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Kali James #1
Fastening the Grave
Some people attract good fortune. I’m a death magnet.
Moving across the country and opening a costume shop was supposed to be my chance for a normal life. What I wanted was a fresh start, one where the biggest danger would be a carelessly wielded sewing needle.
What I got was the ghost of a murdered reporter demanding justice, a power I can’t control, and a new goat shifter BFF hell-bent on trouble.
Now, my hunt for the killer threatens to expose a supernatural community determined to safeguard its secrecy at any cost. My only chance to survive is to embrace the legacy I’ve spent my life running from.
Fastening the Grave is the first book in the Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and a dose of slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.
Moving across the country and opening a costume shop was supposed to be my chance for a normal life. What I wanted was a fresh start, one where the biggest danger would be a carelessly wielded sewing needle.
What I got was the ghost of a murdered reporter demanding justice, a power I can’t control, and a new goat shifter BFF hell-bent on trouble.
Now, my hunt for the killer threatens to expose a supernatural community determined to safeguard its secrecy at any cost. My only chance to survive is to embrace the legacy I’ve spent my life running from.
Fastening the Grave is the first book in the Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and a dose of slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2022
1078 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
April 9, 2024
4.5 stars.
Well, that was fun! Urban fantasy with a little bit of murder mystery. I really enjoyed the heroine. She's smart, but not too smart. I like it that she stumbled into a location where she can make friendships. It felt different enough from other urban fantasy books to keep me interested.
The murder mystery was pretty fun with a ghost who is keeping his journalistic integrity by concealing who his sources are. And even though the ending didn't get as twisty as I thought it, it held together and made sense!
There isn't any romance in this book however it's possible there could be in the future.
The narrator was enjoyable and did a good job with voices and differentiating characters.
I received this as a free audiobook on stuff your earbuds day and it did its job cause I'm gonna keep reading the series and hope it holds up.
Well, that was fun! Urban fantasy with a little bit of murder mystery. I really enjoyed the heroine. She's smart, but not too smart. I like it that she stumbled into a location where she can make friendships. It felt different enough from other urban fantasy books to keep me interested.
The murder mystery was pretty fun with a ghost who is keeping his journalistic integrity by concealing who his sources are. And even though the ending didn't get as twisty as I thought it, it held together and made sense!
There isn't any romance in this book however it's possible there could be in the future.
The narrator was enjoyable and did a good job with voices and differentiating characters.
I received this as a free audiobook on stuff your earbuds day and it did its job cause I'm gonna keep reading the series and hope it holds up.
April 9, 2022
I started this book with high hopes .. they were dashed right as I started to realise the MC had something I've been avoiding in UF books lately and that is the trope of being too stubborn for her own good making decisions that... No i can't do it. Once I was done reading I wondered why this had such high stars in Goodreads
乁( •_• )ㄏ.
乁( •_• )ㄏ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
If I was trying to figure out who killed someone and they continually lied to me or told me they couldn’t give me information after they were already DEAD and had absolutely no reason to be upset because they DEAD I would tell them to go to Hell. Seriously thin plot, and super weird characters that I really don’t care about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
3 reluctant stars
I wanted to give this two stars because the premise is illogical. What was her motivation in risking her life over and over again (through dumb decisions) for a complete stranger? Now if the dead person had been family or friend or even an acquaintance it might have been more believable. Instead we get this vague "he'll never leave if I don't solve this", even though her sister did in fact leave without her solving her death. Sorry, not buying it.
However ... the story has potential with the characters McBride has begun crafting and therefore I'll give the book 3 stars with a cautionary recommendation.
I wanted to give this two stars because the premise is illogical. What was her motivation in risking her life over and over again (through dumb decisions) for a complete stranger? Now if the dead person had been family or friend or even an acquaintance it might have been more believable. Instead we get this vague "he'll never leave if I don't solve this", even though her sister did in fact leave without her solving her death. Sorry, not buying it.
However ... the story has potential with the characters McBride has begun crafting and therefore I'll give the book 3 stars with a cautionary recommendation.
April 4, 2022
Loved it!
So well written and so much fun. I loved the MCs background story and it was fun not to have another PI or detective as the protagonist. I really enjoyed meeting Kali and I can't wait for the next isntalment. Kali was brave and endearing.
A clever and unique urban fantasy story! I can't wait for more. What a fantastic debut!
So well written and so much fun. I loved the MCs background story and it was fun not to have another PI or detective as the protagonist. I really enjoyed meeting Kali and I can't wait for the next isntalment. Kali was brave and endearing.
A clever and unique urban fantasy story! I can't wait for more. What a fantastic debut!
September 10, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading this! A goat shifter honestly sounded like the book was going to be a lot of fun, but I really didn't enjoy this at all. The main character decides to investigate a murder because she can see the ghost of the victim- her method for this seems to be arranging sketchy meetings with all the suspects- It's honestly so stupid.
The victim is being hella vague with her and lying to her about what he was up to and why anyone might want him dead. She keeps arranging to be alone with people she suspects might be murderers and breaking into crime scenes. If I found a body and knew the police were vaguely thinking I could be a lead I would not be breaking in and putting my fingerprints all over various locations of interest. And if I knew someone had been murdered and wasn't sure why I wouldn't be running about trying to corner my suspects with no help, like she's honestly lucky she's a terrible investigator because if she figured it out early on she'd have ended up dead.
And despite paranormal name and cover the paranormal aspect barely features in the story, it's more like a really terrible detective story than a paranormal/UF story.
This was just such a dissapointment.
The victim is being hella vague with her and lying to her about what he was up to and why anyone might want him dead. She keeps arranging to be alone with people she suspects might be murderers and breaking into crime scenes. If I found a body and knew the police were vaguely thinking I could be a lead I would not be breaking in and putting my fingerprints all over various locations of interest. And if I knew someone had been murdered and wasn't sure why I wouldn't be running about trying to corner my suspects with no help, like she's honestly lucky she's a terrible investigator because if she figured it out early on she'd have ended up dead.
And despite paranormal name and cover the paranormal aspect barely features in the story, it's more like a really terrible detective story than a paranormal/UF story.
This was just such a dissapointment.
March 25, 2022
** I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This book took me a minute to really settle into and enjoy. I could not connect with the main character at all to start. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. She was not overly whiny, she didn't have a chip on her shoulder, or feel like she needed to prove she was the biggest bad ass when walking in a room; but something didn't click for me. Perhaps because she was hiding a piece of herself but that is not all that uncommon in Urban Fantasy books. Whatever it was, it definitely took me until about halfway into the story to really warm up to Kali.
Now Craig ... alpha male to the highest degree. I was all about him from his first entrance onto the page. And then he just fades to black, gives a few cryptic warnings, and we barely see him again. Talk about a tease! And Jack, the most cryptic ghost to ever haunt the earth. He is a reporter to the core and his sources and story mean more to him than his own life and death. Normally books that have one person that can see a ghost make for really fun interactions. There are a couple decent moments but this ghost is not a high priority to the story.
The book was a good starting place for the series. It introduces a few main players that I am excited to see move of in future books. It is not the end all be all book for me though. Like I said, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and was really reading this as a passerby and not immersed in the story with them. There are some really good moments in this book and on the whole I did enjoy it. I am hopeful for book two, to see some growth both with the plot but with the characters as well. And damn it, I want more Craig :)
Cheers and Happy Reading!
This book took me a minute to really settle into and enjoy. I could not connect with the main character at all to start. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. She was not overly whiny, she didn't have a chip on her shoulder, or feel like she needed to prove she was the biggest bad ass when walking in a room; but something didn't click for me. Perhaps because she was hiding a piece of herself but that is not all that uncommon in Urban Fantasy books. Whatever it was, it definitely took me until about halfway into the story to really warm up to Kali.
Now Craig ... alpha male to the highest degree. I was all about him from his first entrance onto the page. And then he just fades to black, gives a few cryptic warnings, and we barely see him again. Talk about a tease! And Jack, the most cryptic ghost to ever haunt the earth. He is a reporter to the core and his sources and story mean more to him than his own life and death. Normally books that have one person that can see a ghost make for really fun interactions. There are a couple decent moments but this ghost is not a high priority to the story.
The book was a good starting place for the series. It introduces a few main players that I am excited to see move of in future books. It is not the end all be all book for me though. Like I said, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and was really reading this as a passerby and not immersed in the story with them. There are some really good moments in this book and on the whole I did enjoy it. I am hopeful for book two, to see some growth both with the plot but with the characters as well. And damn it, I want more Craig :)
Cheers and Happy Reading!
May 6, 2022
It was a fast passed good read.
December 16, 2024
Kali has a costume shop in Kansas City and is trying to have a normal life even though she can occasionally see ghosts.
On a trip to a local haunted house, Kali literally falls over a dead body. Unfortunately, the dead man is a reporter who haunts her to find his killer.
As she doesn’t see any way to get rid of him, she starts looking into the murder. There is a nice mystery in this book as Kali doesn’t know anything about the supernatural world to begin with.
She’s the daughter of a policeman but has obviously watched too many crime shows as she tries her hand at being an investigator.
Occasionally aided by Riley Cruz, (the goat shifter of the Riley Cruz series), as well as other familiar characters. Kali learns she is a necromancer and must learn something about her power.
This book has action, mystery, humour, surprises and suspense.
This is an easy, quick, enjoyable read and I’m not sure why I hadn’t read it before but I’m making up for the delay now.
Well worth the read.
On a trip to a local haunted house, Kali literally falls over a dead body. Unfortunately, the dead man is a reporter who haunts her to find his killer.
As she doesn’t see any way to get rid of him, she starts looking into the murder. There is a nice mystery in this book as Kali doesn’t know anything about the supernatural world to begin with.
She’s the daughter of a policeman but has obviously watched too many crime shows as she tries her hand at being an investigator.
Occasionally aided by Riley Cruz, (the goat shifter of the Riley Cruz series), as well as other familiar characters. Kali learns she is a necromancer and must learn something about her power.
This book has action, mystery, humour, surprises and suspense.
This is an easy, quick, enjoyable read and I’m not sure why I hadn’t read it before but I’m making up for the delay now.
Well worth the read.
October 31, 2023
It's a first book so. Eh. It's not terrible. Kali is a little wimpy and short sighted. There's a lot of vague nonsense from secondary characters where they leave the room instead of explaining anything. She just goes with it under the guise of 'if I want to find out x, then I have to go along with it'
Except it's dumb and dangerous and she never asks questions. She uses the internet to find a name, that requires searching through multiple shell organizations- but then after following someone random that she's decided is a murder suspect (bc they have a criminal history, but no knowledge of what said criminal history is) home- the ONLY way to get his phone number is to knock on doors pretending to be a journalist.
I see knowledge on how to use the internet comes and goes.
Kali, with no experience with anything, seems to think the solution for EVERYTHING, is breaking and entering into places- with only half assed ideas of what she might be looking for or why(or that consequences of her dumbshit decisions will in fact continue to exist when she's 'found justice for Jack' who by the way NEVER even implied thats what his ghost wanted. In fact it seemed pretty clear that is not where any of his fucks lived)
Despite seeing/interacting with ghosts she has 0 awareness of supernatural anything. But doesn't even blink when it's revealed to her. Where again, she doesn't really ask questions, takes a permanent I don't need to know stance. Despite it being pretttttty relevant in the whole murder investigation. (But we do learn goat shifters, werewolves and vampires exist so there's that)
She fumbles through the plot/book. Any world building feels avoided like the plague. (Esp the whole Meira thing, and so fucking help me, the dead sister backstory better not turn into the cliché, she was run down because someone thought she was Kali/a necromancer, that is new levels of low effort that I do not want to read her cry and spiral about)
I'm assuming Craig is the slow burn romance it mentions in the blurb- from all the mentioned male secondary characters who knows, it could slip and fall into reverse harem at any sentence. Lord knows if it did it'd probably be without and intentional effort/awareness from Kali. She'd just suddenly be in a train(not the choo choo variety) sticky and wet, not having considered protection.
I read the blurb for the second one, Kali unintentionally setting loose a demon is 100% believable.
I was planning to read it(KindleUnlimited, downloaded them at the same time((2nd one was free on stuff your kindle day)), but that was before I wrote this- now I kinda don't wanna.
Except it's dumb and dangerous and she never asks questions. She uses the internet to find a name, that requires searching through multiple shell organizations- but then after following someone random that she's decided is a murder suspect (bc they have a criminal history, but no knowledge of what said criminal history is) home- the ONLY way to get his phone number is to knock on doors pretending to be a journalist.
I see knowledge on how to use the internet comes and goes.
Kali, with no experience with anything, seems to think the solution for EVERYTHING, is breaking and entering into places- with only half assed ideas of what she might be looking for or why(or that consequences of her dumbshit decisions will in fact continue to exist when she's 'found justice for Jack' who by the way NEVER even implied thats what his ghost wanted. In fact it seemed pretty clear that is not where any of his fucks lived)
Despite seeing/interacting with ghosts she has 0 awareness of supernatural anything. But doesn't even blink when it's revealed to her. Where again, she doesn't really ask questions, takes a permanent I don't need to know stance. Despite it being pretttttty relevant in the whole murder investigation. (But we do learn goat shifters, werewolves and vampires exist so there's that)
She fumbles through the plot/book. Any world building feels avoided like the plague. (Esp the whole Meira thing, and so fucking help me, the dead sister backstory better not turn into the cliché, she was run down because someone thought she was Kali/a necromancer, that is new levels of low effort that I do not want to read her cry and spiral about)
I'm assuming Craig is the slow burn romance it mentions in the blurb- from all the mentioned male secondary characters who knows, it could slip and fall into reverse harem at any sentence. Lord knows if it did it'd probably be without and intentional effort/awareness from Kali. She'd just suddenly be in a train(not the choo choo variety) sticky and wet, not having considered protection.
I read the blurb for the second one, Kali unintentionally setting loose a demon is 100% believable.
I was planning to read it(KindleUnlimited, downloaded them at the same time((2nd one was free on stuff your kindle day)), but that was before I wrote this- now I kinda don't wanna.
September 19, 2024
What started off as a fun visit for Kali and her friends to a supposed haunted house, turned into a full on murder. Not that that's really unusual, the Agatha Christie style, what is unusual is that Kali can see ghosts so when the victim asks for her help to find his murderer, heck, how's she supposed to say no? And so the adventure begins....
Kali is a costume maker and designer, but she's also a necromancer, only she didn't know that initially and it's blowing her mind! As she tries to solve this murder, Jack IS very persuasive, she discovers a whole new world, right under her nose! Curiosity killed the cat? Well, almost! Not that she's a cat, but curious? Heck yes! I simply adore Kali's dress style, I can so see this diva! Love it.
The more I read, the more I got into the book, the more I was immersed. What a surprise to find out that Riley was.... more. I love her character, she brings a freshness to the story, a very well paced story, one that peels away layer upon layer, exposing character upon character and thickening the brew! And there's the question of Craig... will there be a budding romance?
I'm really enjoying this series, feeling pretty much like Kali, I have a need to discover how all the pieces fit so off to book 2....yay
Kali is a costume maker and designer, but she's also a necromancer, only she didn't know that initially and it's blowing her mind! As she tries to solve this murder, Jack IS very persuasive, she discovers a whole new world, right under her nose! Curiosity killed the cat? Well, almost! Not that she's a cat, but curious? Heck yes! I simply adore Kali's dress style, I can so see this diva! Love it.
The more I read, the more I got into the book, the more I was immersed. What a surprise to find out that Riley was.... more. I love her character, she brings a freshness to the story, a very well paced story, one that peels away layer upon layer, exposing character upon character and thickening the brew! And there's the question of Craig... will there be a budding romance?
I'm really enjoying this series, feeling pretty much like Kali, I have a need to discover how all the pieces fit so off to book 2....yay
September 16, 2022
3 A Harbinger Of Change Stars
Fastening the Grave is the first book in the Kali James series by L. A. McBride.
I really like the heroine of this book, her effervescent style and eccentric way in which she matches her outfits to her tasks, is probably my characteristic of hers. That she also owns a costume shop, that caters to custom designs, is simply another mark in her favor.
I didn't understand her trying to solve a murder. It doesn't seem like it makes any sense, especially given how incompetent she is about to defending herself. While she did a surprisingly good job sleuthing to fill in the blanks and work her way towards discovering the killer. But the premise that she intends to hunt down killers is laughable. I'm sorry, it just is. She has absolutely no training and that only way in which she claims to be competent is her father being a Detective, like it's genetic.
Then there's Riley. Who no matter how much I love goats and wish i could love the character playing my first ever goat shifter, I can't. She annoys me incessantly. First, she lies and often. Which for some reason the Mc is always REALLY understanding about, but always rubs me the wrong way. Second, she antagonizes Kali at every turn and then it's somehow played odd at just being her personality? She insists on being a part of finding the killer, but that mostly includes her insisting on a murder board. (Insert eyeroll) Her only true assistance was picking Jack's lock, and insuring Kali could escape from his apartment. But beyond that she was honestly a nuisance. I think the author was trying to make her seem lovably wild and eccentric, a rule breaker, with a heart of gold, and a penchant for pranks. Because she was almost that person.. but it fell flat.
Then there's Meira, whom honestly seems like she's going to kill Kali for her power later. Much the same as Twitch, and Volkov will. Why would Meira invite her into their supernatural world knowing that the more her power grows the more danger she will be in? It would've been better to train her in secret and try to hide her. Unless Meira is more so after her abilities, and using Kali to only benefit herself? It's not a far stretch to assume the ruling body, Tribunal, members are all manipulative near immortals.
I like the way in which the author writes. I couldn't put the book down, even when I didn't like the characters chooses, or the plot didn't mesh for me. So I will definitely keep reading because I enjoyed her writing style and hope to see more from her. I probably won't finish this series, until more of it comes out though.
Fastening the Grave is the first book in the Kali James series by L. A. McBride.
I really like the heroine of this book, her effervescent style and eccentric way in which she matches her outfits to her tasks, is probably my characteristic of hers. That she also owns a costume shop, that caters to custom designs, is simply another mark in her favor.
I didn't understand her trying to solve a murder. It doesn't seem like it makes any sense, especially given how incompetent she is about to defending herself. While she did a surprisingly good job sleuthing to fill in the blanks and work her way towards discovering the killer. But the premise that she intends to hunt down killers is laughable. I'm sorry, it just is. She has absolutely no training and that only way in which she claims to be competent is her father being a Detective, like it's genetic.
Then there's Riley. Who no matter how much I love goats and wish i could love the character playing my first ever goat shifter, I can't. She annoys me incessantly. First, she lies and often. Which for some reason the Mc is always REALLY understanding about, but always rubs me the wrong way. Second, she antagonizes Kali at every turn and then it's somehow played odd at just being her personality? She insists on being a part of finding the killer, but that mostly includes her insisting on a murder board. (Insert eyeroll) Her only true assistance was picking Jack's lock, and insuring Kali could escape from his apartment. But beyond that she was honestly a nuisance. I think the author was trying to make her seem lovably wild and eccentric, a rule breaker, with a heart of gold, and a penchant for pranks. Because she was almost that person.. but it fell flat.
Then there's Meira, whom honestly seems like she's going to kill Kali for her power later. Much the same as Twitch, and Volkov will. Why would Meira invite her into their supernatural world knowing that the more her power grows the more danger she will be in? It would've been better to train her in secret and try to hide her. Unless Meira is more so after her abilities, and using Kali to only benefit herself? It's not a far stretch to assume the ruling body, Tribunal, members are all manipulative near immortals.
I like the way in which the author writes. I couldn't put the book down, even when I didn't like the characters chooses, or the plot didn't mesh for me. So I will definitely keep reading because I enjoyed her writing style and hope to see more from her. I probably won't finish this series, until more of it comes out though.
May 6, 2024
2.5 stars.
It became a bit of a chore to finish. Kali runs headlong into danger covered in plot armor and wielding the shield of all TSTL leads everywhere. No thanks.
It became a bit of a chore to finish. Kali runs headlong into danger covered in plot armor and wielding the shield of all TSTL leads everywhere. No thanks.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I would read it again!
My biggest gripe was that it felt like all the characters just didn’t want to tell people things and it got frustrating. Otherwise, the world was fun, and the characters were fun, and I enjoyed the read.
My biggest gripe was that it felt like all the characters just didn’t want to tell people things and it got frustrating. Otherwise, the world was fun, and the characters were fun, and I enjoyed the read.
November 3, 2023
The book has so much potential but unfortunately the MC and everything else just let's it down. I won't be reading the second.
March 24, 2022
“If there were two constants on my life, they were death and illison.”
Fastening the Grave is the first book in a new urban fantasy series about necromancer Kali James. The story follows Kali, owner of a costume shop, who literally runs over a dead body. After a few visits by ghost of that dead man, she decides to find his murderer.
Kali is exactly the kind of character that I like. She is independent, cares for her beloved ones, has a sense for justice and doesn’t worry to use her woman arsenal. I like Kali's development during the book. I think that the author is on the right path to have a great main character just like Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels.
There is also Kali's best friend and partner in crime Riley. Riley is an actress in a haunted house and a total weirdo. And I can’t forget about Craig. Craig is head of security in a haunted house called Howl where Kali found that dead body. And, well, also Kali’s love interest if I can call it that. I really hope that there's gonna be more of their interaction in the next book because there are never enough sexy protective men.
I’m happy with the story itself. I got exactly what I wanted- fast, action packed urban fantasy. This was definitely a great opening book.
Thank you Booksprout, the Publishers and the Author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Fastening the Grave is the first book in a new urban fantasy series about necromancer Kali James. The story follows Kali, owner of a costume shop, who literally runs over a dead body. After a few visits by ghost of that dead man, she decides to find his murderer.
Kali is exactly the kind of character that I like. She is independent, cares for her beloved ones, has a sense for justice and doesn’t worry to use her woman arsenal. I like Kali's development during the book. I think that the author is on the right path to have a great main character just like Mercy Thompson and Kate Daniels.
There is also Kali's best friend and partner in crime Riley. Riley is an actress in a haunted house and a total weirdo. And I can’t forget about Craig. Craig is head of security in a haunted house called Howl where Kali found that dead body. And, well, also Kali’s love interest if I can call it that. I really hope that there's gonna be more of their interaction in the next book because there are never enough sexy protective men.
I’m happy with the story itself. I got exactly what I wanted- fast, action packed urban fantasy. This was definitely a great opening book.
Thank you Booksprout, the Publishers and the Author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2022
I have never read L.A. McBride before and I loved this book! Kali, unbeknownst to herself, is a kick-Ass necromancer who runs a costume shop. She sees a second life for what others discard and has a compulsion to keep things from bodies she has seen which forms a connection to ghosts. She stumbles on a murder and has to solve it. L.A. McBride's writing flows with descriptions and creates a really good, detailed story. I loved all the characters, both friends and super naturals and hope her thing with Craig goes somewhere. I couldn't stop reading this and can't wait for the next. Kali is a stylish dresser, intelligent and all around cool woman who you want to read more about., definitely be her friend. I was given a ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 8, 2022
This was slow as all heck. Did not like.
April 25, 2023
Slow.
I was bored reading this book, it starts out like some first book of paranormal, nothing unexpected no suspense .
I was bored reading this book, it starts out like some first book of paranormal, nothing unexpected no suspense .
April 6, 2024
I don't know how I feel about this book.
It was actually 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. I picked up this book because I was in the mood to binge an urban fantasy series, I'd gotten the second book on "Stuff Your Kindle" day, and I could get the first three books in audio through Hoopla.
So, yeah, I found the premise kind of interesting: Young woman moves to Kansas City to open a costume shop and to run away from the literal ghosts of her past. This is something I can get behind. And I enjoyed the start of the book with the quirky friend and the dramatic description of the haunted house. After Kali literally falls over a dead body, she, for reasons that feel a bit nebulous to me, decides it's up to her and to only her to figure out who killed this reporter, so his ghost will leave her alone.
But honestly, after a few interactions with the reporter, who was a secretive, manipulative d*ck, I can't figure out why she cared so much. She has many TSTL moments, as she heedlessly flings herself into random dangerous situations without caring much about her own safety or that of those around her. All her plans are half-baked and thin on preparation.
But I was still prepared to call this a solid three-star read, because even with all of this, I never really felt compelled to put the book down and thought I'd probably move on to the second in the series. But then, the thing that should have been caught in editing happened. At one point in the story, she's in the dead reporter's apartment, and he's flipping out because somebody got there ahead of her and stole his laptop. Now, unless I completely blanked out for an entire section of the story, and missed something pretty vital, the fact that Kali was using the reporter's laptop to research all of his files and photos later in the book, was quite confounding to me, and completely yanked me out of the story. I wanted more information about the paranormal world she suddenly found herself in, and I felt like some of the author's jumps in time when we are in the middle of one of Kali's important conversations with somebody who knows things, felt strange to me. I'm also not sure I'm invested enough in the side characters from the goat shifter bestie to the mysterious love interest. They just felt sort of two-dimensional and shallow.
I am currently undecided if I will continue this series. I obviously enjoyed the book enough to read it in just a few hours, but Kali's stubborn insistence on flinging herself headlong into dangerous situations for reasons that are not entirely clear, and also the glaring editing issue, has me questioning if I ever will.
It was actually 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. I picked up this book because I was in the mood to binge an urban fantasy series, I'd gotten the second book on "Stuff Your Kindle" day, and I could get the first three books in audio through Hoopla.
So, yeah, I found the premise kind of interesting: Young woman moves to Kansas City to open a costume shop and to run away from the literal ghosts of her past. This is something I can get behind. And I enjoyed the start of the book with the quirky friend and the dramatic description of the haunted house. After Kali literally falls over a dead body, she, for reasons that feel a bit nebulous to me, decides it's up to her and to only her to figure out who killed this reporter, so his ghost will leave her alone.
But honestly, after a few interactions with the reporter, who was a secretive, manipulative d*ck, I can't figure out why she cared so much. She has many TSTL moments, as she heedlessly flings herself into random dangerous situations without caring much about her own safety or that of those around her. All her plans are half-baked and thin on preparation.
But I was still prepared to call this a solid three-star read, because even with all of this, I never really felt compelled to put the book down and thought I'd probably move on to the second in the series. But then, the thing that should have been caught in editing happened. At one point in the story, she's in the dead reporter's apartment, and he's flipping out because somebody got there ahead of her and stole his laptop. Now, unless I completely blanked out for an entire section of the story, and missed something pretty vital, the fact that Kali was using the reporter's laptop to research all of his files and photos later in the book, was quite confounding to me, and completely yanked me out of the story. I wanted more information about the paranormal world she suddenly found herself in, and I felt like some of the author's jumps in time when we are in the middle of one of Kali's important conversations with somebody who knows things, felt strange to me. I'm also not sure I'm invested enough in the side characters from the goat shifter bestie to the mysterious love interest. They just felt sort of two-dimensional and shallow.
I am currently undecided if I will continue this series. I obviously enjoyed the book enough to read it in just a few hours, but Kali's stubborn insistence on flinging herself headlong into dangerous situations for reasons that are not entirely clear, and also the glaring editing issue, has me questioning if I ever will.
November 6, 2022
My Thoughts:
When Kali "can't" say "no" to a ghost, I thought that the character development is pretty lame for somebody who is supposedly kick-ass. It was just a simple no... I thought that scene could have been woven a bit more skilfully to get it to be more convincing. As it is, it became the weak point in the plot... And I thought that to be the end of her stupidity... I was wrong!!
For a crime fiction, the thin plot is not good! But for an urban fantasy book, the thin plot is quite typical.
I really like the premise, but I can't stand the "stupid"! Therefore, it is highly unlikely for me to continue reading this author in the future.
This is my first Maria McCann listen and she gave a very good performance! I would listen to her again.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 3.5
Character development = 2
Story itself = 2
Writing Style = 2.5
Ending = 3
World building = 3.5
Cover art = 3
Pace = (8 hrs and 26 mins listening time)
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 4
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
December 12, 2024
Now I know it's nearly christmas and have a few books to read based on that theme but I realised I wanted something different to immerse myself into, AND BROTHER did I get just what I wanted with this book. I brought this series for the summer and never got around to reading it and it's been languishing in my TBR pile ever since then (trust me I'm now kicking myself for this oversight) because what a fabulous introduction to an intriguing new character. Yep I was hooked from the first page. It's my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.
Kali James can see ghosts, but it's a talent that she has spent most of her life running from. Moving to Kansas City to open a costume shop, all she wants is to live a normal life. But when the ghost of a dead reporter comes to her seeking justice for his murder, her hunt for the killer leads her to a supernatural community who will stop at nothing to safeguard it's secrecy. And the power that she has denied for so long might be the only thing to keep her alive.
Hells yes do I love Kali, right from the opening chapter I just knew she'd find a place into my heart and cement herself as a favourite character. She's quirky, stubborn and has a dress sense to die for. I was also drawn to the fact that she has an undercurrent of pain to deal with and not fully understanding what she is which made her all the more relatable to me. I can't wait to see where her character takes me next....
Riley is an absolute blast, as funny as she is hyperactive she just has a nose for getting into trouble (my kind of girl) and I loved that she had a suprise of her own.
Now I don't know if Craig is going to be a potential love interest (I sure hope so) but damn if he hasn't stolen my heart already. Protective of Kali from the first he is definitely more than meets the eye.
Yes, yes I'm already swooning...
This was a fantastic introduction into Kali's world and I'm dying (pun intended) to know more, so off to book two I go. If you like intriguing sassy characters, humor, friends with secrets and adventure look no further this one's for you. Highly recommend 😁
Kali James can see ghosts, but it's a talent that she has spent most of her life running from. Moving to Kansas City to open a costume shop, all she wants is to live a normal life. But when the ghost of a dead reporter comes to her seeking justice for his murder, her hunt for the killer leads her to a supernatural community who will stop at nothing to safeguard it's secrecy. And the power that she has denied for so long might be the only thing to keep her alive.
Hells yes do I love Kali, right from the opening chapter I just knew she'd find a place into my heart and cement herself as a favourite character. She's quirky, stubborn and has a dress sense to die for. I was also drawn to the fact that she has an undercurrent of pain to deal with and not fully understanding what she is which made her all the more relatable to me. I can't wait to see where her character takes me next....
Riley is an absolute blast, as funny as she is hyperactive she just has a nose for getting into trouble (my kind of girl) and I loved that she had a suprise of her own.
Now I don't know if Craig is going to be a potential love interest (I sure hope so) but damn if he hasn't stolen my heart already. Protective of Kali from the first he is definitely more than meets the eye.
Yes, yes I'm already swooning...
This was a fantastic introduction into Kali's world and I'm dying (pun intended) to know more, so off to book two I go. If you like intriguing sassy characters, humor, friends with secrets and adventure look no further this one's for you. Highly recommend 😁
December 22, 2022
I am writing this in parallel to reading it, so I don't forget my thoughts.
I am having trouble being drawn in to this book--though it seems at least competently done. However, most of the characters are hard to care about, or even like all that much. Other than her sense of style and willingness to take old things and turn them into something else, I don't particularly care for Kali. She seems unrealistic in her stupidity? unrealistic in her foolishness? completely contented with her very pointed ignorance? like she either wants to be jailed or killed and refuses to consider the consequences of her actions? She goes full-tilt, into very dangerous situations KNOWING she doesn't know the stuff she needs to. She literally thinks she is dealing with mob bosses and stuff like that--then learns it is actually WORSE-- but does the things she does anyway. But the thing that kills me, is there's a scene, before the ghost is talking, where he wants her to follow him, and she refuses to follow him into an alley BECAUSE IT'S TOO DANGEROUS. The absolute irony, coming from her... it would be funny if it wasn't so painful. And worse, she is doing all of that for a character that is completely unlikeable, in every way. She wants the ghost to go away, so she's helping him with his unfinished business. But he's awful. Like, I don't want him to be in the book, awful.
But things came to a head for me at 71%. She is doing something so dumb that I had to put the book down for several days, before I could even consider picking it back up again. She is currently too dumb to read about, because it literally hurts me.
I am having trouble being drawn in to this book--though it seems at least competently done. However, most of the characters are hard to care about, or even like all that much. Other than her sense of style and willingness to take old things and turn them into something else, I don't particularly care for Kali. She seems unrealistic in her stupidity? unrealistic in her foolishness? completely contented with her very pointed ignorance? like she either wants to be jailed or killed and refuses to consider the consequences of her actions? She goes full-tilt, into very dangerous situations KNOWING she doesn't know the stuff she needs to. She literally thinks she is dealing with mob bosses and stuff like that--then learns it is actually WORSE-- but does the things she does anyway. But the thing that kills me, is there's a scene, before the ghost is talking, where he wants her to follow him, and she refuses to follow him into an alley BECAUSE IT'S TOO DANGEROUS. The absolute irony, coming from her... it would be funny if it wasn't so painful. And worse, she is doing all of that for a character that is completely unlikeable, in every way. She wants the ghost to go away, so she's helping him with his unfinished business. But he's awful. Like, I don't want him to be in the book, awful.
But things came to a head for me at 71%. She is doing something so dumb that I had to put the book down for several days, before I could even consider picking it back up again. She is currently too dumb to read about, because it literally hurts me.
July 6, 2023
I was looking forward to reading another urban fantasy series set in Missouri, this one in Kansas City (my first and so far only published novel is set in St. Louis). I don't know KC well, but the author vividly captures the transitory nature of its old warehouse district, and it's a great setting for an entertaining romp featuring many of our favorite otherworldly creatures.
The lead character, Kali James, is a transplant from Chicago, making a living making and selling costumes from a store that is especially popular with the haunted house crowd. Oh, and she can sometimes see and communicate with the recently-deceased. She discovers the just-murdered body of a local reporter during a visit to Howl (one of many haunted houses in the area) and, in an effort to appease his ghost, promises to help find his killer as well as break the big story for which he thinks he was murdered. In doing so, she not only discovers an underground community of very real scary beasts, but also learns that she is part of it. That is, if her interest doesn't get her killed first.
The book is well-written and accessible, and Kali is as enterprising, stubborn, and vulnerable main character as you could wish for. The secondary characters were a mixed bag, although I loved Riley and hope to see a lot more of her! The ending was satisfying and sets up the rest of the series nicely: it's definitely another one I will come back to.
The lead character, Kali James, is a transplant from Chicago, making a living making and selling costumes from a store that is especially popular with the haunted house crowd. Oh, and she can sometimes see and communicate with the recently-deceased. She discovers the just-murdered body of a local reporter during a visit to Howl (one of many haunted houses in the area) and, in an effort to appease his ghost, promises to help find his killer as well as break the big story for which he thinks he was murdered. In doing so, she not only discovers an underground community of very real scary beasts, but also learns that she is part of it. That is, if her interest doesn't get her killed first.
The book is well-written and accessible, and Kali is as enterprising, stubborn, and vulnerable main character as you could wish for. The secondary characters were a mixed bag, although I loved Riley and hope to see a lot more of her! The ending was satisfying and sets up the rest of the series nicely: it's definitely another one I will come back to.
July 7, 2022
Kali's life is fairly straightforward so long as she doesn't acknowledge ghosts or act weird. Until she discovers a body and the spirit stalks her all around town. Desperate for peace and quiet, she agrees to help him, thus firmly shoved into the supernatural world. And if she doesn't play by their rules, they'll make sure she keeps her mouth shut for good.
Here's what I didn't like: I found the way the plot progressed frustrating. I know that if Jack had given up his source, the book would have ended a lot sooner, possibly, but I feel it was handled poorly. I think a different reason for not giving up the source would have been much better seeing how he wanted Kali to solve his murder and tell his story. Just a lot missing the mark in that area. Kali doesn't know what she's doing; it's very clear considering she didn't even know what she was. But somehow she's able to command a spirit to do her bidding, and she never got the info on necromancers, only shifters at that point. Idk. I thought the premise was cool but I had a very slow going and found it hard to get into.
Here's what I liked: I loved her shop! I was pleasantly surprised she didn't need Craig at the end. This is a fairly typical supernatural world so it's easy to follow along with.
Overall, I found myself a little bored as well frustrated with it. can't say if I'll move on to the next one.
Here's what I didn't like: I found the way the plot progressed frustrating. I know that if Jack had given up his source, the book would have ended a lot sooner, possibly, but I feel it was handled poorly. I think a different reason for not giving up the source would have been much better seeing how he wanted Kali to solve his murder and tell his story. Just a lot missing the mark in that area. Kali doesn't know what she's doing; it's very clear considering she didn't even know what she was. But somehow she's able to command a spirit to do her bidding, and she never got the info on necromancers, only shifters at that point. Idk. I thought the premise was cool but I had a very slow going and found it hard to get into.
Here's what I liked: I loved her shop! I was pleasantly surprised she didn't need Craig at the end. This is a fairly typical supernatural world so it's easy to follow along with.
Overall, I found myself a little bored as well frustrated with it. can't say if I'll move on to the next one.
December 17, 2022
We all know the roles of heroes in Urban Fantasy, right? Hard-living, hard-drinking private eyes, snarky wizards... costume designers and seamstresses?
Fastening The Grave brings us along for the rise with Kali James, owner of a small costume shop and runaway. From what? Her twin sister's death, and the failure of being unable to find the killer for her restless ghost when she came back.
See, Kali sees dead people. Or saw them. She shut herself off from that side of herself, locking it away along with her grief and trying to build herself a new life. But when she stumbles across a dead body in a haunted house where the scares just became very real, she's going to have to come to terms with who she really is.
I've managed to make that sound really heavy, but the reality of the book isn't. McBride as a deft touch, an appreciation for pacing and description verging on pitch perfect, and a dry wit that underlines everything. Her characters are a delight - special mention to her friend Riley - and it's a tribute to her story-telling prowess that the discovery of a secret hidden world feels incredibly fresh as we join Kali for the ride of her life.
I can't recommend this highly enough, it's a cracking read. Original, superbly crafted and rib-ticklingly funny, it's a beautiful introduction to a fascinating cast and a spell-binding world. Not to be missed!
Fastening The Grave brings us along for the rise with Kali James, owner of a small costume shop and runaway. From what? Her twin sister's death, and the failure of being unable to find the killer for her restless ghost when she came back.
See, Kali sees dead people. Or saw them. She shut herself off from that side of herself, locking it away along with her grief and trying to build herself a new life. But when she stumbles across a dead body in a haunted house where the scares just became very real, she's going to have to come to terms with who she really is.
I've managed to make that sound really heavy, but the reality of the book isn't. McBride as a deft touch, an appreciation for pacing and description verging on pitch perfect, and a dry wit that underlines everything. Her characters are a delight - special mention to her friend Riley - and it's a tribute to her story-telling prowess that the discovery of a secret hidden world feels incredibly fresh as we join Kali for the ride of her life.
I can't recommend this highly enough, it's a cracking read. Original, superbly crafted and rib-ticklingly funny, it's a beautiful introduction to a fascinating cast and a spell-binding world. Not to be missed!
May 5, 2022
Becomes a lot more than it seems. Kali James does not expect to literally stumble across the dead body of reporter Jack Gates when she visits the haunted house named Howl. Now she has a goat shifter bestie, a pissy murdered ghost getting her into trouble, and more supernaturals after her than she can shake a stick at. It will take all her smarts, all her cunning, and just a touch of necromancy for her to get out of this one alive. The thrilling first book in the series is nonstop action with a bit of slow burn romance. I cannot wait for book two!
Becomes a lot more than it seems. Kali James does not expect to literally stumble across the dead body of reporter Jack Gates when she visits the haunted house named Howl. Now she has a goat shifter bestie, a pissy murdered ghost getting her into trouble, and more supernaturals after her than she can shake a stick at. It will take all her smarts, all her cunning, and just a touch of necromancy for her to get out of this one alive. The thrilling first book in the series is nonstop action with a bit of slow burn romance. I cannot wait for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Becomes a lot more than it seems. Kali James does not expect to literally stumble across the dead body of reporter Jack Gates when she visits the haunted house named Howl. Now she has a goat shifter bestie, a pissy murdered ghost getting her into trouble, and more supernaturals after her than she can shake a stick at. It will take all her smarts, all her cunning, and just a touch of necromancy for her to get out of this one alive. The thrilling first book in the series is nonstop action with a bit of slow burn romance. I cannot wait for book two!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Fun. Fast-moving. Good characters. Kali is in the unusual business of owning a costume store. She also just happens to have the ability to see ghosts and maybe a bit more. But she flatly refuses to have anything to do with that world. In fact, she moved away hundreds of miles away to get away from it. But when the ghost of a newspaper reporter demands she help figure out who killed him, she reluctantly agrees. But she soon discovers it isn't just a normal murder. No, it has to deal with the supernatural world, for-profit haunted houses, and lots of secrets. Plenty that could get her killed. But what is a woman gonna do when hounded by a dead reporter....
I liked Kali and it seems to me completely realistic to not want to be involved in the supernatural world. She just wants to live her life like she wants it, not to have danger, the possibility of death, to be looked at weirdly. She just wants to pursue her dream and have time with friends. Maybe a date or two. Eventually.
There some quirky characters and a bit of snark. I never read about a goat shifter before and that was fun.
I look forward to the next in the series.
I liked Kali and it seems to me completely realistic to not want to be involved in the supernatural world. She just wants to live her life like she wants it, not to have danger, the possibility of death, to be looked at weirdly. She just wants to pursue her dream and have time with friends. Maybe a date or two. Eventually.
There some quirky characters and a bit of snark. I never read about a goat shifter before and that was fun.
I look forward to the next in the series.
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