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Conjuring a Coroner #1
Dying to Meet You
Some rules are made to be broken; others will just get you killed.
Born a witch, I went into forensics so that I could use my talents to close cases. This worked great in the morgue, but I’ve just been transferred to active duty at the 9th Precinct, and doing magic in front of normals is strictly forbidden.
It’s the sort of thing the Arcane Council will kill you for.
Unfortunately, bodies are turning up fast, and with each passing day, I have to face the deadly truth. There is a serial killer working the streets of New York, and I don’t think he’s human.
What’s more, I can’t escape the fact that the victims have more in common with me, than they do each other. A fact my partner, Detective Bishop, hasn’t missed either.
With the killer closing in fast, I’m going to need every shred of my magic just to stay alive. The problem is, if Bishop catches me, I’m as good as dead.
Fans of Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, and Ilona Andrews will enjoy curling up with this binge-worthy series. Discover Kasey Chase, a daring and sassy witch whom you will adore.
Born a witch, I went into forensics so that I could use my talents to close cases. This worked great in the morgue, but I’ve just been transferred to active duty at the 9th Precinct, and doing magic in front of normals is strictly forbidden.
It’s the sort of thing the Arcane Council will kill you for.
Unfortunately, bodies are turning up fast, and with each passing day, I have to face the deadly truth. There is a serial killer working the streets of New York, and I don’t think he’s human.
What’s more, I can’t escape the fact that the victims have more in common with me, than they do each other. A fact my partner, Detective Bishop, hasn’t missed either.
With the killer closing in fast, I’m going to need every shred of my magic just to stay alive. The problem is, if Bishop catches me, I’m as good as dead.
Fans of Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, and Ilona Andrews will enjoy curling up with this binge-worthy series. Discover Kasey Chase, a daring and sassy witch whom you will adore.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2018
1002 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Stokes
62 books118 followersSam is a writer of magically-charged fantasy adventures. His passion for action, magic and intrigue spawned his Arcanoverse; a delightfully deluded universe that blends magic, myth, and the modern world in a melting pot that frequently explodes.
When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.
When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
August 23, 2022
Dying to Meet You
(Conjuring a Coroner #1)
by S.C. Stokes
Great story! A witch that works at the coroner's office uses her gift to help solve crimes. With just a touch, she can get visions of the person's life or death. The problem is that the bodies that have been coming in all have been looking very similar to her! Who would be after her and why? Great mystery and story!
(Conjuring a Coroner #1)
by S.C. Stokes
Great story! A witch that works at the coroner's office uses her gift to help solve crimes. With just a touch, she can get visions of the person's life or death. The problem is that the bodies that have been coming in all have been looking very similar to her! Who would be after her and why? Great mystery and story!
September 12, 2021
2.5 star Not bad magical mystery and I quite like the world that has been created. I also liked that the detective was a woman. Where is fails for me is in the heroine - Kasey. Frankly I found her all kinds of annoying and her judgement really questionable. Running off to investigate on her own, breaking into houses, assuming guilt without any evidence and that sense of entitlement in her actions like it is ok to use my magic to attack someone to defend myself even though I broke into their home the day after their partner was murdered, oopsies he wasn't the killer and is now in a mental hospital, oh well I am now off to break into the next suspect's home convinced that they are the killer - again with no coroborating evidence. Also in made no sense to me that she was so closely involved in investigating like when she is pulled into the interrogation at the start. She is a ME/crime scene tech not a police officer.
August 9, 2018
Truly OK, nothing exceptional but not bad. Our hero has magic but left magic school because she has prescience which is rare and made people uncomfortable. With a new name and identity, she works for the NYPD as a coroner. Here's what I didn't care for; she's one of those reckless types who, through willful ignorance, puts herself and others at risk, the bad guy was obvious almost from the get-go; the non-magic types were way too forgiving of her weirdness and did I mention she was reckless? I won't pursue this series further unless I see some rave reviews on the next book.
September 9, 2022
This is a mishmash between crime and fantasy fiction. I did like it, especially the fight scenes.
The magic world is a bit muddled but probably because its first in the series so not a big problem if I carry on with it, but I'm undecided.
Let me know if you've read this series and like it to help me decide if I should invest....thanks!
I like Kasey's sass...but it is a bit pedestrian in places 🤷
The magic world is a bit muddled but probably because its first in the series so not a big problem if I carry on with it, but I'm undecided.
Let me know if you've read this series and like it to help me decide if I should invest....thanks!
I like Kasey's sass...but it is a bit pedestrian in places 🤷
December 15, 2021
When I'm not reading romance, I can often be found with my nose buried in Urban Fantasy, and I happened to stumble upon this book. With such a fun, punny title and one heck of story description, I couldn't resist, and I'm so glad I happened upon it! This is such a good book / series, with lots of world building, revelations, fun side characters, and a kick-butt heroine with the odds stacked against her. There's even a tiny bit of romance eventually (though it's frustratingly slowburn).
Having so much fun with both this series and the companion series in the same world, Urban Arcanology. Highly recommend both!
Having so much fun with both this series and the companion series in the same world, Urban Arcanology. Highly recommend both!
December 25, 2017
Dying to meet you Conjuring a Coroner bk 1 by SC Stokes Review 12-25-17
Death, Magic and Normals don't mix... No matter what!
Death comes for us all and he’s dying to meet you. It’s the one rendezvous you’d rather be late for. Fortunately, Kasey is rarely on time. A Medical Examiner for the city of New York, Kasey has a rare gift: prescience. Born a witch, she considered her gift nothing more than affliction that forced her to see visions of those she touched. But her new job changed all that. Embracing her curse, Kasey uses her visions to solve murders in the city that never sleeps. But when the bodies on the slab start to look disturbingly more and more like Kasey, she’s left in a precarious situation: find out what these people have in common…or be the next to turn up dead.
What did I like? Being the first book of a new series is sometimes a crap shoot but if you know the author and have read his/her other works it can be an adventure. That's the case here and I am sure glad that I made the trip. I fell in love with Kasey and what a story! This is going to be an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to more of this girl!
What will you like? Humor, mystery, intrigue, action-packed, and fantasy all in one great book. The characters are humorous, and yet intense. The work is exciting yet so very important. The story line is captivating and full of exciting mystery with tons of twists and turns. Lots of descriptions keeps you right in the mix of things but not overwhelming. Adventures abound in our future as Kasey and her group will keep us book bound. Join me in this new series by S.C. Stokes. I received this from the author as an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) for an honest review with no other compensation.
Death, Magic and Normals don't mix... No matter what!
Death comes for us all and he’s dying to meet you. It’s the one rendezvous you’d rather be late for. Fortunately, Kasey is rarely on time. A Medical Examiner for the city of New York, Kasey has a rare gift: prescience. Born a witch, she considered her gift nothing more than affliction that forced her to see visions of those she touched. But her new job changed all that. Embracing her curse, Kasey uses her visions to solve murders in the city that never sleeps. But when the bodies on the slab start to look disturbingly more and more like Kasey, she’s left in a precarious situation: find out what these people have in common…or be the next to turn up dead.
What did I like? Being the first book of a new series is sometimes a crap shoot but if you know the author and have read his/her other works it can be an adventure. That's the case here and I am sure glad that I made the trip. I fell in love with Kasey and what a story! This is going to be an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to more of this girl!
What will you like? Humor, mystery, intrigue, action-packed, and fantasy all in one great book. The characters are humorous, and yet intense. The work is exciting yet so very important. The story line is captivating and full of exciting mystery with tons of twists and turns. Lots of descriptions keeps you right in the mix of things but not overwhelming. Adventures abound in our future as Kasey and her group will keep us book bound. Join me in this new series by S.C. Stokes. I received this from the author as an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) for an honest review with no other compensation.
January 15, 2021
I love the premise, but the execution needs a little bit more work.
I'm a big fan of what I like to call, "Junk Food reading," i.e. not nutritionally dense but delicious all the same. Comparatively speaking, this story is dollar-menu fare: it'll do in a pinch but it's probably not what you're looking for.
Starting with what is done well, I'll repeat that I do enjoy the premise. I personally feel like there is a certain level of avoidance in using prescience as a main character's ability in urban fantasy, in an assumed effort to avoid repeating tropes. But, tropes are fun! That's why they're tropes! They make things engaging and structured and easy to understand & empathize with. Having a ME on the front lines, helping to solve crimes, able to see visions of the dead as they were dying? I love iZombie, so yes, please! The PD coroner (Kasey's kinda boss?) is also very reminiscent of iZombie, to the point that I would be pretty surprised if this wasn't somewhat lifted from the show.
Second, I appreciate that the main character doesn't tolerate sexism, though her boss-ass-bitch attitude is written a little bit heavy-handedly. Even so, I think that it's still fun to hear about her breaking a sexist pig's ribs for smacking her ass at work, and having that be supported by most of her colleagues. All too often, women are written to be the ultimate victims of society in these situations. As things are never to such extremes, it's nice to have an author address this in a way where Kasey is getting support from some sources but still see how that might not matter in the grand scheme because of who actually has power over her situation. I appreciate that the author chose to address it in that way.
That being said, my biggest struggle comes in the execution. M(r?/s?) Stokes could stand to work with an editor to refine this story quite a bit. In multiple conversations between just two characters, each of them will repeat each others names back and forth quite a bit. Trying to read it as a conversation makes it feel stilted and awkward, and extra details are thrown in that don't do anything to add to what the author is trying to convey to the scene. I'm not sure if it's a lack of faith in the reader, or paranoia about being misunderstood, but here's a quick example from a somewhat innocuous scene about halfway through the book:
Kasey handed Simeon to his mother in exchange for the scrumptious-looking breakfast.
"Let's talk and walk. It'll take us a few minutes to get there," Sarah said as she made her way to the cafe's door.
Kasey nodded as she grabbed the handle and opened it. Holding it with her foot, she pulled her bagel out of its paper bag and took a bite. A muffled, "Mmm," escaped her lips.
"That hits the spot," she said as she grabbed the second bagel and handed it to her sister.
I mean, I get that the bagel is good. But in about four lines, I've been told that the bagel is good in three of them. How good is this bagel that it warrants that much emphasis? Is this adding to the story? Does the main character have a bagel fetish that the author is trying to convey? Will this end up being how the werewolf ultimately lures her to her downfall, causing the entire city to explode in a cloud of fiery doom?
And to illustrate the name repetition, here's an example from slightly earlier in the same scene:
"He spanked you?" Sarah asked, aghast.
"Yeah," Kasey answered, a little embarrassed.
Sarah stopped at the crosswalk and turned to face Kasey. "Did you report him?"
"I didn't get the chance."
"What do you mean, you didn't get the chance? That is clear cut sexual harassment, Kasey," Sarah replied, shaking her hand for emphasis.
"I snapped. I hit him and broke three of his ribs. There wasn't a lot of point to reporting him after that. The Chief Medical Examiner was gracious enough to get me a transfer rather than fire me outright, and the pig dropped the assault charges when it was clear his harassment was common knowledge. If I pushed any harder, I might have lost my license."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Kasey. That sucks."
Another point that this excerpt illustrates is the repetition of other elements, like that this is only page ~100 or so, and this is at least the third time that our main character has spelled this situation out for the reader. The author could easily get on with the scene by saying, "as they walked to the bagel shop, Kasey explained the entire ordeal regarding her recent sexual harassment experience at the OCME," and still show the sister's reaction to that information.
And as an additional aside, I have no idea what gesture "shaking her hand for emphasis" was supposed to be within the context of that dialogue. Did she hold it up in front of her in a stopping motion? Did she cut it in a swift horizontal, to indicate that it was "clear cut?" Did she wave goodbye to the reader's attention as it wandered off?
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but with the repetition and the lack of clarity to the author's intent I mostly just lost the story itself in trying to follow along.
Like I said, I think that there is a very interesting premise, but unless the author chooses to hire an editor who can help them with these things I doubt I will read another.
I'm a big fan of what I like to call, "Junk Food reading," i.e. not nutritionally dense but delicious all the same. Comparatively speaking, this story is dollar-menu fare: it'll do in a pinch but it's probably not what you're looking for.
Starting with what is done well, I'll repeat that I do enjoy the premise. I personally feel like there is a certain level of avoidance in using prescience as a main character's ability in urban fantasy, in an assumed effort to avoid repeating tropes. But, tropes are fun! That's why they're tropes! They make things engaging and structured and easy to understand & empathize with. Having a ME on the front lines, helping to solve crimes, able to see visions of the dead as they were dying? I love iZombie, so yes, please! The PD coroner (Kasey's kinda boss?) is also very reminiscent of iZombie, to the point that I would be pretty surprised if this wasn't somewhat lifted from the show.
Second, I appreciate that the main character doesn't tolerate sexism, though her boss-ass-bitch attitude is written a little bit heavy-handedly. Even so, I think that it's still fun to hear about her breaking a sexist pig's ribs for smacking her ass at work, and having that be supported by most of her colleagues. All too often, women are written to be the ultimate victims of society in these situations. As things are never to such extremes, it's nice to have an author address this in a way where Kasey is getting support from some sources but still see how that might not matter in the grand scheme because of who actually has power over her situation. I appreciate that the author chose to address it in that way.
That being said, my biggest struggle comes in the execution. M(r?/s?) Stokes could stand to work with an editor to refine this story quite a bit. In multiple conversations between just two characters, each of them will repeat each others names back and forth quite a bit. Trying to read it as a conversation makes it feel stilted and awkward, and extra details are thrown in that don't do anything to add to what the author is trying to convey to the scene. I'm not sure if it's a lack of faith in the reader, or paranoia about being misunderstood, but here's a quick example from a somewhat innocuous scene about halfway through the book:
Kasey handed Simeon to his mother in exchange for the scrumptious-looking breakfast.
"Let's talk and walk. It'll take us a few minutes to get there," Sarah said as she made her way to the cafe's door.
Kasey nodded as she grabbed the handle and opened it. Holding it with her foot, she pulled her bagel out of its paper bag and took a bite. A muffled, "Mmm," escaped her lips.
"That hits the spot," she said as she grabbed the second bagel and handed it to her sister.
I mean, I get that the bagel is good. But in about four lines, I've been told that the bagel is good in three of them. How good is this bagel that it warrants that much emphasis? Is this adding to the story? Does the main character have a bagel fetish that the author is trying to convey? Will this end up being how the werewolf ultimately lures her to her downfall, causing the entire city to explode in a cloud of fiery doom?
And to illustrate the name repetition, here's an example from slightly earlier in the same scene:
"He spanked you?" Sarah asked, aghast.
"Yeah," Kasey answered, a little embarrassed.
Sarah stopped at the crosswalk and turned to face Kasey. "Did you report him?"
"I didn't get the chance."
"What do you mean, you didn't get the chance? That is clear cut sexual harassment, Kasey," Sarah replied, shaking her hand for emphasis.
"I snapped. I hit him and broke three of his ribs. There wasn't a lot of point to reporting him after that. The Chief Medical Examiner was gracious enough to get me a transfer rather than fire me outright, and the pig dropped the assault charges when it was clear his harassment was common knowledge. If I pushed any harder, I might have lost my license."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Kasey. That sucks."
Another point that this excerpt illustrates is the repetition of other elements, like that this is only page ~100 or so, and this is at least the third time that our main character has spelled this situation out for the reader. The author could easily get on with the scene by saying, "as they walked to the bagel shop, Kasey explained the entire ordeal regarding her recent sexual harassment experience at the OCME," and still show the sister's reaction to that information.
And as an additional aside, I have no idea what gesture "shaking her hand for emphasis" was supposed to be within the context of that dialogue. Did she hold it up in front of her in a stopping motion? Did she cut it in a swift horizontal, to indicate that it was "clear cut?" Did she wave goodbye to the reader's attention as it wandered off?
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but with the repetition and the lack of clarity to the author's intent I mostly just lost the story itself in trying to follow along.
Like I said, I think that there is a very interesting premise, but unless the author chooses to hire an editor who can help them with these things I doubt I will read another.
February 19, 2019
This was an interesting book one to an urban fantasy series. A bit lighter on the magic than I wanted, but a decent mystery. I liked Kasey, the main character, along with her family, and her friends Bishop and Vida. Kasey was fiery, strong, and could see the future. The mystery in the book wrapped up fine, but left plenty of threads to continue into book two and beyond, such as I'm glad book two is out, and I will be continuing this series soon. 4 stars.
Read
May 25, 2021So I read 60% of this in a sitting, and I kept trying to figure out who the romance interest was, because that's what I've been in the mood for lately. Anyway, I stopped reading and Googled, and as best as I can tell, this is NOT urban fantasy romance. So then I quit.
But it's a good read! The main character is fun, the setting is cool, and there's lots of conflict. Maybe I'll come back to it someday.
But it's a good read! The main character is fun, the setting is cool, and there's lots of conflict. Maybe I'll come back to it someday.
March 15, 2025
I honestly skipped a good portion of the middle. There was a lot going on yet it was also extremely boring in places. The FMC is rather naive and jumps into things without thinking things through. I mean I get being impulsive but what it comes to your life? I just didn’t find any of the characters compelling.
February 20, 2020
Enjoyable
This was an interesting story. Kasey is a character with hidden talents within her. Kasey trying to be sneaky but not sneaky enough. I enjoyed the book and will read the next book in the series when it comes out.
This was an interesting story. Kasey is a character with hidden talents within her. Kasey trying to be sneaky but not sneaky enough. I enjoyed the book and will read the next book in the series when it comes out.
February 22, 2020
Exciting!!
WOW, visions, name change, location change, death and more makes this an amazing start to this series. On to the next book...
WOW, visions, name change, location change, death and more makes this an amazing start to this series. On to the next book...
January 21, 2018
This is the first book in a new series titled Conjuring a Coroner. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be reading him again. Kasey is a witch that gave it all up to live in the “real” world. She is helping the NYPD because she is slight trouble at the medical examiner’s office. While helping out, she is drawn into a serial killer case, a case where the bodies look disturbingly like her. I liked the way the author writes, and his characters were fun and engaging. I was drawn into the story, and I did find the plot a good one. I now have to admit I found Kasey to be a little TSTL at a few points. Surely she’s smart enough to know that some of the actions she took were extremely….well, not smart. She’s with the police department, and even though she’s not technically a police officer, surely she would have known better. One other tiny thing I would have liked would have been more information about the two different worlds and her past. We did learn some, but I do want more. However, don’t take these as terrible things. As this is the first book, I’m sure more is coming. The book was great, and I can’t wait to learn more about this world, and what her visions mean. If you like light urban fantasy, give this book a try! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
Start of a new series and it's a cracker.
A unique blend of the magic world and today's world . Set in New York in fact NYPD and follows a young girl, Kasey, who is a witch but thinks she has left that world behind and starts a job as a medical examiner on loan to NYPD.
My description can't do it justice but suffice to say the story grabbed me from page one as Kasey gets involved in a serial killer murder mystery that gets too close for comfort and has a glimpse of events to come.
I had to read this in one sitting but then I had to sleep.
If the rest of the forthcoming series is as good as this one I'll be a happy bunny.
This story has just had a re-write and it's even better than it was before. Thanks to Sam I am now hungry for some waffles.
A unique blend of the magic world and today's world . Set in New York in fact NYPD and follows a young girl, Kasey, who is a witch but thinks she has left that world behind and starts a job as a medical examiner on loan to NYPD.
My description can't do it justice but suffice to say the story grabbed me from page one as Kasey gets involved in a serial killer murder mystery that gets too close for comfort and has a glimpse of events to come.
I had to read this in one sitting but then I had to sleep.
If the rest of the forthcoming series is as good as this one I'll be a happy bunny.
This story has just had a re-write and it's even better than it was before. Thanks to Sam I am now hungry for some waffles.
February 28, 2018
Couldn’t put this down. He just keeps getting better and better. Kasey is a witch who is prescient; an unusual ability which is heightened by the presence of other witches and wizards. She was ostracized because of it at the Academy of Magic, and left without completing her studies. She moved to New York, changed her name, and tried to forget her heritage. Except for those pesky visions … especially the recurring one about New York City being destroyed. She’s forged a successful career in forensics and is seconded to the NYPD. But girls start being killed … who bear a striking resemblance to her … is the killer after her?
I received an ARC copy of this book; this is my honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book; this is my honest review.
December 19, 2020
I found this a really frustrating book to read, at times I really liked Kasey, but the author drove me to distraction. It maybe just me, but the more I found out about the ’World’ the less convinced I was, it didn’t help that many of the things that happened were so clichéd.
May 5, 2022
Yay, a book that is readable.
Recently I haven't been reading as many books. Too many books recently that I started and felt cheap. I'd actually resigned to only read books that a lot of people liked so you can guess the chances of me picking this up.
Did I like it?
Yes.
Am I completely in love with it?
No, but I like it.
I'm thrilled that I consumed not just one, but two good stories recently. A big thanks to the author. Now, pros and cons:
Pro: bingeable. There's no plot errors that means that binging it is unbearable.
Pro: plot made sense
Pro: characters were realistic
Con: minor writing errors. I've found them a bunch in traditionally published books. Some things just fall through the cracks. I can understand, I've proofread essays and missed something. There was only one if I remember correctly though, so it wasn't as if it was filled with them.
Another con: one of the chapters was just in bold instead of looking like a chapter identifier.
My opinion of the book overall: It was a good book. Not the worst, not the best. A refreshing reminder that there are novels that are readable. More than readable, really. I enjoyed the book.
Not five stars because I wasn't invested in the characters as much. Probably due to a lot of disappointment in regards to character in stories (whatever media form - a story is a story. As long as it is good I don't care what form it is in. Movie, novel, manga, TV series: I don't care, I don't get this snobbery) recently. I couldn't put my full heart and mind into the story because I was waiting for the disappointment.
Probably will carry on with the series. I kind of trust the author now. I tend to get more invested in the characters with longer series anyway.
Note to the author if by chance he is reading this:
Any author can improve even really good ones. Stick to it. Personally I recommend the secret gems of YouTube. There are people out there who have no idea what they're talking about but Overly Sarcastic Productions, Abbie Emmons, and Hello Future Me do tend to know.
Recently I haven't been reading as many books. Too many books recently that I started and felt cheap. I'd actually resigned to only read books that a lot of people liked so you can guess the chances of me picking this up.
Did I like it?
Yes.
Am I completely in love with it?
No, but I like it.
I'm thrilled that I consumed not just one, but two good stories recently. A big thanks to the author. Now, pros and cons:
Pro: bingeable. There's no plot errors that means that binging it is unbearable.
Pro: plot made sense
Pro: characters were realistic
Con: minor writing errors. I've found them a bunch in traditionally published books. Some things just fall through the cracks. I can understand, I've proofread essays and missed something. There was only one if I remember correctly though, so it wasn't as if it was filled with them.
Another con: one of the chapters was just in bold instead of looking like a chapter identifier.
My opinion of the book overall: It was a good book. Not the worst, not the best. A refreshing reminder that there are novels that are readable. More than readable, really. I enjoyed the book.
Not five stars because I wasn't invested in the characters as much. Probably due to a lot of disappointment in regards to character in stories (whatever media form - a story is a story. As long as it is good I don't care what form it is in. Movie, novel, manga, TV series: I don't care, I don't get this snobbery) recently. I couldn't put my full heart and mind into the story because I was waiting for the disappointment.
Probably will carry on with the series. I kind of trust the author now. I tend to get more invested in the characters with longer series anyway.
Note to the author if by chance he is reading this:
Any author can improve even really good ones. Stick to it. Personally I recommend the secret gems of YouTube. There are people out there who have no idea what they're talking about but Overly Sarcastic Productions, Abbie Emmons, and Hello Future Me do tend to know.
January 16, 2024
Painfully sloppy
I try to find positives when I write reviews. The best I can do here is say that after reading the first six chapters and the final chapter, I hadn't missed anything.
This book is full of sentence fragments that add no impact. There are way too many tedious exposition dumps and unforgiveable errors. Close to midnight the main character walks home through an alley and is attacked. After fighting off her assailant, she makes it home and stumbles up four flights of stairs to her apartment, and heats and eats leftovers. Then, at 9 p.m. on the dot, her neighbors indulge in their nightly - and punctual - round of noisy sex. A little proofreading goes a long way to fixing mistakes like that. Then there's the assailant himself. At nearly 7 feet tall and a brutal fighter, he holds his knife high, ready to plunge it down into our "heroine." Come on. What's he going to do - bounce it off her skull? I've never been in a fight in my life and even I know you stab up, under the ribcage.
I lost count of the number of times I went back to reread paragraphs to see what I'd missed, only to find that transitions were non-existant. If good writing matters to you, skip this one.
I try to find positives when I write reviews. The best I can do here is say that after reading the first six chapters and the final chapter, I hadn't missed anything.
This book is full of sentence fragments that add no impact. There are way too many tedious exposition dumps and unforgiveable errors. Close to midnight the main character walks home through an alley and is attacked. After fighting off her assailant, she makes it home and stumbles up four flights of stairs to her apartment, and heats and eats leftovers. Then, at 9 p.m. on the dot, her neighbors indulge in their nightly - and punctual - round of noisy sex. A little proofreading goes a long way to fixing mistakes like that. Then there's the assailant himself. At nearly 7 feet tall and a brutal fighter, he holds his knife high, ready to plunge it down into our "heroine." Come on. What's he going to do - bounce it off her skull? I've never been in a fight in my life and even I know you stab up, under the ribcage.
I lost count of the number of times I went back to reread paragraphs to see what I'd missed, only to find that transitions were non-existant. If good writing matters to you, skip this one.
October 31, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The dialog and the way the author has his character enneract is funny, entertaining, informative and very snarky. Like watching an old Drag Net episode from the 50's this has book has a gumshoe novel quality to it which makes it such a fun read. The main character Kasey, a forensic pathologist, has a snarky attitude, a tough girl personality which works well with her boss, detective Bishop. She and her boss are out to catch a serial killer and stop him before he kills again. Only problem is she cant use magic and her boss and other co-workers don't know she has magical abilities. She has been warned by ADI, the council that oversees and monitors the use of magic around normal people, that they would take drastic measures against her and possible lock her away if she used it again. But they also hired her to find and terminate, if need be, the serial killer. What a bind!!! The concept is great and I love solving mysteries. It's a fast pace book and I was able to read it in a day. If you enjoy old style detective books, snarky women, a funny coroner and a straight laced Chief of Police, you'll love this gumshoe mystery novel.
January 30, 2021
After reading the prequel in the Conjuring a Coroner series I knew I had to go on to read@Dying to Meet You.” Casey is a coroner in New York who was recently reassigned to field work in another station after she broke 3 ribs of a colleague, John Ainsley, who sexually harassed her. While he was fired his wealthy family is out for revenge.
Much to Casey’s surprise she enjoys fieldwork and working with Detective Bishop. When female bodies who oddly resemble Casey begin popping up she realizes that she is in danger. Additionally most of her life she has worked hard to stay off the radar of the ADI, the magical governing body. Unfortunately, when she is spotted using a bit of magic she is now being monitored. Of course when they discover she is chasing a paranormal creature they blackmail her into covering up the evidence from the norms. My, my, my!
This read was chocked full of twists, turns, colorful characters and intrigue. The action was pretty badass too. I have a feeling that future installments are going to be just as entertaining if not more so. This is a fun series you might want to add to your to read list.
Much to Casey’s surprise she enjoys fieldwork and working with Detective Bishop. When female bodies who oddly resemble Casey begin popping up she realizes that she is in danger. Additionally most of her life she has worked hard to stay off the radar of the ADI, the magical governing body. Unfortunately, when she is spotted using a bit of magic she is now being monitored. Of course when they discover she is chasing a paranormal creature they blackmail her into covering up the evidence from the norms. My, my, my!
This read was chocked full of twists, turns, colorful characters and intrigue. The action was pretty badass too. I have a feeling that future installments are going to be just as entertaining if not more so. This is a fun series you might want to add to your to read list.
March 16, 2019
I really, really wanted to like this book. I mean, the concept is GREAT, but it lost me at 33%. Well, actually before that, but I stuck with it for a bit. 2 main problems....
1: This book is written in third person, which is great - but the internal dialogue kept switching to 1st person, which wouldn't be an issue, except there were times when it was italicized to showcase the difference, while other times it wasn't. It took a moment to realize it was inner thought. It was also jarring to have frequent tense changes.
2: Choices..... Beth, AKA, Kasey, makes horrible ones. I mean, she's an ME professional working for the NYPD.... why the hell would she visit a crime scene, or investigate a lead (that no one else knows about yet) ON HER OWN? While wearing a NYPD windbreaker? Has she ever thought of fingerprints, witnesses, or, I don't know.... the ADI which has already warned her against unlawful use of magic?
I just couldn't do it - The choices alone threw me, and I can deal with a fair bit to progress a plot.
1: This book is written in third person, which is great - but the internal dialogue kept switching to 1st person, which wouldn't be an issue, except there were times when it was italicized to showcase the difference, while other times it wasn't. It took a moment to realize it was inner thought. It was also jarring to have frequent tense changes.
2: Choices..... Beth, AKA, Kasey, makes horrible ones. I mean, she's an ME professional working for the NYPD.... why the hell would she visit a crime scene, or investigate a lead (that no one else knows about yet) ON HER OWN? While wearing a NYPD windbreaker? Has she ever thought of fingerprints, witnesses, or, I don't know.... the ADI which has already warned her against unlawful use of magic?
I just couldn't do it - The choices alone threw me, and I can deal with a fair bit to progress a plot.
February 27, 2020
Very good
A very good, old style Urban Fantasy book... meaning that it’s not a romance, and that a secret underworld of magic exists beneath the notice of humans!
This is the first in a 6 book series featuring Kasey, a witch with prescient powers, who works as an ME. In this book, she is racing against time to stop a serial killer, whose targets seem to be hitting a little too close to home.
The action in the book is fast paced, but not so much you lose track of where you are, and the storyline is engrossing. There are two main plots in the book. The first plot is the serial murders that are taking place, while the second is a subplot that continues throughout the series.
We are not left confused in the world building either, the author has made it fairly clear how magic works, and manages to steer clear of some of the more overused tropes out there!
It was an enjoyable ride, and I will certainly be looking for the others in the series.
Those who love traditional Urban Fantasy (well as traditional as it can get for a newer genre anyway), will enjoy this one.
A very good, old style Urban Fantasy book... meaning that it’s not a romance, and that a secret underworld of magic exists beneath the notice of humans!
This is the first in a 6 book series featuring Kasey, a witch with prescient powers, who works as an ME. In this book, she is racing against time to stop a serial killer, whose targets seem to be hitting a little too close to home.
The action in the book is fast paced, but not so much you lose track of where you are, and the storyline is engrossing. There are two main plots in the book. The first plot is the serial murders that are taking place, while the second is a subplot that continues throughout the series.
We are not left confused in the world building either, the author has made it fairly clear how magic works, and manages to steer clear of some of the more overused tropes out there!
It was an enjoyable ride, and I will certainly be looking for the others in the series.
Those who love traditional Urban Fantasy (well as traditional as it can get for a newer genre anyway), will enjoy this one.
November 25, 2018
I enjoyed the book and the story line I thought intriguing. Kasey is a witch who became an outcast when she started having visions. Giving up the magical world, she started working in forensics in the police department. When young women that looked too much like herself started passing through her lab, she decided to look further into it. Some of her investigations, though, were not only illegal, but a bit reckless as well. She may not have the experience in breaking into someone's apartment to look around, but she should have kept better vigilance while doing it & better prepared with plan 2 should he come home, which he did, & she was not. She ended up hurting an innocent. Hopefully by book 2, she will have learned to be a little smarter when "checking things out". I am looking forward to her next adventure though.
October 8, 2020
Good but with holes
A decent book for a start of a series but the storyline has lots of holes. Coroner gets caught by police after being thrown through a window at a crime scene? Arrest, let go, no more questions, get back to work... hmm. I’ll only put that one out there but there are a few more. If you don’t let that bother you it’s a pretty good. Does the MC do stupid stuff? Yes. But at least she is interesting. She does win fights but with her training still expect her to do better. Strangely she changed her name and hid from magical society but still hangs out with her sister and parents, because wouldn’t that give it away? Buy a new ID and history but still connect with family? It’s that kinda stuff that takes away the enjoyment IMO. However, it is a decent start. Having read the prequel I believe this author gets better so I’ll read the next one.
A decent book for a start of a series but the storyline has lots of holes. Coroner gets caught by police after being thrown through a window at a crime scene? Arrest, let go, no more questions, get back to work... hmm. I’ll only put that one out there but there are a few more. If you don’t let that bother you it’s a pretty good. Does the MC do stupid stuff? Yes. But at least she is interesting. She does win fights but with her training still expect her to do better. Strangely she changed her name and hid from magical society but still hangs out with her sister and parents, because wouldn’t that give it away? Buy a new ID and history but still connect with family? It’s that kinda stuff that takes away the enjoyment IMO. However, it is a decent start. Having read the prequel I believe this author gets better so I’ll read the next one.
November 5, 2020
Good read.
Writing and copy editing are good.
I'm now interested in reading more in this series.
There are some faults.
The ease at which people can 'change identities' simply doesn't work in today's computerized society.
A brief in and out with fake IDs? Sure. But the protagonist has changed identity and so has the villain, whom I won't name, spoilers, after all.
The boss battle at the end was disappointing. It's almost like she forgot she had the 'ultimate weapon' until it was too late.
The interrogation of the Big Baddie was also ... unsatisfying, shall we say, especially since the information gained was about what you'd expect.
The whole 'Ainslie' feud/not feud also wanted more work.
---
Flawed? Sure. But it's a pretty good read, and better than a lot of indie stuff I've seen lately.
Writing and copy editing are good.
I'm now interested in reading more in this series.
There are some faults.
The ease at which people can 'change identities' simply doesn't work in today's computerized society.
A brief in and out with fake IDs? Sure. But the protagonist has changed identity and so has the villain, whom I won't name, spoilers, after all.
The boss battle at the end was disappointing. It's almost like she forgot she had the 'ultimate weapon' until it was too late.
The interrogation of the Big Baddie was also ... unsatisfying, shall we say, especially since the information gained was about what you'd expect.
The whole 'Ainslie' feud/not feud also wanted more work.
---
Flawed? Sure. But it's a pretty good read, and better than a lot of indie stuff I've seen lately.
August 23, 2018
Visions and a serial killer - all in a days work
She has abandoned her magical heritage as the visions made her an outcast. Now she works for the police. It wasn't the job she started out with as there was an unfortunate incident with a local playboy. He thought it was okay to spank women, she didn't and he ended up with a sound beating. Now she works at the morgue. It is when bodies of young women start turning up that her colleague makes the connection - they all look like her! Is the killer human or a supernatural? Can she find a weapon to use against him? Who is he? A great plot that has a nice mix of police work blended with the magical. Wonderful characters that breathe life into the story.
She has abandoned her magical heritage as the visions made her an outcast. Now she works for the police. It wasn't the job she started out with as there was an unfortunate incident with a local playboy. He thought it was okay to spank women, she didn't and he ended up with a sound beating. Now she works at the morgue. It is when bodies of young women start turning up that her colleague makes the connection - they all look like her! Is the killer human or a supernatural? Can she find a weapon to use against him? Who is he? A great plot that has a nice mix of police work blended with the magical. Wonderful characters that breathe life into the story.
January 28, 2018
An enjoyable read, overall. This is a very interesting and original concept for a series, and a solid first book. There were a few instances that I thought the plot would play out differently, and I wouldn’t say inconsistencies, but perhaps somethings didn’t quite add up for me. Like I would have thought detectives would be smarter at, well, detecting. Anyway, it’s just a personal thing but it certainly didn’t take away from the story as a whole. It placed the protagonist in certain situations for a reason and I get that. I would definitely want to read the next book, to find out what happens next to Kasey.
February 16, 2018
SC (Samuel) Stokes’ Dying to Meet You (book 1 in his new Conjuring a Coroner series) is precisely the action-packed urban fantasy adventure promised by its publisher’s blurb. Kasey, it’s lead character, is a fascinating one. Witch (though she doesn’t wanna be) and prescient powers. A great combination and her New York Coroner’s Office perch is the perfect place to put that to use. And boy oh boy does she ever do so in a story that is frankly superbly written, with well developed characters, excellent world-building, and all the thrills, twists and turns one could desire.
Highly recommended. I can’t wait for book 2.
Highly recommended. I can’t wait for book 2.
July 27, 2018
I don't usually read books about witches but thought I would give this one a try as it involved a kind of CSI type feel. I have to say I enjoyed it and immediately went on to the second and third books in the series. The fourth is not out yet. I even enjoyed them all. Though the recapping in the second and third books I found a little bit off putting, but I guess if you did not read them back to back it might not be as bad. I would rather the recap be in a previously type chapter so you don't have to read it if you already read the previous books. Still would recommend them. A few typos nothing to jarring.
August 23, 2018
Kasey is a witch
But because of her visions, something rare in witches, she drops out of the magical academy, and joins the world of non magic users. She worked as a forensic pathologist but because a fellow employee groped her and she retaliated by breaking his ribs she has been sent to work with the NYPD. Currently investigating a serial killer whose victims are resemble her, she is entwined in a case where both magical and non magical worlds entwine and she is made responsible for ensuring the non magical does not find out about the magical while at the same time disposing of the killer.
Not a bad book. Interesting enough to read the next in the series.
But because of her visions, something rare in witches, she drops out of the magical academy, and joins the world of non magic users. She worked as a forensic pathologist but because a fellow employee groped her and she retaliated by breaking his ribs she has been sent to work with the NYPD. Currently investigating a serial killer whose victims are resemble her, she is entwined in a case where both magical and non magical worlds entwine and she is made responsible for ensuring the non magical does not find out about the magical while at the same time disposing of the killer.
Not a bad book. Interesting enough to read the next in the series.
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