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Tessa Randolph #1
Grim and Bear It
A grim first week on the job.
Tessa Randolph is feeling defeated. On the outs with her boyfriend and suddenly without a job, she's scrambling to pay the rent. She doesn’t exactly have the kind of life she wants.
Tessa needs a change.
And the ability to afford the wet food her cat Pepper thinks she deserves at every meal.
Against her better judgement but without another offer, Tessa takes a job from one of the scariest of bosses—her mother, who has a deadly sharp tongue.
And just like that, she learns that the life insurance agency at the edge of Mist River isn’t what it seems to be. Plus, Cheryl Randolph isn’t simply the sharp-tongued, overly critical mom Tessa thought she was. She’s a grim reaper. One of many people tasked with escorting souls into the afterlife.
And now Tessa is one too.
She wasn't expecting her life change to involve so much Death.
Tessa Randolph is feeling defeated. On the outs with her boyfriend and suddenly without a job, she's scrambling to pay the rent. She doesn’t exactly have the kind of life she wants.
Tessa needs a change.
And the ability to afford the wet food her cat Pepper thinks she deserves at every meal.
Against her better judgement but without another offer, Tessa takes a job from one of the scariest of bosses—her mother, who has a deadly sharp tongue.
And just like that, she learns that the life insurance agency at the edge of Mist River isn’t what it seems to be. Plus, Cheryl Randolph isn’t simply the sharp-tongued, overly critical mom Tessa thought she was. She’s a grim reaper. One of many people tasked with escorting souls into the afterlife.
And now Tessa is one too.
She wasn't expecting her life change to involve so much Death.
- GenresParanormal
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
151 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 20, 2021
This was a quick little mystery with a reaper spin to it. It was really enjoyable and the mystery worked really well into the plot line.
March 28, 2021
Since I tend to write long reviews, there is a short and a long version. The long version may contain spoilers and is hidden under a spoiler tag.
Short Version: This is a short and fast read. It contains a plot device found in many paranormal cozies that I don't like, the emotionally abusive parent/relative. Tessa is an OK character. I just didn't like her enough to continue reading this series. The author did a good job on this mystery, I didn't guess the bad guy or why they did it till almost the end.
Long Version:
Short Version: This is a short and fast read. It contains a plot device found in many paranormal cozies that I don't like, the emotionally abusive parent/relative. Tessa is an OK character. I just didn't like her enough to continue reading this series. The author did a good job on this mystery, I didn't guess the bad guy or why they did it till almost the end.
Long Version:
November 15, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I love the idea of a grim reaper solving murders. What a novel idea and very quirky! The best thing is, it worked as a mystery and I found it amusing and entertaining. The characters were great, especially the mother daughter relationship and I think it is a great start to a new series that is only going to get better as the series unfolds and develops. It was also fun the way the main character tries to help the lost soul mend his relationship with his son without letting on about her secret. With an on the ball love interest being able to read her tells I don't think it will be a secret for long. The mystery was good and with plenty of red herrings it certain keeps you guessing. Looking forward to the next book.
After losing her job and boy friend, Tessa only has one option if she and her cat don't want to get kicked out of her apartment. And that is to work for her bossy mother. The only problem is, the job she is offering isn't the normal sort of job. It is escorting newly departed soul on to the next world, as the grim reaper. Working for your mother what could go wrong? Everything! Especially as Tessa's car breaks down causing her to be late for her first job. When she arrives she finds the body of her neighbour but no soul that needs help. It appears the neighbour was murdered and now he isn't ready to move on until he has completed his task. Tessa doesn't get paid until she delivers his soul to the correct place, so she sets got to find his killer and in the process find his soul all before her next rent payment is due.
I have listened to a few books read by Angel Clark and have found them all to be as entertaining as the book she reads. I hope she sticks with any future books to come in this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
After losing her job and boy friend, Tessa only has one option if she and her cat don't want to get kicked out of her apartment. And that is to work for her bossy mother. The only problem is, the job she is offering isn't the normal sort of job. It is escorting newly departed soul on to the next world, as the grim reaper. Working for your mother what could go wrong? Everything! Especially as Tessa's car breaks down causing her to be late for her first job. When she arrives she finds the body of her neighbour but no soul that needs help. It appears the neighbour was murdered and now he isn't ready to move on until he has completed his task. Tessa doesn't get paid until she delivers his soul to the correct place, so she sets got to find his killer and in the process find his soul all before her next rent payment is due.
I have listened to a few books read by Angel Clark and have found them all to be as entertaining as the book she reads. I hope she sticks with any future books to come in this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 3, 2020
Tessa was dumped by her boyfriend and lost her job. She decides to go work for her mother as a Reaper. Tessa is not going to have such a great start to her job. Tessa finds out one of her jobs is her neighbor, she gets there to late. The spirit is no where to be found. To make things worse is she goes into his apartment looking for him, ends up being arrested. Tessa's mother gets her off, but her new job is in jeopardy.
Tessa will have to locate the missing spirit, but also starts to look into his death. She finds clues as to why he was murdered. Tessa will also get closer to Silas, her landlord. He seems to be helping her with some situations when he never did before.
Tessa will have her work cut out for her solving the crime, finding the spirit and finding her footing in her new world.
Loved this characters in this book, looking forward to more of Tessa and her adventures being a reaper. Can't wait to see where Tessa and Sila goes. There are so really good moments in this that I didn't write about. I recommend you reading this .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tessa will have to locate the missing spirit, but also starts to look into his death. She finds clues as to why he was murdered. Tessa will also get closer to Silas, her landlord. He seems to be helping her with some situations when he never did before.
Tessa will have her work cut out for her solving the crime, finding the spirit and finding her footing in her new world.
Loved this characters in this book, looking forward to more of Tessa and her adventures being a reaper. Can't wait to see where Tessa and Sila goes. There are so really good moments in this that I didn't write about. I recommend you reading this .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
Not Quite Ringing My Bell
I absolutely adored Paula Lester's series about the Sunnyside Retirement Community. So many quirky characters, so much goofball magic. I was definitely intrigued to see the start of her new paranormal cozy mystery series. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something just isn't ringing right with me for this novel. I actually think it's an intriguing concept for a paranormal cozy, having a grim reaper agency and harvesting souls—and even having the mystery revolve around a reaping gone sideways, but I just didn't like Tessa and her mother. To me, they both come across as very shallow, caring only about appearances, handbags, gossip, and other inconsequential things like that. I didn't like all the product name-dropping, either. I'll give this series another shot, but I'm not wild about what I'm seeing so far. I'm hoping the emphasis in future books will shift from these characters’ weaknesses, or perhaps they could even grow.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I absolutely adored Paula Lester's series about the Sunnyside Retirement Community. So many quirky characters, so much goofball magic. I was definitely intrigued to see the start of her new paranormal cozy mystery series. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something just isn't ringing right with me for this novel. I actually think it's an intriguing concept for a paranormal cozy, having a grim reaper agency and harvesting souls—and even having the mystery revolve around a reaping gone sideways, but I just didn't like Tessa and her mother. To me, they both come across as very shallow, caring only about appearances, handbags, gossip, and other inconsequential things like that. I didn't like all the product name-dropping, either. I'll give this series another shot, but I'm not wild about what I'm seeing so far. I'm hoping the emphasis in future books will shift from these characters’ weaknesses, or perhaps they could even grow.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 20, 2020
If you love a paranormal story if turning lemons into lemonade this is the book for you! Tessa is a girl down on her luck when she gets her a job she isn’t sure she wants... Not just any job.... she becomes a grim reaper and worse her mom is the boss. Tessa is just trying to survive and pay bills and plans on this guy being part time because who wants to work with their mom. Watching Tessa struggle to find her way is an adventure full of sarcasm, missteps and adventure. I don’t want to give this story away because you should totally read it! Just finished and wish there was a second book ready to read! I can’t wait to see what Tessa gets into next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
Grim Reaper Assistant.
Who knew The Grim Reaper has helpers. Teresa was amazed to find out that her new job was assisting new spirits to cross over. Her first assignment seemed easy enough, all went according to plan. However, her car wouldn't start and she was late and unable to get to the murdered victim before his spirit ran off. She spends the rest of the week hunting for his spirit. She questions her job, but when her next spirit is ready and happy to go, she realizes she does like her job. Read to find out how she finds her escaped spirit and what she must do to send him on. Who killed Chet and why?
Who knew The Grim Reaper has helpers. Teresa was amazed to find out that her new job was assisting new spirits to cross over. Her first assignment seemed easy enough, all went according to plan. However, her car wouldn't start and she was late and unable to get to the murdered victim before his spirit ran off. She spends the rest of the week hunting for his spirit. She questions her job, but when her next spirit is ready and happy to go, she realizes she does like her job. Read to find out how she finds her escaped spirit and what she must do to send him on. Who killed Chet and why?
May 7, 2020
Tessa just can't win she loses her job, breaks up with her boyfriend, she's behind on her rent and her car pepper decided the day her Tessa's manager take to her about the rent to sunbathe in the window causing Tessa to have to pay hundred dollars more a month and let's not talk about her new job which she hates. Tessa's New job is that she's a dealer as in the grim reaper and she doesn't want to do it but what's a girl to do when she has to pay the rent. I really enjoyed this new book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2020
You are a mess, lost job and boyfriend. Have to ask Mom for a job at the insurance agency and you mess up your first case. The surprises come in what you learn about the job, your first case and your family history.
If that, the blurb, and the title are not enough to draw you into this book, then you will be missing out on a very cute, funny and fun new cozy mystery series.
First in new series. Looking forward the next ones.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Apologies for lateness of review.
November 21, 2020
A New Grim in Town
The grim reaper doesn't alwaya mean a long robe and scary eyes like in the movies .the ladies who put together this cozey have given a lighter side to the job and did so with style. A slow bubbling mystery, a great array of caracters exspeasaly the woman behind the grim reapers. They all seem to enjoy their unique jobs and with a little humor slipping in here and there, a really well written piece involving the reapers. Aquier "Grim and Bear it "today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😐😮🤔🙄😊Kat
The grim reaper doesn't alwaya mean a long robe and scary eyes like in the movies .the ladies who put together this cozey have given a lighter side to the job and did so with style. A slow bubbling mystery, a great array of caracters exspeasaly the woman behind the grim reapers. They all seem to enjoy their unique jobs and with a little humor slipping in here and there, a really well written piece involving the reapers. Aquier "Grim and Bear it "today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😐😮🤔🙄😊Kat
November 16, 2020
A good mystery.
I've read Paula's books before and I have to say I miss the funny parts thrown in the series like her Sunnyside Retired Witches Community series. I absolutely love that series!!! I realize this is a different series written with cowriters, but it's just missing something. I will finish the series because it's interesting enough however I'm not as attached to the characters as I want to be in a book. Overall I would say it's a disappointment.
I've read Paula's books before and I have to say I miss the funny parts thrown in the series like her Sunnyside Retired Witches Community series. I absolutely love that series!!! I realize this is a different series written with cowriters, but it's just missing something. I will finish the series because it's interesting enough however I'm not as attached to the characters as I want to be in a book. Overall I would say it's a disappointment.
March 21, 2021
I didn’t like the start too much, it felt rushed and I think it would have been better to start this series a week earlier when Tessa learned of her mother’s real job. Also, it’s hard to believe she got her first assignment without anyone showing her the ropes.
Thus said, once they got into the groove, it was a good read. Good enough for me to continue, then again, I really love stories with grim reapers though I wasn’t hard to get as there sadly aren’t that many out there to find.
Thus said, once they got into the groove, it was a good read. Good enough for me to continue, then again, I really love stories with grim reapers though I wasn’t hard to get as there sadly aren’t that many out there to find.
March 2, 2022
Light easy read
I actually enjoyed this book and author enough that I had to get the next book in the series. There is good character development which is missing from a lot of books I try to read. The only real downside, in my opinion, is that this book ends rather abruptly, so I would say that the books in this series are not stand alone books. One thing I really enjoyed was the fact that I didn't know "who dunnit" until the end, but it was a light easy read.
I actually enjoyed this book and author enough that I had to get the next book in the series. There is good character development which is missing from a lot of books I try to read. The only real downside, in my opinion, is that this book ends rather abruptly, so I would say that the books in this series are not stand alone books. One thing I really enjoyed was the fact that I didn't know "who dunnit" until the end, but it was a light easy read.
May 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading Grim and Bear It. This is the first book of the series and I was not disappointed. I found this book very well written. The storyline was interesting and the characters well developed. If you enjoy paranormal mysteries then I recommend reading. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2020
It was refreshing to read a cozy mystery that didn't include the main character to be a witch or a baker. The perspective that is provided by the main character as a reaper made the book more intriguing. I am sure that this series will be a success for the authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
This is going to be one of my favorite series! I can already tell. Loved Tessa’s sense of humor and how she interacted with the other characters. It was awesome watching her grow as the story went on. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2020
Fun
I was surprised that I was able to read this book in one sitting. The story flies by. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. The reaper aspect adds a new flavor to a genre full of paranormal characters. I enjoyed this book. This book is definitely worth reading.
I was surprised that I was able to read this book in one sitting. The story flies by. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. The reaper aspect adds a new flavor to a genre full of paranormal characters. I enjoyed this book. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 14, 2021
When your number is up.
This was a good story with a very different turn on being a grim reaper from any I have read before. Tessa sounds like a lot of people we all know and just when you are ready to throw in the towel things change. I enjoyed the wit and humor in this book as well.
This was a good story with a very different turn on being a grim reaper from any I have read before. Tessa sounds like a lot of people we all know and just when you are ready to throw in the towel things change. I enjoyed the wit and humor in this book as well.
May 25, 2021
Liked it
I wouldn’t go out and jump head over heels for this book, but I am willing to check out the next installment. I liked the idea of a “Grim Reaper” agency in lieu of the creepy dark black robe with bones and a scythe. The book was upbeat and added a modern take on being scooped up for the after life. Enjoy meeting the main character and her clumsy ways!
I wouldn’t go out and jump head over heels for this book, but I am willing to check out the next installment. I liked the idea of a “Grim Reaper” agency in lieu of the creepy dark black robe with bones and a scythe. The book was upbeat and added a modern take on being scooped up for the after life. Enjoy meeting the main character and her clumsy ways!
May 3, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. What a wonderful crazy and wacky book. I just had to keep reading to find out what was gonna happen to Tessa next. I I loved it and recommend it.
May 4, 2020
A cozy mystery with great characters and an enjoyable story line. Amazing characters that are easy to love and entertaining. Good start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2020
Another great cozy read from one of my favorite authors. The story has a unique plot that unfolds at an even pace from beginning to end. I look forward to reading the next books in this series with these two authors collaborating.
August 31, 2020
Great easy read
This was a unique book with twist that I wasn't expecting. I can already see that these are an interesting cast of characters. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Paula Lester and I've read most of her published books. This series does not disappoint.
This was a unique book with twist that I wasn't expecting. I can already see that these are an interesting cast of characters. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Paula Lester and I've read most of her published books. This series does not disappoint.
May 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It had constant action that kept me reading. I loved the mystery and paranormal element.
Read
May 9, 2020I loved the writing process. Working with Paula was a blast, and I can't wait to do it again!
July 15, 2020
Nice story
I was not sure I would like anything about resorts but I was pleasantly surprised. I was kind of a year warning tale between mother and daughter.
I was not sure I would like anything about resorts but I was pleasantly surprised. I was kind of a year warning tale between mother and daughter.
November 7, 2020
Fun
Easy and fun read. It was nice getting to know Tessa and I'm sure we'll hang out again, taking would to their promised land.
Easy and fun read. It was nice getting to know Tessa and I'm sure we'll hang out again, taking would to their promised land.
May 28, 2021
loved it. Take a job from Mom only to find out that what Mom really does is not what you expected. And what is now expected of you. Crossing over to the other side is not as simple as it sounds.
June 20, 2021
A change of career
Just when you think things are going wrong our hero puts this puzzle together. Wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it . Going to read all of Paula's books
Just when you think things are going wrong our hero puts this puzzle together. Wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it . Going to read all of Paula's books
July 23, 2021
This book is in the genre I like but the character was to scatter brained for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews