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Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator
Ally Carter’s megabestselling Gallagher Girls series meets Veronica Mars with a paranormal twist when Jillian Cade’s (fake!) private eye service unearths far more than she bargained for.
Jillian Cade doesn’t believe in the paranormal, unlike her famous father, a professor and expert on the occult. Ever since he abandoned her to travel the world for “research,” she’s milked his reputation—and all the suckers who believe in the stuff—by taking over his private investigation firm. After all, a high school junior has to take care of herself, especially when she’s on her own.
Ironically, it’s when she takes on a case that might involve a totally non-paranormal missing person that things get strange. Particularly when Sky Ramsey—a new boy at school who insists on becoming her partner—won’t shut up about succubi, of all things.
As they investigate, Jillian is surprised by her feelings for Sky, which threaten to derail the investigation. But that surprise is no match for the shock of learning that there may be something to Sky’s succubi obsession after all.
Jillian Cade doesn’t believe in the paranormal, unlike her famous father, a professor and expert on the occult. Ever since he abandoned her to travel the world for “research,” she’s milked his reputation—and all the suckers who believe in the stuff—by taking over his private investigation firm. After all, a high school junior has to take care of herself, especially when she’s on her own.
Ironically, it’s when she takes on a case that might involve a totally non-paranormal missing person that things get strange. Particularly when Sky Ramsey—a new boy at school who insists on becoming her partner—won’t shut up about succubi, of all things.
As they investigate, Jillian is surprised by her feelings for Sky, which threaten to derail the investigation. But that surprise is no match for the shock of learning that there may be something to Sky’s succubi obsession after all.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 21, 2018
This book started out a bit slow while it was world building but then it picked up fast and went on like a whirlwind. I really liked it. Our heroine starts out clueless but quickly absorbs the information and begins to find her power. As for our heroes? They are secondary characters even when they try to step out in front.
Hopefully all that wasn’t too terribly vague. Basically its a good story and would make a very cool series so I hope the author continues.
Hopefully all that wasn’t too terribly vague. Basically its a good story and would make a very cool series so I hope the author continues.
December 16, 2023
This really should have a sequel. I want to know what happens next!
August 20, 2015
Jillian Cade : (Fake) Paranormal Investigator, took me completely by surprise. I don't know what it was that I expected, but it wasn't that. The beginning started off pretty slow but once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down. This is Supernatural for the YA crowd. Throw in monsters, some romance, and a broody main character, and voilà, you get Jillian! I'm excited to see that there will be another book. The farther along I got into the book, the more I worried about how everything would eventually wrap up. By 90% I came to the conclusion that there just had to be a second book coming.
Jillian Cade is a learned con artist; conning people into believing she's a paranormal investigator. All that she does is all learned from the man that birthed her. And right about now, he's left her in the care of her aunt and uncle. At the start of the new school year, Jillian gets a case that seems all too real. Throw in the new boy, Sky, who uses Jillian's own defenses to partner with her on the investigation of finding a missing college boy. But then they learn that maybe the paranormal and unexplainable may exist. Can Jillian be swayed away from her skepticism and become a true believer? What's Sky's endgame and why is he so hell bent on helping her?
I had so much fun reading this story. Even though the beginning could have sped up a little bit for my taste, I enjoyed the story immensely. At first I thought that maybe this would be considered a YA contemporary novel but it is in fact a YA paranormal romance. But the romance does take a backseat to the story as a whole. The heroine, Jillian, is strong and doesn't take crap from anyone. I truly think readers will enjoy diving into her world.
Overall, I loved this so it goes to say, I definitely recommend reading the book! I'm hoping it doesn't take too long for book two to get here because I want to be back in this wonderful world the author has created. Plus, I'd like to see where she takes us as we try to gain more answers. (Also I want to see more of Sky, he's pretty dreamy - hint, hint)
4.5 Stars
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jillian Cade is a learned con artist; conning people into believing she's a paranormal investigator. All that she does is all learned from the man that birthed her. And right about now, he's left her in the care of her aunt and uncle. At the start of the new school year, Jillian gets a case that seems all too real. Throw in the new boy, Sky, who uses Jillian's own defenses to partner with her on the investigation of finding a missing college boy. But then they learn that maybe the paranormal and unexplainable may exist. Can Jillian be swayed away from her skepticism and become a true believer? What's Sky's endgame and why is he so hell bent on helping her?
I had so much fun reading this story. Even though the beginning could have sped up a little bit for my taste, I enjoyed the story immensely. At first I thought that maybe this would be considered a YA contemporary novel but it is in fact a YA paranormal romance. But the romance does take a backseat to the story as a whole. The heroine, Jillian, is strong and doesn't take crap from anyone. I truly think readers will enjoy diving into her world.
Overall, I loved this so it goes to say, I definitely recommend reading the book! I'm hoping it doesn't take too long for book two to get here because I want to be back in this wonderful world the author has created. Plus, I'd like to see where she takes us as we try to gain more answers. (Also I want to see more of Sky, he's pretty dreamy - hint, hint)
4.5 Stars
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 14, 2015
Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator, with its Veronica Mars meets Supernatural vibes in the summary, immediately reeled me in. It sounded like it would be an entertaining read with a cute romance. The book wasn't without its lows for me, but overall, this was a fun debut novel and I think this series itself could become epic with more character, plot and world development.
The book, as you might have guessed, is centered around Jillian Cade, who in her father's absence decides to run his paranormal investigation company. Only thing, she doesn't believe in the supernatural. Jillian was an interesting character for me, because I had conflicted feelings about her. She was sassy, witty and quite intelligent. For the most part, I did like her, but there were times when her reluctance to believe in the supernatural despite numerous evidence being thrown in her face, was frustrating. Actually, it took her almost the entire book to accept the fact that yes, there were paranormal creatures in the world that she lived in. I would have disliked her because of her ignorance but her dry wit and sarcasm, which read very funny, are what got me through the book. Jillian was also independent, and she was clearly suffering from the absence of her father. I did hope that more of her complicated relationship with her dad was explored, but with the way the book ended, I have no doubt that the sequel will delve into that.
One part of the book I really enjoyed was Jillian's close relationship with her cousin and partner, Norbert. The two of them were almost like siblings and I loved the bond of friendship between them. They were supportive of each other and were willing to help each other no matter what the situation. Jillian also found romance in this book with Sky, a new attractive boy at school. These two did not start off well, but their bickering and bantering were a highlight for me. The progression of their romance and all the swoony kisses were delightful. I loved their chemistry together and I'm excited to see more of the two of them as a couple in the next book.
The plot and world building were where Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator were a littly shaky and I personally thought needed to be more thoroughly fleshed out. At the beginning of the book, one of Jillian's classmate hires her to find her missing boyfriend, who she believes was kidnapped by a succubi. This book had the feel of an adult UF/PNR book and I think if it had been more thoroughly developed, it could become a series just as addicting as so many UF/PNR books are. I wanted to learn more about all the paranormal creatures because the main character spent the entirety of the book not believing that they existed, there was hardly time for the author to grow her world. There were twists and turns throughout the book that did surprise me so I have to give credit to the author for that. And I'm sincerely hoping the plot and the world will expand in the sequel.
Despite my quibbles, I did think that Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator was a very readable book. The book ended with an interesting revelation, so I'm looking forward to reading the next book. If you enjoyed the older style YA paranormal books, then this might be a book you want to check out.
July 10, 2022
I wasn't expecting the book to head in that direction. The big question the reader should ask is in this book, does the paranormal exist? Spoiler: it does. What this book really needs is a sequel. The plot twist at the end left me with so many questions. I think the author got too busy with her screenwriting to write the sequel and maybe intimidated by biting off more than she can chew.
I think Goodreads recommended this book to me? I forgot. The blurb got me interested. This is a Young Adult novel that has paranormal, romance, and mystery elements to it. There is a case of a missing person that Jillian (I never felt that her name matched her personality if you know what I mean) is hired to find.
I didn't like the hero Sky's name. I knew this guy in middle school with the name, so it's not really appealing to me. Everyone's names in this book were a little odd tbh. I liked the romance but didn't love it.
The book just feels incomplete without a sequel, you know?
I think Goodreads recommended this book to me? I forgot. The blurb got me interested. This is a Young Adult novel that has paranormal, romance, and mystery elements to it. There is a case of a missing person that Jillian (I never felt that her name matched her personality if you know what I mean) is hired to find.
I didn't like the hero Sky's name. I knew this guy in middle school with the name, so it's not really appealing to me. Everyone's names in this book were a little odd tbh. I liked the romance but didn't love it.
The book just feels incomplete without a sequel, you know?
July 22, 2022
A book that started off decent enough but grew tedious and seemed confused with what it wanted to be, which its ending greatly suffered.
The protagonist was too stubborn and it resulted in her repetitively and idiotically refusing to entertain even the slightest idea of the existence of supernatural creatures long after she’d already seen proof with her own eyes. Her flat out denial was understandable at first, but it grew tiring quickly because she spent more than three quarters of the book being so close-minded and arguing with herself and the love interest over the same topic of the existence of supernatural beings again and again.
Her stubbornness also majorly impeded on her relationship with the love interest, Sky—if you could even call it a relationship. Every interaction was like a battle with those two; Sky would say something smooth and charming and Jillian would fight him on every aspect of what he’d said and not said and implied and thought and suggested and this girl was just never happy with him or the relationship he wanted to have with her despite the fact that he was enthralled by her and appeared in her life due to favourable circumstances. She was correct in identifying that they knew basically nothing about each other, but that was a stupid reason to constantly shut him out because the solution to every single one of her problems was simply to communicate. Not even to communicate better, just to communicate at a basic level. She spent all her time making wild assumptions in her head, driving herself and me mad, when she could’ve just opened her mouth and asked the people around her for help or for answers. Perhaps what was holding her back even more was the fact that she knew that even if she asked questions, she was too stubborn to ever listen to or believe anyone’s answers as seemed to be the case when it came to Sky’s answers. That, coupled with the fact that no one in this book seemed to be able to give straight answers until the three part info dump in the last three chapters of the book that laughably attempted to simultaneously world build and create character growth through backstories for three different characters, all of which hadn’t occurred until the literal end of the plot.
The pacing was terrible. The plot spent so long reinforcing the lack of supernatural existence that by the time the worldbuilding occurred the book was pretty much over. So much so that the last three or so chapters were so far removed from the rest of the book that they don’t resemble each other at all.
And the mystery was pathetic, the investigative aspects were adequately attempted but the mystery was not complex enough to warrant all the back and forth the characters kept doing for answers that were right in front of their faces. Watching and waiting for Jillian to catch up with conclusions I’d already come to was almost painful and ironic considering she jumped to unwarranted conclusions quickly at unnecessary times.
So much of this book’s problems could’ve been solved with adequate pacing. If some of the reveals were teased into the plot gradually from the halfway point then the worldbuilding would’ve felt less like a last ditch effort and felt more purposeful. And that could’ve also fed into allowing more character growth for the protagonist so she could overcome her irritating stubbornness. Alas, those problems remain, and considering this first book in a promised series doesn’t have a sequel after seven years of being in print suggests that this really isn’t worth investing much time in.
The protagonist was too stubborn and it resulted in her repetitively and idiotically refusing to entertain even the slightest idea of the existence of supernatural creatures long after she’d already seen proof with her own eyes. Her flat out denial was understandable at first, but it grew tiring quickly because she spent more than three quarters of the book being so close-minded and arguing with herself and the love interest over the same topic of the existence of supernatural beings again and again.
Her stubbornness also majorly impeded on her relationship with the love interest, Sky—if you could even call it a relationship. Every interaction was like a battle with those two; Sky would say something smooth and charming and Jillian would fight him on every aspect of what he’d said and not said and implied and thought and suggested and this girl was just never happy with him or the relationship he wanted to have with her despite the fact that he was enthralled by her and appeared in her life due to favourable circumstances. She was correct in identifying that they knew basically nothing about each other, but that was a stupid reason to constantly shut him out because the solution to every single one of her problems was simply to communicate. Not even to communicate better, just to communicate at a basic level. She spent all her time making wild assumptions in her head, driving herself and me mad, when she could’ve just opened her mouth and asked the people around her for help or for answers. Perhaps what was holding her back even more was the fact that she knew that even if she asked questions, she was too stubborn to ever listen to or believe anyone’s answers as seemed to be the case when it came to Sky’s answers. That, coupled with the fact that no one in this book seemed to be able to give straight answers until the three part info dump in the last three chapters of the book that laughably attempted to simultaneously world build and create character growth through backstories for three different characters, all of which hadn’t occurred until the literal end of the plot.
The pacing was terrible. The plot spent so long reinforcing the lack of supernatural existence that by the time the worldbuilding occurred the book was pretty much over. So much so that the last three or so chapters were so far removed from the rest of the book that they don’t resemble each other at all.
And the mystery was pathetic, the investigative aspects were adequately attempted but the mystery was not complex enough to warrant all the back and forth the characters kept doing for answers that were right in front of their faces. Watching and waiting for Jillian to catch up with conclusions I’d already come to was almost painful and ironic considering she jumped to unwarranted conclusions quickly at unnecessary times.
So much of this book’s problems could’ve been solved with adequate pacing. If some of the reveals were teased into the plot gradually from the halfway point then the worldbuilding would’ve felt less like a last ditch effort and felt more purposeful. And that could’ve also fed into allowing more character growth for the protagonist so she could overcome her irritating stubbornness. Alas, those problems remain, and considering this first book in a promised series doesn’t have a sequel after seven years of being in print suggests that this really isn’t worth investing much time in.
February 24, 2016
JILLIAN CADE: (FAKE) PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR is Jen Klein's first YA novel, but she's already a seasoned writer due to her work with hit TV show Grey's Anatomy. The eponymous Jillian Cade knows all about the paranormal due to her father. She uses the information she's picked up from him (in addition to some common sense) to run Umbra Investigations. After all, it isn't too hard to solve a haunting that isn't actually happening. When a classmate hires Jillian to find a missing person, she realizes that she might be in over her head trying to solve a real case. But her dad ditched her, so she has to make money somehow.
I took a long time to warm up to JILLIAN CADE. I think I was expecting something kookier. Instead, I got Jillian's reluctant attraction to Sky Ramsey, the mysterious new boy who knows too much about her. (And who is totally off his rocker, since his explanation for the disappearance is that a succubus did it.) The story did start to move once it pulled off one of my favorite tricks: it switched genres.
I feel like I'd like a sequel better, because the reveals really broadened the world of JILLIAN CADE. This book took too long to build for me, and I just couldn't with Sky. His whole stalker-act could've been written to be 90% less creepy, thus making the romance 90% more believable. (As is, it mostly hinges on Sky being hot and Jillian feeling possessive of him.)
JILLIAN CADE: (FAKE) PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR isn't a bad first novel, but I expect more from someone working on a show that knows how to bring the drama.
I took a long time to warm up to JILLIAN CADE. I think I was expecting something kookier. Instead, I got Jillian's reluctant attraction to Sky Ramsey, the mysterious new boy who knows too much about her. (And who is totally off his rocker, since his explanation for the disappearance is that a succubus did it.) The story did start to move once it pulled off one of my favorite tricks: it switched genres.
I feel like I'd like a sequel better, because the reveals really broadened the world of JILLIAN CADE. This book took too long to build for me, and I just couldn't with Sky. His whole stalker-act could've been written to be 90% less creepy, thus making the romance 90% more believable. (As is, it mostly hinges on Sky being hot and Jillian feeling possessive of him.)
JILLIAN CADE: (FAKE) PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR isn't a bad first novel, but I expect more from someone working on a show that knows how to bring the drama.
September 15, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator is apparently the first novel in what I hope is at least a trilogy. Having read both the Gallagher Girls and Veronica Mars, I can honestly say that this story swings more towards Veronica Mars. Not unlike Veronica, 17-year old Jillian Cade runs a business she calls Umbra Investigations. Let just put the facts on the table. Jillian is a brilliant learned con artist not unlike her own father. Have a nasty ghost haunting your house? Piece of cake! Place an ad, pay a retainer, and Jillian will show up and get rid of your problem for you, pronto!
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/15/2015
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via Edelweiss 04/28/2015* Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Soho Teen
*Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator is apparently the first novel in what I hope is at least a trilogy. Having read both the Gallagher Girls and Veronica Mars, I can honestly say that this story swings more towards Veronica Mars. Not unlike Veronica, 17-year old Jillian Cade runs a business she calls Umbra Investigations. Let just put the facts on the table. Jillian is a brilliant learned con artist not unlike her own father. Have a nasty ghost haunting your house? Piece of cake! Place an ad, pay a retainer, and Jillian will show up and get rid of your problem for you, pronto!
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/15/2015
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via Edelweiss 04/28/2015* Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Soho Teen
October 8, 2018
To see full review click here.
This premise looks so freaking awesome and somewhat similar to something I have in a “Need to Write this Someday” folder on my computer. To bad it is a complete and utter hot mess.
I finished it though so that’s a plus…
Okay, that’s not really a plus. I really finished this book hoping it would get better, but it was just a in-cohesive mess. It was like it didn’t know what it wanted to be.
The world building aspect of this book is poorly done. While the first chapter showed promise of Jillian scamming someone I had such high hopes. The book promptly derails from there.
I really wanted more about the scamming ghost business, and the plot sort of doesn’t even acknowledge it for the rest of the book. Well, I take that back it will throw an occasional nugget her and there but it does not explore it to the depth that it should be.
Instead, we have this weird mystery with a succubus and someone’s weird paranormal origins that’s just randomly thrown in the book blender and doesn’t make sense.
Hell, you’re probably like what is she talking about.
I wonder that myself as I write this.
This book was just weird. It was incoherent at times, and it was really under developed on a lot of levels.
As far as Jillian goes. I didn’t like her. Her chemistry with Sky was pretty much non-existent. I did not understand how the two of them were a legitimate couple because no such chemistry existed. Really, they shared nothing in common except for being jerks. They just didn’t work together much like the book really didn’t work.
Ugh, this one just sort of makes me angry. It had all the elements that should’ve made it interesting but at the end of the day fell completely flat.
This premise looks so freaking awesome and somewhat similar to something I have in a “Need to Write this Someday” folder on my computer. To bad it is a complete and utter hot mess.
I finished it though so that’s a plus…
Okay, that’s not really a plus. I really finished this book hoping it would get better, but it was just a in-cohesive mess. It was like it didn’t know what it wanted to be.
The world building aspect of this book is poorly done. While the first chapter showed promise of Jillian scamming someone I had such high hopes. The book promptly derails from there.
I really wanted more about the scamming ghost business, and the plot sort of doesn’t even acknowledge it for the rest of the book. Well, I take that back it will throw an occasional nugget her and there but it does not explore it to the depth that it should be.
Instead, we have this weird mystery with a succubus and someone’s weird paranormal origins that’s just randomly thrown in the book blender and doesn’t make sense.
Hell, you’re probably like what is she talking about.
I wonder that myself as I write this.
This book was just weird. It was incoherent at times, and it was really under developed on a lot of levels.
As far as Jillian goes. I didn’t like her. Her chemistry with Sky was pretty much non-existent. I did not understand how the two of them were a legitimate couple because no such chemistry existed. Really, they shared nothing in common except for being jerks. They just didn’t work together much like the book really didn’t work.
Ugh, this one just sort of makes me angry. It had all the elements that should’ve made it interesting but at the end of the day fell completely flat.
October 2, 2015
Jillian's mother is dead and her father disappeared even before that happened. He says he's off on work, but Jillian doesn't care. A junior in high school she's been left to all but fend for herself.
Umbra Investigations is Jillian's lifeline. Her means of making money and (sometimes) paying bills. Her firm is focused on investigating the weird and supernatural, even if Jillian herself doesn't believe. What matters is that her clients do and as long as they're willing to pay, she's determined to keep up the charade.
Then Jillian is hired by a fellow student, a girl who wants Umbra to find her missing boyfriend. And if Jillian fails, the student threatens to expose her for the fraud she really is. With new guy Sky Ramsey by her side she - whether she wants him there or not - Jillian vows to close the case even when the clues lead her in a decidedly bizarre direction.
This debut by Jen Klein is seriously fun! Jillian is a gutsy heroine who puts on a good front but has basically been orphaned. Her mom died while she was in attendance and after a prolonged period of odd behavior too. Her dad is more focused on his work than he is on his daughter. She's not totally alone, though. Her aunt and uncle are there to support her, much as they try, and her cousin helps in her investigations. But Jillian is stubborn and has her heart set on her independence.
Then the twists start coming. In spite of her belief that all paranormal is fake Jillian's case starts to lean more and more in that direction. Before long Jillian begins to realize the truth, but by then the shit's really hitting the fan!
I do hope this is the first in a new series. There's so much more to Jillian's story and I'm dying to read it!
Umbra Investigations is Jillian's lifeline. Her means of making money and (sometimes) paying bills. Her firm is focused on investigating the weird and supernatural, even if Jillian herself doesn't believe. What matters is that her clients do and as long as they're willing to pay, she's determined to keep up the charade.
Then Jillian is hired by a fellow student, a girl who wants Umbra to find her missing boyfriend. And if Jillian fails, the student threatens to expose her for the fraud she really is. With new guy Sky Ramsey by her side she - whether she wants him there or not - Jillian vows to close the case even when the clues lead her in a decidedly bizarre direction.
This debut by Jen Klein is seriously fun! Jillian is a gutsy heroine who puts on a good front but has basically been orphaned. Her mom died while she was in attendance and after a prolonged period of odd behavior too. Her dad is more focused on his work than he is on his daughter. She's not totally alone, though. Her aunt and uncle are there to support her, much as they try, and her cousin helps in her investigations. But Jillian is stubborn and has her heart set on her independence.
Then the twists start coming. In spite of her belief that all paranormal is fake Jillian's case starts to lean more and more in that direction. Before long Jillian begins to realize the truth, but by then the shit's really hitting the fan!
I do hope this is the first in a new series. There's so much more to Jillian's story and I'm dying to read it!
June 17, 2015
Received an ARC from Edelweiss. This is the story about Jillian- a tough, snarky 11th grader who is pretty much living on her own while her paranormal guru/con man father is traveling the world looking for something or other. To earn $, she has a "detective business" where she tricks people into thinking she's gotten rid of their pesky paranormal problems. Her sidekick is in this business is her geeky cousin Norbert (yes, that's his name- he's pretty adorable). On the 1st day of school, she meets Sky (yes, that's his name) a hot boy who is weirdly interested in her, and way to interested in her father. Jillian and Norbert, and Sky (he bullies his way in) take on a missing persons case that leads to Jillian finding out that not everything paranormal is make believe.
I liked parts of this story, and there were parts I didn't like.
Like- Jillian, Norbert, her "detective business"
Dislike- Sky- he's a stalker/bully in the 1st part of the book, and while that's explained later- I still don't like him. I didn't need the romance aspect- this is obviously going to be a series- let it build slower/ less sentences about his messy blonde hair. I also don't buy that Jillian's aunt and uncle would let her live by herself- in a house with no electricity. Not sure how I feel about the paranormal part.
I'll read the 2nd one when it comes out, not sure if I'll purchase it for my HS.
I liked parts of this story, and there were parts I didn't like.
Like- Jillian, Norbert, her "detective business"
Dislike- Sky- he's a stalker/bully in the 1st part of the book, and while that's explained later- I still don't like him. I didn't need the romance aspect- this is obviously going to be a series- let it build slower/ less sentences about his messy blonde hair. I also don't buy that Jillian's aunt and uncle would let her live by herself- in a house with no electricity. Not sure how I feel about the paranormal part.
I'll read the 2nd one when it comes out, not sure if I'll purchase it for my HS.
November 10, 2016
I wish I had liked this one more.
Teenage girl detective - takes after her dad but - here's the twist. She takes paranormal cases. And she has someone who has reached out and needs her services (well, her dad's but he's out of town and she needs the money).
But there's also a new boy a school - and he is constantly tripping her up and throwing himself into everything she's doing so she is forced to partner up and let him help her.
I think the biggest problem I had was that I didn't like Jillian. She just...wasn't a nice person. She was rude to EVERYONE. I understood her need to hide for certain reasons but she was just rude to everyone - whether they were helping or not. Sky was just...okay. I didn't understand his connection either
If this is a series, I don't think I'll be continuing it.
Teenage girl detective - takes after her dad but - here's the twist. She takes paranormal cases. And she has someone who has reached out and needs her services (well, her dad's but he's out of town and she needs the money).
But there's also a new boy a school - and he is constantly tripping her up and throwing himself into everything she's doing so she is forced to partner up and let him help her.
I think the biggest problem I had was that I didn't like Jillian. She just...wasn't a nice person. She was rude to EVERYONE. I understood her need to hide for certain reasons but she was just rude to everyone - whether they were helping or not. Sky was just...okay. I didn't understand his connection either
If this is a series, I don't think I'll be continuing it.
December 11, 2015
This book reads like a rough-on-the-edges twist on Veronica Mars. Fun and snarky, it's got interesting bits of information embedded in a
charming
narrative with a dorky sidekick and an attractive partner.
A proper review to come soon.
A proper review to come soon.
March 3, 2017
This wasn't as good as it had the potential to be.
July 5, 2017
This Heroine Is Just Right
I like snarky, edgy heroines. Whether there's a quest, or detective story, or space opera, or urban fantasy, or school daze farce - it doesn't matter as long as she has attitude and a way with one-liners. But, there's a need for balance. Sometimes that snarky character can drift into so much angst, anger and drama that the tale stops being fun and turns into a mean slog. Or, the heroine transforms into a soggy sop under the tender ministrations of some dreamboat borrowed from a Calvin Klein ad. Well, not to worry. Jillian Cade stands proudly astride the snarky heroine sweet spot.
While this is set up as a fake paranormal story, (Jillian is a teen con artist), that ultimately turns into a real paranormal story, most of it, (until the last third or so), feels more like a high school detective tale. Jillian's looking for a missing person, and she's just hamming up the paranormal angle in order to get paid. So, the framework starts out more like Nancy Drew, (although I don't recall any condom jokes in any Nancy Drew books), than Buffy.
That said, there is certainly enough creepy stuff early on to keep a paranormal fan interested. And we wrap up with full on, (although thinly developed), paranormal by the end. There is romance in the mismatched guy/gal detective team style. It's not "heavy" romance, but is more along the lines of snappy chatter, flirting, flushing and a little heavy breathing. That said, we're all grown ups here so some of the humor is older YA, (again, condom jokes). There is angst, but that's never very convincing except to the extent that it sets up Jillian's frosty exterior, explains her family situation, and makes her a more sympathetic character. There is a stutter-step cliff hanger, in that we do resolve the missing person story arc but also set up a longer arc that practically promises a sequel.
The bottom line, though, is the book is funny. All of the characters are allowed to be smart and quick witted. Even minor players get good lines, and characters like Jillian's young cousin sidekick Norbert are allowed room to shine and to introduce variety to the lineup. Jillian can be counted on for good throwaway bits, deadpan one-liners, and edgy observations that skewer the usual YA subjects, but do so with style. As I say, Jillian alone makes the book appealing. Everything else is bonus time.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I like snarky, edgy heroines. Whether there's a quest, or detective story, or space opera, or urban fantasy, or school daze farce - it doesn't matter as long as she has attitude and a way with one-liners. But, there's a need for balance. Sometimes that snarky character can drift into so much angst, anger and drama that the tale stops being fun and turns into a mean slog. Or, the heroine transforms into a soggy sop under the tender ministrations of some dreamboat borrowed from a Calvin Klein ad. Well, not to worry. Jillian Cade stands proudly astride the snarky heroine sweet spot.
While this is set up as a fake paranormal story, (Jillian is a teen con artist), that ultimately turns into a real paranormal story, most of it, (until the last third or so), feels more like a high school detective tale. Jillian's looking for a missing person, and she's just hamming up the paranormal angle in order to get paid. So, the framework starts out more like Nancy Drew, (although I don't recall any condom jokes in any Nancy Drew books), than Buffy.
That said, there is certainly enough creepy stuff early on to keep a paranormal fan interested. And we wrap up with full on, (although thinly developed), paranormal by the end. There is romance in the mismatched guy/gal detective team style. It's not "heavy" romance, but is more along the lines of snappy chatter, flirting, flushing and a little heavy breathing. That said, we're all grown ups here so some of the humor is older YA, (again, condom jokes). There is angst, but that's never very convincing except to the extent that it sets up Jillian's frosty exterior, explains her family situation, and makes her a more sympathetic character. There is a stutter-step cliff hanger, in that we do resolve the missing person story arc but also set up a longer arc that practically promises a sequel.
The bottom line, though, is the book is funny. All of the characters are allowed to be smart and quick witted. Even minor players get good lines, and characters like Jillian's young cousin sidekick Norbert are allowed room to shine and to introduce variety to the lineup. Jillian can be counted on for good throwaway bits, deadpan one-liners, and edgy observations that skewer the usual YA subjects, but do so with style. As I say, Jillian alone makes the book appealing. Everything else is bonus time.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 8, 2023
This is a really weird YA fantasy novel
I personally found this YA novel to be a disorienting slog to read. Many of its fantastical elements are straight out of the horror genre and, overall, it reads like some sort of intellectual mind game, a popular fiction version of the magical realism subgenre of literary fiction.
I struggled painfully all the way through to the final pages of this book, in the naive hope that the author would ultimately provide some kind of satisfyingly clarifying resolution. Unfortunately, the story simply lurched to an abrupt halt, leaving a whole lot of loose ends dangling. In any other similar situation, the reader would naturally assume that this novel is the first book in a typical, dark, brooding, YA urban fantasy series, serving mainly as a setup for future adventures of the intrepid protagonist. Unfortunately, the author doesn't seem to have any intention of writing anything further set in this particular fantasy universe beyond this oddball book. As a result, I am left with the frustrating sensation that the hours I spent stumbling through this morass of a story have been a huge waste of time.
I personally found this YA novel to be a disorienting slog to read. Many of its fantastical elements are straight out of the horror genre and, overall, it reads like some sort of intellectual mind game, a popular fiction version of the magical realism subgenre of literary fiction.
I struggled painfully all the way through to the final pages of this book, in the naive hope that the author would ultimately provide some kind of satisfyingly clarifying resolution. Unfortunately, the story simply lurched to an abrupt halt, leaving a whole lot of loose ends dangling. In any other similar situation, the reader would naturally assume that this novel is the first book in a typical, dark, brooding, YA urban fantasy series, serving mainly as a setup for future adventures of the intrepid protagonist. Unfortunately, the author doesn't seem to have any intention of writing anything further set in this particular fantasy universe beyond this oddball book. As a result, I am left with the frustrating sensation that the hours I spent stumbling through this morass of a story have been a huge waste of time.
January 13, 2020
This book was really cheesy but I love a good teenage girl LA noir paranormal mystery.......also the worldbuilding was epic. Pretty strong characters and plot was rich and interesting ! a quick and fun read . would love to read more
May 24, 2015
When I was accepted to review Jen Klein’s debut YA novel Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator, I was so pleased because it sounded right up my alley. In fact, it sounded very Veronica Mars-ish, what with the whole teen investigator thing, but with one small difference (and no, I don’t mean no Backup) in that Jillian’s actually a fraud. She dupes people into thinking they have actual paranormal activity going on in their houses (or, actually THEY think they have paranormal activity in their houses) and Jillian gets “rid” of whatever it is. (Except she doesn’t because it’s all boo-hockey).
I really loved Jillian Cade. She’s so snarky and so sure of herself, and I loved her from the off. She’s everything I would want to be, when I was a teenager, that I wasn’t. Confident, capable, able to look after herself (which comes in handy since she has to look after herself), she even lets her cousin Norbert tag along on her cases, which was just so cute and adorable. And can we get a Norbert spin off please? I loved him.
It was actually a really awesome read, until the fake paranormal stuff became very much real paranormal stuff. A succubus? WTF is that when it’s not at home? That’s sort of where my mind started to wander off, because I really thought this was all going to be about Jillian taking the mickey out of everyone she helps (because that was actually super fun). But if takes a turn for the serious when Jillian investigates the disappearance of a boy called Todd, after he disappears and his girlfriend Corabelle freaks out. Enter Sky, who I warmed to immediately, because I liked that he got on Jillian’s nerves for lack of a better way to put it. But his beliefs? I wasn’t so sure. I mean a succubus, REALLY?
Honestly, I’m just not sure about the whole paranormal thing. Vampires I can take. Ditto witches. But succubus? Succubi? I’m not entirely convinced thus far. It seems to have a super interesting (and slightly confusing) back story, but it needed more build up, I think. It all sort of came out of nowhere (not nowhere, because Sky goes on about it FOR AGES but it takes ages to become real) and I felt like I was hit with this information overload which is probably why it felt like I’d stepped into an entirely different book. I am very intrigued to see where it goes, though, as this is very much the start of a brand new series, I was just a bit surprised when it took a more serious turn. It was definitely intriguing, though, and I want way, way more of Jillian, Sky and Norbert. They make quite an awesome team.
I really loved Jillian Cade. She’s so snarky and so sure of herself, and I loved her from the off. She’s everything I would want to be, when I was a teenager, that I wasn’t. Confident, capable, able to look after herself (which comes in handy since she has to look after herself), she even lets her cousin Norbert tag along on her cases, which was just so cute and adorable. And can we get a Norbert spin off please? I loved him.
It was actually a really awesome read, until the fake paranormal stuff became very much real paranormal stuff. A succubus? WTF is that when it’s not at home? That’s sort of where my mind started to wander off, because I really thought this was all going to be about Jillian taking the mickey out of everyone she helps (because that was actually super fun). But if takes a turn for the serious when Jillian investigates the disappearance of a boy called Todd, after he disappears and his girlfriend Corabelle freaks out. Enter Sky, who I warmed to immediately, because I liked that he got on Jillian’s nerves for lack of a better way to put it. But his beliefs? I wasn’t so sure. I mean a succubus, REALLY?
Honestly, I’m just not sure about the whole paranormal thing. Vampires I can take. Ditto witches. But succubus? Succubi? I’m not entirely convinced thus far. It seems to have a super interesting (and slightly confusing) back story, but it needed more build up, I think. It all sort of came out of nowhere (not nowhere, because Sky goes on about it FOR AGES but it takes ages to become real) and I felt like I was hit with this information overload which is probably why it felt like I’d stepped into an entirely different book. I am very intrigued to see where it goes, though, as this is very much the start of a brand new series, I was just a bit surprised when it took a more serious turn. It was definitely intriguing, though, and I want way, way more of Jillian, Sky and Norbert. They make quite an awesome team.
July 28, 2015
Julian Cade is a marvelous main character. Her mother dead and an absentee father, Julian is a perfect example of teen identity crises. The strong-willed, opinionated, high school junior is in charge of her own life and has created a persona meant to alienate all people coming into contact with her. At least that is what she believes. With bills to pay and a need to eat, Julian, helped by her younger cousin Norbert, is running Umbra, her father's paranormal investigation agency. Of course, Julian believes her father is a con artist and the supernatural is bunk. Out of her depth and unaware of it, Julian find herself working a missing person case with a new partner. Jillian's client is unexpected and her partner, the new guy in town, has blackmailed her into including him on the case. Blackmailer or not, Sky Ramsey, an attractive and seemingly normal teenager, admires Jillian's father and believes in the supernatural. With a scary obituary – hers – and a troubling new case, Jillian is beginning to question everything she has been debunking. What if the supernatural exists? What if she actually needs friends? Or a boyfriend? This book, written with humor and cynicism, becomes darker as the story progresses. The first of the series, this is the story of a teenager with a real identity crises.
December 20, 2016
The book, "Jillian Cade, Fake Paranormal Investigator" by Jen Klein is the genre of mystery. The main character, Jillian Cade is a junior in high school and she is making a living off of pretending to be a paranormal investigator. Sky Ramsey, the new boy in school, helps Jillian with cases to investigate and he also likes Jillian. Norbert is Jillian's cousin and her partner with the paranormal investigations. This book is a 4.5/5 stars because at the end of every chapter is a cliffhanger and you want to keep reading more. It did get confusing at some points, but it would make sense a little later.
While Sky and Jillian were on an investigation, they were blackmailed by multiple people to solve the case. This put a lot of pressure on the two of them, which made it hard to concentrate on solving the case. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books or a lot of cliffhangers. This book reminds me a lot of Harry Potter because they have similar plots and situations. My favorite character was Jillian Cade because she wasn't afraid of what anyone thought of her and that led to good things for her. My least favorite character was Corabelle LaCaze because she was very rude and selfish. The author would want the readers to take from this book that life doesn't need to be so dark and can be a little brighter.
While Sky and Jillian were on an investigation, they were blackmailed by multiple people to solve the case. This put a lot of pressure on the two of them, which made it hard to concentrate on solving the case. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery books or a lot of cliffhangers. This book reminds me a lot of Harry Potter because they have similar plots and situations. My favorite character was Jillian Cade because she wasn't afraid of what anyone thought of her and that led to good things for her. My least favorite character was Corabelle LaCaze because she was very rude and selfish. The author would want the readers to take from this book that life doesn't need to be so dark and can be a little brighter.
February 14, 2017
This is a great start to a series by Jen Klein. I listened to the audio book, but then couldn't wait, and quickly picked up the book for the last few chapters. Jillian is a great character. You don't necessarily like parts of her personality, but in the end, you can see that she is starting to grow and understand things more. She was very realistic in terms of her personality. Sky, was a little off for me. It wasn't until the end and I actually got to see why he acted a certain way, did it make sense. And Norbert, Aunt Aggie, and Uncle Edmund...may I have more of them please!? They were great side characters that helped to move the story along as well as bring their own interesting perspectives to the table. I would like to see more of them as well as Aunt Aggie and Uncle Edmund more involved in Umbra Investigations.
It was interesting twist, having it actually be a mythical creature as the culprit. You kind of think that it is going that way. Or that the author wants you to think that, but will pull a "Scooby-Doo" in the end and reveal that it was just a human in a mask.
I am hopeful that she comes out with the second in the series soon. It was a great mystery, with plenty of humor, tense moments, and a bit of paranormal in the story.
It was interesting twist, having it actually be a mythical creature as the culprit. You kind of think that it is going that way. Or that the author wants you to think that, but will pull a "Scooby-Doo" in the end and reveal that it was just a human in a mask.
I am hopeful that she comes out with the second in the series soon. It was a great mystery, with plenty of humor, tense moments, and a bit of paranormal in the story.
September 5, 2015
I received a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially taken by this for the irony of it all: Jillian doesn't believe in the paranormal (even though she runs a paranormal investigation business)...and then she gets a case that may actually be paranormal. It's fantastic irony. I just wanted to know more about it.
And it was cute. Jillian is 100% sassy and totally as a defense mechanism. Her home life is utter crap, so she copes by looking scary and backsassing anyone who gets too close. Which was entertaining, at least.
The mystery, while good with a nice twist at the end, moved a bit slow. The whole book tends to focus exclusively on the mystery with little deviation. It just felt like it started to drag after some of the initial action and questions.
There was also something a little weird about Jillian's feelings toward the new guy, Sky. It seemed a bit off, but I can't quite pinpoint why.
There are a lot of little humorous scenes. I liked having the comic relief at times, especially when it got weird. I like weird humor.
Overall, it's an entertaining story, but it just moves a bit slow.
I was initially taken by this for the irony of it all: Jillian doesn't believe in the paranormal (even though she runs a paranormal investigation business)...and then she gets a case that may actually be paranormal. It's fantastic irony. I just wanted to know more about it.
And it was cute. Jillian is 100% sassy and totally as a defense mechanism. Her home life is utter crap, so she copes by looking scary and backsassing anyone who gets too close. Which was entertaining, at least.
The mystery, while good with a nice twist at the end, moved a bit slow. The whole book tends to focus exclusively on the mystery with little deviation. It just felt like it started to drag after some of the initial action and questions.
There was also something a little weird about Jillian's feelings toward the new guy, Sky. It seemed a bit off, but I can't quite pinpoint why.
There are a lot of little humorous scenes. I liked having the comic relief at times, especially when it got weird. I like weird humor.
Overall, it's an entertaining story, but it just moves a bit slow.
July 30, 2016
I picked this book up on a whim at the library because the title intrigued me. I AM BEYOND GLAD THAT I DID. While I took a little bit longer reading this than I would have liked, I absolutely loved it. The characters were well-rounded and fun, and the story was witty. Jen Klein is a talented writer, one I'll have to be on the lookout for now. For the first 100 pages or so you think you know where the story is headed, but THEN IT 180'S AND OH MY GOSH. THE WORLD BUILDING IS JUST GETTING STARTED, THE ENDING WAS WILD AND I'M DYING FOR MORE. IF THERE ISN'T A SEQUEL I'LL BE VERY UPSET. The way things ended, and with a world barely established that we could still learn so much about, and just how things sounded on the end like they would talk about things that could clearly happen in a sequel or over the course of a trilogy I have high hopes that we'll see more of Jillian Cade. (If not though, I'll be sad. And Mad.) Overall it was a surprising read-- more fun and crazy than you expect, and the characters make my heart very happy.
June 15, 2015
Book #78 Read in 2015
Jillian Cade, Fake Paranormal Investigator by Jen Klein (YA)
Jillian Cade has taken over her father's paranormal investigation business while he's off traveling the world. Pretty ambitious for a high schooler, but Jillian is not your typical high school girl (I kept picturing Trubel from NBC's TV show Grimm). Jillian is savvy, tough and intelligent. She knows she needs to keep the money coming in so she can survive on her own. Then the next school year starts and she meets new student Sky, who seems a little too much of a fan of her father. A classmate hires the pair to find her missing boyfriend and it does seem to have a paranormal possibility to the case. This book was a good, quick read. It had a good mystery, some paranormal parts to it, humor and romance. This book definitely was the set up of a possible series. I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Jillian Cade, Fake Paranormal Investigator by Jen Klein (YA)
Jillian Cade has taken over her father's paranormal investigation business while he's off traveling the world. Pretty ambitious for a high schooler, but Jillian is not your typical high school girl (I kept picturing Trubel from NBC's TV show Grimm). Jillian is savvy, tough and intelligent. She knows she needs to keep the money coming in so she can survive on her own. Then the next school year starts and she meets new student Sky, who seems a little too much of a fan of her father. A classmate hires the pair to find her missing boyfriend and it does seem to have a paranormal possibility to the case. This book was a good, quick read. It had a good mystery, some paranormal parts to it, humor and romance. This book definitely was the set up of a possible series. I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
August 14, 2015
This entire "review" is a bit of a spoiler, so it's all being hidden. My Goodreads friends probably wouldn't mind because I doubt they'll read this particular book, but random Goodreads users who might stumble across this are likely to feel differently.
April 12, 2016
My friend read this and told me about it. I asked to borrow it, but she'd already bought it for me as a gift! Jen Klein writes for Grey's Anatomy, but it is a show I have never watched so it didn't influence my perspective of the book. I loved this book!! it had all the elements that make me a happy reader: YA, romance, twists and turns, cliffhangers, fantasy, magical realism, and the occult. I would tell myself one chapter and find myself reading five. This book isn't high-brow lit (just look at the title), but if you love fast-paced romps with all the preciously mentioned criteria, I think you'll love this book as much as I did. I even cried on the last page. Now, both my friend and I are eagerly awaiting the next book!
February 12, 2021
"Every myth has to start somewhere. Every legend carries a touch of truth."
Jen Klein's 'Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator' is an extraordinarily griping and intricate read.
A humorous and fast paced story filled with irresistible characters that you can't help but root for.
With a strong female Character, paranormal plot twists and an enemies to lovers romance along the way, what more can you ask for?
Actually there is one more thing you can ask for...
A SEQUEL!
Whilst there is little to no chance of this considering the book was published in 2016, a sequel is the only thing that could have made this book better.
Five out of five stars!
Highly recommended!
Now a best book for me!
Jen Klein's 'Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator' is an extraordinarily griping and intricate read.
A humorous and fast paced story filled with irresistible characters that you can't help but root for.
With a strong female Character, paranormal plot twists and an enemies to lovers romance along the way, what more can you ask for?
Actually there is one more thing you can ask for...
A SEQUEL!
Whilst there is little to no chance of this considering the book was published in 2016, a sequel is the only thing that could have made this book better.
Five out of five stars!
Highly recommended!
Now a best book for me!
October 14, 2016
Supernatural YA can be a hit-or-miss proposition, but Jen Klein has done a wonderful job with this story about an independent high school student investigating the "supernatural," and what happens when the supernatural finally catches up with her. Really enjoyable and well-drawn, and I def didn't see the major plot twist coming. Looking forward to reading more novels from this talented writer.
July 3, 2015
3.5 stars. I ended up loving this near the end, but it took awhile for it to pick up. Will definitely be reading book two. Review forthcoming.
July 9, 2015
The A-plot of this book is the girl going all weak-kneed over a guy who stalks her, blackmails her, and lies to her constantly.
The B-plot is about her paranormal investigation business, sorta.
The B-plot is about her paranormal investigation business, sorta.
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