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The City Between #2
Between Shifts
There’s a body beneath the skip bins. Fae on the forklift. A vampire in the manager’s office. And there’s definitely something skeevy going on in the locker rooms.
Hi. I’m Pet. Well, not exactly Pet. I am a pet.
I was meant to stay out of it, but somebody’s gotta do something when humans are being killed by Behindkind creatures.
Lucky for me, my owners are just as dangerous and inhuman as the bad guys...
…maybe more.
Hi. I’m Pet. Well, not exactly Pet. I am a pet.
I was meant to stay out of it, but somebody’s gotta do something when humans are being killed by Behindkind creatures.
Lucky for me, my owners are just as dangerous and inhuman as the bad guys...
…maybe more.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
212 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
W.R. Gingell
46 books1,086 followersW.R. Gingell is a Tasmanian author of urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and madcap science fiction who doesn’t seem to be able to write a book without a body suddenly turning up. She solemnly swears that all such bodies are strictly fictional in nature.
W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I don't tend to friend anyone unless they're a personal friend or someone from my close author circle. I have a limited social battery which needs constant care. If you want to keep up with my reading/writing, you can absolutely follow me here or on pretty much any social media site.
W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I don't tend to friend anyone unless they're a personal friend or someone from my close author circle. I have a limited social battery which needs constant care. If you want to keep up with my reading/writing, you can absolutely follow me here or on pretty much any social media site.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
August 31, 2020
This is second in a series that is nominally Urban Fantasy, so elements develop over time and span books without a ton of reintroduction. I definitely recommend reading in order.
I'd actually call this contemporary fantasy rather than UF, but I'm not sure I can articulate why. At any rate, if you've read the first, you know most of what you're getting with this one. Gingell delivers very well on that promise, I think. I like the development in the relationships between the four, particularly that there's still no hint of that kind of relationship. I particularly like the confidence it has given her that Pet has people in her corner, however negligently. A lot of that is on her because they aren't actually terribly protective of her. It's just that she knows where she stands and is careful not to lean on that protection except in ways she's confident will hold up.
The plot itself is the weakest part of this story—mostly because it seemed to be beneath the talents and abilities of her psychos to futz around in a supermarket, whatever mysterious crap was happening there. I rolled with it because at least it wasn't sloppy and it held together well-enough in the end. It detracts a bit that I caught onto what was really going on just because the story structure recommended that course as the most interesting possibility. Which only happens if the author plans a misdirect but doesn't build up the alternatives to stand up to it.
Still this is 4½ stars that I'm rounding up just because I still find Pet and her psychos so intriguing.
A note about Chaste: There are still no relationships, physical or sexual, in the story. So it's chaste, but that doesn't really mean anything because, well, no romance...
I'd actually call this contemporary fantasy rather than UF, but I'm not sure I can articulate why. At any rate, if you've read the first, you know most of what you're getting with this one. Gingell delivers very well on that promise, I think. I like the development in the relationships between the four, particularly that there's still no hint of that kind of relationship. I particularly like the confidence it has given her that Pet has people in her corner, however negligently. A lot of that is on her because they aren't actually terribly protective of her. It's just that she knows where she stands and is careful not to lean on that protection except in ways she's confident will hold up.
The plot itself is the weakest part of this story—mostly because it seemed to be beneath the talents and abilities of her psychos to futz around in a supermarket, whatever mysterious crap was happening there. I rolled with it because at least it wasn't sloppy and it held together well-enough in the end. It detracts a bit that I caught onto what was really going on just because the story structure recommended that course as the most interesting possibility. Which only happens if the author plans a misdirect but doesn't build up the alternatives to stand up to it.
Still this is 4½ stars that I'm rounding up just because I still find Pet and her psychos so intriguing.
A note about Chaste: There are still no relationships, physical or sexual, in the story. So it's chaste, but that doesn't really mean anything because, well, no romance...
December 29, 2021
Post-finale re-read: an unassuming little book for the start of the series, but so much of it hits so differently now that I actually understand all the subtext. I love a story that demands to be read twice.
--
truly, this is the book for all you who just want to read about a fae, a vampire, and a cheeky strinetastic Aussie girl investigating werewolf killings at their local Woollies
what Wendee does in this book with the Sexy Vampire trope is beautiful and glorious and had me in tears of laughter
JinYeong is my favourite and Pet's dedication to annoying the heck out of him is a gift that never stops giving
I am addicted to this series, truly
--
truly, this is the book for all you who just want to read about a fae, a vampire, and a cheeky strinetastic Aussie girl investigating werewolf killings at their local Woollies
what Wendee does in this book with the Sexy Vampire trope is beautiful and glorious and had me in tears of laughter
JinYeong is my favourite and Pet's dedication to annoying the heck out of him is a gift that never stops giving
I am addicted to this series, truly
November 10, 2019
Between Shifts is book two in The City Between series by W.R. Gingell.
When we left book one Pet was on her own and the three psychos, as she calls them, left to take care of some things. She didn’t know if they would be back, but they have returned.
Pet is continuing to learn and question everything about her housemates, their rules and the supernatural world. You may wonder why she’s named Pet, well that’s because the Fae and vampire living in her home don’t name their pets. Maybe one day we will learn her name, but for now she is Pet.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and the author is taking time on revealing what. I like her attitude and feisty independence, but she’s also loyal to her psychos. JinYeoung is hilarious. He’s the vampire who doesn’t speak English, which just adds to the story. Athens is slightly creepy and Zero well he’s still a mystery.
In this installment Pet discovers a dead body behind the supermarket and we soon learn we have Lycanthropes on the loose. The detective also pops in wanting help on similar murder cares. This was an interesting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover. I will say it was obvious to me who the villain was in this installment. Even though I figured it out early it didn’t deter me from the rest of the story.
I like the concept of the world and the characters. I find Pet and JinYeoung’s interactions to be a lot of fun. As for the world The Between and Behind can be a bit confusing, but they are also interesting. The Between is sort of a mirror of our world which Pet can see, but has been warned not to enter alone.
This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery and no romance. The mystery was intriguing and our ending is a cliffhanger. I was like noooo, but at least the next book is out, so I can pick it up and find out what’s going to happen next.
Narration: Zehra Jane Naqvi is a fanatic narrator. She nails the characters personalities and tone. I like her accents and her Korean sounds authentic though I don’t know if it’s correct. I’d recommend the audio.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
When we left book one Pet was on her own and the three psychos, as she calls them, left to take care of some things. She didn’t know if they would be back, but they have returned.
Pet is continuing to learn and question everything about her housemates, their rules and the supernatural world. You may wonder why she’s named Pet, well that’s because the Fae and vampire living in her home don’t name their pets. Maybe one day we will learn her name, but for now she is Pet.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and the author is taking time on revealing what. I like her attitude and feisty independence, but she’s also loyal to her psychos. JinYeoung is hilarious. He’s the vampire who doesn’t speak English, which just adds to the story. Athens is slightly creepy and Zero well he’s still a mystery.
In this installment Pet discovers a dead body behind the supermarket and we soon learn we have Lycanthropes on the loose. The detective also pops in wanting help on similar murder cares. This was an interesting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover. I will say it was obvious to me who the villain was in this installment. Even though I figured it out early it didn’t deter me from the rest of the story.
I like the concept of the world and the characters. I find Pet and JinYeoung’s interactions to be a lot of fun. As for the world The Between and Behind can be a bit confusing, but they are also interesting. The Between is sort of a mirror of our world which Pet can see, but has been warned not to enter alone.
This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery and no romance. The mystery was intriguing and our ending is a cliffhanger. I was like noooo, but at least the next book is out, so I can pick it up and find out what’s going to happen next.
Narration: Zehra Jane Naqvi is a fanatic narrator. She nails the characters personalities and tone. I like her accents and her Korean sounds authentic though I don’t know if it’s correct. I’d recommend the audio.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
April 4, 2019
Pet, (whose real name none of us know, because the Fae and vampire living in her home, don’t name their pets) is continuing to learn and question everything about her housemates, their rules and the supernatural world. She is snarky, smart and tends to get into trouble.
On a shopping trip while trying to vex JinYeong, Pet discovers a dead body behind the mart. We soon learn we have a Lycanthropes on the loose. Not to be confused with werewolves because those are from fairy tales.
JinYeong a Korean speaking vampire is perplexed when Pet understands him. Apparently since the last book she has been studying the language just to annoy him! These two remind me of siblings. Like almost touching the other until one is left screaming and Mom wants to pull her hair out. I love it.
Our friendly detective wants some help with a series of similar murders, and the three Psychos refuse until Pet finds herself mixed up. This was an exciting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover.
The series is refreshing and I love the Between and Behind. The Between sort of mirrors our world. Pet can see it, but has been warned not to enter alone. I love all the snark, interaction and developments between these characters. Pet is taking care of something and I loved that thread from beginning to end.
Zehra Jane Naqvi is fantastic as narrator, although I do have to speed her up to 1.4x or 1.5x because it would make me crazy otherwise. She nails the characters from personality to tone. I have no idea if her Korean is correct, but it sounds authentic. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
On a shopping trip while trying to vex JinYeong, Pet discovers a dead body behind the mart. We soon learn we have a Lycanthropes on the loose. Not to be confused with werewolves because those are from fairy tales.
JinYeong a Korean speaking vampire is perplexed when Pet understands him. Apparently since the last book she has been studying the language just to annoy him! These two remind me of siblings. Like almost touching the other until one is left screaming and Mom wants to pull her hair out. I love it.
Our friendly detective wants some help with a series of similar murders, and the three Psychos refuse until Pet finds herself mixed up. This was an exciting case as both Pet and JinYeong go undercover.
The series is refreshing and I love the Between and Behind. The Between sort of mirrors our world. Pet can see it, but has been warned not to enter alone. I love all the snark, interaction and developments between these characters. Pet is taking care of something and I loved that thread from beginning to end.
Zehra Jane Naqvi is fantastic as narrator, although I do have to speed her up to 1.4x or 1.5x because it would make me crazy otherwise. She nails the characters from personality to tone. I have no idea if her Korean is correct, but it sounds authentic. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 7, 2025
Sundry thoughts:
• The owner and pet situation still weirds me out. But the author’s ability to address an extremely weird situation, acknowledge the weirdness, and still create a fantastic story out of it is astonishing and I admire her skill so much. Pet’s Stockholm syndrome is written so well that everything works somehow.
• I still like Pet and Athelas and Zero, but I’m just not a fan of JinYeong. However, Pet and JinYeong perpetually annoying each other was the best.
• Athelas’s worldview is essentially emotional mercantilism.
• Detective Tuatu is wonderful, and his concern for Pet is beautiful to see.
• I am amazed at how no character in this series is random.
• I guessed the true culprit at about 60% of the way through, but that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this excellently written story. The author really knows how to write a mystery.
I still feel slightly troppo for liking this so much, but I did. It’s brilliant. Simply brilliant. By far the best urban fantasy series I have ever read.
Content: violence, blood and gore, non-descriptive mention of a kiss. The mystery involves someone allegedly stalking a woman.
• The owner and pet situation still weirds me out. But the author’s ability to address an extremely weird situation, acknowledge the weirdness, and still create a fantastic story out of it is astonishing and I admire her skill so much. Pet’s Stockholm syndrome is written so well that everything works somehow.
• I still like Pet and Athelas and Zero, but I’m just not a fan of JinYeong. However, Pet and JinYeong perpetually annoying each other was the best.
• Athelas’s worldview is essentially emotional mercantilism.
• Detective Tuatu is wonderful, and his concern for Pet is beautiful to see.
• I am amazed at how no character in this series is random.
• I guessed the true culprit at about 60% of the way through, but that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this excellently written story. The author really knows how to write a mystery.
I still feel slightly troppo for liking this so much, but I did. It’s brilliant. Simply brilliant. By far the best urban fantasy series I have ever read.
Content: violence, blood and gore, non-descriptive mention of a kiss. The mystery involves someone allegedly stalking a woman.
October 18, 2023
After the mind-blowing first book, I wasn't sure how this book could possibly match it. Sometimes in a series where the first book is so crazily awesome, it is hard for the second book to keep up since the world building is no longer new and exciting.
That is not the case here. This book was just as fantastically awesome and crazy. While I guessed the big reveal of who the true bad person was in this book, that didn't detract from the experience because I don't mind being right in my guesses. The sarcasm and slang and moody vampires and fae and everything is just as crazy good as the first book.
Really, this is one of the few series where a dying girl howling that she doesn't want to drink vampire spit actually makes sense. Sort of. As much as anything in these books makes sense.
Re-Read Review:
Just as good the second time around, and the audiobook is amazing!
That is not the case here. This book was just as fantastically awesome and crazy. While I guessed the big reveal of who the true bad person was in this book, that didn't detract from the experience because I don't mind being right in my guesses. The sarcasm and slang and moody vampires and fae and everything is just as crazy good as the first book.
Really, this is one of the few series where a dying girl howling that she doesn't want to drink vampire spit actually makes sense. Sort of. As much as anything in these books makes sense.
Re-Read Review:
Just as good the second time around, and the audiobook is amazing!
November 25, 2025
“Think of me as a cat. I might do what you tell me to do, or I might not.” JinYeong’s brow went up. Questioningly now, he said, “Chero?” “Yeah, I’ll do what Zero tells me to do.”
I love that Pet is getting a little more sassy, and now I can't stop picturing her as a cute little cat when she's with the Psychos. Or a grumpy cat when she's with JinYeong in any case.
So, in this one things continue to get even more strange for our h-as Pet finds yet another body that might be connected to Behindkind. -Totally by accident of course.-
Feeling compelled to investigate- Pet and her crew (along with Detective Tuatu) begin their search for the killer by going undercover at their local supermarket.
Pet also finds out a bit more about how to handle the Between by beginning to train with Zero, and discovers there might be more than just simple corruption going on in the police department. All of which comes with more questions at who exactly is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
x---------------------------------------x
So I'm still really loving Pet as a character, and I'm really enjoying the dynamic between her and the Psychos. Mostly I love the bickering banter between her and Jinyeong- even if she has to guess what he's saying half the time.
“Ya, Petteu!”
I also liked that we got to see some more Behindkind such as werewolves (Ahem, shifters. Sorry.), and all in all I had fun with the murder mystery!
May 10, 2024
I believe Pet is slightly insane, lol. 😆 I mean, who else finds a torn up body underneath a dumpster and then proceeds to push her “psychos” into investigating what happened to it while also being deeply involved?
Though of course she also willingly lives and argues with two fae and a vampire on a daily basis, so maybe that’s why. 😆
This book was no weirder then the first but once you get used to the brand of weird and mix of illusion with reality and a good dose of danger alongside a murder investigation, this story is really quite fascinating with more threads being unraveled as we go along that I’m becoming more and more curious about, ESPECIALLY after how this one ended. 👀
I will say it took me almost halfway through the book to get properly invested, which I think is a combination of the gap between my reading of this book and Between Jobs (definitely need to read these close together!), and the author’s writing style is very different from what I normally read so it always takes me a minute to adjust, this time just a little longer then I’d like.
I really like the characters (Pet is a hoot, and JinYeong in particular is growing on me), the weird setting/world, and am super curious where things are going to go in the next book.
‼️Content‼️
Language: flaming heck/flamin’ heck; flaming/flamin’; heck; what the heck
Violence: a torn up, bloody body is found under a dumpster (semi detailed); a girl had a knife under her pillow which she throws at a couple people; fighting with weapons and hand to hand (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); a wolf is stabbed with a sword (not detailed); characters end up with blood on their faces (not detailed); a vampire bites a human to knock them out
Drug/Alcohol: a character is infected with a magical virus; a shifter’s blood is used to make an antivirus
Other: magic; fae, vampires, and other magical creatures/beings; magical places and portals; a vampire drinks blood; a teen boy stalks a woman; a dead body falls out of a wall; death
Though of course she also willingly lives and argues with two fae and a vampire on a daily basis, so maybe that’s why. 😆
This book was no weirder then the first but once you get used to the brand of weird and mix of illusion with reality and a good dose of danger alongside a murder investigation, this story is really quite fascinating with more threads being unraveled as we go along that I’m becoming more and more curious about, ESPECIALLY after how this one ended. 👀
I will say it took me almost halfway through the book to get properly invested, which I think is a combination of the gap between my reading of this book and Between Jobs (definitely need to read these close together!), and the author’s writing style is very different from what I normally read so it always takes me a minute to adjust, this time just a little longer then I’d like.
I really like the characters (Pet is a hoot, and JinYeong in particular is growing on me), the weird setting/world, and am super curious where things are going to go in the next book.
‼️Content‼️
Language: flaming heck/flamin’ heck; flaming/flamin’; heck; what the heck
Violence: a torn up, bloody body is found under a dumpster (semi detailed); a girl had a knife under her pillow which she throws at a couple people; fighting with weapons and hand to hand (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); a wolf is stabbed with a sword (not detailed); characters end up with blood on their faces (not detailed); a vampire bites a human to knock them out
Drug/Alcohol: a character is infected with a magical virus; a shifter’s blood is used to make an antivirus
Other: magic; fae, vampires, and other magical creatures/beings; magical places and portals; a vampire drinks blood; a teen boy stalks a woman; a dead body falls out of a wall; death
June 12, 2023
okay first of all, what was that ending?
second of all, here are my thoughts:
• I enjoyed this one SO much more than the first one, wow. I knew I didn't want to wait too long between reading them or I'd forget everything, so I'm glad I picked this one up when I did.
• Pet is such a fun character voice to follow, she's so sassy and snarky and I love it
• "Pet, don't poke the vampire." is a direct quote.
• It used the word 'gruntled' in a way that was totally natural, so it gets bonus points for that.
• “What are you, a mushroom? Where did you spring up from?” is used in exclamation and I’m absolutely using that next time I get startled by someone.
• I will always love that Pet continues to call them her "three psychos" even though in some ways now it's more endearing than before.
• I think I'm kiiind of getting the handle on how the magic works, and goodness, it's a really cool system.
• I'm so intrigued to keep going, and I gotta hand it to that cliffhanger of an ending because UM I need MORE please and thank you.
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023:
"Stay behind Zero. Don't die. Inherit my house. That's all I had to do."
honey, you've got a big storm coming. 🤣
second of all, here are my thoughts:
• I enjoyed this one SO much more than the first one, wow. I knew I didn't want to wait too long between reading them or I'd forget everything, so I'm glad I picked this one up when I did.
• Pet is such a fun character voice to follow, she's so sassy and snarky and I love it
• "Pet, don't poke the vampire." is a direct quote.
• It used the word 'gruntled' in a way that was totally natural, so it gets bonus points for that.
• “What are you, a mushroom? Where did you spring up from?” is used in exclamation and I’m absolutely using that next time I get startled by someone.
• I will always love that Pet continues to call them her "three psychos" even though in some ways now it's more endearing than before.
• I think I'm kiiind of getting the handle on how the magic works, and goodness, it's a really cool system.
• I'm so intrigued to keep going, and I gotta hand it to that cliffhanger of an ending because UM I need MORE please and thank you.
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023:
"Stay behind Zero. Don't die. Inherit my house. That's all I had to do."
honey, you've got a big storm coming. 🤣
June 10, 2019
That’s one good thing about the fae—they think of all humans as sort of slightly more intelligent pets, and that means they underestimate us a lot.
The second installment of the city between series follows Pet as she goes undercover to investigate murders that have been happening near her supermarket. There’s more fae and vampires, but this time adds werewolves to the mix.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and it’s taking its time to reveal what. I like her attitude, she feisty and independent, but also loyal to her “psychos” as she refers to them. JinYeoung is still hilarious and not speaking English, Athelas is still benevolent and slightly creepy, and Zero is still a mystery. There’s no romance in this story, and I’m glad. I think it would slow down the plot. This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery. I’ll be continuing reading.
“It is always wise to care what other people think of you,” Athelas said. “One doesn’t need to do anything about it, of course, but it’s always useful to know.”
The second installment of the city between series follows Pet as she goes undercover to investigate murders that have been happening near her supermarket. There’s more fae and vampires, but this time adds werewolves to the mix.
Pet is clearly something more than human, and it’s taking its time to reveal what. I like her attitude, she feisty and independent, but also loyal to her “psychos” as she refers to them. JinYeoung is still hilarious and not speaking English, Athelas is still benevolent and slightly creepy, and Zero is still a mystery. There’s no romance in this story, and I’m glad. I think it would slow down the plot. This is a fun urban fantasy series with a bit of mystery. I’ll be continuing reading.
“It is always wise to care what other people think of you,” Athelas said. “One doesn’t need to do anything about it, of course, but it’s always useful to know.”
October 13, 2018
As always, brilliant fun! RTC
April 12, 2022
This was much the same as Between Jobs but with a more successful mystery and heightened stakes.
There was, yet again, exploration and world-building but in more of the creature lore sense than a setting sense and not in an overwhelming amount. On the other hand, there didn’t seem like much personal character growth for any of the characters as their personalities all remained pretty much the same as they were in Between Jobs. At least there were developments in certain character dynamics to pique the reader’s interest.
The plot was a little rough around the edges. The mystery was a little too slow, the culprit a little too obvious, and the reveal was clear from a mile away. But in comparison to the incomplete mystery in Between Jobs, it was good to see that the author could at least pull off a mystery, albeit, not a particularly complex or sophisticated one. What really stood out were all the loose ends introduced through the mystery; they were what will no doubt pop up again in Between Floors.
There was, yet again, exploration and world-building but in more of the creature lore sense than a setting sense and not in an overwhelming amount. On the other hand, there didn’t seem like much personal character growth for any of the characters as their personalities all remained pretty much the same as they were in Between Jobs. At least there were developments in certain character dynamics to pique the reader’s interest.
The plot was a little rough around the edges. The mystery was a little too slow, the culprit a little too obvious, and the reveal was clear from a mile away. But in comparison to the incomplete mystery in Between Jobs, it was good to see that the author could at least pull off a mystery, albeit, not a particularly complex or sophisticated one. What really stood out were all the loose ends introduced through the mystery; they were what will no doubt pop up again in Between Floors.
October 12, 2018
Another delightful fantasy adventure from one of my favorite authors. This series is urban fantasy, not fairy tale, but I expect a lot of my readers would enjoy it anyway. Be prepared for some blood, but the violence is not over the top. And the characters and banter and total oddness of this story world are too fun to miss!
"Pet" is a unique character with a sassy mouth and a mysterious connection to the fay world--I can hardly wait to find out her story--and her three "psychos," as she calls them, make her look normal! In this story, Pet unintentionally gets involved with a ring of lycanthropes, and her psychos and a reluctant police detective get dragged into the fray.
Be sure to start with book #1 in the series, of course! Recommended to lovers of urban fantasy and good, clean, fun fantasy reading.
"Pet" is a unique character with a sassy mouth and a mysterious connection to the fay world--I can hardly wait to find out her story--and her three "psychos," as she calls them, make her look normal! In this story, Pet unintentionally gets involved with a ring of lycanthropes, and her psychos and a reluctant police detective get dragged into the fray.
Be sure to start with book #1 in the series, of course! Recommended to lovers of urban fantasy and good, clean, fun fantasy reading.
September 28, 2023
Not enough funny in the world but this series is nailing it AND IN TWO WORLDS AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.
October 1, 2018
WR Gingell -you utter swine, only the lowest of the low, most evil of a writer, makes use of a pseudo cliffhanger without having given me the 3rd book...!!!!!
Just to be clear this was a wonderfully delectable complete murder mystery story, with lots of weird blood and a subtle villain, ....that was ended with a Cliffhanger for the 3rd book..would you believe it and no I still don't have the next book.
Yes, Pet was just as fun and rebellious as the first book and is definitely aiming for best in her class lol, while still falling more into trouble than out..nope still nothing hint, hint!
The Three Psychos were still at their brooding best with all sorts of secrets and suggestive looks that I am dying to find out more about, and .... what!no book how could you!..
So was this great read, YES! should you read it after having read the first, Yes!! Should a certain someone have already written the 3rd book and know how to take a hint, YES!!
Just to be clear this was a wonderfully delectable complete murder mystery story, with lots of weird blood and a subtle villain, ....that was ended with a Cliffhanger for the 3rd book..would you believe it and no I still don't have the next book.
Yes, Pet was just as fun and rebellious as the first book and is definitely aiming for best in her class lol, while still falling more into trouble than out..nope still nothing hint, hint!
The Three Psychos were still at their brooding best with all sorts of secrets and suggestive looks that I am dying to find out more about, and .... what!no book how could you!..
So was this great read, YES! should you read it after having read the first, Yes!! Should a certain someone have already written the 3rd book and know how to take a hint, YES!!
June 1, 2019
Oi!, Oi!, Aussie Oi!
I am having fun with this main character and the background. I didn't realize where this is set until halfway through this book. This urban fantasy has a gritty feel that offsets the immaturity of the MC. The MC was only home schooled and lived on their own for several years and is not yet18 years old. That explains and justifies to me the contradictory impulse to question like a child and being terrified of her housemates. I can see her trying to process the implications of her new world and belatedly realizing how vulnerable she is constantly.
The fae and vampire are fascinating. There's a lot going on underneath the story and the history of these three has only been glimpsed so far. The writing has been pretty good, though there was one scene where the character is laying face down while watching the ceiling. Minor editing glitches aside there's a good flow to the story.
The women in the story are varied, not saints and more or less normal as people tend to be (except for murderous scheming). There's not a single teenaged boy's female fantasy character in the series, which is a very nice feature. I'm looking forward to more of the writer's books.
I am having fun with this main character and the background. I didn't realize where this is set until halfway through this book. This urban fantasy has a gritty feel that offsets the immaturity of the MC. The MC was only home schooled and lived on their own for several years and is not yet18 years old. That explains and justifies to me the contradictory impulse to question like a child and being terrified of her housemates. I can see her trying to process the implications of her new world and belatedly realizing how vulnerable she is constantly.
The fae and vampire are fascinating. There's a lot going on underneath the story and the history of these three has only been glimpsed so far. The writing has been pretty good, though there was one scene where the character is laying face down while watching the ceiling. Minor editing glitches aside there's a good flow to the story.
The women in the story are varied, not saints and more or less normal as people tend to be (except for murderous scheming). There's not a single teenaged boy's female fantasy character in the series, which is a very nice feature. I'm looking forward to more of the writer's books.
June 18, 2019
"Read" the audio format, so addressing the narrator as well: very well done narration. Great voices. Fun to listen to.
Fun second installment with great humor and action. Kept my 11-year-old's attention as well as mine, even though it is not really for kids. There is some violence so if your kid is sensitive (mine is not), it is ESPECIALLY not for kids, but mine liked it.
Fun second installment with great humor and action. Kept my 11-year-old's attention as well as mine, even though it is not really for kids. There is some violence so if your kid is sensitive (mine is not), it is ESPECIALLY not for kids, but mine liked it.
August 25, 2019
4.5 Stars
This series seems to get better with each book. The world continues to open up and the characters become more endearing. There's some lol moments and some holy sh- moments. Pet and JeiYeong have a great 'sibling' rivalry going on that never fails to make me laugh. My curiosity over Pet only continues to grew as well. As much as I want to know right now, I also don't want it to be that fast or easy.
Moving straight on to book three.
This series seems to get better with each book. The world continues to open up and the characters become more endearing. There's some lol moments and some holy sh- moments. Pet and JeiYeong have a great 'sibling' rivalry going on that never fails to make me laugh. My curiosity over Pet only continues to grew as well. As much as I want to know right now, I also don't want it to be that fast or easy.
Moving straight on to book three.
February 9, 2025
My new obsession.
(There is some violence/gore?)
(There is some violence/gore?)
July 8, 2019
Great story, it had been some time since I read the first and was worried I wouldn't remember most of it but it was super easy to get right back into and I almost squealed out loud when I realized book 3 and 4 were out... I think I almost read all 3 in a day? whoops...
October 4, 2018
This book in one sentence: When a series of humans are murdered at their local supermarket, Pet convinces her resident Fae and Vampire to help the local police force solve the murders.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Steaminess: n/a
My recommendation: Book two definitely maintained the mysterious/weird/creepy/horror vibe of the first book. This series is entirely unlike other paranormal books out there. I wish that there had been a little more character development in this book, or that we learned more about the three Psychos... but most of the narrative is centered on the murders at the supermarket. This being said, it was a highly enjoyable and engrossing read and I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
Content warnings: murder, gore (a lot less than book one, but still).
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Steaminess: n/a
My recommendation: Book two definitely maintained the mysterious/weird/creepy/horror vibe of the first book. This series is entirely unlike other paranormal books out there. I wish that there had been a little more character development in this book, or that we learned more about the three Psychos... but most of the narrative is centered on the murders at the supermarket. This being said, it was a highly enjoyable and engrossing read and I can't wait to see what's next in the series!
Content warnings: murder, gore (a lot less than book one, but still).
January 23, 2023
Third time read... 4.5 stars it's interesting to see things that I didn't know were there the first time around. I think I'm accepting and gullible while others probably had suspicions before I did. Ends on a cliffhanger.
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First time read. This is a fun series. The way it’s written is so fascinating. The heroine accepts she is a pet. She talks about trotting to keep up, being caught by the collar, told to “stay”, etc. Also, I find it so interesting that the author never tries to translate what the Korean-speaking vampire is saying. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character speaks another language and there’s no attempt to make sure we know what they are saying. It really keeps me in Pet’s viewpoint. Lots of fun and I recommend highly!!
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First time read. This is a fun series. The way it’s written is so fascinating. The heroine accepts she is a pet. She talks about trotting to keep up, being caught by the collar, told to “stay”, etc. Also, I find it so interesting that the author never tries to translate what the Korean-speaking vampire is saying. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character speaks another language and there’s no attempt to make sure we know what they are saying. It really keeps me in Pet’s viewpoint. Lots of fun and I recommend highly!!
May 6, 2019
This book brought me happiness during a time of great grief and shock in my personal life. There is no higher praise I can give. ❤️❤️❤️
Okay, I’ll try. PET AND HER PRACTISES WERE HYSTERICAL.
Okay, I’ll try. PET AND HER PRACTISES WERE HYSTERICAL.
June 10, 2021
4.5 stars // read June 2021
Thoughts:
-I freaked out a bit at the beginning of the audio book because it seemed like the narrator was pronouncing everything weird. However, my ears adjusted to her accent quickly and I enjoyed the way it added more flavor to the story. The characters all sounded spot on. (Especially Pet XD) Also, hearing the Korean! Reading the ebook it translates into "hsknfndodbjdk" in my brain and so actually hearing it was very cool.
- The character dynamics. It's sweet to see Detective Tuatu's concern for Pet and caring about her but also so done with her at the same time. He's the only mostly normal character in the book XD Athelas Drops More Hints, and Zero remains his mysterious self. Jinyeong and Pet have an excellent relationship of mutually annoying each other. So, yeah, the interactions were very enjoyable and I felt like we got to know the characters better.
-The plot! I did figure out a bit of the killer's identity towards the end of the book (yay!) The whole mythos is quite interesting, we learn more about werewolves- excuse me, "shifters"- specifically, but also more of how Behind and Between work.
-Although the main plot threads are resolved, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger/lead in to the next book.
-Also, I just got the pun. 🙈
Content: Mild/Medium
-If you're fine with the content level of the first book, you should be fine with Between Shifts.
Sensuality: None/Mild. A bit of flirting and mentions of a stalker.
Violence: Medium. Probably the biggest issue for most people. It didn't bother me that much, honestly. There's some mentions of dead bodies; a dead body's hand has been ripped off; some on-screen death; and death is mentioned fairly regularly and nonchalantly. Also a good amount of blood. I mean, it is a murder mystery.
Language: None/Mild. The worst profanity is "flamin' heck!" To be fair, Pet says "flamin'" almost every other sentence. Am I exaggerating? ...not really?
Thoughts:
-I freaked out a bit at the beginning of the audio book because it seemed like the narrator was pronouncing everything weird. However, my ears adjusted to her accent quickly and I enjoyed the way it added more flavor to the story. The characters all sounded spot on. (Especially Pet XD) Also, hearing the Korean! Reading the ebook it translates into "hsknfndodbjdk" in my brain and so actually hearing it was very cool.
- The character dynamics. It's sweet to see Detective Tuatu's concern for Pet and caring about her but also so done with her at the same time. He's the only mostly normal character in the book XD Athelas Drops More Hints, and Zero remains his mysterious self. Jinyeong and Pet have an excellent relationship of mutually annoying each other. So, yeah, the interactions were very enjoyable and I felt like we got to know the characters better.
-The plot! I did figure out a bit of the killer's identity towards the end of the book (yay!) The whole mythos is quite interesting, we learn more about werewolves- excuse me, "shifters"- specifically, but also more of how Behind and Between work.
-Although the main plot threads are resolved, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger/lead in to the next book.
-Also, I just got the pun. 🙈
Content: Mild/Medium
-If you're fine with the content level of the first book, you should be fine with Between Shifts.
Sensuality: None/Mild. A bit of flirting and mentions of a stalker.
Violence: Medium. Probably the biggest issue for most people. It didn't bother me that much, honestly. There's some mentions of dead bodies; a dead body's hand has been ripped off; some on-screen death; and death is mentioned fairly regularly and nonchalantly. Also a good amount of blood. I mean, it is a murder mystery.
Language: None/Mild. The worst profanity is "flamin' heck!" To be fair, Pet says "flamin'" almost every other sentence. Am I exaggerating? ...not really?
May 10, 2023
Another fun adventure with Pet and the gang. This time it was totally the vampire’s fault, all Pet wanted to do was go shopping, she never intended to find a body and she certainly never intended for that darn snotty vampire to infect her with tainted blood from the body. Now the three psychos have to track down the source of the infection before Pet turns and solve the murder of a human, against their will, and work with the detective , again against their will, so long as Pet doesn’t forget to make tea or cook their meals, or coerce them into cooperating. This second book in the series continues the snarky relationship between Pet and her three psychos. She fully intends to get back her house and somehow get them to cooperate with her in caring about what she want. There’s a dryad (where did that come from), werewolves, Fae, vampires, and other creatures from the Between that’s itching to come out and play, but the psychos have to train Pet to protect herself.
July 2, 2021
This author makes me want to read her books and no others. It's a tad annoying since there are eight (I think) books in this series. You don't want to put it down. This ensemble of spunky Aussie, Pet, a vampire and Behindkind Fae, plus a disgruntled Detective, is brilliant and funny, too. Highly recommended people. Oi. Do yourself a favour and start at the beginning - you'll be glad you picked it up.
June 17, 2019
I confess that I wasn't completely sold on the series with the first book. This book did it however. It is unique and I am enjoying it. In this book the action start to flow better and I am starting to get a little better handle on the characters. Looking forward to the next one!
May 8, 2023
Feels like it's more of an episode than something that really moved the plot further... but I'm going to come back to this later, aren't I
February 11, 2019
I’ve reviewed plot and character against the first book. The other standout feature of the series for me is the land of Between, a kind of mirror impression of our world with a great dash of Alice’s Wonderland, a kinship to Fraggle Rock if it turned into a bad neighbourhood, and a nice sense of the dreamlike and weird that a Faery story ought to bring.
It reminds me also of the way the great G. K Chesterton saw the world, and I say that as high praise.
This oddness is not consistent through the books, not in the way that Neil Gaiman or George Macdonald (for example) can write fey-ness. At first I thought this was a weakness, but by the end of book 3 I can see a cleverness in what’s going on. Macdonald’s faery stories are masterful but rather weird and it’s hard to feel close to characters who are consistently so Other. Some modern UF goes the other way and just wants the non-humans to be sexy hunks and doesn’t really seem to want the fey and the weird. By having so much “home chat” in Pet’s living room, and so much dialog (plus extended human-human scenes) it builds much stronger character relationships and this begins to pay off by book 3.
A minor disappointment: as one who used to live in Tasmania, and remembers the drive over the Southern Outlet well (though I never saw the castle), I would love to have seen more of our Hobart as a setting. Between Jobs could have been in any city. Between Shifts is more fun that way and began to open out, but Between Floors went back to being fairly placeless again.
Also 4 stars for a key plot development being a little too easy to spot.
"If you know how to see it, you can go from the human world into Between; and from there to Behind.
If you’re mad enough.
I don’t really recommend it.
But if you’ve ever driven up to the crest of the southern outlet just before you get into Hobart and thought the skyline looked like a castle for just the blink of an eye before it turned back into a normal city skyline, and thought you’d just imagined it – you didn’t. You just got a sight of Hobart Between." – Between Shifts (#2)
It reminds me also of the way the great G. K Chesterton saw the world, and I say that as high praise.
“I had been right in feeling all things as odd, for I myself was at once worse and better than all things. … The modern philosopher had told me again and again that I was in the right place, and I had still felt depressed even in acquiescence. But I had heard that I was in the wrong place, and my soul sang for joy, like a bird in spring. The knowledge found out and illuminated forgotten chambers in the dark house of infancy. I knew now why grass had always seemed to me as queer as the green beard of a giant, and why I could feel homesick at home.” -- Chesterton, Orthodoxy
This oddness is not consistent through the books, not in the way that Neil Gaiman or George Macdonald (for example) can write fey-ness. At first I thought this was a weakness, but by the end of book 3 I can see a cleverness in what’s going on. Macdonald’s faery stories are masterful but rather weird and it’s hard to feel close to characters who are consistently so Other. Some modern UF goes the other way and just wants the non-humans to be sexy hunks and doesn’t really seem to want the fey and the weird. By having so much “home chat” in Pet’s living room, and so much dialog (plus extended human-human scenes) it builds much stronger character relationships and this begins to pay off by book 3.
A minor disappointment: as one who used to live in Tasmania, and remembers the drive over the Southern Outlet well (though I never saw the castle), I would love to have seen more of our Hobart as a setting. Between Jobs could have been in any city. Between Shifts is more fun that way and began to open out, but Between Floors went back to being fairly placeless again.
Also 4 stars for a key plot development being a little too easy to spot.
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