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Bo Blackman #1
Dire Straits
Bo Blackman is a rookie private investigator working for the London based firm of Dire Straits. She doesn't often get triber-based assignments, which is just as well. Vampires and daemons don't interest her as much as humans do. However, when she has to serve a summons on a dodgy daemon called Devlin O'Shea and she ends up saving his life instead of being framed for his murder, her life takes a shocking turn for the worse. And when the vampire Families start involving themselves too, Bo no longer knows where to turn...
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
676 people are currently reading
2638 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
July 25, 2017
2.5? 3? hmm...
It's pretty hard to rate, this book. It was boring a lot and then it got interesting. Then I decided to DNF it then hmm, some thing or another managed to change my mind.
So yes, I'm very confused right now. It was a bit too long and the MC was a bit annoying sometimes, but it still managed to keep me interesting.
I admit, I liked the story, I liked the idea. It was all a bit forced though, it felt pretty "fake" at times.
It's pretty hard to rate, this book. It was boring a lot and then it got interesting. Then I decided to DNF it then hmm, some thing or another managed to change my mind.
So yes, I'm very confused right now. It was a bit too long and the MC was a bit annoying sometimes, but it still managed to keep me interesting.
I admit, I liked the story, I liked the idea. It was all a bit forced though, it felt pretty "fake" at times.
July 6, 2025
Dire Straits
By Helen Harper
I read this a long time ago and wanted to re-read it because I wanted to read more of the series, and I couldn't remember this one. It's been too long ago. Once I got into it, I started to remember some. It's an interesting start for the series. I like this author and have enjoyed many books by her. I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't her best by any means, but it left an impressive after the first read to go back to this series, although I couldn't remember the plot.
By Helen Harper
I read this a long time ago and wanted to re-read it because I wanted to read more of the series, and I couldn't remember this one. It's been too long ago. Once I got into it, I started to remember some. It's an interesting start for the series. I like this author and have enjoyed many books by her. I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't her best by any means, but it left an impressive after the first read to go back to this series, although I couldn't remember the plot.
August 25, 2014
I can forgive a lot of faults in a book--plot holes, mediocre writing, inconsistencies, etc.--if the story and the characters are compelling enough. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.
From the start, I found Bo unlikable. She claimed to be smart yet repeatedly said and did stupid things. A coworker noted that people seemed to like her though she had no friends to speak of. Indeed, while the powerful head of a vampire family seemed immediately drawn to and trusting of her (wth was that with her sleeping in his bed, anyway?), I could see absolutely no reason why he would do so. She spent most of the book bumbling about, making erroneous assumptions, treating others rudely--unless she wanted something from them--and generally being a PITA. I tend to like independent, wise-cracking heroines, but only when there is substance behind the defiance and snark. Bo missed the mark badly on this.
Aside from my problems with Bo, I didn't buy many of the premises of this "world," not least of which was the way in which the Families recruited new members, including their reasoning behind it.
I enjoyed Harper's previous series despite its faults. I can't say the same so far for this one.
From the start, I found Bo unlikable. She claimed to be smart yet repeatedly said and did stupid things. A coworker noted that people seemed to like her though she had no friends to speak of. Indeed, while the powerful head of a vampire family seemed immediately drawn to and trusting of her (wth was that with her sleeping in his bed, anyway?), I could see absolutely no reason why he would do so. She spent most of the book bumbling about, making erroneous assumptions, treating others rudely--unless she wanted something from them--and generally being a PITA. I tend to like independent, wise-cracking heroines, but only when there is substance behind the defiance and snark. Bo missed the mark badly on this.
Aside from my problems with Bo, I didn't buy many of the premises of this "world," not least of which was the way in which the Families recruited new members, including their reasoning behind it.
I enjoyed Harper's previous series despite its faults. I can't say the same so far for this one.
July 27, 2014
Bo is not introduced as kick-ass or bad ass, in fact she is rather mediocre apparently. As the book goes on we discover more about her & a-hell-of-a-lot of drama/action/craziness happens. I liked the story as it was rather original, the characters are likeable, the bad guy is not easy to guess & there is no cliff hanger - rather an ending that left me wanting more.
Because I wrote a tiny review I decided to leave you with some vamp eye candy.
If you have read the book, who do you think Michael is most like? Answers on a postcard people.
Because I wrote a tiny review I decided to leave you with some vamp eye candy.
If you have read the book, who do you think Michael is most like? Answers on a postcard people.
October 20, 2018
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
A marvelously pleasant surprise of a book, with an intriguing plot surrounded by wonderful world-building, kick-butt action and yet another self-less heroine who shows promising signs of grower wiser and stronger.
This one is high on the list thus far of series I have read by this author. I can't wait to see what happens next after the poignant ending.
A marvelously pleasant surprise of a book, with an intriguing plot surrounded by wonderful world-building, kick-butt action and yet another self-less heroine who shows promising signs of grower wiser and stronger.
This one is high on the list thus far of series I have read by this author. I can't wait to see what happens next after the poignant ending.
December 14, 2015
Well lets first talk about the positives... 1) I finished it 2)..... Yeah that's about it, to be honest.
This book really confused me from the get go. I found myself stopping a couple times when I first started this book, to double check and google if I had missed a book or if there was a series that I needed to read before starting this book.
The way the author went about describing things about the world etc, was written as if I was supposed to already know the information. The book didn’t feel like the first book in the series. Due to that I wasn't able to fully commit to the story and the world as nothing really made sense about the daemons, vampires and witches(?) Bo was supposed be a half-daemon but I don't remember the author really touching on that. Nothing was properly explained.
What can I say about Bo... I honestly didn't get the point of her and why she was so special/unique (I guees it was a change from those super amazing female protagonists). However, she is PI and a newbie at that. Yet she was tasked with a huge task by a vampire family. Why? I don't know (yes I understand that she was being framed but that plot felt flimsy as hell). She sure didn't come off as the most reliable or even the most equipped to complete the task. But there you go...This book was long and boring and I finished it only because I thought that it would get better but it didn't.
This book really confused me from the get go. I found myself stopping a couple times when I first started this book, to double check and google if I had missed a book or if there was a series that I needed to read before starting this book.
The way the author went about describing things about the world etc, was written as if I was supposed to already know the information. The book didn’t feel like the first book in the series. Due to that I wasn't able to fully commit to the story and the world as nothing really made sense about the daemons, vampires and witches(?) Bo was supposed be a half-daemon but I don't remember the author really touching on that. Nothing was properly explained.
What can I say about Bo... I honestly didn't get the point of her and why she was so special/unique (I guees it was a change from those super amazing female protagonists). However, she is PI and a newbie at that. Yet she was tasked with a huge task by a vampire family. Why? I don't know (yes I understand that she was being framed but that plot felt flimsy as hell). She sure didn't come off as the most reliable or even the most equipped to complete the task. But there you go...This book was long and boring and I finished it only because I thought that it would get better but it didn't.
October 3, 2020
Kindle Unlimited - May 2018.
I'm giving this one a second go as an e-book (not an audiobook). The British spellings give me an eye twitch but Bo is less annoying, even though I don't understand her impulsive decisions. Also, why in the world would Monserant trust her/choose a low-level PI to investigate the biggest conflict in 200 years?
I wish we’d gotten some more information on the grandfather. He seems like the most interesting character in the whole book.
The mystery unravels in a very scooby-doo way. The villain reveals all in a very dramatic fashion. I could almost hear “if it weren’t for that darn Bo Blackman!”
December 2015 - Audiobook.
It was entertaining in a half-paying attention kind of way, but it was rough.
I never warmed to Bo Blackman. It might have been the ridiculous name. It might have been that she was kind of an idiot and completely oblivious. It might have been the odd, and seemingly ridiculous things she does (like sleep in the big-bad vampire boss' bed when she just meets him). Whatever the reason, I never connected with her.
The mystery was Scoobie-Doo-esque and the plot had some holes that were never addressed (what's up with the Grandfather).
Every issue is exaggerated when you listen to an audiobook, so I know that's part of my dislike, but overall, it was meh.
I'm giving this one a second go as an e-book (not an audiobook). The British spellings give me an eye twitch but Bo is less annoying, even though I don't understand her impulsive decisions. Also, why in the world would Monserant trust her/choose a low-level PI to investigate the biggest conflict in 200 years?
I wish we’d gotten some more information on the grandfather. He seems like the most interesting character in the whole book.
The mystery unravels in a very scooby-doo way. The villain reveals all in a very dramatic fashion. I could almost hear “if it weren’t for that darn Bo Blackman!”
December 2015 - Audiobook.
It was entertaining in a half-paying attention kind of way, but it was rough.
I never warmed to Bo Blackman. It might have been the ridiculous name. It might have been that she was kind of an idiot and completely oblivious. It might have been the odd, and seemingly ridiculous things she does (like sleep in the big-bad vampire boss' bed when she just meets him). Whatever the reason, I never connected with her.
The mystery was Scoobie-Doo-esque and the plot had some holes that were never addressed (what's up with the Grandfather).
Every issue is exaggerated when you listen to an audiobook, so I know that's part of my dislike, but overall, it was meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2015
Great book and allllll but I can't stop singing Money For Nothing...
April 27, 2025
I had a feeling I knew how this would end, but I was rooting for the FMC the entire book. I enjoyed reading this book, though, at times, if it felt like it had gone on for too long. Then again, no matter how much I love Helen Harper, I can't remember a single one of her books that I didn't think was going on for a bit too long. Anyway, this was a good book, and I'm looking forward to continuing.
May 11, 2016
Dire Straits by Helen Harper, was right up my alley. Not having read her work before, I found I truly liked Bo Blackman as a person. Add to that a world populated by both humans and tribers, various and sundry types of demons. Bo is an employee of Dire Straits, a PI firm specializing in the ‘odd’ job or two. But when her whole office is slaughtered while she watches from her hidey-hole in the ceiling, things get bad. Especially when everyone seems to think Bo is the one who did the slaughtering. Now, Bo has to figure out why a trusted friend has become the enemy, why he has set up a rookie like her for the fall, before absolutely everyone decides the best place for Bo is in the ground. Yep. As Shrek says, Onions have layers. Ogres have layers! And the story line here has layers upon layers that it was great fun to peel back to discover the next. Another author added to my list.
October 2, 2019
So, so much better than most of the vampire UF out there! Sure, the heroine does some stupid things but really, if she was perfect there wouldn't be a story. Well written and interesting without the yawn inducing sex scenes so prevalent in this genre. I also bought the sequel.
February 5, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author. It is also the first book in her Bo Blackman series. It sounded like something I'd enjoy but this was a huge miss for me. This was a vampire/demon kind of mystery.
A few of the low-lights:
mediocre characters: I didn't like them. I didn't hate them. They were just so so.
the writing: this was short sentence after short sentence. It felt like a long game of I Spy.
the story line: I liked that this was a mystery, but it lacked world building. If the author wants the reader to believe in vampires and demons and their world, then some time needs to be spent on making it sound completely plausible.
So 2 stars.
A few of the low-lights:
mediocre characters: I didn't like them. I didn't hate them. They were just so so.
the writing: this was short sentence after short sentence. It felt like a long game of I Spy.
the story line: I liked that this was a mystery, but it lacked world building. If the author wants the reader to believe in vampires and demons and their world, then some time needs to be spent on making it sound completely plausible.
So 2 stars.
September 21, 2025
This one sucked me in (pun very much intended 🤣) I read it as a part of the Wicked Magic anthology and didn't know what to expect but it was a fun quick read! I read it almost in one sitting
Yes, there were plot holes and some inconsistencies! But as a whole I feel like it's a good first book and laying the ground for more in the future.
It's a very Halloween appropriate read too hehe Loved Bo, the plot was grabbing and the plot twists were twisting 🔥
I'll be off to the second book immediately 👀
Yes, there were plot holes and some inconsistencies! But as a whole I feel like it's a good first book and laying the ground for more in the future.
It's a very Halloween appropriate read too hehe Loved Bo, the plot was grabbing and the plot twists were twisting 🔥
I'll be off to the second book immediately 👀
April 11, 2021
Helen Harper‘s books are very entertaining to me, even though her romantic lead is always the same guy in a slightly different guise. This was not on a level with Slouch Witch and Highland Magic, but pleasant enough. If a story with mind controlled vampires on a killing spree can be called pleasant ;-) Good audio narration. I do have access to more books in the series, and might take them on. I am not as invested in the heroine as I‘d like to be, but it can still happen.
July 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
September 15, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this magical mystery/urban fantasy! While not as tightly written as Ms. Harper’s later work, the story is still a lot of fun.
January 8, 2019
SPOILERS
This first book is about a woman who works as a PI; she is framed for what should have been a murder. Turns out she saved the daemon whose murder it would have been and the story goes from there. He has made a drug that makes make vampires complacent and completely susceptible to suggestion. This drug is being used by some psycho who wants revenge on vampires. In order to infiltrate the vampire families and find the one responsible Bo elects to become one, though she hopes to not fall prey to the bloodlust and instead become a sanguine.
I had some issues with this book that were of the consistency type; when she was being arrested her hands are tied behind her back but then she is able to grab a drink of water right before the next moment where her hands are again behind her back. I was also confused about the grandfather being a vampire though this could be my having misread. apart from the consistency issue there were very few writing errors and the novel flowed seamlessly. The beginning has a lot of "I did this, and then I did this, so then I did this" which irked me but I was able to tough it out until actual character dialogue became prevalent. It was a good read.
Pg13 for some cussing; there is no sex but there is a chaste kiss which could be indicative of a relationship to come.
This first book is about a woman who works as a PI; she is framed for what should have been a murder. Turns out she saved the daemon whose murder it would have been and the story goes from there. He has made a drug that makes make vampires complacent and completely susceptible to suggestion. This drug is being used by some psycho who wants revenge on vampires. In order to infiltrate the vampire families and find the one responsible Bo elects to become one, though she hopes to not fall prey to the bloodlust and instead become a sanguine.
I had some issues with this book that were of the consistency type; when she was being arrested her hands are tied behind her back but then she is able to grab a drink of water right before the next moment where her hands are again behind her back. I was also confused about the grandfather being a vampire though this could be my having misread. apart from the consistency issue there were very few writing errors and the novel flowed seamlessly. The beginning has a lot of "I did this, and then I did this, so then I did this" which irked me but I was able to tough it out until actual character dialogue became prevalent. It was a good read.
Pg13 for some cussing; there is no sex but there is a chaste kiss which could be indicative of a relationship to come.
January 28, 2017
This should be exactly my kind of book. Magic, vampires, daemons, murder, subsequent investigation, independent female lead... who is the most peremptory and obnoxious character I think I have ever encountered. She kept making assumptions and jumping to conclusions with no apparent evidence. There was entirely too much time spent in her head as she spun wild accusations about everyone she encountered. There was also not enough time spent on world-building. A bit more background information or robust descriptions would have been appreciated. With the main character lost in her anxiety and paranoia, it would have been nice to be able to form my own opinions about what was actually happening but there wasn't enough information about the world and relationships between the different groups of people. I stopped reading at Chapter 11.
July 29, 2015
First in a series of stories about Bo Blackman, a rookie PI. On a routine assignment she becomes embroiled in dark and treacherous plot. Her life is threatened along with others around her. In an attempt to solve the murder mystery she goes undercover into the world of vampires. Not easy as she hates Bloodguzzlers..
I kept expecting a romance to develop, probably because that is my main genre. I felt it was alluded to now and then, but if it develops it will be in a future book. I enjoyed the basic storyline and the characters were entertaining. The writing style is good and the story flowed well for me. I hope to read book 2 as well.
"I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
I kept expecting a romance to develop, probably because that is my main genre. I felt it was alluded to now and then, but if it develops it will be in a future book. I enjoyed the basic storyline and the characters were entertaining. The writing style is good and the story flowed well for me. I hope to read book 2 as well.
"I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
February 14, 2015
A bit tame, but enjoyable UF I felt that the heroine is a bit of a Mary Sue, and she basically fails in every endeavour.
It is quite mysterious why she is sought after by the big bad-ass vampire lord.
She is a rookie investigator, who just got lucky once.
But somehow it was still entertaining.
It is quite mysterious why she is sought after by the big bad-ass vampire lord.
She is a rookie investigator, who just got lucky once.
But somehow it was still entertaining.
October 26, 2025
This is my third Helen Harper series since the start of the summer. While I enjoy her books, she does have a particular style that makes her heroines kinda same-y even in the ways that they’re not the same.
In this case, we’re following Bo, a PI who gets caught up in a conspiracy surrounding the attempted murder of a quarter demon who’s developed a spell that someone is using to take out male vampires. With the police and media attention on her, Bo does the only thing that’s sure to protect her: she joins a vampire family.
She’s surrounded by a cast of colourful characters. Harper is good at side characters. The narrator here is the same one who narrated the Scottish fae series, and the voice for Bo’s granddad is the one she used for Bob the genie and I kinda love it.
The story was an interesting whodunnit while also being an introduction to the world Harper has created here. There’s an introduction of tensions between denizens of the world that will obviously be the main arc of the series.
Also, one of the side characters swears using the word “smeg”. 😎
For a first book, it kept my interest and functioned as a good launching pad. I’m looking forward to seeing how things will develop.
In this case, we’re following Bo, a PI who gets caught up in a conspiracy surrounding the attempted murder of a quarter demon who’s developed a spell that someone is using to take out male vampires. With the police and media attention on her, Bo does the only thing that’s sure to protect her: she joins a vampire family.
She’s surrounded by a cast of colourful characters. Harper is good at side characters. The narrator here is the same one who narrated the Scottish fae series, and the voice for Bo’s granddad is the one she used for Bob the genie and I kinda love it.
The story was an interesting whodunnit while also being an introduction to the world Harper has created here. There’s an introduction of tensions between denizens of the world that will obviously be the main arc of the series.
Also, one of the side characters swears using the word “smeg”. 😎
For a first book, it kept my interest and functioned as a good launching pad. I’m looking forward to seeing how things will develop.
April 2, 2017
This book was just OK, it was similar to other books I've read and some of the others I've read were much better.
The main character is Bo Blackman, a private investigator into paranormal stuff. At the start of the book she is put on the case of a daemon called Devlin, she saves his life but then following some events ends up being framed for his murder. And she finds herself in deeper trouble than she even thought possible.
There are secondary characters but none I found particularly noteworthy.
The storyline is not hugely original but it does make for just an OK read. The pacing is good and I like that the story is built up to the climactic ending. This was a nice and easy read, not too taxing and no thought really required, it is similar to other books.
3 stars, just an OK easy read.
The main character is Bo Blackman, a private investigator into paranormal stuff. At the start of the book she is put on the case of a daemon called Devlin, she saves his life but then following some events ends up being framed for his murder. And she finds herself in deeper trouble than she even thought possible.
There are secondary characters but none I found particularly noteworthy.
The storyline is not hugely original but it does make for just an OK read. The pacing is good and I like that the story is built up to the climactic ending. This was a nice and easy read, not too taxing and no thought really required, it is similar to other books.
3 stars, just an OK easy read.
August 24, 2018
I enjoyed Book 1. Books 3 to first half of 6 get a bit dark, not in a gory way so much as overall depressing (lack of wins, lack of good people about). Book 3 has a tacky cliff hanger ending - if you read 3 & 4 as one book it may not be so aggravating.
So, my overall for the series is just ok. The writing is excellent and it moves along well with twists and turns. I came to this author starting with Slouch Witch - that series is loads of fun. Then went to Wraith - also great marks. Not sure I'll pursue any of her other earlier works. But, this is a quirk of my currently looking for more upbeat reads. I'm sure many would love this. I maintain that she is heads above most of the other writers available on Kindle Unlimited.
So, my overall for the series is just ok. The writing is excellent and it moves along well with twists and turns. I came to this author starting with Slouch Witch - that series is loads of fun. Then went to Wraith - also great marks. Not sure I'll pursue any of her other earlier works. But, this is a quirk of my currently looking for more upbeat reads. I'm sure many would love this. I maintain that she is heads above most of the other writers available on Kindle Unlimited.
March 5, 2024
The end was a bit of a surprise
April 4, 2019
I guess I've been reading too many paranormal series with female PI's. This one felt predictable with a hint of future romance. Still a good story but I guess I need a change to another genre.
September 11, 2016
2 1/2
I guess it's not an easy feat - these days and times - writing UF. So many try and flounder that a book with many faults may still be a good read.
Mmmm, maybe this is not the right way to start a review. Or maybe I'm too sleepy to be coherent. I'll try.
Dire Straits has many good points, but alas it has enough nits that they cancel each other. It's always pleasant when there's still something (tiny) fresh in the genre, but shaky world-buildings are a disappointment as they really impact the story (leaving the readers with many doubts and whys? and hows?).
I may have accepted this and probably more if the author had got me an heroine I could cheer or root for. Unfortunately, my only reaction to her was flinching, almost every time.
Bo isn't a rookie, she's - simply put - unprepared, unprofessional. She's not in any way or form a PI: she has no skills, no intelligence, no gut instincts. She may be lucky. It's not enough for the character you are creating. She's not TSTL, but it's not a comfort. You expect better. They call her a Nancy Drew, they are wrong. She's worse (and in part is other people's fault). But what she is, what she was, isn't clear.
At the end she looks like a beheaded chicken running around or, to be fairer, like a ball in a pinball machine: hurting, slamming every where, running around without an aim, and in no way at the elm of the ship (or machine).
The "mystery" plot goes on and forward without her. She condemns herself to a fate worse than death trusting the "fact" she's way better than she is. I can sympathize, but only to a point. After that I mostly despise. In no moment of the story, present or past, I was given something - anything - that could guarantee for her abilities. I was never in any danger to see her as someone that could - and would - overcome the odds or either balance them. On the contrary.
I realize that I could not follow her reasoning. Why did she accept to become what she hates? She crumbles at the first difficulty and caves. .
I did not see what could really motivate her, except the author's hand.
Unfortunately the heroine impacts heavily on the plot, not only because hers is the only pov, but because through her eyes close to nothing has sense.
The rest of the characters is pretty bland and very deja-read. And they gave me some WTH moments too.
I had meant to read the sequel, but after the ending (almost a cliffhanger, but not properly) I felt irritated. Maybe if the rest of the book had been condensed, I could have gotten to the good part without waiting for book two. :)
I realize I sound harsher than I meant. The book isn't bad, but it's not without faults. How much they may annoy you will depend on your tastes.
PS It's self-pub, via Amazon, and there are some editing mistakes.
PSS. The deja-read feeling is very strong at times (above all the channeling of Chicagoville, but you can play the game and see what it reminds you of).
I guess it's not an easy feat - these days and times - writing UF. So many try and flounder that a book with many faults may still be a good read.
Mmmm, maybe this is not the right way to start a review. Or maybe I'm too sleepy to be coherent. I'll try.
Dire Straits has many good points, but alas it has enough nits that they cancel each other. It's always pleasant when there's still something (tiny) fresh in the genre, but shaky world-buildings are a disappointment as they really impact the story (leaving the readers with many doubts and whys? and hows?).
I may have accepted this and probably more if the author had got me an heroine I could cheer or root for. Unfortunately, my only reaction to her was flinching, almost every time.
Bo isn't a rookie, she's - simply put - unprepared, unprofessional. She's not in any way or form a PI: she has no skills, no intelligence, no gut instincts. She may be lucky. It's not enough for the character you are creating. She's not TSTL, but it's not a comfort. You expect better. They call her a Nancy Drew, they are wrong. She's worse (and in part is other people's fault). But what she is, what she was, isn't clear.
At the end she looks like a beheaded chicken running around or, to be fairer, like a ball in a pinball machine: hurting, slamming every where, running around without an aim, and in no way at the elm of the ship (or machine).
The "mystery" plot goes on and forward without her. She condemns herself to a fate worse than death trusting the "fact" she's way better than she is. I can sympathize, but only to a point. After that I mostly despise. In no moment of the story, present or past, I was given something - anything - that could guarantee for her abilities. I was never in any danger to see her as someone that could - and would - overcome the odds or either balance them. On the contrary.
I realize that I could not follow her reasoning. Why did she accept to become what she hates? She crumbles at the first difficulty and caves. .
I did not see what could really motivate her, except the author's hand.
Unfortunately the heroine impacts heavily on the plot, not only because hers is the only pov, but because through her eyes close to nothing has sense.
The rest of the characters is pretty bland and very deja-read. And they gave me some WTH moments too.
I had meant to read the sequel, but after the ending (almost a cliffhanger, but not properly) I felt irritated. Maybe if the rest of the book had been condensed, I could have gotten to the good part without waiting for book two. :)
I realize I sound harsher than I meant. The book isn't bad, but it's not without faults. How much they may annoy you will depend on your tastes.
PS It's self-pub, via Amazon, and there are some editing mistakes.
PSS. The deja-read feeling is very strong at times (above all the channeling of Chicagoville, but you can play the game and see what it reminds you of).
January 18, 2021
Good start to the series. I picked this one up because I enjoyed another series by the author; to my delight, she has several out to look forward to. The editing on this one wasn't as good, perhaps an earlier series? Despite comma errors and a few extra words accidentally left in (such as double "to" sometimes), the writing style is easy flowing for this genre. The author is hilarious in some situations and that comes through - making this one have more than its share of "fun" moments.
A few irritants -
She is a bit weak compared to a lot of UF leads, physically, speed, experience wise, so this led to some frustration for me as so many smug people or systems overpowered her so easily throughout the full story.
The situation with her grandfather and family is confusing. One moment she has powerful ties, then no one cares. One moment it seems he's supportive and a source of strong magic if needed, but not for her? It's inconsistent and seems weakly sketched out. Hopefully that part of the world-building is made clear more in the future.
She gets over things too quickly. I don't hold grudges forever and am reasonable, but I was already annoyed at some of the secrecy of those she trusted and 2 vampires in particular being ridiculous and bullying her in the garden, as well as corrupt police setting her up with smug expressions when she is brutalized --- but she just shrugs this stuff off afterward and continues to be nice to these people. ??
She keeps doing stupid things. Yes, she's a newer investigator of 2 years, but she keeps making herself look foolish. She claims to have no friends but then seems to, and is told everyone likes her. She makes it sound like an office employee doesn't like her, but then he seems all buddy-buddy when they're together.
I also don't get the vampires draw to her - there's nothing special about her that stands out. I liked him well enough until he turned on her with distrust - but again she got over that. Argh! Hold on to SOME anger!
I do like the reveal of the villain and the backstory there. I would feel betrayed at the end of the story as well but she will probably get over it and be nice to everyone next book. We'll see, and this one may end up as addicting as her other series (I hope so, love these series binges!)
A few irritants -
She is a bit weak compared to a lot of UF leads, physically, speed, experience wise, so this led to some frustration for me as so many smug people or systems overpowered her so easily throughout the full story.
The situation with her grandfather and family is confusing. One moment she has powerful ties, then no one cares. One moment it seems he's supportive and a source of strong magic if needed, but not for her? It's inconsistent and seems weakly sketched out. Hopefully that part of the world-building is made clear more in the future.
She gets over things too quickly. I don't hold grudges forever and am reasonable, but I was already annoyed at some of the secrecy of those she trusted and 2 vampires in particular being ridiculous and bullying her in the garden, as well as corrupt police setting her up with smug expressions when she is brutalized --- but she just shrugs this stuff off afterward and continues to be nice to these people. ??
She keeps doing stupid things. Yes, she's a newer investigator of 2 years, but she keeps making herself look foolish. She claims to have no friends but then seems to, and is told everyone likes her. She makes it sound like an office employee doesn't like her, but then he seems all buddy-buddy when they're together.
I also don't get the vampires draw to her - there's nothing special about her that stands out. I liked him well enough until he turned on her with distrust - but again she got over that. Argh! Hold on to SOME anger!
I do like the reveal of the villain and the backstory there. I would feel betrayed at the end of the story as well but she will probably get over it and be nice to everyone next book. We'll see, and this one may end up as addicting as her other series (I hope so, love these series binges!)
June 14, 2016
This book has been on my Amazon Kindle recommended list for a while now and I really liked the sound of it, so finally got round to reading it this week and you know what? I really enjoyed it! Bo Blackman is a private investigator sent to issue a summons to a half demon for selling dark magic spells, but what she finds when she gets there soon has her running for life, seeing her work colleagues killed and getting herself well involved with the vampires, which she always wanted to avoid.
Bo was a brilliant character, but sucked at investigating. I worked out who the main perpetrator was really early on because it was so unbelievable that it just had to be that person! But then I guess if she had worked it out that quickly, there wouldn't have been much of a story, would there?!
I have bought the next couple in this series and can't wait to get on to reading those too. I have high hopes for Bo Blackman after the drastic ending , which I really didn't want to happen, but kind of expected it would.
Bo was a brilliant character, but sucked at investigating. I worked out who the main perpetrator was really early on because it was so unbelievable that it just had to be that person! But then I guess if she had worked it out that quickly, there wouldn't have been much of a story, would there?!
I have bought the next couple in this series and can't wait to get on to reading those too. I have high hopes for Bo Blackman after the drastic ending , which I really didn't want to happen, but kind of expected it would.
August 15, 2017
So this is my first full-length foray into paranormal/urban fantasy for a long time since I lost interest in the genre a year or so ago and I have to admit I got pulled into it.
I'm usually wary of urban fantasy books because I read books for the romance in them, be it a little flirting or a full on sex-fest, and this was more of a subtle he-wants-her-does-she-want-him sort of thing, though I think that Bo is a little oblivious right now--or purposely ignoring it. Maybe a bit of both.
The story pulled me in from the start though I will admit I skipped a few paragraphs here and there where she was doing too much description. It was intriguing, as to who behind it from the start. Who was it aimed at? Were they from a family?
Admittedly I was a little torn over who I thought it was of the but it did become a bit more obvious the more that was read.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of the series in the future, if only so I can see what happens with Bo and Michael :P
I'm usually wary of urban fantasy books because I read books for the romance in them, be it a little flirting or a full on sex-fest, and this was more of a subtle he-wants-her-does-she-want-him sort of thing, though I think that Bo is a little oblivious right now--or purposely ignoring it. Maybe a bit of both.
The story pulled me in from the start though I will admit I skipped a few paragraphs here and there where she was doing too much description. It was intriguing, as to who behind it from the start. Who was it aimed at? Were they from a family?
Admittedly I was a little torn over who I thought it was of the but it did become a bit more obvious the more that was read.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of the series in the future, if only so I can see what happens with Bo and Michael :P
July 26, 2014
Excellent Addition To Vamp Fiction!
Excellent Addition To Vamp Fiction!
I enjoyed Bo and the assorted cast of characters. There were a few editing mistakes and since it was set in London the wording was a little different but none of that detracted from the story. T h e world building was excellent and the establishment of the vampire families was really interesting. I enjoyed Bo's character and her investigating skills as well as the mystery. Her investigating methods were good and there weren't any instances where she seemed helpless or where her skills seemed either over the top or under rated. No seemed like a capable likeable character. The story had a different take on the vampire and magical or "triber"world that didn't seem outlandish or over done. I can't wait till the next in this series.
Excellent Addition To Vamp Fiction!
I enjoyed Bo and the assorted cast of characters. There were a few editing mistakes and since it was set in London the wording was a little different but none of that detracted from the story. T h e world building was excellent and the establishment of the vampire families was really interesting. I enjoyed Bo's character and her investigating skills as well as the mystery. Her investigating methods were good and there weren't any instances where she seemed helpless or where her skills seemed either over the top or under rated. No seemed like a capable likeable character. The story had a different take on the vampire and magical or "triber"world that didn't seem outlandish or over done. I can't wait till the next in this series.
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