The story is weak at best and quite bad at times. The hero, supposedly this bad-ass is, well not so much bad-ass, not so intelligent and I never much took a liking to him.
Then we come to the supernatural menagerie. A wererooster, seriously? A rooster? Was that supposed to be funny?
Then the author piles on with unfunny sexual jokes and for good measure add some woke rants, for example, about zoos and “animals rights to choose”. What the fuck?
Overall low IQ story splattered with low IQ (sexual) jokes and woke rants. This one goes onto the rubbish shelf.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews