Specters Anonymous

by Phil Budahn

First book in a series of funny fantasy novels about life, the afterlife, and the role of chocolate in all planes of existence. (Think Terry Pratchett.) A loving satire of 12-step programs.

It begins with Ralph, a new member of the post-mortal scene. He's lucky. He has found Specters Anonymous, the 12-step program that helps new decedents break their addiction to sunshine and fresh air.

Still, being dead isn't easy. "You can lead a corpse to the cemetery," one old-timer says, "but you can't convince him it's his party." Ralph is determined to fine out what comes after the afterlife.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2012

Reviews

[Truant Memphis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished Specters Anonymous, having purchased it directly from Mr. Budahn at the Imaginarium Convention. This book receives 5 stars as an extremely well done indie novel, from packaging to plot to narrative. Having created a strong premise to play with, Mr. Budahn has given himself plenty of room to roam with this series. The main character, Ralph, is sympathetic and likable, along with most of the supporting cast. If I were to offer any negative reaction to the story, it would be what felt like a limited number of environments. The characters bounced back and forth between the same locations quite a bit. Other than that, which was a really minor issue (and certainly not the first time I've read a story where this happens), I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Hence posting a 5 star review.

The prose is accessible, with plenty of well-turned phrases and humor. This is a quick read, and although the introduction of a series, a complete story within itself. Here is a link to Mr. Budahn's website if you would like to have a look: http://www.spectersanonymous.com/home...

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Budahn has a flair for tight character descriptions. The opening two pages are what pulled me into buying the book. The premise is also new to me, which was fun. Unfortunately, the plot was too simple for the number of characters, the mysteries of existence were not given any urgency, and the characters didn't deepen in an organic way through movement or growth. The story didn't unfold so much as run (and jump) through the streets like a seven year old.

I picked it up at Balticon because the premise was different and the characters were catchy. I recommend it to literature/history fans who want a fast romp through Richmond without any emotional baggage.

[Emily Zampetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike any other book I've ever read, Specters Anonymous is a splendid blend of comedy, mystery, eeriness, and self-examination. The story follows protagonist Ralph, a young male "spook" doing his best to make sense of his hereafter. Ralph is a committed attendee of the St. Sears group, aptly named, "Specters Anonymous." Nightly meetings convene to explore the issues surrounding transcendence, and to discuss the trials and tribulations all face with the sudden and irreversible disconnect from the living, breathing "sunshine" world.

I won't divulge too much of the plot here, but I will say that Budahn's sass and wit make this a thoroughly enjoyable story. The book also deserves to be recognized for it's setting in downtown Richmond, VA (which happens to be where I live!) The references to Hollywood Cemetery, the Richmond Times Dispatch, and a number of other establishments along the James River were wonderful to revisit in the context of the afterlife. With a few great plot twists, a cameo by one of the world's greatest poets, and plenty of "ghastly" humor, this book really deserves a read.

If you enjoy adorable, mute, furry supporting characters and also wish to support local authors, check this out! And the good-er news is that Specters Anonymous is only the first of five existing novels in the series with the seventh scheduled for publication before Halloween of 2017 :)