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S.C.Y.T.H.E Mystery #2
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death
When a determined killer targets her brother, a grim reaper risks everything to save him in this delightful cozy mystery.
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., which might seem odd for someone as terrified of death as she is. But ever since her parents died in an accident when she was six, she's been obsessed with avoiding risk, and what better place to learn how to cheat death than the company that employs the nation's grim reapers?
The work enables Nora to learn all about the myriad ways you can kick the bucket, which is comforting...until one day, a file crosses her desk with a name she recognizes. Her twin brother’s.
The twins haven’t spoken in six months, but Charlie is all Nora has left. Completely against her cautious nature, Nora steals the file and flees, racing to her brother’s house. She begs him to trust her that his death is imminent, and they hit the road (with his parrot, Jessica, who has plenty to say) in an attempt to evade both death and S.C.Y.T.H.E., whose sole mission of collecting souls has been disrupted by Charlie’s continued existence.
Alas, every time Nora saves him, a new cause of death appears in his file. Someone is determined to take Charlie out, and Nora will have to use everything she's ever learned about death to discover the culprit.
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., which might seem odd for someone as terrified of death as she is. But ever since her parents died in an accident when she was six, she's been obsessed with avoiding risk, and what better place to learn how to cheat death than the company that employs the nation's grim reapers?
The work enables Nora to learn all about the myriad ways you can kick the bucket, which is comforting...until one day, a file crosses her desk with a name she recognizes. Her twin brother’s.
The twins haven’t spoken in six months, but Charlie is all Nora has left. Completely against her cautious nature, Nora steals the file and flees, racing to her brother’s house. She begs him to trust her that his death is imminent, and they hit the road (with his parrot, Jessica, who has plenty to say) in an attempt to evade both death and S.C.Y.T.H.E., whose sole mission of collecting souls has been disrupted by Charlie’s continued existence.
Alas, every time Nora saves him, a new cause of death appears in his file. Someone is determined to take Charlie out, and Nora will have to use everything she's ever learned about death to discover the culprit.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2025
67 people are currently reading
10630 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 6, 2025
Thank you Berkley for my free ARC of A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara — available Dec 2!
» READ IF YOU «
⚰️ ever felt paralyzed by the fear of the unknown
🚗 love road-trip mysteries with supernatural stakes
🦜 can’t resist a wise-cracking animal sidekick
» SYNOPSIS «
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., the company that collects souls after death, even though she’s been absolutely petrified of death itself since the night her parents met an untimely end. When Nora sees her twin brother Charlie’s name on a collection file on her desk, she panics, steals the file, and drags Charlie into a wild escape of a road trip. Heading north to their father’s old stomping grounds, they’ll run into even stranger happenings than they left behind. Can they stay one step ahead of death, forever?
» REVIEW «
This book is exaaaaactly what I want from a cozy paranormal mystery: I laughed, cried, and felt completely invested in the characters and their journey. Nora’s risk-avoidant personality and paralyzing fear of death is such a fantastic and relatable anchor. Her love for Charlie is complicated but pure, making the stakes feel so much more real than just “will-they-die?” And, there’s a parrot who says fuck a lot, so, ideal character trio complete.
The mystery plot is twisty and unique, and there are a few moments I felt actual fright. And don’t get me freaking started on Maxie’s ability to make me weep at the end of these books!! I was invested all the way through this warm, spooky, funny, soulful book. This is the one you want to read late at night when the world feels especially frightening.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
» READ IF YOU «
⚰️ ever felt paralyzed by the fear of the unknown
🚗 love road-trip mysteries with supernatural stakes
🦜 can’t resist a wise-cracking animal sidekick
» SYNOPSIS «
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., the company that collects souls after death, even though she’s been absolutely petrified of death itself since the night her parents met an untimely end. When Nora sees her twin brother Charlie’s name on a collection file on her desk, she panics, steals the file, and drags Charlie into a wild escape of a road trip. Heading north to their father’s old stomping grounds, they’ll run into even stranger happenings than they left behind. Can they stay one step ahead of death, forever?
» REVIEW «
This book is exaaaaactly what I want from a cozy paranormal mystery: I laughed, cried, and felt completely invested in the characters and their journey. Nora’s risk-avoidant personality and paralyzing fear of death is such a fantastic and relatable anchor. Her love for Charlie is complicated but pure, making the stakes feel so much more real than just “will-they-die?” And, there’s a parrot who says fuck a lot, so, ideal character trio complete.
The mystery plot is twisty and unique, and there are a few moments I felt actual fright. And don’t get me freaking started on Maxie’s ability to make me weep at the end of these books!! I was invested all the way through this warm, spooky, funny, soulful book. This is the one you want to read late at night when the world feels especially frightening.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
December 10, 2025
Oh this is a fun book! We have two super endearing protagonists (three if you count Jessica, which I do), a thoughtfully put together mystery, plenty of wit and humour, and a good dose of peril. This was a really interesting new glimpse into the world of S.C.Y.T.H.E. that gave it some more depth without sacrificing the character driven whodunit at the centre of it all. I'd definitely recommend this book (and the first in the series, Catching a Killer, although you could read either as a standalone as well) for a fun, cozy mystery - especially for a little light in the winter.
November 29, 2025
4.25 stars. Nora Bird is back(!!!).. and this time it’s to help her twin brother from being targeted by a killer.
Nora works for SCYTHE, a job that she loves, when she gets a collection file with her twins name on it. She flees her job and home with her brother in tow to save him, her employers trailing only one step behind.
Yikes. This tale had a little bit more spook than the last book, and then there’s the not knowing who to trust oof.. plus a lot of humor, twists and turns, and plenty of mystery AND unpredictable characters - loved that.
But where is Kathy whom I was hoping to find in this 2nd book. Possibly in book three? Fingers crossed.
If you’re looking for a “unique”-fun-cozy book series look no further. Do recommend. Pub. 12/2/25
Much thanks to Berkley Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nora works for SCYTHE, a job that she loves, when she gets a collection file with her twins name on it. She flees her job and home with her brother in tow to save him, her employers trailing only one step behind.
Yikes. This tale had a little bit more spook than the last book, and then there’s the not knowing who to trust oof.. plus a lot of humor, twists and turns, and plenty of mystery AND unpredictable characters - loved that.
But where is Kathy whom I was hoping to find in this 2nd book. Possibly in book three? Fingers crossed.
If you’re looking for a “unique”-fun-cozy book series look no further. Do recommend. Pub. 12/2/25
Much thanks to Berkley Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
Book Review 💀🦜🔍
thank you so much partner @berkleypub #berkleypartner #berkley for the free book!
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death
by Maxie Dara
out now!
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., which might seem odd for someone as terrified of death as she is. But ever since her parents died in an accident when she was six, she's been obsessed with avoiding risk. The work enables Nora to learn all about the myriad ways you can kick the bucket, which is comforting...until one day, a file crosses her desk with a name she recognizes. Her twin brother’s.
The twins haven’t spoken in six months, but Charlie is all Nora has left. Completely against her cautious nature, Nora steals the file and flees, racing to her brother’s house. She begs him to trust her that his death is imminent, and they hit the road (with his parrot, Jessica, who has plenty to say) in an attempt to evade both death and S.C.Y.T.H.E., whose sole mission of collecting souls has been disrupted by Charlie’s continued existence.
🦜 My thoughts:
Another five stars for this series from me! When I read the first installment in the S.C.Y.T.H.E. series and devoured it, I knew I would be continuing on and I am SO happy I did. This was a romping good time and I seriously loved to see the bond of siblings grow stronger. Nora’s own journey was a good one to see and I loved that Charlie and Jessica were along for the ride! It definitely made for an interesting one. What I loved the most though about this story was that it was deeper than a cozy mystery usually feels for me and that’s something special. More than just a cozy mystery, this one is headed straight to your heart and it’s out today 12/2/25!
Happy reading 📖💀🦜🔍
thank you so much partner @berkleypub #berkleypartner #berkley for the free book!
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death
by Maxie Dara
out now!
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., which might seem odd for someone as terrified of death as she is. But ever since her parents died in an accident when she was six, she's been obsessed with avoiding risk. The work enables Nora to learn all about the myriad ways you can kick the bucket, which is comforting...until one day, a file crosses her desk with a name she recognizes. Her twin brother’s.
The twins haven’t spoken in six months, but Charlie is all Nora has left. Completely against her cautious nature, Nora steals the file and flees, racing to her brother’s house. She begs him to trust her that his death is imminent, and they hit the road (with his parrot, Jessica, who has plenty to say) in an attempt to evade both death and S.C.Y.T.H.E., whose sole mission of collecting souls has been disrupted by Charlie’s continued existence.
🦜 My thoughts:
Another five stars for this series from me! When I read the first installment in the S.C.Y.T.H.E. series and devoured it, I knew I would be continuing on and I am SO happy I did. This was a romping good time and I seriously loved to see the bond of siblings grow stronger. Nora’s own journey was a good one to see and I loved that Charlie and Jessica were along for the ride! It definitely made for an interesting one. What I loved the most though about this story was that it was deeper than a cozy mystery usually feels for me and that’s something special. More than just a cozy mystery, this one is headed straight to your heart and it’s out today 12/2/25!
Happy reading 📖💀🦜🔍
November 18, 2025
This was such a fun read! The stakes were high, the characters were fun and unpredictable, and the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. I see my struggle with anxiety through Nora so much, and her growth throughout this book was really inspiring. All of the characters were SO suspicious, which made the final twist really shine. The concept of an organization of modern day "grim reapers" was really cool, and the overall adventure was great. I'd highly recommend!
December 15, 2025
3.5/5!
Second installments in a series always make me a bit nervous. Will I love it as much as the first? Will the characters still feel the same?
Dara nailed the vibes with her second in the S.C.Y.T.H.E. Mystery series!
One of the things that makes this series one that I’m going to keep coming back to with each new book is the characters. They’re all so relatable, charming, and fun to get to know. Each installment has focused on different characters and unrelated stories, but they’ve both followed the same standard when it comes to character development.
I did end up docking a point off for the pacing in the middle of the book where it slowed down quite a bit in my opinion. Despite this, I was still invested in the story and never contemplated not carrying forward.
I’m looking forward to what Dara schemes up next!
Second installments in a series always make me a bit nervous. Will I love it as much as the first? Will the characters still feel the same?
Dara nailed the vibes with her second in the S.C.Y.T.H.E. Mystery series!
One of the things that makes this series one that I’m going to keep coming back to with each new book is the characters. They’re all so relatable, charming, and fun to get to know. Each installment has focused on different characters and unrelated stories, but they’ve both followed the same standard when it comes to character development.
I did end up docking a point off for the pacing in the middle of the book where it slowed down quite a bit in my opinion. Despite this, I was still invested in the story and never contemplated not carrying forward.
I’m looking forward to what Dara schemes up next!
June 30, 2025
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 2, 2025
Death comes, but sometimes when you are least expecting it.
Nora works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., the organization that collects souls when a person dies. But when she comes across her twin brother's file, all the rules go out the window. What ensues is an adventure to help her brother avoid death, while uncovering a mystery she didn't even know existed.
This novel had me laughing and shaking my head at Nora's antics. Nora is petrified of life, or maybe it is really the fear of dying. She can't help it after losing both of her parents at eight, but she takes this to a whole new level. Her twin, Charlie, appears to be the opposite. He takes life by the horns and doesn't care what happens. This could be his downfall!
While Nora and Charlie are on the run from S.C.Y.T.H.E., they uncover the truth about their parents and a few other family tidbits. I don't want to give away too much, but once they land in Virgo Bay, life isn't the same.
I appreciated Nora's cautious nature, but after a while, I just wanted to shake her and tell her to live life, not live life in fear of the unknown. I can only imagine how wearing it is on the psyche to not enjoy life and live in fear. I also wanted to tell Charlie to take things a little more seriously.
I liked how the story unfolded and the mystery that had to be solved. There were so many possibilities, but I did not guess correctly. The author leaves quite a few red herrings around!
When I looked at the genres assigned to this book, I don't think I agree with several of them. This is not a horror or a thriller. I can get on board with it labeled as a cozy mystery.
This is the second book in the series. I usually don't want to read a series out of order, but I felt this book could be read as a standalone. However, there might be useful information on Nora's background and how she came to work for S.C.Y.T.H.E. that would have been helpful when reading this book. The author does provide some background, but not as much as you might get from the first book.
We give this book 4 1/2 paws only because by the end, Nora was a bit annoying! But I still highly recommend the book.
Nora works for S.C.Y.T.H.E., the organization that collects souls when a person dies. But when she comes across her twin brother's file, all the rules go out the window. What ensues is an adventure to help her brother avoid death, while uncovering a mystery she didn't even know existed.
This novel had me laughing and shaking my head at Nora's antics. Nora is petrified of life, or maybe it is really the fear of dying. She can't help it after losing both of her parents at eight, but she takes this to a whole new level. Her twin, Charlie, appears to be the opposite. He takes life by the horns and doesn't care what happens. This could be his downfall!
While Nora and Charlie are on the run from S.C.Y.T.H.E., they uncover the truth about their parents and a few other family tidbits. I don't want to give away too much, but once they land in Virgo Bay, life isn't the same.
I appreciated Nora's cautious nature, but after a while, I just wanted to shake her and tell her to live life, not live life in fear of the unknown. I can only imagine how wearing it is on the psyche to not enjoy life and live in fear. I also wanted to tell Charlie to take things a little more seriously.
I liked how the story unfolded and the mystery that had to be solved. There were so many possibilities, but I did not guess correctly. The author leaves quite a few red herrings around!
When I looked at the genres assigned to this book, I don't think I agree with several of them. This is not a horror or a thriller. I can get on board with it labeled as a cozy mystery.
This is the second book in the series. I usually don't want to read a series out of order, but I felt this book could be read as a standalone. However, there might be useful information on Nora's background and how she came to work for S.C.Y.T.H.E. that would have been helpful when reading this book. The author does provide some background, but not as much as you might get from the first book.
We give this book 4 1/2 paws only because by the end, Nora was a bit annoying! But I still highly recommend the book.
November 27, 2025
Cosy, amusing, and atmospheric!
In this latest novel in the 𝘚.𝘊.𝘠.𝘛.𝘏.𝘌. 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 series, 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, we head back into the life of Kathy Valence, a middle-aged S.C.Y.T.H.E. employee who, after stumbling upon a file ordering the retrieval of her twin brother’s soul, sets out to do whatever she can, even head to her father’s enigmatic home town, Virgo Bay, to protect him and keep him alive.
The writing is fluid and fun. The characters are sharp, supportive, and impulsive. And the plot is a lighthearted, quirky tale brimming with tricky situations, quirky mishaps, small-town living, family, secrets, misdirection, deduction, deception, and a touch of the supernatural.
Overall, 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 is another quick, easy, satisfying treat by Dara that had just the right amount of suspicious personalities, zany antics, and abundance of drama to keep me engaged and entertained from start to finish.
In this latest novel in the 𝘚.𝘊.𝘠.𝘛.𝘏.𝘌. 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 series, 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, we head back into the life of Kathy Valence, a middle-aged S.C.Y.T.H.E. employee who, after stumbling upon a file ordering the retrieval of her twin brother’s soul, sets out to do whatever she can, even head to her father’s enigmatic home town, Virgo Bay, to protect him and keep him alive.
The writing is fluid and fun. The characters are sharp, supportive, and impulsive. And the plot is a lighthearted, quirky tale brimming with tricky situations, quirky mishaps, small-town living, family, secrets, misdirection, deduction, deception, and a touch of the supernatural.
Overall, 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 is another quick, easy, satisfying treat by Dara that had just the right amount of suspicious personalities, zany antics, and abundance of drama to keep me engaged and entertained from start to finish.
December 2, 2025
I enjoyed the follow up in this very creative series. I really enjoyed learning more about Nora's past and the history of the organization she works for.
Although this one can stand on its own, I do think having read the first one made this one even better. I loved having the back story.
This one really comes to life on audio.
Although this one can stand on its own, I do think having read the first one made this one even better. I loved having the back story.
This one really comes to life on audio.
December 13, 2025
another cozy small town mystery from maxie? sign me up. i read the first book in a day, so when i seen this came out, i picked it up. i enjoyed this one and following along learning more about nora and charlie. its a fun and unpredictable read!
June 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death is the sequel to the S.C.Y.T.H.E. book about catching a killer, and while it can be read as a standalone it’s set in the same world where a company exists to support death in in its retrievals. This time we are introduced to Nora who is in an odd job for someone as cautious and frankly terrified of death as she is. Nora is part of S.C.Y.T.H.E. and while she’s not a reaper she’s in the know on who is next. That’s what makes things so fraught when Nora sees her twin brother, Charlie’s, name pop up as one of those who will soon be departed. Nora finds some courage and bad bummery as she works to spare Charlie of his fate despite the seemingly boomerang way he finds himself continuing to be in the crosshairs of death. When the two decide to disappear to Virgo Bay, where their father was from, they discover some big mysteries with their family that add complications to and beyond Charlie’s conundrum. Consider this a very unique road trip and coming into oneself, overcoming your fears, and finding some humor thanks to a parrot called Jessica.
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death is the sequel to the S.C.Y.T.H.E. book about catching a killer, and while it can be read as a standalone it’s set in the same world where a company exists to support death in in its retrievals. This time we are introduced to Nora who is in an odd job for someone as cautious and frankly terrified of death as she is. Nora is part of S.C.Y.T.H.E. and while she’s not a reaper she’s in the know on who is next. That’s what makes things so fraught when Nora sees her twin brother, Charlie’s, name pop up as one of those who will soon be departed. Nora finds some courage and bad bummery as she works to spare Charlie of his fate despite the seemingly boomerang way he finds himself continuing to be in the crosshairs of death. When the two decide to disappear to Virgo Bay, where their father was from, they discover some big mysteries with their family that add complications to and beyond Charlie’s conundrum. Consider this a very unique road trip and coming into oneself, overcoming your fears, and finding some humor thanks to a parrot called Jessica.
August 20, 2025
I love this series
December 2, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was happy to read more SCYTHE Mysteries since I enjoyed the debut last year with Kathy and her ex, and her pregnancy. I liked Kathy and her personal growth. So I was surprised to find she wasn't in A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death. This could be read as a stand-along, other than the world-building about the organization.
Now we have Nora Bird who is an administrator at SCYTHE. Her parents died when she was a child, so she and her brother Charlie were raised by their grandmother. Today her folder shows a soul to be collected - her brother Charlie. Totally against her lifelong caution to avoid dying, Nora jumps into action to save her brother's life.
As she struggles to protect him from threats, they try to figure out where they can go. They end up heading for Virgo Bay where her father grew up. Shockingly, they find his brother, their paternal grandparents, a great grandfather, and lots of cousins. The attempts on Charlie's life continue.
Nora learns a lot about herself and renews her languished relationship with her brother. Charlie has been living his life to the utmost all along, where Nora has been hiding in safety. It would be a lot more fun to connect with the relatives if one of them wasn't trying to kill them.
I loved Charlie's bird Jessica, a parrot who says the darndest things. I kept thinking because their last name is Bird and the relatives were all in sort of a family compound if they actually would shift into birds, but this is not that story. We learned a little more about SCYTHE, its enforcement group and international counterparts. I wonder if a new book will be all new characters.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was happy to read more SCYTHE Mysteries since I enjoyed the debut last year with Kathy and her ex, and her pregnancy. I liked Kathy and her personal growth. So I was surprised to find she wasn't in A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death. This could be read as a stand-along, other than the world-building about the organization.
Now we have Nora Bird who is an administrator at SCYTHE. Her parents died when she was a child, so she and her brother Charlie were raised by their grandmother. Today her folder shows a soul to be collected - her brother Charlie. Totally against her lifelong caution to avoid dying, Nora jumps into action to save her brother's life.
As she struggles to protect him from threats, they try to figure out where they can go. They end up heading for Virgo Bay where her father grew up. Shockingly, they find his brother, their paternal grandparents, a great grandfather, and lots of cousins. The attempts on Charlie's life continue.
Nora learns a lot about herself and renews her languished relationship with her brother. Charlie has been living his life to the utmost all along, where Nora has been hiding in safety. It would be a lot more fun to connect with the relatives if one of them wasn't trying to kill them.
I loved Charlie's bird Jessica, a parrot who says the darndest things. I kept thinking because their last name is Bird and the relatives were all in sort of a family compound if they actually would shift into birds, but this is not that story. We learned a little more about SCYTHE, its enforcement group and international counterparts. I wonder if a new book will be all new characters.
December 8, 2025
I received a gifted galley of A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CHEATING DEATH by Maxie Dara for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRH Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!
A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CHEATING DEATH is the second book in the author's S.C.Y.T.H.E. Mystery series. This time we are following Nora, an employee of S.C.Y.T.H.E., the organization in charge of collecting human essences upon death. As someone deathly afraid of death (pun intended), this is a job that she feels gives her a little bit of control over that which really can't be.
When Nora's estranged twin brother's name pops up on her latest report, she isn't willing to lose yet another relative. She is determined to save his life, even as fate keeps trying to end him. Soon they are on the run from death, Nora's coworkers, and fate itself as they try to repair their relationship and learn more about their own pasts.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so was really glad to be offered a copy of the sequel. I am a week late on finishing and reviewing it, but that wasn't from lack of enjoyment! I was really glad to get a different perspective in this book with a different glimpse into the world building of the grim reapers and their assignments. We get a good bit of history and lore in here as well!
This is a fun book which is just a bit over the top in a very intentional way. There is an element of cozy mystery and definitely some humor as well!
A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CHEATING DEATH is the second book in the author's S.C.Y.T.H.E. Mystery series. This time we are following Nora, an employee of S.C.Y.T.H.E., the organization in charge of collecting human essences upon death. As someone deathly afraid of death (pun intended), this is a job that she feels gives her a little bit of control over that which really can't be.
When Nora's estranged twin brother's name pops up on her latest report, she isn't willing to lose yet another relative. She is determined to save his life, even as fate keeps trying to end him. Soon they are on the run from death, Nora's coworkers, and fate itself as they try to repair their relationship and learn more about their own pasts.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so was really glad to be offered a copy of the sequel. I am a week late on finishing and reviewing it, but that wasn't from lack of enjoyment! I was really glad to get a different perspective in this book with a different glimpse into the world building of the grim reapers and their assignments. We get a good bit of history and lore in here as well!
This is a fun book which is just a bit over the top in a very intentional way. There is an element of cozy mystery and definitely some humor as well!
November 8, 2025
Thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review - this book is out December 2!
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E. - an organization that deals with death and the transportation of souls - and after losing her parents at a young age, Nora has been terrified of all the ways she could come to harm, and her assistant job helps her feel prepared and in the know. However, when a file for her twin brother's imminent death appears on her desk, Nora throws out all her normal safety measures in an effort to save him from death and finds herself truly living in the process.
While A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CHEATING DEATH by Maxie Dara is a sequel, since this story introduces brand new characters and lore surrounding S.C.Y.T.H.E. this can be read as a standalone!
After falling in love with Kathy and the other ensemble cast in book one, I was a bit disheartened to see a brand new cast of characters, BUT that quickly went away as Nora, Charlie, and Jessica showed up.
This story was emotional, murdery, but also so so cozy, and I loved learning more of the backstory behind S.C.Y.T.H.E.
As an anxious girlie myself, I found myself a kindred spirit in Nora and can easily say Dara gave us something truly special with this sequel!
Nora Bird works for S.C.Y.T.H.E. - an organization that deals with death and the transportation of souls - and after losing her parents at a young age, Nora has been terrified of all the ways she could come to harm, and her assistant job helps her feel prepared and in the know. However, when a file for her twin brother's imminent death appears on her desk, Nora throws out all her normal safety measures in an effort to save him from death and finds herself truly living in the process.
While A GRIM REAPER'S GUIDE TO CHEATING DEATH by Maxie Dara is a sequel, since this story introduces brand new characters and lore surrounding S.C.Y.T.H.E. this can be read as a standalone!
After falling in love with Kathy and the other ensemble cast in book one, I was a bit disheartened to see a brand new cast of characters, BUT that quickly went away as Nora, Charlie, and Jessica showed up.
This story was emotional, murdery, but also so so cozy, and I loved learning more of the backstory behind S.C.Y.T.H.E.
As an anxious girlie myself, I found myself a kindred spirit in Nora and can easily say Dara gave us something truly special with this sequel!
November 29, 2025
This was such a cute book! It's the second in a series, but you can jump on in even if you haven't read the first book because it features a new group of characters.
Imagine working for a company that collects souls, but only in a safe administrative capacity: doling out assignments not going out in the field. Piece of cake right? Until you see your twin brother's file come across your desk. And even though you don't see him often, he's the only family you have left.
Nora finds herself in that very position when she opens a file that indicates her brother will die in a car accident. His death is projected for a few hours away. If she tries to save him, she'll lose her job and put herself in danger. Luckily for Charlie, Nora rushes over to save him like a knight in shiny anxiety filled armor!
The twins have
Imagine working for a company that collects souls, but only in a safe administrative capacity: doling out assignments not going out in the field. Piece of cake right? Until you see your twin brother's file come across your desk. And even though you don't see him often, he's the only family you have left.
Nora finds herself in that very position when she opens a file that indicates her brother will die in a car accident. His death is projected for a few hours away. If she tries to save him, she'll lose her job and put herself in danger. Luckily for Charlie, Nora rushes over to save him like a knight in shiny anxiety filled armor!
The twins have
December 1, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death shines in its family elements. I didn't read the first and you definitely don't have to in order to understand the world. It's slightly fantastical - the whole concept of grim reapers - but this sequel revolves around family secrets. It begins with the concept of sacrifice for our loved ones, even if we haven't spoken in a while. And A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating continues by poking into our family ghosts. What would we do to protect a secret? To uncover a mystery? Nora realizes that something more is going on than meets the eye and to discover how to save her brother, she might have to unearth it all.
A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating Death shines in its family elements. I didn't read the first and you definitely don't have to in order to understand the world. It's slightly fantastical - the whole concept of grim reapers - but this sequel revolves around family secrets. It begins with the concept of sacrifice for our loved ones, even if we haven't spoken in a while. And A Grim Reaper's Guide to Cheating continues by poking into our family ghosts. What would we do to protect a secret? To uncover a mystery? Nora realizes that something more is going on than meets the eye and to discover how to save her brother, she might have to unearth it all.
December 18, 2025
Twin siblings Nora and Charlie Bird haven’t been close in the last months leading up to their birthday. So when a file comes across Nora’s desk at S.C.Y.T.H.E. showing Charlie would die in a car accident, she’ll do anything to stop that from happening.
This was a mystery packed family affair. I really liked Nora and Charlie, despite the distance between them, they came together and grew closer again in order to prevent Charlie’s death. Losing their parents at a young age, it was nice to watch them discover where their family came from. I liked the whodunnit mystery, Jessica the bird was a hilarious addition to the plot. I’m still very interested in the whole S.C.Y.T.H.E. organization and curious what will happen for the next book! 3.5⭐️
This was a mystery packed family affair. I really liked Nora and Charlie, despite the distance between them, they came together and grew closer again in order to prevent Charlie’s death. Losing their parents at a young age, it was nice to watch them discover where their family came from. I liked the whodunnit mystery, Jessica the bird was a hilarious addition to the plot. I’m still very interested in the whole S.C.Y.T.H.E. organization and curious what will happen for the next book! 3.5⭐️
September 28, 2025
I read the first book, and I was excited for the new book, which I thought would pick up with Kathy. I was really looking forward to another book with that character. So after getting over my disappointment, I settled in this with this new character.
In book 2, we meet Nora and her brother Charlie, twins, who lost their parents in a car accident when they were young. Nora works for SCYTHE (just like Kathy), a job she really likes, until she gets a file with her brother's name on it. Now she is fleeing her job and town with her brother in order to save him. Her and Charlie go where they think they can save his life and Nora can hide from her pursing employers. But all is not what it seems.
I will admit at first I was not enjoying this book as much as the first. This one had to grow on me. At about 50%, I was fully in, and had to see how this book was going to end! The author did a good job with twist and turns, and a story where you just did not know who to trust. The setting is mysterious, with characters who are equally mysterious. And once again, there is a nice balance of humor !
I am happy I stuck with this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for the eARC! I would be happy to continue with this series. Especially if Kathy appears again!
In book 2, we meet Nora and her brother Charlie, twins, who lost their parents in a car accident when they were young. Nora works for SCYTHE (just like Kathy), a job she really likes, until she gets a file with her brother's name on it. Now she is fleeing her job and town with her brother in order to save him. Her and Charlie go where they think they can save his life and Nora can hide from her pursing employers. But all is not what it seems.
I will admit at first I was not enjoying this book as much as the first. This one had to grow on me. At about 50%, I was fully in, and had to see how this book was going to end! The author did a good job with twist and turns, and a story where you just did not know who to trust. The setting is mysterious, with characters who are equally mysterious. And once again, there is a nice balance of humor !
I am happy I stuck with this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for the eARC! I would be happy to continue with this series. Especially if Kathy appears again!
December 4, 2025
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death is the second in the S.C.Y.T.H.E Mystery series but could definitely be read as a stand alone. It’s a great mystery with paranormal elements to it. I really like the main characters, twins Nora and Charlie Bird. I like the relationship between them and how they interacted with each other. I thought the mystery and suspense was well written. It kept me guessing who done it until the person was revealed. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC.
Read
November 3, 2025A road trip with an estranged (and sometimes strange) twin brother, his quirky parrot and death hard on their heels has a passive risk-averse woman forced back into the rat-race known as life. Maxie Dara’s second in her SCYTHE, paranormal cozy mystery series follows a new character and new standalone mystery in A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 1.11.26.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 1.11.26.
December 16, 2025
3.5 stars
Dang it, another book 2 without knowing there's a book 1. Sigh.
Good story, dark, suspenseful, don't know who to trust, slow burn, creepy people in a creepy town, managing to evade death. I didn't fully understand why the need to destroy the town. Don't like it? Leave. No one was hurting anyone else until the threat of exposure became real. They're like a lost tribe in the wilderness. Let them be! That was my big, nagging issue.
Dang it, another book 2 without knowing there's a book 1. Sigh.
Good story, dark, suspenseful, don't know who to trust, slow burn, creepy people in a creepy town, managing to evade death. I didn't fully understand why the need to destroy the town. Don't like it? Leave. No one was hurting anyone else until the threat of exposure became real. They're like a lost tribe in the wilderness. Let them be! That was my big, nagging issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Thank you @berkley for the free book & @prh for the free audio! #berkleypartner #prhpartner #berkley
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara
Pub Date: Dec. 2nd
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Narrator: Jamie Lamchick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis: I would call this an interconnected standalone - most of the characters from book one don’t overlap, but book one does provide more information about S.C.Y.T.H.E. (the company that collects the souls of the dead). This one follows Nora Bird, a soul collector who is terrified of death. When her twin brother’s file comes up for collection, she decides to go on the run with him to avoid his untimely demise.
Thoughts: This book checks all the boxes for a cozy, paranormal mystery. The cast of characters is fantastic - Nora’s anxiety and avoidance is super relatable, her relationship with her brother, Charlie, is endearing, and his new cursing pet parrot is the icing on top. Add the surprisingly high stakes mystery, road trip hijinks, and a mysterious and spooky isolated town, and you’ve got the recipe for a unique and fun read! A note on the audio: I was so entertained by this one, I listened to it in one day! Jamie Lamchick was the perfect choice to narrate Nora and Charlie’s adventures.
Read this if you like:
👻 paranormal
👻 road trips
👻 siblings
👻 quirky characters
👻 anxiety rep
November 29, 2025
This was so fantastic, loved these characters, and this mystery, it was so wonderful!
December 13, 2025
This was not as good as the first book and I wish we had focused more on her job again and somehow related that with family but this just felt very disconnected from the first book.
October 10, 2025
This was a fun book. I really like SCYTHE as an organization of grim reapers. When one of the employees finds out her brother is set to die that day, she takes him on a road trip to try and avoid death. They head to where their father grew up, a small town along the coast. I like their relationship and how they get to meet up with long lost family. There is also a parrot who almost seems supernatural in her behavior and provides some comic relief. I would love to read more about SCYTHE and the people who work there.
September 17, 2025
I like that it's the same "company" but different characters. Good plot, with lots of twists.
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