What do you think?
Rate this book
Damned Girl #1
Deadhead
Nessa sees dead people. Unfortunately, that includes Ed.
Nessa makes a living talking to the dead – until the government kills her business. To keep working as a medium she needs her magic licence, and the only way to get it is to complete a quest assigned by the Department of Magic and Death. (No, she didn’t know that was a thing either.)
The Department wants her to solve the poltergeist Ed’s murder. Not as easy as it sounds, given that everyone who meets him wants to kill him.
With a little help from the witches of the local coven, she sets out to find the killer and wrap up this mystery as fast as possible. After all, Nessa's not your average medium, and with a shapeshifting government supervisor watching her every move, it's going to be hard to keep her more unusual abilities hidden for long.
Not to mention that it seems like the murderer isn't done just yet, and if Nessa doesn't catch the culprit soon, she might end up joining Ed in the afterlife.
Eternity. With Ed.
She can't imagine anything worse.
A hilarious fantasy novel featuring vampires, witches, faeries, and shapeshifters, along with the Grim Reaper and Satan herself. Perfect for those who love humorous fantasy and paranormal mysteries with a sprinkling of romance.
Nessa makes a living talking to the dead – until the government kills her business. To keep working as a medium she needs her magic licence, and the only way to get it is to complete a quest assigned by the Department of Magic and Death. (No, she didn’t know that was a thing either.)
The Department wants her to solve the poltergeist Ed’s murder. Not as easy as it sounds, given that everyone who meets him wants to kill him.
With a little help from the witches of the local coven, she sets out to find the killer and wrap up this mystery as fast as possible. After all, Nessa's not your average medium, and with a shapeshifting government supervisor watching her every move, it's going to be hard to keep her more unusual abilities hidden for long.
Not to mention that it seems like the murderer isn't done just yet, and if Nessa doesn't catch the culprit soon, she might end up joining Ed in the afterlife.
Eternity. With Ed.
She can't imagine anything worse.
A hilarious fantasy novel featuring vampires, witches, faeries, and shapeshifters, along with the Grim Reaper and Satan herself. Perfect for those who love humorous fantasy and paranormal mysteries with a sprinkling of romance.
Unknown Binding
First published May 31, 2015
113 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Clare Kauter
39 books73 followersClare Kauter writes laugh-out-loud funny books across genres, including mystery, romantic comedy and paranormal fiction. She is known for her loveable hot mess characters, dubious puns and occasional (OK, frequent) inappropriate jokes.
Clare isn’t going to tell you where she lives, because she always finds it weird when other authors do that in their bio. Why would you care? Unless you’re a stalker, in which case it’s probably better if she doesn’t give you a head start.
At any given moment she’s probably sipping tea while hunched over her pink keyboard in a super attractive posture, writing her next book and snorting like a piglet at her own jokes.
Clare posts regularly on her blog – drop by and say hi!
Clare isn’t going to tell you where she lives, because she always finds it weird when other authors do that in their bio. Why would you care? Unless you’re a stalker, in which case it’s probably better if she doesn’t give you a head start.
At any given moment she’s probably sipping tea while hunched over her pink keyboard in a super attractive posture, writing her next book and snorting like a piglet at her own jokes.
Clare posts regularly on her blog – drop by and say hi!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 20, 2015
This is such a fun read! The voice of the main character, Nessa, is brilliant. The entire books feels like a conversation, flowing naturally and full of surprises.
Basically, Nessa is being investigated for practising magic without a licence (I know, fun huh?) She has to solve the murder of Ed, a ghost who turns up as she is being interrogated. Along she way, she makes friends with a fae, witch, and shifter!
With awesome powers, she is capable of many feats, which include a private line to the devil (a she of course) and Death (who has an amazing sense of humour).
We see zombies, vampires, and a lot more... this is a fantastic read if you enjoy quirky humour filled with the supernatural.
Personally, I found it SO original and different to anything I have read recently that I have to award 5 stars.
Basically, Nessa is being investigated for practising magic without a licence (I know, fun huh?) She has to solve the murder of Ed, a ghost who turns up as she is being interrogated. Along she way, she makes friends with a fae, witch, and shifter!
With awesome powers, she is capable of many feats, which include a private line to the devil (a she of course) and Death (who has an amazing sense of humour).
We see zombies, vampires, and a lot more... this is a fantastic read if you enjoy quirky humour filled with the supernatural.
Personally, I found it SO original and different to anything I have read recently that I have to award 5 stars.
November 26, 2015
This is a rollicking romp through the world of the weird and paranormal and Australia ...
Nessa is making her living as a psychic, barely. While the local coven tries to convince her to join them. Then a newt from the Department of Magic shows up and tells her she has a quest, followed shortly by a ghost who demands she solve his murder.
Things quickly go from bad to worse when zombies, vampires and Death all get in on the act. Our heroine has a big secret and the Devil is in the details.
Nessa is making her living as a psychic, barely. While the local coven tries to convince her to join them. Then a newt from the Department of Magic shows up and tells her she has a quest, followed shortly by a ghost who demands she solve his murder.
Things quickly go from bad to worse when zombies, vampires and Death all get in on the act. Our heroine has a big secret and the Devil is in the details.
February 9, 2020
This book was an amusing and funny read. I liked Nessa as a character, her inner monologue is very relatable (at least to me) and her reactions to some of the events are 'normal' and her overall actions don't make her seem like the typical YA heroine who knows what she is doing and is always strong and determined. Nessa struggles and I liked that (in a good way; cause she isn't awesome at everything).
I gave three stars because I had some issues with the side characters, none of them piqued my interested except for Death. The bad situations she stumbles upon are a bit much for a short book like this, and when Death and Satan were introduced I thought it was ANOTHER thing you (as a reader) had to take in. I wish there was more about Nessa's and Satan's relationship and how she turned out to be who she is and where she was in her life before things started happening.
The ending was a bit rough and felt quite rushed. Maybe it's just me, but I got confused about how much Ed could do magic wise. And now he's gone along with the stone and Nessa is out to catch Santa?
I hope there will be answers throughout the other books. If not then I'm hoping for a short story that explains things further.
I gave three stars because I had some issues with the side characters, none of them piqued my interested except for Death. The bad situations she stumbles upon are a bit much for a short book like this, and when Death and Satan were introduced I thought it was ANOTHER thing you (as a reader) had to take in. I wish there was more about Nessa's and Satan's relationship and how she turned out to be who she is and where she was in her life before things started happening.
The ending was a bit rough and felt quite rushed. Maybe it's just me, but I got confused about how much Ed could do magic wise. And now he's gone along with the stone and Nessa is out to catch Santa?
I hope there will be answers throughout the other books. If not then I'm hoping for a short story that explains things further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2018
Effortlessly silly fun. Let me explain what i mean by that. Sometimes books are light and silly in a way that makes them amusing. And sometimes they are just plain silly and not funny cause they try too hard. This one is super silly but it a good way that amuses - with grumpy magical accidentally murderous Nessa, a crazy coven, magical bureaucracy, an elder witch police officer, non violent zombies and chilling with Death and dinner with Satan. Was a little frustrated by how long it took Nessa to figure out the culprit but in her defence we dont know the motive or bigger picture so not sure why she would. It was just her trusting certain people after explicit instructions to trust no one. My other gripe is that we still don't know anything about who or what Nessa is.
December 10, 2019
Boring
Had a great premise, but I didn’t like any of the characters apart from Death and Satan. Nessa was either whining about not being able to figure things out, or that no one would tell her exactly what was going on, while the other characters that made up the Scooby group - Ed, Henry, Hecate and the nymph - were shady AF, and you know they were jerking her chain.
This could have been a really great paranormal mystery, but even the elements I did enjoy couldn’t save this.
2 stars ⭐️
Had a great premise, but I didn’t like any of the characters apart from Death and Satan. Nessa was either whining about not being able to figure things out, or that no one would tell her exactly what was going on, while the other characters that made up the Scooby group - Ed, Henry, Hecate and the nymph - were shady AF, and you know they were jerking her chain.
This could have been a really great paranormal mystery, but even the elements I did enjoy couldn’t save this.
2 stars ⭐️
January 7, 2017
I loved the snarkiness! From page 1, I had to read on.
I did feel like I missed something at the end of the book. So, I wrote to Ms. Kauter and inquired and was advised that I didn’t miss anything - the story with Ed and the Doomstone isn’t wrapped up because it becomes part of the overarching plot of the series. There will be more answers in Sled Head!
That said, on to Sled Head, the next book in the series!
I did feel like I missed something at the end of the book. So, I wrote to Ms. Kauter and inquired and was advised that I didn’t miss anything - the story with Ed and the Doomstone isn’t wrapped up because it becomes part of the overarching plot of the series. There will be more answers in Sled Head!
That said, on to Sled Head, the next book in the series!
October 4, 2017
Now, normally I’m not a reader of supernatural fiction, but Deadhead was quite a fun read. The characters’ dialogue made me laugh aloud more than once – and not due to it being fake – and Nessa’s sassy and sarcastic narration helped me enjoy the story further.
While Deadhead wasn’t incredible, in my opinion (since it felt too short and at times rushed), it definitely wasn’t awful or even bad. Not a favorite of mine or anything – but pretty good for a free ebook!
While Deadhead wasn’t incredible, in my opinion (since it felt too short and at times rushed), it definitely wasn’t awful or even bad. Not a favorite of mine or anything – but pretty good for a free ebook!
January 2, 2018
A punny read
Quite enjoyed this book. It was an easy read but kept Nevada's a long time as I had to keep going until I had finished it. I would have to comment though that, if I wasn't regularly forced to watch certain programmes with my grandsons, I probably wouldn't have understood or appreciated some of the references.
Quite enjoyed this book. It was an easy read but kept Nevada's a long time as I had to keep going until I had finished it. I would have to comment though that, if I wasn't regularly forced to watch certain programmes with my grandsons, I probably wouldn't have understood or appreciated some of the references.
November 13, 2018
Funny, original and smart
Great world, brilliant characters and funny dialogue. Love Nessa, the main character. Can't wait to read more of her story. With ghosts, magical police, vampires and a shapeshifter the author has created a fascinating world that I'm looking forward to diving into again. Highly recommended.
Great world, brilliant characters and funny dialogue. Love Nessa, the main character. Can't wait to read more of her story. With ghosts, magical police, vampires and a shapeshifter the author has created a fascinating world that I'm looking forward to diving into again. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2019
I liked the humor, really. But it could've been used in a more ... moderate way. This just felt forced and desperate, like the reader had to laugh at all cost. Besides, I had the impression that the author's thoughts were all over the place. Like she had so many ideas and forced all of them into the plot without being able to sew them into a consistent story line.
December 15, 2017
5*
This book had me in tears of laughter after the first few pages. And it didn't stop making me smile, a brilliantly witty and well written book and am definitely going to be buying the rest of the series, although it can be read as a stand alone book.
This book had me in tears of laughter after the first few pages. And it didn't stop making me smile, a brilliantly witty and well written book and am definitely going to be buying the rest of the series, although it can be read as a stand alone book.
April 20, 2018
Dead, but not gone.
This is a different kind of book for me. I don't usually read books like this. I was looking up the next one as soon as this one was finished. I read this book for free.
This is a different kind of book for me. I don't usually read books like this. I was looking up the next one as soon as this one was finished. I read this book for free.
November 2, 2018
Strange Happenings
Wow! This was a fun read with a ghost, a witch and a bunch of other strange characters get together and go on a quest to solve a mystery and get a magical licence. So much happens along the way it will keep you guessing.
Wow! This was a fun read with a ghost, a witch and a bunch of other strange characters get together and go on a quest to solve a mystery and get a magical licence. So much happens along the way it will keep you guessing.
November 12, 2018
Funny, original and smart. Ghosts, a shapeshifter and magical police. Brilliant world with excellent characters and a lot of humour. Love the main character Nessa and I can't wait to read more of her story.
June 23, 2019
Deadhead
Clare Kauter writes a fun story! It's chaotic, chock full of unusual characters and ridiculous,corny puns. The mystery kept reading. The ending was a cliff hanger and I dislike that so much!! The heroine is witty and difficult, but I will read her next adventure.
Clare Kauter writes a fun story! It's chaotic, chock full of unusual characters and ridiculous,corny puns. The mystery kept reading. The ending was a cliff hanger and I dislike that so much!! The heroine is witty and difficult, but I will read her next adventure.
November 4, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read with a sprinkling of paranormal characters, a snarky heroine, mystery and the promise of more great things to come. Exactly who - or what - is the heroine, BTW? It’s going to be an unfolding over more stories - and I can’t wait!
June 4, 2019
Quick and fun sunlounger read
June 24, 2019
Love Nessa and the other characters. Couldn't put it down until I had finished it. Looking forward to reading more by Clare Kauter.
January 10, 2026
Fun Read
This was a fun read. It will be interesting to see where the next book leads. I enjoyed the character development and the fun twists.
This was a fun read. It will be interesting to see where the next book leads. I enjoyed the character development and the fun twists.
March 9, 2017
Cute book and a quick read. I would give it a 3.5. Would love to rate it higher but of course there is a cliff hanger. So irritating.
May 22, 2016
Light, fast paced, and fun! The narrative was humorous and the dialog was snarky, which I liked. The main character, Nessa, had a tendency to go from the frying pan and into the fire.
The story starts out with Nessa getting a visit from a shapeshifting bureaucrat who wants to test her for a magic licence that she didn't even know she needed. In order to get the licence, Nessa has to go on a quest. The rest of the book is full of all kinds of shenanigans as Nessa tries to solve the mystery that was dropped into her lap.
I enjoyed the humor, the silliness, the snark, and learning more about this universe. There were a couple of things that were a bit too over the top for me, but overall, a fun book.
I've already got the second book in the series.
The story starts out with Nessa getting a visit from a shapeshifting bureaucrat who wants to test her for a magic licence that she didn't even know she needed. In order to get the licence, Nessa has to go on a quest. The rest of the book is full of all kinds of shenanigans as Nessa tries to solve the mystery that was dropped into her lap.
I enjoyed the humor, the silliness, the snark, and learning more about this universe. There were a couple of things that were a bit too over the top for me, but overall, a fun book.
I've already got the second book in the series.
December 2, 2015
Okay, so this was a free read thanks to the author giving the digital version away on Amazon. To be honest my expectations weren't high but I was so wrong. There were a number of laugh out loud moments, the main character has an internal narrative eerily similar to my own (does this make me nuts? Anyway...). To put it simply, this Australian based novel is a great, fun romp through a magic filled world which seems to run in conjunction with ours, with quirky characters and mysterious quests. I'm looking forward to reading the recently published sequel and finding out more about Nessa as there's still a lot of secrets she needs to uncover.
December 12, 2015
What a wonderful book!
I happened to find this book while just randomly looking through other fantasy selections and the cover of this book caught my eye. After reading the synopses, I knew this was my kinda story. At this point I am only halfway through the book, but I'm so enchanted by this little treasure that I wanted to help spread the word! I love the heroine and her rather unusual companions, but what stands out for me is the perfectly snarky wit throughout that actually causes me to laugh out loud. I plan to pick up the next book in the series right away and have my fingers crossed that there will be many more to come!
I happened to find this book while just randomly looking through other fantasy selections and the cover of this book caught my eye. After reading the synopses, I knew this was my kinda story. At this point I am only halfway through the book, but I'm so enchanted by this little treasure that I wanted to help spread the word! I love the heroine and her rather unusual companions, but what stands out for me is the perfectly snarky wit throughout that actually causes me to laugh out loud. I plan to pick up the next book in the series right away and have my fingers crossed that there will be many more to come!
January 28, 2017
This was a hilarious read from the Aussie author who also pens the Charlie Davies series.
I loved the youthful snarkiness of the main character Nessa and although it is essentially a cosy mystery, it encompasses a complete range of supernatural creatures that lend to the hilarity and solving of the mystery.
A super enjoyable read - I can't wait to read more of Clare Kauter's work!
I loved the youthful snarkiness of the main character Nessa and although it is essentially a cosy mystery, it encompasses a complete range of supernatural creatures that lend to the hilarity and solving of the mystery.
A super enjoyable read - I can't wait to read more of Clare Kauter's work!
April 30, 2016
funny
August 23, 2016
Delightfully different
Found this book to be a pleasant change from others I have read lately. Excellent use of puns and allegories. Was a refreshing change.
Found this book to be a pleasant change from others I have read lately. Excellent use of puns and allegories. Was a refreshing change.
February 7, 2023
Re-read February 2023
3.5 stars
Free on Amazon.
Fun and doesn't take itself too seriously.
The internal narrative of Nessa is very endearing.
3.5 stars
Free on Amazon.
Fun and doesn't take itself too seriously.
The internal narrative of Nessa is very endearing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews