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Undertaker Mysteries #1

Dead Man Calling

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Want total chaos? Mix ghosts with a sexy werewolf, a crazy monkey, and a totally lost reaper!

Jazz Sweeney just inherited a mortuary. This would be great except she also inherited the ghosts that go with it. Life suddenly changes for Jazz when she receives an inheritance from her long lost grandfather. She bids farewell to her job at Happy Days Burgers and sets out to convert Blackwell Rest into a nightclub.
But she has a few surprises coming her way. It would seem that her estranged grandfather's accidental death, might not have been an accident. If this isn't bad enough, old man Blackwell's pet monkey now needs a home.
But there is more. The ghosts that come along with her inheritance need a new psychic detective to help them with all their unfinished business, which usually involves murder. And then things get worse!
A murder victim is discovered in the cemetery and he just happens to be a member of the biker club known as the Death Dogs. To complicate matters, Jazz may have been a witness to the murder, kind of. Brock Logan, the leader of the Death Dogs, has taken an interest in her, which opens up a whole new can of worms. He's one hot bad boy and exactly the kind of guy she doesn't need in her life.
Caught in the middle of a biker war and a murder investigation, Jazz begins to think that working at Happy Days Burgers might not have been such a bad deal.

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2015

166 people are currently reading
346 people want to read

About the author

Kendra Ashe

53 books37 followers
Kendra loves theme parks, tropical islands, and the sea. When she isn’t busy writing her next adventure, she likes going to the drive-in movies with her kids, camping, long road trips, and watching The Walking Dead.
You might run into Kendra at Disneyland, or possibly New Orleans, especially around Halloween. She’ll probably be listening to Guns -n- Roses, and eating Gumbo. Slash is the best!

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Community Reviews

5 stars
170 (35%)
4 stars
169 (35%)
3 stars
113 (23%)
2 stars
22 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Melindam.
894 reviews422 followers
July 24, 2022
This story had a bizarre kind of potential, but it fizzled out at the cover blurb stage.

I don't think I ever came across such embarrasingly juvenile, disjointed & sometimes hilariously simplicistic writing.

The story and its characters were flatter than pancakes. Calling them cardboard cutouts would be pushing it. They were more like those sticks-and-dots figures: forget about fleshing them out, they were hardly skeletal.

But at least it was short, mostly because the author did not feel the need to give us any world building and depended a bit too much on us readers to do the connotating and colouring for her. Kiddos, you know what I mean about grim reapers, witches and werewolves, so use your imagination, let's not waste paper on explanations, characterisation or story development.

The MC Jazz is somewhat clueless and conveniently bland.

description

We have a biker werewolf,

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leader of the Death Dogs (ooooo, scarry!), the legal guardian of the MC, with the sexual charisma of a road accident whose irresistible lines consist of gems like these:

"...that same instinct that draws us together can be very difficult for me to resist at certain times. If and when we are together that way, you have to be completely accepting of it or I could seriously hurt you.”

AND

“Don’t count your chickens,” I told him. “I’m not interested in counting chickens, just the little cubs you are going to give me,” he chuckled.

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Oooh.. and there are evil witches afoot.. abroom.

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The only slightly interesting and humorous character was the talking monkey, he stole the show with every appearance.

And I am happy to discover that there are 3 more installments to the series.

MEH.
Profile Image for Srividya Vijapure.
219 reviews330 followers
May 4, 2016
Looking for a nice cosy mystery that has some ghosts, a grim reaper, a outright crazy talking monkey and a sexy badass biker who is also a werewolf? If yes, look no further, as Kendra Ashe’s Dead Man Calling has all that and more to entertain you completely and take your mind off all those worldly problems and daily monotone.

I picked up this book largely because I needed it for a challenge and it was a Kindle freebie when I got it. I love freebies and I love them more if they click well and are entertaining enough for me to spend an hour or so without wondering when I will reach the last page and throw the book. Needless to say, this book was a nice gem, nothing too great, but definitely worth the time spent on it.

Jazz Sweeny is your ubiquitous heroine who has been waitressing at Happy Days Burgers, only to find that she had a rich grandfather who has left her a huge inheritance. Not wanting to follow her grandfather’s footsteps as an undertaker, Jazz decides to convert it into a nightclub. Little does Jazz know that the undertaker business is not the only thing she has inherited. In fact, she is also a grim reaper, who helps souls with unfinished business cross over by solving their problems. Added to this little fact is that she also inherits her grandfather’s pet monkey who is a total riot. Brock is your typically sexy, badass biker hero who is also a werewolf and he has his eyes set on her, or so it seems. He is also the head of the biker gang, whose member has been killed, witnessed by Jazz.

What happens in this book is one hell of a fun ride, which is made immensely funny by the antics of the pet monkey. Had it not been for that monkey, the tale would have been pretty tame and not really worth your time. Delving in vodka, keeping secrets from Jazz, talking when specifically told not to, creating a perpetual mess in her life; this monkey truly spices up things in her life. Added to this are the ghosts that she sees and the problems that she solves for them. Put both together and you have an entertaining read in your hands.

For those of you who want extensive character development, proper plot structure and good writing, this book is definitely not for you. Here you don’t have time for character or logical plot development and the writing, while not bad is nothing great to write home about either. Therefore, if you are someone looking for an extremely light read, where you simply want to be entertained without being bothered about other critical factors, do read this one. I am definitely intrigued enough to read the next one in the series. While I do that, you give this one a try, if you are of a mood to.

Profile Image for Imjussayin.
578 reviews11 followers
Read
September 3, 2016
Whatever this book is, it is not a cosy paranormal mystery. I was looking forward to humour, ghosts, snarky characters and a good murder mystery.

Instead I got Sir Edward, a violent drunkard monkey who is supposed to be a familiar. He lacks manners. The love interest is a werewolf and the 'Guardian'. He had to warn his ward (our protagonist) to leave because his mating desire is so strong, he cannot control himself. In any world in English acting on such an impulse is called rape.

Life is remarkably short and there are too many good books worthy of my time to finish this passive aggressive nonsense.

Connect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imjussayin2

Book Rating

Sexual Content: 12
Language: 12
Violent: 12
Would I read the next one? NO


My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
89 reviews14 followers
March 30, 2016
I really wasn't sold on this book. The main character, Jazz, seemed weakly formed with her main characteristic being the ability to whine about nigh on any situation that she was put in. There was no development of any characters, except perhaps Sir Edward, the monkey she inherited along with the rest of her unknown grandfather's estate.
The climax was unrelated to the rest of the story to the point that I had quite honestly forgotten the villain, while I have a fairly good ability for character recall.

Dead Man Calling went nowhere and did nothing for me. The only reason I gave it two stars was for Sir Edward getting into the vodka.
Profile Image for Denise Zendel.
775 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2022

Jazz Sweeney just inherited a mortuary, ghosts included, from her estranged grandfather. She gives up her mediocre job at a mediocre burger joint to open a nightclub and ghost tour business in the building. Once on the scene, she begins to figure out grandpa’s “accidental death” may not have been all that accidental. She also learns she’s got psychic powers and part of her job is to be help the ghosts with their unfinished business. Toss in a talking attack monkey, a motorcycle club of shapeshifting werewolves, a murder investigation, a meddling “reporter”, a coven of civic leaders who think Jazz should have stayed flipping burgers, and the weight of family expectations, and Jazz has a full plate.

I started this without much enthusiasm – the plot sounded a little more “woo-woo” than I normally like, but there I was on the elliptical at the gym, and well, I didn’t want to pick out another book. I’m glad I kept reading because it progressively got more fun. I liked watching Jazz figure out her powers and I enjoyed the relationships between all of the characters. The ending was a satisfying surprise and set up some intriguing complications in book 2 of the series. I will read more in this series.
Profile Image for Eating Between.
307 reviews29 followers
January 30, 2018
I found Jazz to be funny with enough spunk and ability to get herself in trouble to keep this story fun and entertaining without becoming to predictable. She has the prefect amount of sass and smarts to figure out how to take over her Grandfather’s position but also survive in a world of witches, shifters and ghost!

The author did an amazing job with the plot not only building on the paranormal world as we know it but also creating a new one. The story moves with ease and perfect speed, giving the reader a chance to get to know Jasmine and become found of her.

The best part of the book? At least for me that is? Sir Edward Grey the spunky no-nonsense talking Monkey! Yes I said talking monkey who has the job of being Jasmines new guide and familiar. Sir Edward or Mr. Grey is your nasty (snort) adds such a spark to the story that I could not imagine the book with out him! Also full disclosure…. I may have tried to talk my boyfriend in to buying me a monkey- not that I succeed!
Profile Image for Jae.
900 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2019
Once Jazz learns she's inherited a mortuary, she has no intention of taking over as an undertaker. Instead, she plans to turn Blackwell Rest into a club. That's not all she inherited, however. Now, Jasmine can see ghosts, her grandfather's pet monkey (and her new familiar) can talk, and she learns that her parents weren't as normal as she'd thought. Soon, Jazz finds herself in the midst of a turf war between motorcycle gangs, dodging the murderous members of Club Nocturne, and trying to figure out her own abilities. And, she still has a grand opening to prepare for.

The story was lite and fun. Not a heavy read at all. Characters weren't fully realized, although this was a novella, and it's the first in a series. Some things didn't make much sense, and the plot just staggered from one scene to another, rather than flowing along smoothly. Not a bad story, but not that great, either. Average score.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
September 17, 2018
The modern undertaker with supernatural overtones.

A good, light, fun read. She has a shock when she answers a knock on her door. Standing in front of her is a lawyer who tells her she has just inherited a business and mansion from her grandfather. Firstly she wasn't aware that had had any living grandparents and secondly he was accompanied by a talking monkey. Her inheritance is more than just bricks and mortar. She is a justice reaper. Here to gain closure for victims of unlawful killings. However she is also part of the local bikers gang. Accidents, ghosts and attempted murder are all woven into a plot that is easy to read and surprisingly lighthearted. Great characters that work in unison with the storyline. Loved the monkey!
283 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2017
Strange but intriguing

Jasmine inherits money from a grandfather she didn't know she had but it comes with a price and a talking monkey. As He is now the dealer who helps ghosts pass on and fights a coven of witches. There are many secrets about who she is and someone who controls whether or not she can use the money from her inheritance. She has to get permission from a biker who is also a werewolf. She learns that she was promised to him and even though she ge.advisory there is a pull between them . There are warring motorcycle gangs, witches,werewolves and other mysteries. Did her grandfather for mysteriously? I am so ready to read the next one.
490 reviews9 followers
April 10, 2021
This is not my type of book, as I don't generally do the woo-woo thing, BUT for some reason the cover sparked something in me and I read it. Can't remember enjoying a book so much in a very long time. I did not expect the level of comedic happenings as there were and found myself, at times, laughing out loud.
Although I generally overlook this genre, I will be looking for more from Kendra Ashe.
Thank you Ms. Ashe for a very enjoyable interlude in my life.
Profile Image for Alison Boniface.
139 reviews
March 5, 2019
Solid start to a series

If you like an easy read copy mystery then this,is the book for you.
I was a little confused at first and thought I'd missed some pages as it lost a little of its flow. But it soon got it back and was a decent read.
I will probably read the others in this series.
Profile Image for Diane.
43 reviews
April 1, 2019
A really good read,

I really enjoyed reading this book, Jazz inherits her estranged grandfather's estate, a funeral business and plans to turn it into a club, add into that witches shifters and a dodgy attorney, it all makes for a real page turner of a book, I look forward to reading the next one,
429 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2019
Cute cozy, fast read

This book held my interest. I liked the main character. I liked the Undertaker. The mystery was fun. I was not overwhelmed with character development in a first book. I thought the story has a good balance of world building and introducing the main character.
653 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2018
What will happen next?

Jazzy receives an inheritance from a grandfather she never knew she had. The inheritance changes her life completely and now she helps dead people, tries to avoid being killed and deal with a possible arranged marriage. I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Millie.
54 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2017
Good book

Like the storyline. Characters are interesting. Looking forward to seeing how the story develops. Hoping that Jasmine becomes more of a heroine with some backbone.
2 reviews
October 5, 2018
Read this

It was a good read and a quick read. Maybe too quick.I look forward to reading 📚 all her books
Profile Image for Delia Papas.
179 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2019
Spiritual beings

Ghost, romance and adventure. Great characters and story. Werewolves and witches and magic. Do they make a good couple or will it be a curse
119 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2020
Not written by a seasoned author. Juvenile story line. This author has no grasp on grammar or spelling and would profit by picking up those two tools of the trade.
220 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2021
A fantasy book with a good mystery

Ms Ashe’s grammar is a comfortable background to a story well told. The book was fun with fascinating characters. Enjoyable.
1,594 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2022
great

Very enjoyable with twists turns and explosive new things to read about. A little profanity, nothing else. Kinda fun too.
Profile Image for Carol.
343 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2016
Different!

Decidedly different from her other books I've read and I love it. Lots of action,suspense and a little romance. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Ruth Caves.
477 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2016
Monster?

Life is kind of hard to live when you don't know the truth about your past.
Cute, short story. Quick read. Lots of passion, especially when the main character doesn't seem to have a clue.
Profile Image for Melissa Basnight.
689 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2017
Jasmine inherits a talking monkey, house and funeral home from a grandfather she didn't know about. She also inherited some other paranormal abilities that she is learning how to use. Witches and shifters are trying to kill her because of her abilities that she doesn't know how to use. The series has a lot of potential. This book has a few holes and confusing elements, but overall a fun read.
Profile Image for Shani.
855 reviews34 followers
April 12, 2016
Poor Jazz has just been thrown into a world of utter chaos. Not only has she just found out that she has a Grandfather, but one that has up and died on her. Those two things alone are enough to make the average person a little nutty. Jazz is used to a little nuttiness though. But who said to throw a whole bag of nuts at her over and over? That’s pretty much what it equates to!
Now she’s the owner of a mortuary, an assistant that walks like the dead, and a monkey that talks to her. If it wasn’t for the fact that she already had some paranormal beliefs, she might just have ended up sitting in the crazy house! But Jazz takes it all in stride and offers up some seriously funny moments.

She decides to change the mortuary into a night club and turn the hearse into an epic ride for paranormal tours. What an interesting idea that is on its own. Jazz thinks she’s got it all under control until she “sees” someone being murdered in the cemetery. What she felt was her new abilities and psychic abilities. See, someone failed to mention to her in her life that her father came from a family of paranormal and paranormal experts. Her Grandfather helped spirits to cross over. How the heck was she going to help when she knows nothing? With Sir Edwards (her familiar) bit of help and a little trial and error she might just get it together before it’s too late.

It’s that story behind her parent’s love that really ties the characters in. As she searches for answers and opens up her relationship with Mr. Hottie McHottster Brock Logan, she gets more answers than she ever expected. He may have the key to many things she’s in need of, but he brings her a lot more than just that! He makes her well aware of how she is deemed to be his and she has very little to say about it. She’s warming up to him though, and could there be a love connection with out the paranormal love ties?

Jazz has adventures, misadventures and a whole lot of research ahead of her. But with her ‘family’ around her to rally, she might just survive it! At this point Sir Edwards’s drunken moments and ability to be superior are giggle worthy even after the book is done. I can’t wait to see what he gets himself into next!

Kendra gives such a great twist on what you expect from the typical paranormal type story. She engages you in the humor and throws in the mystery and a little bit of steam when you’re not expecting it. I can’t wait to read the next ones in the series. I love that she’s giving us a little bit of the characters background at a time. You don’t feel like you’re being bogged down by all these facts and details that are imperative to remember in the middle of the book. She leads the details in and mixes them perfectly with a blend of sass and love.

I checked this book out on a whim, and I’m glad I did! It’s a quick, funny, interesting read. I always enjoy a book that makes me want to seek out an author’s work beyond just the one series. I do believe Kendra Ashe books will be on my virtual shelf often!
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,437 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2017
2.5*
Unbeknownst to Jazz (Jasmine), she had a grandfather (Nathan). Nathan disowned her father when he married her mother; and her as well. When he died, she inherited his funeral parlor and his abilities. With no one to explain anything to her, she must figure it out on her own.
This started off quickly. I both liked and disliked that. It was nice to get right into the story. But, the lack of world-building and information sucked a bit. I was entertained even if certain bits pissed me off and made me shake my head. Jazz, for the most part, is fairly likable. She does behave stupidly at times. I did like how she is slowly figuring out what she can do as opposed to being a pro right away.
Sir Edward had his cute moments, but I thought he was more obnoxious than funny or cute. I wasn't crazy about the "love" interest either. I felt he had too much power over Jazz (for reasons that would be spoilery) and he withheld information.
I'm not sure if I will read anymore of this series. For these issues:
Exhibit A:
"It was Mr Blackwell's wish that as long as you remain unmarried, that you have a guardian."
*Um, what? What century are we in? Oooohhhh and it gets better (sarcasm on)!
Exhibit B:
"...this guardian's power over you will be limited. He can oversee what you do with your inheritance, and he must approve any contract you enter into, including marriage...."
*Yeah, no, that's quite a bit of power there. Not my definition of limited.
Exhibit C:
"I told you...I don't believe in witches."
*hahahahaha This from someone who sees ghosts now! And you have a talking monkey!
Exhibit D:
"I will force you to mate with me if you stay here another minute. It is instinct."
*That's the "love" interest. And the guardian. Nice.
Exhibit E:
"...the Luna Pack had to promise you as a mate to the next alpha..."
*So, no pass on pack politics despite being disowned. Or being able to say no.
Yeah, scratch that ambivalent answer about whether or not I'd read more. Make that a no.
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
920 reviews127 followers
August 12, 2016
Surprised me

I received this book free from one of the book email subscriptions.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of the characters. They definitely grew on me. I want more depth to Brock. We see enough to get a small picture of who he is, but there are giant holes. I would love more scenes with him or some of his perspective.
Overall, it was a good story and I plan to see where it goes. It does have some profanity, otherwise it it is fairly clean. There are a few mild innuendoes, but they weren't offensive.
Profile Image for Alicia.
91 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2016
Hello You there???

Honestly, I liked everything about this book!! You have a smart mouth monkey that everyone can hear, a main character that you wish you were friends with, she sees dead people!!! A couple hot guys one possibly your mate. Danger and mystery!! Can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews34 followers
April 21, 2016
What is not to love about this book? You have a reaper/witch/werewolf (yes, she seems to be a mixed breed), a werewolf, a were-gargoyle(?), witches and a talking monkey. I think my favorite character is Sir Edward (the monkey). This is the 1st book in the series and Jazz is still learning about her family and her gifts. I am intrigued to see where this series goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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