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PsyCop #12
Other Half
Victor Bayne never saw himself as husband material, but after an undercover stint as half of a married couple, he’s willing to give it a shot. Jacob Marks was eager to settle down from the get-go, so once Vic popped the question, the wedding should’ve been smooth sailing.
But new evidence has come to light that casts a pall over the whole affair: decades of psychic experimentation and intrigue. Vic would hardly be shocked to discover he’s been an unwitting test subject, but it’s not his name on the roster.
It’s Jacob’s.
Planning a wedding on short notice is challenging enough without a covert investigation. Vic can deal with premarital counseling, floral emergencies, and the world’s most annoying baker—but can he handle what he finds out about his other half?
PsyCop is an ongoing series filled with supernatural action and delightfully awkward humor--with a steady undercurrent of gay romance. It's best read in order, so if you're new to the series, start with PsyCop #1, Among the Living...and prepare for a hauntingly good read.
But new evidence has come to light that casts a pall over the whole affair: decades of psychic experimentation and intrigue. Vic would hardly be shocked to discover he’s been an unwitting test subject, but it’s not his name on the roster.
It’s Jacob’s.
Planning a wedding on short notice is challenging enough without a covert investigation. Vic can deal with premarital counseling, floral emergencies, and the world’s most annoying baker—but can he handle what he finds out about his other half?
PsyCop is an ongoing series filled with supernatural action and delightfully awkward humor--with a steady undercurrent of gay romance. It's best read in order, so if you're new to the series, start with PsyCop #1, Among the Living...and prepare for a hauntingly good read.
Audible Audio
First published January 26, 2021
83 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,130 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
September 21, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 4.35 stars
Buddy read. Thank you my peeps. 😘
Loved this one. It's Vic and Jacob after all. 12 books and we are still on track. Kudos JCP.
It was funny, romantic, well written.
The ghosts weren't so creepy, that's a bit refreshing.
I now pronounce you Husband and Husband. 🤩😍😍
Story - 4.35 stars
Buddy read. Thank you my peeps. 😘
Loved this one. It's Vic and Jacob after all. 12 books and we are still on track. Kudos JCP.
It was funny, romantic, well written.
The ghosts weren't so creepy, that's a bit refreshing.
I now pronounce you Husband and Husband. 🤩😍😍
May 8, 2021
Look, you don't read a 12th book in a series unless you are seriously invested in the characters and story, and I am both. I loved this latest installment of Vic & Jacob's adventures! They are an amazing book couple.
Some things are meant to be.
If you haven't read any of the series, the premise is that there are psychic cops mixed in with the non-psychic ones to solve crime better. Victor is a high level medium - which is a good thing except when it isn't. Like trying to drive a car when there are ghosts in the street might be a little tough. Or, trying to walk down the street when a ghost hooker is trying to pick you up can be annoying. So, he starts out this series as a druggie because he is trying to tune the ghosts out.
Jacob is a non-psychic cop who is partnered with a different psychic, but he has the hots for Vic. They meet and the series takes off.
They had a very... interesting... first encounter.... *fans self*
(But the sex is a minor part in the series considering how they started.)
Each book is building their world, their abilities, and their relationship. Plus, there is always a case they are trying to solve. And, it is so much fun! Very original world-building and paranormal ideas are happening throughout. The ghosts are always fun.
This one is about them planning their wedding while also trying to solve a mystery that came up in the last book. There are plenty of intriguing things going on, some ghosts, hilarious wedding prep hassles, and the usual Victor sarcasm that I love.
If you haven't read the series at all, you should think about it, because it is awesome.
Some things are meant to be.
If you haven't read any of the series, the premise is that there are psychic cops mixed in with the non-psychic ones to solve crime better. Victor is a high level medium - which is a good thing except when it isn't. Like trying to drive a car when there are ghosts in the street might be a little tough. Or, trying to walk down the street when a ghost hooker is trying to pick you up can be annoying. So, he starts out this series as a druggie because he is trying to tune the ghosts out.
Jacob is a non-psychic cop who is partnered with a different psychic, but he has the hots for Vic. They meet and the series takes off.
They had a very... interesting... first encounter.... *fans self*
(But the sex is a minor part in the series considering how they started.)
Each book is building their world, their abilities, and their relationship. Plus, there is always a case they are trying to solve. And, it is so much fun! Very original world-building and paranormal ideas are happening throughout. The ghosts are always fun.
This one is about them planning their wedding while also trying to solve a mystery that came up in the last book. There are plenty of intriguing things going on, some ghosts, hilarious wedding prep hassles, and the usual Victor sarcasm that I love.
If you haven't read the series at all, you should think about it, because it is awesome.
September 22, 2022
In a non-sappy, Victor-Bayne sort of way, Other Half is one of the most romantic PsyCop yet. In the middle of a , Vic and Jacob delivered some of the best moments and words in the series.
Even if sometimes it was a little sad to see
But never fear, this is still Victor Bayne, which means that the general tone is never depressing, there’s plenty of laughing moments and we also get a few answers on the situation. There are still things left to resolve and answers to find, of course, but for now I’m satisfied and I’m glad that turned up to be better than it seemed at first, even though
Special mention for the , which provided a perfectly balanced mix of hilarious and romantic moments.
Even if sometimes it was a little sad to see
But never fear, this is still Victor Bayne, which means that the general tone is never depressing, there’s plenty of laughing moments and we also get a few answers on the situation. There are still things left to resolve and answers to find, of course, but for now I’m satisfied and I’m glad that turned up to be better than it seemed at first, even though
Special mention for the , which provided a perfectly balanced mix of hilarious and romantic moments.
September 28, 2022
The much awaited Other Half came and it didn't disappoint. Vic voice was as good as ever and we finally get some answers. Not all of the ones I would have liked after seeing the long list of them I had after finishing Bitter Pill, but the ones we got were interesting.
So, I need the next one ASAP! I want to know what awaits Vic and Jacob and I can't wait to discuss it with my fellow BReaders.
So, I need the next one ASAP! I want to know what awaits Vic and Jacob and I can't wait to discuss it with my fellow BReaders.
May 2, 2021
Hurrah!!! Wedding Bells 🤵♂️🤵♂️🥂
How could I possibly have forgotten to review this book? I’ve read it once and have now finished a second round via audiobook 👏👏👏
It was great to see Vic and Jacob scour about the Wisconsin countryside looking for clues to Jacob’s past while planning their wedding!
Highlights include:
Scrapbooking
Pre-marriage counseling
Car sex 🔥
Cranky librarians
Drones
Self-tanning
Naked cakes
Surprise guests
Bachelor party
After the rings are exchanged, Vic and Jacob find themselves with answers as to Jacob’s power. As a reader, I find myself with questions about Vic’s father.
My rec? It’s my favorite series...so, I’m a bit partial 😉
How could I possibly have forgotten to review this book? I’ve read it once and have now finished a second round via audiobook 👏👏👏
It was great to see Vic and Jacob scour about the Wisconsin countryside looking for clues to Jacob’s past while planning their wedding!
Highlights include:
Scrapbooking
Pre-marriage counseling
Car sex 🔥
Cranky librarians
Drones
Self-tanning
Naked cakes
Surprise guests
Bachelor party
After the rings are exchanged, Vic and Jacob find themselves with answers as to Jacob’s power. As a reader, I find myself with questions about Vic’s father.
My rec? It’s my favorite series...so, I’m a bit partial 😉
June 24, 2021
Audio review only; review for the book itself is here.
Pugh delivers again, though his Wisconsin accent could on occasion be a bit forced. And I think he changed the voice for Jacob yet again. He really does struggle with Jacob, but I've resigned myself to the fact it'll never be right. It's close enough, at least. And of course, Pugh *is* Vic. I can't imagine anyone else narrating him.
Still easily the most romantic of the PsyCop books to date, and I really do like seeing the more human side to Jacob. And finally, we get some answers.
Pugh delivers again, though his Wisconsin accent could on occasion be a bit forced. And I think he changed the voice for Jacob yet again. He really does struggle with Jacob, but I've resigned myself to the fact it'll never be right. It's close enough, at least. And of course, Pugh *is* Vic. I can't imagine anyone else narrating him.
Still easily the most romantic of the PsyCop books to date, and I really do like seeing the more human side to Jacob. And finally, we get some answers.
September 21, 2022
Reread review Sept 2022:
Still enjoyed this one just as much. Really interested to see where JCP is going to go with this next. Thanks to all my BR buddies: Rosa, Elena, Shile, Gabi, Teal.
Audio review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Original review June 2021:
Vic and Jacob are back and but of course, they can't do anything normal, lol. With the journal they discovered at the end of the previous book looming over them, they decide to kill two birds with one stone and . We actually do get some answers in this one, which is much appreciated after the last couple of books gave us nothing but questions. We even get to see some characters we haven't seen in awhile. But more importantly than all that, Vic and Jacob's relationship is stronger than ever, and Crash even managed to not be annoying.
Still enjoyed this one just as much. Really interested to see where JCP is going to go with this next. Thanks to all my BR buddies: Rosa, Elena, Shile, Gabi, Teal.
Audio review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Original review June 2021:
Vic and Jacob are back and but of course, they can't do anything normal, lol. With the journal they discovered at the end of the previous book looming over them, they decide to kill two birds with one stone and . We actually do get some answers in this one, which is much appreciated after the last couple of books gave us nothing but questions. We even get to see some characters we haven't seen in awhile. But more importantly than all that, Vic and Jacob's relationship is stronger than ever, and Crash even managed to not be annoying.
February 17, 2021
Let the record state I am here for Vic. Nothing more, nothing less.
I honestly have to confess to not remembering the majority of the subplots finer details in PsyCop anymore. I skim through some things now because I can't be bothered to look up what the fuck we last discovered about Camp Hell or about Dr. Kamal or when we last saw Con Dreyfuss. I can barely grasp the particulars of what it was that Laura Kim did. I waited like 8? books for Stefan to show up, only for it to be meh at best. I miss Lisa and Carolyn as the only substantial women characters in the entire series, but I also don't truly give a rats ass about what's going on with them, not for real.
So here I am, 12 books in, in complete truthfulness just hoping for an epic happily ever after ending for Vic. I don't care about psychics anymore. I don't care about the weird situation with Jacob's past at all (the author is just thinly stretching the plot IMO). I don't care about National F-Pimp coming in with more secrets. I just don't.
All I wanted to read about is Vic's wedding and Vic's happines. And JCP has a talented way of pulling you in with her writing, so I'll continue to be here. Even if I have to read an entire book of things I no longer find a will to care about, just for a glimpse of Vic smiling once every 7 chapters.
I honestly have to confess to not remembering the majority of the subplots finer details in PsyCop anymore. I skim through some things now because I can't be bothered to look up what the fuck we last discovered about Camp Hell or about Dr. Kamal or when we last saw Con Dreyfuss. I can barely grasp the particulars of what it was that Laura Kim did. I waited like 8? books for Stefan to show up, only for it to be meh at best. I miss Lisa and Carolyn as the only substantial women characters in the entire series, but I also don't truly give a rats ass about what's going on with them, not for real.
So here I am, 12 books in, in complete truthfulness just hoping for an epic happily ever after ending for Vic. I don't care about psychics anymore. I don't care about the weird situation with Jacob's past at all (the author is just thinly stretching the plot IMO). I don't care about National F-Pimp coming in with more secrets. I just don't.
All I wanted to read about is Vic's wedding and Vic's happines. And JCP has a talented way of pulling you in with her writing, so I'll continue to be here. Even if I have to read an entire book of things I no longer find a will to care about, just for a glimpse of Vic smiling once every 7 chapters.
January 29, 2021
I’ve been slacking on reviews, and JCP’s PsyCop stories deserve some attention.
If you’ve been following the series, you don’t need me to sell this book to you; if you haven’t read PsyCop yet, getting started from the beginning would be a great idea!
This is another entry that is very much about character development. I’m looking forward to the action kicking up a bit, but this time with Victor and Jacob in particular is important, and we’re seeing some big pieces of the story’s foundation start to fall in place.
Action may have taken a backseat, but the romance really stepped up. True to form for these two, the journey is what makes it great, not just the wedding itself. I definitely feel as if we know our boys even better now, and I’m oddly proud of Vic even though he’s fictional.
Unfortunately, waiting until the next book to explore the plot developments from this one is going to be rough, because we seem soooo close to more info on some long-running mysteries, but we’re not quite there yet.
If you’ve been following the series, you don’t need me to sell this book to you; if you haven’t read PsyCop yet, getting started from the beginning would be a great idea!
This is another entry that is very much about character development. I’m looking forward to the action kicking up a bit, but this time with Victor and Jacob in particular is important, and we’re seeing some big pieces of the story’s foundation start to fall in place.
Action may have taken a backseat, but the romance really stepped up. True to form for these two, the journey is what makes it great, not just the wedding itself. I definitely feel as if we know our boys even better now, and I’m oddly proud of Vic even though he’s fictional.
Unfortunately, waiting until the next book to explore the plot developments from this one is going to be rough, because we seem soooo close to more info on some long-running mysteries, but we’re not quite there yet.
September 27, 2022
Despite the annoying wedding stuff, that I think Jacob and Vic handled well enough and true to their personalities, I liked it. We inched forward a tiny bit and got some answers that only resulted in me creating more theories. Mostly I liked how the boys just know each other, still some of the marriage counseling (no matter how irritating I find the whole idea) helped them with communication, not that they had any problems. Their personal life is fine, it's everything else they need help with.
January 24, 2021
This series has been a consistent favourite since the first book, and Vic is, hands down, one of the best characters, ever. And this book is more proof of it.
Vic and Jacob are getting married, and they decided that no, planning a wedding is not stressful enough for them, so they will do it all in a month... while investigating if Jacob's family was involved in psy experimentations and all of Jacob's life is a lie. It goes as well as you can imagine :P
One of the many things I love in this book is seeing them working a different dynamic here, with Vic being the one who is supportive and understanding one. And how easily he falls into this role. And yes, part of it is because he has gone through what Jacob is going on now for most of his life: the doubts, the not knowing, the fear of what effect acquiring any knowledge can do to his perception of who he is. But a bigger part is that, by now, they are real partners; they know each other's so well that just a small tightening on Jacob's jaw would tell Vic a lot of what is going on in his fiancée mind and heart.
And the mix of tension and light moments works so well! The way in which they both go through counselling with the pastor is funny and yet, even when they saw it as a chore (“I wasn’t aware there’d be a PDF involved.") it ends being a lot more helpful than what they would have expected. And pastor Jill, with her words of the day and her warm approach to life and God, and her perspicacity and understanding of human nature ends being a great help. And a great cover for Vic and Jacob's investigation.
And we get to know Jacob's family a bit better. And I loved to see Vic basking in having a family, although he would die before acknowledging it *laughs*
Jacob, on the other hand, is having a really hard time, which is made even worst by his ailing grandmother, who was never nurturing and now is acting more unloving and rejects him constantly. It's hard to see him so unsure and vulnerable, feeling that all he believed in regards to his family and his childhood might be a lie. Was he the product of intentional breeding? Was the marriage of his parents one of love, or just a product of having the right genes? And if that's so, what was what Kamal was trying to obtain of it? What are his real gifts?
But then, there is the wedding, there are all those people who are there, sharing they happiness: Maurice (Vic calls him 'my stand-in father' and I wanted to cry of happiness), Crash and Red, Jack Bly (and I'm so happy for him!), Laura, agent Peter Garcia, Carolyn, even Lisa and Constantine kind of showed-up =D
And, by the end of the book, they have some answers and a lot more of questions. But they are together, ready to face whatever the future held for them, and even when is Vic who says it, it's true for both of them:
I can't wait to know what is coming next :)
Vic and Jacob are getting married, and they decided that no, planning a wedding is not stressful enough for them, so they will do it all in a month... while investigating if Jacob's family was involved in psy experimentations and all of Jacob's life is a lie. It goes as well as you can imagine :P
“Vanilla frosting is fine,” Jacob said—and he used his no-nonsense, authoritative voice, too.
Which didn’t work on Candy….at all. “No it isn’t. It’s too sweet. Far too sweet. You’ve got to balance the sweetness. You need acid.”
At this point, I definitely did—or at least a Valium.
One of the many things I love in this book is seeing them working a different dynamic here, with Vic being the one who is supportive and understanding one. And how easily he falls into this role. And yes, part of it is because he has gone through what Jacob is going on now for most of his life: the doubts, the not knowing, the fear of what effect acquiring any knowledge can do to his perception of who he is. But a bigger part is that, by now, they are real partners; they know each other's so well that just a small tightening on Jacob's jaw would tell Vic a lot of what is going on in his fiancée mind and heart.
And the mix of tension and light moments works so well! The way in which they both go through counselling with the pastor is funny and yet, even when they saw it as a chore (“I wasn’t aware there’d be a PDF involved.") it ends being a lot more helpful than what they would have expected. And pastor Jill, with her words of the day and her warm approach to life and God, and her perspicacity and understanding of human nature ends being a great help. And a great cover for Vic and Jacob's investigation.
And we get to know Jacob's family a bit better. And I loved to see Vic basking in having a family, although he would die before acknowledging it *laughs*
Jacob, on the other hand, is having a really hard time, which is made even worst by his ailing grandmother, who was never nurturing and now is acting more unloving and rejects him constantly. It's hard to see him so unsure and vulnerable, feeling that all he believed in regards to his family and his childhood might be a lie. Was he the product of intentional breeding? Was the marriage of his parents one of love, or just a product of having the right genes? And if that's so, what was what Kamal was trying to obtain of it? What are his real gifts?
But then, there is the wedding, there are all those people who are there, sharing they happiness: Maurice (Vic calls him 'my stand-in father' and I wanted to cry of happiness), Crash and Red, Jack Bly (and I'm so happy for him!), Laura, agent Peter Garcia, Carolyn, even Lisa and Constantine kind of showed-up =D
And, by the end of the book, they have some answers and a lot more of questions. But they are together, ready to face whatever the future held for them, and even when is Vic who says it, it's true for both of them:
...I didn’t need to avoid being who I was.
Not with Jacob at my side.
I can't wait to know what is coming next :)
December 8, 2021
Other Half (Psycop 12)
By Jordan Castillo Price
JCP Books, 2021
Five stars
I loved this, because somehow Jordan Castillo Price knows how to make the very quirky character of Victor Bayne both damaged and oddly perfect. As Vic and Jacob prepare for their wedding—a church wedding!—they are simultaneously digging into more disturbing secrets that suggest somehow that Jacob and his family were involved in the same kind of clandestine experiments on psychic powers that made Vic’s own childhood and youth a living hell.
Jacob is freaked out at the idea that his parents lied to him and that his childhood was a fraud; while Vic is worried only about Jacob, and trying to make this wedding a good memory for them both.
As I expect from these books, a continuous dry humor lightens the distressing possibilities in the plot arc, and I chuckled all the way through. Vic has evolved into a powerful, loving, self-assured guy, who doesn’t really understand his own great qualities. It is his self-deprecation, his modesty, that makes him even more appealing. He has learned to like himself without getting full of himself.
It seems that the detective work in this book is pretty low key, but in fact there’s a quiet intensity that builds throughout the narrative. It’s expertly handled by the author, and I felt a huge emotional impact by the end—without any massive explosion, literal or figurative.
Price does something very significant for her gay readers—she emphasizes the importance of a partner’s family’s acceptance. Victor needs a family, and Jacob’s family steps up to the plate. The presence of a hip, warm, woman Lutheran minister is a startlingly radical detail—a reminder that not all mainstream religion is homophobic. There is an endearing sitcom silliness in the way Jacob and Victor handle their pre-marriage counseling, and it’s pretty great, because it places their love for each other into a context familiar from popular straight culture. Vic and Jacob don’t want to be just like everyone else, they just want to be part of things.
I always feel a little lost at first in the Psycop books, because I lose track of all the names; but in the end it doesn’t matter, because Price gives you everything you need to understand the story she’s telling, and to appreciate the way she unrolls the narrative to its best conclusion.
By Jordan Castillo Price
JCP Books, 2021
Five stars
I loved this, because somehow Jordan Castillo Price knows how to make the very quirky character of Victor Bayne both damaged and oddly perfect. As Vic and Jacob prepare for their wedding—a church wedding!—they are simultaneously digging into more disturbing secrets that suggest somehow that Jacob and his family were involved in the same kind of clandestine experiments on psychic powers that made Vic’s own childhood and youth a living hell.
Jacob is freaked out at the idea that his parents lied to him and that his childhood was a fraud; while Vic is worried only about Jacob, and trying to make this wedding a good memory for them both.
As I expect from these books, a continuous dry humor lightens the distressing possibilities in the plot arc, and I chuckled all the way through. Vic has evolved into a powerful, loving, self-assured guy, who doesn’t really understand his own great qualities. It is his self-deprecation, his modesty, that makes him even more appealing. He has learned to like himself without getting full of himself.
It seems that the detective work in this book is pretty low key, but in fact there’s a quiet intensity that builds throughout the narrative. It’s expertly handled by the author, and I felt a huge emotional impact by the end—without any massive explosion, literal or figurative.
Price does something very significant for her gay readers—she emphasizes the importance of a partner’s family’s acceptance. Victor needs a family, and Jacob’s family steps up to the plate. The presence of a hip, warm, woman Lutheran minister is a startlingly radical detail—a reminder that not all mainstream religion is homophobic. There is an endearing sitcom silliness in the way Jacob and Victor handle their pre-marriage counseling, and it’s pretty great, because it places their love for each other into a context familiar from popular straight culture. Vic and Jacob don’t want to be just like everyone else, they just want to be part of things.
I always feel a little lost at first in the Psycop books, because I lose track of all the names; but in the end it doesn’t matter, because Price gives you everything you need to understand the story she’s telling, and to appreciate the way she unrolls the narrative to its best conclusion.
January 26, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Other Half is the twelfth book in Jordan Castillo Price’s wonderful Psy Cops series. I am a huge fan of this series, having started it when I was new to reading romance a million years ago, and Vic and Jacob continue to be one of my favorite couples. This is a deeply connected series that follows the same couple in Vic and Jacob, so you are going to want to read these in order.
While the investigation itself might not have been as intense as some in the past, this book really showcases the heart of the series and that is Jacob and Vic’s relationship. Watching as we see the other side of their dynamic, this time with Vic offering support to Jacob’s many questions about his past, just highlights how good these guys are for each other. We also see how Vic is able to step out and outside his comfort zone to be there for Jacob when he needs him. These guys are such a favorite couple of mine and I really enjoyed seeing how strong their bond has become and watching them celebrate that love with their friends and family.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Other Half is the twelfth book in Jordan Castillo Price’s wonderful Psy Cops series. I am a huge fan of this series, having started it when I was new to reading romance a million years ago, and Vic and Jacob continue to be one of my favorite couples. This is a deeply connected series that follows the same couple in Vic and Jacob, so you are going to want to read these in order.
While the investigation itself might not have been as intense as some in the past, this book really showcases the heart of the series and that is Jacob and Vic’s relationship. Watching as we see the other side of their dynamic, this time with Vic offering support to Jacob’s many questions about his past, just highlights how good these guys are for each other. We also see how Vic is able to step out and outside his comfort zone to be there for Jacob when he needs him. These guys are such a favorite couple of mine and I really enjoyed seeing how strong their bond has become and watching them celebrate that love with their friends and family.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 3, 2021
I've never laughed so hard during a Psycop novel! All the trappings of planning a wedding, plus all the spooky stuff Vic and Jacob usually get up to.
And as a bonus, almost the entire novel takes place in Jacob's home town. I adore the way JCP writes mid-westerners... it brings back such wonderful memories of living there. Two Heathers in the scrapbooking class, the Lutheran minister, and the diner with the crispiest hashed browns. Wonderful!
IMHO, while I'm sure one could read this series, I've waited for each one to come out in audio. Gomez Pugh does a spectacular job with these characters, and he truly gets JCP's sense of humor. What he adds to my enjoyment of these stories is immesurable.
And as a bonus, almost the entire novel takes place in Jacob's home town. I adore the way JCP writes mid-westerners... it brings back such wonderful memories of living there. Two Heathers in the scrapbooking class, the Lutheran minister, and the diner with the crispiest hashed browns. Wonderful!
IMHO, while I'm sure one could read this series, I've waited for each one to come out in audio. Gomez Pugh does a spectacular job with these characters, and he truly gets JCP's sense of humor. What he adds to my enjoyment of these stories is immesurable.
January 28, 2021
I consider anything with Jacob and Victor a good read... need I say more? LOL!!!
September 13, 2023
Only two more books to go. I am saddened! Seeing such an odd paring, not having any more adventures. With more lore added to the psy community. The. "why," still doesn't ring true to me. If it was ment for military advancement. What's up wirh the tight control over who is in the know?
It's like governments knew about the paranormal community. Seen as quacks and scammers. Until power levels got stronger. Then they had to use this to their advantage. Survey community to weed them out. Starting reproductive programs. Big brother surveillance to keep track of them. Then wiping all public knowledge of their movements.
Which creates a population that can be victimized and controlled on the penalty of death. No matter the greater good. This always goes wrong. When the public is made aware. There will be blood in the streets. Advantageous individuals will put a bit of change in their pockets. So who does this really help. It's not the psy community, tell ya that for darn sure! Don't sha know.
It's like governments knew about the paranormal community. Seen as quacks and scammers. Until power levels got stronger. Then they had to use this to their advantage. Survey community to weed them out. Starting reproductive programs. Big brother surveillance to keep track of them. Then wiping all public knowledge of their movements.
Which creates a population that can be victimized and controlled on the penalty of death. No matter the greater good. This always goes wrong. When the public is made aware. There will be blood in the streets. Advantageous individuals will put a bit of change in their pockets. So who does this really help. It's not the psy community, tell ya that for darn sure! Don't sha know.
February 5, 2021
Book hangover mojo: fully engaged!
The past 12 months, and counting, qualify as one of the biggest challenges we've all ever faced. For me, the thin layer of focus I've managed to maintain has been mostly reserved for the day job - ya do whatcha gotta do. There hasn't been much leftover to put towards falling into a full length novel.
Until now.
A first. In nearly a year. Thank you, JCP.
On to the story and all the fun: this just might mayhap possibly be the highest level of Vic 'n Jacob-centricity of this entire series up to this point. On top of that, the mystery is as personal as it gets, and it's woven into nearly every moment, every thought.
How cool izzat? *pumps fist*
Even after all this time of these two people knowing each other, of us knowing them, they continue to learn and so do we. The result is a deepening of the emotional investment, and utter enjoyment, in the whole shabang that is this PsyCop universe. As their relationship grows, so does my appreciation of them.
A large contingent of our favorite supporting characters are also a part of this journey. Though, calling them supporting feels like a cold shortchange, as they're instrumental in this story. Pivotal. And engaging.
In addition, some about which we haven't known too much prior to now, they do well as center stagers. Barbara is a force, and I still can't decide how much I like her. A few of the others have me wanting to know more about them, like Fred, and Leon, and even Derrick. And I want more Shirley and Jerry!
Price's prose continues to dazzle me with the humor, heart, and seemingly ceaseless creativity in detail, character development, and sense of place.
Book hangover, indeed, and I'm deeply appreciative. <3
The past 12 months, and counting, qualify as one of the biggest challenges we've all ever faced. For me, the thin layer of focus I've managed to maintain has been mostly reserved for the day job - ya do whatcha gotta do. There hasn't been much leftover to put towards falling into a full length novel.
Until now.
A first. In nearly a year. Thank you, JCP.
On to the story and all the fun: this just might mayhap possibly be the highest level of Vic 'n Jacob-centricity of this entire series up to this point. On top of that, the mystery is as personal as it gets, and it's woven into nearly every moment, every thought.
How cool izzat? *pumps fist*
Even after all this time of these two people knowing each other, of us knowing them, they continue to learn and so do we. The result is a deepening of the emotional investment, and utter enjoyment, in the whole shabang that is this PsyCop universe. As their relationship grows, so does my appreciation of them.
A large contingent of our favorite supporting characters are also a part of this journey. Though, calling them supporting feels like a cold shortchange, as they're instrumental in this story. Pivotal. And engaging.
In addition, some about which we haven't known too much prior to now, they do well as center stagers. Barbara is a force, and I still can't decide how much I like her. A few of the others have me wanting to know more about them, like Fred, and Leon, and even Derrick. And I want more Shirley and Jerry!
Price's prose continues to dazzle me with the humor, heart, and seemingly ceaseless creativity in detail, character development, and sense of place.
Book hangover, indeed, and I'm deeply appreciative. <3
September 11, 2025
Vic and Jacob are one of my absolute favorite couples and everything they’re in is amazing. I’m so glad they finally tied the knot, and now we have more answers, more questions, and hopefully many more adventures with these two!
March 4, 2021
Bitter Pill was so much more then a simple installment in this series. Vic sees and learns to appreciate the wonderfulness around him.
A man who loves him.
A job where he’s not a freak.
A safe place to sleep with the above mentioned man.
An extended family that accept him.
People who care...special.
A man who loves him.
A job where he’s not a freak.
A safe place to sleep with the above mentioned man.
An extended family that accept him.
People who care...special.
October 17, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading about Vic and Jacob's wedding. But this installment was pretty boring tbh. I found myself skimming a lot. :(
February 4, 2021
Oh what joy it is to catch up with Vic and Jacob, with this latest addition to a superb series having the added delights of our MCs experiencing the wedding-preparation travails that afflict all couples in this modern age. As per usual, the author gives us a great blend of 'spookiness', humor, fast-paced drama and M-M romance.
The titular reference aptly alludes to Vic and Jacob having to redefine/reframe their professional and personal relationship. Professionally in light of Jacob's newfound awareness of his genetic/ancestral links to a secret/historical governmental psychic program ... and how this impacts his capacity to defend/ground Vic. Personally as in evaluating their (by now) established patterns of 'doing life' together and whether improvements to such are possible.
I love how our MCs 'great plan' to use their wedding as foil so as to covertly 'excavate' Jacob's family member history (and motivations) ... backfires in so many ways. To witness two multi-tasking FPMP agents capable of thinking/acting on their feet ... get thwarted by high family dramas, an exacting pre-wedding calendar, unexpected ghostly confrontations, meltdowns by venue, cake and floral vendors, shocking heretofore unknown family secrets, and one highly entertaining religious celebrant putting Vic and Jacob through their paces via an exacting, no-holds barred pre-marriage counseling questionnaire - I was thoroughly amused! OMG - the contrasting responses by ebullient, controlled and glibly smooth Jacob vs those tentatively offered by Vic's second-guessing, snarky anxious-bundle self!!
The author cleverly used Vic and Jacob's 'enforced' exposure to and interactions with several secondary characters (covering three generations) to provide a wealth of information on the family Marks. By the end of the book, some 'threads' were left hanging that definitely foreshadow future plots tying back to Jacob's family-line ... goody-goody - oh what joys to come! And I'm both relieved and thrilled the author does not appear to be 'winding up' the series anytime soon.
I doubt new readers to the series would flounder in their reading enjoyment should they dive in at this book but given so many characters and past events are referenced (or make cameo appearances) here that I would strongly advise reading from the book #1 (or at least book #5 or #6 at the very least). This was absolutely a solid 5 star fun-filled read ... I was shaking with controlled laughter the way through.
The titular reference aptly alludes to Vic and Jacob having to redefine/reframe their professional and personal relationship. Professionally in light of Jacob's newfound awareness of his genetic/ancestral links to a secret/historical governmental psychic program ... and how this impacts his capacity to defend/ground Vic. Personally as in evaluating their (by now) established patterns of 'doing life' together and whether improvements to such are possible.
I love how our MCs 'great plan' to use their wedding as foil so as to covertly 'excavate' Jacob's family member history (and motivations) ... backfires in so many ways. To witness two multi-tasking FPMP agents capable of thinking/acting on their feet ... get thwarted by high family dramas, an exacting pre-wedding calendar, unexpected ghostly confrontations, meltdowns by venue, cake and floral vendors, shocking heretofore unknown family secrets, and one highly entertaining religious celebrant putting Vic and Jacob through their paces via an exacting, no-holds barred pre-marriage counseling questionnaire - I was thoroughly amused! OMG - the contrasting responses by ebullient, controlled and glibly smooth Jacob vs those tentatively offered by Vic's second-guessing, snarky anxious-bundle self!!
The author cleverly used Vic and Jacob's 'enforced' exposure to and interactions with several secondary characters (covering three generations) to provide a wealth of information on the family Marks. By the end of the book, some 'threads' were left hanging that definitely foreshadow future plots tying back to Jacob's family-line ... goody-goody - oh what joys to come! And I'm both relieved and thrilled the author does not appear to be 'winding up' the series anytime soon.
I doubt new readers to the series would flounder in their reading enjoyment should they dive in at this book but given so many characters and past events are referenced (or make cameo appearances) here that I would strongly advise reading from the book #1 (or at least book #5 or #6 at the very least). This was absolutely a solid 5 star fun-filled read ... I was shaking with controlled laughter the way through.
September 14, 2021
Spending time with Vic & Jacob was, as ever, a pleasure (how wild is it that when I first started reading this series they wouldn’t have been able to get married legally in the US?). But I’m slowly getting to a stage where I’m wondering what the point of everything is. I’m not sure things have been the same since the series took the (in hindsight) weird detour into Crash’s book 😬😖
January 29, 2022
4.5 Stars
I love these guys. Looking forward to more!
Think I'll take a bit of a break and read something else before I read the 2 volumes of shorts. I'm so glad I gave this series a chance :)
I love these guys. Looking forward to more!
Think I'll take a bit of a break and read something else before I read the 2 volumes of shorts. I'm so glad I gave this series a chance :)
November 7, 2021
When directly compared to the other books of this series, it isn't my favourite one. Although, in all fairness, it does contribute to the overall plot: Vic and Jacob are getting married, and they're heavily engrossed in planning the wedding.
Of course, they wouldn't be the Vic and Jacob we love it they wouldn't do some investinating, too, this time focussing on the mystery as to why and how Jacob (and his family) are entangled in early psy experiments.
While I really loved everything that occured aroung the wedding (and, ofc, the wedding itself *sigh*), I missed the crime/suspense plot that usually has me sitting on the edge of my seat. Nevertheless - I laughed a lot, and I enjoyed the narration by Gomez Pugh. I guess I'll be waiting for the audioversion when the next book will be out, because thankfully, this doesn't seem to be the last one :)
Of course, they wouldn't be the Vic and Jacob we love it they wouldn't do some investinating, too, this time focussing on the mystery as to why and how Jacob (and his family) are entangled in early psy experiments.
While I really loved everything that occured aroung the wedding (and, ofc, the wedding itself *sigh*), I missed the crime/suspense plot that usually has me sitting on the edge of my seat. Nevertheless - I laughed a lot, and I enjoyed the narration by Gomez Pugh. I guess I'll be waiting for the audioversion when the next book will be out, because thankfully, this doesn't seem to be the last one :)
June 10, 2022
[4.3] investigating a mystery has never been more difficult with both a wedding to plan and pre-marital homework to complete 😮💨
March 11, 2024
Even planning a wedding involves ghosts with those two 😍🔮🧿🪬👻👬
September 12, 2022
9/12/2022 reread
This book differed slightly from the previous in the series. Each book had a case both Vic and Jacob solved, but this book didn't have a case per se. Vic and Jacob were dealing with the information they discovered at the end of Bitter Pill and what it meant for Jacob and his family as well as everything he thought he knew about himself.
I like Vic and Jacob as a couple. And I was here for them alone plus Vic's humor which is infectious, self deprecating and oh so well placed. Vic is as irreverent and as sarcastic as ever, but here we see Jacob's vulnerability and how he relies on Vic for *cough* emotional support *cough*. I enjoyed their tender moments a lot. There was also a fair amount of Jacob's immediate family shown, the dynamics between them and some well buried secrets ready to be uncovered.
The first part of the book slightly dragged for me, so it took me a while to appreciate the story. But the second part picked up and I was able to enjoy most of it. There were some good and bad surprises, ghosts and plenty of Vic's psychic mojo on display. I definitely want the next book since there is still plenty to figure out but hope that the pace will be a bit faster than here. Overall I was happy to get together with Vic and Jacob again.
This book differed slightly from the previous in the series. Each book had a case both Vic and Jacob solved, but this book didn't have a case per se. Vic and Jacob were dealing with the information they discovered at the end of Bitter Pill and what it meant for Jacob and his family as well as everything he thought he knew about himself.
I like Vic and Jacob as a couple. And I was here for them alone plus Vic's humor which is infectious, self deprecating and oh so well placed. Vic is as irreverent and as sarcastic as ever, but here we see Jacob's vulnerability and how he relies on Vic for *cough* emotional support *cough*. I enjoyed their tender moments a lot. There was also a fair amount of Jacob's immediate family shown, the dynamics between them and some well buried secrets ready to be uncovered.
The first part of the book slightly dragged for me, so it took me a while to appreciate the story. But the second part picked up and I was able to enjoy most of it. There were some good and bad surprises, ghosts and plenty of Vic's psychic mojo on display. I definitely want the next book since there is still plenty to figure out but hope that the pace will be a bit faster than here. Overall I was happy to get together with Vic and Jacob again.
January 29, 2021
So a quick list of pros and cons here:
Pros
1. Castillo has such a lovely way about her writing. The prose is always good and engaging.
2. I love how the story is showing us a new mystery in terms of who is Jacob, what his family were a part of and how powerful is he.
3. The boys got married.
Cons
1. I felt like the marriage aspect wasn’t an enjoyable experience because Jacob was having an existential crisis. I just wish we got some truly fluffy moments there.
2. I do love it’s now about Jacob, but I have this niggling feeling the author is going to draaaaag this out. I mean we still don’t even really know about Vic and what happened and why and his family etc, and were on book 12.
3. This felt like a filler book again and there are becoming too frequent here.
Overall, a decent book and I do look forward to reading these once a year. The quality in the writing has never really gone down, but the quality of the story is more and more noticeable. 12 books later and it is dragging and I want an actually end or some sort of reveal already.
Pros
1. Castillo has such a lovely way about her writing. The prose is always good and engaging.
2. I love how the story is showing us a new mystery in terms of who is Jacob, what his family were a part of and how powerful is he.
3. The boys got married.
Cons
1. I felt like the marriage aspect wasn’t an enjoyable experience because Jacob was having an existential crisis. I just wish we got some truly fluffy moments there.
2. I do love it’s now about Jacob, but I have this niggling feeling the author is going to draaaaag this out. I mean we still don’t even really know about Vic and what happened and why and his family etc, and were on book 12.
3. This felt like a filler book again and there are becoming too frequent here.
Overall, a decent book and I do look forward to reading these once a year. The quality in the writing has never really gone down, but the quality of the story is more and more noticeable. 12 books later and it is dragging and I want an actually end or some sort of reveal already.
February 11, 2021
Vic never disappoints, but Vic and Jacob? Perfection. The dual task of trying to solve Jacob's puzzle and dealing with the many, many details of a wedding, including couples counseling--and that is just flat-out clever, author--keeps the plot surprising. Loved it. Awaiting #13. :)
May 23, 2021
4 stars for the story, 5 for the narration (4.5 rounded up)
This twelfth PsyCop book is, as other reviewers have said, probably the most romantic one in the entire series, but in a way that is perfectly “Vic and Jacob” and not at all overly sentimental or saccharine. Their evolving relationship has been wonderful to read; the strength of their affection and connection to one another has always been the bedrock of these stories, and here, it’s stronger than ever.
At the end of Bitter Pill, two momentous things happened. One – Vic and Jacob discovered evidence to suggest that Jacob had been involved in psychic experiments as a child; Two – Vic proposed.
When Other Half opens, the wedding is a month away. The happy couple have decided to have a church wedding in Jacob’s home town in Wisconsin, and with just over a week to go before the Big Day, Vic and Jacob decide to head to Wisconsin early, ostensibly to go over wedding plans, but really to see if they can find out the truth about why Jacob’s initials were in Dr. Kamal’s notebook. The uncertainty surrounding the discovery is weighing heavily on both men, especially on Jacob, who is faced with the possibility that almost his entire life has been a lie, and the prospect of unravelling some deep, dark family secrets he’s not sure he really wants to know.
Vic’s character growth throughout the series has been phenomenal; he’s essentially the same snarky, anxious, socially awkward guy he’s always been, but his confidence and control over his abilities have grown immensely, making him the perfect emotional prop and support for Jacob in a neat bit of role-reversal. Usually, Jacob is the stoic, logical one in their partnership, but here, that role falls to Vic, and he steps up admirably. He can see how rattled Jacob is, how desperately he wants to find out the truth and kind of dreads it, too; after all, he’s been where Jacob is for most of his life and understands intimately what Jacob is going through, and he shows himself to be the perfect partner in pretty much everything he says and does.
The mystery here is fairly low key compared to some of the other books, and while there are a few scary moments, the focus is really on the guys researching and talking to people as they try to find answers. I admit that I was still a little unclear as to a few things by the end; one of the big questions had to do with how much Jacob’s family knew about what was going on and how much he was lied to and I’m not sure I fully understood what their role had been by the end. But there are more books to come, and I’m sure Jacob’s past and his abilities are things that will be re-visited.
In the end, the wedding goes off without a hitch (well, mostly) and I’m looking forward to watching Vic and Jacob becoming an even bigger force for the ghosties to reckon with in future instalments.
I got hooked on the PsyCop series mostly because I loved Gomez Pugh’s flawless portrayal of Vic from the very first moments of Among the Living. Time and time again, he absolutely nails every facet of the character – the sarcastic wit, the self-deprecation, the vulnerability he works so hard to hide – he contributes so much to the understanding of the character and events in the books that I always wait for the audiobooks to come out rather than reading first. His performance here is top-notch all round; he does a great job bringing out Vic’s sappier side when called for, and as the secondary cast members are all clearly characterised.
Other Half was a really entertaining listen, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next in the series.
This twelfth PsyCop book is, as other reviewers have said, probably the most romantic one in the entire series, but in a way that is perfectly “Vic and Jacob” and not at all overly sentimental or saccharine. Their evolving relationship has been wonderful to read; the strength of their affection and connection to one another has always been the bedrock of these stories, and here, it’s stronger than ever.
At the end of Bitter Pill, two momentous things happened. One – Vic and Jacob discovered evidence to suggest that Jacob had been involved in psychic experiments as a child; Two – Vic proposed.
When Other Half opens, the wedding is a month away. The happy couple have decided to have a church wedding in Jacob’s home town in Wisconsin, and with just over a week to go before the Big Day, Vic and Jacob decide to head to Wisconsin early, ostensibly to go over wedding plans, but really to see if they can find out the truth about why Jacob’s initials were in Dr. Kamal’s notebook. The uncertainty surrounding the discovery is weighing heavily on both men, especially on Jacob, who is faced with the possibility that almost his entire life has been a lie, and the prospect of unravelling some deep, dark family secrets he’s not sure he really wants to know.
Vic’s character growth throughout the series has been phenomenal; he’s essentially the same snarky, anxious, socially awkward guy he’s always been, but his confidence and control over his abilities have grown immensely, making him the perfect emotional prop and support for Jacob in a neat bit of role-reversal. Usually, Jacob is the stoic, logical one in their partnership, but here, that role falls to Vic, and he steps up admirably. He can see how rattled Jacob is, how desperately he wants to find out the truth and kind of dreads it, too; after all, he’s been where Jacob is for most of his life and understands intimately what Jacob is going through, and he shows himself to be the perfect partner in pretty much everything he says and does.
The mystery here is fairly low key compared to some of the other books, and while there are a few scary moments, the focus is really on the guys researching and talking to people as they try to find answers. I admit that I was still a little unclear as to a few things by the end; one of the big questions had to do with how much Jacob’s family knew about what was going on and how much he was lied to and I’m not sure I fully understood what their role had been by the end. But there are more books to come, and I’m sure Jacob’s past and his abilities are things that will be re-visited.
In the end, the wedding goes off without a hitch (well, mostly) and I’m looking forward to watching Vic and Jacob becoming an even bigger force for the ghosties to reckon with in future instalments.
I got hooked on the PsyCop series mostly because I loved Gomez Pugh’s flawless portrayal of Vic from the very first moments of Among the Living. Time and time again, he absolutely nails every facet of the character – the sarcastic wit, the self-deprecation, the vulnerability he works so hard to hide – he contributes so much to the understanding of the character and events in the books that I always wait for the audiobooks to come out rather than reading first. His performance here is top-notch all round; he does a great job bringing out Vic’s sappier side when called for, and as the secondary cast members are all clearly characterised.
Other Half was a really entertaining listen, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next in the series.
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