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Death Singer #1
The Mortician's Daughter
On the night of her twenty-second birthday, Aria Jasper discovers the family she comes from a long line of people who communicate with ghosts. Now that she’s beginning to see and hear the newly dead, she’s expected to pledge her service to her father’s company, AfterCorps, and help rookie ghosts get their earthly affairs in order so they can make their final transfer. Angry about having to give up a music career that’s on the verge of exploding, Aria reluctantly begins her training. The only other student, Sloane, is a sexy AfterCorps devotee determined to join the most dangerous branch of the the Criminally Demonic Unit. As Aria and Sloane grow closer, they begin to suspect all is not as it seems. A terrified ghost claims that Aria’s father is evil and keeping her earthbound against her will. She begs for their help to cross over, but Aria and Sloane may not be prepared for the consequences of defying an organization powerful enough to exert influence in both the land of the living and the dead.
Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
About the author
Nan Higgins
2 books14 followersNan Higgins wrote her first book—a seven page ghost story about the rickety old Victorian farmhouse she grew up in—when she was ten, and she has been writing ever since. She majored in music theater and puts her schooling to use by singing and dancing much more often than her friends and family think necessary. She is the cohost of Stalled, a podcast about the victories and struggles of two writers who got a late start trying to turn their passions into their profession.
Nan lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her fiancée, two sons, and a bearded dragon.
Nan lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her fiancée, two sons, and a bearded dragon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 10, 2020
2.75 Stars. This story was okay, but not really for me. I’ve only said a million times how much I love paranormal anything, but I’m also picky because I do love this category so much. Unfortunately, this story had too many things that I just didn’t care for.
I’m not sure if I read the blurb wrong or what but I did not expect the feel of this story. I thought this was going to be a darker, creepier, ghost story. Even reading reviews that stated this story was different than might be expected, I still didn’t realize it would feel so young. The main characters are 22 years old and they could have easily have been 16. This whole book screams YA not NA. The only part not YA was one explicit sex scene that felt like it was thrown in to make this an adult book. Everything from the ways the characters acted, to the control the parents had, had this book screaming young. I like YA and I think this book would have worked so much better if it really was YA.
Besides the characters not seeming their age, this book hit a paranormal pet peeve of mine. I hate, hate when the main character is special, chosen, or life is about to change forever and they know nothing about it but everyone else around them knows everything. It happens way too much in paranormal and fantasy books and it drives me nuts. The character is sitting there knowing their life has changed forever, but no one will answer their questions. If someone actually gives information to the main, it comes out in dribs and drabs with no one answering any important questions which cause the main character to be in danger since they know nothing about anything important. One way for a character to learn some information is by going to a magic, paranormal, or powers learning school. That is what Higgins used in this book. I don’t mind the schooling aspects, I mean Harry Pottery made it into an art form, but the schooling has to be exciting and for me it just felt very flat. It was just a way to info dump instead of being interesting or fun. Everything about this new world was very on the surface and it felt like a missed opportunity to dig deeper.
I prefer to have some romance and love in my paranormal stories, but this was a disappointment too. It was insta-like before the characters exchanged more than a few words and then the “I love yous” popped out after only a few days. There was no real chemistry and no build-up. I guess they liked each other because they had to spend time together? It seemed like romance out of convenience more than two women actually connecting. Again maybe it could have been cute if this was a YA book and more of a connection was formed, but instead it felt really flat.
This is a book one of a series. Sometimes a book one in a paranormal or fantasy series can be tough since it has to build a different world. I could see Higgins really turning around the series in the next installment since there are some good ideas here. If she could age the characters, dig into their relationship, and do more actual ghost wrangling -not enough happened on that end so I was stuck with the waiting room of Beetlejuice in my head the whole time- if Higgins can work on these few things I could see this series getting a lot better. Higgins’ other book, London Undone, has great reviews so I have faith that she can turn this series around. This book wasn’t for me but I haven’t thrown the towel in on the whole series yet.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I’m not sure if I read the blurb wrong or what but I did not expect the feel of this story. I thought this was going to be a darker, creepier, ghost story. Even reading reviews that stated this story was different than might be expected, I still didn’t realize it would feel so young. The main characters are 22 years old and they could have easily have been 16. This whole book screams YA not NA. The only part not YA was one explicit sex scene that felt like it was thrown in to make this an adult book. Everything from the ways the characters acted, to the control the parents had, had this book screaming young. I like YA and I think this book would have worked so much better if it really was YA.
Besides the characters not seeming their age, this book hit a paranormal pet peeve of mine. I hate, hate when the main character is special, chosen, or life is about to change forever and they know nothing about it but everyone else around them knows everything. It happens way too much in paranormal and fantasy books and it drives me nuts. The character is sitting there knowing their life has changed forever, but no one will answer their questions. If someone actually gives information to the main, it comes out in dribs and drabs with no one answering any important questions which cause the main character to be in danger since they know nothing about anything important. One way for a character to learn some information is by going to a magic, paranormal, or powers learning school. That is what Higgins used in this book. I don’t mind the schooling aspects, I mean Harry Pottery made it into an art form, but the schooling has to be exciting and for me it just felt very flat. It was just a way to info dump instead of being interesting or fun. Everything about this new world was very on the surface and it felt like a missed opportunity to dig deeper.
I prefer to have some romance and love in my paranormal stories, but this was a disappointment too. It was insta-like before the characters exchanged more than a few words and then the “I love yous” popped out after only a few days. There was no real chemistry and no build-up. I guess they liked each other because they had to spend time together? It seemed like romance out of convenience more than two women actually connecting. Again maybe it could have been cute if this was a YA book and more of a connection was formed, but instead it felt really flat.
This is a book one of a series. Sometimes a book one in a paranormal or fantasy series can be tough since it has to build a different world. I could see Higgins really turning around the series in the next installment since there are some good ideas here. If she could age the characters, dig into their relationship, and do more actual ghost wrangling -not enough happened on that end so I was stuck with the waiting room of Beetlejuice in my head the whole time- if Higgins can work on these few things I could see this series getting a lot better. Higgins’ other book, London Undone, has great reviews so I have faith that she can turn this series around. This book wasn’t for me but I haven’t thrown the towel in on the whole series yet.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
April 12, 2020
Death Agents.
Aria has a 22nd birthday to remember. She learns that her family legacy is to help the dead cross over and her life long dream of becoming a professional singer comes crushing down forever.
She goes into training and meets a cute girl named Sloane. The band t-shirt wearing gal has wanted to be thrust into the world of paranormal her entire life.
I'm not entirely sure how I felt about this book. I was telling my wife that I was interested and entertained while reading it but I didn't feel a huge desire to get back to it whenever I stepped away.
It had a big Beetlejuice and Men in Black vibe to me but without the humor. I felt like the unbelievable concept required some comedy and because there wasn't much of that, it took itself too seriously.
There was a whole lot of explanation through education or studying and not enough action. This equated to the feel of telling vs. showing. I would have rather learned about the corporation through experiences as opposed to classroom instruction.
There was a side bit of a romance. Aria develops a crush on her classmate, Sloane. It felt more like a high school relationship vs. young adult. I was taken aback when Aria said she wanted a beer at a concert. Then they had a sex scene and it made me feel awkward because they seemed too young. 'I love yous' came unbelievably quick, as well.
Overall, I liked the concept. I thought there were enough unique and interesting scenes that it continued to be engaging.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest Review.
Aria has a 22nd birthday to remember. She learns that her family legacy is to help the dead cross over and her life long dream of becoming a professional singer comes crushing down forever.
She goes into training and meets a cute girl named Sloane. The band t-shirt wearing gal has wanted to be thrust into the world of paranormal her entire life.
I'm not entirely sure how I felt about this book. I was telling my wife that I was interested and entertained while reading it but I didn't feel a huge desire to get back to it whenever I stepped away.
It had a big Beetlejuice and Men in Black vibe to me but without the humor. I felt like the unbelievable concept required some comedy and because there wasn't much of that, it took itself too seriously.
There was a whole lot of explanation through education or studying and not enough action. This equated to the feel of telling vs. showing. I would have rather learned about the corporation through experiences as opposed to classroom instruction.
There was a side bit of a romance. Aria develops a crush on her classmate, Sloane. It felt more like a high school relationship vs. young adult. I was taken aback when Aria said she wanted a beer at a concert. Then they had a sex scene and it made me feel awkward because they seemed too young. 'I love yous' came unbelievably quick, as well.
Overall, I liked the concept. I thought there were enough unique and interesting scenes that it continued to be engaging.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest Review.
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March 27, 20203.5* – When I reviewed Nan Higgins’s debut novel, London Undone, I wrote that it felt as if the author had crammed a lot of things in just one story, as if she had so many things to say that she couldn’t choose. I got almost the opposite feeling with The Mortician’s Daughter, which felt a little flat. Both novels are well-written and promising, and I’m hoping for a “third time’s a charm” situation.
Aria has worked her whole life to become a singer and is on the verge of making her dream come true. All that crashes on her twenty-second birthday when she sees a ghost. Her plans come to a brutal stop as her father enrols her in ghost interpreter school. The only good thing about it is her classmate, Sloane. While Aria’s parents left her in the dark about the possibility of her having powers, Sloane knows all about it and is hoping for a career in the Criminally Demonic Unit.
The Mortician’s Daughter has a definite YA/NA feel. Both MCs are in their early twenties, both live with their parents (Sloane by choice, Aria not really). I like their interactions but the instalove is a bit much even for me. The I love yous seem to arrive when they’ve known each other for a couple of weeks at most.
While the main arc of the story is Aria’s discovery of a whole parallel universe she never imagined and her close encounters with a ghost stuck in the now, what I found most interesting – and underexploited – was Aria’s relationship with her parents. Finding out your father is a big gun in the afterlife business when you didn’t even know there was an afterlife business puts a ginormous strain on that relationship. Aria’s trust in her parents is understandably damaged, which impacts all her decisions, sometimes putting her (and Sloane) in danger.
This is the first book in a series, and I’m hoping Nan Higgins will give us more in-depth goings-on, more substance. From what I’ve read by her so far, I’m sure she’ll find some sort of balance between too-much and not-enough.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aria has worked her whole life to become a singer and is on the verge of making her dream come true. All that crashes on her twenty-second birthday when she sees a ghost. Her plans come to a brutal stop as her father enrols her in ghost interpreter school. The only good thing about it is her classmate, Sloane. While Aria’s parents left her in the dark about the possibility of her having powers, Sloane knows all about it and is hoping for a career in the Criminally Demonic Unit.
The Mortician’s Daughter has a definite YA/NA feel. Both MCs are in their early twenties, both live with their parents (Sloane by choice, Aria not really). I like their interactions but the instalove is a bit much even for me. The I love yous seem to arrive when they’ve known each other for a couple of weeks at most.
While the main arc of the story is Aria’s discovery of a whole parallel universe she never imagined and her close encounters with a ghost stuck in the now, what I found most interesting – and underexploited – was Aria’s relationship with her parents. Finding out your father is a big gun in the afterlife business when you didn’t even know there was an afterlife business puts a ginormous strain on that relationship. Aria’s trust in her parents is understandably damaged, which impacts all her decisions, sometimes putting her (and Sloane) in danger.
This is the first book in a series, and I’m hoping Nan Higgins will give us more in-depth goings-on, more substance. From what I’ve read by her so far, I’m sure she’ll find some sort of balance between too-much and not-enough.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2020
The Mortician’s Daugther (Death Singer #1) was my first Nan Higgins encounter. I loved the title and had high hopes for this to be a gripping, somewhat dark tale of death and the afterlife. I didn’t get that. Instead we get a much more bureaucratic style of afterlife management, with counselors and plenty of red tape.
Aria Jasper was meant to have a career in music, her whole life was geared towards it. But then something happens on her 22nd birthday and it all derails dramatically. Suddenly she is to work in the family death business and guide the newly dead to the afterlife. Her parents had kept this from her and so she is completely clueless and woefully unprepared. Secrets and lies will be a theme throughout the story. Aria is bitter.
She meets fellow trainee and love interest Sloane when she goes into training. There is an instant attraction between the two but I had a tough time taking their romance seriously. Mainly because both women had a very immature feel about them. Both still living at home (Sloane with her mom and Aria with her overbearing parents), Aria having sleepovers with her bff. Very young adult. The one explicit love scene surprised me and felt out of place. And that’s what ruined the book for me. It was all too clean, too corporate and with all the secrets piling up (and not too many answers), it became annoying as well. I needed more of an edge. I hope part two will improve on those points.
f/f one small explicit scene
Themes: AfterCorps, when your family is in the death business, sleepovers, junk food, a botched music career, trainees, the rents are not very forthcoming with the truth, the afterlife, bureaucracy, a lot of cold spells, very immature, it didn’t work for me.
3.3 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Aria Jasper was meant to have a career in music, her whole life was geared towards it. But then something happens on her 22nd birthday and it all derails dramatically. Suddenly she is to work in the family death business and guide the newly dead to the afterlife. Her parents had kept this from her and so she is completely clueless and woefully unprepared. Secrets and lies will be a theme throughout the story. Aria is bitter.
She meets fellow trainee and love interest Sloane when she goes into training. There is an instant attraction between the two but I had a tough time taking their romance seriously. Mainly because both women had a very immature feel about them. Both still living at home (Sloane with her mom and Aria with her overbearing parents), Aria having sleepovers with her bff. Very young adult. The one explicit love scene surprised me and felt out of place. And that’s what ruined the book for me. It was all too clean, too corporate and with all the secrets piling up (and not too many answers), it became annoying as well. I needed more of an edge. I hope part two will improve on those points.
f/f one small explicit scene
Themes: AfterCorps, when your family is in the death business, sleepovers, junk food, a botched music career, trainees, the rents are not very forthcoming with the truth, the afterlife, bureaucracy, a lot of cold spells, very immature, it didn’t work for me.
3.3 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 30, 2020
I think this book was more suited for the YA crowd and isn't near as scary or tense as you might imagine.
Aria Jasper discovers she can see dead people on her 22nd birthday. Not only that but she can talk and be affected by them as well. Dead people are a family business. Not only do her parents run a funeral home that also founded and run AfterCorp.
AfterCorp helps new ghosts either pay for the crimes they committed while alive, communicate with loved ones about their final wishes or just cross over to the other side.
Aria has to give up her budding musical career to join the family business. Her mother suggests she sing at funerals to help. Aria discovers a newly deceased ghost that claims her father is evil and the ghost lashes out at Aria. It is up to Aria and her classmate and new romantic partner to unravel what the truth is and help the ghost find peace.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
Aria Jasper discovers she can see dead people on her 22nd birthday. Not only that but she can talk and be affected by them as well. Dead people are a family business. Not only do her parents run a funeral home that also founded and run AfterCorp.
AfterCorp helps new ghosts either pay for the crimes they committed while alive, communicate with loved ones about their final wishes or just cross over to the other side.
Aria has to give up her budding musical career to join the family business. Her mother suggests she sing at funerals to help. Aria discovers a newly deceased ghost that claims her father is evil and the ghost lashes out at Aria. It is up to Aria and her classmate and new romantic partner to unravel what the truth is and help the ghost find peace.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
May 10, 2020
Ok... I had to check to see if this was a young adult book! If it didnt have the sex scene in it, it would be perfect for this age group. It felt abit immature for me.
But, the story I enjoyed because it's different and who doesn't enjoy a supernatural book?! The ending tho was over and done with in 10 minutes. It felt very rushed with unanswered questions, which left me disappointed.
2.9 *
But, the story I enjoyed because it's different and who doesn't enjoy a supernatural book?! The ending tho was over and done with in 10 minutes. It felt very rushed with unanswered questions, which left me disappointed.
2.9 *
April 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than I thought! It was different than what I normally read, and despite ghosts popping in, was a great book to read before bed. It does 'read' younger than what you might expect, but don't let that bother you. Just enjoy the story as entertainment. It's better than "bubble-gum stories", but not as dark as Eden Darry's "The House". But that's not a judgement, it's a bit of guidance. "The Mortician's Daughter" can be read at night. "The House", not so much.
The characters were distinct and motivated in their own ways. I really felt bad for Clara, poor lady.
So in closing, read it for the entertainment value, suspend your disbelief and enjoy!
The characters were distinct and motivated in their own ways. I really felt bad for Clara, poor lady.
So in closing, read it for the entertainment value, suspend your disbelief and enjoy!
March 8, 2020
*Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a great read! The Mortician’s Daughter follows the story of Aria, a girl who suddenly discovers she has has the power to see ghosts and is expected to join her father’s company in order to help ghosts pass over. But when a spirit claims she’s being held on earth unjustly by Aria’s father, Aria is forced to question what the truth really is.
This book was full of mystery, the paranormal, and a super cute f/f romance to boot! I loved the way the company AfterCorps is explained, and I found this aspect of the plot to be really well done. I only wish the book was a bit longer so that the ending could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, I really loved this book! I recommend it to any lovers of the paranormal and the lgbtq+ romance genre.
This was a great read! The Mortician’s Daughter follows the story of Aria, a girl who suddenly discovers she has has the power to see ghosts and is expected to join her father’s company in order to help ghosts pass over. But when a spirit claims she’s being held on earth unjustly by Aria’s father, Aria is forced to question what the truth really is.
This book was full of mystery, the paranormal, and a super cute f/f romance to boot! I loved the way the company AfterCorps is explained, and I found this aspect of the plot to be really well done. I only wish the book was a bit longer so that the ending could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, I really loved this book! I recommend it to any lovers of the paranormal and the lgbtq+ romance genre.
March 24, 2020
This is the first entry into a series, so I am going to grade this on a curve. It does feel more like a Young Adult book because the lead seems to code younger (even though she is a recent college graduate), but that's a little sneaky. Her big graduation present was to help her move to Los Angeles to start her career as a singer. That is until the ghosts showed up and she realized she was part of a long legacy of super mediums. So, I would put this more into the new adult category - yes, both our lead and love interest stay at home, but they are in their lower 20's and at least one of them choose to live home to help her mother.
Aria is the name of our protagonist, and she comes from a very prominent psychic family that basically started a company to help move spirits to the great beyond. Unfortunately she doesn't know any of that until her "quickening", the manifestation of her powers, and everything she knew is just turned all the way upside down. The only upside is that she meets the sexy Sloane, another late trainee who wants to be part of their demon hunting division.
So I was expecting a lot darker novel, but what I got was a lighter, very by the numbers start to a series. To be fair, there are some heavier topics that are touched on, like the demon division, and that the corporation basically acts as a ghost judicial system that may not be very good at maintaining justice. There's also the fact that Aria was literally left in the dark by her parents, so when her powers manifested, she was completely unprepared. Her parents even enthusiastically help her carry out her dreams, but then basically rip them away from her and forced her into a world she was destined to be part of but knew nothing about. So, when a desperate ghost shows up and starts effectively haunting her, and causing Aria physical harm, she can't trust her parents to talk about it. She ends up relying on Sloane, who is ambitious but loyal.
I thought one of the things that hampered the story was a little of the pacing. Every plot point is in its exact right spot, so it doesn't feel quite natural. For example, Aria and Sloane's relationship was mostly light flirting and some kissing, then suddenly: sex scene. It was almost like the author felt like she had to put it in there just to have it. I thought it was jarring, especially given the tone of their relationship up to that point. There are some other minor things here that I hope get smoothed out in new books.
It is worth the read, mainly because making meduims and speaking with ghosts into a vast, dull, windy bureaucracy is kind of amusing. There's divisions, a wise old ghost who helps other ghosts into the light, and even different job titles (Sloane's mom is a clerk in the corporation). There's a ton of stuff that was just touched on, and I am curious what the next book will bring.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Aria is the name of our protagonist, and she comes from a very prominent psychic family that basically started a company to help move spirits to the great beyond. Unfortunately she doesn't know any of that until her "quickening", the manifestation of her powers, and everything she knew is just turned all the way upside down. The only upside is that she meets the sexy Sloane, another late trainee who wants to be part of their demon hunting division.
So I was expecting a lot darker novel, but what I got was a lighter, very by the numbers start to a series. To be fair, there are some heavier topics that are touched on, like the demon division, and that the corporation basically acts as a ghost judicial system that may not be very good at maintaining justice. There's also the fact that Aria was literally left in the dark by her parents, so when her powers manifested, she was completely unprepared. Her parents even enthusiastically help her carry out her dreams, but then basically rip them away from her and forced her into a world she was destined to be part of but knew nothing about. So, when a desperate ghost shows up and starts effectively haunting her, and causing Aria physical harm, she can't trust her parents to talk about it. She ends up relying on Sloane, who is ambitious but loyal.
I thought one of the things that hampered the story was a little of the pacing. Every plot point is in its exact right spot, so it doesn't feel quite natural. For example, Aria and Sloane's relationship was mostly light flirting and some kissing, then suddenly: sex scene. It was almost like the author felt like she had to put it in there just to have it. I thought it was jarring, especially given the tone of their relationship up to that point. There are some other minor things here that I hope get smoothed out in new books.
It is worth the read, mainly because making meduims and speaking with ghosts into a vast, dull, windy bureaucracy is kind of amusing. There's divisions, a wise old ghost who helps other ghosts into the light, and even different job titles (Sloane's mom is a clerk in the corporation). There's a ton of stuff that was just touched on, and I am curious what the next book will bring.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2021
2 stars. At most.
I was seriously disappointed.
I expected much more. And differently. The blurb makes the story seem much darker and grittier than it actually is. I also have major issues with the MC's. I can't help it but feel like they are fourteen years old at most. Their priorities, types of interactions with friends and family, maturity levels etc don't seem like they are 22 years old.
And I'd like to think I'd notice, because I'm basically the same age they are supposed to be.
So it might not bother a reader who is already at or over the age where they consider everyone younger than twenty five to be all the same (cough...my grandma...cough) and could all be covered by one blanket description: "young, that's it, that's their whole personality".
I personally believe that between the ages of 0-25 every year makes a notable difference in levels of both physical and emotional maturity, so if the reader hasn't forgotten what this differences feel like, this book feels weirdly out of touch with reality.
Also the whole "seeing and hearing ghosts is as rare as being left-handed... Wait we are both left-handed and can both see and hear ghosts...we are soulmates!" bit pissed me off. And I couldn't understand what the MC's see in each other. Aria sings and Sloane smiles crookedly... That's the extent of their personalities
I was seriously disappointed.
I expected much more. And differently. The blurb makes the story seem much darker and grittier than it actually is. I also have major issues with the MC's. I can't help it but feel like they are fourteen years old at most. Their priorities, types of interactions with friends and family, maturity levels etc don't seem like they are 22 years old.
And I'd like to think I'd notice, because I'm basically the same age they are supposed to be.
So it might not bother a reader who is already at or over the age where they consider everyone younger than twenty five to be all the same (cough...my grandma...cough) and could all be covered by one blanket description: "young, that's it, that's their whole personality".
I personally believe that between the ages of 0-25 every year makes a notable difference in levels of both physical and emotional maturity, so if the reader hasn't forgotten what this differences feel like, this book feels weirdly out of touch with reality.
Also the whole "seeing and hearing ghosts is as rare as being left-handed... Wait we are both left-handed and can both see and hear ghosts...we are soulmates!" bit pissed me off. And I couldn't understand what the MC's see in each other. Aria sings and Sloane smiles crookedly... That's the extent of their personalities
March 11, 2020
This book has a very Goosebumps feel to it. I would definitely class this read for as YA.
It is a very well thought out story. There is a whole other world to the dead, and there is some really in dept knowledge to learn.
It starts of with meeting Aria and her family. She is 22, but throughout this story I would say she is more of a teenager, her parents seem to over protect her and treat her more as a child. She is off to start her life in LA to become a singer, but then that soon changes on her 22nd birthday, and she has to join the family business.
I felt because this was a whole new world of the dead and ghosts, there was a lot going on. Aria falls in love, then there is so much to learn, then she is off singing, then training in the office, then saving a ghost, then being attacked. I felt I would have enjoyed it more if there wasn't so much going on and to be more focused on one or two aspects of the story.
Alongside this, I felt the ending was rushed. Her parents played a big part in this story, and we didn't get to see them at the end which was a little disappointing.
Overall 3 stars, I did enjoy reading this, and would be interested to see what comes next.
It is a very well thought out story. There is a whole other world to the dead, and there is some really in dept knowledge to learn.
It starts of with meeting Aria and her family. She is 22, but throughout this story I would say she is more of a teenager, her parents seem to over protect her and treat her more as a child. She is off to start her life in LA to become a singer, but then that soon changes on her 22nd birthday, and she has to join the family business.
I felt because this was a whole new world of the dead and ghosts, there was a lot going on. Aria falls in love, then there is so much to learn, then she is off singing, then training in the office, then saving a ghost, then being attacked. I felt I would have enjoyed it more if there wasn't so much going on and to be more focused on one or two aspects of the story.
Alongside this, I felt the ending was rushed. Her parents played a big part in this story, and we didn't get to see them at the end which was a little disappointing.
Overall 3 stars, I did enjoy reading this, and would be interested to see what comes next.
June 3, 2020
As the first in a series, Ms Higgins has the daunting task of introducing characters, situations doing some worldbuilding in a relatively short amount of page space. It's an interesting premise - the idea that there's a whole organization (corporation) that works under the radar to process those who have died and help them cross over - conveniently hidden within the world of mortician's and funeral homes.
When Aria Jasper discovers, much to her and her parent's dismay, that she is a late bloomer and has the ability to see and interact with the dead, her plans of becoming a professional singer and moving to the coast are pretty much gutted. Forced into a training program, Aria finds out just how much information her parent's have hidden from her and her disappointment and suspicion grows - further fed by a recurring ghost of a woman who keeps begging for Aria's assistance.
This is more of a Young Adult novel - and at times I found the main character Aria to be a bit more on the Young side than the Adult side and none of the characters really resonated with me or felt completely developed. There was a lot going on in the book - but things felt rushed and superficial, leaving me with questions and the feeling that I was missing something.
I'm hoping that the next book in the series will give a bit more depth to both the characters and the worldbuilding
When Aria Jasper discovers, much to her and her parent's dismay, that she is a late bloomer and has the ability to see and interact with the dead, her plans of becoming a professional singer and moving to the coast are pretty much gutted. Forced into a training program, Aria finds out just how much information her parent's have hidden from her and her disappointment and suspicion grows - further fed by a recurring ghost of a woman who keeps begging for Aria's assistance.
This is more of a Young Adult novel - and at times I found the main character Aria to be a bit more on the Young side than the Adult side and none of the characters really resonated with me or felt completely developed. There was a lot going on in the book - but things felt rushed and superficial, leaving me with questions and the feeling that I was missing something.
I'm hoping that the next book in the series will give a bit more depth to both the characters and the worldbuilding
April 2, 2020
Aria is a recent college grad with a music career on the horizon, but her plans are quickly kiboshed when her family's decades old ability to talk to the dead surfaces within her. She's enrolled in a program with her father's company AfterCorps to learn the art of ghost interpretation. Her only saving grace while Aria navigates her new life, is her very sexy classmate Sloane. They're both about to discover the world is a lot bigger than they think and their lives will change forever.
Based on the except I expected more details about the universe created in this book It had a lot of potential it was a really interesting premise, it never really got past the surface. It looks like this will be a series, so perhaps more details will come in future books. There was so much hinting about something vague happening in Aria's and her parent's life but nothing really happened. I don’t think it delivered on the mystery so it was hard to finish the book. On the other hand, the romance between Sloane and Aria happened instantaneously, there was no build up. You couldn't develop a connection to either character as individuals or to the relationship. Instant love can work sometimes, but it didn’t in this case, it was very superficial. It was an interesting idea for a novel and I did like the author's voice if not the content, so I will check out future books by the author for sure.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the except I expected more details about the universe created in this book It had a lot of potential it was a really interesting premise, it never really got past the surface. It looks like this will be a series, so perhaps more details will come in future books. There was so much hinting about something vague happening in Aria's and her parent's life but nothing really happened. I don’t think it delivered on the mystery so it was hard to finish the book. On the other hand, the romance between Sloane and Aria happened instantaneously, there was no build up. You couldn't develop a connection to either character as individuals or to the relationship. Instant love can work sometimes, but it didn’t in this case, it was very superficial. It was an interesting idea for a novel and I did like the author's voice if not the content, so I will check out future books by the author for sure.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2020
2.5 stars
Quick impression: An intriguing premise that wasn't quite solid. The characters are 22 but felt younger (high school), with insta-love happening after days (?).
I am all for a well developed urban fantasy. This was a great idea, but didn't feel well developed. I mean, there are dozens of people working in the basement of a funeral home - where do they park? how do folks not see them coming and going? I know a florist who works more than full time, how can that be a side job?
The pacing felt weird. I couldn't tell if Aria and Sloan are students together for days, weeks or months. They liked each other the first minute and were in love the next week? But there wasn't really any chemistry. I skipped the sex scene because it didn't feel earned on in place.
The parents were all terrible people. The build up to various reveals was disappointing. The lack of communication amongst everyone was baffling.
Now that I see this is the beginning of a series, I am hopeful the setting can be further explained and more paranormal activities introduced.
Quick impression: An intriguing premise that wasn't quite solid. The characters are 22 but felt younger (high school), with insta-love happening after days (?).
I am all for a well developed urban fantasy. This was a great idea, but didn't feel well developed. I mean, there are dozens of people working in the basement of a funeral home - where do they park? how do folks not see them coming and going? I know a florist who works more than full time, how can that be a side job?
The pacing felt weird. I couldn't tell if Aria and Sloan are students together for days, weeks or months. They liked each other the first minute and were in love the next week? But there wasn't really any chemistry. I skipped the sex scene because it didn't feel earned on in place.
The parents were all terrible people. The build up to various reveals was disappointing. The lack of communication amongst everyone was baffling.
Now that I see this is the beginning of a series, I am hopeful the setting can be further explained and more paranormal activities introduced.
March 3, 2021
Like many people, reading is my passion. I love a good book that I can lose myself in. A book that demands I stay up to all hours devouring what's on its pages. Because of the pandemic (and working through it) my passion has died a slow and painful death. Now it takes weeks, rather than days, for me to finish a book. That's if I even manage to get past the first chapter.
If you love 90s TV shows and movies, you're going to love this book! Think Ghostbusters, Sabrina, X-Files, Buffy, Sliders etc. Anything that has a bit of paranormal and plenty of twists to it. I don't want to give away too much about The Mortician's Daughter but there's enough spooky stuff to keep the horror fans entertained and enough twists to keep you reading until the wee hours.
The basic premise of the story? A young woman – Aria – discovers that her career path has already been defined for her. She was going to LA to be a singer and already has the contacts and contracts to get herself started. That's until she has a run-in with someone, or something, and discovers that she has the talents to become an interpreter for those who have passed away. Oh, and there's a company that handles the deceased souls, which is the company that Aria is going to be working for. Goodbye, dreams. Hellooooooo, ghosts, ghouls, spirits, and demons!
Is it okay to read in the middle of the night? Yes. The jump scares aren't anything that will particularly give you nightmares but there is enough of a hint of horror for your heart to pick up a little. However, as previously mentioned, there are twists that will keep you wanting more! I'm hoping that, at some point, there will be more from Aria and AfterCorps.
This book is a wild ride from start to finish. So much so that I finished it in three days. A record for me at the present moment. Fun, engaging, and paced well enough to keep you flipping pages. Well worth the time and recommended for anyone who was an 80s or 90s kid.
If you love 90s TV shows and movies, you're going to love this book! Think Ghostbusters, Sabrina, X-Files, Buffy, Sliders etc. Anything that has a bit of paranormal and plenty of twists to it. I don't want to give away too much about The Mortician's Daughter but there's enough spooky stuff to keep the horror fans entertained and enough twists to keep you reading until the wee hours.
The basic premise of the story? A young woman – Aria – discovers that her career path has already been defined for her. She was going to LA to be a singer and already has the contacts and contracts to get herself started. That's until she has a run-in with someone, or something, and discovers that she has the talents to become an interpreter for those who have passed away. Oh, and there's a company that handles the deceased souls, which is the company that Aria is going to be working for. Goodbye, dreams. Hellooooooo, ghosts, ghouls, spirits, and demons!
Is it okay to read in the middle of the night? Yes. The jump scares aren't anything that will particularly give you nightmares but there is enough of a hint of horror for your heart to pick up a little. However, as previously mentioned, there are twists that will keep you wanting more! I'm hoping that, at some point, there will be more from Aria and AfterCorps.
This book is a wild ride from start to finish. So much so that I finished it in three days. A record for me at the present moment. Fun, engaging, and paced well enough to keep you flipping pages. Well worth the time and recommended for anyone who was an 80s or 90s kid.
September 19, 2020
*Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a great read! The Mortician’s Daughter follows the story of Aria, a girl who suddenly discovers she has has the power to see ghosts and is expected to join her father’s company in order to help ghosts pass over. But when a spirit claims she’s being held on earth unjustly by Aria’s father, Aria is forced to question what the truth really is.
This book was full of mystery, the paranormal, and a super cute f/f romance to boot! I loved the way the company AfterCorps is explained, and I found this aspect of the plot to be really well done. I only wish the book was a bit longer so that the ending could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, I really loved this book! I recommend it to any lovers of the paranormal and the lgbtq+ romance genre.
This was a great read! The Mortician’s Daughter follows the story of Aria, a girl who suddenly discovers she has has the power to see ghosts and is expected to join her father’s company in order to help ghosts pass over. But when a spirit claims she’s being held on earth unjustly by Aria’s father, Aria is forced to question what the truth really is.
This book was full of mystery, the paranormal, and a super cute f/f romance to boot! I loved the way the company AfterCorps is explained, and I found this aspect of the plot to be really well done. I only wish the book was a bit longer so that the ending could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, I really loved this book! I recommend it to any lovers of the paranormal and the lgbtq+ romance genre.
May 9, 2020
DNF at 55%
Okay so this is the second book I read lately that is advertised like being a ghost story. But there's absolutely nothing creepy or remotely scary about it. Which is kinda disappointing 😅
It took me a while to realize why the main character bothered me so much : she sounds sooooo young and immature, definitely not like a university grad. If she had been 16, it would've been a lot more believable. I also didn't understand how she abandoned her life-long dream without much of a fight. That's another problem : there is a whoooooole lot of talk in this book, and not much action.
Anyways. This story can definitely be an entertaining fast read. But I never actually felt like picking it up, that's why I ended up DNFing it. Enough is enough 😅 Oh. Also. Insta Love.
Okay so this is the second book I read lately that is advertised like being a ghost story. But there's absolutely nothing creepy or remotely scary about it. Which is kinda disappointing 😅
It took me a while to realize why the main character bothered me so much : she sounds sooooo young and immature, definitely not like a university grad. If she had been 16, it would've been a lot more believable. I also didn't understand how she abandoned her life-long dream without much of a fight. That's another problem : there is a whoooooole lot of talk in this book, and not much action.
Anyways. This story can definitely be an entertaining fast read. But I never actually felt like picking it up, that's why I ended up DNFing it. Enough is enough 😅 Oh. Also. Insta Love.
August 5, 2023
I need more!!! This should be a series where we follow Sloane and Aria and they continue in their work as interpreters.
March 12, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Aria just turn 22 all her life she dreamt of becoming a singer but that dream is put on hold when she learns that she has to go into the family business of helping the dead.
She meets fellow trainee Sloane and their a instant attraction. I don’t know there love story was ok a bit forced in my opinion because they seem to immature maybe it’s because of their parents I mean Aria parents was bit to much with them being way to overprotective when they did even warn her that this what she going to be doing.
I enjoy this book because it had everything I like in it paranormal mystery romance even if that could have been better. I did like Aftercorps explaining everything even though sometimes the information was a bit much it had me stop reading for moment it felt like it had too much going on and since this look like it’s going a series I hope it’s less informative and focus on the romance and supernatural.
Aria just turn 22 all her life she dreamt of becoming a singer but that dream is put on hold when she learns that she has to go into the family business of helping the dead.
She meets fellow trainee Sloane and their a instant attraction. I don’t know there love story was ok a bit forced in my opinion because they seem to immature maybe it’s because of their parents I mean Aria parents was bit to much with them being way to overprotective when they did even warn her that this what she going to be doing.
I enjoy this book because it had everything I like in it paranormal mystery romance even if that could have been better. I did like Aftercorps explaining everything even though sometimes the information was a bit much it had me stop reading for moment it felt like it had too much going on and since this look like it’s going a series I hope it’s less informative and focus on the romance and supernatural.
September 29, 2020
This is a fun fantasy read with a sweet romance and a great premise.
I love the premise of this story. I love the secret group designed to help people into the after life. I love this different types of jobs at AfterCorps and how well thought out it all is. Great world building.
Aria and Sloane's relationship is definitely the highest point of the story. The have a sweet romance and are both really great characters. I also really enjoyed Aria's best friend Macy is also a super great character who adds a lot to the story.
This book is well written and although I had a few issues with the plot the writing always kept me engaged.
There are a few things that were with poorly explained or made no sense at all in regards to the plot, the villain's whole plan didn’t make much sense especially for how meticulously it was planned out. I also took real issue with Aria being forced against her will into this awful situation and everyone just telling her to have a good attitude.
Overall I enjoyed this read and look forward to future works by Nan Higgins.
I love the premise of this story. I love the secret group designed to help people into the after life. I love this different types of jobs at AfterCorps and how well thought out it all is. Great world building.
Aria and Sloane's relationship is definitely the highest point of the story. The have a sweet romance and are both really great characters. I also really enjoyed Aria's best friend Macy is also a super great character who adds a lot to the story.
This book is well written and although I had a few issues with the plot the writing always kept me engaged.
There are a few things that were with poorly explained or made no sense at all in regards to the plot, the villain's whole plan didn’t make much sense especially for how meticulously it was planned out. I also took real issue with Aria being forced against her will into this awful situation and everyone just telling her to have a good attitude.
Overall I enjoyed this read and look forward to future works by Nan Higgins.
April 6, 2020
"Darkness is where the real is. Anything can seem nice in the daylight."
If there is one thing I do love, it's a good ghost story. I wanted the goosebumps and the thrill, but I think this book failed me on that account.
When I first read the book's description, I decided to give it a go. Why? Because I loved the idea of an AfterCorps, a female protagonist who has to give up her dreams because she can see ghosts, and a love interest who basically wants to get in with the organization's demonic unit.
But my good first impression ends there.
I wanted desperately to love this book but in the end, I just can't. Let me tell you why:
1. The instalove between Aria & Sloane makes you cringe over and over again. I badly wanted to root for this couple - I really do - but they are just too much. They even have an explicit scene that felt out of place.
2. The lack of intricacy and backstories.
I've always liked well-rounded characters and seeing how they are connected to one another. However, in this story, it seemed like the author did a poor job of portraying those relationships and in making the characters shine with their uniqueness.
3. The one-person perspective. All throughout the book, I felt uncomfortable and annoyed, mainly due to the MC's perspective. She's way too dramatic, sappy, overemotional and repetitive. She's weaker compared to Sloane who's just the love interest. I had a difficult time connecting with her, and consequently, with the rest of the characters as well. It's during these instances that I wish for multiple narrators because honestly speaking, being inside Aria's head for the entirety of the book was not a fun experience. Plus, there were also scenes that could've been better told from another character's point of view.
4. The narration was dull, even the dialogues were sort of bland. There are even instances when thoughts & convos become repetitive.
5. The climax and ending also fell flat. The villain/s and MCs had a short battle scene and that was it. Then the story ended on a vague note, leaving me no expectations whatsoever. So I don't think I'll be picking up the sequel either.
I'm sad that I couldn't enjoy this book. I genuinely wanted to revel in the world that Higgins created, to feel emotionally close to her characters, and to lose myself in the process - but even to the end, I wasn't able to feel any of that.
All in all, The Mortician's Daughter fell short of my expectations. Though it doesn't seem to be the case with other readers, who liked it enough to leave positive reviews, maybe it's just me. So don't let my opinions get in your way if you feel this book might really be a good match for you. The writing in itself was neatly done, and if you're an avid reader of F/F romance and fantasies, as well as instalove, this book might just be the one for you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
#TheMorticiansDaughter
#Netgalley
If there is one thing I do love, it's a good ghost story. I wanted the goosebumps and the thrill, but I think this book failed me on that account.
When I first read the book's description, I decided to give it a go. Why? Because I loved the idea of an AfterCorps, a female protagonist who has to give up her dreams because she can see ghosts, and a love interest who basically wants to get in with the organization's demonic unit.
But my good first impression ends there.
I wanted desperately to love this book but in the end, I just can't. Let me tell you why:
1. The instalove between Aria & Sloane makes you cringe over and over again. I badly wanted to root for this couple - I really do - but they are just too much. They even have an explicit scene that felt out of place.
2. The lack of intricacy and backstories.
I've always liked well-rounded characters and seeing how they are connected to one another. However, in this story, it seemed like the author did a poor job of portraying those relationships and in making the characters shine with their uniqueness.
3. The one-person perspective. All throughout the book, I felt uncomfortable and annoyed, mainly due to the MC's perspective. She's way too dramatic, sappy, overemotional and repetitive. She's weaker compared to Sloane who's just the love interest. I had a difficult time connecting with her, and consequently, with the rest of the characters as well. It's during these instances that I wish for multiple narrators because honestly speaking, being inside Aria's head for the entirety of the book was not a fun experience. Plus, there were also scenes that could've been better told from another character's point of view.
4. The narration was dull, even the dialogues were sort of bland. There are even instances when thoughts & convos become repetitive.
5. The climax and ending also fell flat. The villain/s and MCs had a short battle scene and that was it. Then the story ended on a vague note, leaving me no expectations whatsoever. So I don't think I'll be picking up the sequel either.
I'm sad that I couldn't enjoy this book. I genuinely wanted to revel in the world that Higgins created, to feel emotionally close to her characters, and to lose myself in the process - but even to the end, I wasn't able to feel any of that.
All in all, The Mortician's Daughter fell short of my expectations. Though it doesn't seem to be the case with other readers, who liked it enough to leave positive reviews, maybe it's just me. So don't let my opinions get in your way if you feel this book might really be a good match for you. The writing in itself was neatly done, and if you're an avid reader of F/F romance and fantasies, as well as instalove, this book might just be the one for you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
#TheMorticiansDaughter
#Netgalley
March 2, 2020
Review excerpted from my blog post over at Pan/Cis LGBT2SQ+ Romance Reviews (https://pancis.wordpress.com/2020/03/...)
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The New Recruits/Trainees
Physical Descriptions: Shoulder-length, raven hair and green eyes (h1); short, shaggy, light brown hair, crooked smile, and blue-grey eyes (h2)
Sexual content: A smidge; “on-screen” and explicit.
Gender Identity: Cis (h1) / Cis (h2)
Sexual Identity: Lesbian (h1) / Lesbian (h2)
Triggers: violence; controlling parents; parental estrangement
Acceptance Rating: 4.5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: Some folks embarrassed by mention of girls dating girls. Otherwise, love is love.
Grammar/Editing: I found no errors in my ARC.
Review: This is a fast-paced, single point-of-view paranormal romance set in Columbus, Ohio. It seems very “new adult” oriented in tone and presentation. It features a fairly elaborately conceived, and consistently applied, bureaucracy of the afterlife that I would liken to Beetlejuice, The Good Place, and Dead Like Me, except that the bureaucrats are living, and this novel is not a comedy (or a dramedy).
The heroines of this novel are Aria and Sloane. Both are college-graduate age, and both still live at home with their parents. While their romance is cute, it also feels a bit immature, if only because Aria is still fairly immature due, in large part, to her overbearing parents (although she’s 22 and still has teenage-type sleepovers with her best friend, so she’s also slightly immature, regardless). Their romance is also fairly whirlwind in nature. The supporting characters are well-enough developed for the action of the novel, but there’s an overarching air of secrecy throughout the novel that may account for the paucity of information given. This is also the first book in a series, so it’s possible that more details will be revealed in subsequent installments. I did find Aria’s parents and their relationship with her to be incredibly juvenile – they treat her as if she is 12 rather than 22, including making major decisions about her life without consulting her. Outside of these characters, the villain’s motivations are fairly standard and the other characters seem fairly peripheral.
Overall, this is a quick read and I would be willing to read the next book in the series to see what the author does with it.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The New Recruits/Trainees
Physical Descriptions: Shoulder-length, raven hair and green eyes (h1); short, shaggy, light brown hair, crooked smile, and blue-grey eyes (h2)
Sexual content: A smidge; “on-screen” and explicit.
Gender Identity: Cis (h1) / Cis (h2)
Sexual Identity: Lesbian (h1) / Lesbian (h2)
Triggers: violence; controlling parents; parental estrangement
Acceptance Rating: 4.5 stars
Acceptance Rating Explanation: Some folks embarrassed by mention of girls dating girls. Otherwise, love is love.
Grammar/Editing: I found no errors in my ARC.
Review: This is a fast-paced, single point-of-view paranormal romance set in Columbus, Ohio. It seems very “new adult” oriented in tone and presentation. It features a fairly elaborately conceived, and consistently applied, bureaucracy of the afterlife that I would liken to Beetlejuice, The Good Place, and Dead Like Me, except that the bureaucrats are living, and this novel is not a comedy (or a dramedy).
The heroines of this novel are Aria and Sloane. Both are college-graduate age, and both still live at home with their parents. While their romance is cute, it also feels a bit immature, if only because Aria is still fairly immature due, in large part, to her overbearing parents (although she’s 22 and still has teenage-type sleepovers with her best friend, so she’s also slightly immature, regardless). Their romance is also fairly whirlwind in nature. The supporting characters are well-enough developed for the action of the novel, but there’s an overarching air of secrecy throughout the novel that may account for the paucity of information given. This is also the first book in a series, so it’s possible that more details will be revealed in subsequent installments. I did find Aria’s parents and their relationship with her to be incredibly juvenile – they treat her as if she is 12 rather than 22, including making major decisions about her life without consulting her. Outside of these characters, the villain’s motivations are fairly standard and the other characters seem fairly peripheral.
Overall, this is a quick read and I would be willing to read the next book in the series to see what the author does with it.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
My book reviews can be found at booksandcaffeine.blogspot.com
First off I need to say that I should pay closer attention to what genre of book I am requesting from Netgalley. From it’s description I thought I was requesting a detective mystery/ghost story. Looking at my Netgalley bookshelf just now I realize I requested a LGBTQ+ Romance. I am certainly not opposed to reading same, but it’s not what I was expecting.
Ms. Higgins is apparently from my general neighborhood. I love reading local authors and I have to say that when I start a book and within the space of the first two paragraphs the main character is talking about a birthday dinner at my favorite pizza restaurant (Dewey’s!) I know I’m going to like it. Afterall, I just celebrated MY birthday at Dewey’s. If you ever eat there, you MUST have the Porky Fig Pizza. Seriously!
So on with the story. Aria has just found out that she comes from a family of “interpreters,” which is to say her father sees and talks to ghosts. In fact he is the head of an “Agency” started by her great-great-grandfather to help “priors” (aka dead people) wrap up their earthly responsibilities and cross over. Aria has her life planned out and to discover she is an interpreter completely disolves her future. She begins her education as an interpreter where she meets Sloane, who becomes her love interest. Her first interaction with a ghost is an elderly Prior named Clara who insists Aria’s father is preventing her from crossing over. Together Aria and Sloane must find out how this could be possible and get Clara crossed over without dying themselves.
The book reads like a YA novel and I’m not completely sure it’s not meant to be. It was a fun read, although I felt a little let down at the end, like it was wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly after the build up. I think with a little more mature writing this could turn into a really fun series along the lines of the Stephanie Plum novels.
I’m giving the story 3.5 shots of 5. Based on not knowing if it was meant to be a YA novel and for the weak ending. But I do recommend this book and I hope that Higgins can evolve her characters into a series in which they have aged a bit. I would come back to read more mystery stories involving these two women working the space between life and death.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this ARC. Publication date April 14, 2020.
First off I need to say that I should pay closer attention to what genre of book I am requesting from Netgalley. From it’s description I thought I was requesting a detective mystery/ghost story. Looking at my Netgalley bookshelf just now I realize I requested a LGBTQ+ Romance. I am certainly not opposed to reading same, but it’s not what I was expecting.
Ms. Higgins is apparently from my general neighborhood. I love reading local authors and I have to say that when I start a book and within the space of the first two paragraphs the main character is talking about a birthday dinner at my favorite pizza restaurant (Dewey’s!) I know I’m going to like it. Afterall, I just celebrated MY birthday at Dewey’s. If you ever eat there, you MUST have the Porky Fig Pizza. Seriously!
So on with the story. Aria has just found out that she comes from a family of “interpreters,” which is to say her father sees and talks to ghosts. In fact he is the head of an “Agency” started by her great-great-grandfather to help “priors” (aka dead people) wrap up their earthly responsibilities and cross over. Aria has her life planned out and to discover she is an interpreter completely disolves her future. She begins her education as an interpreter where she meets Sloane, who becomes her love interest. Her first interaction with a ghost is an elderly Prior named Clara who insists Aria’s father is preventing her from crossing over. Together Aria and Sloane must find out how this could be possible and get Clara crossed over without dying themselves.
The book reads like a YA novel and I’m not completely sure it’s not meant to be. It was a fun read, although I felt a little let down at the end, like it was wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly after the build up. I think with a little more mature writing this could turn into a really fun series along the lines of the Stephanie Plum novels.
I’m giving the story 3.5 shots of 5. Based on not knowing if it was meant to be a YA novel and for the weak ending. But I do recommend this book and I hope that Higgins can evolve her characters into a series in which they have aged a bit. I would come back to read more mystery stories involving these two women working the space between life and death.
Thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this ARC. Publication date April 14, 2020.
May 27, 2024
As an indifferent reader of stories in the paranormal genre, I found The Mortician's Daughter to be just okay.
It has a young adult vibe, although it's not marketed as such which might surprise some readers. The book cover alone implies something darker awaits inside, but it never truly comes to fruition.
The story essentially focuses on the main character, Aria Jasper, who as she turns 22 discovers that nothing about her family or indeed herself is what she thought it was. It turns out her father isn't just a funeral director, but also the director of Aftercorps. A company whose job it is to help new ghosts transition to whatever comes next. Suddenly expected to pledge herself to Aftercorps, Aria finds herself no longer pursuing a music career. Instead, she's in Aftercorps training alongside another student, Sloane, - who is much more enthusiastic for her new role than Aria is likely to ever be.
The biggest niggle in the book for me was that there is very little way in the way of actual plot. A lot of the learning about Aftercorps is done in a classroom setting and comes across as more telling than showing for that reason. It also starts to become infuriating that no one in Aria's life will actually explain to her what has been and is happening to her. To the extent that her mother sinks into a depressive episode and all but abandons Aria to deal with her new reality alone, at least initially. And all because she thought Aria had escaped inheriting the ability to communicate with ghosts.
Family secrets and lies are at the core of this paranormal offering, but unfortunately, I found the plot to be lacklustre and missing the depth that I like in my stories whether they are young adult or not.
It has a young adult vibe, although it's not marketed as such which might surprise some readers. The book cover alone implies something darker awaits inside, but it never truly comes to fruition.
The story essentially focuses on the main character, Aria Jasper, who as she turns 22 discovers that nothing about her family or indeed herself is what she thought it was. It turns out her father isn't just a funeral director, but also the director of Aftercorps. A company whose job it is to help new ghosts transition to whatever comes next. Suddenly expected to pledge herself to Aftercorps, Aria finds herself no longer pursuing a music career. Instead, she's in Aftercorps training alongside another student, Sloane, - who is much more enthusiastic for her new role than Aria is likely to ever be.
The biggest niggle in the book for me was that there is very little way in the way of actual plot. A lot of the learning about Aftercorps is done in a classroom setting and comes across as more telling than showing for that reason. It also starts to become infuriating that no one in Aria's life will actually explain to her what has been and is happening to her. To the extent that her mother sinks into a depressive episode and all but abandons Aria to deal with her new reality alone, at least initially. And all because she thought Aria had escaped inheriting the ability to communicate with ghosts.
Family secrets and lies are at the core of this paranormal offering, but unfortunately, I found the plot to be lacklustre and missing the depth that I like in my stories whether they are young adult or not.
June 2, 2020
I thought this was going to be a creepy thriller about a mortician’s daughter who can talk to ghosts, but it was… not that. Despite the dour cover, it’s actually a pretty lighthearted mystery-romance with a supernatural twist! Who’d a thunk?!
Aria Jasper is on her way to having the music career of her dreams. She’s just finished her degree, and her whole future is ahead of her… until she sees a ghost and learns that she’s inherited a family legacy as an ‘interpreter’ for the dead. And one of the aforementioned dead believes that her Father is part of a nefarious plot to keep them earthbound. The big plus is that Aria’s classmate at ‘ghost school’, Sloane, is quite the cutie. Can Aria find a way to follow her dreams? Or is she doomed forever to life as a death singer?
The really shocking part of all of this is that what I enjoyed most about this novel was the romance. *checks temperature* No, I’m not ill. Aria and Sloane’s budding romance was the highlight of the book for me, because a) I’m a sucker for cutesy queer romances and b) Aria’s feelings towards Sloane are the most realistic emotions in the whole novel. Seriously, I’m a deeply indecisive person (insert indecisive bi+ joke here) but WHAT THE HELL ARIA. Her emotions yo-yoed so frequently that it was difficult to keep track and kind of confused the narrative. Which was a little confused in the first place. We’re not given a huge amount of information about this secret society of interpreters, and the mystery plot is predictable and a bit so so action wise. There wasn’t really any tension, and it took it’s damn time getting there.
If you’re looking for a pacey supernatural mystery, this ain’t it. But if you’re in the market for a cute romance with a not-too-taxing supernatural mystery plot, this book is for you!
Aria Jasper is on her way to having the music career of her dreams. She’s just finished her degree, and her whole future is ahead of her… until she sees a ghost and learns that she’s inherited a family legacy as an ‘interpreter’ for the dead. And one of the aforementioned dead believes that her Father is part of a nefarious plot to keep them earthbound. The big plus is that Aria’s classmate at ‘ghost school’, Sloane, is quite the cutie. Can Aria find a way to follow her dreams? Or is she doomed forever to life as a death singer?
The really shocking part of all of this is that what I enjoyed most about this novel was the romance. *checks temperature* No, I’m not ill. Aria and Sloane’s budding romance was the highlight of the book for me, because a) I’m a sucker for cutesy queer romances and b) Aria’s feelings towards Sloane are the most realistic emotions in the whole novel. Seriously, I’m a deeply indecisive person (insert indecisive bi+ joke here) but WHAT THE HELL ARIA. Her emotions yo-yoed so frequently that it was difficult to keep track and kind of confused the narrative. Which was a little confused in the first place. We’re not given a huge amount of information about this secret society of interpreters, and the mystery plot is predictable and a bit so so action wise. There wasn’t really any tension, and it took it’s damn time getting there.
If you’re looking for a pacey supernatural mystery, this ain’t it. But if you’re in the market for a cute romance with a not-too-taxing supernatural mystery plot, this book is for you!
Read
April 25, 2020On the night of her twenty-second birthday, Aria Jasper discovers she comes from a long line of people who communicate with ghosts. She’s confused, of course, because naturally, her Father told her nothing of his abilities or the fact that she may one day have abilities of her own.
Now that the truth is out and Aria can see and speak to the dead, she is expected to pledge her service to his company, AfterCorps. Her new job will be to help rookie ghosts get their earthly affairs in order so they can make their final transfer to the Afterlife.
With her dreams of being a professional singer dashed by this new happening, she begins her training.
The only other student, Sloane, is a beautiful AfterCorps new recruit who has planned her whole life for the moment she can join the most dangerous branch of the organization: the Criminally Demonic Unit.
As Aria and Sloane grow closer, they begin to suspect all is not as it seems. A terrified ghost claims that Aria’s father is evil and keeping her earthbound against her will. She begs for their help to cross over, but Aria and Sloane may not be prepared for the consequences of defying an organization powerful enough to exert influence in both the land of the living and the dead.
There is a nice little slow burn romance happening between the two female leads and Aria will finally feel what falling in love is like.
I enjoyed the book, even if the premise is not a new one, it is one that is well done and very readable.
I received this book free from Boldstrokes Books and Netgalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Now that the truth is out and Aria can see and speak to the dead, she is expected to pledge her service to his company, AfterCorps. Her new job will be to help rookie ghosts get their earthly affairs in order so they can make their final transfer to the Afterlife.
With her dreams of being a professional singer dashed by this new happening, she begins her training.
The only other student, Sloane, is a beautiful AfterCorps new recruit who has planned her whole life for the moment she can join the most dangerous branch of the organization: the Criminally Demonic Unit.
As Aria and Sloane grow closer, they begin to suspect all is not as it seems. A terrified ghost claims that Aria’s father is evil and keeping her earthbound against her will. She begs for their help to cross over, but Aria and Sloane may not be prepared for the consequences of defying an organization powerful enough to exert influence in both the land of the living and the dead.
There is a nice little slow burn romance happening between the two female leads and Aria will finally feel what falling in love is like.
I enjoyed the book, even if the premise is not a new one, it is one that is well done and very readable.
I received this book free from Boldstrokes Books and Netgalley for my honest, unbiased review.
April 12, 2020
The Mortician’s Daughter has an interesting premise, and to an extent, it delivers on it. I was intrigued by the idea of someone who has a genetic ability to see and interact with ghosts, and I like that there’s lore to go with it, with some exploration of Aria’s family history.
I did like Aria and her journey as she uncovered all of this, although I did find her a little monotonous and overemotional. However, I didn’t feel like the romance was that well-defined, going from zero to eleven super quick, and was much more interested in the interactions between Aria and the tragic, departed Clara.
But while I thought a book dealing with death and the afterlife would be a bit gritty, it’s not really the case at all. In fact, it deals more with all the bureaucracy and red tape, and while in some ways, it helps with the world building, it wasn’t particularly interesting after a while.
However, this is the first in a series, so it’s possible it will build on some of the world building aspects in the next book or two, which I may consider checking out. I think if you like paranormal/ghost stories, but don’t mind something that’s more intricate than scary, I think it’s worth giving a chance.
I did like Aria and her journey as she uncovered all of this, although I did find her a little monotonous and overemotional. However, I didn’t feel like the romance was that well-defined, going from zero to eleven super quick, and was much more interested in the interactions between Aria and the tragic, departed Clara.
But while I thought a book dealing with death and the afterlife would be a bit gritty, it’s not really the case at all. In fact, it deals more with all the bureaucracy and red tape, and while in some ways, it helps with the world building, it wasn’t particularly interesting after a while.
However, this is the first in a series, so it’s possible it will build on some of the world building aspects in the next book or two, which I may consider checking out. I think if you like paranormal/ghost stories, but don’t mind something that’s more intricate than scary, I think it’s worth giving a chance.
March 12, 2020
*Thank you netgallery for a copy for review*
Aria Jasper just turned 22, and is looking forward to traveling to fulfill her dream of being a singer.
Everything is going to plan in her life until the evening of her birthday when she sees a ghost.
Everything Aria has known has been a lie to cover up the truth. Who can she trust?
While I enjoyed this book, I sometimes cringed at certain parts because of how young adult it came across as. I expected it to be a little more mature since Aria is 22. However, the book is thrilling and intense! I was able to read this book in one sitting because I really wanted to know how Aria's story ends. There is a ton of mystery from the very beginning that will keep you on your toes throughout the book.
I thought that the love story felt a bit forced and unnatural. I could easily see this story being successful without the need of a love interest. To me, it felt like it took away from the story.
However, I'm a strong supporter of the lgbtq+ romance genre, and I think we need more books like this!
If paranormal mysteries is up your alley, then pick up a copy! You won't regret it.
Aria Jasper just turned 22, and is looking forward to traveling to fulfill her dream of being a singer.
Everything is going to plan in her life until the evening of her birthday when she sees a ghost.
Everything Aria has known has been a lie to cover up the truth. Who can she trust?
While I enjoyed this book, I sometimes cringed at certain parts because of how young adult it came across as. I expected it to be a little more mature since Aria is 22. However, the book is thrilling and intense! I was able to read this book in one sitting because I really wanted to know how Aria's story ends. There is a ton of mystery from the very beginning that will keep you on your toes throughout the book.
I thought that the love story felt a bit forced and unnatural. I could easily see this story being successful without the need of a love interest. To me, it felt like it took away from the story.
However, I'm a strong supporter of the lgbtq+ romance genre, and I think we need more books like this!
If paranormal mysteries is up your alley, then pick up a copy! You won't regret it.
June 23, 2020
Aunque entretenido e interesante, con un estilo cautivador, sentí que el final era demasiado apresurado. Los padres de Aria no se sentían reales para mí, ninguna de sus elecciones tenía sentido sin importar cómo las justificaran. Sin embargo, me gustó la relación de Aria con Sloane y su química. Se sintió más natural, uno de esos casos donde te enamoras hasta la médula que te hacen olvidar el resto del mundo y vivir la vidas. Realmente me gustaron esas chicas y la primera mitad del libro. La segunda, por otro lado, carece del encanto de la primera y de la tensión que esperaba.
Although entertaining and interesting, with a captivating style, I felt the ending was too rushed. Aria's parents didn't feel real to me, not one of their choices made sense no matter how they justified them. However, I liked Aria's relationhip with Sloane and their chemistry. It felt more natural, one of those head-over-heels cases that make you forget the rest of the world and live it up. Really liked those girls and the first half of the book. The second one, on the other hand, lack the charm of the first and the tension I expected.
Although entertaining and interesting, with a captivating style, I felt the ending was too rushed. Aria's parents didn't feel real to me, not one of their choices made sense no matter how they justified them. However, I liked Aria's relationhip with Sloane and their chemistry. It felt more natural, one of those head-over-heels cases that make you forget the rest of the world and live it up. Really liked those girls and the first half of the book. The second one, on the other hand, lack the charm of the first and the tension I expected.
August 2, 2020
Book Review!!
The Mortician’s Daughter by Nan Higgins
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What a sweet and spooky novel! I was initially drawn to this title due to the fact that I am a licensed FD. This was such a fun twist on the death care industry that I know and love.
What a genius concept.. A business hiding behind the facade of a funeral home that helps ghosts who are stuck move on. I loved every aspect of this story and it was well thought out, down to every last detail. Can I also praise to the heavens the LGBTQIA+ representation here!? Sloane & Aria’s relationship was so freaking cute, and that one scene... 😳 PHEW! I may or may not have wanted more ¿ But seriously. Their relationship was approached like it was totally normal; and as a lesbian myself that was so refreshing to read. Not one person turned up their nose and it was just accepted, no problem. I loved it.
So, if you like spooky stories set in a funeral home/the death care industry with the cutest lesbian couple EVER, grab Nan’s book. She is a sweetheart and so, so talented. Please tell me there’s another one coming? 😂
(Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC).
(@fyebooks on Instagram!)
The Mortician’s Daughter by Nan Higgins
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What a sweet and spooky novel! I was initially drawn to this title due to the fact that I am a licensed FD. This was such a fun twist on the death care industry that I know and love.
What a genius concept.. A business hiding behind the facade of a funeral home that helps ghosts who are stuck move on. I loved every aspect of this story and it was well thought out, down to every last detail. Can I also praise to the heavens the LGBTQIA+ representation here!? Sloane & Aria’s relationship was so freaking cute, and that one scene... 😳 PHEW! I may or may not have wanted more ¿ But seriously. Their relationship was approached like it was totally normal; and as a lesbian myself that was so refreshing to read. Not one person turned up their nose and it was just accepted, no problem. I loved it.
So, if you like spooky stories set in a funeral home/the death care industry with the cutest lesbian couple EVER, grab Nan’s book. She is a sweetheart and so, so talented. Please tell me there’s another one coming? 😂
(Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC).
(@fyebooks on Instagram!)
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