Jeremiah “Jerry” Collins has never fit in. He’s always stood out. That’s exactly how he likes it.
Now, as the owner of his own business who is trying to branch out and become the go-to caterer for the rich and entitled in Southeastern Michigan, he’s got his nose to the grindstone and is focused on his job.
There’s just one little problem.
Aisling Grimlock, his best friend, is going through an existential crisis after a near-death experience. Her husband asks Jerry to take her with him, make sure she has fun, and keep her entertained. Jerry can’t say no, so that means his job is on the line. On top of that, Aisling is convinced the house they’re working in is haunted.
It’s a laugh a minute with mouthy best friends as they work to solve a mystery … and keep their actions a secret from a woman they’re convinced might be a murderer. It’s pretty much a standard weekend with the Grimlock family, complete with murder and mayhem. You won’t want to miss it.
This is a short story in the Aisling Grimlock world. It is set after Only the Lost in the Death Gate series.
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
4.5 Stars... This read was pure fun from start to finish... I loved having Jerry's voice as the primary focus, watching as he navigates the antics of Aisling and at times needing to lay out the truth for her to see... When a potential mystery unfolds that may involve Aisling's arch nemesis, the real laughs begin as well as a few theatrical moments filled with BIG personalities ... These two best friends are truly original and completely endearing; absolutely love them:)
You just knew by the title this one was going to be at least a laugh a page and it didn’t disappoint, Jerry’s short was seriously funny, I couldn’t put it down and Aisling was at her very best again by the end.
I enjoyed this quick read. I love the Grimlock family, the snark, sass, and sarcasm always has me laughing. It was fun to see the world through Jerry's eyes.
Major spoilers if you haven't read the Death Gate Grim Reaper series by the author (which I didn't know existed)
What I enjoyed: * Jerry's POV and more about his relationship with Aiden (although I would have liked more of them together) * Aisling seems to be growing a bit as a person
What could have been better: * My complaint for all these short stories is too much Aisling. She had a series that focused on her, I would like more on the rest of the family. * The major spoilers for a different spin off series
And I love it 😻 After following Jerry and Aisling’s codependent relationship throughout her series it was cute to get a novella from Jerry’s POV. He is such a drama queen and given all the snarky, sassy and bitchy dialogue between characters I could just eat up more books with Jerry as the mc. I mean, wouldn’t you just love a book following Jerry as the wedding nears and he melts down over everything? God, I love the Grimlock family 💕
As always I enjoyed this book very much. I love all of the Grimlock family. And Jerry has become one of my favorites. I love the banter back and forth between all of the siblings and the father. And I like the way that the relationships with the boys and their girlfriends has played out through the books. I call it a win if an author can make me laugh when reading one of their books. And this author always makes me laugh at least once!
I always like it when the Grimlock's are in a book because I know it will be an adventure with a lot of sarcasm and I love it. This book hits just right for a short afternoon read especially on a snowy day. Thanks for the escape.
Jerry shines and the Grimlock saga continues. A fun story in the time after the gate incident and before Aidan and Jerry’s wedding. Ghosts? Rats? Angelina? An enjoyable read.
The Grimlock's are my favourite Amanda M Lee family of all her series's and to enjoy a short tale from Jerry was a lovely addition to keep me going as I await the next Death Gate book. Jerry has more than enough snark to rightfully be a fully fledged family member and his love for his best friend, her husband and his fiance really show through here. Although I often feel sorry for poor Aidan having to live in both Jerry and Aisling's shadows this short gave me the opportunity to get more insight into their relationship and I realise that Aidan is more than happy to let Jerry let out his inner snark and yet is in no way beyond manipulating him to his benefit - go Aidan. This follows on from the exploits of Only The Lost and as well as focusing on Jerry's expanding business deals with the events from the book and the family's on going insecurities, especially where Aisling and Griffin are concerned and so Jerry steps in to help -despite his trepidation - Aisling have some fun away from her daughter and the rest of the family for a day. If course, wherever Aisling is, trouble is soon to follow, and so the adventures continue. This is a great story - the sarcasm and snark remind me of my own family who show love through insults too, so I always enjoy a good read. One of my usual bugbear's with Lee's books are slight inconsistencies and poor editing skills which can have me mildly irritated to pulling a Cormack with steam coming from my ears, but on my first read at least I certainly didn't notice any error, so good work there ... It may seem inconsequential, but I'm a stickler for proper written English and can get irritated with the lack of editing many self publishers possess. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it isn't easy getting everything on par, but good editing should always be employed. I have now read everyone of Lee's books (with the exception of the one whose release was announced only today and will be tomorrow's read) many more than once so I would like to think myself familiar with her work and can categorically say that she improves with every one. Thank you for your time and imagination. If you ever need an extra proof reader I'd be happy to oblige 😉
Now that the grimlocks series has come to a end. I’ll take anything this author dishes out above rut them. I love how aisling always manages a star role. Jerry is great wish aiden was a little more involved since the story was about his fiancée. I also would love a short about maya.
In love the Grimlock clan and their shenanigans and this short didn't disappoint. I recommend reading the entire series. This book was full of snark, humor and love. The family's dynamic is very entertaining. I enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I loved this short story and reading it from Jerry’s stance for a change. From the beginning you dived straight into his & Aisling’s shenanigans while Jerry runs a catering event. ❤️
I loved this short story and reading it from Jerry’s stance for a change. From the beginning you dived straight into his & Aisling’s shenanigans while Jerry runs a catering event. ❤️
Jerry's POV after the third Death Gate novel Aisling is finding it difficult to settle having been through the possibility of never being able to return to Lily, Griffin and her family. She's finding it hard to forgive herself for getting into a situation that was out of her control and for the devastation it would have caused her family.
Jerry is the only one who can cut through her feelings of guilt and get her back on the right track... it will take games night, a brawl or two with Angelina, some ghosts and the risk that she'll ruin his biggest catering opportunity to date but for "Bug" Jerry will try anything!!
An entertaining read. The plot - well there wasn't much of one and even the one there was wasn't answered. But in fairness it was a good catch up on the characters although I must admit that i can't wait to see how Lily changes things as she get older. Perhaps Jerry might even adopt a baby with magic. That would add another dimension to the books. Aisling is suffering not only for the baby blues but also from her time spent in the other dimension wondering if she'd make it back. Lily is picking it all up and being a very unhappy baby. Jerry is charged with getting Aisling to relax. A party has been organised and he gets Aisling to go with him and help with the catering. A missing pain, a secret passage and an Aisling that is more to her normal self. Mission accomplished!