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Reeling from her losses and trying to regroup, the Great White Shark of psychic investigation turns her focus on self-improvement, though her remaining friends call it self-flagellation. Marnie is determined to move forward at maximum warp, trauma be damned. A prospective client named Beau Boudreaux shows up in her office with a peanut butter addiction and a plea for Marnie to protect him from his ex-girlfriend: Pestilence, the First Horseman of the Apocalypse. His story is hard to swallow, but heading off Armageddon seems like a spiffy distraction.
That is, until the Blights descend, and Marnie realises that all her nightmares are about to come true. Running with a lighter crew and a busted heart, can Marnie get her act together and solve the riddle of Beau Boudreaux before the End Times come a’knockin’? Or will the Blightmare become her new reality?

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2017

71 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

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A.J. Aalto

16 books517 followers

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5 stars
570 (63%)
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244 (27%)
3 stars
71 (7%)
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13 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Gwen.
292 reviews53 followers
September 21, 2017

Please note rant ahead :
I am in two minds about this book, I am not sure if I liked or loved it, it was very much a book about Marnie, mourning Kill Notch, with what was a fairly obvious end. Yes we had mystery, action and sarcasm but we also had depression, biscuits and friends. Don’t get me wrong I really want to read the next book, but there were some worrying signs in this book that I might not be happy with where story-line might go. As much as I might like you know who, I am also rooting for Harry, he can’t just be side lined so you see before you a very worried lady.

Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,213 reviews2,340 followers
December 7, 2023
Blightmare
By A.J. Aalto
I have loved this series and wish I had read this book when I read the first four books! This is a great series if you like fantasy creatures, humor, action, witty dialogue, and crazy situations. Oh, of course there is romance too.
The book ended so perfect for me that I am not sure I want to continue on with the series! Anyone ever get like that? I am curious about the series but the ending was so good! I just love that! Of course I will read on but I will wait a bit!😉
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
February 12, 2017
I literally devoured Blightmare in one sitting, I've been waiting to read this for a few months. The wait was definitely worth it!
Welcome back to the strange world of Marnie Baranuik!
I don't know what to say, how do I describe this book? Hilariously witty, emotional, quirky, abnormal, weird, strange, phenomenal!
I love Marnie, I want to be her when I grow up! She hilarious, quirky, full of one liners and a complete badass!
I love Harry's charm, his unquestionable loyalty, his colourful language, the way he bakes.
AJ Aalto is an incredible writer, I'm so glad I've found her work! I cannot wait for the next instalment.
#2OCCAB
Profile Image for Hillary.
511 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2017
okay, i am really torn. i love this book and yet i hated it.

pluses--Marnie's grief is real. Wes comes back! All the wonderful characters we love surround Marnie to support her in her grief. The case she's working is vaguely interesting too. Harry is ever constant in his devotion, though sadly, since Marnie's devastated for most of the book, we don't get any super duper sexy times between them. (ahem shackles and ahem running in the woods) Also a plus, Marnie is mentally freaked out about the werefox bite from the last book, so that is interesting to watch.

minuses-- the ending is bullshit.

Profile Image for Jenniferk.
54 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2017
Marnie starts to come into her own

In this book Marnie begins to control herself rather than events controlling her. She has some new and interesting characters to interact with and some revelations to deal with. All of the favorite characters are back as well. Some previous questions are answered as new ones arise. This is one of the better installments in the series. For fans of the Iron Druid, Dresden files and R. Bevin books.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,048 reviews171 followers
March 7, 2017
I'm not interested in following this series. I'm extremely unhappy with the resurrection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina Sdao schmidt.
85 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2017
The most emotional Marnie yet

Crushed by grief over Marc, Marnie 3.0 isn't taking any shit from anyone. I almost lost it crying when Marnie realized she had to say goodbye to Kill-notch. I cannot wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2024
Bitten, Marked & Brokenhearted

This series must be read in order. The first book is Touched. The second book is Death Rejoices. The third book is Cold Company. The fourth book is Dirt Nap! The fifth book is Last Impressions. The sixth book is Dead Head. The seventh book is Wrath And Bones. The companion cookbook is Serving One's Guests At Shaw's Fist: A Gentleman's Secrets (and it can be read at any time really). This is the eighth book. I can't wait for the next one!




Losing Mark Batten should have been something Marnie saw coming... He was a monster hunter after all. She should have been prepared instead of blindsided and broken by betrayal, loss, and grief. Drinking herself into a coma doesn't help... Or training with Hood. Even Harry can't lift her from this destructive downward spiral she seems to be intent on. Rage and despair and disbelief war within her constantly. How can she care so much for Jerkface when she obviously didn't mean anything to him ever? Sending her a text "I'm Out." right when she needed him the most and then committing suicide by monster, all the wile forcing her to watch, has to be the biggest betrayal ever. Obviously he never felt anything for her, or them, ever. It was all just to trick them. To use them. So he could get his precious revenge. They all saw him die, didn't they? Why can't she accept that? And even though sh can't accept it, why does she feel so lost and hollow? Who is My Buddy who keeps following her around? What does he want? Can she really have been in love with someone who never loved her? They weren't even official... How could she be in lobe with him? Will she ever heal? Can she forgive Harry? What is up with their new client? Will Maim really settle in? Can she he trusted? Or is she just another betrayal waiting to happen? Why does everyone seem to be so concerned with her wellbeing? What is going on? Are they babysitting her? Afraid of her? Afraid for her? Will life ever go back to what passes for normal in her life? Or is it always Apocalypse all the time? Is she going to be tuning furry at least once a month? Or did Declan's harebrained Cure actually take? Why does a werefox want to speak to her? Or a CDC Virologist? Can't everyone just leave her alone?
Profile Image for Llaph .
1,066 reviews29 followers
November 11, 2023
I loved this installment. The last book was good, but it was also wtf sadish. I won't do spoilers, but I totally saw that coming. Not to the extent or way it happened though. Those that read the book will have a good idea as to what I am babbling about.
It only took 5 books, but Marnie is finally maturing a wee bit, lol. I dig the new characters and love the depth gained with the already established ones.
I also think the info about lycanthropes was really interesting and not like every other PNR or UF book out there's interpretation. I think Marnie would make a great blue ferret just fyi, lol.
It has been a couple of days but I'm still omgomg'ing about this installment so all I can say reliably is that it was awesome.
My only gripe ... I follow the author on good reads, their blog, and on amazon and had to rely on a friend to let me know that this book was out. I didn't even get a chance to pre-order. I don't follow facebook or twitter much so I missed whatever notice she made. Guess I need to work on my stalking some more!
Profile Image for Caotico09.
222 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2017
A good continuation of the series. Overall i liked the plot/story better then the last book.

+ Marnie's struggle handling Kill-Notch's death. It is a good character struggle and a nice break from bubbly positive Marnie. Her back-and-forth on whether she believed if he was really dead was handled well.
+ Marnie's struggle with maybe being a were-fox was interesting.


+/- Ugh the wurm scene was confusing. Not 100% sure why it happened that way.

- I was hoping we would have some time where she was angry with Harry. Unfortunately that wasn't in the cards.
-I did not like the major turn this book took. Some will really be happy though.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wheeler.
714 reviews87 followers
January 9, 2018
I love this series SO DAMN MUCH! My brain was spinning around trying to figure out how the tragedy that occurred in book #4 could possibly be resolved, and I eventually settled on 2 possible scenarios that I would find acceptable. ‘Lo and behold, one of my wished-for scenarios did indeed come to fruition, although Aalto had me second-guessing at several points along the way. I’m severely disappointed that I have to wait for the next book to be completed. I want Kindred Spirits to be out already! *sigh*
Profile Image for Angela Verdenius.
Author 66 books677 followers
July 20, 2017
Funny, irreverent, mysterious. Marnie is picking up the pieces of what happened in Wrath & Bones (bk 4), Marnie isn't all happiness and light, as can be expected under the circumstances, but as she comes to terms with things her humour returns (thank goodness!). Harry is so sweet and patient, her friends comforting, but there's an added mystery, another friend, another character, and it all culminates in a - what the hell...?! Without doing a spoiler, trust Marnie to go for the biggest and best!!
Profile Image for Tami Garcia.
251 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2018
She did what!?!

So much Marnie, coming into her own and getting better...but not much better that she isn't still a loveable, clutzy bad ass. I laughed out loud and cried just a bit. You're gonna love it.
Profile Image for Alison.
395 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2022
Another great book with a couple of surprises that I wasn't expecting. I'm glad that Marnie's grief was explored properly and that she managed to find her way out the other side of it. I like that we found out about even more cryptids and their society. The ending was another brilliant twist - I can't wait to see how the series ends.
64 reviews
February 8, 2017
It was a genuine pleasure to dig into another Marnie Tale from the author. A moment must be taken to say that the level of perseverance needed to get Blightmare out to the masses is truely amazing. The author lost her publishing house and went through personal trials and tribulation on the way to breathing life into Pixiegrind Inks the publisher of the latest Marnie story. All that said, Blightmare spent far too much time circling the funeral home for my liking... but that's just me... the story itself was a re-set of the larger stage allowing for staging of further Marnie adventures. If you liked Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan, or Pamela from Shannon Mayer or Tabitha from the Kutherian Gambit series then you will definitely enjoy Marnie as she brings humanity to horror and life as it really is to monstrosities. I really enjoyed the development of Marnie 3.0 and the re-assemblage of the cast of supporting characters and redefinition of their various roles... while I had hoped we were done with an aspect of the previous tales, the author has chosen to not allow that as of yet... it is a stage setting tale rebuilding momentum lost due to the necessary absence from writing of the series to take care of business and in that vein the story is a total success. There are many things left in store here and I am truely looking forward to reading many more. To the author... many thanks for hanging in there and for bringing this to fruition. On the other hand... Really!?!? You just had to go there didn't ya... Obsess much?? Couldn't just leave that skunk junk behind....
12 reviews
February 2, 2017
If I could give this book a six, I would. Wrath and Bones left me emotionally gutted. I could hardly wait for Blightmare to come out, and A. J. didn't disappoint. Blightmare came with the usual snappy dialog and hilarious word play, but it definitely wasn't all giggles. This was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. A. J. Aalto has just cemented a place on my "will read repeatedly" list.
295 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2017
Blightmare

I am completely,head over heels in love with AJ Aalto's character Marnie. Hysterically foul mouthed, she is just wonderful. The rest of the characters and story are top notch.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Nicole.
18 reviews33 followers
June 24, 2017
Literally can't wait for the next book! Marnie is going into bad assery levels mixed with her dead pan quips!
Profile Image for Imani Zoe.
304 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2024
For those who love Audiobooks, this series is great to listen to at 1.5 speed... I cried a little bit... both times I listened to the series...
Profile Image for Kat Lebo.
855 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2017
Blightmare, The Marnie Baranuik Files #5
by A.J. Aalto

I'm very happy to report that the spacing problems so rampant in the digitized versions of Books 3 and 4 were conquered in this 5th novel. Yes, there was an obvious switch, page 1 to page 2 of chapter one (Sigh) which started as an actual double space and then on the second page switched to the standard one and a half or one and a quarter that is the industry standard. I appreciated the attention to that detail, which drove me nuts in the last two books -- enough so that I almost didn't purchase Book 5 -- and appreciated it enough that I gave the book a 5-star rating, even though there were a couple of late entry proofing errors.

Certainly, the book is loaded with all that one expects from Marnie Baranuik and her mismatched group. There is humor and sass and action and danger enough for anyone. There are marvelously crafted villains and interesting new characters and lots of story development for each of the usual characters. While an out and out fantasy of fantasies, each and every situation is written so well that the reader doesn't care how over-the-top the situation, and is just satisfied to sit back, suspend reality and believe. It's a buckle up buttercup ride from beginning to end.

Yes, things have changed drastically for the House of Dreppenstedt and for all those who surround members of the House. Things have progressed far beyond Shaw's Fist. Back from the ill-fated trip to Skulesdottir, Marnie is processing the loss of Mark Batton, and adding the former DaySitter of Jeremiah Prost to her business. She has a new stalker, and Sheriff Hood has a new deputy and training partner for Marnie. She and Harry are trying to restore their relationship. Add to all this a new client who hires Marnie to find his former girlfriend, who he says is one of the Horsemen of the Apocolypse, add an incubus, a Centaur community, a little dark magic, and a new connection to the world of werefolk, and there is a lot to process.

All the things I love about Aalto's writing are present. The characterizations are consistent, yet still allow for new insights and growth of each character. Descriptions are written vividly. Humor is present even in the thick of the most dangerous situations. Pop culture references abound -- everything from Mike Hammer to "The Matrix," from Mae West to The Rock and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, "Witch Doctor" (well not directly, just through lyrics) to "Unchained Melody," and Fozzy Bear to Al Roker, KitKat to Dr. Pepper, and 7-Up.

I noticed that in this book, as in book 4, the author capitalizes "Felt" when used to indicate something Marnie knows by way of the Blue Sense, so I assume that will be a continuing item in any books to come.

In any event, it was a wonderful read and I was more than happy to be able to rate it based solely on the author's writing, rather than feeling compelled to mark stars off for imperfect proofing and digitizing errors.
Profile Image for Lisa Tobleman.
456 reviews12 followers
November 27, 2018
After taking a several year hiatus from the series I bought the rest of the eBooks and dove back in. I like this series better when there is Not a love triangle. I like this series while we watch Marnie mourn. I was suuuuper pissed at how much emotional energy got wasted by the non-surprise surprise ending. I’m going to think hard before buying the next book. Which is sad because the series had developed from instalove and sex romance into something far more urban fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, I rather like romance novels and bodice rippers. But they get old, and flat. That’s who so many authors switch to a new tortured character waiting for their HEA. So a pretty good novel ruined by what I find to be a silly cop out ending that does a huge disservice to all the characters. Plus there were centaurs under a lake....called by a trumpet that really didn’t serve as anything other than a weird “hey I’ve got a random idea for a setting”.
Profile Image for Lorie Barnes.
29 reviews
August 23, 2019
There is hope for the future! I have to say that AJ Aalto managed to surprise me and revive my love for her as an author. I was devastated by what happened at the end of Wrath & Bones. I wasn't sure I even wanted to read Blightmare. However, I am so glad I did! The author ripped my heart out in the last book and she healed it with this one. It takes a very talented writer to make you go from loving her to hating her to loving her again. I've been on quite the emotional journey over these last two books. And, may I say, the ride has been worth every second spent on it. I was so angry when I reviewed Wrath & Bones that I gave away the ending. Now, I truly regret doing that. Lesson learned. I have no idea how AJ Aalto is going to pull off the future she hinted at in the end of Blightmare. I look forward to continuing the journey to find out!
Profile Image for Epicbookaddict.
711 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2018
So in the last book Marnie was starting to wear on me a bit and it continues in this book. I love her sense of humor and the snark but it's the complete obliviousness lack of confrontation when it comes to Batten's assness that bugs me the most AND why doesn't she hold Harry accountable for giving her information that is false OR giving her any information at all. These are the yucky grumblings that are bothering me about this series. Now having said that I can't get enough of this! I read this book really slow thinking it would be the last. Then I had a little dance party when I found out there will be another. It's confusing I know but imagine how I feel I'm stuck with myself.
Happy Reading!
429 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2018
Series continues to evolve. Great characters

Great series. Definitely suggest reading in order. This book begins with the aftermath and recovery after the events in book 4. Marine is becoming stronger. There is a case to solve intertwined with Marnie's character growth. New characters are introduced. These are likable and integrate well into the mix. A new nemesis (lycanthrope hater) is introduced. So there are potential story arcs expanding on two fronts. I binged through all of these books quickly. There are laugh out loud moments interspersed with recovering from loss. Marine's inner monologue continues to keep me hooked. There is foul language and dark subject matter. I'm so glad I finally started this series. Now I have to wait for the next one.
2 reviews
October 6, 2020
Another fabulous ride!

I stumbled on book five while browsing suggestions. I’m beyond happy that I rediscovered this gem of a series! Marnie, Harry, Wes, Hood, Umayma, Golden and “Jerk-face,” are all welcome distractions. Aalto is an excellent writer. Her characters are well-rounded and engaging. Marnie is my absolute favorite character. Her snark, personality, heart and attitude draws me in with every word uttered from her mouth. The nail salon scene had me laughing for twenty minutes straight. Just recalling it has me ready for another round of laughter! I highly recommend this series. Patiently waiting for book 6.
Profile Image for Kelly.
335 reviews
July 10, 2017
I had to work up the courage...

To read this after what happened to Batten in the last book. Marnie's reactions and mourning were so real that I spent half my time during this book with tissue in hand. That part of the book was satisfying, even if i was a blubbering mess! As for the rest of the book, the mystery, Marnie deals with it rather quickly. Her world is becoming more and more complex and while it takes a bit to keep up with, there's plenty of fertile ground for future installments.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
461 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2018
Will she ever change, I hope not

What a whirlwind this story is, grieving, Marnie plods on. That was until Beau walked into the office, she ends up calling for help from anyone including her Queen, she shifted into a water dragon killed a demon and so the next adventure begins. I wish Harry would share more of himself with her, she wouldn't have ever wanted Batten, but that's not what the author wanted. Another Highly recommended book keep them coming A.J.
Profile Image for April Chaney.
108 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2018
Another great Marnie story

This has been another amazing addition to Marnie’s story. AJ does such a great job of really pulling the reader into Marnie’s pain. It doesn’t seem over done for Marnie or out of character, it’s exactly how I expected her to react to Batten’s death and her possible werefox-ness.

*Spoiler*

I am left with a major question about Dunlop though, Mark had to have warned him about the type of person Marnie is. Why the hell did he treat her the way he did? Like of course she is going to defend herself from some creepy ass dude, and did Mark laugh his ass off when Dunlop came back with scissors in his ass??
Profile Image for Megan.
3,608 reviews45 followers
October 1, 2023
This is one of those booksseries that I have to really concentrate to read. And really be in the mood for.
Some moments I love the MC. Shes quirky shes a little irritating and she makes me smile and chuckle. Othertimes the author does a way better job than they should and she sort ruins the reading experience for me.

The twist was what I was hoping for. I have no words for that.

Cannot wait to see what the author is going to do with this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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