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The Many Travails of John Smith #2
Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff: A Comedic Urban Fantasy
"Messy divorce? Check.
Emotional stability of the involved parties? Questionable.
Possibility of bloodshed? High.
Yep; it was definitely starting to sound like one of my cases."
In addition to being San Diego's supernatural mediator, John Smith is the city's least successful private investigator. Those two careers collide when what was supposed to be a simple infidelity case draws the attention of the local werewolf pack. John soon finds himself pressed into service mediating a separation between the pack's married leaders.
Even under normal circumstances, divorce is hell. But when werewolves are involved? It's murder.
Emotional stability of the involved parties? Questionable.
Possibility of bloodshed? High.
Yep; it was definitely starting to sound like one of my cases."
In addition to being San Diego's supernatural mediator, John Smith is the city's least successful private investigator. Those two careers collide when what was supposed to be a simple infidelity case draws the attention of the local werewolf pack. John soon finds himself pressed into service mediating a separation between the pack's married leaders.
Even under normal circumstances, divorce is hell. But when werewolves are involved? It's murder.
363 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
142 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Chris Tullbane
21 books212 followersChris began as a gleam in someone’s eye, but birth and childhood were quick to follow. He’s been fortunate enough to live in Spain, Germany, and all over the United States of America, and is busy planning a tour of the distilleries of Scotland.
He currently lives in Nevada with his angelic wife and ever-expanding whisky collection and occasionally ventures outside to peer upwards, mutter to himself about ‘day stars’, and then scurry back into the house.
Chris is the author of two series; The Murder of Crows and The Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares new content on his author website at https://christullbane.com.
He currently lives in Nevada with his angelic wife and ever-expanding whisky collection and occasionally ventures outside to peer upwards, mutter to himself about ‘day stars’, and then scurry back into the house.
Chris is the author of two series; The Murder of Crows and The Travails of John Smith. He frequently shares new content on his author website at https://christullbane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 13, 2024
Okay, so I'm 100% the type to roll my eyes at vampires and werewolves, but this.... this is so good. 😂
May 15, 2021
Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff is book two in The Many Travails of John Smith, following Investigation, Mediation, Vindication. We pick up in John's life after his first mediation for the paranormal community went...well, he survived anyway, mostly unscathed. He's back in the PI business and even has a date! He did anyway until the vampires had to show up and ruin it for him. Truth be told, they didn't need to show up for it to be ruined; he's entirely capable of doing that himself. Something about still living in your parent's basement at 25 doesn't exactly lend itself to having a phenomenal dating life. He still has his PI business going for him and it's thriving—until werewolves start trying to kill him.
John has truly made some interesting life choices along the way. He always manages to end up right in the middle of the mess. Not that he's trying, mind you. It's truly a matter of happenstance and some drunken advertising that has landed him where he is. This time he's been hired by a husband to find out if the wife is cheating. He's still out there giving it everything he's got and it turns out he's actually a pretty decent mediator despite getting in way over his head all the time.
Humor is still a big draw in this series. We've continued with the truly fun chapter titles "In Which ___". For example: Chapter 12, "In Which People Are Strange When You're a Stranger". The vegetable demigod Bill, who is so strangely charming, is absent but he has tasked John with the care of his ward, Jee Sun aka Tiny Flower, who manages to be both adorable and a diminutive terror. John's inner voice is still as quirky as ever and his outside voice is still spewing things that would much be better kept inside. Tullbane's casual writing style hasn't changed but Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff gets darker than the previous book. John is still the average guy trying to feel his way through but the action kicks up a bit more leaning more towards typical UF fare while still avoiding second book syndrome.
I judge a lot of UF by whether you could pick up a book in the middle of a series and still understand what the heck is going on. The Many Travails of John Smith #2 passes muster. A good chunk of the opening is reintroducing characters and bringing the reader up to speed. That being said, the reader would get more enjoyment out of knowing the characters a bit more intimately and immersing in the worldbuilding gradually. This is a series that is going to go the distance so do yourself a favor and start from the beginning.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
John has truly made some interesting life choices along the way. He always manages to end up right in the middle of the mess. Not that he's trying, mind you. It's truly a matter of happenstance and some drunken advertising that has landed him where he is. This time he's been hired by a husband to find out if the wife is cheating. He's still out there giving it everything he's got and it turns out he's actually a pretty decent mediator despite getting in way over his head all the time.
Humor is still a big draw in this series. We've continued with the truly fun chapter titles "In Which ___". For example: Chapter 12, "In Which People Are Strange When You're a Stranger". The vegetable demigod Bill, who is so strangely charming, is absent but he has tasked John with the care of his ward, Jee Sun aka Tiny Flower, who manages to be both adorable and a diminutive terror. John's inner voice is still as quirky as ever and his outside voice is still spewing things that would much be better kept inside. Tullbane's casual writing style hasn't changed but Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff gets darker than the previous book. John is still the average guy trying to feel his way through but the action kicks up a bit more leaning more towards typical UF fare while still avoiding second book syndrome.
I judge a lot of UF by whether you could pick up a book in the middle of a series and still understand what the heck is going on. The Many Travails of John Smith #2 passes muster. A good chunk of the opening is reintroducing characters and bringing the reader up to speed. That being said, the reader would get more enjoyment out of knowing the characters a bit more intimately and immersing in the worldbuilding gradually. This is a series that is going to go the distance so do yourself a favor and start from the beginning.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
December 28, 2022
This is chalking up to be a fun series. John lives in his parent’s basement and is a private investigator in our world and a mediator for the supernatural world. He’s currently under the protection of the vampire house. John isn’t supernatural, but for some reason, he cannot be enthralled.
In Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff, John is working on a simple cheating spouse case in the human world when things go sideways and he ends up in the middle of a werewolf problem that quickly becomes a vampire problem.
I am loving all the characters. From the vampires offering dating advice to Bill, the veggie demigod who leaves John with his ward, Jee Sun aka “Tiny Flower”, while he deals with business. The Vampire Queen was ready to pop John’s head off a few times, and I laughed as the tale gained speed and kept me entertained.
John impressed me with the way he handled things, even the Vampire Queen. He has zero finesse but his ideas aren’t bad. He honestly is an excellent negotiator, even if some of it is sheer luck.
This series is best read/listened to in the order of its release. We see character growth and the world building is ongoing, even if Tullbane does a stellar job of bringing new readers up to speed. It truly is a fun series.
Joel Richards narrates and brings both the story and characters to life. He hits on the humor perfectly while capturing the snark, suspense and tones of both characters and the storyline.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff, John is working on a simple cheating spouse case in the human world when things go sideways and he ends up in the middle of a werewolf problem that quickly becomes a vampire problem.
I am loving all the characters. From the vampires offering dating advice to Bill, the veggie demigod who leaves John with his ward, Jee Sun aka “Tiny Flower”, while he deals with business. The Vampire Queen was ready to pop John’s head off a few times, and I laughed as the tale gained speed and kept me entertained.
John impressed me with the way he handled things, even the Vampire Queen. He has zero finesse but his ideas aren’t bad. He honestly is an excellent negotiator, even if some of it is sheer luck.
This series is best read/listened to in the order of its release. We see character growth and the world building is ongoing, even if Tullbane does a stellar job of bringing new readers up to speed. It truly is a fun series.
Joel Richards narrates and brings both the story and characters to life. He hits on the humor perfectly while capturing the snark, suspense and tones of both characters and the storyline.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 26, 2024
John Smith is living in his parents’ basement, his dating life is in the dumps and he is San Diego’s least successful P.I. The one place where he is doing ok is being San Diego’s supernatural mediator. Of course, that job isn’t something you can tell your parents, prospective dates, or even put any money you might get on your income tax, but it is dangerous and oh, did I mention, dangerous.
An urban fantasy with humor. You feel that John Smith is just an ordinary guy caught up in an extraordinary situation (he even gets bumps and bruises and needs people to rescue him). That is very appealing vs. all the superpowers in many urban fantasies. Some of the characters are very odd too, but also appealing. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill urban fantasy but that is all the more reason to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.
An urban fantasy with humor. You feel that John Smith is just an ordinary guy caught up in an extraordinary situation (he even gets bumps and bruises and needs people to rescue him). That is very appealing vs. all the superpowers in many urban fantasies. Some of the characters are very odd too, but also appealing. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill urban fantasy but that is all the more reason to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 23, 2023
I think I liked this installment even more than I liked book 1. And it’s hard to compete with origin stories!
I find myself comparing this series to the Dresden Files series, of which I've read the first seven books. They’re both Urban Fantasy with a guy solving problems in the supernatural community. So far though, I like this series much better. I find this protagonist more likable and the humor here funnier. While there are moments that make my eyes roll, it's generally in a good way. I'm committed to not overanalyzing and simply enjoying the experience as I continue this fun series.
I find myself comparing this series to the Dresden Files series, of which I've read the first seven books. They’re both Urban Fantasy with a guy solving problems in the supernatural community. So far though, I like this series much better. I find this protagonist more likable and the humor here funnier. While there are moments that make my eyes roll, it's generally in a good way. I'm committed to not overanalyzing and simply enjoying the experience as I continue this fun series.
June 11, 2023
Review to come.
November 23, 2021
Hah! This is a buildup. It has to be. I think.
This is a lot more fumbling around. A lot more bad interpersonal decisions. Still has a few hints of something more, but just glimpses of what could be. But all in all, this is just more of the same which is why I am here. Consistency in snark is a difficult thing to achieve, amazing characters that are fully formed with pros and many cons, is another.
This is a lot more fumbling around. A lot more bad interpersonal decisions. Still has a few hints of something more, but just glimpses of what could be. But all in all, this is just more of the same which is why I am here. Consistency in snark is a difficult thing to achieve, amazing characters that are fully formed with pros and many cons, is another.
June 28, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: While I didn't find any written errors, I felt like the interludes themselves are a mistake.
Plot: This time it's werewolves.
Characters: Our likable looser is at it again.
4/10
Mistakes: While I didn't find any written errors, I felt like the interludes themselves are a mistake.
Plot: This time it's werewolves.
Characters: Our likable looser is at it again.
4/10
January 7, 2023
So Kill Bill is my favorite movie and not only have I've seen it a bunch but I also have the soundtrack and listen to it all the time. So if any of you can tell me what the heck the "theme song" is that is mentioned in this book I will be forever grateful.
It's possible I'm just too close to it to get what the hell they are talking about but somehow I doubt that. There's so many songs in the movie and they almost never repeat any either. I just don't know. It may be driving me a little crazy. 🤔
It's possible I'm just too close to it to get what the hell they are talking about but somehow I doubt that. There's so many songs in the movie and they almost never repeat any either. I just don't know. It may be driving me a little crazy. 🤔
August 16, 2024
No-doubter, 5 star thrill-ride. But don't just take my word for it: see what the critics are saying!
"Equal parts hilarity mixed with classic urban fantasy tension! The action never stops and I did not see that plot twist coming!"
~ Newswolf
"Tullbane is destined to be the next go-to writer of the genre!"
~ Dungeon Lovers Weekly
"This was just great! Tell all your friends about this book or we'll come to your house and eat your parents!"
~ Playvamp
"Chris Tullbane is using a subtle yet powerful wit and worse to show that he is an intelligent writer, the kind that clear-thinking Americans are using to destroy our way of life!"
~ Fox & Fiends
"None of these quotes are real but they're all true! I can't wait until the next book!"
~ News & Guts Afficionado
Seriously kids and cadavers, I have had a wonderful few days - first re-reading book 1 before diving into Chris Tullbane's latest offer featuring everydude John Smith. We've been treated again to the fantasy world that is the heart of San Diego, following JS (the 7th) and his rag-tag group of compatriots as they navigate monstrously wonderful politics, blossoming friendships, and a complexity to life that no sane person would ever try to embrace. Tullbane's writing continues to be as rich and free-flowing as with all his books, literally with a cadence and full-bodied ease that makes you forget you're reading at all (I suspect some kind of mind-meld functionality, but I digress).
Of course, one cannot help noticing that this is the sophomore offer - in what I hope will be a long and fruitful series - and as such that 'new catastrophe' smell that can only be found with the first virginal offering is missing. We know a lot of these folks and we know what they're like (and what they like, particularly when it comes to snax or sex) and sure that takes away some of the gasp and point reactionary elements. But even then, we replace some of the last book's plethora of introductions with more in-depth examination and get pulled in even further to our friends (fiends?) un-lives. And yeah, I'll admit after a while you just want to shout out 'maybe you should just suspect all the vampires currently out of shot!' but even Anne Rice had to write around a species that were known for lacking any sense of decency and true loyalty beyond what they could get out of it for their own personal gain. But dayamn, John has everything (loud clearing of throat, must've swallowed wrong) under control!
And oh so many new toys and girls and boys that we get to play with in the future. I may not be crazy about portraying werefolk as essentially trailer park rejects but Tullbane adds some new twists that every cryptid lover is bound to appreciate. And Jee Sun and Tea Leaf becoming bffs? What could possibly go wrong? Oh and before I forget, I particularly liked that one garden scene at the end (at JS 6's house) and hope this aspect of the story gets a lot more attention in book 3! Which I'll be reading after a re-visit of book 2 (at least) without a doubt! Can't wait!
"Equal parts hilarity mixed with classic urban fantasy tension! The action never stops and I did not see that plot twist coming!"
~ Newswolf
"Tullbane is destined to be the next go-to writer of the genre!"
~ Dungeon Lovers Weekly
"This was just great! Tell all your friends about this book or we'll come to your house and eat your parents!"
~ Playvamp
"Chris Tullbane is using a subtle yet powerful wit and worse to show that he is an intelligent writer, the kind that clear-thinking Americans are using to destroy our way of life!"
~ Fox & Fiends
"None of these quotes are real but they're all true! I can't wait until the next book!"
~ News & Guts Afficionado
Seriously kids and cadavers, I have had a wonderful few days - first re-reading book 1 before diving into Chris Tullbane's latest offer featuring everydude John Smith. We've been treated again to the fantasy world that is the heart of San Diego, following JS (the 7th) and his rag-tag group of compatriots as they navigate monstrously wonderful politics, blossoming friendships, and a complexity to life that no sane person would ever try to embrace. Tullbane's writing continues to be as rich and free-flowing as with all his books, literally with a cadence and full-bodied ease that makes you forget you're reading at all (I suspect some kind of mind-meld functionality, but I digress).
Of course, one cannot help noticing that this is the sophomore offer - in what I hope will be a long and fruitful series - and as such that 'new catastrophe' smell that can only be found with the first virginal offering is missing. We know a lot of these folks and we know what they're like (and what they like, particularly when it comes to snax or sex) and sure that takes away some of the gasp and point reactionary elements. But even then, we replace some of the last book's plethora of introductions with more in-depth examination and get pulled in even further to our friends (fiends?) un-lives. And yeah, I'll admit after a while you just want to shout out 'maybe you should just suspect all the vampires currently out of shot!' but even Anne Rice had to write around a species that were known for lacking any sense of decency and true loyalty beyond what they could get out of it for their own personal gain. But dayamn, John has everything (loud clearing of throat, must've swallowed wrong) under control!
And oh so many new toys and girls and boys that we get to play with in the future. I may not be crazy about portraying werefolk as essentially trailer park rejects but Tullbane adds some new twists that every cryptid lover is bound to appreciate. And Jee Sun and Tea Leaf becoming bffs? What could possibly go wrong? Oh and before I forget, I particularly liked that one garden scene at the end (at JS 6's house) and hope this aspect of the story gets a lot more attention in book 3! Which I'll be reading after a re-visit of book 2 (at least) without a doubt! Can't wait!
September 10, 2024
A fun continuation to the story. I love the silly interacion between Jhon and the supernatural world. The story about 'Bill' at the end was hilarious.
April 27, 2021
Let me start with I read Blood is Thicker Than Lots of Stuff, which is book 2 in the The Many Travails of John Smith series first. I saw it on NetGalley, found the title and blurb interesting and thought why not. OhEmGee! I freaking loved it.
Looking at the blurb, our main character is a PI and a supernatural mediator. A what? The mediator portion is fairly self-explanatory but why supernaturals? There is almost enough backstory to help me sort out what it is, but I still am a lost about the why. Note to self: read the first book. Anyhoo… We meet John as he is doing PI work, shadowing a woman to see if she is having an affair. Should be straight forward, right? Wrong! One thing leads to another and now he is mediating a separation between a werewolf pack's married leaders. How do we go from possible cheating wife to a completely different couple and situation you may ask? 0.o Yeah, that’s what I thought too.
Not having read the first book caused me to fumble through some of the characters. Vampires, which seem to be friends, a demigod that is a vegetable and his ward, and then there is of course John himself. I adore the fact that he is less than perfect. Not exactly clumsy, more like out of shape. Smart but not your typical MC genius. You know, your garden variety average Joe. Or more like John Smith. I’m sure there is quite a story on how he ended up as a mediator. First chance I get, I’m grabbing that first book to sort the why out.
The story itself I found to be completely unexpected and delightful. Nothing played out how I expected, and the situations John got into had me laughing. The story is fast-paced and never a dull moment. The secondary characters I found to be a source of great entertainment. Two thumbs up and highly recommendable, easily this is the best, and absolute favorite, new to me series this year. I can’t wait to read more by author Chris Tullbane.
Stars: 5
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Looking at the blurb, our main character is a PI and a supernatural mediator. A what? The mediator portion is fairly self-explanatory but why supernaturals? There is almost enough backstory to help me sort out what it is, but I still am a lost about the why. Note to self: read the first book. Anyhoo… We meet John as he is doing PI work, shadowing a woman to see if she is having an affair. Should be straight forward, right? Wrong! One thing leads to another and now he is mediating a separation between a werewolf pack's married leaders. How do we go from possible cheating wife to a completely different couple and situation you may ask? 0.o Yeah, that’s what I thought too.
Not having read the first book caused me to fumble through some of the characters. Vampires, which seem to be friends, a demigod that is a vegetable and his ward, and then there is of course John himself. I adore the fact that he is less than perfect. Not exactly clumsy, more like out of shape. Smart but not your typical MC genius. You know, your garden variety average Joe. Or more like John Smith. I’m sure there is quite a story on how he ended up as a mediator. First chance I get, I’m grabbing that first book to sort the why out.
The story itself I found to be completely unexpected and delightful. Nothing played out how I expected, and the situations John got into had me laughing. The story is fast-paced and never a dull moment. The secondary characters I found to be a source of great entertainment. Two thumbs up and highly recommendable, easily this is the best, and absolute favorite, new to me series this year. I can’t wait to read more by author Chris Tullbane.
Stars: 5
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2021
[Received an ARC from Netgalley.]
I really enjoyed this book!
I've loved the John Smith series so far. It's a nice take on the urban fantasy setting, with a protagonist that isn't insanely strong or with a versatile kit of things to choose from to resolve every situation. John mostly relies on his wits and the connections he's made with those around him (aka, making friends).
I like that we're exploring more of the world in this book, and in the recap of what happened between the last book and this one. This time John meets up with other supernatural beings, werewolves. For those of you who might be worried, the vampires aren't completely gone. They're back, and they do have a pretty big presence in the story, mainly as those friends I mentioned that John relies on. It was nice to see some of the characters from the previous book. I like them enough that I'm okay with this story being different. It wasn't really about John making new friends in order to navigate his situation, but about navigating that situation with the friends he already had. I'm curious to see where the series go and if the vampires and Bill and Jee Sun remain major players in books to come.
Speaking of Bill and Jee Sun, they make an appearance in the book, and have a short story as well. I found the short story a bit strange, but Bill is strange. I guess I just kind of expected a lot of the strangeness to be because of John and Jee Sun's perception of Bill. That maybe Bill's actual actions didn't quite match the craziness John and Jee Sun perceived (and was a great deal darker). I guess I wasn't sure in the first book, but the short story took a bit of that mystery away.
I really enjoyed this book!
I've loved the John Smith series so far. It's a nice take on the urban fantasy setting, with a protagonist that isn't insanely strong or with a versatile kit of things to choose from to resolve every situation. John mostly relies on his wits and the connections he's made with those around him (aka, making friends).
I like that we're exploring more of the world in this book, and in the recap of what happened between the last book and this one. This time John meets up with other supernatural beings, werewolves. For those of you who might be worried, the vampires aren't completely gone. They're back, and they do have a pretty big presence in the story, mainly as those friends I mentioned that John relies on. It was nice to see some of the characters from the previous book. I like them enough that I'm okay with this story being different. It wasn't really about John making new friends in order to navigate his situation, but about navigating that situation with the friends he already had. I'm curious to see where the series go and if the vampires and Bill and Jee Sun remain major players in books to come.
Speaking of Bill and Jee Sun, they make an appearance in the book, and have a short story as well. I found the short story a bit strange, but Bill is strange. I guess I just kind of expected a lot of the strangeness to be because of John and Jee Sun's perception of Bill. That maybe Bill's actual actions didn't quite match the craziness John and Jee Sun perceived (and was a great deal darker). I guess I wasn't sure in the first book, but the short story took a bit of that mystery away.
April 17, 2021
A brilliant burrito that WAS NOT lacking in guacamole!
John’s up to his usual antics… involuntary nudity, getting beat-up, eating burritos, and not being very successful in the dating department. But predictable this book was not! You'll find that out quickly the moment Lord Beel-Kasan's adorable yet formidable ward Jee Sun comes into the picture. From there you’ll never know quite what is in store BUT you can be sure that swift humiliation and John’s hilarious inner dialogue (and perhaps an enviable moustache) will follow. I found myself re-reading various paragraphs and giggling silently to myself as the rest of the house slept many times.
The main cast of the first book is reintroduced again in this book, which is a great refresher if you are like me and have swiss cheese for a brain. It never felt info-dumpy or boring, though, and I think if you were to pick this book up without reading the first it probably wouldn’t take long to get the jist of what was going on.
My only gripe is that the much-loved albeit insane Lord Beel-Kasan is nowhere to be found, although I’ve heard rumours he’ll be making an appearance as a RIGHT PROPER ENCHILADA in the next book, and the short at the end featuring his perspective (almost) makes up for it.
If you love self-deprecating, off-the-wall humour this book will be right up your alley.
John’s up to his usual antics… involuntary nudity, getting beat-up, eating burritos, and not being very successful in the dating department. But predictable this book was not! You'll find that out quickly the moment Lord Beel-Kasan's adorable yet formidable ward Jee Sun comes into the picture. From there you’ll never know quite what is in store BUT you can be sure that swift humiliation and John’s hilarious inner dialogue (and perhaps an enviable moustache) will follow. I found myself re-reading various paragraphs and giggling silently to myself as the rest of the house slept many times.
The main cast of the first book is reintroduced again in this book, which is a great refresher if you are like me and have swiss cheese for a brain. It never felt info-dumpy or boring, though, and I think if you were to pick this book up without reading the first it probably wouldn’t take long to get the jist of what was going on.
My only gripe is that the much-loved albeit insane Lord Beel-Kasan is nowhere to be found, although I’ve heard rumours he’ll be making an appearance as a RIGHT PROPER ENCHILADA in the next book, and the short at the end featuring his perspective (almost) makes up for it.
If you love self-deprecating, off-the-wall humour this book will be right up your alley.
September 26, 2021
A Howling Good Time!
John Smith is back and this time is mediating a dispute between two Werewolf packs. Some of the party though feel the negotiations would be better if John was dead.
There is always a risk that the second book in a series doesn’t live up to the standards of the first book, I’m happy to report that isn’t the case here. This book is just as excellent as the first one. The humor in book two is even better than the first one.
There is a scene in a restaurant early in the book where John is on a date that is interrupted by a vampire that is pure comic genius. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.
The only small complaint I had with the book was the use of flashbacks or in this case, flash-forwards. I didn’t feel these were necessary, and at times, pulled me from the story. Thankfully, they were always short and didn’t impact the experience that much.
I’ve already started Ghost of a Chance (book 3) as I can’t get enough of this series.
John Smith is back and this time is mediating a dispute between two Werewolf packs. Some of the party though feel the negotiations would be better if John was dead.
There is always a risk that the second book in a series doesn’t live up to the standards of the first book, I’m happy to report that isn’t the case here. This book is just as excellent as the first one. The humor in book two is even better than the first one.
There is a scene in a restaurant early in the book where John is on a date that is interrupted by a vampire that is pure comic genius. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.
The only small complaint I had with the book was the use of flashbacks or in this case, flash-forwards. I didn’t feel these were necessary, and at times, pulled me from the story. Thankfully, they were always short and didn’t impact the experience that much.
I’ve already started Ghost of a Chance (book 3) as I can’t get enough of this series.
April 27, 2021
This was such a fun read! Not often that I find reading as entertaining as with this.
I even liked the humour!
Very much enjoyed following John.
I got the eArc from Netgalley.
I even liked the humour!
Very much enjoyed following John.
I got the eArc from Netgalley.
April 20, 2025
I'm going through these books like fresh cookies. I just can't stop. 🥰😭
Without giving us pages of "I didn't know that magic was real," we get a story about how the main character transitions from a regular private investigator to a supernatural investigator. He fumbles a lot but not to the point where it is overly silly.
The author writes these so that each book's mystery has an ending. So there are no cliffhangers in that regard.
The main character is complex in a way that took me a minute to appreciate. John tells too many secrets. His own and those of others without thinking.Then I recognized that he is truly an honest person. There are times when he could have legally made extra money to pay his mounting bills but doesn't charge customers when he feels it is morally the right thing to do.
What's new about this book? Werewolves are added to the chaos 🐺. I didn't care for the authors' take on how werewolves "age". Also, these werewolves have more flaws than usual. Not very powerful. So, they are really no match for other supernaturals.
This book has interludes that give away part of the ending. Don't worry. There are more twists and turns after you figure out who did it.
Last but not least, I loved the narration by Joel Richard. His portrayal of the characters is perfect.
Without giving us pages of "I didn't know that magic was real," we get a story about how the main character transitions from a regular private investigator to a supernatural investigator. He fumbles a lot but not to the point where it is overly silly.
The author writes these so that each book's mystery has an ending. So there are no cliffhangers in that regard.
The main character is complex in a way that took me a minute to appreciate. John tells too many secrets. His own and those of others without thinking.Then I recognized that he is truly an honest person. There are times when he could have legally made extra money to pay his mounting bills but doesn't charge customers when he feels it is morally the right thing to do.
What's new about this book? Werewolves are added to the chaos 🐺. I didn't care for the authors' take on how werewolves "age". Also, these werewolves have more flaws than usual. Not very powerful. So, they are really no match for other supernaturals.
This book has interludes that give away part of the ending. Don't worry. There are more twists and turns after you figure out who did it.
Last but not least, I loved the narration by Joel Richard. His portrayal of the characters is perfect.
September 17, 2021
John Smith - mediator with something extra
John Smith returns managing to stumble into a number of werewolf issues while trying to avoid the vampires to which he may or may not be beholden. As a mundane surviving (but not thriving) as a new Mediator and private eye newly introduced to the paranormal entities in San Diego, John Smith is still a sophomoric, self deprecating MC who is at least trying to not fail instead of full out sprinting from the harsh realities of self sufficiency. Overall, a nice blend of humor, danger, mysteries and occasional growth in a magical San Diego setting. Fans of Orlando Sanchez and Rick Gualteri and other humorous urban fantasy authors will enjoy this tale.
John Smith returns managing to stumble into a number of werewolf issues while trying to avoid the vampires to which he may or may not be beholden. As a mundane surviving (but not thriving) as a new Mediator and private eye newly introduced to the paranormal entities in San Diego, John Smith is still a sophomoric, self deprecating MC who is at least trying to not fail instead of full out sprinting from the harsh realities of self sufficiency. Overall, a nice blend of humor, danger, mysteries and occasional growth in a magical San Diego setting. Fans of Orlando Sanchez and Rick Gualteri and other humorous urban fantasy authors will enjoy this tale.
August 18, 2021
Adventures with the supernatural, by a detective of questionable capabilities, who has an anomaly unknown and unheard of by non human beings, that makes him special, all set in San Diego, CA! You have to love it! It is fun hearing about the romp around my hometown, and pulling out the White ladies was classic San Diego ghost siting history. I can't wait to see what John Smith gets up to next. An adventure at the Mission, or Old Town? How about a chase through Balboa Park and into the SD Zoo, I bet Jee Sun would love the Zoo.
There's a monster in Jamul, too, I am sure it needs a mediations...lol
There's a monster in Jamul, too, I am sure it needs a mediations...lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
John Smith, private eye and mediator to the supernatural world, finds himself drawn into the politics of two werewolf clans following what appeared at first to be a suspected cheating wife.
The attitude, the jokes and the sexy vampires are all here as Chris Tullbane begins to expand on his world as well as lay some groundwork to the mystery of how John can subvert Lucia's will and what keeps Jee-Sun's cape flapping in a none existent wind?
A fantastic follow up to the first book.
This book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
The attitude, the jokes and the sexy vampires are all here as Chris Tullbane begins to expand on his world as well as lay some groundwork to the mystery of how John can subvert Lucia's will and what keeps Jee-Sun's cape flapping in a none existent wind?
A fantastic follow up to the first book.
This book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
April 28, 2021
Very good book
This is a fine comedy fantasy novel. The protagonist is very unique as are many of the other characters. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine comedy fantasy novel. The protagonist is very unique as are many of the other characters. I anxiously await the sequel.
August 7, 2021
Fun and captivating.
I forgot to leave a review for this one. I was so excited to get onto the next.
Here’s the review.
It’s great, read it!
I forgot to leave a review for this one. I was so excited to get onto the next.
Here’s the review.
It’s great, read it!
September 4, 2021
Not disappointed
Enjoyed book one with its foibles and challenges and really enjoyed book two. Can’t wait to see where 3 goes and I hope 4 comes soon.
Enjoyed book one with its foibles and challenges and really enjoyed book two. Can’t wait to see where 3 goes and I hope 4 comes soon.
October 13, 2021
Our detective mediates
His way from one difficulty to the next. Fortunately he seems to be on the side of coexistence rather than wholesale bloodletting. Fun to read.
His way from one difficulty to the next. Fortunately he seems to be on the side of coexistence rather than wholesale bloodletting. Fun to read.
May 2, 2021
Fantastically fun
This is a super fun read that continues to build the John Smith universe. The characters continue to move forward and the warrior gives a great glimpse at a few new characters. I can't wait for more.
This is a super fun read that continues to build the John Smith universe. The characters continue to move forward and the warrior gives a great glimpse at a few new characters. I can't wait for more.
June 24, 2021
A romp. Neat to see John Smith become steadily less-than-normal-human, in ways that hint he never was. Neat to see connections deepen and his knowledge grow.
October 20, 2021
Another rock solid read from Chris Tullbane in his Travails of John Smith series. In this second outing there’s more to love about the main character and little not too. The first book was focused mostly on vampires (and a delightfully insane demigod), this time it’s werewolves (vampires and demigod still included)! As in the first book the author has a unique spin to make his weres standout from the pack. The underlying investigation moves along at pace and things unfold in a way that keeps you reading and guessing. There’s still plenty of humour in the tale with an all around likeable lead. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2021
At last, the sequel to Investigation, Mediation, Vindication is here! I’ve been waiting for this book for an entire year and my life is now complete!
I kid, but only a little.
So, John Smith, private eye and mediator for the supernatural world in San Diego is back and he hasn’t changed a bit. He’s even kidnapped and naked again! He may not find it amusing, but I do.
This time, his finds himself mediating for werewolves instead of vampires. Werewolves and vampires aren’t your thing? Doesn’t matter! They play a role in the story (which is brilliantly plotted and executed, by the way) but it’s not about them…
It’s about John, whose mediating skills are actually quite brilliant (and highly entertaining), regardless of what he might think.
Sure, he’s a magnet for disaster and ALWAYS in the wrong place at the wrong time but he handles this with aplomb. He even manages to find time for a well-deserved shower and sandwich on occasion.
My favorite character Bill (aka Demigod of Nightmares, Terror, and Vindication) didn’t make much of an appearance in this book, but his ward Jee Sun more than made up for it by stealing the show. John’s attempts to “babysit” this “little girl” were hilarious, heartwarming, and a side story all on their own.
So, as usual with this author’s works, I recommend this book to all humans, vampires, werewolves, Demigods, etc.
And thank Lord Beel-Kasan, I will not have to wait long for the next installment, Ghost of a Chance, which is set to release this summer!
I kid, but only a little.
So, John Smith, private eye and mediator for the supernatural world in San Diego is back and he hasn’t changed a bit. He’s even kidnapped and naked again! He may not find it amusing, but I do.
This time, his finds himself mediating for werewolves instead of vampires. Werewolves and vampires aren’t your thing? Doesn’t matter! They play a role in the story (which is brilliantly plotted and executed, by the way) but it’s not about them…
It’s about John, whose mediating skills are actually quite brilliant (and highly entertaining), regardless of what he might think.
Sure, he’s a magnet for disaster and ALWAYS in the wrong place at the wrong time but he handles this with aplomb. He even manages to find time for a well-deserved shower and sandwich on occasion.
My favorite character Bill (aka Demigod of Nightmares, Terror, and Vindication) didn’t make much of an appearance in this book, but his ward Jee Sun more than made up for it by stealing the show. John’s attempts to “babysit” this “little girl” were hilarious, heartwarming, and a side story all on their own.
So, as usual with this author’s works, I recommend this book to all humans, vampires, werewolves, Demigods, etc.
And thank Lord Beel-Kasan, I will not have to wait long for the next installment, Ghost of a Chance, which is set to release this summer!
May 6, 2021
I haven’t read the earlier book in this series but, although I did feel like I was catching up a lot of the time, it wasn’t necessary to have read it. The book engages you from the beginning and keeps you enthralled until the end.
At first I wasn’t sure about the main character: still living with his parents, a failure in relationships, basically a slob. I suppose he optimizes what most people think about the average American male. When comparing him to almost all of the other characters who are supernatural, either vampires, werewolves, ghosts or demon-lords, he does come off looking rather pathetic. Yet he grows on you. I think I liked him at the end.
There are some nice twists and turns to the plot. The ending is well wrapped up. There was the odd moment when I asked myself why the author would do that. The best example is Jee Sunn, a character I hated right from the start. Maybe she is needed in some future plot but I still hate her.
The Vampires are suitably arrogant though I think they might have thought situations out more thoroughly owing to their longer life times of experiences. The werewolves seem more like country hicks, which is also appropriate, but even country hicks can be intelligent and devious.
Overall a really enjoyable, easy read.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
At first I wasn’t sure about the main character: still living with his parents, a failure in relationships, basically a slob. I suppose he optimizes what most people think about the average American male. When comparing him to almost all of the other characters who are supernatural, either vampires, werewolves, ghosts or demon-lords, he does come off looking rather pathetic. Yet he grows on you. I think I liked him at the end.
There are some nice twists and turns to the plot. The ending is well wrapped up. There was the odd moment when I asked myself why the author would do that. The best example is Jee Sunn, a character I hated right from the start. Maybe she is needed in some future plot but I still hate her.
The Vampires are suitably arrogant though I think they might have thought situations out more thoroughly owing to their longer life times of experiences. The werewolves seem more like country hicks, which is also appropriate, but even country hicks can be intelligent and devious.
Overall a really enjoyable, easy read.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
April 11, 2021
I hadn't read the first book, but had no problem starting in midstream, probably because the first 25% of the book spent more time reintroducing the cast of characters than barreling into this book's main story. Since I hadn't read the first book, that was fine, not sure how readers continuing on from book 1 may feel. It did not feel like an info. dump though, it felt pretty "organic". (It did not explain a certain someone's obsession with the Wild West? Mexico? though.)
I didn't find the book laugh out loud funny, more smile inducing which was a nice change from my usual darker UF reads. The character of John, at least in this book, isn't a slacker, but someone trying his best after finding out the world isn't exactly what he thought it was.
I liked the realism about some of the events, like how a man reacted after he found out what happened to his wife, but would have preferred a more action packed story. There is action and bad guy fighting, just not as much as I'm used to in UF.
I have put the first book on my wishlist and am looking forward to the third book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't find the book laugh out loud funny, more smile inducing which was a nice change from my usual darker UF reads. The character of John, at least in this book, isn't a slacker, but someone trying his best after finding out the world isn't exactly what he thought it was.
I liked the realism about some of the events, like how a man reacted after he found out what happened to his wife, but would have preferred a more action packed story. There is action and bad guy fighting, just not as much as I'm used to in UF.
I have put the first book on my wishlist and am looking forward to the third book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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