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Finished Business: Business Hell Book One
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Welcome to the afterlife! We hope you’ve completed your application package for Heaven and don’t have any unfinished business holding you back…
Hazel Lawton is a young professional trying to succeed at her first job postcollege. The catch is she’s dead, and her employer is one of Hell’s most fearsome demons.
Hazel is tasked with leading the demon’s newest startup company, which helps ghosts complete their unfinished business and move on to the afterlife. Armed with a holy relic that enables the wielder to interact with the living world for three seconds at a time and some aesthetic marketing flyers, Hazel and her two ghostly colleagues—a 1930s housewife and coconut octopus—set out to turn this business idea into the next great business success story.
And in this corporate Hell, the fate of her immortal soul may hinge on meeting her KPIs.
This hilarious fantasy parody is perfect for fans of The Good Place and Terry Pratchett.
Hazel Lawton is a young professional trying to succeed at her first job postcollege. The catch is she’s dead, and her employer is one of Hell’s most fearsome demons.
Hazel is tasked with leading the demon’s newest startup company, which helps ghosts complete their unfinished business and move on to the afterlife. Armed with a holy relic that enables the wielder to interact with the living world for three seconds at a time and some aesthetic marketing flyers, Hazel and her two ghostly colleagues—a 1930s housewife and coconut octopus—set out to turn this business idea into the next great business success story.
And in this corporate Hell, the fate of her immortal soul may hinge on meeting her KPIs.
This hilarious fantasy parody is perfect for fans of The Good Place and Terry Pratchett.
- GenresParanormalHumorFantasy
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
About the author
Victoria Brun
8 books2 followersVictoria Brun is a writer and project manager at a national laboratory. When not bugging hardworking scientists about budget reports and service agreements, she’s writing stories about people in improbable situations. Her short stories and articles have appeared in Clarkesworld Magazine, Nature Futures, Factor Four Magazine, and beyond.
She’s also the editor of the microfiction magazine 100-Foot Crow.
Finished Business is her first published novel.
She’s also the editor of the microfiction magazine 100-Foot Crow.
Finished Business is her first published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and 100-Foot Crow for this ARC.
2.5 Stars
Finished Business is a novel that promised zany and out there, but ultimately didn't deliver all that it promised. Granted, it is a unique idea with some fun loving characters, revolving around the trope of working in the afterlife. Which is a trope I usually enjoy, except in this instance. The entire time I spent reading this novel, I kept hoping for some more wacky, out there voice to take over the narrative.
The simplistic prose stripped most of the charm from the plot, with the one dimensional characters aiding and abetting in holding the entirety of it back from becoming a new favorite. Starting with Hazel's death, one would expect more drama or flair to explain how her life revolved around perfectionism and none on her social life. Instead, she spends only brief moments reflecting on what she did before her death which led to a non satisfactory conclusion of her growth-- though I expect Victoria Brun has plenty in mind to delve more into this in the next novel.
Almost immediately after learning that her father had damned her to hell, Hazel continues to wander around aimlessly before running into Octi and Cal, her soon to be partners in crime. Octi's nature is very simplistic, with a focus on the here and now and primarily on snacks. Cal is a rogue with a backstory left unexplored, with the only detail being what year they died in. Despite having spent the entire novel in the company of these two, Hazel doesn't go beyond surface level personality traits with them which belies the nature of their entanglements at their new job.
These new companions are forced to work alongside Hazel after her botched attempt to burn her contract for a one way ticket to Heaven. However, they do not really seem to resent her as that is not written into either personalities. I expected Cal to feel held back from committing more crimes, which never came into fruition. Meanwhile, Octi's personality is akin to that of a golden retriever: fun, loveable, but ultimately just here for the ride.
At the end of the novel, Brun reveals that this originally started as a short story and I couldn't help but feel that they explained why everything felt so surface level. Honestly, the way this was handled reflected that more of a short story exercise than something that needed to be expanded on. If Brun had put more fine tuning into the wit and tried to channel the whimsical nature of other authors such as Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams, I feel this would have worked more. I understand that is a high bar to reach and can easily feel forced, but as it is nothing really stands out in Finished Business.
Overall I feel this is fine -- it's not going to change the world, but it's a nice palate cleanser.
2.5 Stars
Finished Business is a novel that promised zany and out there, but ultimately didn't deliver all that it promised. Granted, it is a unique idea with some fun loving characters, revolving around the trope of working in the afterlife. Which is a trope I usually enjoy, except in this instance. The entire time I spent reading this novel, I kept hoping for some more wacky, out there voice to take over the narrative.
The simplistic prose stripped most of the charm from the plot, with the one dimensional characters aiding and abetting in holding the entirety of it back from becoming a new favorite. Starting with Hazel's death, one would expect more drama or flair to explain how her life revolved around perfectionism and none on her social life. Instead, she spends only brief moments reflecting on what she did before her death which led to a non satisfactory conclusion of her growth-- though I expect Victoria Brun has plenty in mind to delve more into this in the next novel.
Almost immediately after learning that her father had damned her to hell, Hazel continues to wander around aimlessly before running into Octi and Cal, her soon to be partners in crime. Octi's nature is very simplistic, with a focus on the here and now and primarily on snacks. Cal is a rogue with a backstory left unexplored, with the only detail being what year they died in. Despite having spent the entire novel in the company of these two, Hazel doesn't go beyond surface level personality traits with them which belies the nature of their entanglements at their new job.
These new companions are forced to work alongside Hazel after her botched attempt to burn her contract for a one way ticket to Heaven. However, they do not really seem to resent her as that is not written into either personalities. I expected Cal to feel held back from committing more crimes, which never came into fruition. Meanwhile, Octi's personality is akin to that of a golden retriever: fun, loveable, but ultimately just here for the ride.
At the end of the novel, Brun reveals that this originally started as a short story and I couldn't help but feel that they explained why everything felt so surface level. Honestly, the way this was handled reflected that more of a short story exercise than something that needed to be expanded on. If Brun had put more fine tuning into the wit and tried to channel the whimsical nature of other authors such as Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams, I feel this would have worked more. I understand that is a high bar to reach and can easily feel forced, but as it is nothing really stands out in Finished Business.
Overall I feel this is fine -- it's not going to change the world, but it's a nice palate cleanser.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for this review.
This book is a delight! Having only recently discovered "cozy fantasy" and "romantasy", it leaves me wondering if "cozy horror" is a thing? I was hooked from the opening lines.
Hazel, a college senior, finds herself working at her first real job, except for one catch - she's newly dead and her employer is one of Hell's most fearsome demons! Not only does she have to adjust to now being incorporal and ghostly ways of living (erm, dying?) but also has a fast learning curve for corporate culture- mandatory orientation, acronyms, buzzwords, and worse yet, brainstorming sessions. Luckily, she and her two coworkers, Cal, a 1920s petty criminal and arsonist and Octi, an octopus from a research lab at an aquarium, frequently escape the office on various errands and field trips for Finished Business, Inc.
Their first client is helping a ghost communicate with her husband before she can move on. Their next client is a hiker lost in the woods who needs someone to find her missing body. Both involve various side trips for information (since there is no Internet in the afterlife), holy relics, external contractors and trying to protect a living human from a malicious ghost who wants to murder him, all while avoiding the various goons chasing them from Cal's prior activities and staying out of the fearsome gaze of their boss, Xaphan.
The afterlife waiting room definitely gives Good Omens vibes (or Beetlejuice if you prefer), as does the long hallway to Xaphan's office. Another demon gives homage to the monster from Pan's Labyrinth, only much better dressed and with incredible hair. The very premise of Hell as a Corporate Office is hilarious, down to the fake and/or dying house plants, office supply imps and HR watching cat videos. All the souls Hazel meets are either animal or a combination of human and animal - gazelle horns, cat face, leopard skin etc, which made me wonder what animal traits Hazel herself manifested.
She really comes into her own as the story moves. She misses her living family but doesn't seem vindictive against her father for selling her soul to a demon. In fact, she even seems keen to become the afterlife's Best Employee.
This book is a delight! Having only recently discovered "cozy fantasy" and "romantasy", it leaves me wondering if "cozy horror" is a thing? I was hooked from the opening lines.
Hazel, a college senior, finds herself working at her first real job, except for one catch - she's newly dead and her employer is one of Hell's most fearsome demons! Not only does she have to adjust to now being incorporal and ghostly ways of living (erm, dying?) but also has a fast learning curve for corporate culture- mandatory orientation, acronyms, buzzwords, and worse yet, brainstorming sessions. Luckily, she and her two coworkers, Cal, a 1920s petty criminal and arsonist and Octi, an octopus from a research lab at an aquarium, frequently escape the office on various errands and field trips for Finished Business, Inc.
Their first client is helping a ghost communicate with her husband before she can move on. Their next client is a hiker lost in the woods who needs someone to find her missing body. Both involve various side trips for information (since there is no Internet in the afterlife), holy relics, external contractors and trying to protect a living human from a malicious ghost who wants to murder him, all while avoiding the various goons chasing them from Cal's prior activities and staying out of the fearsome gaze of their boss, Xaphan.
The afterlife waiting room definitely gives Good Omens vibes (or Beetlejuice if you prefer), as does the long hallway to Xaphan's office. Another demon gives homage to the monster from Pan's Labyrinth, only much better dressed and with incredible hair. The very premise of Hell as a Corporate Office is hilarious, down to the fake and/or dying house plants, office supply imps and HR watching cat videos. All the souls Hazel meets are either animal or a combination of human and animal - gazelle horns, cat face, leopard skin etc, which made me wonder what animal traits Hazel herself manifested.
She really comes into her own as the story moves. She misses her living family but doesn't seem vindictive against her father for selling her soul to a demon. In fact, she even seems keen to become the afterlife's Best Employee.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I tend to stay away from speculative fiction. I find it hard to visualize and connect to the imaginative and fantastical aspects of the genre. But Finished Business proved I should step outside my literary comfort zone more often!
I loved Hazel’s practical approach to navigating the bizarre circumstances and characters she encounters in the afterlife. And Octi’s inability to be anything other than honest and aloof were completely endearing. I was intrigued and slightly confused by Cal — but ultimately found her commitment to being just so Cal quite entertaining.
Most of all, I enjoyed the wit and humor throughout. Great writing and a great sense of humor will keep me invested, no matter the genre. Plus, it turns out that the bizarre nature of workplace norms and dynamics fit in perfectly in the outlandish and surreal environment that is the afterlife.
Glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone for this read!
I loved Hazel’s practical approach to navigating the bizarre circumstances and characters she encounters in the afterlife. And Octi’s inability to be anything other than honest and aloof were completely endearing. I was intrigued and slightly confused by Cal — but ultimately found her commitment to being just so Cal quite entertaining.
Most of all, I enjoyed the wit and humor throughout. Great writing and a great sense of humor will keep me invested, no matter the genre. Plus, it turns out that the bizarre nature of workplace norms and dynamics fit in perfectly in the outlandish and surreal environment that is the afterlife.
Glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone for this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a quirky and humorous story!
I'm so used to read books where characters suffer or have had some trauma in the childhood and now they have to learn to finally accept themselves. This is not that kind of a story. This amusing story follows Hazel and her two new colleagues in the afterlife while they try their best to help ghosts with their unfinished business. The trials and errors, the corporate lingo, the clients - it is all delivered in a cheerful manner.
I really felt for Hazel in her new situation. She was thrown into unknown with full force but she still managed to get going. I loved Octi - the octopus ghost. I would compare her to Princess Donut from DCC series, only Octi is sweet and naive. I should also mention their boss. I loved how he was portrayed in a totally unexpected way.
This book is entertaining and perfect for moments when you need something lighthearted and funny.
Review of advance copy received from author.
I'm so used to read books where characters suffer or have had some trauma in the childhood and now they have to learn to finally accept themselves. This is not that kind of a story. This amusing story follows Hazel and her two new colleagues in the afterlife while they try their best to help ghosts with their unfinished business. The trials and errors, the corporate lingo, the clients - it is all delivered in a cheerful manner.
I really felt for Hazel in her new situation. She was thrown into unknown with full force but she still managed to get going. I loved Octi - the octopus ghost. I would compare her to Princess Donut from DCC series, only Octi is sweet and naive. I should also mention their boss. I loved how he was portrayed in a totally unexpected way.
This book is entertaining and perfect for moments when you need something lighthearted and funny.
Review of advance copy received from author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quirky, laugh-out-loud romp through the afterlife.
When recent college graduate Hazel realizes that she’s died in an unfortunate accident, she finds herself in quite the predicament as she begins working for a demon. Along with her coworkers Cal and Octi, Hazel helps ghosts finish their last wishes so that they can go into the light of the afterlife.
This book is so ingeniously imaginative that you’ll be making sure it’s real on multiple occasions throughout the story.
Octi is my girl with her innocent hilarity, and the story flies off the pages.
Special shout-out to the author for her Detroit Lions joke; fellow fans and Midwesterners will find themselves laughing out loud just like I did.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book; I had the best time and can’t wait to read more about the adventures of the Finished Business crew!
When recent college graduate Hazel realizes that she’s died in an unfortunate accident, she finds herself in quite the predicament as she begins working for a demon. Along with her coworkers Cal and Octi, Hazel helps ghosts finish their last wishes so that they can go into the light of the afterlife.
This book is so ingeniously imaginative that you’ll be making sure it’s real on multiple occasions throughout the story.
Octi is my girl with her innocent hilarity, and the story flies off the pages.
Special shout-out to the author for her Detroit Lions joke; fellow fans and Midwesterners will find themselves laughing out loud just like I did.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book; I had the best time and can’t wait to read more about the adventures of the Finished Business crew!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazel being dead and still somehow stuck dealing with paperwork immediately worked for me. The whole afterlife bureaucracy setup is funny, but what made it stick was how normal Hazel still feels inside something completely absurd. She’s trying to handle unfinished business and figure out what comes next while Heaven keeps treating eternity like an office job.
I also liked that it gets warmer as it goes. The relationships Hazel builds give the story more heart than I expected from a premise this goofy. A few of the rules around the afterlife took me a little while to settle into, but once I did, this became a very easy read. Strange, sweet, and much more emotional than the death paperwork suggested.
I also liked that it gets warmer as it goes. The relationships Hazel builds give the story more heart than I expected from a premise this goofy. A few of the rules around the afterlife took me a little while to settle into, but once I did, this became a very easy read. Strange, sweet, and much more emotional than the death paperwork suggested.
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this debut book from Victoria.
Want to have some fun? This is the one to read. Warning: reading in bed with your significant other causes constant interruptions with the question, “What’s so funny?”, as you cannot control the giggles while reading.
Set in an afterlife that Dilbert would have nightmares about, the freshly dead Hazel is tasked with running a startup business with a pair of odd co-workers that quickly become friends. The banter between them and the other characters as they navigate the world of business processes and jargon is engaging and witty.
Looking forward to the 2nd book to continue the adventure.
Want to have some fun? This is the one to read. Warning: reading in bed with your significant other causes constant interruptions with the question, “What’s so funny?”, as you cannot control the giggles while reading.
Set in an afterlife that Dilbert would have nightmares about, the freshly dead Hazel is tasked with running a startup business with a pair of odd co-workers that quickly become friends. The banter between them and the other characters as they navigate the world of business processes and jargon is engaging and witty.
Looking forward to the 2nd book to continue the adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As soon as I saw the octopus on the cover I knew I had to read this. Octi isn't the main character but she is a pretty prominent feature and I love her.
On to what the book is actually about, this is a heaven and hell as a bureaucracy kind of world. Where it differs from the others I've read is there's less of a focus on heaven and hell. They're certainly still around and flavoring the world, but Finished Business mostly takes place in a city of ghosts where our unfortunate trio ends up working for a start up run by a demon. It jumps right into the action and does a great job keeping up the pace. I flew through it and had an excellent time with the world, characters, and humor.
On to what the book is actually about, this is a heaven and hell as a bureaucracy kind of world. Where it differs from the others I've read is there's less of a focus on heaven and hell. They're certainly still around and flavoring the world, but Finished Business mostly takes place in a city of ghosts where our unfortunate trio ends up working for a start up run by a demon. It jumps right into the action and does a great job keeping up the pace. I flew through it and had an excellent time with the world, characters, and humor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5 Stars
A fun read about three unlikely entities thrown together to start a new company in Hell. I really enjoyed the clever twist on the premise and the dynamic between the characters.
I did wish we got more from Hazel, especially when it came to her backstory and emotions. Cal even comments on how well she’s handling everything, but I kept waiting for bigger emotions or some kind of outburst. I also loved Octi, but I couldn’t stop wondering why she was in Hell if she’s so pure of heart. Maybe I missed something, but it was a question I kept coming back to.
Overall, a cute read. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next one goes!
A fun read about three unlikely entities thrown together to start a new company in Hell. I really enjoyed the clever twist on the premise and the dynamic between the characters.
I did wish we got more from Hazel, especially when it came to her backstory and emotions. Cal even comments on how well she’s handling everything, but I kept waiting for bigger emotions or some kind of outburst. I also loved Octi, but I couldn’t stop wondering why she was in Hell if she’s so pure of heart. Maybe I missed something, but it was a question I kept coming back to.
Overall, a cute read. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next one goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Poor Hazel! When she says that she has the boss from hell, she isn’t exaggerating.
In a bizarre corporate world, Hazel’s adventures promoting a unique start-up provide a hilarious ride. Navigating strange clients, scary competitors, and that boss, Hazel & her quirky co-workers soon become friends & allies in this perilous enterprise.
What a life! Or rather, what an afterlife!
So happy that I received an ARC from the author; this is a delightful novel. One of the most humorous books I’ve ever read.
In a bizarre corporate world, Hazel’s adventures promoting a unique start-up provide a hilarious ride. Navigating strange clients, scary competitors, and that boss, Hazel & her quirky co-workers soon become friends & allies in this perilous enterprise.
What a life! Or rather, what an afterlife!
So happy that I received an ARC from the author; this is a delightful novel. One of the most humorous books I’ve ever read.
Review of advance copy
This felt like an experience you'd have after taking drugs (like a psychedelic trip being at Woodstock!!!) Things are wild, crazy, and distorted. Hazel gets hit by a garbage truck and dies. She goes through a process to get into heaven, only to find there's a contract ( a lean on her , so to speak ) she must fulfill first. This debt incurred by her dad must be paid by Hazel now! Take this "trip" and enjoy the entertainment along the way. Happy returns from " Strawberry Fields" forever!!!
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Review of advance copy
This book is a fun and exciting read. I really enjoyed the character development and the way it portrayed so many emotions like imposter syndrome and work place issues dealt with everyday by so many. The problem solving and interpersonal relationships were believable and pulled the reader into the story. I think all age groups can appreciate it on different levels and perhaps different times in their lives. Definitely an excellent read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had so much fun reading this book! I tried to make it last, but eventually I came to the last chapter. The story follows three main characters, the new employees of Finished Business. They stumble around and seamlessly fall from one hilarious situation into another. A great read set in a very convincing parallel universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read! I fell in love with all of the characters, and it was hilarious watching them navigate running a startup business… after death. I especially enjoyed all of the entrepreneurial mishaps they encountered (like forgetting to collect payment from their clients!). It added such a humorous layer to an already unique premise. I can’t wait to pick up the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an awesomely fresh and hilarious read.
Enjoyed this as a break from my romantasy reads
🐙- Absolutely loved Octi 💕
😈- Soul contract
☕️- Office banter
I wish my work place and coworkers were this fun.🤣
Enjoyed this as a break from my romantasy reads
🐙- Absolutely loved Octi 💕
😈- Soul contract
☕️- Office banter
I wish my work place and coworkers were this fun.🤣
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hazel has died and is now working for a demon because her father gave his first born child in a deal at some point....
Overall it's hilarious. Hazel is competent in life but finds the ghost world to be quite absurd. In fact one of her new friends/partners is an octopus.
Would recommend.
Overall it's hilarious. Hazel is competent in life but finds the ghost world to be quite absurd. In fact one of her new friends/partners is an octopus.
Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews