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The Undead Detective Agency #2
Keep It Together: The Undead Detective Agency, Book 2
Back again, I see. Well, you are in luck, for the story of, I, Detective Octavius Evander continues!
To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed as my precious human, Turney, falls into my hands! Okay, technically I already had my hands on him—all of him—but that didn't make him mine, mine. But now it is time to show how I captured his heart with my lovable personality. No doubt that my adorable and sparkly new hobby had something to do with it as well. But enough about the gooey emotions. On to the cases!
As there will be a new adventure or two with my team to entertain. Thought the adventures this time, well, not all end as pleasantly as one might hope. While, I would say to prepare for the return of old faces, none of you have seen them before. just know that their reappearance in my life leads to an unfortunate event. But in the paranormal world, fun and death go hand and hand do they not?
Content This is a M/M paranormal romance book that ends on a cliffhanger. There will be violence and a main character death—a temporary death.
To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed as my precious human, Turney, falls into my hands! Okay, technically I already had my hands on him—all of him—but that didn't make him mine, mine. But now it is time to show how I captured his heart with my lovable personality. No doubt that my adorable and sparkly new hobby had something to do with it as well. But enough about the gooey emotions. On to the cases!
As there will be a new adventure or two with my team to entertain. Thought the adventures this time, well, not all end as pleasantly as one might hope. While, I would say to prepare for the return of old faces, none of you have seen them before. just know that their reappearance in my life leads to an unfortunate event. But in the paranormal world, fun and death go hand and hand do they not?
Content This is a M/M paranormal romance book that ends on a cliffhanger. There will be violence and a main character death—a temporary death.
Audible Audio
First published March 19, 2023
124 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Rhodes
30 books155 followersShelby Rhodes is a lover and writer of MM Paranormal Romance novels, but any genre is up for grabs. She loves building worlds and creating new realities. In her books you can expect to find a mix of humor and fluff with a dash of blood and violence. And while dramatic and comedic monologues may be her favorite things, that doesn't mean she won't try to rip your heart out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 22, 2024
2.5
“But in the paranormal world, fun and death go hand and hand, does it not ?”
Segunda parte de esta saga tan particular. En general me lo he pasado bien y me ha venido de perlas en el momento en el que la he leído. Me ha salvado de una. Me encanta Octavius y sus locuras.
“Glitter is not a need”.
“But in the paranormal world, fun and death go hand and hand, does it not ?”
Segunda parte de esta saga tan particular. En general me lo he pasado bien y me ha venido de perlas en el momento en el que la he leído. Me ha salvado de una. Me encanta Octavius y sus locuras.
“Glitter is not a need”.
March 23, 2023
This was another hilarious escape into the world of the Undead Detective Agency. Note this is NOT a standalone. You must read book one in order to understand and enjoy this book more. However, if you read book 1 you absolutely must read this book. Book 1 ended on a HFN but this one ended on a cliffhanger! And a really sad one too. 😥 Thankfully we know it is a temporary sad situation and will be fixed in book 3!
This book had a different feel to it than the first one for me. Book 1 felt like a paranormal fantasy book with romance where this one felt like a romance with paranormal fantasy elements. Neither one is better than the other but I found I actually missed the cases from the first book. There were still cases in this one but didn’t find they were as exciting as book 1. However, the last 15% of the book was incredibly exciting and I cannot wait to read book 3!
Octavius was absolutely as hilarious as ever. Never expected a super old vampire to love glitter and rubber duckies so much! But he is absolutely adorable and I love him and Turney together! The side characters were also great still in this book. There are a few chapters from their POV while most are either from Octavius or Turney’s.
I listened to the first book on audio and I would absolutely love to listen to this one and future ones on audio as well. I missed Octavius’ bat voice and the fun the narrator had with these characters.
Overall, this book was so much fun and the illustrations on the chapter title pages were super cute. This book also has amazing text formatting. Wish all authors would adopt this formatting! If you’re looking for a funny paranormal romance absolutely check out this series!
This book had a different feel to it than the first one for me. Book 1 felt like a paranormal fantasy book with romance where this one felt like a romance with paranormal fantasy elements. Neither one is better than the other but I found I actually missed the cases from the first book. There were still cases in this one but didn’t find they were as exciting as book 1. However, the last 15% of the book was incredibly exciting and I cannot wait to read book 3!
Octavius was absolutely as hilarious as ever. Never expected a super old vampire to love glitter and rubber duckies so much! But he is absolutely adorable and I love him and Turney together! The side characters were also great still in this book. There are a few chapters from their POV while most are either from Octavius or Turney’s.
I listened to the first book on audio and I would absolutely love to listen to this one and future ones on audio as well. I missed Octavius’ bat voice and the fun the narrator had with these characters.
Overall, this book was so much fun and the illustrations on the chapter title pages were super cute. This book also has amazing text formatting. Wish all authors would adopt this formatting! If you’re looking for a funny paranormal romance absolutely check out this series!
December 28, 2023
Not really thrilled over Turney dating other people but it’s just a me thing. They are friends with benefits and it takes a while for them to admit their feelings. So not my favorite so far.
August 3, 2024
Well. That is certainly a cliffhanger. There's still two books left so something must be solved of it all, but... Oh Boy.
I am so glad I am reading this series now that it's all out.
I am so glad I am reading this series now that it's all out.
March 28, 2023
I’m so excited to read this book. I keep checking back in to see if it’s released 😭
June 30, 2024
I have enjoyed this series so much that I was quite put out that I didn't get to pick this one up and read it the day it came out...
As for, Detective Octavius Evander? The gang would be lost without him and I would miss getting my dose of absolutely adorable cuteness... but, don't be fooled! He has a dark side and he knows how to use it... if only Turney would let him! 🤣
Book #3 won't be out soon enough if you ask me!
As for, Detective Octavius Evander? The gang would be lost without him and I would miss getting my dose of absolutely adorable cuteness... but, don't be fooled! He has a dark side and he knows how to use it... if only Turney would let him! 🤣
Book #3 won't be out soon enough if you ask me!
April 5, 2023
The cliff hanger though!?! Man, oh man - I can't wait for the next one to come out!
March 26, 2023
Gosh, how I love Octavius. I love him as a vamp but I think I love him even more as a bat and the cuteness.
He is a laugh a minute especially with his unhealthy relationship with glitter.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and it will be interesting to see what happens.
I also need to add that the little bats on each chapter page are awesome. Im not sure of the artist but great job.
He is a laugh a minute especially with his unhealthy relationship with glitter.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and it will be interesting to see what happens.
I also need to add that the little bats on each chapter page are awesome. Im not sure of the artist but great job.
March 26, 2023
highly recommended, beautifully crafted,cliffhanger
Rating: 4.75🌈
“I, Detective Octavius Evander, continues! To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed my precious human, Turney,”
The adventures and romantic journey of the ancient vampire Octavius Evander and his human companion, the wonderfully named Turney Pimms, continues in Keep It Together.
This series starts with Octavius deciding to open a paranormal detective agency, with nothing but money, whimsy and time behind it. As the first book progresses past a strangely endearing flyer, The Undead Detective Agency begins to accumulate its unique employees and accept cases. Among its employees are Turney Pimms, Cormac the werewolf ,Scarlett the zombie , and Min-ji the powerful witch. Each finds their way to working for Octavius in an most unlikely scenario.
But it’s Octavius himself who’s the paranormal puzzle at the heart here. He’s ancient, incredibly intelligent, lost more knowledge than anyone around while accumulating more powers, and yet he’s still not the figure you’d expect.
And this is where Shelby Rhodes does the hardest work narratively and the best that’s threaded through out the series to date. It’s in creating a character so lovable and endearing that we pay little attention to the darker aspects of his story the author’s hinting at.
Honestly I’d pay just for the fabulous sketches of the character of Octavius at the beginning of each chapter. He’s just that winning a personality, especially in his costumed fruit bat form.
So as Octavius runs around chasing his favorite types of glitter, or between cases, has sexy romps with his Turney, the author starts to smack the reader with a clue. Then it’s back to silliness. Then a harder smack to make us pay attention, then notice something about Octavius, then everything isn’t quite so simple or silly anymore.
That perhaps it’s deep trauma and a shattering experience that’s brought about a need to shy away from looking at things too hard and instead concentrate on glitter and scrapbooking. Suddenly the character of Octavius takes on another troubling aspect and damaged perspective of someone who’s been abused.
The ending is both something the author is preparing the reader for and is still unexpected. It’s a cliffhanger.
I have such a deeper appreciation for the layers the author is writing into the story and characters here that I wasn’t aware of in the first book. I’ll be rereading it again soon to see what I missed.
I’m highly impressed by the story and plots . I’m recommending it. There’s a character death. That’s not a spoiler as it’s mentioned in the description.
Part of me thinks that there should be a trigger warning for trauma but I can’t think of how I’d word it at the moment. It’s that sort of story.
The Undead Detective Agency:
- [x] Get It Together #1
- [x] Keep It Together #2
- [ ] In Death Together #3 TBD 2023
- [ ] Forever Together #4 TBD 2024
Rating: 4.75🌈
“I, Detective Octavius Evander, continues! To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed my precious human, Turney,”
The adventures and romantic journey of the ancient vampire Octavius Evander and his human companion, the wonderfully named Turney Pimms, continues in Keep It Together.
This series starts with Octavius deciding to open a paranormal detective agency, with nothing but money, whimsy and time behind it. As the first book progresses past a strangely endearing flyer, The Undead Detective Agency begins to accumulate its unique employees and accept cases. Among its employees are Turney Pimms, Cormac the werewolf ,Scarlett the zombie , and Min-ji the powerful witch. Each finds their way to working for Octavius in an most unlikely scenario.
But it’s Octavius himself who’s the paranormal puzzle at the heart here. He’s ancient, incredibly intelligent, lost more knowledge than anyone around while accumulating more powers, and yet he’s still not the figure you’d expect.
And this is where Shelby Rhodes does the hardest work narratively and the best that’s threaded through out the series to date. It’s in creating a character so lovable and endearing that we pay little attention to the darker aspects of his story the author’s hinting at.
Honestly I’d pay just for the fabulous sketches of the character of Octavius at the beginning of each chapter. He’s just that winning a personality, especially in his costumed fruit bat form.
So as Octavius runs around chasing his favorite types of glitter, or between cases, has sexy romps with his Turney, the author starts to smack the reader with a clue. Then it’s back to silliness. Then a harder smack to make us pay attention, then notice something about Octavius, then everything isn’t quite so simple or silly anymore.
That perhaps it’s deep trauma and a shattering experience that’s brought about a need to shy away from looking at things too hard and instead concentrate on glitter and scrapbooking. Suddenly the character of Octavius takes on another troubling aspect and damaged perspective of someone who’s been abused.
The ending is both something the author is preparing the reader for and is still unexpected. It’s a cliffhanger.
I have such a deeper appreciation for the layers the author is writing into the story and characters here that I wasn’t aware of in the first book. I’ll be rereading it again soon to see what I missed.
I’m highly impressed by the story and plots . I’m recommending it. There’s a character death. That’s not a spoiler as it’s mentioned in the description.
Part of me thinks that there should be a trigger warning for trauma but I can’t think of how I’d word it at the moment. It’s that sort of story.
The Undead Detective Agency:
- [x] Get It Together #1
- [x] Keep It Together #2
- [ ] In Death Together #3 TBD 2023
- [ ] Forever Together #4 TBD 2024
June 2, 2025
This was another fun and exciting adventure with the Undead Detective Agency. There were several mysteries, few of them solved by the end. As the blurb said, this is a real and true cliffhanger with a death. As soon as I finish this review, I’m going to buy and start listening to the next in the series putting aside some other books I really need to read first.
The humor is juvenile at times but it’s still fun. Because of the behavior, I’m often surprised when the text turns smutty and sexual. But they’re a cute couple so I buy it.
The vampire is someone I would fall in love with too. He is fine with being completely silly if it’s something that interests him and silly things interest him. Although glitter is so hard to get rid of… Turney’s so much more manly and you wonder at the attraction until you are introduced to his love of plushies.
I love the various characters and their different personalities. I like that they aren’t the norm, the vampire in particular.
The one thing I dislike is that the author sometimes refers to characters as “the male” rather than just saying the name or pronoun again. I think it’s because we often say “the man” like “the man came over…” but we usually think human then. But it’s really awkward to hear “the male.” I understand trying to not constantly say the same noun over and over but change the structure of the sentences then.
As I said, I’m on to the next one.
The reader, Lance West, was very good, having a wide range of voices. I just didn’t always like his intonation.
The humor is juvenile at times but it’s still fun. Because of the behavior, I’m often surprised when the text turns smutty and sexual. But they’re a cute couple so I buy it.
The vampire is someone I would fall in love with too. He is fine with being completely silly if it’s something that interests him and silly things interest him. Although glitter is so hard to get rid of… Turney’s so much more manly and you wonder at the attraction until you are introduced to his love of plushies.
I love the various characters and their different personalities. I like that they aren’t the norm, the vampire in particular.
The one thing I dislike is that the author sometimes refers to characters as “the male” rather than just saying the name or pronoun again. I think it’s because we often say “the man” like “the man came over…” but we usually think human then. But it’s really awkward to hear “the male.” I understand trying to not constantly say the same noun over and over but change the structure of the sentences then.
As I said, I’m on to the next one.
The reader, Lance West, was very good, having a wide range of voices. I just didn’t always like his intonation.
January 28, 2024
3.5⭐️
I seem to be reading books which have less than stellar beginnings but grow on me as the series goes on. This time around we got some small insight into not just Octavius and Turney but also the rest of the gang. And we got a look in to the big bad of the series towards the end of the book. I am enjoying the world building in this book and its take on mythological creatures.
The case in this book was fun to solve and like Turney I too am worried about the glitter obsession that a certain vampire has :P. For all the jokes and funny moments, the ending of the book just hit me out of left field. Thank God I chose to try to read this series again when it was finished. I am going to be jumping into the 3rd book as soon as I post this review.
If you are looking for a quirky, fun but serious (in terms of action/violence) this might be the book for you. I have to admit a lot of readers might be put out by Octavius being all cutesy and adorable and sometimes juvenile and immature way the characters act. It is not everyone's cup of tea. It isn't always mine. It works for me with this story though. I mean who wouldn't love a vampire who has stayed his cheerful, crazy self after 2 millennia and losing people he care about over the years? I mean I expect him to be crazy. I am just glad it is the eccentric crazy that doesn't hurt people.
Onto the next book now so I can get over the cliffhanger from this book.
I seem to be reading books which have less than stellar beginnings but grow on me as the series goes on. This time around we got some small insight into not just Octavius and Turney but also the rest of the gang. And we got a look in to the big bad of the series towards the end of the book. I am enjoying the world building in this book and its take on mythological creatures.
The case in this book was fun to solve and like Turney I too am worried about the glitter obsession that a certain vampire has :P. For all the jokes and funny moments, the ending of the book just hit me out of left field. Thank God I chose to try to read this series again when it was finished. I am going to be jumping into the 3rd book as soon as I post this review.
If you are looking for a quirky, fun but serious (in terms of action/violence) this might be the book for you. I have to admit a lot of readers might be put out by Octavius being all cutesy and adorable and sometimes juvenile and immature way the characters act. It is not everyone's cup of tea. It isn't always mine. It works for me with this story though. I mean who wouldn't love a vampire who has stayed his cheerful, crazy self after 2 millennia and losing people he care about over the years? I mean I expect him to be crazy. I am just glad it is the eccentric crazy that doesn't hurt people.
Onto the next book now so I can get over the cliffhanger from this book.
March 25, 2023
I've been impatiently waiting for this book. I fell in love with world of The Undead Detective Agency in the first book, Get It Together, and I wanted more from this world. And this book delivered all that I wanted and even more. The author did not hold back this time.
The world building got even better and new characters were introduced that add more craziness and suspense. The familiar characters continue to grow/develop (not feel stale) and captivate the readers, digging themselves deeper into our hearts. The dark gritty parts of the plot are still perfectly balanced with humor, not overwhelming the reader. There is more steam in this story due to Octavius and Turney's relationship developing and becoming stronger.
Octavius continues with his antics and love of glitter. But it's not all fun and glitter, Octavius is being hunted by an old enemy. And this enemy is not easy to capture, creating fear and chaos. It had me seating at the edge of my seat, heart racing, needing to know what will happen next. And then the story takes an even darker turn, shattering my heart. And before it could heal, the book ends in a major cliff hanger. Now I REALLY need book 3.
The world building got even better and new characters were introduced that add more craziness and suspense. The familiar characters continue to grow/develop (not feel stale) and captivate the readers, digging themselves deeper into our hearts. The dark gritty parts of the plot are still perfectly balanced with humor, not overwhelming the reader. There is more steam in this story due to Octavius and Turney's relationship developing and becoming stronger.
Octavius continues with his antics and love of glitter. But it's not all fun and glitter, Octavius is being hunted by an old enemy. And this enemy is not easy to capture, creating fear and chaos. It had me seating at the edge of my seat, heart racing, needing to know what will happen next. And then the story takes an even darker turn, shattering my heart. And before it could heal, the book ends in a major cliff hanger. Now I REALLY need book 3.
July 15, 2023
"Keep It Together" by Shelby Rhodes, the second book in The Undead Detective Agency series, offers an unexpected twist to vampire romance with an unconventional protagonist I still can't fully embrace. While the book has moments of humor and an intriguing concept, its execution sometimes fails, resulting in a mixed reading experience.
The story mainly focuses on the main character's personal life and romance, with less emphasis on supernatural cases. The author's engaging writing style brings out the humor and witty exchanges between the characters, adding a fun touch.
The descriptive writing style creates vivid scenarios and contributes to an intriguing fantasy world building. However, the inconsistent pacing and lack of unpredictability in the plot detract from the overall reading experience. Furthermore, although the book has a unique and eccentric premise, the exploration of the supernatural investigation aspect is limited, leaving it as mere background noise.
"Keep It Together" features an intriguing concept and an engaging writing style, but suffers from pacing issues and a lack of depth in its exploration of supernatural elements.
The story mainly focuses on the main character's personal life and romance, with less emphasis on supernatural cases. The author's engaging writing style brings out the humor and witty exchanges between the characters, adding a fun touch.
The descriptive writing style creates vivid scenarios and contributes to an intriguing fantasy world building. However, the inconsistent pacing and lack of unpredictability in the plot detract from the overall reading experience. Furthermore, although the book has a unique and eccentric premise, the exploration of the supernatural investigation aspect is limited, leaving it as mere background noise.
"Keep It Together" features an intriguing concept and an engaging writing style, but suffers from pacing issues and a lack of depth in its exploration of supernatural elements.
March 23, 2023
Shelby Rhodes does it again! This is book 2 of the Undead Detective Agency and it manages to bring even more to the table—something I didn’t think was possible!
There’s laughter, love, adorableness times 100, and gut wrenching tears. The author deftly handled all of the twists that left me gasping. Keep It Together took me through all the emotions and left me exhausted, satisfied, and begging for more.
The chemistry between her characters is undeniable, whether romantic, as friends, or adversaries. I love the main characters, but the secondary felt just as real. Yet, the plot is the focal point. It doesn’t get lost.
Shelby Rhode’s world building ability is on point. It was incredibly vivid. There wasn’t a moment that I felt was overdone.
I couldn’t put this down. I needed to know what would happen, despite at points almost not wanting to know. It was that suspenseful and absolutely terrifyingly perfect because of it.
Oh! And glitter. All the glitter. I definitely appreciate that!
5 stars for a masterfully written, humorous and suspenseful read.
There’s laughter, love, adorableness times 100, and gut wrenching tears. The author deftly handled all of the twists that left me gasping. Keep It Together took me through all the emotions and left me exhausted, satisfied, and begging for more.
The chemistry between her characters is undeniable, whether romantic, as friends, or adversaries. I love the main characters, but the secondary felt just as real. Yet, the plot is the focal point. It doesn’t get lost.
Shelby Rhode’s world building ability is on point. It was incredibly vivid. There wasn’t a moment that I felt was overdone.
I couldn’t put this down. I needed to know what would happen, despite at points almost not wanting to know. It was that suspenseful and absolutely terrifyingly perfect because of it.
Oh! And glitter. All the glitter. I definitely appreciate that!
5 stars for a masterfully written, humorous and suspenseful read.
March 26, 2023
Owwwwwww😩😭
I think I might actually be sick. Everything hurts and I’m crying💀
Aside from some editing and proofreading misses, this book was even better than the first. I cannot get enough of this world and these characters. They all just.. there’s so much JOY in these characters, even when heavy things happen. Well, aside from the ending this time, that is. Cliffhanger to the max!
But I digress, because I was talking about the happiness and fun these folx seem to radiate. They’re having the time of their lives doing the absolute most, and there’s so much love and the friendships are just 😚🤌🏽
Reading this series just makes me feel good. I was desperate for this book, and I’m even more desperate for the next installment! I know this isn’t going to be for everyone, but it’s for sure ticking all of my boxes!
4.5/5!!♥️
I think I might actually be sick. Everything hurts and I’m crying💀
Aside from some editing and proofreading misses, this book was even better than the first. I cannot get enough of this world and these characters. They all just.. there’s so much JOY in these characters, even when heavy things happen. Well, aside from the ending this time, that is. Cliffhanger to the max!
But I digress, because I was talking about the happiness and fun these folx seem to radiate. They’re having the time of their lives doing the absolute most, and there’s so much love and the friendships are just 😚🤌🏽
Reading this series just makes me feel good. I was desperate for this book, and I’m even more desperate for the next installment! I know this isn’t going to be for everyone, but it’s for sure ticking all of my boxes!
4.5/5!!♥️
April 21, 2023
So, this book is not standalone it is apart of Shelby Rhodes Undead Detective Agency series. Book two in this series was fun! The first book ended on a happy note, but this book ended with a cliffhanger! I'm looking forward to book three!
This book had a different feel than the previous book. The first book felt more paranormal with romance interspersed throughout the story while this one feels more like a romance with paranormal elements to it. I missed the cases the two main characters, Octavius and Turney, went on before though. There are cases in this book, but they are more tame.
Octavius was funny and endearing as usual. I love the relationship and Turney and Octavius have. The side characters were fun in this book too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
This book had a different feel than the previous book. The first book felt more paranormal with romance interspersed throughout the story while this one feels more like a romance with paranormal elements to it. I missed the cases the two main characters, Octavius and Turney, went on before though. There are cases in this book, but they are more tame.
Octavius was funny and endearing as usual. I love the relationship and Turney and Octavius have. The side characters were fun in this book too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
March 24, 2023
This book is so much fun and chaotic. Octavius is SUCH a menace and poor Turney really should have run when he got the chance LOL. I love Turney. He takes everything in stride, even Octavius' craziness. The two of them together are really good, it's hard to deny the connection they have, even though I want to save Turney from the crazy vampire.
This book has everything you loved from the first book and then the author takes it up a notch and shows her evil side. I need the third book ASAP because OMG! Way to make a person's heart leap out of their chest!! I don't know how the author is going to fix what she broke but she better do it fast!
I love these characters and am so excited for book 3!
This book has everything you loved from the first book and then the author takes it up a notch and shows her evil side. I need the third book ASAP because OMG! Way to make a person's heart leap out of their chest!! I don't know how the author is going to fix what she broke but she better do it fast!
I love these characters and am so excited for book 3!
March 24, 2023
I absolulty love this world, Octavius and Turney brings so much laughter and joy to this story, I love how SR has done an excellent job in creating characters you just want to hang out with.
The story line is interesting, fast-paced, well written, from the moment you start you will be completely captivated. With crazy antics, and a well thought out plot, you will be hard press to put it down.
Honestly you would not think that Ocatvius and Turney would work but their chemistry is phenomenal. I was laughing out loud one minute then I was on the edge of my seat wondering how and why this author broke my heart. Book 3 needs to get here fast!!
This does end in a major cliffhanger, but I have faith my heart will heal in the next one. LOVED IT!
The story line is interesting, fast-paced, well written, from the moment you start you will be completely captivated. With crazy antics, and a well thought out plot, you will be hard press to put it down.
Honestly you would not think that Ocatvius and Turney would work but their chemistry is phenomenal. I was laughing out loud one minute then I was on the edge of my seat wondering how and why this author broke my heart. Book 3 needs to get here fast!!
This does end in a major cliffhanger, but I have faith my heart will heal in the next one. LOVED IT!
April 15, 2023
Another amazing addition to the series, the humor in the book is perfect. I absolutely loved so many parts of this book, it is hard to pick a favorite. Of course there are cute chapter headings to draw you further into the story. The character development is amazing, it was nice to meet new characters and learn more about others. I enjoy how Turney puts up with Octavius’ craziness and embraces it, even if he doesn’t want to. And there is glitter oh so much glitter! The ending is wow, I knew something would be coming but was still still not ready for it. I highly recommend you read this book and see what adventure they find themselves in this time. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2023
Exciting book two
Warning this book ends on a cliffhanger but you know that xxxx can’t die. Right? Don’t quite know how Shelby Rhodes is going to pull this one off. I was quite surprised to come to review this book and realize that this is only book two of this series. Octavius and Turney are such fully fleshed out (as it were) characters in my brain that I was sure that there had been more books in this series already. The only problems that I have are a small one in that there are some typos that I assume will soon be taken care of. AND the ending which I also assume will be quickly taken care of. Right? He can’t die!
Warning this book ends on a cliffhanger but you know that xxxx can’t die. Right? Don’t quite know how Shelby Rhodes is going to pull this one off. I was quite surprised to come to review this book and realize that this is only book two of this series. Octavius and Turney are such fully fleshed out (as it were) characters in my brain that I was sure that there had been more books in this series already. The only problems that I have are a small one in that there are some typos that I assume will soon be taken care of. AND the ending which I also assume will be quickly taken care of. Right? He can’t die!
April 26, 2023
I thought things moved pretty quickly in this book compared to the first in the series. That's probably because we didn't need all the world building so we are able to jump right into the good stuff. I absolutely adore their adventures and the way they tip toe around their feelings towards each other. I get super invested in the cases they investigate and I love to be kept guessing. The secondary characters are absolutely wonderful and I love them almost as much as I love Octavius and Turney. There's a big 'ol cliff hanger at the end of this story that made me cry, but I'm putting all my eggs in Shelby's basket and trusting that she will make it all work out somehow.
May 19, 2023
I've been eagerly awaiting the audio release and it's finally here! Lance West had developed some really fun character voices for this series and I’m enjoying it immensely.
Octavius is a giant glittery 1000 year old ball of ridiculousness and Turney can't help but love him. This next installment continues with the expected detective shenanigans but there’s an undercurrent of something darker. We learn a little more about Octavius’ history and there’s the (author mentioned) temporary character death. I’m very much looking forward to book 3 to see how it plays out.
Octavius is a giant glittery 1000 year old ball of ridiculousness and Turney can't help but love him. This next installment continues with the expected detective shenanigans but there’s an undercurrent of something darker. We learn a little more about Octavius’ history and there’s the (author mentioned) temporary character death. I’m very much looking forward to book 3 to see how it plays out.
January 14, 2024
"Keep It Together" received FOUR stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
March 18, 2023
The Undead Detective Agency is back for more fun antics and to the detrement of Turney even more glitter! If you fell for Shelbys sense of humor with book 1 you will love this book even more. Turney has been adapting and becoming more accepting of the Paranormal world around him and starting to come to the realization that one day he would be good with turning.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and not gonna lie its painful but know it's not permanent and will be resolved in book 3.
This book does end on a cliffhanger and not gonna lie its painful but know it's not permanent and will be resolved in book 3.
April 6, 2023
I love Octavius and Turney. I mean, who would love a glitter obsessed vampire who loves to turn into his bat form and look sweet and innocent. Turney is his sweet, plushie loving self dealing with the slightly crazy Octavius. Each of this books need to be read in order and be prepared this one ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I can't believe we have to wait so long to find out what happens next.
March 27, 2023
An absolutely fantastic continuation of this wonderful and hilarious series. More Octavius and Turney, yay, these characters are just so much fun to watch. I already knew I would be ready for book three but that ending has made that need even more urgent ⏰️. I can't wait.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
March 29, 2023
Glitter & giggles
A wonderful next book in this series. I enjoy all the characters but adore Octavius & his inner child along with Turney & how he tries (and fails) to curb the glitter 😆😆.
We are left on a cliffhanger, but if you read the blurb you know things will be ok. Excited for book 3 & definitely recommend this series.
A wonderful next book in this series. I enjoy all the characters but adore Octavius & his inner child along with Turney & how he tries (and fails) to curb the glitter 😆😆.
We are left on a cliffhanger, but if you read the blurb you know things will be ok. Excited for book 3 & definitely recommend this series.
March 11, 2024
Enjoyed the first book and I think I enjoyed the second one a little more. Octavius, Turney and all of the other characters in the Undead Detective Agency are wonderful. I agree with another reviewer in that the last 15% of the book is the most exciting. FYI, you definitely need to read the books in order to get the full enjoyment out of them. Recommend reading.
January 1, 2025
Great addition to the series!
I loved Keep It Together by Shelby Rhodes. It's the second book in The Undead Detective Agency series. This series just keeps getting better, even if the ending left me in tears. I'm just glad that the next book is already out so I don't have to wait to find out what happens next.
I loved Keep It Together by Shelby Rhodes. It's the second book in The Undead Detective Agency series. This series just keeps getting better, even if the ending left me in tears. I'm just glad that the next book is already out so I don't have to wait to find out what happens next.
June 12, 2025
I picked a good day to read this. I'm hoping tomorrow will be a good day to continue to the next book.
This series is fun, but it does cross that line over to silly.
Octavius in his bat form fighting rubber duckies was adorablly silly.
But I do feel like there are only about 3-4 days a month that I'm in the right mindset to truly appriciate it. Lucky for me, today is one of those days.
This series is fun, but it does cross that line over to silly.
Octavius in his bat form fighting rubber duckies was adorablly silly.
But I do feel like there are only about 3-4 days a month that I'm in the right mindset to truly appriciate it. Lucky for me, today is one of those days.
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