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The Marnie Baranuik Files #6
Kindred Spirits
Marnie Baranuik, psychic detective and DaySitter to Lord Guy Harrick Dreppenstedt, returns home to Canada for double-helpings of Thanksgiving turkey and undead treachery after hearing disturbing reports from beyond the Bitter Pass. Mark Batten was last known to be lying in wait for Aston Sarokhanian, digging into the secret of what happened to his grandfather, Colonel Jack Batten. Marnie, Harry, and her brother Wesley are working -- sometimes together, sometimes at cross-purposes -- to unravel the machinations of not only House Sarokhanian, but the other powerful revenants in the region and the tendrils of territorial alliances they’ve tended for centuries, and to protect Batten before they lose him for good to threats, both mortal and otherwise. Stripped of the moon’s sway for her own good, Marnie must slip under the radar of primeval houses embroiled in a blood feud, to manage a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with undead smugglers, mortal thieves, con artists, and vampire hunters. Will calling in favors with local law enforcement prove a double-ended stake for Marnie and the crew?
499 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2021
45 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 21, 2020
I am so excited for this! Where are all my Marnie fans??
November 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoy Marnie and her crazy inner dialogue, creative swearing, and ability to screw up. This whole series is fun while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s a different take on vampires and other scary things that go bump in the night. It’s the middle of the night as I write this so I don’t feel that I am giving this book the kudos it deserves. Let’s just say the characters always make me smile and I never forget them. Looking forward to the next one whenever it becomes available.
Want to read
September 15, 2020Latest news I can find on it from the author's Facebook page:
August 25, 2020: "Still isolated and working hard on Kindred Spirits. Warning: don’t zoom in, I think you might be able to read some (non-spoilery) bits. Book is sitting at 146, 455 words, which is a tad long since I have three scenes to add. Back to work!"
- https://www.facebook.com/theMarnieBar...
June 12, 2019: "First draft WRAPPED! Kindred Spirits is moving on to the edits & rewrites stage. Looks like we may have a book coming soon!"
- https://www.facebook.com/theMarnieBar...
August 25, 2020: "Still isolated and working hard on Kindred Spirits. Warning: don’t zoom in, I think you might be able to read some (non-spoilery) bits. Book is sitting at 146, 455 words, which is a tad long since I have three scenes to add. Back to work!"
- https://www.facebook.com/theMarnieBar...
June 12, 2019: "First draft WRAPPED! Kindred Spirits is moving on to the edits & rewrites stage. Looks like we may have a book coming soon!"
- https://www.facebook.com/theMarnieBar...
July 29, 2021
Well, it’s been a fairly long wait, but Marnie is finally back at it - bumbling around, and showing a general irreverence to personal danger, all while being hilariously snarky….and still somehow managing to kick ass. We have re-appearances of a few previously introduced (and favourite) characters, and also an introduction to a few awesome new ones - including a “female version of Batten”, who, surprisingly enough, ends up partnering Marnie really well in the ass-kicking department. Lots of twists and turns this go around, with a few seemingly unrelated mysteries that all tie together into a somewhat surprising revelation towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
"2021 The Year of More Brief Reviews and ...."What doesn't kill you...will just mutate and try again".. seen somewhere on Facebook"
(Keep in mind that this is a completely biased Review)
I am sorry to say but, there is only on AJ Alto and only one Marnie Baranuik, so with no further ado...
P.S. After a few days thought:
1) He
2) It might have been worth reading Book 5 before this, so I am ashamed to admit to winging it in a few places.
3) Totally unrelated, but I kept on thinking about Anita Blake books and what the series could have been before it went to the dogs ...Sigh!!
(Keep in mind that this is a completely biased Review)
I am sorry to say but, there is only on AJ Alto and only one Marnie Baranuik, so with no further ado...
P.S. After a few days thought:
1) He
2) It might have been worth reading Book 5 before this, so I am ashamed to admit to winging it in a few places.
3) Totally unrelated, but I kept on thinking about Anita Blake books and what the series could have been before it went to the dogs ...Sigh!!
April 17, 2024
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this series. Mostly love, but with some eye-rolling involved. I love the characters, the plot situations, the snappy dialogue, and the author's ability to avoid cliffhanger endings while leaving the door open for the next episode. She has the ability to make me feel what she is writing. The hate is mostly comprised of technical things -- missing words, wrong words, grammar, etc. I think one reason I overlook what I dislike in the book(s) comes from the fact that, in her bio, Aalto lists belly dancing as one of her interests. 2024 is my 50th year as a belly dance student, instructor, and performer. Anyone who loves this art form is A-OK in my viewpoint!
You can see my notes and highlights for particulars.
In any event, I love the novels and novellas and look forward to reading more about Marnie and Harry in books to come.
You can see my notes and highlights for particulars.
In any event, I love the novels and novellas and look forward to reading more about Marnie and Harry in books to come.
September 21, 2021
SHE’S BAAAAACCCKKKK!!!
Oh, what a gorgeous, most welcome,and excellent instalment! I fell right back into Marnie world with great glee and zero hesitation. I had a smile on my face through most of it, and I’m sure that smile will remain when I inevitably read it again. I honestly believe, even if you don’t like paranormal fiction you’ll love this series. The books are extremely well written, and the continuity is crazy good. The characters are relatable in the best, most insane ways, and I can imagine each, human or no, as well as each house, street, shop, lake, vehicle ever so vividly. This is 6th in the series, so no spoilers. Go read book one. You won’t regret it. It’s hands down my favourite series for very good reason.
Oh, what a gorgeous, most welcome,and excellent instalment! I fell right back into Marnie world with great glee and zero hesitation. I had a smile on my face through most of it, and I’m sure that smile will remain when I inevitably read it again. I honestly believe, even if you don’t like paranormal fiction you’ll love this series. The books are extremely well written, and the continuity is crazy good. The characters are relatable in the best, most insane ways, and I can imagine each, human or no, as well as each house, street, shop, lake, vehicle ever so vividly. This is 6th in the series, so no spoilers. Go read book one. You won’t regret it. It’s hands down my favourite series for very good reason.
September 13, 2021
Marnie's a sasstastic main character I super identify with, and the newest book did not disappoint. I had to pace myself so I didn't finish it in less than a day, haha. I've loved following her journey and coming up with all sorts of theories about anything/anyone in it. It's pretty rare to keep me guessing, but A.J. Aalto manages it which is in itself very exciting.
I rarely write reviews because I am low on energy so much, but this is absolutely one of my favorite series ever (and I read a lot of books!) so I felt compelled to write something.
Long story short, read this and all the others! Absolutely worth buying. <3
I rarely write reviews because I am low on energy so much, but this is absolutely one of my favorite series ever (and I read a lot of books!) so I felt compelled to write something.
Long story short, read this and all the others! Absolutely worth buying. <3
October 19, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series and loved the author’s style. This book felt different to me though. It felt like it was almost as if it was another author trying to imitate her. The humor was almost there but not, the charming character interaction - almost there but not - it was like a lesser version of what made her writing great. The plot was murky and unnecessarily complicated. I had to set the book aside twice out of frustration or boredom and was afraid I would have to DNF one of my fav authors. I am glad I didn’t and hope this book was just a dud and she returns full force in the next book. I will still definitely buy the next book - I don’t give up that easily!
January 5, 2022
Very good
After loosing her boyfriend to the undead an accepting, sort of, that the two of them can never be together again, Marnie decides to at least make sure that her ex boyfriend stay undead for a very long time and not get himself dead dead. Together with her Cold Company, Harry, and her newly undead brother, she goes back to her home town were all her family drama is waiting for her with open arms. Throw into the mix reverant drama and the fact tat everyone seems to be lieing to her or simply avoiding telling the truth, Marnie is ready to fuck things up, be it in her personal life or in reverant's political world, again.
After loosing her boyfriend to the undead an accepting, sort of, that the two of them can never be together again, Marnie decides to at least make sure that her ex boyfriend stay undead for a very long time and not get himself dead dead. Together with her Cold Company, Harry, and her newly undead brother, she goes back to her home town were all her family drama is waiting for her with open arms. Throw into the mix reverant drama and the fact tat everyone seems to be lieing to her or simply avoiding telling the truth, Marnie is ready to fuck things up, be it in her personal life or in reverant's political world, again.
September 24, 2021
Spectacular
Oh how I have missed Marnie - Harry - Wes- Mark - Gary Chapel an Declan. I literally slowly read a little bit each day rather than my normal - devouring of this morsel book in a few hours. I wanted to savior the new book. It Did Not Disappoint. LOVED IT
I am addicted to Marnies quirky, sassy cray cray behavior and snark.
Harry is laugh out loud funny all his pet names for Marnie.
Wes is always funny as he reads Marnies mind and regrets it
Oh how I have missed Marnie - Harry - Wes- Mark - Gary Chapel an Declan. I literally slowly read a little bit each day rather than my normal - devouring of this morsel book in a few hours. I wanted to savior the new book. It Did Not Disappoint. LOVED IT
I am addicted to Marnies quirky, sassy cray cray behavior and snark.
Harry is laugh out loud funny all his pet names for Marnie.
Wes is always funny as he reads Marnies mind and regrets it
October 26, 2021
not her best effort
Disjointed, rough start. It didn’t start to congeal and take off until the end. Was trying too hard to channel Marnie this time. Overall story and adventure was good just not executed up to her previous standards. Too much time in between may have contributed to the disjoint. Hope that doesn’t happen again. Looking forward to the next in hopes that the swagger comes back. Best part of this story was Wes.
Disjointed, rough start. It didn’t start to congeal and take off until the end. Was trying too hard to channel Marnie this time. Overall story and adventure was good just not executed up to her previous standards. Too much time in between may have contributed to the disjoint. Hope that doesn’t happen again. Looking forward to the next in hopes that the swagger comes back. Best part of this story was Wes.
February 7, 2022
Hmm I started reading and then stopped because I just couldn’t get into it and then after a couple of months I picked it up again. I think I’ve gotten over all the weird, out there, makes no sense, the way the characters speak. I just wasn’t feeling this book. Hopefully, the next one is a bit better, because I loved all the previous books.
July 13, 2022
Bah on editing!
One would think after six books that someone would catch and correct what are basically minor editing glitches that wind up being really annoying.
Outside if this issue, the stories themselves are outstanding examples of prime imagination. I still do recommend this series.
One would think after six books that someone would catch and correct what are basically minor editing glitches that wind up being really annoying.
Outside if this issue, the stories themselves are outstanding examples of prime imagination. I still do recommend this series.
January 25, 2024
Kindred Spirits
Another great addition to the Marnie Baranuik series by the awesome AJ Aalto. Some old issues were resolved for Mark Batten and Marnie learned more about Harry's past.This time the setting was back in her hometown in Canada. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the series.
Another great addition to the Marnie Baranuik series by the awesome AJ Aalto. Some old issues were resolved for Mark Batten and Marnie learned more about Harry's past.This time the setting was back in her hometown in Canada. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the series.
September 10, 2021
One of my favorite series
These books never disappoint- Marnie is a great heroine with a memorable and lovable cast of supporting characters you can’t help but become attached to. A great installment!
These books never disappoint- Marnie is a great heroine with a memorable and lovable cast of supporting characters you can’t help but become attached to. A great installment!
September 19, 2021
Worth it
At first, I thought it was ramblings going nowhere. But I kept reading and the wonderful banter that made Marnie a favorite lit up the pages. I really enjoyed revisiting this world and these characters. Can't wait for more.
At first, I thought it was ramblings going nowhere. But I kept reading and the wonderful banter that made Marnie a favorite lit up the pages. I really enjoyed revisiting this world and these characters. Can't wait for more.
September 19, 2021
Long awaited sequel did not disappoint.
Loved it as I have the 5 preceding and anxiously awaiting the next release in the series.I try not to buy if I can avoid it but for me the price wasn't wasted.
Loved it as I have the 5 preceding and anxiously awaiting the next release in the series.I try not to buy if I can avoid it but for me the price wasn't wasted.
September 22, 2021
One of my favorite authors I would order her next book before she thinks or writing it!
Please keep them coming. I am addicted. More marney, more Harry and the rest of the gang. Can't wait to see what happens next with Scooby and the gang. 💗
Please keep them coming. I am addicted. More marney, more Harry and the rest of the gang. Can't wait to see what happens next with Scooby and the gang. 💗
October 4, 2021
Wicked Good Adventure
Marnie is one of my favorite characters and her latest adventure does not disappoint! Back home in Canada and catching up with family, friends and a few suspicious characters. Delightful read, highly recommended.
Marnie is one of my favorite characters and her latest adventure does not disappoint! Back home in Canada and catching up with family, friends and a few suspicious characters. Delightful read, highly recommended.
October 17, 2021
perfect!!!!
So totally worth the wait. It was wonderful visiting with old friends. The storyline was amazing. And it looks like the door is open for another book. I’m so thrilled! Thank you!
So totally worth the wait. It was wonderful visiting with old friends. The storyline was amazing. And it looks like the door is open for another book. I’m so thrilled! Thank you!
October 24, 2021
Awesome as always
How can this author make me laugh out loud at Marnie while simultaneously wanting to smack some sense into her? And don’t get me started on Jerkface….. my heart….why??????????? Devoted fan here! Can’t wait for #6
How can this author make me laugh out loud at Marnie while simultaneously wanting to smack some sense into her? And don’t get me started on Jerkface….. my heart….why??????????? Devoted fan here! Can’t wait for #6
October 11, 2023
So... I don't know. I felt like Marnie was growing and trying to be less of a mess, high-strung, and almost obnoxious towards people/beings she shouldn't be rude to.... but, here we are. This felt like she took 5 steps back in her behavior.
She can now shift into anything she wants, has touch psy powers, has clairempathy, and somehow still bungles almost every situation. It's funny mostly, and she ends up having these shiny moments where she does smart things, but that was kinda lacking in this book.
What really bothered me, was the pity party she threw herself through the entire book. Honestly, I get it, because the guys weren't great towards her but they usually aren't great. The most genuine interactions she had were between her and Shank and her and Wes. Baten tried to have genuine moments with her continuously, but Marnie responded with rude comments and then keeps wondering why she can't keep him.
I felt so badly for Baten, finding out what he did. He was vulnerable and real and I hope he finds a new purpose. I also felt bad for Harry because he was continuously humbled which goes against everything he is.
I hope for anything to happen in the next book that calms Marnie down a touch. The situation where she called Baten to the caves and then in a matter of moments, Marnie made up a situation in her head where Baten was in cahoots with the lady hunter... because she cannot think the best of him. It drives me crazy. Does she love him? Because it doesn't seem like it, it seems like she likes his dick. It's frustrating.
She can now shift into anything she wants, has touch psy powers, has clairempathy, and somehow still bungles almost every situation. It's funny mostly, and she ends up having these shiny moments where she does smart things, but that was kinda lacking in this book.
What really bothered me, was the pity party she threw herself through the entire book. Honestly, I get it, because the guys weren't great towards her but they usually aren't great. The most genuine interactions she had were between her and Shank and her and Wes. Baten tried to have genuine moments with her continuously, but Marnie responded with rude comments and then keeps wondering why she can't keep him.
I felt so badly for Baten, finding out what he did. He was vulnerable and real and I hope he finds a new purpose. I also felt bad for Harry because he was continuously humbled which goes against everything he is.
I hope for anything to happen in the next book that calms Marnie down a touch. The situation where she called Baten to the caves and then in a matter of moments, Marnie made up a situation in her head where Baten was in cahoots with the lady hunter... because she cannot think the best of him. It drives me crazy. Does she love him? Because it doesn't seem like it, it seems like she likes his dick. It's frustrating.
October 27, 2021
10 stars!
Oh how I've missed A.J. with Marnie and the gang! A most excellent read, as well as all the other books in the series.
Oh how I've missed A.J. with Marnie and the gang! A most excellent read, as well as all the other books in the series.
November 24, 2021
Love these books!!
I love these books and this one did not disappoint. It’s always too long between them. Ready for the next one!
I love these books and this one did not disappoint. It’s always too long between them. Ready for the next one!
August 3, 2022
narrator does not have a complete grasp on punctuation and what it means. i almost stopped listening after the first few chapters
October 25, 2022
Such a fun read! I absolutely love Marnie’s quick wit - I found myself chuckling repeatedly while getting drawn into the adventure.
January 22, 2023
Funny as hell
Love this book, this series is definitely one of my favorites,Marnie is so dang funny, and I just enjoy reading about all the trouble she gets into
Love this book, this series is definitely one of my favorites,Marnie is so dang funny, and I just enjoy reading about all the trouble she gets into
November 13, 2021
Favorite
A favorite book. I love reading about Marni her friends and all of their adventures. Well written fun read. Ready for more!
A favorite book. I love reading about Marni her friends and all of their adventures. Well written fun read. Ready for more!
September 10, 2021
Oh my. How I've missed Marnie.
I'll admit there were many characters I disliked or hated that I never have before in this book. I'll also say that there wasn't enough Longshanks. If Marnie's in Canada, she really should have partnered with him instead of She-Batten.
I Looovvvee Harry and always will. He went out of his way to heal Marnie's rift with her family and never deserves to be treated the way he is by this family. I can barely stand her sisters (except Carrie, I'd love more of her), and don't get me started on her parents.
It was awesome to see Wesley (I forgot he was renamed Wasp) grow as both a brother and a vamp. He's caring for his sister like no one else in their family, and Harry and Marnie have turned him from a self-indulgent brat into a (kinda) man.
*****Spoilers (kinda)********
And Batten (if you don't know he's turned, why the hell haven't you read the other books?) While I kind of enjoyed him in earlier books, he's just toxic. He chose death instead of her and now he treats her as less than. Nope. Just nope. She needs to be spending more time with the good Sherriff Hood who treats her better and actually teaches her shit.
But this book was Marnie dealing with relationship crap while working several cases all at once and dealing with Thanksgiving (Canada style). And she does it, mostly, like a pro.
What can I say? This series is my go-to when I need an escape. I didn't realize how much I've missed them until I got a notice that the next book was on its way. I'm so happy she's back and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
I'll admit there were many characters I disliked or hated that I never have before in this book. I'll also say that there wasn't enough Longshanks. If Marnie's in Canada, she really should have partnered with him instead of She-Batten.
I Looovvvee Harry and always will. He went out of his way to heal Marnie's rift with her family and never deserves to be treated the way he is by this family. I can barely stand her sisters (except Carrie, I'd love more of her), and don't get me started on her parents.
It was awesome to see Wesley (I forgot he was renamed Wasp) grow as both a brother and a vamp. He's caring for his sister like no one else in their family, and Harry and Marnie have turned him from a self-indulgent brat into a (kinda) man.
*****Spoilers (kinda)********
And Batten (if you don't know he's turned, why the hell haven't you read the other books?) While I kind of enjoyed him in earlier books, he's just toxic. He chose death instead of her and now he treats her as less than. Nope. Just nope. She needs to be spending more time with the good Sherriff Hood who treats her better and actually teaches her shit.
But this book was Marnie dealing with relationship crap while working several cases all at once and dealing with Thanksgiving (Canada style). And she does it, mostly, like a pro.
What can I say? This series is my go-to when I need an escape. I didn't realize how much I've missed them until I got a notice that the next book was on its way. I'm so happy she's back and I'm really looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews