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Aisling Grimlock #1-3
Grim Beginnings
Aisling Grimlock never thought she’d join the family business. In fact, she was dead set against it. When an economic downturn causes her to lose her job, she’s forced to go to desperate measures to earn a living. Aisling comes from a big family of grim reapers – no, you read that right. She’s the youngest of five siblings – and the only girl – and the testosterone is going to hit the fan when the Grimlocks try to teach Aisling the ropes and keep her safe at the same time. Between rogue wraiths, murderous new acquaintances and gargoyles dropping from the sky, Aisling has her hands full. That’s on top of four brothers (and one curmudgeonly father) who would die for her – while also killing for her – and a police officer who’s desperate to learn the family secret. Follow Aisling as she delves into the mystery of her mother’s death and a world she never wanted to explore – and yet might fit in all the same. This omnibus includes the first three books in the Aisling Grimlock mystery Grim Tidings, Grim Offerings and Grim Discovery.
736 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2015
273 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
305 books2,907 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 3, 2019
I read the first three books of this series together in a collection. The series is on Kindle Unlimited. It's a paranormal mystery/romance/urban fantasy with tons of snarky banter among the 8 main characters, 6 of which make up a family. (50+ yr old dad, 4 brothers and 1 sister, all 20-somethings - mom died 10 years ago) plus the sister's long-time best friend since kindergarten (who might as well be family) plus her new boyfriend. The family all work as grim reapers, transporting souls to the afterlife. They are all human with a bit of extra supernatural-ness that allows them to see and interact with the souls of the departed. The bad guys are wraiths (like the guards of Azkaban - they eat souls) and ghouls (witches that prolong their life by eating souls.)
Overall, the series is very funny because of the boisterous interactions among the siblings.
In the first book, there are extra wraiths in town, and a bad ghoul controlling them.
Second book shouldn't have so many wraiths, but there are still a ton around. Turns out there's another plot afoot.
Third book reveals a family enemy, a great big lie about the mom, and yet more wraiths in the picture, plus some gargoyles.
As the series progresses, little things about why the sister is being targeted by so many groups are slowly revealed.
Overall, the series is very funny because of the boisterous interactions among the siblings.
In the first book, there are extra wraiths in town, and a bad ghoul controlling them.
Second book shouldn't have so many wraiths, but there are still a ton around. Turns out there's another plot afoot.
Third book reveals a family enemy, a great big lie about the mom, and yet more wraiths in the picture, plus some gargoyles.
As the series progresses, little things about why the sister is being targeted by so many groups are slowly revealed.
February 4, 2025
Three books about a family of grim reapers
Aisling Grimlock is the youngest of five children, and the only girl, in a family of reapers, beings who are charged with collecting the souls of the recently departed and sending them on to the destination mandated by their religious beliefs and by the way they lived their lives. For instance, good Christians go to heaven, bad ones go to hell, others are reborn to a new life that is better or worse, depending, etc. This is the most engaging aspect of the series. Aisling’s four brothers delight in teasing and tormenting her, and vice-versa, and lots of the series involves scenes of family mayhem. Their father is a powerful man who realizes that he can’t control his family, though they all do obey him when he lays down the law. Into the mix we also have Griffin, a police officer who is the love of Aisling’s life, Jerry, her gay best friend from age five and who now is Aisling’s twin brother, Aidan’s, boyfriend, plus a rival reaper family, the Grimponds, a helpful gargoyle, and various supernatural beings who are usually out to do Aisling harm. The death of their mother hangs heavily over the Grimlock siblings, and mysterious circumstances around her death and the reaping of her soul propel the mystery plot that runs through the three novels. An entertaining book that I was always happy to pick up again,though the constant snark and speculation/ mock dismay over Aisling’s sex life wore me out a little. I will continue reading the series, because despite her brattiness, I have come to like Aisling.
Aisling Grimlock is the youngest of five children, and the only girl, in a family of reapers, beings who are charged with collecting the souls of the recently departed and sending them on to the destination mandated by their religious beliefs and by the way they lived their lives. For instance, good Christians go to heaven, bad ones go to hell, others are reborn to a new life that is better or worse, depending, etc. This is the most engaging aspect of the series. Aisling’s four brothers delight in teasing and tormenting her, and vice-versa, and lots of the series involves scenes of family mayhem. Their father is a powerful man who realizes that he can’t control his family, though they all do obey him when he lays down the law. Into the mix we also have Griffin, a police officer who is the love of Aisling’s life, Jerry, her gay best friend from age five and who now is Aisling’s twin brother, Aidan’s, boyfriend, plus a rival reaper family, the Grimponds, a helpful gargoyle, and various supernatural beings who are usually out to do Aisling harm. The death of their mother hangs heavily over the Grimlock siblings, and mysterious circumstances around her death and the reaping of her soul propel the mystery plot that runs through the three novels. An entertaining book that I was always happy to pick up again,though the constant snark and speculation/ mock dismay over Aisling’s sex life wore me out a little. I will continue reading the series, because despite her brattiness, I have come to like Aisling.
April 19, 2020
I need more 🥰
I came to this series after reading the spinoff series featuring Braden and Izzy, so I’ve been spoiled for some of the plot lines. But I really don’t care. This family was amazing in that series, and after reading the first three stories in this volume, I’m here to stay.
So, what else can I say? I adore this feisty smart mouthed family. The Grimlocks are such a tight knit group of characters, yet they participate in their fair share of sibling rivalry and good natured squabbling. However, if you’re not family (or Jerry), the watch out because if you look at Aisling the wrong way, or badmouth her brothers, the collective Grimlocks will beat your butt.
Now, onwards to the next volume.
4 stars ⭐️
I came to this series after reading the spinoff series featuring Braden and Izzy, so I’ve been spoiled for some of the plot lines. But I really don’t care. This family was amazing in that series, and after reading the first three stories in this volume, I’m here to stay.
So, what else can I say? I adore this feisty smart mouthed family. The Grimlocks are such a tight knit group of characters, yet they participate in their fair share of sibling rivalry and good natured squabbling. However, if you’re not family (or Jerry), the watch out because if you look at Aisling the wrong way, or badmouth her brothers, the collective Grimlocks will beat your butt.
Now, onwards to the next volume.
4 stars ⭐️
September 16, 2024
Not for me
Unfortunately I didn't like any of the f main characters, they seemed pretty two dimensional to me. I made it through to book 3 but couldn't finish it because of that fact.
Unfortunately I didn't like any of the f main characters, they seemed pretty two dimensional to me. I made it through to book 3 but couldn't finish it because of that fact.
February 21, 2025
This has a super interesting premise, fun banter, charming family dynamic and the most poorly written women of any book I have ever read. Aisling is like a caricature of not like the other girls tropes and its painstaking. She is supposed to be in her mid 20s and grown up in her family business but acts incredibly inept (wandering to a cemetery alone after dark when villains are after her), psychotically jealous (pitched a fit when she sees her love interest with a woman), petulant to the point of whining idiocy (complaining about the psychic bc of her own stupid choices), doubles down on her inability to wear any clothes that are not low rise jeans or t shirts, saying that other women don’t like her and she doesn’t know how to get along with other women? The list only goes on. The feud with Angelina was also just gross and weird. This felt like everyone was 15 instead of being somewhere in their 20s-30s. The over the top gendered jokes were also stupid. The banter while amusing at some points was also so over the top and really hindered any serious plot moments. This could have been so much better with a well developed or even slightly thought out character.
June 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading these books (or this book, as it were), they were fast paced, interesting story line and great characters. I don’t know where my love of grim reapers came from, but it does seem to be a sub-genre that I find a lot of joy in. This series did not disappoint. Right from the start you’re diving into her characters and building a story that draws you in quickly.
Lee really loves to bring her characters to life, filling them with interesting quirks, desires and interactions. One of the core themes of this series is the relationship that Aisling, the main character, has with her family. She is the youngest child, a daughter with four brothers and a strong father figure. She is coming back to fold and joining the family business of being reapers. To say that it is the most dynamic, lively, tumultuous family you’ve ever read could easily be true. Watching them interact is a roller coaster ride of grand proportions. It’s fun but sometimes even you might find yourself wishing you could walk away from their mansion.
Somehow, Aisling becomes embroiled in a supernatural mystery right from her first reaps and the series unfolds with the mystery. While the series does continue (and I have already acquired the next anthology) the first three books nicely wraps up the mystery set up in the first one. It’s a fun read and I greatly enjoyed it.
Lee really loves to bring her characters to life, filling them with interesting quirks, desires and interactions. One of the core themes of this series is the relationship that Aisling, the main character, has with her family. She is the youngest child, a daughter with four brothers and a strong father figure. She is coming back to fold and joining the family business of being reapers. To say that it is the most dynamic, lively, tumultuous family you’ve ever read could easily be true. Watching them interact is a roller coaster ride of grand proportions. It’s fun but sometimes even you might find yourself wishing you could walk away from their mansion.
Somehow, Aisling becomes embroiled in a supernatural mystery right from her first reaps and the series unfolds with the mystery. While the series does continue (and I have already acquired the next anthology) the first three books nicely wraps up the mystery set up in the first one. It’s a fun read and I greatly enjoyed it.
Read
January 30, 2025Not interested. I'm tired of grim reaper stories and characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Aisling Grimlock never thought she’d join the family business. In fact, she was dead set against it. When an economic downturn causes her to lose her job, she’s forced to go to desperate measures to earn a living. Aisling comes from a big family of grim reapers – no, you read that right. She’s the youngest of five siblings – and the only girl – and the testosterone is going to hit the fan when the Grimlocks try to teach Aisling the ropes and keep her safe at the same time. Between rogue wraiths, murderous new acquaintances and gargoyles dropping from the sky, Aisling has her hands full. That’s on top of four brothers (and one curmudgeonly father) who would die for her – while also killing for her – and a police officer who’s desperate to learn the family secret. Follow Aisling as she delves into the mystery of her mother’s death and a world she never wanted to explore – and yet might fit in all the same. This omnibus includes the first three books in the Aisling Grimlock mystery series: Grim Tidings, Grim Offerings and Grim Discovery.
Amazon synopsis:
Aisling Grimlock never thought she’d join the family business. In fact, she was dead set against it. When an economic downturn causes her to lose her job, she’s forced to go to desperate measures to earn a living. Aisling comes from a big family of grim reapers – no, you read that right. She’s the youngest of five siblings – and the only girl – and the testosterone is going to hit the fan when the Grimlocks try to teach Aisling the ropes and keep her safe at the same time. Between rogue wraiths, murderous new acquaintances and gargoyles dropping from the sky, Aisling has her hands full. That’s on top of four brothers (and one curmudgeonly father) who would die for her – while also killing for her – and a police officer who’s desperate to learn the family secret. Follow Aisling as she delves into the mystery of her mother’s death and a world she never wanted to explore – and yet might fit in all the same. This omnibus includes the first three books in the Aisling Grimlock mystery series: Grim Tidings, Grim Offerings and Grim Discovery.
May 14, 2018
A satisfying cliffhanger?
These books have it all. Love, lust, a snarky but loving family who reap souls, a cop thrown in the middle and even monsters. The Grimlock family collect the souls departing from their bodies. Hey, it's a family business, one that Aisley Grimlock, the only girl with 4 brothers, has tried to avoid. Her dad has her on probation & Griffen, cop extraordinaire, wants to know what's going on with Aisley always being at a murder scene.
Also, Aisley 's mom supposedly died in a fire while reaping a soul. Rumours are floating around that she may not have died after all. Between the family and the Wraiths and Griffen, she has her hands full.
Great reads with snarky humour.
These books have it all. Love, lust, a snarky but loving family who reap souls, a cop thrown in the middle and even monsters. The Grimlock family collect the souls departing from their bodies. Hey, it's a family business, one that Aisley Grimlock, the only girl with 4 brothers, has tried to avoid. Her dad has her on probation & Griffen, cop extraordinaire, wants to know what's going on with Aisley always being at a murder scene.
Also, Aisley 's mom supposedly died in a fire while reaping a soul. Rumours are floating around that she may not have died after all. Between the family and the Wraiths and Griffen, she has her hands full.
Great reads with snarky humour.
December 13, 2019
Really ought to be 15* for 3 excellent novels..
As always Ms Lee takes you into her imagination with flair and vigour. She draws you in with snark, humour and paranormal activity. The Grimlocks are a fully fledged, fully fleshed out family, it's like you are in the room with them while they bicker and argue over everything with Jerry and Griffin like two bonus ingredients in the mix.
I love Ms Lee's books.. haven't yet found a series that haven't made me laugh my socks off and wish the characters and events were real this series is one of my top three favourites along with Avery Shaw and the Midwest Witches.. oh I have missed out Mystic Circus.. hhmm maybe it's my top 4 just don't ask me to choose just one.. I honestly can't!!
As always Ms Lee takes you into her imagination with flair and vigour. She draws you in with snark, humour and paranormal activity. The Grimlocks are a fully fledged, fully fleshed out family, it's like you are in the room with them while they bicker and argue over everything with Jerry and Griffin like two bonus ingredients in the mix.
I love Ms Lee's books.. haven't yet found a series that haven't made me laugh my socks off and wish the characters and events were real this series is one of my top three favourites along with Avery Shaw and the Midwest Witches.. oh I have missed out Mystic Circus.. hhmm maybe it's my top 4 just don't ask me to choose just one.. I honestly can't!!
October 26, 2019
Loved this compilation of the first three books in the series. I hadn’t realized the Grimlocks had their own story when I had picked up Amanda’s more recent gate keeper series, I’m glad I found it. While Aisling can be a bit whiney at times it’s clearly part of her character as the youngest and only girl in her family. Looking forward to seeing how the family deals with the most recent developments to come in the next box set.
July 14, 2022
I finished the first 3 books and love the snark between the siblings. I would round it up to 4.5. The premise is a family of soul reapers just doing their jobs, reaping those souls while planning lunch. The sole daughter, Aisling, is a magnet for trouble … and wraiths and things that go bump in this fantasy.
June 12, 2023
Supernatural fantasy
The Grimlock family are reapers and gather dead souls to send them on to their just rewards. The father, four sons and one daughter are all part of the family business in Detroit. Aisling is still being trained and it seems like every time she is sent out something goes wrong. Pretty soon they are all pulled into danger.
The Grimlock family are reapers and gather dead souls to send them on to their just rewards. The father, four sons and one daughter are all part of the family business in Detroit. Aisling is still being trained and it seems like every time she is sent out something goes wrong. Pretty soon they are all pulled into danger.
February 4, 2025
A very fun series.
Aisling is snarky, spoiled, and loads of fun. She also appears to be a trouble-magnet, so her boyfriend and family are going nuts trying to keep her safe. It doesn't help that she doesn't want their help...
Start at book 1 and read the series. You won't regret it!
October 14, 2025
One of my favorite
If you like a good smartly paranormal series then start with this one. I've read it many times through the years and just reread it again. I have never not laughed out loud now treated up when I've read this series. Highly recommend unless you doing like hilarious fun books
If you like a good smartly paranormal series then start with this one. I've read it many times through the years and just reread it again. I have never not laughed out loud now treated up when I've read this series. Highly recommend unless you doing like hilarious fun books
March 10, 2019
This is a super fun series. I actually listened to it on audible, so I didn't "read" it.
I've read most of the author's other stuff, i'm not sure why I put this one off for so long. I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner..
I've read most of the author's other stuff, i'm not sure why I put this one off for so long. I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner..
June 11, 2025
A Fast Read
I love these books. The heroine and her roommate are so funny and keep you smiling with their quick wit and loving relationship. There is always a good story line that keeps you intrigued long into the night!
I love these books. The heroine and her roommate are so funny and keep you smiling with their quick wit and loving relationship. There is always a good story line that keeps you intrigued long into the night!
June 19, 2025
Quirky, enjoyable read
Overall. I enjoyed these books. Aisling is immature and irritating, but also brave. The dialogue is snappy.
My only issue is that more than once a character wishes prison SA on an enemy. Noonedeserves that, and punitive r*pe isn't funny.
Overall. I enjoyed these books. Aisling is immature and irritating, but also brave. The dialogue is snappy.
My only issue is that more than once a character wishes prison SA on an enemy. Noonedeserves that, and punitive r*pe isn't funny.
November 28, 2019
Amanda M Lee spunkiness plus afterlife reflections. What's not to like? If you like Lee's books you'll probably like this set. If not then not. I liked it.
November 18, 2020
Great Series
I had my reservations about this book but after reading it I can not put it down. Go Grimlock family!
I had my reservations about this book but after reading it I can not put it down. Go Grimlock family!
June 28, 2024
A good read plenty of humour and interesting take on the grim reaper, if you like to be entertained then I can highly recommend it.
Ian
Ian
September 16, 2024
Awful
The interaction between the protagonists was incredibly juvenile. Definitely won’t be reading any more of the series, wish I hadn’t wasted my time on these.
The interaction between the protagonists was incredibly juvenile. Definitely won’t be reading any more of the series, wish I hadn’t wasted my time on these.
December 6, 2024
audiobook. I love the relationship of the family
January 6, 2019
Love this series, just starting a binge re-read of the entire series. Highly recommended
March 29, 2025
DNF after the first book
October 7, 2019
Great Characters and Storyline
The Grimlock family are reapers. Yep, they collect souls that just passed and send them off on the next leg of their eternal journey. Aisley is the heroine in this series, she is snarky and spoiled, and has a hidden depth that will emerge as the series progresses. Her father is uber rich, and her 4 brothers are sometimes like little boys, still playing their favorite childhood games. But do not get me wrong, the entire family are tough and battle hardened. Because there are other "things" out there that want those souls just as badly as the Grimlocks. And the Grimlocks are prepared to fight to the death to protect their souls so they get the eternal afterlife due them. Great books, with snarky humor, and rich and good looking heroes and heroines.
The Grimlock family are reapers. Yep, they collect souls that just passed and send them off on the next leg of their eternal journey. Aisley is the heroine in this series, she is snarky and spoiled, and has a hidden depth that will emerge as the series progresses. Her father is uber rich, and her 4 brothers are sometimes like little boys, still playing their favorite childhood games. But do not get me wrong, the entire family are tough and battle hardened. Because there are other "things" out there that want those souls just as badly as the Grimlocks. And the Grimlocks are prepared to fight to the death to protect their souls so they get the eternal afterlife due them. Great books, with snarky humor, and rich and good looking heroes and heroines.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews