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The Downside Ghosts series has been called "gripping and brilliant," "a must-read," and "one of the best paranormal fantasy series available." Now all four previously published short stories set in this world are collected in one place, plus one new, never-before-seen novella. In this volume are:
RICK THE BRAVE (from HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION)
HOME (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers)
CLOSE TO YOU (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers)
KEEPING IT CLOSE (web original)
PLAYING WITH FIRE (New!)
Each story is presented in its entirety, with a note on its conception and writing. If you're a Downside fan, this is a must-have for your collection.
Recommended for mature readers.
RICK THE BRAVE (from HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION)
HOME (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers)
CLOSE TO YOU (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers)
KEEPING IT CLOSE (web original)
PLAYING WITH FIRE (New!)
Each story is presented in its entirety, with a note on its conception and writing. If you're a Downside fan, this is a must-have for your collection.
Recommended for mature readers.
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First published November 12, 2014
13 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Stacia Kane
35 books2,535 followersStacia Kane is the author of the light-hearted romantic urban fantasy "Megan Chase" series starting with PERSONAL DEMONS.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 27, 2014
There are five short stories included in this book. Four have already been released and one is a new. The four older ones are: Rick The Brave, Home, Close to You and Keeping It Close. The new one is Playing With Fire and that's the one I will be reviewing here. (The others I have previously reviewed)
I just have to say that I love this series and it's been a while since a story has come out so I was thrilled to get anything, anything, especially one that has Terrible in it.
After Chess' "falling out" with Elder Griffin, she hasn't been getting any good cases or really any cases at all. So when a waitress burst into flames practically right in front of her, she's all too eager to get to the bottom of things. The only problem is that since it's not her division, she has to tread carefully.
I really enjoyed the different diversion that Chess gets in this short. It was a nice reprieve from all the debunking even though it didn't spare us from some freaky things. I especially liked the hormonal inducing powers! ;)
My favorite part, hands down, is when her and Terrible are discussing cases. I love how he gets right to the point and doesn't miss a beat. If only they could work on more cases...together.
However, in Chess' roundabout way of getting information, she makes a deal to be cordial to Lex. This doesn't bode well for the future but at least she didn't hide it, thank goodness. I do really love her friendship with Blue and really, if she is going to continue it, what choice does she have?
The case was intriguing although I'm a little miffed that it was left unfinished. Hopefully, things will be picked up later.
The ending was great. I love the recognition that Chess is getting finally! Now, we'll see where this goes.
SK states that there is still a Terrible novella coming and OMG....a Lex story!! Can't wait!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "No one could do the things Terrible did, the way he did them."
♥ "She doesn’t have a huge boyfriend who’d probably kill me just for looking at her, like some people do.”
I just have to say that I love this series and it's been a while since a story has come out so I was thrilled to get anything, anything, especially one that has Terrible in it.
After Chess' "falling out" with Elder Griffin, she hasn't been getting any good cases or really any cases at all. So when a waitress burst into flames practically right in front of her, she's all too eager to get to the bottom of things. The only problem is that since it's not her division, she has to tread carefully.
I really enjoyed the different diversion that Chess gets in this short. It was a nice reprieve from all the debunking even though it didn't spare us from some freaky things. I especially liked the hormonal inducing powers! ;)
My favorite part, hands down, is when her and Terrible are discussing cases. I love how he gets right to the point and doesn't miss a beat. If only they could work on more cases...together.
However, in Chess' roundabout way of getting information, she makes a deal to be cordial to Lex. This doesn't bode well for the future but at least she didn't hide it, thank goodness. I do really love her friendship with Blue and really, if she is going to continue it, what choice does she have?
The case was intriguing although I'm a little miffed that it was left unfinished. Hopefully, things will be picked up later.
The ending was great. I love the recognition that Chess is getting finally! Now, we'll see where this goes.
SK states that there is still a Terrible novella coming and OMG....a Lex story!! Can't wait!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "No one could do the things Terrible did, the way he did them."
♥ "She doesn’t have a huge boyfriend who’d probably kill me just for looking at her, like some people do.”
November 17, 2014
3.5 stars - Spoilers
All decent short stories with plenty of Chess/Terrible goodness. Already read and enjoyed the first four stories (Rick the Brave, Home, Close to You, and Keeping it Close) when they first came out.
The new short story, Playing with Fire, was good too, it was a little predictable in parts though. It was pretty much the usual investigation-of-the-week type plot with Chess investigating several fiery deaths. I did like being introduced to more characters related to Chess's work, and the development between Chess/Elder Griffin and Chess/Blue/Will was done well too. I also liked that things weren't wrapped up at the end, the bad guys weren't caught and their motives/endgame weren't known, there was a larger mystery there, I'm guessing it'll all be solved in the next novel/novella.
Loved Chess and Blue's friendship, they had great chemistry together. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Blue/Will and whether it'll affect Chess and her work for Bump/the Church in any way. Chess/Terrible were as cute as usual, although I did find Chess a little too melodramatic and sappy at times when it came to her feelings for Terrible, it was a bit much.
Looking forward to reading the upcoming Terrible and Lex novellas.
All decent short stories with plenty of Chess/Terrible goodness. Already read and enjoyed the first four stories (Rick the Brave, Home, Close to You, and Keeping it Close) when they first came out.
The new short story, Playing with Fire, was good too, it was a little predictable in parts though. It was pretty much the usual investigation-of-the-week type plot with Chess investigating several fiery deaths. I did like being introduced to more characters related to Chess's work, and the development between Chess/Elder Griffin and Chess/Blue/Will was done well too. I also liked that things weren't wrapped up at the end, the bad guys weren't caught and their motives/endgame weren't known, there was a larger mystery there, I'm guessing it'll all be solved in the next novel/novella.
Loved Chess and Blue's friendship, they had great chemistry together. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Blue/Will and whether it'll affect Chess and her work for Bump/the Church in any way. Chess/Terrible were as cute as usual, although I did find Chess a little too melodramatic and sappy at times when it came to her feelings for Terrible, it was a bit much.
Looking forward to reading the upcoming Terrible and Lex novellas.
May 10, 2015
2.5 stars
CLOSE TO YOU and PLAYING WITH FIRE - 3 stars.
CLOSE TO YOU - for nicely done post-apocalyptic atmosphere and rather creepy story.
PLAYING WITH FIRE - for being a bit more investigation, mystery solving focused rather than romantic. It has a an open ending but a good start taking you straight into action.
The others more in the 2* zone.
RICK THE BRAVE - is OK but not very gripping.
HOME and KEEPING IT CLOSE - are too focused on romance for my liking. Sex scenes are well done but mc personality stopped working for me somewhere around the 3rd book in the series - she is overly melodramatic and sappy when it comes to love life. Pages and pages of inner dialogues explaining and over-analysing feelings.. yawn..
Probably something to do with releasing novellas independently - it must work for a new reader - so author has to do some world-building to create an atmosphere in each of them. Needless to say when it happens 5 times in a row it gets a bit tedious.
Overall it's an OK read and a nice treat for Downside Ghosts fans.
CLOSE TO YOU and PLAYING WITH FIRE - 3 stars.
CLOSE TO YOU - for nicely done post-apocalyptic atmosphere and rather creepy story.
PLAYING WITH FIRE - for being a bit more investigation, mystery solving focused rather than romantic. It has a an open ending but a good start taking you straight into action.
The others more in the 2* zone.
RICK THE BRAVE - is OK but not very gripping.
HOME and KEEPING IT CLOSE - are too focused on romance for my liking. Sex scenes are well done but mc personality stopped working for me somewhere around the 3rd book in the series - she is overly melodramatic and sappy when it comes to love life. Pages and pages of inner dialogues explaining and over-analysing feelings.. yawn..
Probably something to do with releasing novellas independently - it must work for a new reader - so author has to do some world-building to create an atmosphere in each of them. Needless to say when it happens 5 times in a row it gets a bit tedious.
Overall it's an OK read and a nice treat for Downside Ghosts fans.
March 1, 2019
This is a must read for any downside fan.....
November 18, 2014
If you're a fan of Chess, especially her man Terrible, you will love this collection of short stories. Stacia's writing is so rich and engaging. Chess is still neurotic and addicted to her cepts (which doesn't seem as much as before. Perhaps falling in love has lessened her need for artificial stimulants since she has Terrible in her life?) but she's trying her best to stay on the straight and narrow.
Fans of this series won't be disappointed at all. Chess and Terrible are terrific together. They are both sides of the same coin. I love seeing these two together and in action, whether they're fighting crime or just hanging out look all lovey dovey at one another.
This world and the characters Stacia has created, specifically Chess and Terrible are my crack. I'm always left wanting more.
Fans of this series won't be disappointed at all. Chess and Terrible are terrific together. They are both sides of the same coin. I love seeing these two together and in action, whether they're fighting crime or just hanging out look all lovey dovey at one another.
This world and the characters Stacia has created, specifically Chess and Terrible are my crack. I'm always left wanting more.
November 23, 2014
I've read 4 of the 5 of these stories before, but do you think that stopped me from reading them again? Hell no. They are wonderful the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and I am sure millionth time through. The new story I am sure is setting up a 6th book *fingers crossed* as we get some new characters and the mystery is only partially solved. It was great being back in Downside, as horrible and scary as it can be, I always feel safe with Chess and Terrible by my side. Being with them is like coming home after a long time away, familiar and safe, if not always a bit fucked up. I really need there to be a book 6. Yesterday. I am already withdrawing ...
June 11, 2017
Rick is an electrician looking for extra work. Unfamiliar with Downside, he reluctantly takes a job there just because the pay is really good. He'll be working for Bump, supervised by Terrible. Just as he gets started, ghosts appear and Chess is called to save the day. This is a cute short. I love this series!
November 14, 2014
4,5 stars
Nice to have all short stories in one book. :D
5)"Playing With Fire" - I started with this one because it's a new story.
First of all, it's expected you read books #4 and #5 since there are some things mentioned that can be spoilery for major events of those books.
Chess stumbled on another case: women all over town are spontaneously combusting to death and she knows some bad magic is involved. But it's not the Church case- the case belongs to Squad, so she doesn't really have an authority to look into it. In interesting course of events that includes a bit of manipulation and friend who really like her, she gets to work alongside Squad member who's on the case.
This story was a great little addition to series- it's always god seeing Chess doing her job. And it also reminds us just how powerful she is. Will, the Squad guy, is very interesting and I have feeling we will see more of him.
Romance between Chess and Terrible is still going strong and if one thing is making me happy it's the fact that Chess is not hiding anything from him. It's true that lying would be her downfall when it comes to her relationship with Terrible, but it's not hard to imagine her slipping back into her old bad habits. Chess knows what- who- is the most important thing in her life. And that's a huuuuge step forward for addict.
This story is also excellent bridge to next (eagerly awaited) Downside Ghosts novel because it put some events into action that may play a huge role in the future. I am sure Blue's request will bring some complications in Chess' life. ;)
1)"Rick the Brave" - this story was part of Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology and with all those big names featured, I still firmly say Kane's story was the best in it.
It was also fun seeing Chess and especially Terrible through eyes of a complete stranger, character who doesn't have anything to do with stretching arc and plot of Downside series.
2&3)"Home" and "Close to You" were both H&H specials. Both stories are sweet and both have a lot of Terrible which is always a plus. In both stories Chess is doing some debunking job, but there is message at the end because case made her realize something important about her relationship with Terrible.
4)"Keeping it Close" - This was (still is?) available through Kane's site.
Again debunking job. This one is Chess doing alone, but it was an easy one- she is experienced debunker by now and she can tell when haunting is tampered with and when people lie. Again the events of case tie in some way to her relationship with Terrible.
Nice to have all short stories in one book. :D
5)"Playing With Fire" - I started with this one because it's a new story.
First of all, it's expected you read books #4 and #5 since there are some things mentioned that can be spoilery for major events of those books.
Chess stumbled on another case: women all over town are spontaneously combusting to death and she knows some bad magic is involved. But it's not the Church case- the case belongs to Squad, so she doesn't really have an authority to look into it. In interesting course of events that includes a bit of manipulation and friend who really like her, she gets to work alongside Squad member who's on the case.
This story was a great little addition to series- it's always god seeing Chess doing her job. And it also reminds us just how powerful she is. Will, the Squad guy, is very interesting and I have feeling we will see more of him.
Romance between Chess and Terrible is still going strong and if one thing is making me happy it's the fact that Chess is not hiding anything from him. It's true that lying would be her downfall when it comes to her relationship with Terrible, but it's not hard to imagine her slipping back into her old bad habits. Chess knows what- who- is the most important thing in her life. And that's a huuuuge step forward for addict.
This story is also excellent bridge to next (eagerly awaited) Downside Ghosts novel because it put some events into action that may play a huge role in the future. I am sure Blue's request will bring some complications in Chess' life. ;)
1)"Rick the Brave" - this story was part of Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology and with all those big names featured, I still firmly say Kane's story was the best in it.
It was also fun seeing Chess and especially Terrible through eyes of a complete stranger, character who doesn't have anything to do with stretching arc and plot of Downside series.
2&3)"Home" and "Close to You" were both H&H specials. Both stories are sweet and both have a lot of Terrible which is always a plus. In both stories Chess is doing some debunking job, but there is message at the end because case made her realize something important about her relationship with Terrible.
4)"Keeping it Close" - This was (still is?) available through Kane's site.
Again debunking job. This one is Chess doing alone, but it was an easy one- she is experienced debunker by now and she can tell when haunting is tampered with and when people lie. Again the events of case tie in some way to her relationship with Terrible.
November 24, 2014
Not reading this in order.
Close To You: I should immediately confess the Stacia Kane Downside series is not a must read for me. Honestly I'm not a big fan of Chessiebomb's whining or her love interest Terrible. However, the world is so unique & incrediably vivid I eventually come back to the series usually as an in-between read. That said "Close To You" was the reason Meigan lent me this anthology. After reading it I can see why Meigan went out of her way to figure out how to lend it to me being the original stand alone ebook wasn't lendable. I want to thank her for her persistence in sharing a good story with me. Close To You was decidedly freaky. In this short Stacia Kane took the sweetest concept of eternal love & desecrated it into something truly disturbing. I loved how she explained her inspiration & man did she really go with it. I enjoyed the short 35 page read & would recommend it to any Downside fan. 3 stars
Rick The Brave: This not the first time I read this short story. I think I had more appreciation for the task Stacia Kane set for herself when she wrote Rick TheBrave this time around. I think SK did an excellent job describing Chess & Terrible's relationship from a true outsider's POV. Rick is a down in the dumps electrician who doesn't live in Downside & is only in the town to complete a job & collect a cool 5 gs. His POV provided a fresh look @ a standard Chess situation. 3 stars
Home: This is not the first time I read this short story. Home is not an a typical ghost story for the Downside series/world. The story itself felt more romance then the usual mystery. The HEA was a surprise the first time I read it. 2.5 stars
Keeping It Close: This is a reread for me. The most entertaining this about this story was the interaction between Dana & the message Chess sent to Doyle via innocent Dana. Chess' interaction with Elder griffin was painful to read. It seems Chess' one significant church relationship has deteriorated with just cause imo. The debunking of the Randall's case itself seemed like a day in the life of a typical debunker. 2 stars
Playing With Fire: 3 stars
Close To You: I should immediately confess the Stacia Kane Downside series is not a must read for me. Honestly I'm not a big fan of Chessiebomb's whining or her love interest Terrible. However, the world is so unique & incrediably vivid I eventually come back to the series usually as an in-between read. That said "Close To You" was the reason Meigan lent me this anthology. After reading it I can see why Meigan went out of her way to figure out how to lend it to me being the original stand alone ebook wasn't lendable. I want to thank her for her persistence in sharing a good story with me. Close To You was decidedly freaky. In this short Stacia Kane took the sweetest concept of eternal love & desecrated it into something truly disturbing. I loved how she explained her inspiration & man did she really go with it. I enjoyed the short 35 page read & would recommend it to any Downside fan. 3 stars
Rick The Brave: This not the first time I read this short story. I think I had more appreciation for the task Stacia Kane set for herself when she wrote Rick TheBrave this time around. I think SK did an excellent job describing Chess & Terrible's relationship from a true outsider's POV. Rick is a down in the dumps electrician who doesn't live in Downside & is only in the town to complete a job & collect a cool 5 gs. His POV provided a fresh look @ a standard Chess situation. 3 stars
Home: This is not the first time I read this short story. Home is not an a typical ghost story for the Downside series/world. The story itself felt more romance then the usual mystery. The HEA was a surprise the first time I read it. 2.5 stars
Keeping It Close: This is a reread for me. The most entertaining this about this story was the interaction between Dana & the message Chess sent to Doyle via innocent Dana. Chess' interaction with Elder griffin was painful to read. It seems Chess' one significant church relationship has deteriorated with just cause imo. The debunking of the Randall's case itself seemed like a day in the life of a typical debunker. 2 stars
Playing With Fire: 3 stars
June 6, 2016
4.5 stars
October 4, 2016
Rick The Brave (Downside Ghosts 3.5) - 3 Stars
I read Rick The Brave as part of the Five Down e-book rather than the anthology where it was first published. This story was very different from those that proceeded it, because Rick is a brand new character, and someone who the reader will probably never see again. It gives the reader a chance to experience things from the outside of the little circle the stories have been set in, and gives some perspective on Chess and Terrible from an outside observer. The story was a bit difficult to follow, especially in regards to where they were, and how the layout was, especially with the ghosts present. However, this was not a long story, so there was not much space to work with. I missed seeing the story from Chess' point of view, as she just has such a strong voice, but that was the point of this story; to give the reader another perspective. Everything that is happening to Chess no one else knows about, and everything seems so strange to Rick, it's a pleasant change to look from the outside in.
Close To You (Downside Ghosts 5.5) - 5 Stars
Oh Chess, how I love you.
Curiosity about other people had never been something Chess had much of. She knew all she needed to know about people: they were shit.
It's like looking into my own thoughts.
This story was a great length, and entertaining from start to end. I kind of picked up on what was going on with Mrs Hudson almost straight away, but that didn't take anything away from the story. It was fantastically written, with some great descriptions.
Stacks of dusty metal loomed over them. Cracked Windows shifted slightly in the wind and caught the weak sunlight like mosaics of a single colour, thick elderly cobwebs waved and shook. It was like being in a horror novel illustrated by Dr Seuss.
This is one of the best short stories I have read for a long while.
Keeping It Close (Downside Ghosts 5.6) - 4.5 Stars
Chess has an interesting job; being a Debunker with the Church of Truth. Essentially that means that if someone claims there is a haunting at their home, Chess goes to investigate to determine whether it was real, or if something is trying to con a settlement out of the Church. And why would people do this, I hear you ask. Well, to take a note out of Chess’ book; people are shit.
Since the events of the last book, Chess is starting to not feel so comfortable in her job, especially given that others look down at her for what she has done and her relationship with Terrible. So she finds herself with a case that is none to appealing, and appears to be a real haunting; which means no bonus for her. Instead, though it leads to a mystery of a missing girl, the creepy neighbour, and two distraught parents experiencing the terror of a haunting.
I liked the overal plot, and how Chess seemed to piece everything together and be very professional about it. She had real feelings of triumph and remorse when it all came out in the end, and one of the reasons I love her is because she seems like just an everyday person. She’s not special, and doesn’t want to be treated as such, but she does know she loves her man and her job (the former more than the latter).
So why not 5 stars you ask? That is a difficult question, seeing as there was a lot I liked about this story. However, in some of the previous novels, and short stories for that matter, there has always been a description or a comment from Chess that makes me laugh, underline the passage (in an e-reader only, never a paper book), write down, and remember. And in this story, there was really nothing that grabbed me like that. I think that’s worth half a star demotion…
Playing With Fire (Downside Ghosts 5.7) - 4 Stars
This novella was exclusive to the Five Down collection. Every story in this collection has been so unique, but it has that same voice that makes this series a stand out for me. And I relish every opportunity I have to come back into this world.
In Downside a stranger was just a killer you hadn’t met yet
So this story wasn’t focused so much on one of Chess’ Debunking cases, but instead something she witnessed has her tied up in a Black Squad matter, and she just can’t seem to let it go. I found the plot pretty fascinating, but didn’t get any real sense of conclusion by the end. Who was Leanne, why did she have witch’s tattoos, who was her boyfriend, and the others who were working with them?
I got a sense that this is the start of something. Whether this is going to be picked up in other short stories or the next book in the series I don’t know. And if I never do it will kind of feel like a copout. Again, the writing was superb and I liked seeing Chess interact with Blue as much as Terrible.
Chess is just downright awesome, even with the drug problem and ability to trust almost no one EVER. And while she is trying to hold a relationship together, have other friends, and work harder than anyone around her, she can’t lose that bleak outlook on life in general.
She’d wonder why only the bad wishes ever came true, but hell, that was life wasn’t it.
Chess, don’t ever change.
I read Rick The Brave as part of the Five Down e-book rather than the anthology where it was first published. This story was very different from those that proceeded it, because Rick is a brand new character, and someone who the reader will probably never see again. It gives the reader a chance to experience things from the outside of the little circle the stories have been set in, and gives some perspective on Chess and Terrible from an outside observer. The story was a bit difficult to follow, especially in regards to where they were, and how the layout was, especially with the ghosts present. However, this was not a long story, so there was not much space to work with. I missed seeing the story from Chess' point of view, as she just has such a strong voice, but that was the point of this story; to give the reader another perspective. Everything that is happening to Chess no one else knows about, and everything seems so strange to Rick, it's a pleasant change to look from the outside in.
Close To You (Downside Ghosts 5.5) - 5 Stars
Oh Chess, how I love you.
Curiosity about other people had never been something Chess had much of. She knew all she needed to know about people: they were shit.
It's like looking into my own thoughts.
This story was a great length, and entertaining from start to end. I kind of picked up on what was going on with Mrs Hudson almost straight away, but that didn't take anything away from the story. It was fantastically written, with some great descriptions.
Stacks of dusty metal loomed over them. Cracked Windows shifted slightly in the wind and caught the weak sunlight like mosaics of a single colour, thick elderly cobwebs waved and shook. It was like being in a horror novel illustrated by Dr Seuss.
This is one of the best short stories I have read for a long while.
Keeping It Close (Downside Ghosts 5.6) - 4.5 Stars
Chess has an interesting job; being a Debunker with the Church of Truth. Essentially that means that if someone claims there is a haunting at their home, Chess goes to investigate to determine whether it was real, or if something is trying to con a settlement out of the Church. And why would people do this, I hear you ask. Well, to take a note out of Chess’ book; people are shit.
Since the events of the last book, Chess is starting to not feel so comfortable in her job, especially given that others look down at her for what she has done and her relationship with Terrible. So she finds herself with a case that is none to appealing, and appears to be a real haunting; which means no bonus for her. Instead, though it leads to a mystery of a missing girl, the creepy neighbour, and two distraught parents experiencing the terror of a haunting.
I liked the overal plot, and how Chess seemed to piece everything together and be very professional about it. She had real feelings of triumph and remorse when it all came out in the end, and one of the reasons I love her is because she seems like just an everyday person. She’s not special, and doesn’t want to be treated as such, but she does know she loves her man and her job (the former more than the latter).
So why not 5 stars you ask? That is a difficult question, seeing as there was a lot I liked about this story. However, in some of the previous novels, and short stories for that matter, there has always been a description or a comment from Chess that makes me laugh, underline the passage (in an e-reader only, never a paper book), write down, and remember. And in this story, there was really nothing that grabbed me like that. I think that’s worth half a star demotion…
Playing With Fire (Downside Ghosts 5.7) - 4 Stars
This novella was exclusive to the Five Down collection. Every story in this collection has been so unique, but it has that same voice that makes this series a stand out for me. And I relish every opportunity I have to come back into this world.
In Downside a stranger was just a killer you hadn’t met yet
So this story wasn’t focused so much on one of Chess’ Debunking cases, but instead something she witnessed has her tied up in a Black Squad matter, and she just can’t seem to let it go. I found the plot pretty fascinating, but didn’t get any real sense of conclusion by the end. Who was Leanne, why did she have witch’s tattoos, who was her boyfriend, and the others who were working with them?
I got a sense that this is the start of something. Whether this is going to be picked up in other short stories or the next book in the series I don’t know. And if I never do it will kind of feel like a copout. Again, the writing was superb and I liked seeing Chess interact with Blue as much as Terrible.
Chess is just downright awesome, even with the drug problem and ability to trust almost no one EVER. And while she is trying to hold a relationship together, have other friends, and work harder than anyone around her, she can’t lose that bleak outlook on life in general.
She’d wonder why only the bad wishes ever came true, but hell, that was life wasn’t it.
Chess, don’t ever change.
September 9, 2015
Great collection of shorts from the Downside world. While many fans of the series may see a few repeats as four of the stories were previously published, there is a brand new story added to the collection with the last story,
Playing With Fire
. Only two stories were new to me,
Rick the Brave
and
Playing With Fire
.
Rick the Brave - 5 stars
Rick, an electrician, is recruited to help with a derelict house in Downside that is going to be restored by Bump and his crew. Downside isn't anyone's first choice to go for employment, but since this is Bump's project, the money is good and Rick sure could use it. Again, being that this IS Downside, the job doesn't go as easy as planned.
I loved how this story was told from an outsider's POV, yet still had enough Chess and Terrible for my liking. It was also nice to get a third party view of both Chess and Terrible, it was quite surprising to see what an unaffiliated person sees with those two. This story could really be read any time in the series. While it does contain hints at Chess and Terrible's relationship, it really isn't spoiler-ish if you're unfamiliar with them as a couple.
Playing With Fire - 5 Stars
Chess finds herself at the center of a case that's not a debunking. Since the case belongs to the Black Squad, she is forced to do what she does best -- investigate under the radar. Blue is also back in this story and some developments concerning a certain relationship are really going to make things interesting in future installments of the Downside series. It was nice to see Chess having a normal (well, as normal as things can be when it concerns Chess) friendship with Blue, even if things are tricky because of Blue's family. Their friendship is complicated on so many levels and while it's nice to see Chess finally have a female companion, I can't help but think the relationship will self-implode at some point.
Note - because of certain intricacies concerning an important relationship, it's best to read this particular story after the fifth book of the series, Chasing Magic . There are pertinent events that occurred in that book that will make both the relationship and Chess' feelings make more sense.
My reviews for the remaining stories:
Home
Close to You
Keeping it Close
Rick the Brave - 5 stars
Rick, an electrician, is recruited to help with a derelict house in Downside that is going to be restored by Bump and his crew. Downside isn't anyone's first choice to go for employment, but since this is Bump's project, the money is good and Rick sure could use it. Again, being that this IS Downside, the job doesn't go as easy as planned.
I loved how this story was told from an outsider's POV, yet still had enough Chess and Terrible for my liking. It was also nice to get a third party view of both Chess and Terrible, it was quite surprising to see what an unaffiliated person sees with those two. This story could really be read any time in the series. While it does contain hints at Chess and Terrible's relationship, it really isn't spoiler-ish if you're unfamiliar with them as a couple.
Playing With Fire - 5 Stars
Chess finds herself at the center of a case that's not a debunking. Since the case belongs to the Black Squad, she is forced to do what she does best -- investigate under the radar. Blue is also back in this story and some developments concerning a certain relationship are really going to make things interesting in future installments of the Downside series. It was nice to see Chess having a normal (well, as normal as things can be when it concerns Chess) friendship with Blue, even if things are tricky because of Blue's family. Their friendship is complicated on so many levels and while it's nice to see Chess finally have a female companion, I can't help but think the relationship will self-implode at some point.
Note - because of certain intricacies concerning an important relationship, it's best to read this particular story after the fifth book of the series, Chasing Magic . There are pertinent events that occurred in that book that will make both the relationship and Chess' feelings make more sense.
My reviews for the remaining stories:
Home
Close to You
Keeping it Close
January 2, 2016
"Rick the Brave" is a story about a guy who is down on his luck and comes to the Downside to do a construction job. Rick is smart enough to know that this job is chocked full of danger otherwise his brother-in-law would have taken it rather than pass it on to him;but, he needs the job and the money to help pay off the car note that he is saddled with because of his no count ex-girlfriend. Unfortunately, little did he know that he would be fighting off a hoard of ghosts with a cute little woman named, Chess and a big bruiser of a guy named, Terrible.
This novella is another great snippet into the lives of two of my favorite characters. It is a teaser as to the day to day events of Terrible and Chess. "If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Chess Putnam! Now, if we could get the next full novel in this series, I will be one happy woman!!!
Merged review:
Loved, loved, loved "Playing with Fire." This little gem of a novella was loaded with all of the things that has made the Downside series so successful such a Chess &Terrible, magical mayhem, suspense, intrigue, action and the overwhelming sense that Chess' secret life will be discovered at any inopportune moment.
This novella provides us with more insight and progress with Chess' relationship with Elder Griffin, Blue as well as Lex. There is a foreboding feeling that trouble is lurking right around the corner and it isn't going to be pretty. Terrible is so street wise and often sees right through the B.S. and straight to the root of the matter. It was great to see how Chess has grown to trust him with things she previously would have held a secret from him.
In this story people are bursting into flames which leads Chess head on into the path of anew Inquisitor, Will. When he reports to the scene of the second victim when called on by Chess he takes an interest in Blue, Lex's sister. At first, Chess doesn't want Will anywhere near Blue for obvious reasons but when she sets out to investigate these string of fires on her own she hopes to use Blue to get information out of Will. The o my problem is now that the who and what of the crime has been discovered, Blue still wants to see Will which will inevitably lead to Chess speaking with Lex. This has trouble spelled all over it; yet, I know Terrible is going to make sure to protect what's his! By, this next Terrible novella promises to be the showdown we've been waiting for between Lex and Terrible. Yum!
This novella is another great snippet into the lives of two of my favorite characters. It is a teaser as to the day to day events of Terrible and Chess. "If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Chess Putnam! Now, if we could get the next full novel in this series, I will be one happy woman!!!
Merged review:
Loved, loved, loved "Playing with Fire." This little gem of a novella was loaded with all of the things that has made the Downside series so successful such a Chess &Terrible, magical mayhem, suspense, intrigue, action and the overwhelming sense that Chess' secret life will be discovered at any inopportune moment.
This novella provides us with more insight and progress with Chess' relationship with Elder Griffin, Blue as well as Lex. There is a foreboding feeling that trouble is lurking right around the corner and it isn't going to be pretty. Terrible is so street wise and often sees right through the B.S. and straight to the root of the matter. It was great to see how Chess has grown to trust him with things she previously would have held a secret from him.
In this story people are bursting into flames which leads Chess head on into the path of anew Inquisitor, Will. When he reports to the scene of the second victim when called on by Chess he takes an interest in Blue, Lex's sister. At first, Chess doesn't want Will anywhere near Blue for obvious reasons but when she sets out to investigate these string of fires on her own she hopes to use Blue to get information out of Will. The o my problem is now that the who and what of the crime has been discovered, Blue still wants to see Will which will inevitably lead to Chess speaking with Lex. This has trouble spelled all over it; yet, I know Terrible is going to make sure to protect what's his! By, this next Terrible novella promises to be the showdown we've been waiting for between Lex and Terrible. Yum!
November 23, 2014
FINALLY some new Downside material!!!! Somehow there were 3 out of the 5 I hadn't read before. Downside is one of the few series that I'll read the novellas. So quick recap on the 3 that I read:
Rick the Brave:
I think this might of been my favorite of the 3. I enjoyed seeing Chess & Terrible through someone else's eyes. Especially since Rick thought that Chess was so efficient and something else. It was a nice change of pace vs the self hate and self doubt that Chess puts herself through. Also I love listening to scared people are of Terrible. It's easy to forget he's suppose to be the meanest on the block.
Keeping it Close:
Was a good mystery and Chess put two and two together faster than I did lol! I hate that Chess' fellow church employees are so down on Terrible. I know she can't really explain and defend him to others like she'd like to but I want to yell he's not what you think! Loved seeing more of Chess & Terrible together and it's sweet how well Terrible grounds Chess. This one just made me need book 6 like right now!!!! Well all of these did actually....
Playing with Fire:
What a creepy creepy thing...and well evil also. Chess was in full on investigative mode in this book. Didn't have enough Chess & Terrible time together for me. But hey I can always say that since it's never enough for me lol! I was glad to see Chess & Elder Griffin air things out, even if it's not resolved 100%.
At the end Mrs. Kane does say we'll be getting another Terrible book, woot woot! And one from Lex's POV. I highly recommend any Downside fan read this collection.
Rick the Brave:
I think this might of been my favorite of the 3. I enjoyed seeing Chess & Terrible through someone else's eyes. Especially since Rick thought that Chess was so efficient and something else. It was a nice change of pace vs the self hate and self doubt that Chess puts herself through. Also I love listening to scared people are of Terrible. It's easy to forget he's suppose to be the meanest on the block.
Keeping it Close:
Was a good mystery and Chess put two and two together faster than I did lol! I hate that Chess' fellow church employees are so down on Terrible. I know she can't really explain and defend him to others like she'd like to but I want to yell he's not what you think! Loved seeing more of Chess & Terrible together and it's sweet how well Terrible grounds Chess. This one just made me need book 6 like right now!!!! Well all of these did actually....
Playing with Fire:
What a creepy creepy thing...and well evil also. Chess was in full on investigative mode in this book. Didn't have enough Chess & Terrible time together for me. But hey I can always say that since it's never enough for me lol! I was glad to see Chess & Elder Griffin air things out, even if it's not resolved 100%.
At the end Mrs. Kane does say we'll be getting another Terrible book, woot woot! And one from Lex's POV. I highly recommend any Downside fan read this collection.
Want to read
October 20, 2016Available on author's website
Previously read:
3/2013 ~ Home (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
10/2013 ~ Close to You (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
3/2014 ~ Keeping It Close: A Short Story (web original)
New2Me:
RICK THE BRAVE (from the HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION anthology)
PLAYING WITH FIRE
Contains five stories:
RICK THE BRAVE (from the HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION anthology)
HOME (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
CLOSE TO YOU (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
KEEPING IT CLOSE (web original)
…aaaaaand a brand new novella (33k words) called PLAYING WITH FIRE, which has spontaneous combustion and divided loyalties and a confrontation and big decisions and a character or two who I’m pretty sure will be back again in later books.
Previously read:
3/2013 ~ Home (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
10/2013 ~ Close to You (a Heroes & Heartbreakers original)
3/2014 ~ Keeping It Close: A Short Story (web original)
New2Me:
RICK THE BRAVE (from the HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION anthology)
PLAYING WITH FIRE
January 9, 2016
No sé que más puedo agregar que ya no haya dicho antes... Así que me voy a limitar a reaccionar:
February 9, 2023
I read this as part of Home Improvement: Undead Edition
I miss Terrible and Chess! Please Stacia Kane, write another book in their series!!! This is a short story about a home improvement project that goes bad. 5 stars.
I miss Terrible and Chess! Please Stacia Kane, write another book in their series!!! This is a short story about a home improvement project that goes bad. 5 stars.
November 16, 2014
Love this series!
November 24, 2014
Five fabulous Terrible stars. Loved this collection. All of which I have read before seperatley, except the last novella. All of which I adored, simply because of Terrible and Chess.
January 4, 2015
I loved all of the stories in this anthology. This really, really, really makes me want a new Downside book and now.
September 29, 2016
I missed Chess and Terrible and loved reading these 5 short stories about them. Some I had read previously, but it was good to read them again!
December 29, 2014
I'd read most of these already. I didn't know that
October 9, 2018
* This novella collection made re read the whole series and regret nothing what a wild ride!!
Current mood: Missing all things Downside and seriously considering re-reading the whole entire Downside Ghost series again.
I just keep checking back every month crossing both my fingers that Stacia one day finishes Unholy Luck, but seeing as that could be a while I will take anything I can get and this novella is exactly what I needed (even if I had already read two of them). Chess may be the drug addicted Churchwitch but this series is my crack!! What is there to say about these 5 short stories? I think if you enjoyed these books and for some reason like me have never read this collection then do it!! I loved seeing Blue in here, that was such a nice surprise. Will and Chess sorta working together was great, and I hope that if there is another book we might get to see more of Will's character. My heart really aches for Chess and her strained relationship with Elder Griffin, I hope they can get back their friendship but it's not looking like it. Most importantly though I got my ghost debunking as well as my Chess & Terrible fix so I'm pretty freaking happy, ahh my babies they've come so far! Plus, it's always fun when they work together because since book 1 they've made the best team😍😍
"They may not all have been some stereotypical greeting-card idea of “romance,” but they sure as fuck were love, real love, and that was way more important as far as she was concerned."
Current mood: Missing all things Downside and seriously considering re-reading the whole entire Downside Ghost series again.
I just keep checking back every month crossing both my fingers that Stacia one day finishes Unholy Luck, but seeing as that could be a while I will take anything I can get and this novella is exactly what I needed (even if I had already read two of them). Chess may be the drug addicted Churchwitch but this series is my crack!! What is there to say about these 5 short stories? I think if you enjoyed these books and for some reason like me have never read this collection then do it!! I loved seeing Blue in here, that was such a nice surprise. Will and Chess sorta working together was great, and I hope that if there is another book we might get to see more of Will's character. My heart really aches for Chess and her strained relationship with Elder Griffin, I hope they can get back their friendship but it's not looking like it. Most importantly though I got my ghost debunking as well as my Chess & Terrible fix so I'm pretty freaking happy, ahh my babies they've come so far! Plus, it's always fun when they work together because since book 1 they've made the best team😍😍
"They may not all have been some stereotypical greeting-card idea of “romance,” but they sure as fuck were love, real love, and that was way more important as far as she was concerned."
Read
August 10, 2017just read 5 down and it made me reread the series. I adore Chess and Terrible but when I reread I realized I am fond of Lex and I think he loves Chess as much as he's capable of. Can't WAIT for the next book !
January 31, 2020
Terrible and Chess forever!!
“Love is not the most powerful magic. But it feels like it is.”
This is a great collection of short stories. I will never get enough of Terrible and his Chessiebomb! I will always want more, I will always need more of them.
“Love is not the most powerful magic. But it feels like it is.”
This is a great collection of short stories. I will never get enough of Terrible and his Chessiebomb! I will always want more, I will always need more of them.
January 9, 2020
It's great to have all of these in one place! I already had some of them and had read them, but now I don't have to go searching next time.
I do hope Kane eventually does actually release some of the stories she mentions at the end, and finishes the final story in this book.
I do hope Kane eventually does actually release some of the stories she mentions at the end, and finishes the final story in this book.
June 6, 2023
This is one of my all-time favorite fictional universes. These five stories don't disappoint.
April 16, 2016
This was probably my favorite of the five stories in Five Down because I just love that Chess and Terrible are finally so happy. Without many lucrative cases of her own since the fallout with Elder Griffith, Chess starts investigating the mysterious death of a woman she and Blue witnessed. Since she hasn't been assigned the case she doesn't get all of the information but she does pretty well with what she has. Will is the Inquistitor who is assigned to the case, and he's someone she went to the Church's training program with. Luckily he has the hots for Blue and Chess is able to convince her to get the info she needs. Unfortunately for Chess she agrees but only on the stipulation that Chess stops avoiding Lex. Poor Terrible, everytime Lex's name comes up it's so awkward. Chess didn't see or speak to Lex in Playing With Fire, but that moment is coming and I hope she and Terrible are able to withstand it.
Merged review:
This review can also be found at http://thepaperbackaddict.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately, it's been a while since the last book was released in the Downside Ghosts series (2012). I thought I would get my fix by reading Five Down, which is five novellas/ short stories. The first story is titled Rick the Brave and it follows an electrician who takes a job in Downside against his better judgment because the pay is really good. While there he meets Chess and Terrible and a few murderous ghosts. Seeing Chess and Terrible from an outsiders perspective was a fun change. The second story is titled Home and it involves a neighbor reporting another neighbor for suspected ghost activity which the homeowner vehemently denies. Seeing as that would be enough for the Church to cut a big check, Chess knows something is up in suburbia. The third story, Close to You involves a seemingly senile old woman who's celebrating the return of her husband, and Christmas which has been banned since Haunted Week when the Church of Truth took over. Keeping it Close is the fourth story in Five Down which was also a new one for me. The Randell's report suspicious activity to the church and Chess is sent out to investigate. The last few months have been difficult for Chess, especially losing Elder Griffith even though the outcome could have been much worse. This case seems open and shut until she finds out what's really going on at the Randell house. Last but not least is Playing With Fire and it's also a new one for me. This was probably my favorite of the five because I just love that Chess and Terrible are finally so happy. Without many lucrative cases of her own since the fallout with Elder Griffith, Chess starts investigating the mysterious death of a woman she and Blue witnessed. Since she hasn't been assigned the case she doesn't get all of the information but she does pretty well with what she has. Will was someone she went to the Church's training program with, and he is assigned to the case. Luckily he has the hots for Blue and Chess is able to convince her to get the info she needs. Unfortunately for Chess she agrees but only on the stipulation that Chess stops avoiding Lex. Poor Terrible, everytime Lex's name comes up it's so awkward. Chess didn't see or speak to Lex in Playing With Fire, but that moment is coming and I hope she and Terrible are able to withstand it.
Merged review:
This review can also be found at http://thepaperbackaddict.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately, it's been a while since the last book was released in the Downside Ghosts series (2012). I thought I would get my fix by reading Five Down, which is five novellas/ short stories. The first story is titled Rick the Brave and it follows an electrician who takes a job in Downside against his better judgment because the pay is really good. While there he meets Chess and Terrible and a few murderous ghosts. Seeing Chess and Terrible from an outsiders perspective was a fun change. The second story is titled Home and it involves a neighbor reporting another neighbor for suspected ghost activity which the homeowner vehemently denies. Seeing as that would be enough for the Church to cut a big check, Chess knows something is up in suburbia. The third story, Close to You involves a seemingly senile old woman who's celebrating the return of her husband, and Christmas which has been banned since Haunted Week when the Church of Truth took over. Keeping it Close is the fourth story in Five Down which was also a new one for me. The Randell's report suspicious activity to the church and Chess is sent out to investigate. The last few months have been difficult for Chess, especially losing Elder Griffith even though the outcome could have been much worse. This case seems open and shut until she finds out what's really going on at the Randell house. Last but not least is Playing With Fire and it's also a new one for me. This was probably my favorite of the five because I just love that Chess and Terrible are finally so happy. Without many lucrative cases of her own since the fallout with Elder Griffith, Chess starts investigating the mysterious death of a woman she and Blue witnessed. Since she hasn't been assigned the case she doesn't get all of the information but she does pretty well with what she has. Will was someone she went to the Church's training program with, and he is assigned to the case. Luckily he has the hots for Blue and Chess is able to convince her to get the info she needs. Unfortunately for Chess she agrees but only on the stipulation that Chess stops avoiding Lex. Poor Terrible, everytime Lex's name comes up it's so awkward. Chess didn't see or speak to Lex in Playing With Fire, but that moment is coming and I hope she and Terrible are able to withstand it.
September 28, 2025
Rick The Brave - Interesting little story about Chess and Terrible and Downside and ghosts running amok from an outsider's viewpoint. Rick the electrician gets more than he bargained for when he signs on to a side job with Terrible; but he is very brave.
Home - A sweet Terrible and his Chessiebomb story. For those invested in the romance, it feels like the calm before the storm. A subtle reminder of who Chess is:
"Though why in the hell anyone would want to harbor a ghost Chess had no idea. Why? Because they liked taunting themselves with death, liked seeing how far they could push it before they actually did die? Because they hated themselves and wanted to die but couldn’t bring themselves to— The thoughts stopped there. Ghosts and drugs were not the same thing."
Chess is truly happy with Terrible. She loves him.
"Terrible was… He was a miracle in a world without miracles, and she couldn’t believe her luck. And there was nothing, absolutely fucking nothing, that she wouldn’t do to keep him in her life, because without him it wouldn’t be a life at all. So, yeah. She knew how it felt to find part of herself in someone else."
This cannot possibly end well, but it does in this little snippet of time.
Close to you - Post Chasing Magic and Terrible and Chessiebomb are still going strong, working together to defeat the ghosts. This was a short story for a Christmas anthology and since Christmas has been outlawed in the Downside universe don't expect the usual festivities. There are however questionable presents, Christmas lights and a quaintly decorated tree that wielded by the ghost of Vincent gives Terrible a run for his money.
Keeping it close - Chess sees her new, awful, no bonus case that she must have gotten because Elder Griffen hates her now, assignment through to a successful, if not lucrative conclusion - and it was pretty interesting. We see more of Dana and get to hear more about Chess's colleageues, since she's sworn off a Lex friendship. She's still hitting the cepts pretty hard, but she and Terrible are doing well and she's making an effort to be vulnerable and emotionally available in a Chess-like way.
Playing with Fire - People are spontaneously combusting and most of them are doing it in front of Chess. Maybe word is out on the street that Elder Griffen hates her and she's getting the bottom of the barrell debunking cases and the universe wants to help her out. While the burning ladies land in Black Squad territory, Chess is able to horn in on the investigation. She doesn't benefit financially, but at least she's not bored. Chess and Terrible continue to seem almost like a normal couple; although the door opens for Lex because Chess needs a favor from Blue and Blue want her to at least talk cordially to her brother. Things wrap up with Chess primed for more adventures....that never come.
Home - A sweet Terrible and his Chessiebomb story. For those invested in the romance, it feels like the calm before the storm. A subtle reminder of who Chess is:
"Though why in the hell anyone would want to harbor a ghost Chess had no idea. Why? Because they liked taunting themselves with death, liked seeing how far they could push it before they actually did die? Because they hated themselves and wanted to die but couldn’t bring themselves to— The thoughts stopped there. Ghosts and drugs were not the same thing."
Chess is truly happy with Terrible. She loves him.
"Terrible was… He was a miracle in a world without miracles, and she couldn’t believe her luck. And there was nothing, absolutely fucking nothing, that she wouldn’t do to keep him in her life, because without him it wouldn’t be a life at all. So, yeah. She knew how it felt to find part of herself in someone else."
This cannot possibly end well, but it does in this little snippet of time.
Close to you - Post Chasing Magic and Terrible and Chessiebomb are still going strong, working together to defeat the ghosts. This was a short story for a Christmas anthology and since Christmas has been outlawed in the Downside universe don't expect the usual festivities. There are however questionable presents, Christmas lights and a quaintly decorated tree that wielded by the ghost of Vincent gives Terrible a run for his money.
Keeping it close - Chess sees her new, awful, no bonus case that she must have gotten because Elder Griffen hates her now, assignment through to a successful, if not lucrative conclusion - and it was pretty interesting. We see more of Dana and get to hear more about Chess's colleageues, since she's sworn off a Lex friendship. She's still hitting the cepts pretty hard, but she and Terrible are doing well and she's making an effort to be vulnerable and emotionally available in a Chess-like way.
Playing with Fire - People are spontaneously combusting and most of them are doing it in front of Chess. Maybe word is out on the street that Elder Griffen hates her and she's getting the bottom of the barrell debunking cases and the universe wants to help her out. While the burning ladies land in Black Squad territory, Chess is able to horn in on the investigation. She doesn't benefit financially, but at least she's not bored. Chess and Terrible continue to seem almost like a normal couple; although the door opens for Lex because Chess needs a favor from Blue and Blue want her to at least talk cordially to her brother. Things wrap up with Chess primed for more adventures....that never come.
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