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The Journals of Octavia Hollows #2
Dead Man's Hand
With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.Las Vegas, Sin City When Octavia visits her old boss to get a few questions answered, she stumbles onto yet another mystery. This time in the form of a charred body and a huge stack of cash. Thinking she is doing a good deed, she wakes the victim to help him seek justice for his death. Instead, she finds herself on the run from a mob hitman, and tempted by a malevolent entity offering her heart’s desire. Is the promise of a wish granted more alluring than the hunt of truth?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2019
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 1, 2024
Dead Man’s Hand by Stacey Rourke
The Journals of Octavia Hollows series #2. Paranormal cozy mystery. Best read in series order.
Octavia Hollows is a necromancer on call. With the touch of her hand, she can restore life. When the man she loved died and she was t able to save him, she decided to retrace the path for answers.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, Octavia visits her old boss to ask if anyone came around asking questions about her. She also finds a charred body with a huge stack of cash. Thinking someone that won that much money would be happy to seek Justice for his death, Octavia brings the corpse to life but finds out the man is an addict and doesn’t gamble. Octavia finds herself fighting a malevolent entity with the witches still warning her about her life powers.
More snark, more evil, more pet pig distractions. Is she learning anything yet that can help her get answers?
Crazy hilarity with monsters.
The Journals of Octavia Hollows series #2. Paranormal cozy mystery. Best read in series order.
Octavia Hollows is a necromancer on call. With the touch of her hand, she can restore life. When the man she loved died and she was t able to save him, she decided to retrace the path for answers.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, Octavia visits her old boss to ask if anyone came around asking questions about her. She also finds a charred body with a huge stack of cash. Thinking someone that won that much money would be happy to seek Justice for his death, Octavia brings the corpse to life but finds out the man is an addict and doesn’t gamble. Octavia finds herself fighting a malevolent entity with the witches still warning her about her life powers.
More snark, more evil, more pet pig distractions. Is she learning anything yet that can help her get answers?
Crazy hilarity with monsters.
October 22, 2019
This one was shorter than book one, Wake The Dead.
Book two sees Octavia head to Las Vegas where she plunges head first into another supernatural mystery that was less creepy than book one but funnier with a range of whacky and entertaining characters.
It stirs up plenty of questions but doesn't provide any answers as to what happened to Elba yet... I guess on to book three we go!
Book two sees Octavia head to Las Vegas where she plunges head first into another supernatural mystery that was less creepy than book one but funnier with a range of whacky and entertaining characters.
It stirs up plenty of questions but doesn't provide any answers as to what happened to Elba yet... I guess on to book three we go!
July 30, 2024
Octavia and her piggy, Bacon are visiting Vegas on Octavia's continued quest for info on Able. Unfortunately, she doesn't discover anything new about her late fiance, she does help find a burned-up corpse or two. Unable to walk away from those in need, she's back to the morgue pretending to be a distraught pregnant woman. Bacon helps make that an easier info-finding task. In her zeal to find the bad guy, the bad guy finds her. Nothing is ever dull around Octavia.
I couldn't stop listening. The more I listen, the more I get invested. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I couldn't stop listening. The more I listen, the more I get invested. I can't wait to read more of this series. I loved the guy running around the city inviting people to the toga party.
I couldn't stop listening. The more I listen, the more I get invested. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I couldn't stop listening. The more I listen, the more I get invested. I can't wait to read more of this series. I loved the guy running around the city inviting people to the toga party.
November 26, 2019
The second story sees Octavia retrace her steps to Las Vegas where she's hoping her old boss might have some answers for her about the man who is stalking her. We get to see Bacon cause chaos on a construction site before Octavia gets herself caught up in a new supernatural case after she reanimates an ex gambler who was burned alive. She's trying to stay under the radar of her Coven, dodge the police and a mob hitman while trying to figure out who is behind the murders so it's probably no surprise that things get a little crazy.
I'm really enjoying getting to know Octavia, she may be on a mission but that never stops her from trying to help others along the way.
I'm really enjoying getting to know Octavia, she may be on a mission but that never stops her from trying to help others along the way.
October 8, 2020
Ok, I'm going to be honest, I started book 1 as a joke because of the Facebook ad that popped for me. But these are surprisingly really good. The only downfall is that they are shorter than I would like. But at the same time, she's kind of cutting the BS out of these types of stories ans just keeping a streamline story.
I love Octavia and Bacon 🥰
I love Octavia and Bacon 🥰
May 8, 2024
Another adventure filled with banter, fun, bacon cuteness...and also blow up dolls with clown mask, pumpkin pie, paper eating addiction, and a cold case that haunts Octavia.
There is more to her than her wit and ability to solve crimes.
The audio was better this time, but I did play it at 1.2 rate. That helps. And she does some great voices.
3.9 stars
There is more to her than her wit and ability to solve crimes.
The audio was better this time, but I did play it at 1.2 rate. That helps. And she does some great voices.
3.9 stars
August 26, 2024
This series is so much fun! Octavia is a fascinating character with very interesting paranormal powers. Bacon is a delight! The predicaments that Octavia and Bacon get into are crazy. The plot and action are fast paced. I found the book to have a great balance of humor and real life danger. I can't wait to read more!
July 19, 2024
Yep, loving this series. This novella has a similar feel to the first. Octavia remains snarky and her brought-back-from-dead ally is just as much as a hoot as the one in the first book. Bacon the swinekick is entertaining as always.
This book has a theme of watching what you wish for as well as a reminder that things that seem too good to be true often aren’t true!
This book has a theme of watching what you wish for as well as a reminder that things that seem too good to be true often aren’t true!
September 25, 2019
Welcome to the world of Octavia Hallows, a spunky woman with a motorcycle, pink hair and a pet pig. Yes, you read that right, pet pig. Oh, did I forget to mention that Octavia is a necromancer and saved her pet pig, Bacon, from being turned into, well, bacon. We follow our young heroine (but please don’t call her that to her face) as she arrives in Las Vegas Nevada to meet up with an old boss, Big Mike. Octavia is still on her journey to find the body and spirit of her lost love Elba, but we’ll get back to that later on.
Upon arriving at the construction site where Big Mike works, three things happen instantly. One, Big Mike tries to put her back to work even though she no longer works for him. Two Bacon is put in the ‘puppy day-care’ tent, where Big Mike’s employees support animals live and of course hilarity and chaos ensue. And third, as always seems to happen with our girl, a body is found.
Octavia reanimates this corpse and finds out his name was Nate and they all adventure together to try and find the killer and stop other people from being killed. As it is with all creative books the killer is never who you think it is. The culprit in this book? Marv the toilet paper eating addict. Now hang on there is more to Marv than meets the eye. He may look like someone who eats toilet paper but in fact he is a genie who grants wishes to those who are addicted to things. Octavia is able to defeat Marv, by wishing that he was free of the genie curse, and offers to pay for an Uber so he can stay somewhere safe, and fight his now very real toilet paper eating addiction.
This paranormal romance is full of fun, giggles and shocks that keep you wanting to read more. Stacey has once again created a world that you just want to dive into headfirst because you know there will be a soft cuddly pig for you to land on.
Can't wait for more.
Upon arriving at the construction site where Big Mike works, three things happen instantly. One, Big Mike tries to put her back to work even though she no longer works for him. Two Bacon is put in the ‘puppy day-care’ tent, where Big Mike’s employees support animals live and of course hilarity and chaos ensue. And third, as always seems to happen with our girl, a body is found.
Octavia reanimates this corpse and finds out his name was Nate and they all adventure together to try and find the killer and stop other people from being killed. As it is with all creative books the killer is never who you think it is. The culprit in this book? Marv the toilet paper eating addict. Now hang on there is more to Marv than meets the eye. He may look like someone who eats toilet paper but in fact he is a genie who grants wishes to those who are addicted to things. Octavia is able to defeat Marv, by wishing that he was free of the genie curse, and offers to pay for an Uber so he can stay somewhere safe, and fight his now very real toilet paper eating addiction.
This paranormal romance is full of fun, giggles and shocks that keep you wanting to read more. Stacey has once again created a world that you just want to dive into headfirst because you know there will be a soft cuddly pig for you to land on.
Can't wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
I attributed a lot of the shallowness of the first book to its very limited page count and the general need to compress as first books usually do but this one kind of shows the true colors, which are the same colors to be clear.
But there are much fewer other reasons to attribute the general shallowness to in this one.
Despite having many more opportunities to explore ideas or tropes in a meaningful way the author chose to instead go with the most clichéed and insubstantial versions of its tropes.
The point where I had enough was when the book descended into tasteless mockery, reducing addiction to mere caricature. I am not sensitive to the topic of addiction in particular. It's just the general casual belittling of the complexity of struggles some humans go through by using these crude and mean stereotypes.
This already happened in the first one a little bit but there the person was at least part of it through her own self-deprecating humor which didn't feel so arrogant and vicious.
This all sounds like I got my poor sensitive feelings hurt but that is really not it. I am on board with some of the darkest humor and most brutal roasts. The difference is that in good versions of this, you actually put your finger on a very painful, real issue. And putting it in the open is usually a good idea even if it hurts. But this just feels derogatory in a "haha look how much worse people they are" kind of way that is not even clever in any way.
That is probably enough with the justifications. I don't want to dig my hole even deeper.
It's not really about this one detail. If that was the exception I probably would just look past it. But the entire novel is written kind of in this shallow way and I am just not enjoying it.
But there are much fewer other reasons to attribute the general shallowness to in this one.
Despite having many more opportunities to explore ideas or tropes in a meaningful way the author chose to instead go with the most clichéed and insubstantial versions of its tropes.
The point where I had enough was when the book descended into tasteless mockery, reducing addiction to mere caricature. I am not sensitive to the topic of addiction in particular. It's just the general casual belittling of the complexity of struggles some humans go through by using these crude and mean stereotypes.
This already happened in the first one a little bit but there the person was at least part of it through her own self-deprecating humor which didn't feel so arrogant and vicious.
This all sounds like I got my poor sensitive feelings hurt but that is really not it. I am on board with some of the darkest humor and most brutal roasts. The difference is that in good versions of this, you actually put your finger on a very painful, real issue. And putting it in the open is usually a good idea even if it hurts. But this just feels derogatory in a "haha look how much worse people they are" kind of way that is not even clever in any way.
That is probably enough with the justifications. I don't want to dig my hole even deeper.
It's not really about this one detail. If that was the exception I probably would just look past it. But the entire novel is written kind of in this shallow way and I am just not enjoying it.
March 30, 2019
Another great story in the long line of amazing books from Stacy Rourke. She never fails to make you laugh and even cry all at the same time. This was no different. Bacon is my ultimate favorite sidekick, mini aviator wearing hog that you just have to love and Octavia, well, she’s just a bad ass biotch that has a softer side she tries not to show.
This book Is a great quick read. Octavia is still roaming the countries trying to find out what happened to her love Elba and happens upon a fried up guy she just needs to know what happened to. Knowing Octavia she resurrects him in Octavia like fashion, and the antics go on from there. It’s hard to go on, as to not mention any spoilers, but I loved this book. I love Octavia’s spirit. I was right there with her as she jumped on her bike speeding away from bullets flying in the air. I was captivated at the end of her last moments with Nate. Stacey Rourke brings all of herself in her books and Octavia is probably one of her best characters yet. Highly recommend this series. Love, love, love it.. Cant wait for more.
This book Is a great quick read. Octavia is still roaming the countries trying to find out what happened to her love Elba and happens upon a fried up guy she just needs to know what happened to. Knowing Octavia she resurrects him in Octavia like fashion, and the antics go on from there. It’s hard to go on, as to not mention any spoilers, but I loved this book. I love Octavia’s spirit. I was right there with her as she jumped on her bike speeding away from bullets flying in the air. I was captivated at the end of her last moments with Nate. Stacey Rourke brings all of herself in her books and Octavia is probably one of her best characters yet. Highly recommend this series. Love, love, love it.. Cant wait for more.
March 4, 2021
Though I liked this story and it was another fun journey to go along with Octavia Hollow, however it just didn't fully quite hit the spot like the first book. Dead Man's Hand is shorter than Wake the Dead meaning things moved fast, probably a little too fast.
One minute she arrives to Las Vegas and asks her former boss if anyone came looking for her than the next they find a dead body on site. For some reason she brings him back to life to figure out who killed him. Why she took it upon herself is beyond me, I don't remember the crime scene screaming it was a supernaturals doing and no one asked for her help like in the first book. Maybe I missed something but I honestly think there could have been more detail on why she decided to intervene like that.
Overall I enjoyed this quick read and I'm excited to figure out who's following her, happy that the end brought it back around to the real reason why she went to Vegas though I do feel like it cut off short. Also, it wasn't hard to figure out who was behind all of it. But it was a fun, action packed ride all the same.
One minute she arrives to Las Vegas and asks her former boss if anyone came looking for her than the next they find a dead body on site. For some reason she brings him back to life to figure out who killed him. Why she took it upon herself is beyond me, I don't remember the crime scene screaming it was a supernaturals doing and no one asked for her help like in the first book. Maybe I missed something but I honestly think there could have been more detail on why she decided to intervene like that.
Overall I enjoyed this quick read and I'm excited to figure out who's following her, happy that the end brought it back around to the real reason why she went to Vegas though I do feel like it cut off short. Also, it wasn't hard to figure out who was behind all of it. But it was a fun, action packed ride all the same.
March 5, 2019
Dead Man's Hand is the second installment in the Journals of Octavia Hollows serial series. This time we find Octavia heading to Las Vegas to find answers from her old boss. While there, she manages to find herself entangled in yet another mystery that begins with a charred, very dead crispy critter. She uses her special necromancy juju to try to help the guy out. This leads her down a winding path to the seedy underbelly of Vegas in the form of mob enforcers and addicts of all flavors. During this adventure, Octavia is tempted with an opportunity to get what she desires. In the end, can Octavia make the right choice and uses her powers for good? Of course, she has her trusty sidekick Bacon who Ms. Rourke continues to develop as a character. The pet-owner relationship between Octavia and Bacon is just precious. They clearly have a very special, unique bond. Very interested to see where Octavia and Bacon's adventures take them next.
March 6, 2019
I cannot get over how funny these books are. Stacey Rourke is able to have you laughing one minute and then feel overly emotional for the characters the next second. The quick, witty interactions between the characters is the best! Octavia is on to her next mission, while also trying to discover more about her fiance's death and body disappearance, with her trusty pig sidekick Bacon in Dead Man's Hand. What could possibly go wrong, right? Well, danger has a way of finding its way to Octavia and she now has to save a bunch of addicts (of various addictions) from strange deaths. Strap in for a wild and hilarious ride in book 2 of the The Journals of Octavia Hollows series! I can't wait for book 3!
March 7, 2019
Octavia and Bacon are back in Dead Mans Hand. This book was full of the snarky, badass Octavia we've come to love. This time Octavia returns to Vegas and discovers bodies burned from the inside out. This book has alot of funny moments. Be warned she picks on millenials but it's such an accurate representation! As someone who is technically one I approve of the jokes! Bacon causes some mayham (small pig joke here) with some dogs and it had me cracking up. While this one had alot of funny moments it actually has some very serious ones. The ending of this book was so bitter sweet and was probably one of my favorite parts. I lost sleep finishing this one because it was such a great read. Cannot wait for more!
March 28, 2019
Ms. Rourke has done it yet again, Book 2 of the Journals of Octavia Hollows has all the feels. This segment of Octavia’s journey made me lol, was full of necromancer snark, Bacon antics not limited to pig-cardio and then it truly gutted me. Ms. Rourke had me in tears with this book as we saw a new softer side of Octavia while she was facing off with the Jinn. The storyline is never predictable, always entertaining and keeps you wanting more. As her search for Elba’s murderer continues you get a peek into her past and her complex emotions as she is still struggling with that loss. This is a must read and I cannot wait for the next book!
March 29, 2019
WOW....What another amazing journey for Octavia and Bacon!!
The characters were awesome! I am in love with Octavia and her wittiness. I loved the new characters that Octavia meets in this book. And of course, we can't forget Bacon!! He is the real star that shines bright within the pages of this book!! Bacon makes the story so much fun to read because he has his own personality to add to the story!!
The story-line was remarkable! It was such a spectacular ride full of mystery, suspense, sadness and humor. Rourke brought to life a story that filled my heart with joy and I highly recommend it.
The characters were awesome! I am in love with Octavia and her wittiness. I loved the new characters that Octavia meets in this book. And of course, we can't forget Bacon!! He is the real star that shines bright within the pages of this book!! Bacon makes the story so much fun to read because he has his own personality to add to the story!!
The story-line was remarkable! It was such a spectacular ride full of mystery, suspense, sadness and humor. Rourke brought to life a story that filled my heart with joy and I highly recommend it.
December 25, 2023
Octavia and Bacon are continuing their journey across country trying to find out information about her boyfriend Elba. Now in Las Vegas Octavia comes across a burned body in a vehicle on a construction site. She brings victim Nate (a gambling addict) back to life and together they search for the person killing addicts. Before leaving Las Vegas Octavia finds out she is being stalked by a man who seems to have a connection to her past. I am absolutely hooked on this series. I love Octavia’s snark and of course Bacon!
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author. Stacey Rourke does a fantastic job on the narration.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author. Stacey Rourke does a fantastic job on the narration.
February 27, 2019
Octavia and Bacon are adventuring again. This time she comes across a tricky situation; corpses burned from the inside out. She’s still on the hunt for her boyfriend’s body, but this mystery has to be solved before someone else dies.
I wish I could read this one again for the first time…. You’ll get it when you read the book! Lol
But seriously, It seems like every story in this series gets more exciting! Bacon is adorable in his little pig carrier and Octavia is meeting more new people and solving yet another mystery. I look forward to their future adventures!
4 stars for Head Man’s Hand!
I wish I could read this one again for the first time…. You’ll get it when you read the book! Lol
But seriously, It seems like every story in this series gets more exciting! Bacon is adorable in his little pig carrier and Octavia is meeting more new people and solving yet another mystery. I look forward to their future adventures!
4 stars for Head Man’s Hand!
April 11, 2019
I was eager to see what trouble Octavia and Bacon would get into in this second installment in the series.
The action (and of course, humor) started at the first chapter and pulled me right into the story.
I love how Rourke infuses humor and snark into this series. Octavia is such a larger than life character and her adventures keep me turning page after page. I really enjoyed all of her interactions in this one and can't wait to see where the road ahead leads. Bring on the next book in the series!
The action (and of course, humor) started at the first chapter and pulled me right into the story.
I love how Rourke infuses humor and snark into this series. Octavia is such a larger than life character and her adventures keep me turning page after page. I really enjoyed all of her interactions in this one and can't wait to see where the road ahead leads. Bring on the next book in the series!
February 24, 2019
This one hit the emotional mother load. I think this is my favorite so far, of course I'll probably say that after each one as the series progresses. For a short read it sure gives you all you could ask for. The snark and antics are in full supply, while the characters we meet and the trouble that's to be had, keep us on our toes and put us through emotions a plenty. To say I love Octavia and Bacon is an understatement. Keep em coming Miss Rourke!
March 29, 2019
I love what the author is doing with this series of novellas, the characters are compelling and the stories are funny, and entertaining! The random things that keep popping up on her adventure to find answers keeps Octavia Hollows busy, that's for sure. This story is no different, waking a man that died by fire is short of a miracle - but the story that follows about his life and what happened to him, you just have to read it to believe it! A very short, entertaining read!
July 25, 2019
It's bacon, B****!
I seriously love me some Octavia Hollows! And i love me some bacon as well. There is never a moment where these novels don't extract an emotion. Honestly, most of the time its humor but in moments you'll find yourself buried so deep in the emotions of the character. That's a mark of a true writer. To elicit so much from so little is a true gift that you have Stacey!
I seriously love me some Octavia Hollows! And i love me some bacon as well. There is never a moment where these novels don't extract an emotion. Honestly, most of the time its humor but in moments you'll find yourself buried so deep in the emotions of the character. That's a mark of a true writer. To elicit so much from so little is a true gift that you have Stacey!
October 22, 2019
Octavia Hollows gets herself into the trickiest situations. I love how much fun the author has with her, while still giving the reader an intriguing mystery to solve. The series has had a serious Buffy, The Vampire Slayer vibe, but without the vampires. It's quick, witty, entertaining, and leading up to something big. The romance is mainly off the page, but strongly felt, as she searches for clues. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
December 1, 2019
Octavia can raise the dead but was unable to save the man she loved so our sassy necromancer sets out on a journey looking for answers, what she finds here though is a supernatural being that is turning people into crispy critters and a hitman for the mob!
I’m loving the combination of sassy humour and mystery.
My favourite line ... “All their attention was focused on my favourite little pork rind”
I’m loving the combination of sassy humour and mystery.
My favourite line ... “All their attention was focused on my favourite little pork rind”
January 30, 2020
I'm giving this book a 3.5 because I alternated between liking this book and not sure if I liked it. Octavia is kick ass! I love her self talk. I like that she wants to do what's right and good. I love who has blue painted hoofs. What I found confusing was the actual point of the story, other knowing someone is following her and asking questions. I'm going to keep reading but I hope they next stories peek my interest.
January 25, 2024
Octavia has travelled to Vegas to visit with her old boss Mike. She learns that the man with the Maine Black Bear hat had been by to ask Mike about Octavia’s whereabouts. Mike warns her that he felt something was very off with the guy and she should avoid him. In Vegas finds that a Jinn is killing people with addictions. Octavia needs to reanimate another body to find out what is going on and this brings Dina back. Another great read! Looking forward to where Octavia goes next.
March 10, 2019
Quick, fast paced read. Very enjoyable. Octavia and Bacon are something else. I found myself laughing out loud a few times, gaining myself some weird looks from the family, but oh well! Octavia is not much closer to finding the answers she is looking for, we did get another clue though! I can't wait for more.
March 17, 2019
This second installment was better than the first. Had some laugh out loud moments like when Octavia referred to Bacon as her husband as well as Jonah with his very Indocin with women attitude. Nate telling her she's on his nuts was hilarious. My heart hurt for Nate and later Octavia the ending was better sweet and I wanted to hug first Nate then Octavia. I cannot wait for the next installment. So good!
March 28, 2019
All the feels!! Octavia is a riot. I could read, and reread, about her adventures nonstop. This go round we find Octavia in Las Vegas, NV. What could go wrong in the city of sin for a necromancer, right? A charred body, a stack of cash, and a chance to have all of her dreams fulfilled. Will she find the answers she's looking for, or will she jump at an opportunity to have anything she could wish for? Read for yourself to find out!
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