What do you think?
Rate this book
California Demon #2
Sinners on Sunset
The tax demons want their pound of flesh. Or fifty-two thousand dollars.
Unable to pay what she owes, Eden is forced to fight a never-ending stream of bounty hunters while she tries to clear her name and find the cop who set her up. But demons are not known for their patience, and the new mercenary hired to bring Eden in dead or alive has magical abilities of his own—magical abilities oddly similar to Eden’s.
Desperate, she turns to a friend for help, but Detective Juke demands a favor in return— help to find the demon or mage responsible for a killing spree that leaves victims dead and boneless and she’ll investigate Eden’s claims.
But time is running out for Eden. The mage-mercenary is closing in. Her owed “favors” to demons are stacking up. And her debt to the enigmatic Bishop is beginning to rival what the tax office believes she owes.
Eden will need to rely on her pistol, her wits, and her magic to save herself. And if that isn’t enough, she may need to bargain away her soul.
Unable to pay what she owes, Eden is forced to fight a never-ending stream of bounty hunters while she tries to clear her name and find the cop who set her up. But demons are not known for their patience, and the new mercenary hired to bring Eden in dead or alive has magical abilities of his own—magical abilities oddly similar to Eden’s.
Desperate, she turns to a friend for help, but Detective Juke demands a favor in return— help to find the demon or mage responsible for a killing spree that leaves victims dead and boneless and she’ll investigate Eden’s claims.
But time is running out for Eden. The mage-mercenary is closing in. Her owed “favors” to demons are stacking up. And her debt to the enigmatic Bishop is beginning to rival what the tax office believes she owes.
Eden will need to rely on her pistol, her wits, and her magic to save herself. And if that isn’t enough, she may need to bargain away her soul.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2021
About the author
Debra Dunbar
91 books1,279 followersDebra lives in a little house in the woods in Maryland with three sons, and a Noah’s ark of four legged family members. She has a corporate job during the day, and writes novels at night, after the kids are tucked in bed.
She drives an Excursion affectionately called The Beast, couldn’t carry a tune if you duct taped it to her back, and enjoys an occasional cosmopolitan (heavy on the vodka). On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground.
Her only known super power is ‘Identify Roadkill’.
She drives an Excursion affectionately called The Beast, couldn’t carry a tune if you duct taped it to her back, and enjoys an occasional cosmopolitan (heavy on the vodka). On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground.
Her only known super power is ‘Identify Roadkill’.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 25, 2021
This is just getting better and better! Being a huge Imp Series fan, I can honestly admit I was afraid I wouldn't like this because it was more serious than Imp was. Boy was I wrong.
In this series, we're delving into the life of Eden Alvaro, a Vulture, which is basically a glorified scavenger. She lives in New Hell, California reborn as a demon's state, and the most dangerous place in the US to live. The demons run the place. But, being demons, they run it with fear, making absolutely certain all the citizens are aware that their lives are forfeit to them whenever and wherever they choose.
Eden has a foster family that she loves and would do anything to protect. That's becoming more and more difficult for her. Since the last book, she's been on the run with a bounty on her head. Her newfound friend, Bishop, is helping where he can, and she has other friends she's been able to go to, endearing friends that I'm coming to love as much as I love her and her family. But how is she going to find the cop who set her up, stole her salvage, then pretended that she had that booty and wasn't paying the taxes on it? And, guess who runs the tax bureau? It ain't the IRS, that's for sure. The bounty on her was placed by the demons. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry wants that bounty, and the price keeps going up! This is not as amusing as it could be, believe it or not. You'd expect humor galore coming from Debra, particularly in connection to the Imp series, but there's really nothing funny about this series at all. It's amusing in parts, but not in any way funny. It is, however, intriguing, engrossing, engaging, and oddly...touchingly sad.
There's so much story going on here, so much excitement! This was not a read a little, put it down, pick it up later and read a little more kinda book. This is one of those don't pick it up until you have time to read it all the way through kinds of books! Debra Dunbar can weave a story like no one's business, and this series is no different than any of her other ones. It will grab you and suck you in like an out-of-control vacuum, and not let go until it's over. I'm already going nuts waiting for the next one, and this one hasn't even come out yet! It is also the strangest conglomeration of emotions I can remember coming out of a single volume. I'm a little embarrassed that I found myself in tears at the end, and I can't, for the life of me, pinpoint why.
You've captured me, Debra Dunbar. Once again, you've completely and totally captured me. Excellently done! So very Excellently Done Indeed!
This was given to me by the author as an advanced copy and I have reviewed it in my own words and of my own volition. As always!
In this series, we're delving into the life of Eden Alvaro, a Vulture, which is basically a glorified scavenger. She lives in New Hell, California reborn as a demon's state, and the most dangerous place in the US to live. The demons run the place. But, being demons, they run it with fear, making absolutely certain all the citizens are aware that their lives are forfeit to them whenever and wherever they choose.
Eden has a foster family that she loves and would do anything to protect. That's becoming more and more difficult for her. Since the last book, she's been on the run with a bounty on her head. Her newfound friend, Bishop, is helping where he can, and she has other friends she's been able to go to, endearing friends that I'm coming to love as much as I love her and her family. But how is she going to find the cop who set her up, stole her salvage, then pretended that she had that booty and wasn't paying the taxes on it? And, guess who runs the tax bureau? It ain't the IRS, that's for sure. The bounty on her was placed by the demons. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry wants that bounty, and the price keeps going up! This is not as amusing as it could be, believe it or not. You'd expect humor galore coming from Debra, particularly in connection to the Imp series, but there's really nothing funny about this series at all. It's amusing in parts, but not in any way funny. It is, however, intriguing, engrossing, engaging, and oddly...touchingly sad.
There's so much story going on here, so much excitement! This was not a read a little, put it down, pick it up later and read a little more kinda book. This is one of those don't pick it up until you have time to read it all the way through kinds of books! Debra Dunbar can weave a story like no one's business, and this series is no different than any of her other ones. It will grab you and suck you in like an out-of-control vacuum, and not let go until it's over. I'm already going nuts waiting for the next one, and this one hasn't even come out yet! It is also the strangest conglomeration of emotions I can remember coming out of a single volume. I'm a little embarrassed that I found myself in tears at the end, and I can't, for the life of me, pinpoint why.
You've captured me, Debra Dunbar. Once again, you've completely and totally captured me. Excellently done! So very Excellently Done Indeed!
This was given to me by the author as an advanced copy and I have reviewed it in my own words and of my own volition. As always!
April 6, 2021
Debra Dunbar never fails to impress! I love her style of writing. This book is engaging and binge worthy!
April 3, 2021
I am so glad that I stumbled upon the California Demon series. It is a fast paced read and the characters are multifaceted and fun. “Sinners on Sunset” is the second installment and opens with poor Eden being attacked on multiple fronts from bounty hunters out to collect $5,000. The tax bureau wants her brought in and she is doing her best to avoid them at all costs. She also owes money to Bishop for helping recover her kidnapped sister.
As Eden sets out to clear her name, she stumbled upon an abandoned house. Before she has a chance to claim squatters rights the neighbors are upon her and inform her that the only way she can stay is if she can best one of them in a fight. She chooses an older balding man but he kicks her butt. Now she has walk away from her dream of a better future for herself and her family.
Meanwhile when Eden goes to Detective Juke for assistance with her tax problem, Juke also asks for her help with a series of gruesome murders where the victim have been deboned without a scratch on them. If that is not enough, Eden has to deal with a terrorist kitty who can shoot lasers from its eyes. Oh boy!
This set has so much to recommend it such as the non-stop action, great characters who immediately foster a sense of empathy within the reader, mystery, intrigue and smoldering sexual tension. Sign me up please! Lol. My only complaint is that I want the third book now!!!! Of well, July is not that far away.
As Eden sets out to clear her name, she stumbled upon an abandoned house. Before she has a chance to claim squatters rights the neighbors are upon her and inform her that the only way she can stay is if she can best one of them in a fight. She chooses an older balding man but he kicks her butt. Now she has walk away from her dream of a better future for herself and her family.
Meanwhile when Eden goes to Detective Juke for assistance with her tax problem, Juke also asks for her help with a series of gruesome murders where the victim have been deboned without a scratch on them. If that is not enough, Eden has to deal with a terrorist kitty who can shoot lasers from its eyes. Oh boy!
This set has so much to recommend it such as the non-stop action, great characters who immediately foster a sense of empathy within the reader, mystery, intrigue and smoldering sexual tension. Sign me up please! Lol. My only complaint is that I want the third book now!!!! Of well, July is not that far away.
August 16, 2022
While I enjoyed this second book I felt like the overall story made far too little progress.
Some people already complained about this in the first book but I felt it was totally fine for the first one to just be an introduction while telling a more or less contained story, but I expected the MCs situation to develop a lot further in this second one. I think the problem is in part that a lot of implicit questions that were introduced in the first book, instead of being answered, were just worded explicitly in this one.
In a similar vein, many people are already turned off if an MC denies her obvious connection to the supernatural for one book. But here she is almost entirely in denial for two entire books already. I get that these books only cover a very short stretch of time each but to the reader 300 pages roughly feel like 300 pages even if the time passing with the story varies wildly.
In summary, I felt like the book kept on baiting me with information I expected but never actually got.
I will most likely still read the third one but if there isn't any significant progress in that one either I am done with the series.
Some people already complained about this in the first book but I felt it was totally fine for the first one to just be an introduction while telling a more or less contained story, but I expected the MCs situation to develop a lot further in this second one. I think the problem is in part that a lot of implicit questions that were introduced in the first book, instead of being answered, were just worded explicitly in this one.
In a similar vein, many people are already turned off if an MC denies her obvious connection to the supernatural for one book. But here she is almost entirely in denial for two entire books already. I get that these books only cover a very short stretch of time each but to the reader 300 pages roughly feel like 300 pages even if the time passing with the story varies wildly.
In summary, I felt like the book kept on baiting me with information I expected but never actually got.
I will most likely still read the third one but if there isn't any significant progress in that one either I am done with the series.
April 5, 2021
Meow.
Life is hell on earth for salvager Eden. No, really- Hel on earth, that is. Demons have taken over the management of California and everyone who can’t afford to get out is left to survive in whatever way necessary.
After getting her sister back, Eden is desperate to find out the name of the she-cop who set her up with the demon tax office so she can legally work again... and to stop the attempted hits against her. With the help of her new friend Bishop and his associates, along with a lot of luck, Eden has to hope she can come out on top, all while avoiding a laser eyed kitten with an attitude problem who is stalking her neighbor.
Debra Dunbar’s Imp series is one of my favorites, and this new series takes place within the Imp world I’ve come to know and love. Debra’s mix of strong heroines, limitless humor, fantasy, and just enough loss creates world building as magical as the characters in her books. Sinners on Sunset was a fantastic read & I can’t wait for the next book on the series!
Life is hell on earth for salvager Eden. No, really- Hel on earth, that is. Demons have taken over the management of California and everyone who can’t afford to get out is left to survive in whatever way necessary.
After getting her sister back, Eden is desperate to find out the name of the she-cop who set her up with the demon tax office so she can legally work again... and to stop the attempted hits against her. With the help of her new friend Bishop and his associates, along with a lot of luck, Eden has to hope she can come out on top, all while avoiding a laser eyed kitten with an attitude problem who is stalking her neighbor.
Debra Dunbar’s Imp series is one of my favorites, and this new series takes place within the Imp world I’ve come to know and love. Debra’s mix of strong heroines, limitless humor, fantasy, and just enough loss creates world building as magical as the characters in her books. Sinners on Sunset was a fantastic read & I can’t wait for the next book on the series!
March 23, 2021
Another excellent story in the Imp Universe! Eden is a kick butt heroine who is all about keeping her small family safe in the dystopian world of New Hell. Unfortunately for her, she is really behind the eight ball when a crooked cop sets her up to take the fall for a stolen haul with the demon taxing authorities. She really finds out who her friends are, and how many she really has, when she has to call in all of her favors in a desperate effort to avoid ending up as a demon chew toy. Luckily, she has more powerful friends than she realizes, including the super sexy Bishop. I loved this action packed story with lots of tantalizing revelations about Eden and her friends and can’t wait for the next one!
April 19, 2021
I was sad towards the end of the imp series and wondered if this would sooth that need in me. Oh hel yes it did, as always Dunbar's books are full of suspense and genuine laughter. I honestly think these are the only books which make me giggle out loud.
Not a spoiler but a funny instance in the book is the Eden about to get into a fight after actually being clean for once. She decided to remove her top but not her pants, exactly what I would have considered doing in her case.
I think that is what makes me love these books and the characters, they act like real people, they are relatable and with that is humour. They really are the very best books.
Not a spoiler but a funny instance in the book is the Eden about to get into a fight after actually being clean for once. She decided to remove her top but not her pants, exactly what I would have considered doing in her case.
I think that is what makes me love these books and the characters, they act like real people, they are relatable and with that is humour. They really are the very best books.
April 6, 2022
The bullets and cash are still missing and body;s are turning up with bones
disintegrated all that is left is a pile of flesh goo. The theory is it is demon's work.
But one victim is wearing a bizarre ugly necklace that Eden thinks is the common
denominator in the four deaths so far. Meanwhile she is working with a couple
honest cops to locate the cop who framed her for the missing bullets and cash.
Top notch series of other world beings with who done it detective work. Eden is
also still trying to get help to perfect her little magic abilities. On to book three.
disintegrated all that is left is a pile of flesh goo. The theory is it is demon's work.
But one victim is wearing a bizarre ugly necklace that Eden thinks is the common
denominator in the four deaths so far. Meanwhile she is working with a couple
honest cops to locate the cop who framed her for the missing bullets and cash.
Top notch series of other world beings with who done it detective work. Eden is
also still trying to get help to perfect her little magic abilities. On to book three.
March 3, 2021
I absolutely love this series. Eve is still trying to get her name cleared and now there's a bigger bounty out on her. She has to bring in some old friends to help and some new allies too. She is learning more about her powers as they grow. She is also learning more about friends and what they are. I believe we will be really surprised when we finally learn more about her and Bishop. Eagerly awaiting the next release.
March 25, 2021
Another fun book by Debra Dunbar
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. Eden continues to do her best to survive in demon occupied California while navigating her developing abilities. Eden is a great protagonist because she can take care of herself and is smart, but she’s still realistic and makes mistakes that seem natural (not just convenient for the plot). I’m looking forward to the third book
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. Eden continues to do her best to survive in demon occupied California while navigating her developing abilities. Eden is a great protagonist because she can take care of herself and is smart, but she’s still realistic and makes mistakes that seem natural (not just convenient for the plot). I’m looking forward to the third book
March 25, 2021
One hell of a rollercoaster ride!!
I love this series and the whole Imp world! Once again, we are trust into the thrilling continuation of Eden’s story where she continues to take us readers on one hell of a rollercoaster rider into New Hell and back. She is such a kickass character that you can’t help love her and laugh with her. Everything about this story is action packed, thrilling, intense and filled with murder and mayhem.
LOVED IT and can’t wait for book 3!!!
I love this series and the whole Imp world! Once again, we are trust into the thrilling continuation of Eden’s story where she continues to take us readers on one hell of a rollercoaster rider into New Hell and back. She is such a kickass character that you can’t help love her and laugh with her. Everything about this story is action packed, thrilling, intense and filled with murder and mayhem.
LOVED IT and can’t wait for book 3!!!
May 31, 2021
A fabulous read! For anyone who loves kate Daniels you will enjoy Eden Alvero in a dystopian L.A. now New Hel . Yes demons have taken charge & anyone who could leave did ,those who are left are trying to or to at least make some life for themselves. A tough heroine who will do anything for her family and now few friends. The fast paced plot and terrific characters will have you reading into the wee hours. Unfortunately we now have to wait on book 3 to be released
March 22, 2021
Wonderful, I loved it!
Eden Alvaro is doing her best to survive in New Hell. Her
life gets more and more complicated about a failed salvage.
Debra Dunbar hits it out of the park with this one. Fabulous characters, great plot, out standing writing. I heartily recommend this book, and have already ordered the next one in the series
Eden Alvaro is doing her best to survive in New Hell. Her
life gets more and more complicated about a failed salvage.
Debra Dunbar hits it out of the park with this one. Fabulous characters, great plot, out standing writing. I heartily recommend this book, and have already ordered the next one in the series
December 9, 2021
Sinners and Sunset, the second book of the Imp World: California Demon series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Another great addition to this series. A fast-paced plot, gratuitous violence, lots of intrigue, and many more questions and guessing before book three. I loved the resolution to the tax issue, as well as the potential for the remainder of the series.
December 25, 2021
OMG.... I love this series!
This series is so awesome. Eden is strong, funny, loyal to the people who are worth being loyal to. All the relationships are colorful enough to keep me so involved in each interaction between them. Sarcastically funny at times. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this series!!! If you enjoy Breene and Dark you'll love these books.
This series is so awesome. Eden is strong, funny, loyal to the people who are worth being loyal to. All the relationships are colorful enough to keep me so involved in each interaction between them. Sarcastically funny at times. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this series!!! If you enjoy Breene and Dark you'll love these books.
March 25, 2022
What a ride
This is a fun series so far. A few other reviews said it was a bit dark but I didn't get that feeling. The characters and story develop well.... Most of the time. I got too impatient and wanted to know more about Hel kitty sooner but that's not fault Ms Dunbar. Lol highly recommend
This is a fun series so far. A few other reviews said it was a bit dark but I didn't get that feeling. The characters and story develop well.... Most of the time. I got too impatient and wanted to know more about Hel kitty sooner but that's not fault Ms Dunbar. Lol highly recommend
March 21, 2021
Soooooo Gooood!
Debra Dunbar is one of the best writers at drawing you i. and getting you to invest yourself in her stories. I can’t say enough about this series. I can’t wait for book 3!!!
Debra Dunbar is one of the best writers at drawing you i. and getting you to invest yourself in her stories. I can’t say enough about this series. I can’t wait for book 3!!!
May 21, 2021
Always love Ms. Dunbar’s writing and this is no exception. Well thought story line, interesting characters but most enjoyable is the humor threaded throughout the story. Anticipating the 3rd story in the series
November 25, 2021
I love this series
I really like the characters, the world building. Well. lol I obviously like everything.
Demons, Angels, magic, and kittens who can throw laser beams from its eyes.
what's not to love :)
I really like the characters, the world building. Well. lol I obviously like everything.
Demons, Angels, magic, and kittens who can throw laser beams from its eyes.
what's not to love :)
March 18, 2021
Awesome Read !
Love these books ! Action galore, intriguing and mysterious characters( especially the main character ). Story full of mayhem you can't put down.
Love these books ! Action galore, intriguing and mysterious characters( especially the main character ). Story full of mayhem you can't put down.
April 8, 2021
Love it
I love this new series and the characters in it! Definitely worth reading the next one! Author is really fantastic!
I love this new series and the characters in it! Definitely worth reading the next one! Author is really fantastic!
April 25, 2021
Better then the first. Atleast the main character explains why she never asks any questions despite it driving me insane
June 19, 2021
I’m
I’m love... with these books!!!
A solid 3.5 *
I’m love... with these books!!!
A solid 3.5 *
August 20, 2021
Great read! Fun characters!
September 16, 2021
Fantastic
This book is absolutely freaking amazing! I am enjoying this so much that it is in hard to get anything done. Just want to hide and read!
This book is absolutely freaking amazing! I am enjoying this so much that it is in hard to get anything done. Just want to hide and read!
January 7, 2022
This is an excellent continuation in the world of the Imp series! Great world building and characters in a challenging dystopian world. I hope this series goes on for a long time!
April 15, 2022
Helkitty is my favourite character.
That is all.
That is all.
August 26, 2023
Unpredictable
Hard time putting it down. Unlike most books you can pretty much guess the whole plot this one was unpredictable.
Hard time putting it down. Unlike most books you can pretty much guess the whole plot this one was unpredictable.
March 3, 2025
Happy to see more of Bishop in this series. Not sure what he is yet but I am liking him. Great spin-off series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews