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The Odd Series #1
Odd Stuff
Like a bull in a china shop, Janie Smith tumbles through the paranormal world making mistakes and not keeping her sharp tongue in check. Pretending to be normal is what she has spent her whole life perfecting. But when her best friend, a witch named Mia, gets tangled in a murder investigation, Janie tries to stick to her guns and solve it without any “extra” help, be it supernatural or sexual. The hitch is that Mia is suspected to have murdered a vampire...and how do you prove you haven't killed someone who has no pulse?
- GenresParanormal
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2010
4 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Nelson
79 books342 followersVirginia Nelson believed them when they said, “Write what you know.” Small town girl writing small town romance, her characters are as full of flaws, misunderstandings, and flat out mistakes as Virginia herself. When she’s not writing or plotting to take over the world, she likes to hang out with the greatest kids in history, play in the mud, drive far too fast, and scream at inanimate objects. Virginia likes knights in rusted and dinged up armor, heroes that snarl instead of croon, and heroines who can’t remember to say the right thing even with an author writing their dialogue. Her books are full of snark, sex, and random acts of ineptitude—not always in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 27, 2010
Kylie’s Review
Recently divorced single mother Janie Smith, is headed home to Ohio with her 10 year old daughter, Vickie, in tow. Staying with her best friend Mia, owner of Odd Stuff and a kick ass witch, proves more interesting and dangerous than expected. Upon arrival Janie is greeted by Sven, Mia's assistant, a gentle giant with a penchant for leopard print and pink, with the news that Mia has left town leaving Janie in charge. With a list of not quite clear instructions and a myriad of community events, the likes of which include ghost hunting and helping out the local coven, Janie is tossed into the supernatural deep end. With the help of new and old friends alike Janie is able to come to terms with her past and future, get her daughter to school on time, mostly, and in the end save the day.
Virginia Nelson is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the paranormal. Odd Stuff is full of plot twists that go anywhere but the expected, characters that are believable and spirited, and a quirky sense of humor that never forgets to ask the important questions like: How do you prove you didn't kill a vampire? How can one get a good nights sleep with only 9 pillows? How do you explain to a ten year old why she can't invite a bloodsucker to see her video games on a school night? Why do bad guys always have henchmen? and Why is there an ass print on my skylight?
Although Janie crashes through the paranormal nightlife with all the delicacy of a bull in a china shop, her sheer grit and determination allow her to persevere. While saving Mia from a false murder charge, and all of them from actually being murdered, Janie let's go of who she was and learns to embrace who she is and all she can be, but like everything else in her life she does it on her own terms. Even though there are things in her life that are not as she thought them to be, Janie learns that she can change them and make them into something she wants them to be. In the end, Janie finds that Odd Stuff is more than just a store, it is a way of life, her way of life.
I cannot wait to read Sirens Song book two in the Odd Stuff Series!
5 Tea Cups!
Recently divorced single mother Janie Smith, is headed home to Ohio with her 10 year old daughter, Vickie, in tow. Staying with her best friend Mia, owner of Odd Stuff and a kick ass witch, proves more interesting and dangerous than expected. Upon arrival Janie is greeted by Sven, Mia's assistant, a gentle giant with a penchant for leopard print and pink, with the news that Mia has left town leaving Janie in charge. With a list of not quite clear instructions and a myriad of community events, the likes of which include ghost hunting and helping out the local coven, Janie is tossed into the supernatural deep end. With the help of new and old friends alike Janie is able to come to terms with her past and future, get her daughter to school on time, mostly, and in the end save the day.
Virginia Nelson is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the paranormal. Odd Stuff is full of plot twists that go anywhere but the expected, characters that are believable and spirited, and a quirky sense of humor that never forgets to ask the important questions like: How do you prove you didn't kill a vampire? How can one get a good nights sleep with only 9 pillows? How do you explain to a ten year old why she can't invite a bloodsucker to see her video games on a school night? Why do bad guys always have henchmen? and Why is there an ass print on my skylight?
Although Janie crashes through the paranormal nightlife with all the delicacy of a bull in a china shop, her sheer grit and determination allow her to persevere. While saving Mia from a false murder charge, and all of them from actually being murdered, Janie let's go of who she was and learns to embrace who she is and all she can be, but like everything else in her life she does it on her own terms. Even though there are things in her life that are not as she thought them to be, Janie learns that she can change them and make them into something she wants them to be. In the end, Janie finds that Odd Stuff is more than just a store, it is a way of life, her way of life.
I cannot wait to read Sirens Song book two in the Odd Stuff Series!
5 Tea Cups!
November 28, 2018
I totally adore this book. It was hilarious, had good worldbuilding, one of my favourite tropes and mythological creatures, and I simply loved the realistic undertone of it all.
I mean, yes, it's supernatural fiction with vampires and witches and whatnot. But then we've got the main lead, sweet Janie - don't call me honey, please - and her adorable daughter, Vickie. You see, Janie has a kid. She's over 30. She's divorced. She faces doubts and challenges as a mother, doesn't know every pop thing her daughter loves, uses a linkin park cd as aggro music motivation on the way to do something important, has to handle the divorce (which was not even her decision, it was his) and the man she did divorce, and so on.
She isn't perfect. She tries to be, for her daughter, to be the best she can be. And, a particulary favourite trait for me she had: She loved to annoy/aggravate the hell out of the male interest(s). (No love triangle. Sort of.) I'm not sure that was intentional on her side, but it was hilarious.
Janie is at times insecure. She's bitter at times, she's simply realistic and authentic. Vickie, her child, is the same: She's not portrayed as this wonder-child that helps by being there. No. She's a wonderful kid that's challenging and frustrating often times as well.
The male interest(s) were interesting, as well.
Frankly, it's hard to talk about this book's essential plot without spoiling anything. Including one thing that bothered me (the sort of love triangle that doesn't seem to be one, just feels a bit like one). Let's simply say the romance was overall pretty fun. Yeah, let's keep it at that.
Also, loved the side characters. Wish they were more there, because they also tended to be hilarious. Especially Mia, said bestie of Janie, was a highlight. The dialogues were delicious and there was something about the writing style that gripped me and wouldn't let me go.
And now excuse me, I need to get the next book. Also: I absolutely recommend this book to any supernatural lover. It's an excellent book and very hilarious.
I mean, yes, it's supernatural fiction with vampires and witches and whatnot. But then we've got the main lead, sweet Janie - don't call me honey, please - and her adorable daughter, Vickie. You see, Janie has a kid. She's over 30. She's divorced. She faces doubts and challenges as a mother, doesn't know every pop thing her daughter loves, uses a linkin park cd as aggro music motivation on the way to do something important, has to handle the divorce (which was not even her decision, it was his) and the man she did divorce, and so on.
She isn't perfect. She tries to be, for her daughter, to be the best she can be. And, a particulary favourite trait for me she had: She loved to annoy/aggravate the hell out of the male interest(s). (No love triangle. Sort of.) I'm not sure that was intentional on her side, but it was hilarious.
Janie is at times insecure. She's bitter at times, she's simply realistic and authentic. Vickie, her child, is the same: She's not portrayed as this wonder-child that helps by being there. No. She's a wonderful kid that's challenging and frustrating often times as well.
The male interest(s) were interesting, as well.
Frankly, it's hard to talk about this book's essential plot without spoiling anything. Including one thing that bothered me (the sort of love triangle that doesn't seem to be one, just feels a bit like one). Let's simply say the romance was overall pretty fun. Yeah, let's keep it at that.
Also, loved the side characters. Wish they were more there, because they also tended to be hilarious. Especially Mia, said bestie of Janie, was a highlight. The dialogues were delicious and there was something about the writing style that gripped me and wouldn't let me go.
And now excuse me, I need to get the next book. Also: I absolutely recommend this book to any supernatural lover. It's an excellent book and very hilarious.
March 11, 2020
The overall story is ok. I was bothered by the derisive tone for any of the characters dressed sensually, sexually or a-typically. There was definitely a vibe of slut shaming in the book. I was also disappointed that it fell into the hot/cold trope in terms of romance. Where the MC and Sven are kissing from the start and then the MC pretends she doesn’t feel anything and then a few minutes later is kissing Sven again. During all this she is derisively referring to all the supernatural groups including Sven. I would hope that the MC a women in her 30’s would own her sexuality and know herself better than this. It was disappointing. I don’t know why authors keep using this trope.
The MC is shocked to believe there are supernatural creatures and yet she is one and so is her BF.
The MC is shocked to believe there are supernatural creatures and yet she is one and so is her BF.
April 17, 2018
At times it's very good, but it's somewhat fragmented with leanings towards omnipotency
June 27, 2010
An excerpt from the review by Coffee Time Romance on this book :
When Janie moves into her best friend Mia’s apartment she has no idea what she is letting herself in for. Within a short span of time she meets Mia’s very tall, and very gay assistant, is attacked by a vampire who looks like death warmed over, and finds out that Mia is on the run from the police for said vampire’s supposed murder. Needless to say Janie, who just wants a normal life, is experiencing anything but as soon as she hits town. Fortunately for her Vance, once he gets some blood into him, is positively hot. The two find themselves very attracted to each other and maybe if they quit finding dead bodies, and people stop trying to kill them, they might be able to act on it. Oh, and then there is Janie’s big secret which she discovers if Vance finds out about it, that it may prompt him to kill her. Will Vance and Janie be able to overcome all these obstacles and find true love?
I really enjoyed reading Odd Stuff! The humor alone is worth buying this book. I laughed so hard in places that I had tears running down my face. Janie’s determination to both protect her daughter and chart her own path are very admirable. I loved her pure stubbornness in the face of such crushing pressure from her mother and others in the paranormal community. I also enjoyed reading about her budding relationship with Vance. The descriptions of him are positively yummy. It was obvious to this reader from the get go that these two were made for each other. The conclusion to some of the problems were not quite what If you enjoy reading about things that go bump in the night, and love to laugh often, then this is the perfect book for you!
Regina
Reviewer at Coffee Time Romance & More
View the full review at Coffee Time Romance :)
When Janie moves into her best friend Mia’s apartment she has no idea what she is letting herself in for. Within a short span of time she meets Mia’s very tall, and very gay assistant, is attacked by a vampire who looks like death warmed over, and finds out that Mia is on the run from the police for said vampire’s supposed murder. Needless to say Janie, who just wants a normal life, is experiencing anything but as soon as she hits town. Fortunately for her Vance, once he gets some blood into him, is positively hot. The two find themselves very attracted to each other and maybe if they quit finding dead bodies, and people stop trying to kill them, they might be able to act on it. Oh, and then there is Janie’s big secret which she discovers if Vance finds out about it, that it may prompt him to kill her. Will Vance and Janie be able to overcome all these obstacles and find true love?
I really enjoyed reading Odd Stuff! The humor alone is worth buying this book. I laughed so hard in places that I had tears running down my face. Janie’s determination to both protect her daughter and chart her own path are very admirable. I loved her pure stubbornness in the face of such crushing pressure from her mother and others in the paranormal community. I also enjoyed reading about her budding relationship with Vance. The descriptions of him are positively yummy. It was obvious to this reader from the get go that these two were made for each other. The conclusion to some of the problems were not quite what If you enjoy reading about things that go bump in the night, and love to laugh often, then this is the perfect book for you!
Regina
Reviewer at Coffee Time Romance & More
View the full review at Coffee Time Romance :)
March 25, 2015
One of my most favorite things is when I find a book on sale (or free!) by a new-to-me author that is fantastic. Odd Stuff by Virginia Nelson is one of those awesome finds. I can’t even remember where I found the link, but I do know that I am reading the rest of this series! A fun, light-hearted paranormal romance, I was laughing out loud through much of the book.
See full review at: Literary Escapism.
See full review at: Literary Escapism.
November 25, 2014
Amazingly fun to read
Great writing, loveable characters, and humor combine to bring us a delightful story about a woman who learns to not only overcome the challenges life has dealt her but also how to be true to herself oddities and all.
Great writing, loveable characters, and humor combine to bring us a delightful story about a woman who learns to not only overcome the challenges life has dealt her but also how to be true to herself oddities and all.
April 15, 2016
I love the odd series. I really enjoyed reading the first book and I cannot wait to make my way through the rest of them.
March 30, 2017
Easily read this novel in an hour or two. Very captivating! I refuse to offer any spoilers, but there is plenty of romance and drama and a kick-butt hero chick to keep you interested!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews