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Cormac and Amelia
Dark Divide
In brand-new stories spun off from the New York Times Bestselling Kitty Norville series, dark mysteries push the bounds of sanity. Cormac Bennett, ex-con and former bounty hunter, is a paranormal investigator with an edge: his partner is the disembodied spirit of a Victorian wizard, Amelia Parker. Together, they solve problems no one else can.
They're asked to investigate a mysterious death in the Sierra Nevadas: a man died of hunger —in a cabin that was fully stocked with provisions. The kicker? The cabin is located near Donner Pass, the site of the gruesomely ill-fated Donner Party, where forty men, women, and children died of exposure and starvation. The event was made famous by reports of cannibalism among the survivors.
Is the Donner site haunted? Is some evil force rising again after a hundred fifty years to wreak destruction? Can Cormac and Amelia learn the truth without being caught in the web? Well, they can try...
They're asked to investigate a mysterious death in the Sierra Nevadas: a man died of hunger —in a cabin that was fully stocked with provisions. The kicker? The cabin is located near Donner Pass, the site of the gruesomely ill-fated Donner Party, where forty men, women, and children died of exposure and starvation. The event was made famous by reports of cannibalism among the survivors.
Is the Donner site haunted? Is some evil force rising again after a hundred fifty years to wreak destruction? Can Cormac and Amelia learn the truth without being caught in the web? Well, they can try...
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2019
106 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
281 books4,545 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 11, 2024
Cormac Bennett is an ex-con, an ex-bounty hunter, and now a paranormal investigator, and his spirit/ghost partner is Amelia Parker, a wizard from the Victorian era. Even though I haven't read any of the other books in this series, the story is still easy to follow, and there's enough information to allow the reader to figure out their relationship. Cormac and Amelia are hired to investigate the death of a ranger who died from starving, which was odd in itself since his cabin is filled with all varieties of food. The villain was pretty easy to guess, and there's a huge twist about the "who's" and the "what's" at the end. Overall: It's a short, interesting little mystery with a touch of magic and historical fiction. The writing was good, and the story ran along quickly and smoothly but I don't think the series will be on my "books I need to read more than I need to breathe" list.
November 4, 2019
The Kitty Norville books are one of my favorite series and a big part of that is due to Cormac. He definitely changed over the series, to the better for me. His unique relationship with Amelia makes me laugh. Somehow they are the same person, yet so different. So when I heard the author was writing shorts with Cormac and Amelia I knew I'd be reading these.
With this one you can see Cormac still struggling to find his place in the world, one where Amelia figures into things. Slowly but surly he is doing that and this job helped that along. I find it interesting that Cormac has a hard time accepting money for what he does now, when that wasn't the case in the past when he was a monster hunter.
The case Cormac and Amelia work on was interesting. If you live in the US you know the "big picture" version of what happened to the Donner's and how they all died, it's taught in school as kids, or at least it was when I was a kid. But all I remember is they all died in the end, but fought hard and resorted to cannibalism to try to survive. It seems like some remnant of the Donner's is back and killing people. As Cormac and Amelia investigate they find out things are simple, but getting rid of the threat has them encountering something neither of them ever thought. You could tell the awe and fear as Cormac recounted the story to Kitty and Ben.
I can't wait to read Cormac and Amelia's next adventure!
With this one you can see Cormac still struggling to find his place in the world, one where Amelia figures into things. Slowly but surly he is doing that and this job helped that along. I find it interesting that Cormac has a hard time accepting money for what he does now, when that wasn't the case in the past when he was a monster hunter.
The case Cormac and Amelia work on was interesting. If you live in the US you know the "big picture" version of what happened to the Donner's and how they all died, it's taught in school as kids, or at least it was when I was a kid. But all I remember is they all died in the end, but fought hard and resorted to cannibalism to try to survive. It seems like some remnant of the Donner's is back and killing people. As Cormac and Amelia investigate they find out things are simple, but getting rid of the threat has them encountering something neither of them ever thought. You could tell the awe and fear as Cormac recounted the story to Kitty and Ben.
I can't wait to read Cormac and Amelia's next adventure!
January 2, 2020
I have only read one short story by Carrie Vaughn. I know that she has written gazillion books, most notably The Kitty Norville series; but I feel like it takes too much of an effort to backtrack those books and start reading 14 titles!!
Luckily, this Kitty Norville spin-off novella, featuring Cormac Bennett, a paranormal investigator, and his spirit partner, Victorian wizard Amelia Parker, is EASY TO FOLLOW without my having to read those novels first. There's enough information so I can figure out their relationship.
This story is also quite straightforward. Cormac (and Amelia) is being hired to investigate a ranger who died by starving, when his cabin is FULL of foods. The big bad villain is easy to guess, but there's still a huge twist about what's (or who's) coming after: .
There's still another novella of Cormac and Amelia after this one, Badlands Witch, I think I'll check that one as well
Luckily, this Kitty Norville spin-off novella, featuring Cormac Bennett, a paranormal investigator, and his spirit partner, Victorian wizard Amelia Parker, is EASY TO FOLLOW without my having to read those novels first. There's enough information so I can figure out their relationship.
This story is also quite straightforward. Cormac (and Amelia) is being hired to investigate a ranger who died by starving, when his cabin is FULL of foods. The big bad villain is easy to guess, but there's still a huge twist about what's (or who's) coming after: .
There's still another novella of Cormac and Amelia after this one, Badlands Witch, I think I'll check that one as well
October 14, 2019
Loved visiting Cormac again and although there is another Cormac adventure next month it is not enough! I need this to be a regular thing :) Also really enjoyed that this adventure was tied into the Donner Party.
April 8, 2022
Short, interesting little mysteries. A whiff of magic, a touch of historical fiction.
File Under: Safe as Pie
File Under: Safe as Pie
December 4, 2021
Cormac and Amelia!
Recommend this series.
Recommend this series.
July 3, 2021
I've read all the Kitty books, so I'm familiar with Cormac Bennett. Even if you're not, though, these short stories seem to be standalone mostly. As a Kitty fan, though, I recommend going back and starting from the beginning to get the full story.
So, that being said, we join Cormac and his... internal consciousness (?) Amelia. They are working together, which is weird, but no weirder than other things in this world. Since he's a vanilla human with hunting/detective work experience and she is a wizard with no body, they balance each other's skills out and make a good "team" of private investigators. Through word of mouth, they end up with jobs, like the one in this short book.
Donner Pass is the setting of a mysterious starving incident with a local ranger. Even with all the tools to survive, he somehow perished, leading the surviving member of his team to reach out for some "unconventional" expertise in the form of Cormac and Amelia. I have to admit that I wasn't really sure what these Cormac/Amelia stories would entail - isn't he just talking in his own head the whole time? Well, let me correct my misassumption - this book is a great, quick read that acts as a paranormal detective story with some unique elements.
The mystery itself, which not earth shattering (or world ending, like other Kitty things), was still fun. It was interesting to meet all the locals in this area, hear about the quirks and weirdness, and watch Cormac become some of what he was when we originally met him (minus the guns). He and Amelia are a team I could definitely get behind.
So, that being said, we join Cormac and his... internal consciousness (?) Amelia. They are working together, which is weird, but no weirder than other things in this world. Since he's a vanilla human with hunting/detective work experience and she is a wizard with no body, they balance each other's skills out and make a good "team" of private investigators. Through word of mouth, they end up with jobs, like the one in this short book.
Donner Pass is the setting of a mysterious starving incident with a local ranger. Even with all the tools to survive, he somehow perished, leading the surviving member of his team to reach out for some "unconventional" expertise in the form of Cormac and Amelia. I have to admit that I wasn't really sure what these Cormac/Amelia stories would entail - isn't he just talking in his own head the whole time? Well, let me correct my misassumption - this book is a great, quick read that acts as a paranormal detective story with some unique elements.
The mystery itself, which not earth shattering (or world ending, like other Kitty things), was still fun. It was interesting to meet all the locals in this area, hear about the quirks and weirdness, and watch Cormac become some of what he was when we originally met him (minus the guns). He and Amelia are a team I could definitely get behind.
July 27, 2023
An interesting and unusual magical buddy, private investigator set-up that just barely misses the mark on being a new favorite series. If the plot premise interests you try the Penric and Desdemona novella series to see it done well.
Audiobooks that are one-shot reads are a bit expensive, even with the rising cost of paperbacks.
The narrator was excellent at keeping very different character voices distinct.
The magic system was too muddled and too often handwaved and broken for plot convenience.
My problems with both books are the same so one rating for both is appropriate.
1. A series opening book needs to include, not merely reference, the actual origin story, especially when the origin story is better than the series opener.
2. If your book is a series spin-off you need to include more of the original series than a very minor mention of the main characters.
3. Poorly written villains. No excuses. Bombshell, demon prison take-over in the orgin story may have set the bar too high.
Nuff said. I enjoyed the stories but not enough to re-read, and I'm on the fence about continuing the series (2 more books as of July 2023). Still annoyed that I can't find the original story to refresh my memory.
Audiobooks that are one-shot reads are a bit expensive, even with the rising cost of paperbacks.
The narrator was excellent at keeping very different character voices distinct.
The magic system was too muddled and too often handwaved and broken for plot convenience.
My problems with both books are the same so one rating for both is appropriate.
1. A series opening book needs to include, not merely reference, the actual origin story, especially when the origin story is better than the series opener.
2. If your book is a series spin-off you need to include more of the original series than a very minor mention of the main characters.
3. Poorly written villains. No excuses. Bombshell, demon prison take-over in the orgin story may have set the bar too high.
Nuff said. I enjoyed the stories but not enough to re-read, and I'm on the fence about continuing the series (2 more books as of July 2023). Still annoyed that I can't find the original story to refresh my memory.
January 30, 2025
Spooky and good. I have been a fan of Carrie Vaughn for quite a while after reading Kitty and the Midnight Hour almost ten years ago. She's a diverse author, diving into science fiction and dystopian future as well as all of the UF she writes.
Cormac is a tie-in, spinoff from the Kitty Norville series but could easily be on its own. It's not mandatory to read the Kitty Norville series but i highly recommend it.
Cormac is an investigator, word-of-mouth is how people find him. He heads to the location of the Donner Pass infamy. It's a very quick read, but the characters quickly fall into place as does the story.
What I like the most is the relationship that Cormac and Amelia have. She's the ghost/spirit who resides within Cormac and she helps him. I like the conversations and almost banter between the two of these serious-minded people.
It's very well done as I expected it to be and I can definitely recommend it.
Cormac is a tie-in, spinoff from the Kitty Norville series but could easily be on its own. It's not mandatory to read the Kitty Norville series but i highly recommend it.
Cormac is an investigator, word-of-mouth is how people find him. He heads to the location of the Donner Pass infamy. It's a very quick read, but the characters quickly fall into place as does the story.
What I like the most is the relationship that Cormac and Amelia have. She's the ghost/spirit who resides within Cormac and she helps him. I like the conversations and almost banter between the two of these serious-minded people.
It's very well done as I expected it to be and I can definitely recommend it.
January 19, 2024
I'm still not sure if this is the first book in a spin off series or not. There were so many mentions of past events that weren't explained, that I kept thinking I was in the second or third book in the series. I think this series would be better for fans of the Kitty Norville books.
Anyway, Cormac is an ex-con who now solves supernatural crimes with his sidekick Amelia. Amelia is a ghost who lives in Cormac's mind. She died during the Victorian era, so the contrast between them is interesting.
The culprit of the mystery is easy to guess, so it turned into a matter of why, how, and what next. The writing is good, the characters interesting, but the book needed a better foundation as a spin off.
Anyway, Cormac is an ex-con who now solves supernatural crimes with his sidekick Amelia. Amelia is a ghost who lives in Cormac's mind. She died during the Victorian era, so the contrast between them is interesting.
The culprit of the mystery is easy to guess, so it turned into a matter of why, how, and what next. The writing is good, the characters interesting, but the book needed a better foundation as a spin off.
Read
May 31, 2022I don't think there is any problem reading these stories out of order.
Cormac is a former bounty hunter who has had some trouble with the law. He fights supernatural problems. Amelia is the spirit of a Victorian era wizard who shares his body.
In this story they are called in to stop some evil that had caused someone to starve to death with food all around him — in the park where the Donner Party starved to death.
Cormac is a former bounty hunter who has had some trouble with the law. He fights supernatural problems. Amelia is the spirit of a Victorian era wizard who shares his body.
In this story they are called in to stop some evil that had caused someone to starve to death with food all around him — in the park where the Donner Party starved to death.
February 5, 2020
3.5 stars. This is an entertaining urban fantasy featuring Cormac Bennett, ex-con and former bounty hunter, and his wizard/ghost Amelia Parker. They're investigating the mysterious starvation death of a park ranger at Donner Pass. Ticks all the the boxes of a good story. I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (Swords/Stars "book with magic") and my Hugo nominations - probably not on my ballot.
May 31, 2020
Plot: Ex bounty hunter and ride along ghost get called into investing mysterious death by starvation in the dinner party town.
1. So THIS is what I meant when I said I wanted a Cormac and Amelia story. It's a self contained mystery with creepy happenings and where the people involved don't know Cormac from before. Yay.
2. The starved to death plotline was deliciously creepy, bad pun absolutely intended.
3. Cormac and Amelia! Working together! Interacting and arguing and covering each other's blind spots. Perfect.
4. Cormac and Amelia, kissing in their dreamscape. I don't see why that should be a thing. //disgruntled
1. So THIS is what I meant when I said I wanted a Cormac and Amelia story. It's a self contained mystery with creepy happenings and where the people involved don't know Cormac from before. Yay.
2. The starved to death plotline was deliciously creepy, bad pun absolutely intended.
3. Cormac and Amelia! Working together! Interacting and arguing and covering each other's blind spots. Perfect.
4. Cormac and Amelia, kissing in their dreamscape. I don't see why that should be a thing. //disgruntled
March 20, 2020
Fame and Glory
This is, as to be expected from Ms. Vaughn, a very well crafted story. Fast-paced drama and action. I really enjoyed this entry and can't wait to get started on the next adventure that Cormac and Amelia have.
This is, as to be expected from Ms. Vaughn, a very well crafted story. Fast-paced drama and action. I really enjoyed this entry and can't wait to get started on the next adventure that Cormac and Amelia have.
July 10, 2020
Dark paranormal detective story
Since acquiring Amelia as a brain-mate, Cormac has changed a lot. This is a story on the way to figuring out who he wants to be now, and who they can be together. Plus cannibalism.
Since acquiring Amelia as a brain-mate, Cormac has changed a lot. This is a story on the way to figuring out who he wants to be now, and who they can be together. Plus cannibalism.
December 19, 2021
Love new this side bar to Kitty’s world
Most excellent read so much fun the mixing of the two main characters and looking forward to their continuing adventures it’s sure ain’t gonna be boring woo hoo bring it on
Most excellent read so much fun the mixing of the two main characters and looking forward to their continuing adventures it’s sure ain’t gonna be boring woo hoo bring it on
February 22, 2022
bad magic.
Corkscrew and Amelia ( his resident spirit) are starting a new business of hunting down magic. This adventure takes them to Donner pass and a meeting with Famine the 3rd horseman. Ben and Kitty make a brief appearance.
Corkscrew and Amelia ( his resident spirit) are starting a new business of hunting down magic. This adventure takes them to Donner pass and a meeting with Famine the 3rd horseman. Ben and Kitty make a brief appearance.
February 8, 2020
It was a fun read because I know Cormac and Amelia from the Kitty series. If you haven't read the Kitty series, it might be kind of bland.
April 1, 2020
Such a great story, I really enjoyed being in this world again, an interesting mystery and a great novella! Loved reading it!
April 13, 2020
I love the interaction of Cormac and Amelia! I hope we get many many more stories about and from them!!
May 9, 2020
Read during the covad quarantine. Enjoyable and perfect read for this time
May 21, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable. Great jour
Thoroughly enjoyable. Great stories....✌🏾
Thoroughly enjoyable. Great stories....✌🏾
August 5, 2020
Really enjoyed both stories and liked the narrator. I'm hoping there'll be more in the series.
September 4, 2020
3.5 stars rounding up
October 22, 2020
Two short stories in one! Lots of action and drama keeping me guessing whats going to happen next!
It was ok but not what i thought it was going to be!
It was ok but not what i thought it was going to be!
January 20, 2021
I love the relationship dynamics.
February 5, 2021
Really like the team of Cormic and Amelia this is a short that shows their life as the live in the same space
October 7, 2021
Cormac and Amelia head to the Donner Pass to investigate a strange death. People are being found starved.
Kitty, Ben, and baby Jon make an appearance at the end.
Kitty, Ben, and baby Jon make an appearance at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
Magic
I'm so excited to read into this world again. Cormac and Amelia are such an odd pair for characters. I love how they work together.
I'm so excited to read into this world again. Cormac and Amelia are such an odd pair for characters. I love how they work together.
January 1, 2022
Dark Divide
I love Kitty and by extension Cormac and Amelia. This story was no exception, though there wasn’t a lot of action, I still wanted to keep reading.
I love Kitty and by extension Cormac and Amelia. This story was no exception, though there wasn’t a lot of action, I still wanted to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews