Caught Dead

The Journals of Octavia Hollows #3

by Stacey Rourke

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.

Galveston, Texas

In the beautiful beachfront town, Octavia stumbles upon a mutilated body caught in a fishing yet. Unfortunately, even her necromancing abilities can’t get this traumatized corpse to talk. Out of options, she thrusts herself into undercover work on the high seas in search of the killer. When startling truths about her parents are revealed, Octavia finds herself on the cusp of solving her greatest mystery of all.

Can answers about her own heritage sink Octavia’s voyage to save her true love?

If you like snarky humor, fantastical monsters, and farm-animal sidekicks, The Journals of Octavia Hollows are the paranormal cozy mystery novellas you've been waiting for!

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Audiobook, Paranormal

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2019

Reviews

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously?!?!?!?!?! This story literally hurts my heart!!!

The characters were awesome!! I still love Octavia and her side kick, Bacon!! Poor Octavia is having it rough again, but only a bit rougher than usual. My heart goes out to her. I also love that we get to know a bit more of Octavia's background in this story too. Though, I am still hungry to know more about Octavia and where she comes from.

The story-line is unforgettable. Rourke has made it clear that we can fall in love with her characters, but be warned, she will kill them off too!! No ands, if's or buts about it. The story is truly addicting and fast paced with Rourke's style of sass built into the pages. We have also once again been left dangling like a worm on a hook with the shocking cliffhanger as well. I totally NEED more and I will be impatiently waiting for the next story. I highly recommend this read.

Well played, Rourke, well played.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next stop of Octavia's journey sees her in Galveston, Texas. She's still searching for Elba's body but at the same time she's also trying to find out more about the mysterious stalker who seems to be shadowing her every move. While here she witnesses a body being recovered from a fishing net but he's too far gone even for her magic abilities. Unable to ask the victim directly about his murder she has to do a bit more digging on her own here and soon gets caught up in a tale of sea monsters.

This story gives us a lot more information about Octavia's past as she uncovers things about herself and her family that she'd never heard of before. She was an orphan before the Coven took her in but this gives her a chance to find out about the parents she doesn't even remember. It ends on quite a cliffhanger so I was really pleased that I had the entire series on hand ready to continue!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to give an honest review.



I don't feel this book fully lived up to the hype I was putting on it. In the other two books there seemed to be more in depth mysteries and more of a battle with things. In this one I felt that it lacked, which I can see that maybe the author is building us up for an amazing next book. When the book started I can honestly say that I was a bit confused and I had to reread it as I thought I was missing something. Then it made sense that Octavia was back at another place she had been at before to still find answers it just didn't come right out and say it lol. The ending was one of those that I was like ARE YOU SERIOUS!! Though I wasn't mad at all just wanting more.

I did enjoy how Octavia gets more information as to her background and who and what she might truly be. It is hard to really write a more in depth review as the book is a novella and I would be giving a lot away. Just join in and start reading about Bacon and Octavia.

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Argh! This one hurt my heart a little bit AND it ended on a cliffhanger!
We get some answers as to what Octavia is and how she can do the things she does but the Elba mystery remains exactly that: a mystery!

I feel like the series has slowly been building - like the climb on a rollercoaster - and Caught Dead is the moment when you hit the top and are breathless waiting for the plunge! I have a feeling the answers are going to start coming at us thick and fast now and I can't wait!

Onto the next one!

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short little story that highlights Octavia learning some about what she is. I enjoyed the story of the dead body that led her to meeting the unsavory person who would enlighten her. This novella blends into the next one but the split was made to separate the case in this story from the adventure in the next one.

[Stacy Spoonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official. Stacey Rourke is a big meanie who loves to make me cry!! There is so much going on in this book that it took me awhile to process everything. There are major reveals about Octavia, shocking and unexpected events, a suggestion involving a fish bowl and duct tape, and most importantly, Bacon!! I love that pig. My cats are seriously annoyed that I keep asking them if they would like a piggy sibling. The answer is an overwhelming no. This series keeps getting better and better. I have no clue where Stacey Rourke is going to take these characters next and I love it. No one wants a predictable series. Octavia is quickly moving up the ranks of my all time favorite characters, which already includes two other characters created by Stacey Rourke. Every new installment leaves me more blown away than the last. This is such a fun series to read and hands down one of the best I have read in awhile. So if you love characters that are equal parts sass and snark, get this book today. You won't be disappointed.

[Dolorianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. I love how each of the lores and legends are brought into an overall story arc. The author keeps enough so that they are still recognizable, but puts her own original spin, which allows readers to still be surprised. This one felt like it had a split focus because the being causing all the havoc holds important information to Octavia's identity. There's been a hint from the beginning that there is more to her than she knows, I didn't really think we'd get anything concrete since she didn't know anything about her biological parents, and her former foster mother/coven did not seem to know anything either. She was able to sort out the local issues relatively quickly, with the same wit and creativity we've become accustomed to. When it comes to who she really is? The ending was unexpected and a bit of a cliffhanger. Going straight to the next one.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caught Dead is the third installment in the Journals of Octavia Hollows series of novellas. Where the first two books had a focus on solving mysteries and fighting for the greater good, this one was really more about Octavia making some major discoveries about herself. Octavia didn't quite have the same level of snark, but this could have been because the author intended this to be a bit of a more serious story. Bacon fans are going to be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Never underestimate the bond between a girl and her piggy sidekick. Major twists build up to a cliffhanger ending. Can't wait til the next installment.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia has gone to Galveston, Texas to talk with her old boss Gustaf from Just Fish. He is not at all happy to see her since the last time she was there she ended up reanimating all the fish! She does find out that the man in the Maine Black Bear hat was there looking for her. She gets a call from Dina that the coven feels a very dark force headed her way and she needs to leave asap. Octavia had planned to leave in the morning until a dead body is found on the pier. She steps in to help and finds a sociopathic siren is causing trouble. Octavia wrecks her plans but ends up kidnapped along with Bacon and their new friend Squid Face.

[Paranormal Tendencies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia and Bacon are taking us on some exciting adventures! From restless ghosts, to Jinn and now Sirens! It seems Octavia gets deeper into trouble and her story is getting more and more mysterious. I love the characters she runs into and the weird friends she is making as the story progresses. Her newest squid friend is by far my favorite - after Bacon, of course. I am so excited to see what happens as her story unfolds!
Caught Dead gets and enthusiastic 5 stars! Please write faster! I need my bacon fix. :8)

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught Dead is the third installment in the journals of Octavia Hollows. Octavia never fails to follow her heart, and Bacon never fails to capture mine. In Caught Dead, we find Octavia in Texas trying to figure out the truth behind her fiancé's death. She finds out more about herself and we're left a little hanging at the end. We laugh with her, we cry with her, and we even do a little yelling while trying not to throw our Kindles across the room. I can't wait to see what Octavia gets into next!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun and humorous series. I was looking forward to reading more and seeing where things would take Octavia and Bacon next and what exactly they would encounter.
This book has to be my absolute favorite in the series so far. It had action, suspense, and of course more of Octavia's smart-allecky humor. Squid-face ranks right up there as one of the best parts of this book too. He was definitely not what I was expecting. Watching Octavia learn more about herself and her past was intense, but that ending?! I need the next book and now. This series rocks!

[Diane Ehlers · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Caught Dead, along with Octavia, we learn something new about her and it was a turn of events I didn't see coming. I'm excited to see how that'll play out in the rest of the series. Hopefully it'll help us get one step closer to finding out who's following her because once again we haven't learned anything new about him.

Overall another great story. How she found this body was shocking and had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what creature she'll be running into this time! Definitely more twist and turns than the previous book so I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Vegas to Galveston Octavia is at it again. Still looking for information on Alba, she finds dead bodies again. Technically, the first body was found by a sea captain, but Octavia was there when he was brought ashore. She was also there when the man's wife arrived with her arms covered in blood to confess to his murder. But was it murder? Octavia isn't sure. During her investigation clues to Octavia's identity arise and she makes another friend.

Cliff hanger. Luckily, you can read the next book in the series immediately. Phew...

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Octavia with her piggy friend are now on to a new adventure, which includes new creatures that are based in water. It's unfortunate Octavia can't swim! But that doesn't stop her from saving everyone she can. With just enough drive and humor, and a new watery friend, she might be able to do it! Especially now that she has some new information about her past and a part of who she is. I can't wait for book 4!

[Jennifer Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught Off-guard

I can’t say enough of how much I enjoy these novellas. In Caught Dead the story follows Octavia to Texas where we learn a little bit more about her heritage in a surprising turn of events. Her wit and sass are on point. AND BACON!! Bacon is the hilarious little swine we’ve all come to know and love. His antics are almost hero-worthy. We also meet a new friend who will hit you in the feels. This book leaves readers in a cliffhanger.

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Things I learned in Caught Dead:
1. Hell hath no fury like a caged Bacon
2. Bacon IS a Swine Warrior
3. Boner espionage is a thing!

Filled with the usual snark and humor that I love from Rourke, I, unfortunately, feel a bit let down with this one. This title is riddled with plot twists and cliffhangers and nothing was resolved. I get it but... Thankfully I can jump into the next book!

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another 3.5 review. While I felt it was slightly better then the Book 2, I feel that it's missing some of the great banter that was in the first couple of books I read. It is interesting that there is more of Octavia's past coming out and now a lot of unanswered questions. Octavia and Bacon still rock! And I love how she talks to him. I do believe he understands, lol. Again, I keep reading hoping that the story improve. I am curious about Octavia's background and keeps my interest.

[Jennifer Treviño · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better & better.
Each adventure we follow Octavia & Bacon on is more extreme & intense than the last! Rourke’s no newbie to siren tales, but she still managed a whole new take on the topic. And the new sidekick I never saw coming ended up capturing my whole heart. By the end I had tissues in hand, but this was well worth that emotional roller coaster. Can’t wait for the next release!!

[Niamh Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey never disappoints.
I have finished another adventure with Bacon and Octavia, and new team freak pal who shall remain nameless.
The twists and turns in this book kept me on my feet. I did not see that coming at all!
I look forward to reading the next book.


MORE BACON!
MORE SOEEEEYYYYYYY!!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is the stranger that appears to be stalking Octavia? A threat? Or someone that can help with the answers she seeks? Octavia’s search takes her to Texas, she’s immediately confronted with the finding of a dead man, when the mans wife admits to his murder because of his adultery it appears to be a cut and dried case!
Another fun and interesting read.

[Crystal Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Octavia, that being said this one felt a little off. I don't know. Not as much action as the others maybe. The ending sure lived up to the hype though. I can't wait for the next one! Learning more about her and her origins is intriguing.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some questions were answered more came up. All and all this was a good book. Bacon I love that pig I never thought I could fall in love with a pet character in a book but I have. This book made me tear up some when more answers were well answered. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved it Bacon was awesome with the way he tore a hole in a car and squid face why did that happen I can't wait to see how Octavia handles more truths about her past. I really enjoyed this part and cant wait for the next one.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

The stories just keep getting better. Learning new things about Octavia definitely keeps things interesting. Love reading about Octavia's adventures and can't wait for the next book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia and Bacon at it again. This series is so much fun and full of laughter. I am still hooked on the fact that her side kick is a PIG (Bacon) I mean how cute is that right? Each book is adventurous you never know what Octavia will get herself into..

[Kacey Ables · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sirens and pigs and necromancy oh my!

Talk about a surprise! Obviously we all knew some things about Octavia. Her lineage of witchcraft was a given. However the new update.....

Mind blown! And a big hurray for Bacon and Calamari! Although I’m really upset about Calamari!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was all over the place emotional with this book. Loved it even when I was mad lol. When certain situations happen and you get it but at the same time you don't agree. Also you know you need these things to happen to have the book flow for the rest of the story. But grrrr.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:
“I’m not really a fan of labels. But—if you need to put a title on it—I’m the chick who’s going to hand you your ass if you don’t let these people go.”

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You got a friend in me.

Octavia and Bacon are in Galveston, TX things seem to be going smoothly until she makes a new friend and learns a piece of her past.