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Lost Falls #2
Pay Dirt
In Lost Falls, nothing ever stays buried.
Look, I'm a reasonable guy. When the ghoul came to me, shaking and sweating and claiming that he'd been cursed, I did what I could to help. After all, as Lost Falls' resident cunning man, breaking curses is my specialty.
But when the ghoul took advantage of my good nature to steal some very valuable equipment from under my nose, I stopped being such a nice guy. Now I'm hunting his ass down.
Except I'm not the only one. Because the ghoul awakened something deep beneath Lost Falls. Something old. Something better left buried.
And now it wants revenge.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2018
397 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Chris Underwood
7 books76 followersChris Underwood spends an unhealthy amount of time in his imagination. Luckily, his partner and daughter are very tolerant. He writes the kind of urban fantasy he has always loved: stories set in perilous, darkly beautiful worlds filled with magic, monsters, and just a touch of hope.
Find out more about Chris at www.chrisunderwoodbooks.com
Find out more about Chris at www.chrisunderwoodbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 15, 2023
This scratched my urban fantasy itch. How well? I didn't bother stopping to write a review, I just went on to book three. Ghouls, an old friend, a missing fetish, and a gold coin all add up to something that sounds like... treasure. It's a long and winding road to get there but very eventful on the way.
I did find my self periodically annoyed with the lead, however. Luckily, there's no shortage of people trying to keep Ozzy grounded.
“'You don’t have any friends who are pricks?' she said.
'Not really, no. Not anymore.'
She shot me a sideways glance and a small smile. 'Then maybe it’s you. Maybe you’re their prick friend.'"
I did find my self periodically annoyed with the lead, however. Luckily, there's no shortage of people trying to keep Ozzy grounded.
“'You don’t have any friends who are pricks?' she said.
'Not really, no. Not anymore.'
She shot me a sideways glance and a small smile. 'Then maybe it’s you. Maybe you’re their prick friend.'"
August 18, 2019
Is it me?
Normally i read 2-3 books a week. This one took me three weeks. Right in the middle of action, i would put it down and leave it for days. Maybe I didn’t care enough about the characters to find out what happened. I can’t pinpoint why, though, character development was decent. I don’t know. Overall, good storyline, falls in nicely with the one before, but has its own story arc. But I probably won’t read the next one.
Normally i read 2-3 books a week. This one took me three weeks. Right in the middle of action, i would put it down and leave it for days. Maybe I didn’t care enough about the characters to find out what happened. I can’t pinpoint why, though, character development was decent. I don’t know. Overall, good storyline, falls in nicely with the one before, but has its own story arc. But I probably won’t read the next one.
March 25, 2025
I wasn't super interested in the plot this time, and since it seems to hold future significance for the series, I'm hesitant to continue. I liked the rat familiar with her little backpack, though.
August 12, 2018
Chris Underwood who has written other books under another name, who’s books were fantastic meant that as soon as I knew he had written 2 more under the other name I bought them and downloaded them to my Kindle, fingers crossed, could the author (then Chris Strange) keep up the standard he had set on his previous books?
Well I really enjoyed Cunning Devil, the first book in this series, big twists and turns, not knowing what's coming next to those great characters.
Well I strongly recommend you read Pay dirt, another fantastic read, with exciting interesting story lines.
Get on the mailing list and you get a free extra book, also fantastic.
Well I really enjoyed Cunning Devil, the first book in this series, big twists and turns, not knowing what's coming next to those great characters.
Well I strongly recommend you read Pay dirt, another fantastic read, with exciting interesting story lines.
Get on the mailing list and you get a free extra book, also fantastic.
November 2, 2019
Amazing Peacemaking Hero
Chris Underwood has created a vivid contemporary fantasy world with a worn-out country flavor. It is full of well defined but obscure characters. His main character, Ozzy, is a young cunning man, with a dark past, trying to do right by everyone in his community. And, he's right "war is easy. Peace is the hard thing."
I'm looking forward to reading book three. Keep them coming, Chris.
Chris Underwood has created a vivid contemporary fantasy world with a worn-out country flavor. It is full of well defined but obscure characters. His main character, Ozzy, is a young cunning man, with a dark past, trying to do right by everyone in his community. And, he's right "war is easy. Peace is the hard thing."
I'm looking forward to reading book three. Keep them coming, Chris.
November 28, 2025
I love this series. I hope it’s not over. The last volume was published in 2023 but the one before that was in 2019 so maybe he’s got more in him and just isn’t very fast.
Anyway, although this wasn’t exceptional like the previous book, not quite as original, it was still excellent with fabulous world-building, great and interesting characters, lots of exciting action, twist and turns, a great plot, and it was really funny in places. I even laughed out loud once.
I loved the characters except the truly bad guys who were lovely to abhor. All of them were complex and interesting, most of the sympathetic characters with many layers. I liked how strong the women were and how they had as much power and strength as the men. There were men who were sensitive, too.
This has been compared to The Dresden Files but unlike Harry, Steven knows when to use his snark and rudeness and when not to. When the crazy guy in power says he could join them, Steven knows to say, “I’ll think about it,” rather than something like, “Not on your life.” That buys him goodwill and maybe more favors and certainly time. Yet he’s quite snarky when talking to a guard whose being a pain in the ass.
A bad thing, though, was that one character was overweight and, although he was a good guy, his weight was referred to several times, mostly by bad guys but not always.
I want to read the next book right away but I don’t want them all to run together and I want to savor them.
The reader, Gary Bennett, was guite good. His voices didn’t vary as much as I want but I liked his laid back narrating style. It helped to differentiate this MC from Harry Dresden, a comparison that hit me a few times because of the comments in the blurb.
Anyway, although this wasn’t exceptional like the previous book, not quite as original, it was still excellent with fabulous world-building, great and interesting characters, lots of exciting action, twist and turns, a great plot, and it was really funny in places. I even laughed out loud once.
I loved the characters except the truly bad guys who were lovely to abhor. All of them were complex and interesting, most of the sympathetic characters with many layers. I liked how strong the women were and how they had as much power and strength as the men. There were men who were sensitive, too.
This has been compared to The Dresden Files but unlike Harry, Steven knows when to use his snark and rudeness and when not to. When the crazy guy in power says he could join them, Steven knows to say, “I’ll think about it,” rather than something like, “Not on your life.” That buys him goodwill and maybe more favors and certainly time. Yet he’s quite snarky when talking to a guard whose being a pain in the ass.
A bad thing, though, was that one character was overweight and, although he was a good guy, his weight was referred to several times, mostly by bad guys but not always.
I want to read the next book right away but I don’t want them all to run together and I want to savor them.
The reader, Gary Bennett, was guite good. His voices didn’t vary as much as I want but I liked his laid back narrating style. It helped to differentiate this MC from Harry Dresden, a comparison that hit me a few times because of the comments in the blurb.
November 27, 2025
Pay Dirt continues the dark, magical world of Lost Falls with plenty of action and supernatural intrigue. Ozzy Turner remains a clever and resourceful protagonist, navigating a town full of curses, monsters, and secrets. I especially love Early in both books so far—his wisdom and grounded presence bring a nice balance to the chaos—and Ozzy’s sister and her partner add a warmth and depth to his personal story. Lillian also stands out in this installment, showing intelligence, courage, and humor that make her scenes memorable.
The story is engaging, though the plot felt somewhat predictable at times, and I am really enjoying how the characters are developing and the world seems so real it feels tangible. It is an entertaining read.
The story is engaging, though the plot felt somewhat predictable at times, and I am really enjoying how the characters are developing and the world seems so real it feels tangible. It is an entertaining read.
August 31, 2023
OZZY'S THE BEST. LIVES IN SPOOKSVILLE, BUT STILL A HERO.
Underwood has written another spine finger for Ozzy to puzzle out. Who know ghouls could be on the good guy side. This time the evil deludes itself to be the savior, but don't they usually? Ozzy and Lilian's relationship moves along and the "huuzz" factor settles. Ozzy deserves a friend besides Early.
There are unique forms of pain and suffering and plenty of nightmare material. A self righteous cult and leader are food for horror without "supes"
Great read and full of "leading" questions. Well planned, researched and written. This guy needs to continue writing.
Underwood has written another spine finger for Ozzy to puzzle out. Who know ghouls could be on the good guy side. This time the evil deludes itself to be the savior, but don't they usually? Ozzy and Lilian's relationship moves along and the "huuzz" factor settles. Ozzy deserves a friend besides Early.
There are unique forms of pain and suffering and plenty of nightmare material. A self righteous cult and leader are food for horror without "supes"
Great read and full of "leading" questions. Well planned, researched and written. This guy needs to continue writing.
July 30, 2019
Not Dresden files... but dang close!
Honestly my review for this will be the same as my review for the 1st one. It's a continuation of everything I've already said.
Do you enjoy the Dresden Files? I do. So I've picked up a lot of different urban fantasy trying to recapture the feeling. This series does it for me. The main character is funny and interesting, the side characters are good foils with witty repartee. The action is appropriate and not overdone. Lastly, the solving of mysteries is prevalent and interesting.
Give it a shot! You won't regret it.
Honestly my review for this will be the same as my review for the 1st one. It's a continuation of everything I've already said.
Do you enjoy the Dresden Files? I do. So I've picked up a lot of different urban fantasy trying to recapture the feeling. This series does it for me. The main character is funny and interesting, the side characters are good foils with witty repartee. The action is appropriate and not overdone. Lastly, the solving of mysteries is prevalent and interesting.
Give it a shot! You won't regret it.
September 5, 2019
Ozzy is up to his neck in trouble
His zombie friend, Habi, asked him for help and is now missing. There are strangers in town hanging out by the old mine museum, and when Early goes to investigate he too disappears. Then there is a new witch in town, Isidore, who with her pet rat is creating havoc looking for her sister, Ursula who is missing, along with Ozzy’s childhood friend, Holden, who he has ‘t seen since his teens. That’s a lot of missing individuals for Ozzy and Lilian to figure out!
His zombie friend, Habi, asked him for help and is now missing. There are strangers in town hanging out by the old mine museum, and when Early goes to investigate he too disappears. Then there is a new witch in town, Isidore, who with her pet rat is creating havoc looking for her sister, Ursula who is missing, along with Ozzy’s childhood friend, Holden, who he has ‘t seen since his teens. That’s a lot of missing individuals for Ozzy and Lilian to figure out!
Read
October 5, 2019Urban fantasy fans ! A must read
I read a lot of urban magic and things that go bump in the night books. This series of books is definitely in my top 5 ! And reminds a little of the Supernatural tv series . Please continue to write more ! Intelligently paced with characters that are imbued with a sense of realism . Despite their supernatural designations resigned to interact like some sort of U.N !
Unnatural Nations
I read a lot of urban magic and things that go bump in the night books. This series of books is definitely in my top 5 ! And reminds a little of the Supernatural tv series . Please continue to write more ! Intelligently paced with characters that are imbued with a sense of realism . Despite their supernatural designations resigned to interact like some sort of U.N !
Unnatural Nations
February 8, 2022
Do the authors actually read these reviews? I'm so tired of starting to just get into a story when I'm confronted with the name of our Savior and Son of God being used in blasphemy as an exclamation! Surely, there must be another phrase to express surprise, displeasure, etc. Anytime I encounter this ugliness, I immediately throw the book back at Amazon. I will never give a good review to authors who do this. It's unnecessary and contributes nothing to the story.
September 22, 2018
Originality!
This series is so unique! The magic is spooky and feels less made up, it's not all powerful to swoop in and save everyone. The relationships are so well developed. Everyone has a past and the mysteries are woven so masterfully. I love that i can't tell what will happen next and can't wait for the next book!
This series is so unique! The magic is spooky and feels less made up, it's not all powerful to swoop in and save everyone. The relationships are so well developed. Everyone has a past and the mysteries are woven so masterfully. I love that i can't tell what will happen next and can't wait for the next book!
August 7, 2019
Different
A really good read if you like Supernatural creatures. Lost Falls is a place for the strange, weird and wonderful. It's not without evil though. I like these books because the author makes the people, creatures and place seem real and you can get right into the soul of the book. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
A really good read if you like Supernatural creatures. Lost Falls is a place for the strange, weird and wonderful. It's not without evil though. I like these books because the author makes the people, creatures and place seem real and you can get right into the soul of the book. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
October 24, 2019
Love these books
I love these books and characters although for me this book wasn't as good as the first ; too many goodies died and some unsavoury characters walked away scott free. Feel like Ozzy is becoming too invested in Lilian and I can't see a HEA there. Onto the next one I march.
I love these books and characters although for me this book wasn't as good as the first ; too many goodies died and some unsavoury characters walked away scott free. Feel like Ozzy is becoming too invested in Lilian and I can't see a HEA there. Onto the next one I march.
May 25, 2018
Yay! A great second in the series. I'm sorry it took so long to finish the books, just my crazy life and certainly not because the book was a slow read. It's fast paced and filled with action and bodies. Keep 'em coming Chris Underwood!
June 14, 2018
Emotionally charged action
More questions raised as pasts come back and darker powers threaten the town and it's inhabitants of Lost Falls. Michael is more than he seems, Lilian's history is fighting to get free, and Ozzy has tough decisions to make.
More questions raised as pasts come back and darker powers threaten the town and it's inhabitants of Lost Falls. Michael is more than he seems, Lilian's history is fighting to get free, and Ozzy has tough decisions to make.
June 11, 2019
Pay Dirt!
Good story! I’ve read the first two, and the short prequel to the first story and I’m hooked. One more to go and I hope it’s not the last one the author writes because I’m going to want more!
Good story! I’ve read the first two, and the short prequel to the first story and I’m hooked. One more to go and I hope it’s not the last one the author writes because I’m going to want more!
July 15, 2019
Love this series. Currently filling the Dresden shaped hole in my heart. Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of Jim Butcher, Bendeict Jacka and Shayne Silvers, to name but a few. Thoroughly enjoyable way to pass the time!
December 10, 2019
Different, excellent
Second book in this serie. ..
Been reading them back to back compulsively!
Great, different stories... Great mix of action and reflexion (of sorts)... Like great bottle of wine one can enjoy to the last drop!...
On to book 3 of the series... Can't wait!
Second book in this serie. ..
Been reading them back to back compulsively!
Great, different stories... Great mix of action and reflexion (of sorts)... Like great bottle of wine one can enjoy to the last drop!...
On to book 3 of the series... Can't wait!
December 21, 2019
Pretty darn good
This story finished nicely but leaves just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more. I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
This story finished nicely but leaves just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more. I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
January 17, 2020
Great read
I am surprised and excited that I like this series. The main character is constantly underpowered to handle the bad guys. He has to do so much ritual magic and no real typical fantasy magic and yet I find it compelling.
I am surprised and excited that I like this series. The main character is constantly underpowered to handle the bad guys. He has to do so much ritual magic and no real typical fantasy magic and yet I find it compelling.
February 26, 2020
Love his books
These stories are dark and twisted, and delightfully thrilling. The mystery keeps me gripped to every page as the tension builds. Seriously looking forward to the next book.
These stories are dark and twisted, and delightfully thrilling. The mystery keeps me gripped to every page as the tension builds. Seriously looking forward to the next book.
September 6, 2020
Loving this twisted series
Each book unravels the unbelievable depth of heart and honour Ozzy has and his amazing support system that rise to the occasion despite their own turmoil. Can’t wait to read next instalment bring on the vamps and ogres woo hoo
Each book unravels the unbelievable depth of heart and honour Ozzy has and his amazing support system that rise to the occasion despite their own turmoil. Can’t wait to read next instalment bring on the vamps and ogres woo hoo
November 2, 2020
A wraith of a hundred+ year dead witch hunter is killing some of Ozzy's acquaintances in Lost Falls. Ozzy needs to get to the bottom of it.
This book was even better than the first one. Same dark noir feeling.
This book was even better than the first one. Same dark noir feeling.
August 9, 2021
Seriously loving these. Wonderful urban fantasy series that has it all. Great plots, solid writing. Fallible, real characters. A bit of mystery with hints of more to come. This holds its ground against Dresden.
January 29, 2023
Another brilliant story from Chris. Fast paced and full of twist with a great cast of characters. Some we have seen before and some new and well developed. I am looking forward to the next book and finding out more about Lillian. I think I might be falling in love with her. But I am weird.
May 13, 2018
Great addition to series
Really enjoyed book. It was worth the wait. Main character was interesting. Learning more about secondary characters in this book.
Really enjoyed book. It was worth the wait. Main character was interesting. Learning more about secondary characters in this book.
May 19, 2018
Does good in bad ways
Interesting and relatable characters. Protagonist not overpowered, so you don't feel cheated. Resolves problems with Wits over brawn. Great read!
Interesting and relatable characters. Protagonist not overpowered, so you don't feel cheated. Resolves problems with Wits over brawn. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews