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Spectral Detective #2
Corpse Reviver
When the dead start killing the living, the only person who can stop them is a man stuck halfway between.
When Jake Fletcher died and became a ghost he began a new life as a spectral detective; a phantom PI who helps the police solve cases beyond mortal comprehension. But when dead people start murdering the locals, even Jake is stumped. He soon learns that someone is reviving corpses and using them as assassins, but what twisted game is the puppet master playing? Can Jake solve the riddle and bring the killer to justice, or is London about to be turned into a zombie bloodbath?
Mystery, scares, and the paranormal collide in this bizarre noir. Fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files will love this page-turning detective story with a supernatural twist.
When Jake Fletcher died and became a ghost he began a new life as a spectral detective; a phantom PI who helps the police solve cases beyond mortal comprehension. But when dead people start murdering the locals, even Jake is stumped. He soon learns that someone is reviving corpses and using them as assassins, but what twisted game is the puppet master playing? Can Jake solve the riddle and bring the killer to justice, or is London about to be turned into a zombie bloodbath?
Mystery, scares, and the paranormal collide in this bizarre noir. Fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files will love this page-turning detective story with a supernatural twist.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
ebook
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About the author
David Bussell
37 books180 followersDavid Bussell is a best-selling British author renowned for his contributions to the urban fantasy genre. He is the co-creator of the Uncanny Kingdom, a series that explores a secret Britain teeming with paranormal suspense stories. His notable works include the "Spectral Detective" series. David's writing prowess has been recognized with the P.G. Wodehouse New Comic Writer Award. Beyond his literary achievements, he is an avid fencer, a lover of synthwave music, and a committed comic book fan.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 9, 2020
I love Jake Fletcher! He's snarky but in a quite funny way. He's smart, and he's also vulnerable just like the rest of us. Really enjoyed this installment. 4.5 stars
May 4, 2017
Killer zombies, vampires (no sparkles involved), an unidentified necromancer and an angel that is trying to drag Jake back for judgement....again! What could possibly go wrong for our ghostly hero?
An urban fantasy that hits all the right spots. Quick paced story, wonderfully quirky characters. I loved the pure Englishness of it all, and the nod to a certain politician made me laugh out loud! The entire book is craziness on a stick, 5 stars without a single hesitation.
This is a series with endless possibilities as Jake tries to get his ledger into the black.
An urban fantasy that hits all the right spots. Quick paced story, wonderfully quirky characters. I loved the pure Englishness of it all, and the nod to a certain politician made me laugh out loud! The entire book is craziness on a stick, 5 stars without a single hesitation.
This is a series with endless possibilities as Jake tries to get his ledger into the black.
March 6, 2018
Another thoroughly entertaining romp. Jake Fletcher, the British Harry Dresden, will take you on an adventure and have you in stitches throughout. Highly recommended for fans of paranormal action/adventure tales. Bussell has himself a protagonist that will live on for many more tales.
May 26, 2018
A very interesting and spectacular tale of fantasy, an urban fantasy like no other. I loved it!
May 6, 2017
A highly entertaining read!
I've really enjoyed discovering more about the hilarious Jake who is a PI and who just so happen to be a ghost. Amazingly well written, with a great cast of characters, this books was unputdownable for me.
The whole Uncanny Kingdom is fascinating, and I can't wait to delve further in.
I've really enjoyed discovering more about the hilarious Jake who is a PI and who just so happen to be a ghost. Amazingly well written, with a great cast of characters, this books was unputdownable for me.
The whole Uncanny Kingdom is fascinating, and I can't wait to delve further in.
May 9, 2017
The Ghosted series does not disappoint. Bussell does a fantastic job of keeping Jake Fletcher grounded despite being a ghost detective dealing with demons and vampires (among other things). I highly recommended this book and look forward to the next in the series.
November 8, 2020
You know when they say that you can't unsee certain things? That also applies to reading certain things too. All I will say in reference to this is 'Unicorn' and let you finish laughing once you discover why.
Jake is on the trail of a supernatural creature that appears to be chasing people who are less than whiter than white, and bumping them off in a quite unique way. The problem is, that whilst occupied with this, he encounters an emissary from God regarding his unresolved history and his due payment. Along the way, he brings in help from past contacts in his previous story, as well as characters in books from other Uncanny Kingdom series - Think crossover from the 'Arrowverse' style. As things get more and more complicated, his options look less hopeful but the laughs keep on coming in typical Jake Fletcher style, and the pace picks up nicely to keep the pages turning.
Speaking of pages, that is my one criticism. These books are always a fun, quick, read, but this particular story is only around 130 pages, and it feels like it needed a little bit more substance prior to the final confrontation. The story begins, there are the bodies that get investigated, but almost immediately, the case is solved. A couple more victims or a parallel distraction in between would have given it that extra something. That said, still a great book and a fun read, I'm on the next Jake Fletcher one now.
Jake is on the trail of a supernatural creature that appears to be chasing people who are less than whiter than white, and bumping them off in a quite unique way. The problem is, that whilst occupied with this, he encounters an emissary from God regarding his unresolved history and his due payment. Along the way, he brings in help from past contacts in his previous story, as well as characters in books from other Uncanny Kingdom series - Think crossover from the 'Arrowverse' style. As things get more and more complicated, his options look less hopeful but the laughs keep on coming in typical Jake Fletcher style, and the pace picks up nicely to keep the pages turning.
Speaking of pages, that is my one criticism. These books are always a fun, quick, read, but this particular story is only around 130 pages, and it feels like it needed a little bit more substance prior to the final confrontation. The story begins, there are the bodies that get investigated, but almost immediately, the case is solved. A couple more victims or a parallel distraction in between would have given it that extra something. That said, still a great book and a fun read, I'm on the next Jake Fletcher one now.
September 13, 2017
Jake Fletcher, exorcist/magician in life...crime solving ghost in death, is trying to balance his karmic scale before judgement catches up to him. Unbeknownst to Jake, exorcising ghosts actually destroys their souls...and he exorcised a lot of souls before his murder.
Jake's current case is a weird one. A young, homeless man is found next to another body--and was apparently responsible for beating the other man to death with a rock. Problem? The young man has been dead for at least two days and the murder happened much more recently. Detective Stronge (who is aware of Jake's "special" situation), calls him in to consult.
Just to spice things up, Jake is also being pursued by a celestial bounty hunting angel set on dragging Jake back for final judgement. Being an incorporeal PI isn't always an easy gig.
I enjoyed the story, but felt like a lot was restated from the previous book. Same snarky British humor. All around fun, quick read.
Jake's current case is a weird one. A young, homeless man is found next to another body--and was apparently responsible for beating the other man to death with a rock. Problem? The young man has been dead for at least two days and the murder happened much more recently. Detective Stronge (who is aware of Jake's "special" situation), calls him in to consult.
Just to spice things up, Jake is also being pursued by a celestial bounty hunting angel set on dragging Jake back for final judgement. Being an incorporeal PI isn't always an easy gig.
I enjoyed the story, but felt like a lot was restated from the previous book. Same snarky British humor. All around fun, quick read.
May 17, 2017
I received a copy of this book as an advanced copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
For those of us who miss having a Rob Thurman book to read or are thinking that elusive next book is never going to see the light of day this book will help qwell your urban fantasy cravings! Jake Fletcher is an amazing character part pulp noir gumshoe, street smart and dead. The idea behind this book was so intriguing that it was hard to resist! I ended up reading the second book first but doesn't let that dissuade you from reading this book, you can read this and still understand the story.
I loved this book and if you're looking for something different with great characters you can't go wrong with a smart ass ghost detective. I am eagerly awaiting more books in this series/universe.
For those of us who miss having a Rob Thurman book to read or are thinking that elusive next book is never going to see the light of day this book will help qwell your urban fantasy cravings! Jake Fletcher is an amazing character part pulp noir gumshoe, street smart and dead. The idea behind this book was so intriguing that it was hard to resist! I ended up reading the second book first but doesn't let that dissuade you from reading this book, you can read this and still understand the story.
I loved this book and if you're looking for something different with great characters you can't go wrong with a smart ass ghost detective. I am eagerly awaiting more books in this series/universe.
September 5, 2018
Jake Fletcher says, "I help my clients find their way to the spirit world. Why? to offset some of my own bad mojo." His allies: Stella, made out of magic and spit about sixty-years ago as an enforcer to knock seven bells out of London’s Uncanny bad guys; DCI Stronge, his human connection to the police, and Jazz Hands, his source of magical accessories. Jake has a fairly ordinary complement of ghost powers—invisibility, intangibility, translocation, able to possess the living. An exsanguinated corpse is a murder suspect, but had already died two days BEFORE the murder. Vampires? Zombies? No, worse. Jake finds out who is reviving corpses, and why. But bringing the murderer might be "out of Jakes pay-grade". A fun read, lots of funny dialog, descriptions and similes; interesting characters, very imaginative plot.
May 18, 2017
I loved this book as much as the first. Jake is still trying to balance out the red in his ledger by helping other ghosts to go on to the afterlife, while trying to avoid any contact from the afterlife himself. He is no longer under their radar and has to step up his game this time to be allowed to stay in London. He is just as sarcastic and funny second time around and the whole book is hugely enjoyable.
It is beautifully written and the characters of Jake and his band of helpers are developing nicely. The only thing I didn't like is that it is too short! I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy but this review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author.
It is beautifully written and the characters of Jake and his band of helpers are developing nicely. The only thing I didn't like is that it is too short! I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end.
I received an Advance Reader's Copy but this review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author.
August 24, 2017
Well dang, but Jake Fletcher has quite the busy afterlife! In this installment of the Ghosted series the ghost count, and thereby the corpse count, rises, keeping Jakey on his toes in pursuit of a stone cold killer with puppet and vengeance issues.
The cast is all present, DCI Stronge and her give no quarter attitude that I love, Jazz and her indispensable innovations and pseudo-motherly instincts, even Frosty the perv. I truly enjoy the interplay between these character, the snark and darkish humour kill me every time.
The swift pace and keen humour that I have come to associate with this series are apparent from the start and stay strong through trials, tribulations, and ghastly occurences up until the righteous ending. Simply thrilling. Thrilling with a capital T.
The cast is all present, DCI Stronge and her give no quarter attitude that I love, Jazz and her indispensable innovations and pseudo-motherly instincts, even Frosty the perv. I truly enjoy the interplay between these character, the snark and darkish humour kill me every time.
The swift pace and keen humour that I have come to associate with this series are apparent from the start and stay strong through trials, tribulations, and ghastly occurences up until the righteous ending. Simply thrilling. Thrilling with a capital T.
May 7, 2017
I received a free ARC of this book. I read it over the course of a couple days. It's not super long and could easily be read in one day if you are the type that enjoys sitting down with a book for hours (I'm assuming a lot of us are the type).
I rather enjoyed it, I love the humour in Bussell's books and the character of Jake Fletcher in general. The story was interesting and I was up well past 2 a.m. last night so I could finish it....not unusual for me, but if it wasn't any good I'd not have bothered. I don't really want to give any of the story away. If you enjoy mystery, paranormal, urban fantasy and/or a bit of fun then this is a good pick for you.
I rather enjoyed it, I love the humour in Bussell's books and the character of Jake Fletcher in general. The story was interesting and I was up well past 2 a.m. last night so I could finish it....not unusual for me, but if it wasn't any good I'd not have bothered. I don't really want to give any of the story away. If you enjoy mystery, paranormal, urban fantasy and/or a bit of fun then this is a good pick for you.
May 18, 2017
What a great sequel to Fresh Hell. Jake is back and just as obnoxious, but in a great way, as before. The book was full of wisecracks and blundering around as he tried to solve the latest rash of ghosts. Now that his police contact DI Stronge can see the real him, more funny conversations and scenes abound. Just like the first book I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph and read it all at once to see what trouble Jake would get into. I was not disappointed! Full of hysterical scenes, one liners, crazy friends/uncommon contacts, and a good mystery thrown in to round out the story I was not disappointed. It was worth the read. I never stopped laughing.
September 14, 2017
"When the dead start killing the living, the only person who can stop them is a man stuck between life and death."
Darn catchy line - for a darn good book. I love the whole idea of Jake Fletcher the ghost PI. Every book in this series, from the prequel Death Day to this book, has been superb. Here our intrepid detective learns that someone is reviving corpses and using them as assassins. Not your ordinary case, but for a guy who outclasses Dresden (sorti Jim Butcher) you just know he has what it will take. Sure enough we get there, bit boy oh boy is the trip time o'fun.
Highly recommended.
Darn catchy line - for a darn good book. I love the whole idea of Jake Fletcher the ghost PI. Every book in this series, from the prequel Death Day to this book, has been superb. Here our intrepid detective learns that someone is reviving corpses and using them as assassins. Not your ordinary case, but for a guy who outclasses Dresden (sorti Jim Butcher) you just know he has what it will take. Sure enough we get there, bit boy oh boy is the trip time o'fun.
Highly recommended.
November 14, 2021
Corpse Reviver by David Bussell is Book 2 in The Spectral Detective series. Jake Fletcher is a ghost P.I. who is trying to earn favor to overshadow the things he did while alive. We have all the characters (DCI Strong, Jazz, Frosty) present. Throughout this adventure Jake will have you laughing out loud. This is another well written, action packed, fast paced, page turning thrill ride with twists/turns that you will not want to put down. This is a book and series you will not want to miss. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
August 11, 2019
A good story and characters.
Jake is ghost trying to win redemption. He is a ghost P.I. I like the assortment of supernatural characters. I like how well-drawn all the main characters are, even the humans. There are twists and turns in the plot. What seems to be a simple case and villain for Jake comes out to be much more. I like how Jake can be hurt by certain creatures, so he is not invincible. He does face the threat of being destroyed.
Jake is ghost trying to win redemption. He is a ghost P.I. I like the assortment of supernatural characters. I like how well-drawn all the main characters are, even the humans. There are twists and turns in the plot. What seems to be a simple case and villain for Jake comes out to be much more. I like how Jake can be hurt by certain creatures, so he is not invincible. He does face the threat of being destroyed.
July 6, 2020
Jake Fletcher ghost detective’s life, or rather afterlife, is never dull.
This case is an attention grabber with a necromancer, vampires and an angel that’s determined to drag Jake back, kicking n screaming if necessary, to face judgement but before that happens our quirky witted spook is determined to wipe his slate clean or at least have it tilted in his favour. I’m really enjoying this whole world.
May 5, 2017
Great read for anyone one liking the paranormal, with
a bit of mystery, mahem and facetiousness. Kept me
interested till the very end. Can't wait for the next instalment.
a bit of mystery, mahem and facetiousness. Kept me
interested till the very end. Can't wait for the next instalment.
August 1, 2017
Action-packed detective adventure with a twist. I loved the first one and this one delivered another gripping tale! Love this series!
February 22, 2019
Book two in the series and it gets better and better. These books are right up my street. Cannot wait for book three. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2020
For the paranormal enthusiasts this is a series you would like to read. Lots of twists and turns. Likeable characters and engaging plot.
July 30, 2020
4.5 stars. Another fast paced story with ghost detective Jake Fletcher. Our writer is not a Boris Johnson fan, LOL! . Looking forward to many more ghostly adventures.
February 5, 2019
I am in love with this series. Looks like I need to read Stella's series as well. Fun, wild and supernaturally insane. Felt sorry for the angel but I am loving the body jumping chaos.
September 7, 2021
Another awesome Uncanny adventure…
Jake Fletcher, a spectral detective, is back in this second installment of series. He is still seeking redemption for all the souls he unwittingly destroyed during his life when he worked as an exorcist. He is acutely aware that his balance sheet still has him heavily in the red. He is highly motivated to do whatever it takes to make a good impression on “the man upstairs” and thereby secure for himself a comfortable afterlife “in the good place”. The alternative is unthinkable. When corpses start turning up around town that suggest something uncanny (paranormal) is responsible, Jake is on the case. DCI Stronge, Stella Familiar, Jazz Hands and Frosty are all back to help Jake figure out just what is causing this escalating body count. Can they solve the case before Jake’s time is up and an angel by the name of Adonael, whisks him upstairs to his judgement? The pace is relentless, the snarky humor is inspired, and the plotline is brilliant. If you choose to listen to the audiobook version you will be in for a real treat as the narrator, Mark Restuccia, provides an excellent performance that really brings the entire story to life. This series is a gem in the realm of urban fantasy.
While I did purchase a copy of this book, I was provided with a copy of the audiobook by the authors and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
Jake Fletcher, a spectral detective, is back in this second installment of series. He is still seeking redemption for all the souls he unwittingly destroyed during his life when he worked as an exorcist. He is acutely aware that his balance sheet still has him heavily in the red. He is highly motivated to do whatever it takes to make a good impression on “the man upstairs” and thereby secure for himself a comfortable afterlife “in the good place”. The alternative is unthinkable. When corpses start turning up around town that suggest something uncanny (paranormal) is responsible, Jake is on the case. DCI Stronge, Stella Familiar, Jazz Hands and Frosty are all back to help Jake figure out just what is causing this escalating body count. Can they solve the case before Jake’s time is up and an angel by the name of Adonael, whisks him upstairs to his judgement? The pace is relentless, the snarky humor is inspired, and the plotline is brilliant. If you choose to listen to the audiobook version you will be in for a real treat as the narrator, Mark Restuccia, provides an excellent performance that really brings the entire story to life. This series is a gem in the realm of urban fantasy.
While I did purchase a copy of this book, I was provided with a copy of the audiobook by the authors and I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
May 24, 2020
I loved it, maybe I'm slow but I had no idea who/what the bad guy was until he told Jake. These books are so fun to read, except for Anya's that place, way worse than expected and I expected really bad. Loved the BJ mention maybe Trump can visit Anya in the next book.
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