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Conjuring a Coroner #2
Life is for the Living
In New York City, murder wears many faces, and all of them are out to kill you.
Born a witch, Kasey uses her gifts to solve crimes in the city that never sleeps. When a violent robbery turns the Met Gala into a massacre, Kasey is left fighting to bring the killers to justice.
Working with the NYPD, Kasey makes a chilling discovery. One of the victims is not like the others. His death was not an accident.
Facing her most dangerous foe yet, Kasey must use all her wits just to stay alive.
Fans of Charlaine Harris and Kim Harrison won’t want to miss this deadly adventure.
Scroll up and one click to order your copy of Life is for the Living today!
Born a witch, Kasey uses her gifts to solve crimes in the city that never sleeps. When a violent robbery turns the Met Gala into a massacre, Kasey is left fighting to bring the killers to justice.
Working with the NYPD, Kasey makes a chilling discovery. One of the victims is not like the others. His death was not an accident.
Facing her most dangerous foe yet, Kasey must use all her wits just to stay alive.
Fans of Charlaine Harris and Kim Harrison won’t want to miss this deadly adventure.
Scroll up and one click to order your copy of Life is for the Living today!
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2018
462 people are currently reading
140 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 63 reviews
August 23, 2022
Life is for the Living
(Conjuring a Coroner #2)
by S.C. Stokes
This was super awesome! A killer is using magic to change his looks to commit his crimes! It could be anyone! Great suspense! I am loving this series!
(Conjuring a Coroner #2)
by S.C. Stokes
This was super awesome! A killer is using magic to change his looks to commit his crimes! It could be anyone! Great suspense! I am loving this series!
February 24, 2019
This is an intense ‘who dun it” mystery. Kasey works as a detective and assistant coroner for the NYPD but she is no ordinary detective. With more than a hint of magic, she discovers that there is more to the mass murder/robbery at the opening of the Met Gala she attended undercover. However, as a magical being it is also her job to keep regular humans from discovering the magical world or she could be penalized by the arcane council. Many times Kasey has found it necessary to use her magic discretely in front of humans but at unfortunate times she falls into visions that lead her to question what really happened. As a reader, I enjoyed reading this as it kept me glued to the story wondering what would happen next. There was no end to the twists, turns and surprises at the flip of each page. Samuel Stokes has a vivid imagination and no end to his writing talent to keep the reader involved in the story. I feel fortunate to have been given an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
January 30, 2020
I have very mixed opinions about this book.
Positives: Mr. Stokes has a solid, easy to read, enjoyable writing style. Everything reads smoothly. The pacing in book 2 has improved from book 1. The premise of this book is interesting (even if it's not very original).
Negatives: the characters are flat. I'd hoped to see more character development in Kasey, Bishop, and Vida (who is by far my favorite character), but, unfortunately, there was not. Kasey has not matured or developed after the dangers of her previous case (granted, book 2 starts the day after book 1 ends) but is still a complete idiot. Bishop, supposedly skilled enough to be a homicide detective in NYC, is completely unbelievable as a character. Both of these characters would have been fired numerous times over for their actions. Also, the editing has gone from decent in book 1 to poor in book 2.
Conclusions: do I still want to read book 3? Yes. However, if Kasey remains the complete idiot TSTL, I don't see myself reading much past book 3.
Positives: Mr. Stokes has a solid, easy to read, enjoyable writing style. Everything reads smoothly. The pacing in book 2 has improved from book 1. The premise of this book is interesting (even if it's not very original).
Negatives: the characters are flat. I'd hoped to see more character development in Kasey, Bishop, and Vida (who is by far my favorite character), but, unfortunately, there was not. Kasey has not matured or developed after the dangers of her previous case (granted, book 2 starts the day after book 1 ends) but is still a complete idiot. Bishop, supposedly skilled enough to be a homicide detective in NYC, is completely unbelievable as a character. Both of these characters would have been fired numerous times over for their actions. Also, the editing has gone from decent in book 1 to poor in book 2.
Conclusions: do I still want to read book 3? Yes. However, if Kasey remains the complete idiot TSTL, I don't see myself reading much past book 3.
May 6, 2018
Kasey's journey continues in this 2nd book in the Conjuring a Coroner series. Once again the author has weaved a fast paced story that keeps me captivated from start to finish. I am completely invested in these characters. The author does a fantastic job at advancing the story line while still leaving the reader wanting more. I want to read fast to find out what happens but at the same time I want to slow down and savor the story as it brilliantly unfolds!I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
May 12, 2018
Life is for the Living - Bk 2 Conjuring a Coroner Series - Written by Samuel Stokes
When is the right time to tell the whole story?????
In New York City, murder wears many faces, and all of them are out to kill you. Born a witch, Kasey uses her gifts to solve crimes in the city that never sleeps. When a violent robbery turns the Met Gala into a massacre, Kasey is left fighting to bring the killers to justice. Working with the NYPD, Kasey makes a chilling discovery. One of the victims is not like the others. His death was not an accident. Facing her most dangerous foe yet, Kasey must use all her wits just to stay alive.
What did I like? Kasey is the most amazing character that I have read in a while. She is funny, hard working and facing death all the time. I love the problems that she faces and how she gets out of them…
What will you like? Exciting action, death, stimulating characters, rousing humor, and an awesome read. The characters are well developed and grow with every page. The storyline is spinetingling and electrifying. If I had not been sick I would not have been able to put this down. Each book brings more to the table every time. Be sure to read book one “Dying to Meet You”. Love this author’s work. I received this from the author as a member of the launch group for an honest review with no other compensation.
When is the right time to tell the whole story?????
In New York City, murder wears many faces, and all of them are out to kill you. Born a witch, Kasey uses her gifts to solve crimes in the city that never sleeps. When a violent robbery turns the Met Gala into a massacre, Kasey is left fighting to bring the killers to justice. Working with the NYPD, Kasey makes a chilling discovery. One of the victims is not like the others. His death was not an accident. Facing her most dangerous foe yet, Kasey must use all her wits just to stay alive.
What did I like? Kasey is the most amazing character that I have read in a while. She is funny, hard working and facing death all the time. I love the problems that she faces and how she gets out of them…
What will you like? Exciting action, death, stimulating characters, rousing humor, and an awesome read. The characters are well developed and grow with every page. The storyline is spinetingling and electrifying. If I had not been sick I would not have been able to put this down. Each book brings more to the table every time. Be sure to read book one “Dying to Meet You”. Love this author’s work. I received this from the author as a member of the launch group for an honest review with no other compensation.
January 30, 2021
“Life is for the Living” begins shortly after the previous book ends when Casey has destroyed the evidence of the werewolf assassin death. She now has the matter of the lawsuit file by John Ainsley to deal with and she gets the idea of attending a gala where she knows his father will be in attendance.
While crashing the party Casey runs into John himself and after a few heated words he agrees to drop the suit. However, all hell breaks loose when a band of thieves hold the guests hostage and begin stealing their high price belongings. Things are about to get out of hand when a woman refuses to give up a ring her dead husband gave her. The shooting ensues but Casey also witnesses the willful assassination of one of the top members of the ADI by a waiter. Now the chase is on.
This little gems has all of the right ingredients: action, intrigue, badass heroine and a group of good friends. What it doesn’t have is a romantic interest. There are secrets revealed and more battles to be fought but I also hope that future installments will provide Casey with someone to kissy face with. All girls need a little love. lol
While crashing the party Casey runs into John himself and after a few heated words he agrees to drop the suit. However, all hell breaks loose when a band of thieves hold the guests hostage and begin stealing their high price belongings. Things are about to get out of hand when a woman refuses to give up a ring her dead husband gave her. The shooting ensues but Casey also witnesses the willful assassination of one of the top members of the ADI by a waiter. Now the chase is on.
This little gems has all of the right ingredients: action, intrigue, badass heroine and a group of good friends. What it doesn’t have is a romantic interest. There are secrets revealed and more battles to be fought but I also hope that future installments will provide Casey with someone to kissy face with. All girls need a little love. lol
April 25, 2019
Action packed and fast paced, great read!
I stumbled across this series while looking for a more contemporary read that still had a foot in fantasy, after over-dosing on dragons and mythical worlds etc, and I am delighted I did. I love that this book is built in my world but with the added secret magical society of witches and other creatures woven in. Kasey is a strong, humorous FMC and although shr sometimes jumps in with both feet without thinking which if course leads to trouble she is quick thinking and quick witted enough to pull herself out of it and admittedly a bit if a badass! I really like her and love in this 2nd book that we get to learn and interact more with her human partners Bishop and Vita, both strong and well written characters in their own right. These books are well written, well thought out and pact full of action that it never gets boring. Really looking forward to reading the next!
I stumbled across this series while looking for a more contemporary read that still had a foot in fantasy, after over-dosing on dragons and mythical worlds etc, and I am delighted I did. I love that this book is built in my world but with the added secret magical society of witches and other creatures woven in. Kasey is a strong, humorous FMC and although shr sometimes jumps in with both feet without thinking which if course leads to trouble she is quick thinking and quick witted enough to pull herself out of it and admittedly a bit if a badass! I really like her and love in this 2nd book that we get to learn and interact more with her human partners Bishop and Vita, both strong and well written characters in their own right. These books are well written, well thought out and pact full of action that it never gets boring. Really looking forward to reading the next!
March 30, 2020
Part 2
When we last saw Kasey, she was recovering from a fight with a werewolf, and this story picks right up from there.
Kasey is a witness to a mass shooting, which was not everything it seemed.
Suddenly Kasey realizes that this case, and the previous one, might just be related.
An evil mastermind is behind everything, but can she find out who it is?
It’s not quite a cliffhanger ending, but the end of this book was very abrupt. One minute I’m reading a fight scene, then the book is done, set up for the next.
It’s probably my biggest complaint actually, the book was short, but not to worry, this is written in serial format- each story continuing on immediately from the previous. Now we are left wondering, how is Kasey going to stop her vision from happening? And who is the mysterious mastermind?
An enjoyable, quick read, but not a stand alone. Go read the first, before enjoying this one!
When we last saw Kasey, she was recovering from a fight with a werewolf, and this story picks right up from there.
Kasey is a witness to a mass shooting, which was not everything it seemed.
Suddenly Kasey realizes that this case, and the previous one, might just be related.
An evil mastermind is behind everything, but can she find out who it is?
It’s not quite a cliffhanger ending, but the end of this book was very abrupt. One minute I’m reading a fight scene, then the book is done, set up for the next.
It’s probably my biggest complaint actually, the book was short, but not to worry, this is written in serial format- each story continuing on immediately from the previous. Now we are left wondering, how is Kasey going to stop her vision from happening? And who is the mysterious mastermind?
An enjoyable, quick read, but not a stand alone. Go read the first, before enjoying this one!
July 20, 2018
Kasey, a medical examiner, is also a witch. She’s been using her powers to help solve crimes. The son of one of the members of the Arcane Council, John Ainsley, has been harassing her. His father assured her that would stop, but it hasn’t. She decides to crash the Met Gala so that she can speak to him about his son. While there, robbers crash the affair and many die, including the head of the ADI, which is responsible for making sure that “normals” don’t find out about them. She realizes that his death was the point of the robbery; it was supposed to look like an accident. She also comes to realize that it’s tied to a recurring vision she’s had since childhood; of New York city being attacked. She races to find out who is behind all of this.
August 24, 2018
A night out, should be fun. Shouldn't it?
She's just recovering from her fight with the werewolf and thinks that crashing the high society event might give her some answers. Only to have gunmen storm the event! In the mayhem the chief of the magical police is killed. Was it an assassination or part of the general chaos? Appearance changing magic users, a death cult, shootouts and destruction follow. Can she fight them? Will her secret be outed to the normals? Great plot - violent but not too graphic as I hate blood and gore. Fast action and brilliantly executed. The characters just get better and stronger with each book.
She's just recovering from her fight with the werewolf and thinks that crashing the high society event might give her some answers. Only to have gunmen storm the event! In the mayhem the chief of the magical police is killed. Was it an assassination or part of the general chaos? Appearance changing magic users, a death cult, shootouts and destruction follow. Can she fight them? Will her secret be outed to the normals? Great plot - violent but not too graphic as I hate blood and gore. Fast action and brilliantly executed. The characters just get better and stronger with each book.
January 30, 2021
Yeah ok kind of book
I had high hopes for this book because of the prequel and 1st book, which were captivating and enjoyable for the most part. This book left me speechless. There is a severe lack of professionalism in the police force and the coroners office. Lose a body, no worries it'll show up. Give a statement and come back the next day with an important addition you didn't mention because you weren't sure if anyone would believe you, no problem. Break the law often and kill people with little known reasons, you're golden. Don't do it again. Ugh. I could not finish this one but I gave it my best effort. At 49% I gave up.
I had high hopes for this book because of the prequel and 1st book, which were captivating and enjoyable for the most part. This book left me speechless. There is a severe lack of professionalism in the police force and the coroners office. Lose a body, no worries it'll show up. Give a statement and come back the next day with an important addition you didn't mention because you weren't sure if anyone would believe you, no problem. Break the law often and kill people with little known reasons, you're golden. Don't do it again. Ugh. I could not finish this one but I gave it my best effort. At 49% I gave up.
July 4, 2018
The story opens up right after book 1 ended, and is the story of Kasey trying her hardest to stay out of trouble but does not succeed at all. The beginning made me laugh and I loved the twists that show up and the ending was epic as I did not see that coming. A great story that kept me reading it all in one sitting to see what crazy thing happened next. I laughed though most of it and loved the action as it kept the story hopping and me entertained. Some secrets are revealed that were unanswered from book 1 but more exist. I thought the story rocked.
December 12, 2020
Whew!
Ye gods and little fishes!!! That was a total blast! I found this series as I scrolled through pages pulled up as I checked out another author. To think that sheer chance found this treasure. AND there are another four books of wonderful flowing prose to come. I already have book three and fully intend to go all the way and discover where the heroine is fated to end her battle to save the city. I'm not prescient so will have to just get comfy with a cuppa and settle in for winter to find out.
Ye gods and little fishes!!! That was a total blast! I found this series as I scrolled through pages pulled up as I checked out another author. To think that sheer chance found this treasure. AND there are another four books of wonderful flowing prose to come. I already have book three and fully intend to go all the way and discover where the heroine is fated to end her battle to save the city. I'm not prescient so will have to just get comfy with a cuppa and settle in for winter to find out.
August 6, 2025
Awesome
Only book 2 and I am already hooked. A raid on the Met Gala brings death to New York. Kasey having crashed the event witnesses the assassination of a member of the Arcane council under the cover of the massacre and is forced into conflict with those who wish to destroy her city. Awesome story with wonderful characters, this book starts and finishes with a bang but keeps the pace high throughout. Smart dialogue and excellent twists and turns. I already have the next one. Loved it and I highly recommend this series.
Only book 2 and I am already hooked. A raid on the Met Gala brings death to New York. Kasey having crashed the event witnesses the assassination of a member of the Arcane council under the cover of the massacre and is forced into conflict with those who wish to destroy her city. Awesome story with wonderful characters, this book starts and finishes with a bang but keeps the pace high throughout. Smart dialogue and excellent twists and turns. I already have the next one. Loved it and I highly recommend this series.
December 7, 2020
So I was able to over looks some inconsitanties in the first book, but in this book they got bigger and a lot more. Like she tells one character something, than a little later in the book she tells the same thing to a different character while the first one was there. The first one acts like she never said it before. Seemed to happen just enough to really annoy me. I liked the idea of the book, but had a real problem reading with all the editing issues. Do not plan to read book three.
April 28, 2023
Mostly good
My biggest complaint with this series continues to be the dialogue. For large portions the characters talk in very formal ways. The most notable is not using contractions, people rarely say 'do not', they say 'don't'. While this might be a minor point it hurts my eyes. Towards the end the author begins to put in more contractions which makes dialogue seem more real.
Otherwise, good book. Tom out
My biggest complaint with this series continues to be the dialogue. For large portions the characters talk in very formal ways. The most notable is not using contractions, people rarely say 'do not', they say 'don't'. While this might be a minor point it hurts my eyes. Towards the end the author begins to put in more contractions which makes dialogue seem more real.
Otherwise, good book. Tom out
August 17, 2023
It’s Just So Boring
The concept is interesting but it really is just so very boring. The fmc doesn’t do anything of note and I am not a big fan. In fact not a fan of most characters. There’s just not enough development to keep my interest or make the characters enjoyable.
I was hoping the books get better I want to learn who is planning the big boom but idk that I can make myself keep reading.
The concept is interesting but it really is just so very boring. The fmc doesn’t do anything of note and I am not a big fan. In fact not a fan of most characters. There’s just not enough development to keep my interest or make the characters enjoyable.
I was hoping the books get better I want to learn who is planning the big boom but idk that I can make myself keep reading.
April 30, 2018
When you have 5 advance copies of books to read, all with time sensitive deadlines, it’s comforting to know that the one of them is by Samuel Stokes. The reason being is that you KNOW you are in for a bloody good read. This story is no exception. It literally grabs you from page one and you hold on to your shirt tails for the ride of your life.
May 1, 2018
What an action packed kick ass second book!
I adored the first book and this second one lived up to the first!
A very contemporary setting with some great magical moments and detectiving.
If you like the whole magical detective story genre you'll love this!
You could read this without having read the first in the series without it being a detriment to the story.
I adored the first book and this second one lived up to the first!
A very contemporary setting with some great magical moments and detectiving.
If you like the whole magical detective story genre you'll love this!
You could read this without having read the first in the series without it being a detriment to the story.
July 7, 2018
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book. This is the second book in the series that I have read. I enjoyed this book. The protagonist, Kasey is trying to deal with living in the world with humans and having witchcraft. I thought Samuel Stokes dealt with this issues with depth and graciousness. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 1, 2021
Kasey
At a Gala thieves try to steal from the privileged, to cover up the murder of the head of the Magical community. Twenty two bodies end up in the morgue. Casey finds an asian tatoo on a magical that was able to change identities. Her mother tells her of Japanese magicals that kill and cause destruction. Her dream of New York destruction is near to coming true.
At a Gala thieves try to steal from the privileged, to cover up the murder of the head of the Magical community. Twenty two bodies end up in the morgue. Casey finds an asian tatoo on a magical that was able to change identities. Her mother tells her of Japanese magicals that kill and cause destruction. Her dream of New York destruction is near to coming true.
June 17, 2022
The events at the gala reminded me of a movie I watched before. Not the same outcome but very familiar. The characters did not grow but her feeling about her magic did so some progress. Her role as a medical examiner is confusing when that is not what she is doing. Bishop is coming across as being a little stupid, While Vida is more supportive.
April 21, 2018
I got this as a arc e book from the author in exchange for a honest review. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. I look forward to the next book by this author.
July 24, 2018
I'm addicted.
I'm loving this series. Book 1 and this one, 2, were so enthralling. Book 3 comes out tomorrow. Can not wait. Do yourself a favor, pick up book 1 and enjoy the ride!!!
I'm loving this series. Book 1 and this one, 2, were so enthralling. Book 3 comes out tomorrow. Can not wait. Do yourself a favor, pick up book 1 and enjoy the ride!!!
August 23, 2018
Continuing story of Kasey, Vida and Bishop
As Kasey tries to keep her magic a secret from the normals of the NY city police department she is working for as she tries to save that same city from magical destruction.
As Kasey tries to keep her magic a secret from the normals of the NY city police department she is working for as she tries to save that same city from magical destruction.
April 1, 2019
This second book in the series took my breath away. The crazy actions and antics of the "bad guys" was really surprising. Kasey is the true heroine of this series so far. Her friends are pretty amazing as well.
April 7, 2019
I've had the extreme pleasure of reading Life is For the Living! It was a great read
and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well paced and chock full of action, surprises and
adventure. I look very forward to reading more from this Author!
and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well paced and chock full of action, surprises and
adventure. I look very forward to reading more from this Author!
April 26, 2019
Book 2 in the Conjuring a Coroner series, and Sam Stokes didnt disappoint. Kasey is once again tripping thru her rediscovered life of magic and mayhem. Solving crimes and trying so hard to be good. Loved, loved, loved this book. Can't wait to get the next one.
December 28, 2020
Book 2
Rather different as "magical" stories go. Nothing cutesy, so far no talking familiar and, blessed be, the witch REALLY has a job! The characters are well fleshed out, good female characters, great villains and it's a series! I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
Rather different as "magical" stories go. Nothing cutesy, so far no talking familiar and, blessed be, the witch REALLY has a job! The characters are well fleshed out, good female characters, great villains and it's a series! I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
March 26, 2021
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series! Even more since they are free as a kindle unlimited member. 😉 One of the happy bonuses paying for that monthly membership is you may borrow up to ten books. And you better believe I keep ten in my stack changing often as I read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews