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The Violently Departed
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26A missing nun found murdered, a school built on secrets, a haunted town. A new case for Hero Viridian: half-demon, disgraced ex-nun-turned-investigator.
With the stink of demonic involvement surrounding the murder, who better to deal with it than a woman with something to prove, eyes of literal flame and a direct connection to hell?
However, when those who sought her help turn against her, a vulnerable Hero must rely on an unlikely partner, Oleander Keen – a Demonhunter who has already tried to kill her.
With the stink of demonic involvement surrounding the murder, who better to deal with it than a woman with something to prove, eyes of literal flame and a direct connection to hell?
However, when those who sought her help turn against her, a vulnerable Hero must rely on an unlikely partner, Oleander Keen – a Demonhunter who has already tried to kill her.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 28, 2026
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Sarah J. Daley
3 books31 followersSarah J. Daley is a former chef who lives and writes in the Chicago Metropolitan area with her husband and teenaged son. She earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Though she still enjoys the heat and chaos of a professional kitchen, she is now writing full-time. She enjoys traveling, creating costumes for comic con, riding the occasional horse, and streaming old sitcoms for background noise.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3½ stars
I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this book. Although it’s not usually my cup of tea, I was intrigued enough by the concept, to give it a try, and while it had some elements I didn’t love, I found myself having fun reading it. The adventures of Hero and Keen solving this grand mystery were enjoyable, and their rapport was a highlight. As the book progressed, I found myself genuinely intrigued by the mystery and always wanting to know more. That said, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite work for me.
In terms of what I didn’t like, I’d say the main issue was some inconsistency in the characters’ behavior. At times, their actions or dialogue felt odd or uncharacteristic,almost as if their personalities were being turned up to eleven in ways that didn’t fit the moment. Some scenes shifted tone too abruptly, and there were a few decisions that seemed counterintuitive to what the characters were trying to accomplish. While I can see how some of this might connect to their growth arcs, not all of it landed for me.
My other gripe was with the worldbuilding. I wish it had been more developed, especially around the world’s history or how demons and magic function. That said, it might just be the result of this being an introductory book in what could be a larger series.
Ultimately, though, the story accomplished what it set out to do. Even though I was hesitant at first, it gradually won me over. I especially ended up loving the interactions between Hero and Keen, their growing synergy, and the fact that the plot avoided the heavier tropes or clichés that often appear in this kind of story. This isn’t normally my genre, but I enjoyed the mystery, the character interplay, and the adventure. If you like Dark Academia or detective-style fantasies, I think you’ll find a lot to appreciate here.
I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this book. Although it’s not usually my cup of tea, I was intrigued enough by the concept, to give it a try, and while it had some elements I didn’t love, I found myself having fun reading it. The adventures of Hero and Keen solving this grand mystery were enjoyable, and their rapport was a highlight. As the book progressed, I found myself genuinely intrigued by the mystery and always wanting to know more. That said, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite work for me.
In terms of what I didn’t like, I’d say the main issue was some inconsistency in the characters’ behavior. At times, their actions or dialogue felt odd or uncharacteristic,almost as if their personalities were being turned up to eleven in ways that didn’t fit the moment. Some scenes shifted tone too abruptly, and there were a few decisions that seemed counterintuitive to what the characters were trying to accomplish. While I can see how some of this might connect to their growth arcs, not all of it landed for me.
My other gripe was with the worldbuilding. I wish it had been more developed, especially around the world’s history or how demons and magic function. That said, it might just be the result of this being an introductory book in what could be a larger series.
Ultimately, though, the story accomplished what it set out to do. Even though I was hesitant at first, it gradually won me over. I especially ended up loving the interactions between Hero and Keen, their growing synergy, and the fact that the plot avoided the heavier tropes or clichés that often appear in this kind of story. This isn’t normally my genre, but I enjoyed the mystery, the character interplay, and the adventure. If you like Dark Academia or detective-style fantasies, I think you’ll find a lot to appreciate here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Violently Departed is an absolute blast—moody, clever, and packed with the kind of energy that makes you want to devour just one more chapter. Sarah J. Daley blends crime fiction, dark academia, and supernatural fantasy into a story that feels fresh, fast, and wonderfully character‑driven.
Hero Viridian is the standout here: a half‑demon, ex‑nun investigator with literal fire in her eyes and a chip on her shoulder the size of the haunted town she’s trying to protect. She’s prickly, vulnerable, and wildly compelling, the kind of protagonist who makes even the quiet moments crackle. The murder of a missing nun pulls her into a web of secrets surrounding an eerie school, a town steeped in old magic, and a past she can’t quite outrun.
The dynamic between Hero and Oleander Keen—a Demonhunter who once tried to kill her and now might be her only ally—is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Their reluctant partnership brings a fun, buddy‑cop spark to the darker elements of the story, balancing tension with sharp banter and uneasy trust.
Daley’s worldbuilding is seamless: atmospheric without ever slowing the pace, full of haunted corners, whispered histories, and the sense that danger is always just out of sight. The plot moves quickly, but never at the expense of character or mood, and the blend of mystery and magic keeps the stakes high and the pages turning.
Darkly delightful, smartly written, and anchored by a heroine you can’t help rooting for, The Violently Departed is a fantastic pick for readers who love supernatural mysteries with grit, heart, and a touch of hellfire.
With thanks to Sarah J Daley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Hero Viridian is the standout here: a half‑demon, ex‑nun investigator with literal fire in her eyes and a chip on her shoulder the size of the haunted town she’s trying to protect. She’s prickly, vulnerable, and wildly compelling, the kind of protagonist who makes even the quiet moments crackle. The murder of a missing nun pulls her into a web of secrets surrounding an eerie school, a town steeped in old magic, and a past she can’t quite outrun.
The dynamic between Hero and Oleander Keen—a Demonhunter who once tried to kill her and now might be her only ally—is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Their reluctant partnership brings a fun, buddy‑cop spark to the darker elements of the story, balancing tension with sharp banter and uneasy trust.
Daley’s worldbuilding is seamless: atmospheric without ever slowing the pace, full of haunted corners, whispered histories, and the sense that danger is always just out of sight. The plot moves quickly, but never at the expense of character or mood, and the blend of mystery and magic keeps the stakes high and the pages turning.
Darkly delightful, smartly written, and anchored by a heroine you can’t help rooting for, The Violently Departed is a fantastic pick for readers who love supernatural mysteries with grit, heart, and a touch of hellfire.
With thanks to Sarah J Daley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 Stars — Murder, Magic, and... Nuns
Honestly, I was skeptical about a half-demon, half-nun investigator. Sounds like a weird fanfic. But I stuck with it and The Violently Departed won me over in the end. It’s a pretty fun blend of mystery and fantasy, and I ended up liking the main characters, Hero & Oleander, even if their internal monologues and second guesses would get on my nerves when I clearly knew what they needed to do.
I totally guessed one of the twists early on, but thank god there was another one I didn't see coming. I love getting got.
My only gripe? I need to know more about this world. We've got demonhunters, we've got nuns, we've got a town that has classism segregation, we've got magic, we've got horse/carriages, we've got creatures trying to escape Hell. Is everywhere like this?
Give me a map next time, please. Actually, don't. I never look at those in fantasy books. They put them in the beginning and I immediately get overwhelmed, turn the page, and forget that it's there. But overall, a solid read.
Recommended for: People who love a historical-adjacent (again, horse/carriage vibes) fantasy mystery and don't mind a story that weaves in religious elements with a creative twist. Devout folks might want to skip this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
#TheViolentlyDeparted #NetGalley
Honestly, I was skeptical about a half-demon, half-nun investigator. Sounds like a weird fanfic. But I stuck with it and The Violently Departed won me over in the end. It’s a pretty fun blend of mystery and fantasy, and I ended up liking the main characters, Hero & Oleander, even if their internal monologues and second guesses would get on my nerves when I clearly knew what they needed to do.
I totally guessed one of the twists early on, but thank god there was another one I didn't see coming. I love getting got.
My only gripe? I need to know more about this world. We've got demonhunters, we've got nuns, we've got a town that has classism segregation, we've got magic, we've got horse/carriages, we've got creatures trying to escape Hell. Is everywhere like this?
Give me a map next time, please. Actually, don't. I never look at those in fantasy books. They put them in the beginning and I immediately get overwhelmed, turn the page, and forget that it's there. But overall, a solid read.
Recommended for: People who love a historical-adjacent (again, horse/carriage vibes) fantasy mystery and don't mind a story that weaves in religious elements with a creative twist. Devout folks might want to skip this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
#TheViolentlyDeparted #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was looking for my next book to read, so I went ahead and started this one because the blurb was just what I wanted at that moment. I was immediately drawn into the story with our fascinating and maybe slightly creepy main character, Hero. She is half demon, half human, and all the way shunned because of her half demon part. Add in our green and slightly innocent second main character, Oleander, and we have an interesting investigator duo. They progress from a slightly antagonistic partnership to completely having each other’s backs in a very real way. There’s also an excellent feel to the overall book, too, that made this feel a tiny bit horror-ish, which I was definitely down for. This is a great urban fantasy, and I hope there will be more. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Sarah J. Daley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.
The violently departed is murder mystery where a disgraced ex-nun/half demon partners up with a demonhunter to solve the case. This book was a fun, easy read. I really enjoyed how much the relationship between Hero and DH Keen grew and that they became unlikely allies in the face of danger.
There was a plot and a purpose to this story which was great. It wasn’t taken over by romance in any way or side character stories. I enjoyed the fact it was easy to follow while also keeping me gripped. I feel as though this could be a standalone but could also be the beginning of a series where these two continue to solve mysteries of a demon nature.
The violently departed is murder mystery where a disgraced ex-nun/half demon partners up with a demonhunter to solve the case. This book was a fun, easy read. I really enjoyed how much the relationship between Hero and DH Keen grew and that they became unlikely allies in the face of danger.
There was a plot and a purpose to this story which was great. It wasn’t taken over by romance in any way or side character stories. I enjoyed the fact it was easy to follow while also keeping me gripped. I feel as though this could be a standalone but could also be the beginning of a series where these two continue to solve mysteries of a demon nature.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC copy of this book. While I did receive a free copy of this book, my review contains my own thoughts and opinions!
This book combined all of my favorite things in a book. The fantasy/paranormal aspect as well as murder mystery. Hero is a half demon, half human, ex nun, investigator. She is paired with a human demon hunter on an investigation. I love their dynamic and the development of their partnership. I do think the ex-nun aspect of Hero was a little much but Sarah J. Daley did do a phenomenal job of tying in the insurance of her being an ex-nun at the end. I appreciated the mystery in this book and I honestly did not guess the killer like I can with some other murder mysteries. Overall I enjoyed this book!
This book combined all of my favorite things in a book. The fantasy/paranormal aspect as well as murder mystery. Hero is a half demon, half human, ex nun, investigator. She is paired with a human demon hunter on an investigation. I love their dynamic and the development of their partnership. I do think the ex-nun aspect of Hero was a little much but Sarah J. Daley did do a phenomenal job of tying in the insurance of her being an ex-nun at the end. I appreciated the mystery in this book and I honestly did not guess the killer like I can with some other murder mysteries. Overall I enjoyed this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Sarah J. Daley for this ARC.
Hero, the ex-nun, half-demon inspector is the "hero" of this book. Along with her fresh demonhunter partner Ollie, they are tasked with solving the murder of the beloved nun at Clementine Prep. While investigating the murder, they uncover many more dark secrets stored in the town.
I will admit it did take me a while to get into the book, but once I got about 1/3 of the way in, I was hooked. The plot was good and focused on the murder mystery with some paranormal intertwined. It wasn't overshadowed by side characters and romance, which I really enjoyed because it kept the plot moving at a good pace.
The twist at the end was really good, I knew that person was involved with everything, but them being what they were shocked me.
Hero, the ex-nun, half-demon inspector is the "hero" of this book. Along with her fresh demonhunter partner Ollie, they are tasked with solving the murder of the beloved nun at Clementine Prep. While investigating the murder, they uncover many more dark secrets stored in the town.
I will admit it did take me a while to get into the book, but once I got about 1/3 of the way in, I was hooked. The plot was good and focused on the murder mystery with some paranormal intertwined. It wasn't overshadowed by side characters and romance, which I really enjoyed because it kept the plot moving at a good pace.
The twist at the end was really good, I knew that person was involved with everything, but them being what they were shocked me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Arc reader with netgalley!!
such a good read, love a demon murder mystery!! characters were interesting and the ending was great! overall fantastically written.
such a good read, love a demon murder mystery!! characters were interesting and the ending was great! overall fantastically written.
November 4, 2025
A dark and delightfully devious blend of criminal investigation and demonic corruption.
Hero Viridian is a half-demon, not the greatest of things of be in a world beset by demonic corruption, with entire orders of battle nuns guarding against the dark powers of pandemonium. But she is useful, serving as a criminal investigator that can speak to the shades of the departed.
When a beloved nun is killed in a ritualistic manner, suspicion falls on demonic forces. Hero Viridian is called in to team up with a young demonhunter to solve the crime, as quick as possible thank you very much, leading them into the heart of an prestigious academy for the children of the wealthy.
Hero Viridian is a half-demon, not the greatest of things of be in a world beset by demonic corruption, with entire orders of battle nuns guarding against the dark powers of pandemonium. But she is useful, serving as a criminal investigator that can speak to the shades of the departed.
When a beloved nun is killed in a ritualistic manner, suspicion falls on demonic forces. Hero Viridian is called in to team up with a young demonhunter to solve the crime, as quick as possible thank you very much, leading them into the heart of an prestigious academy for the children of the wealthy.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews