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Like a bad habit you just can’t quit, your favorite queer as hell alcoholic hunter of the supernatural is back … just in time for the end of the world. Osgood is in a pretty sorry state after the events of Osgood as She Gets, but watching your girlfriend get bisected by flying glass and then being hurled from a crashed subway train car yourself, well it isn’t pretty. She’s spent a lot of time in the hospital in the past, but now she’s got Locked-In Syndrome. She can see, she can feel, she can experience all around her but is paralyzed and cannot communicate, and while this is happening, something inside her is desperate to make a deal to wear her like clothing.

When she gets back to work (you knew she would, right?) she’ll have to up her game. That very subway crash that tried to kill Osgood managed to kill 844 other Chicagoans, ushering in an opportunity for someone or something to bring forth the end of the world. With Chicago besieged by spectral forces, Osgood and her stalwart Spectral Inspectors find themselves face to face with a body-hopping force who may just be the avatar of a god.

One thing Osgood knows for sure is that something really bad is about to happen, and she sure could use a stiff drink.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Cooper S. Beckett

18 books138 followers
As a queer non-monogamous writer, Cooper S. Beckett endeavors to create characters that reflect the diverse lifestyles of his friends, his partners, and himself. From that mandate, he writes scary, silly, and sexy books and essays. Beginning his writing career as a podcaster and speaker in the sexuality education community, he wrote My Life on the Swingset, a memoir of his first five years in non-monogamy, then followed that up with two novels that take a brutally honest look at swinging and polyamory, A Life Less Monogamous, and Approaching the Swingularity. Returning to his first love, the horror genre, has been like a homecoming. From a young age, his obsession with horror movies and books seriously concerned his mother. It probably still does. Given a choice, he would rather winter at the Overlook than the Waldorf. Like Lydia Deetz, he has always thought of himself strange and unusual, be it his perspective on sexuality, monogamy, politics, or where Elder Gods ought to fall in the hierarchy.

He lives in Chicago with his wife, constant, and binary star, Ophilia Tesla, and their black cats Xander and Willow.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Svea Neitzke.
120 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2025
Osgood As Dead is the 4th book in the Spectral Inspector series by Cooper S. Beckett. Prudence Osgood is one of my favorite deeply flawed characters. She's LGBTQ and has tons of love issues, struggles with her own personal demons, self-medicates, and chronic pain. Despite all of this, she still remains strong enough to fight entities with her loyal friends.

Even though Beckett includes a great rundown of what happened in the last book, you should read the others first. Readers would be lost otherwise. Beckett expands on Osgood's place in the world beyond Chicago. Each book in this series explores more of what lies in other dimensions. Not only that, but Osgood becomes more self-aware and tries to combat her past traumas. She has no choice when she develops Locked-In syndrome.

I can't give away too much, but the events are very trippy. We spend a lot of time in her head as she encounters something truly evil. That evil plays with space and time, with a horrible agenda. What I love about Osgood besides her strength, is her sense of humor. Even in the face of malignant forces, she always has wit and her quirky nature.
Profile Image for Lia's Haunted Library .
343 reviews44 followers
January 2, 2025
First off, huge thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of Osgood as Dead. This isn’t the kind of book I usually go for, but I’m glad I did—it’s a wild, fun ride.

The story picks up with Prudence “Os” Osgood, who’s recovering from a traumatic subway crash that left her with Locked-In Syndrome.

What stood out to me was the excellent summary of the previous book included at the beginning. It gave just enough context to jump into this story without feeling lost—perfect for someone like me who hasn’t read the earlier books (yet).What sets this apart is the way it combines chaos and sentiment. Os is deeply flawed (she's also been through a lot of stuff), but she’s also incredibly real, and you can’t help but root for her.
Profile Image for Samm.
306 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
Holy...shit...I'll come back with actual thoughts soon.

EDIT:
He fucking did it again, guys! This was so incredible. I was up until after 4am finishing it because I could not step away from this.

If you take one recommendation from me seriously, let it be this series. I have grown so attached these characters. They are broken and often cynical but the way they show up for each other is so fantastic. We meet some new characters and I can't say who cuz it'll spoil stuff but they're SO creepy and deliciously vile. The gore in this was excellent! Buckle up so you don't pull a Zack, barfing up your dinner in a possessed stranger's apartment.

I felt like I was being watched while reading this. Like there was a dark towering presence hanging around behind me reading over my shoulder.

I have so much to say about this book but unfortunately it would spoil a lot. This book comes out on January 7th, 2025. That's 55 days to read the first three! You can also still jump on the ARC bus with Cooper! Trust and believe, you'll tear through these books with plenty of time left before Osgood As Dead comes out.
Profile Image for Ky.
219 reviews29 followers
January 23, 2025
Cooper S Beckett knows how to write a bad ass character in a bad ass book!

I love everything about Osgood, and this novel just helped me fall in love with the character more and more! Cooper is also so good at giving recaps and flashbacks, allowing for the reader to understand and digest the new information without getting lost in the mix.

I absolutely loved this addition to the Osgood series!! I’m wondering if this will be our last adventure together? The ending seemed both complete and open ended, I’m excited for more if there is more to come!

Thanks so much to Cooper S Beckett for the ARC opportunity again, I’m so grateful to have been introduced to this series.
Profile Image for Ashley.
534 reviews14 followers
January 13, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5

Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Osgood is literally a legend. With every book she grows and becomes more inspiring, cynical, and badass. I loved the vulnerability she showed in this story - I feel like she was pushed further than she ever had before, and the stakes had never been higher. The way she sacrificed herself for her friends and even the entire world is nothing short of selfless. I also really loved how gory this one got at times - the scene with the nurse, Alice - one of the more bone-chilling scenes I've read recently. Every new book in this series never disappoints! However, I did find parts of this one to be a bit confusing; but Osgood was living a literal fever dream, so I'm not too concerned about any of that.

I really enjoyed this installment to the Spectral Inspectors, and if you love Osgood, you'll love this one too! Highly recommend, particularly if you enjoy Ghostbusters and wished it was R-Rated.
Profile Image for Sharron Joy Reads.
743 reviews36 followers
February 4, 2025
After the accident that sliced her girlfriend in half and flung her from the mangled subway train Osgood is now in hospital again, this time with locked in syndrome. Paralysed in body, her mind is awake in agony and something wants to take her body and wear her like a cloak. Once out of hospital she and the spectral inspectors face up to a body hopping creature and a Chicago overrun by spectral forces, given entry when the subway train crashed.

I love Osgood, she is flawed, troubled and a mess of a human but she takes no prisoners and gives not one shit! Often out of her depth and digging herself deeper with a mouth that will not keep quiet, she is so human. Audrey and Zack are back too and a host of very unpleasant new characters.

This is the fourth book but a handy little catch up at the beginning means you can jump right into this story which starts as a messed up fever dream, set in paradise and then moves into a hellscape on earth as the spectral hordes descend. Frenetic, chaotic, emotional and a marvellous madness of a story!
Profile Image for Teresa Krasteva.
133 reviews42 followers
January 20, 2025
Osgood as Dead was a wild ride full of fun, raunchy, heartbreaking, fantastical, cosmic, horrific, beautiful moments. This is the type of book where "anything goes" with a penetrating focus on unencumbered imagined and vibrant dreams and spaces.

A significant aspect of the book is the abundant realities that live in Osgood and outside of her. The fragmentation of worlds and dimensions establishes a multiverse of possibilities for where the story could go early on. Subsequently, the constant change of realities or perceptions keeps the story dynamic and fast-paced, especially in the second half of the book. In honesty, I did find the first half to be a bit confusing, but considering that this is book number four in Osgood's saga, it is understandable. Nevertheless, I immensely enjoyed the travel and glimpses through Osgood's memories and the intricate structure of her invaded mind as dimensions continued to fold and dissipate throughout the entire novel.

The clever setup of Osgood's character as a wielder of realities (of sorts) creates space for a new type of villain --- a meta, almost intangible ,and incomprehensible evil that conducts debilitating mind games while reigning vivisection on the physical plane. The monster's persistence paints a larger picture that makes us sympathize more with Osgood as a protagonist and brings about a feeling of dread and anxiety as to what is to come. This approach --- to focalize emotional pain more than physical --- generates a bigger impact as the monster preys on vulnerabilities, fears, memories (false and true).

Most importantly, through our forced living in Osgood's mind for a chunk of the novel, we uncover various valuable subtopics that cater to self-exploration. Osgood, a 45-year-old, queer, differently-abled woman, struggles with her identity in a very general and relatable sense. Os battles with the what others tell me I am versus what I think I should be versus what I actually am . Through all her rumination she shines as the raw, intuitive, intelligent, funny, sarcastic, sexually-charged, emotional, tough, will-die-for-her-friends-always type. Coming face to face with some elements of childhood trauma helps her grow as a person in fiction and as a character.

It is through Osgood's characterization, the found family aspect, and the generational interconnectedness of women that the book navigates unexpected twists and revelations, and produces a deliciously chaotic ending.
Profile Image for Kate | Date With A Thriller.
497 reviews32 followers
January 27, 2025
What a wild ride this one was! The fourth installment in the Spectral Inspector series picks up where Osgood As She Gets left off, and takes off running! 🙌

While I love our regular Spectral Inspector crew, I also loved the new characters introduced in this book! Loved all the Chicago references as well! The ending was great - certainly left it where the series could either end here or continue on - which personally I’m hoping we’ll see the fifth book in the future! 👀🤞🏻

Definitely recommend this one! Which, having only read the third book before this one, I’d say could easily be read as standalone! 👏

Thank you to Cooper S. Beckett for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
Profile Image for Janet Guzman.
512 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2025
Ok walked in blind with this read and absolutely loved the author for the refresher of the previous books! Loved Os rooted for her and all the insanity!!! Def want to go back read the other books🖤
Profile Image for Julie.
16 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2025
I loved this one so much. Osgood does it again! The dialogue and the witty banter in this book can't be beat. It's got every kind of genre you could think of, all in one book. If you love horror especially, you're going to love this book. Plus you can read this one as a stand alone without reading the other books (though you should read the other ones!)
Profile Image for T.D. Lawler.
Author 17 books37 followers
December 4, 2024
The author was nice enough to reach out to me to ask that I read and review his book in advance. I’ve never been asked that before and I felt honored.

I am going into this blind so I don’t know the history although there is a really good recap that helps get up to speed. This helps make the book more accessible which is great.

This is not something I would typically read but I am glad to have had the opportunity because I really liked the characters and stories. I’m not going into spoilers at all but it checks all the boxes of things I like to read in books and has introduced me to some new ideas and themes that I thoroughly enjoyed. Enough that I would like to go back and read the other books in this series.

Huge thank you to the author. Great work!
Profile Image for Charlene (pageandplace).
314 reviews19 followers
February 3, 2025
A colorful explosion of fantasy, romance and sci-fi! This is a wild ride!

This is book 4 for the spectral investigator and there is a fantastic recap for the prior books- super handy to catch up since I jumped in at book 4! You get a sense of what has happened to get us to the current “locked in syndrome” the main character, Osgood, is experiencing.

I was contacted by the author, Cooper Beckett, to read this book. It’s always exciting to check out a new authors work!!! I was thrilled to get out of my usual genre box, even though I enjoy these genres it was quite interesting in this mix! There is a lot going on- not sure if I would feel more invested had I started with book 1. Sci-fi fantasy fans who enjoy spice will dig this vibrantly written mashup!

I loved the beautifully descriptive story from the Shaman about the daughters of the sun and moon! Also, Amber Benson will be narrating the audiobook which is an absolute bonus for listeners!

Thank you to the author, Cooper S Beckett, for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Londyn Strandquist.
279 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2025
This book is a remarkable blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance that exceeds expectations. I haven’t read the previous books and even without reading them, the recap at the beginning provides enough context to dive in!! Also has me wanting to read the previous books because the prior knowledge would definitely enhance the experience! Especially since this book starts off right where the last one finished!

At its core is Prudence “Os” Osgood, a deeply flawed yet relatable character navigating Locked-In Syndrome, chronic pain, and personal demons. Beckett masterfully balances chaos, sentiment, and horror, delivering shocking twists, sharp dialogue, and an intricate, immersive plot.

The vivid world-building and complex characters will captivate even those new to the genre. Beckett’s detailed and engaging writing makes this a standout installment that leaves readers eager to explore more of their work. A truly gripping and mind-bending read! This isn’t a genre or storyline I’d typically pick up but I’m so glad Cooper reached out to me and offered me and ARC copy because it really was so fun to read!
Profile Image for Christine.
94 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2025
⭐3.75
🫑- 🌶️.5-1

"There's something special about this wretch here, and you're desperate to get it."

"I don't need it - I want. I crave. I yearn. I covet."

Whoa! What a wild ride. Cooper reached out in regards to receiving an arc for an honest review of Osgood as Dead, and I'm so glad that they did. Fantasy is my jam but I have not dived into the Horror/Paranormal side of this genre much. This was super enjoyable and most certainly pushed me out of my usual reading comforts (in a good way).

From what I watched of Supernatural this is giving me Supernatural meets maybe Goosebumps ish?Mmmmm maybe more Beetlejuice..

There is a lot going on here, without spoiling anything, the main character 'Prudence Osgood (Os) is recovering from a very traumatic subway crash that leaves her in the hospital with Locked-In Syndrome. The very crash Osgood survived managed to kill 844 other Chicagoans, ushering in an opportunity for someone .. or something else to bring forth the end of the world'?!

I felt all the feelings reading this. From laughing, to sad, PISSED OFF, to yeaah.. I related to that self-deprecating shit too, to just that overall relief and pain of having a really amazing support system around you - fuck the consequences.

Cooper included really awesome recaps of the previous books, as this is Book 4 in the series which helped jumping into this without reading the others, and yet I can't help but think that if I had read the others first, I would have had a better connection with the characters and understanding of what they had gone through prior to were we kick off in Book 4.

Osgood As Dead releases on February 6th, 2025.. soo you have time to catch up on the series ;)- highly recommend!
Profile Image for Josie (thebookgoblin13).
316 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2025
So this amazing author reached out to me to see if I was interested in reading this glorious ARC and boy was this such an amazing ride. All 4 books in this series are chef kiss amazing. This story, the big bad, the chaos, the love, alllll the characters and I mean ALL of them kick ass and I fucking love them (Zach will always be my favorite). All these characters are broken and cynical but there 100% for their people. There is so much happening on these books that just keep you on the edge of your seats. I love all the mystery and learning about everything going on. I hope the Osgood books keep coming because I am here for them. That cliffhanger though. Idk maaaaaan.
Profile Image for Kat.
185 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2025
Really great recap at the beginning of the first few books! I still plan to read the other books, but that recap at the beginning helped a lot.

The plot is amazing. And Osgood is a pretty awesome character.

The things she finds and some of the characters she deals with are shocking. And the detail of everything is amazing. Nothing is left out! This was a lot more than I thought it would be, but it was great! I love the paranormal, so this was a great story to read!

If you like the paranormal, then I recommend reading this series!
Profile Image for Aditi.
47 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
Osgood as Dead by Cooper S. Beckett is a gripping masterpiece that had me hooked from the very first page. The seamless blend of suspense, dark twists, and rich character development made it impossible to put down. Beckett’s ability to create tension and unpredictability kept me glued, eager to uncover the next revelation. The story’s depth, with its clever plot and emotionally charged moments, resonated deeply, making it a truly immersive experience. As an ARC reader, I was captivated by the vivid writing and the intricate dynamics between the characters. This book is an absolute must-read for mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Destiny Imperati.
1,036 reviews38 followers
January 18, 2025
ARC Review ✨️

♡Prudence♡

The way the author is able to create such a unique story and a really fascinating main character is astonishing! Prudence is such an extraordinary character. The way her mind works is wondrous🙌🖤

I loved how I was able to dive right into the story without forgetting key points from the rest of the series. This is one of those books that gives a nice recap of previous stories, but it's not overpowering.

This series has been such a great reading experience 😍🙌 I highly recommend it if you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy romance!

Huge thank you to the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Laurel.
467 reviews53 followers
February 3, 2025
One of my favorite series - fantastic characters, excellent creepy and historic elements, a clear love of the city, and some delightful spice. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Samantha Lyons.
4 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2025
I was asked by this author to read this book, and was graciously sent an ARC. I don’t typically read Sci Fi books, however this book pleasantly surprised me! I enjoyed Os’s sense of humor and also how she was able to see the good in herself even when she was being faced with some of her worst choices. Os is a character that I just want to be friends with in real life. Give this book a read, you won’t regret it! Thanks again Cooper for allowing me to read your book!
Profile Image for Fauwxx.
164 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2025
Thank you so much to Cooper S. Beckett for reaching out and offering me an ARC of Osgood As Dead. Expected Pub date is Feb 6th, 2025.

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars

This was a fun queer supernatural sci-fi novel. One thing of note is that this is book 4 out of a series. I really appreciated the fact that at the beginning of the novel there was a recap- which makes it easy to jump right in. The story follows Prudence 'Os' Osgood's journey as she 'wakes up' with Locked-in-Syndrome. An elder god is creating a resort world in her mind- trying to take her body.

I really loved Os's character! She was funny and I found myself laughing at her inner monologue quite a few times. Beckett's writing skills are wonderful and I found this novel very easy to read. Although this isn't considered a horror novel, I do want to warn readers that there are a couple of bloody/graphic scenes within these pages. You will also run into a spicy scene quite early on.

If you love queer Sci-Fi romances, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
Profile Image for aftonslibrary.
210 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2025
One, I love the great recap at the beginning of the book because I’m old and this should honestly be the expectation when reading a series.

While this novel was more sci-fi than I was expecting, it does a fantastic job questioning the idea of reality and where it gets a little blurry for where it ends. Osgood is still just as witty, eccentric and dark as previous novels. Beckett does a great job building strong characters that you root for, mourn for, and despise. Also, I don’t think I have ever laughed so much reading trigger warnings. Get ready for this one released on February 6.
Profile Image for Jules.
142 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2025
I’m incredibly grateful to Cooper S. Beckett for the opportunity to read this ARC of Osgood As Dead. From the first page, this book delivers a gripping, high-stakes noir story with a fierce and unforgettable queer heroine. Osgood is tough, complex, and impossible not to root for as she navigates a world of danger and deception. She is a badass! Osgood Goddamn!

Beckett’s writing crackles with sharp dialogue, rich atmosphere, witty one-liners and a fresh take on classic noir. It’s dark, thrilling, and unapologetically bold—everything I love in a crime story. A must-read for fans of gritty, boundary-pushing storytelling!

This is part of a series but I didn't have to read the first three books to know what was happening. Cooper gives a good explanation at the start of the book. So don't worry about jumping right in! 😉
103 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2025
This was good! I did not read these in order, I was asked to read an ARC copy, but I almost didn’t feel I needed to. There was a recap at the beginning, and if there was anything happening from a previous book it was covered well enough that it was clear. It was labeled as horror, but I’d call it more suspense or psychological, until the end when it gets a little *intense* 😂. I’m looking forward to catching up with these characters overall, though!
Profile Image for Hali Simmons.
182 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2025
I have to admit that this book caught me off guard in the best way. It is a unique blend of noir, supernatural mystery, and a touch of the absurd that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Profile Image for Erin Phillips.
63 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2025
Dark, dangerous, sexy - Cooper S Beckett delivers again and again! Safe to say, Beckett is no one trick pony!

If I wasn't 100% positive that it would invite extra chaos into my life, I'd get an Osgood tattoo lol.
Profile Image for Roo.
538 reviews16 followers
January 8, 2025
Going into this book blind, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into but there was a wonderful recap in the beginning that really sets the scene in tone for the story! These characters all make you love them in their own ways!

This sci-fi fantasy Romance will sweep you off your feet and make you wonder how you got or you got with how well paced and interesting storyline! The story is thorough and very detailed and well put together!

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for gracie.
44 reviews
January 3, 2025

If you love strong minded lead, dark twisting plot, and complicated characters, then you need to pick up this book ASAP. Shoutout to the author for the ARC!

This book is the fourth book of The Spectral Inspector. If I was not much of a sci-fi fantasy girlie before, this book has surely swayed me a little.

Prudence Osgood had woken up from a terrible accident that had not only taken her loved one, but also parts of herself, mainly her body. With the limitation of her broken body post-accident, and something evil always one step behind her, she knew she couldn’t shake off the smell of fight coming. Together with the spectral inspectors, can they stand in the face with this body-hopping evil, or will they fall together with their city?

Mark your calendars! You want to be ready to meet Pru and the team in January🔥
Profile Image for Milly♡.
27 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2025
4.5 STARS.

I received a message from Cooper offering me a chance to read this story before it's released and I am glad I took the chance!

I recommend looking at the TW before reading!

I obviously haven't read the first three books but that's okay because there's an EXCELLENT recap to help me understand where this story takes place! it starts off strong, had me hooked and entertained and it never let go of it's hold on me.

Prudence, oh dear Pru. You will forever have me in a chokehold. Such a complex and flawed character, but oh so relateable and likeable🫶🏼
Honestly, all of the characters were so amazing that I can't really say i have a specific favorite😅
Cooper S. Beckett truly did put Pru through it, but it's worth the read!

great writing and a fantastic and quite horrific story!

Osgood as Dead comes out February 6th! I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did♡
Profile Image for Heather..
307 reviews45 followers
January 9, 2025
I enjoyed this! I found the team of Spectral Inspectors to be quite interesting. They were a very interesting group to and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
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