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The Rooks #2
Out Of Service
A supernatural comedy adventure about a family of ghost hunters - Stranger Things meets Little Miss Sunshine
After the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he's a demon and all, but he's also a part of the family. Lucy's turned to her diocese for guidance but they've gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out.
On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it's empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and… oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people. They know they need to stay until they can rescue them and close it down, but not before they've done everything in their collective power to rescue Murzzzz. After all, one man's hellhole is a family of ghost-hunter's opportunity to save their demon friend. That's the expression, right?
After the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he's a demon and all, but he's also a part of the family. Lucy's turned to her diocese for guidance but they've gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out.
On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it's empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and… oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people. They know they need to stay until they can rescue them and close it down, but not before they've done everything in their collective power to rescue Murzzzz. After all, one man's hellhole is a family of ghost-hunter's opportunity to save their demon friend. That's the expression, right?
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2022
6 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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December 19, 2023Enjoyable sequel to Wish You Weren't Here: very British humour about a dysfunctional family of ghosthunters scrabbling to fight demon incursions and the bureaucratic end of the world. It's likeable and amusing urban comic fantasy, Tom Holt with more heart sort of thing. The edit could be a lot tighter (the publisher could also bother to put the series name onto Goodreads, the idle bastards) and the author has a habit of undermining her action sequences by going off into characters' comic internal monologues, but there's tons to enjoy and I absolutely want to know what happens.
October 3, 2022
Book 2 in the Rooks ghost hunting family series and it did not disappoint!
[AD: Thanks to Instabook Tours for gifting me a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review]
SYNOPSIS:
"After the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he's a demon and all, but he's also a part of the family. Lucy's turned to her diocese for guidance but they've gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out.
On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it's empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and… oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people.
WHAT I LOVED:
👻 More of the ghost hunting family that is The Rooks in book 2 of this supernatural haunted comedy series.
👻 I honestly love the Rooks family - they are indeed quirky and cooky and make me laugh - this time they also have Grace still with them from book 1 which I loved.
👻 I love ghost stories so this is the perfect cosy, fun, and quirky mix of proper spooks and good old family banter.
👻 The Rooks and Grace and some of the demons/ghosts have great dialogue and it's just funny at times it's full of action-packed ghost and demon hunting shenanigans.
👻 I just love Crouch's writing style and it makes me want to now go and read their middle-grade Darkwood series that I've never read. Note this book isn't middle grade!
Perfect for fans of:
- ghostbusters (set today with a family of ghost hunters)
- Ghosts the TV show
- spooky supernatural comedy filled with action
- fun and spooky quick reads.
[AD: Thanks to Instabook Tours for gifting me a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review]
SYNOPSIS:
"After the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he's a demon and all, but he's also a part of the family. Lucy's turned to her diocese for guidance but they've gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out.
On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it's empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and… oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people.
WHAT I LOVED:
👻 More of the ghost hunting family that is The Rooks in book 2 of this supernatural haunted comedy series.
👻 I honestly love the Rooks family - they are indeed quirky and cooky and make me laugh - this time they also have Grace still with them from book 1 which I loved.
👻 I love ghost stories so this is the perfect cosy, fun, and quirky mix of proper spooks and good old family banter.
👻 The Rooks and Grace and some of the demons/ghosts have great dialogue and it's just funny at times it's full of action-packed ghost and demon hunting shenanigans.
👻 I just love Crouch's writing style and it makes me want to now go and read their middle-grade Darkwood series that I've never read. Note this book isn't middle grade!
Perfect for fans of:
- ghostbusters (set today with a family of ghost hunters)
- Ghosts the TV show
- spooky supernatural comedy filled with action
- fun and spooky quick reads.
October 3, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this sequel didn’t disappoint. The Rook family are off to take Grace back to the diocese higher-ups but end up in a haunted motorway service station trying to save the world and their family unit….again!
There’s plenty of humour in this one as there was in the first, and also some serious bits as well. The plot is the same but different, another Hell Hole and more Demons but this doesn’t mean the book is not worth a read. It’s just as much fun as before, my favourite character is still Janusz and he’s just the admin guy 😊
I’m really looking forward to a third as there are some unresolved things from this one that definitely need addressing. We just want the Rooks and Grace to be happy, don’t we?
There’s plenty of humour in this one as there was in the first, and also some serious bits as well. The plot is the same but different, another Hell Hole and more Demons but this doesn’t mean the book is not worth a read. It’s just as much fun as before, my favourite character is still Janusz and he’s just the admin guy 😊
I’m really looking forward to a third as there are some unresolved things from this one that definitely need addressing. We just want the Rooks and Grace to be happy, don’t we?
November 17, 2022
series: rooks book two
paw marks: 3
keywords: end of the world, ghosts, sarcastic humor, demons, family drama, addiction, trauma, alcoholism
in short- A great end of the world, ghost filled adventure, full of sarcastic humor and more drama you could shake a stick at.
Full review:
Thank you Netgallery for giving me a chance to read and review this book.
Out of service is the second book in the series of the Rook family and this story was just as good book one, wish you weren’t here.
Like wish you weren’t here, while investigating some of the issues that were created from the first ghost hunting adventure, another hell hole is found while the Rook family attempt to get to Edendale where Grace believes she will find the answers to what started everything in Coldbay. Sadly Grace and the rest of the Rook family never make it as far as Edendale, instead they get stuck in the middle in a run down service station that not only too quite for comfort but is actually full of ghost that appeared to have only recently been made that way and that not the only problem, if the ghosts were made just before the rooks got there where are all the bodies?
This is only one of the questions that the Rook family will attempt to answers along with why is there another hellhole, what is Charity past, can Richard cope without Murzzz, is there anyway to get him back and will Darryl ever come to terms with a new part of him and learn to love and forgive?
The storyline pretty much follows a similar pattern to book one but with more information about the bombshells we received from wish you weren't here and we finally learn a bit more about the manager of the hellhole and the company that completes the end of the world, along with leaning who Grace actually is, all this is done with sharp humor in-between real raw emotions and serious issues, the characters show real progress and new sides to themselves and despite the oddest of the situation their responses and reactions all feel very genuine, the only slight issue I had was that Linda sometimes tiptoed the line between being a very blunt character towards being annoying but otherwise I got along with all the characters and cant wait to find out what happens in book three especially now there might be a new big bad villain coming the Rooks way.
This book, is fun, fast paced and a great new look at the ghost genre with no second book issues. I cant wait to read book three!
paw marks: 3
keywords: end of the world, ghosts, sarcastic humor, demons, family drama, addiction, trauma, alcoholism
in short- A great end of the world, ghost filled adventure, full of sarcastic humor and more drama you could shake a stick at.
Full review:
Thank you Netgallery for giving me a chance to read and review this book.
Out of service is the second book in the series of the Rook family and this story was just as good book one, wish you weren’t here.
Like wish you weren’t here, while investigating some of the issues that were created from the first ghost hunting adventure, another hell hole is found while the Rook family attempt to get to Edendale where Grace believes she will find the answers to what started everything in Coldbay. Sadly Grace and the rest of the Rook family never make it as far as Edendale, instead they get stuck in the middle in a run down service station that not only too quite for comfort but is actually full of ghost that appeared to have only recently been made that way and that not the only problem, if the ghosts were made just before the rooks got there where are all the bodies?
This is only one of the questions that the Rook family will attempt to answers along with why is there another hellhole, what is Charity past, can Richard cope without Murzzz, is there anyway to get him back and will Darryl ever come to terms with a new part of him and learn to love and forgive?
The storyline pretty much follows a similar pattern to book one but with more information about the bombshells we received from wish you weren't here and we finally learn a bit more about the manager of the hellhole and the company that completes the end of the world, along with leaning who Grace actually is, all this is done with sharp humor in-between real raw emotions and serious issues, the characters show real progress and new sides to themselves and despite the oddest of the situation their responses and reactions all feel very genuine, the only slight issue I had was that Linda sometimes tiptoed the line between being a very blunt character towards being annoying but otherwise I got along with all the characters and cant wait to find out what happens in book three especially now there might be a new big bad villain coming the Rooks way.
This book, is fun, fast paced and a great new look at the ghost genre with no second book issues. I cant wait to read book three!
November 23, 2022
The Rook family returns home, worn out, and in Richard's case, mourning his loss of Murzzzz. Grace the not-vicar is with them, with little memory of her life before the now vanished ColdBay island.
After resting up for a few days at home (Grace is with them as she has nowhere else to go at the moment), they decide to go back to business, and take Grace to Elendale where she hopes to meet with someone within Church leadership for a clue about her background.
Instead of ever reaching Elendale, the crew is diverted to a service centre, with a new Hell Hole forming and lots of very recently created ghosts with no accompanying bodies. Aaaaannnd, more demons coming at them.
There's much demon punching in this story, but also much arguing amongst the family, as Darryl and Charity have questions for their parents about the secrets they've been holding and evading divulging. That Brenda repeatedly refuses to answer for much of the book, only further annoys her children, and the family is not left in a happy place by the end, even with various truths finally laid out for everyone.
I enjoyed this, but much like "Empire Strikes Back", this was a darker installment, and closes with much unhappiness and tension. I liked how messy things got (and that's not including all the demon action), and how painful some of the feelings and revelations are. Also, I flet much anger for Brenda for never allowing Charity contact with her aunt and the Xu family. It was a selfish decision when Constance and Harry were killed, and became so much worse and disrespectful each time Brenda refused to provide Charity with any answers, or have even given her the option to meet her birth family.
So, though this was a heavier and less humourous book, I liked the messy family dynamics, and the decisions Charity and Darryl made at the end. It leaves the family in an awkward place with respect to their ghosthunting business, and with ongoing damage by Brenda and Richard, but also leaves me wondering how they'll move forward, particularly in light of the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
After resting up for a few days at home (Grace is with them as she has nowhere else to go at the moment), they decide to go back to business, and take Grace to Elendale where she hopes to meet with someone within Church leadership for a clue about her background.
Instead of ever reaching Elendale, the crew is diverted to a service centre, with a new Hell Hole forming and lots of very recently created ghosts with no accompanying bodies. Aaaaannnd, more demons coming at them.
There's much demon punching in this story, but also much arguing amongst the family, as Darryl and Charity have questions for their parents about the secrets they've been holding and evading divulging. That Brenda repeatedly refuses to answer for much of the book, only further annoys her children, and the family is not left in a happy place by the end, even with various truths finally laid out for everyone.
I enjoyed this, but much like "Empire Strikes Back", this was a darker installment, and closes with much unhappiness and tension. I liked how messy things got (and that's not including all the demon action), and how painful some of the feelings and revelations are. Also, I flet much anger for Brenda for never allowing Charity contact with her aunt and the Xu family. It was a selfish decision when Constance and Harry were killed, and became so much worse and disrespectful each time Brenda refused to provide Charity with any answers, or have even given her the option to meet her birth family.
So, though this was a heavier and less humourous book, I liked the messy family dynamics, and the decisions Charity and Darryl made at the end. It leaves the family in an awkward place with respect to their ghosthunting business, and with ongoing damage by Brenda and Richard, but also leaves me wondering how they'll move forward, particularly in light of the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 16, 2023
This is the sequel to Wish You Weren’t Here and picks up right where the action left off, so definitely read that one first!
We re-join the Rook family immediately after their dramatic escape from Coldbay, that resulted in the loss of one family member and them picking up a stray vicar – who insists she isn’t a vicar – and adopting her like a church cat.
Then they are all dragged straight into another mass Hellhole event, involving ghosts, angels, demons, The Manager and more detail about what happened when Charity was orphaned and adopted.
Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch has created a really fun approach to magic and ghostbusting (well, not fun for those involved, but very entertaining to read about!) that feels fresh and intriguing, and mixes well with all the personal drama. Because there’s not just the issue of Charity’s parents, there is also Darryl’s parentage, Richard’s complex bond with Murzzzz, Brenda’s addiction issues and Grace’s memory problems). And it is all intertwined with a dramatic second attempt at the Apocalypse.
While there is some sort of resolution at the ending, but things are very clearly NOT OVER and there is a bit of a cliffhanger that has me desperate for book 3 already!
This series is proving to be a witty, dark treat of a read, packed with action and intrigue and very easy to read – I swallowed each book whole, all in one sitting. Fans of humorous fantasy from the likes of Tom Holt and similar will enjoy this humorous battle against the forces of Hell, and possibly Heaven too.
We re-join the Rook family immediately after their dramatic escape from Coldbay, that resulted in the loss of one family member and them picking up a stray vicar – who insists she isn’t a vicar – and adopting her like a church cat.
Then they are all dragged straight into another mass Hellhole event, involving ghosts, angels, demons, The Manager and more detail about what happened when Charity was orphaned and adopted.
Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch has created a really fun approach to magic and ghostbusting (well, not fun for those involved, but very entertaining to read about!) that feels fresh and intriguing, and mixes well with all the personal drama. Because there’s not just the issue of Charity’s parents, there is also Darryl’s parentage, Richard’s complex bond with Murzzzz, Brenda’s addiction issues and Grace’s memory problems). And it is all intertwined with a dramatic second attempt at the Apocalypse.
While there is some sort of resolution at the ending, but things are very clearly NOT OVER and there is a bit of a cliffhanger that has me desperate for book 3 already!
This series is proving to be a witty, dark treat of a read, packed with action and intrigue and very easy to read – I swallowed each book whole, all in one sitting. Fans of humorous fantasy from the likes of Tom Holt and similar will enjoy this humorous battle against the forces of Hell, and possibly Heaven too.
April 11, 2023
I really do hope there will be a third book!
It escapes me how I stumbled into the universes of Gabby Hutchinson Crouch but five books aren't enough for my liking.
This one ended in a very unexpected way... I could walk away from it and come to peace with it but I can also see a third book...cough cough, Gabby
It escapes me how I stumbled into the universes of Gabby Hutchinson Crouch but five books aren't enough for my liking.
This one ended in a very unexpected way... I could walk away from it and come to peace with it but I can also see a third book...cough cough, Gabby
November 4, 2023
I wish there would be more books in this series than only the two.
June 11, 2023
I have read and enjoyed the Darkwood Series by the author earlier. It is purely based on my prior experience that this review is going to sound the way it is.
The style of writing in this book and the others I have read are not for everyone. There is so much subtext hidden in the quirkiness (just like the cover page here! Note the use of Hell). I am not claiming that this book is not funny. It has its moments, and I had trouble from the very first book. I only continued with this series because, with Darkwood, it got progressively better.
I would not recommend jumping in at this point. Any single event in this will make sense only if you have read the previous one. The Rooks are an almost dysfunctional family whose job is to send ghosts over to the 'other side'. They were invited to a remote location where they rescued a woman who is unable to remember her own past and the entire family as they ran away from a job almost well done are only thinking of their next steps.
The Rooks find themselves a part of something bigger at play. Demons and other similar creatures are to feature in their future as well.
In this adventure, secrets are revealed, and fights are fought - not all of them are won, though.
Almost all secrets with regard to the story are laid out in the open, and by the end of the book, there are personal differences that are left to be untangled.
After saying all this, I must admit I did not enjoy this book. I put this across solely because I enjoyed the style of narration and had a great time earlier, so My expectations here were quite strong. They were not met. The individual dialogues and scenes were funny, but I was not invested in the overreaching arc. I was disappointed by my own reaction to the adventure.
I would still recommend this series to people who are interested in quirky verbal sparring, but I am not sure I will be reading more from this series. The saving of this world was not as engrossing to me as saving Darkwood was. I still highly recommend the author. Her style is unique and highly entertaining.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the author's previous works.
The style of writing in this book and the others I have read are not for everyone. There is so much subtext hidden in the quirkiness (just like the cover page here! Note the use of Hell). I am not claiming that this book is not funny. It has its moments, and I had trouble from the very first book. I only continued with this series because, with Darkwood, it got progressively better.
I would not recommend jumping in at this point. Any single event in this will make sense only if you have read the previous one. The Rooks are an almost dysfunctional family whose job is to send ghosts over to the 'other side'. They were invited to a remote location where they rescued a woman who is unable to remember her own past and the entire family as they ran away from a job almost well done are only thinking of their next steps.
The Rooks find themselves a part of something bigger at play. Demons and other similar creatures are to feature in their future as well.
In this adventure, secrets are revealed, and fights are fought - not all of them are won, though.
Almost all secrets with regard to the story are laid out in the open, and by the end of the book, there are personal differences that are left to be untangled.
After saying all this, I must admit I did not enjoy this book. I put this across solely because I enjoyed the style of narration and had a great time earlier, so My expectations here were quite strong. They were not met. The individual dialogues and scenes were funny, but I was not invested in the overreaching arc. I was disappointed by my own reaction to the adventure.
I would still recommend this series to people who are interested in quirky verbal sparring, but I am not sure I will be reading more from this series. The saving of this world was not as engrossing to me as saving Darkwood was. I still highly recommend the author. Her style is unique and highly entertaining.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the author's previous works.
October 24, 2022
“The Rooks, you see, are professional ghost hunters and they are some of the best in the world. They’re certainly the real deal, unlike flashier, showier rivals like Aurora Tavistock, who has been on GMTV and everything, despite not even really being psychic. And, following yesterday’s event, they are in huge trouble. I mean – all of you living people are in huge trouble, following yesterday. Even Aurora Tavistock is in big trouble, not that she knows it, the big fraud.
The Rooks, however, are probably in the biggest trouble of all. Because they know what’s coming, and they know it’s down to them to stop it”
Following on from the narrowly averted apocalypse on Coldbay Island, the dysfunctional ghost-busting Rook family are thrown into another crisis while on their journey to discover the truth behind their new possibly-not-a-priest amnesiac adoptee, Grace. A simple stop at a motorway services becomes a fight for their lives and continued human existence, and with their only muscle being a half-demon who looks like he came from a Halloween range at Build-A-Bear, survival is anything but certain.
~~~~~
Gabby Hutchinson Crouch delivers another excellent genre mash-up, filled with one-liners, daft situations, ghosts, demons, family angst, and adorable Polish accountants. Light-hearted and somehow cosy, Out of Service provides a welcome break from reality, and make us all wish we had a Janusz in our lives. Not to be read without reading book one in the Rook series, Wish You Weren’t Here, first.
I received a free reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Rooks, however, are probably in the biggest trouble of all. Because they know what’s coming, and they know it’s down to them to stop it”
Following on from the narrowly averted apocalypse on Coldbay Island, the dysfunctional ghost-busting Rook family are thrown into another crisis while on their journey to discover the truth behind their new possibly-not-a-priest amnesiac adoptee, Grace. A simple stop at a motorway services becomes a fight for their lives and continued human existence, and with their only muscle being a half-demon who looks like he came from a Halloween range at Build-A-Bear, survival is anything but certain.
~~~~~
Gabby Hutchinson Crouch delivers another excellent genre mash-up, filled with one-liners, daft situations, ghosts, demons, family angst, and adorable Polish accountants. Light-hearted and somehow cosy, Out of Service provides a welcome break from reality, and make us all wish we had a Janusz in our lives. Not to be read without reading book one in the Rook series, Wish You Weren’t Here, first.
I received a free reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
First of all; this is part two of three, so don't start with this one. Start with Wish you Weren't Here instead, otherwise you won't really be following what's going on. Gabby drops you right in the middle of the story and while there is a certain amount of exposition in the story, it's not enough to catch you up if you don't already know it.
The Rook series is a bit more grown up than Gabby's Darkwood series, and that's very obvious here, with some very grim ghost stories, a lot of discussions of alcoholism, and not as many laughs as that series. (It's still howlingly funny, but in a different way.) I couldn't put it down once I'd started it, and I finished it very quickly. The middle book in a trilogy often feels like wheels spinning in place; things happen, but none of it has any effect on the overall story. Not the case in this one, where revelation piles on revelation. And it still feels like there's plenty to discover in the third book!
PTerry left a huge hole in the world of comic fantasty, one Gabby is doing her very best to fill. I can't wait to finish this series and hopefully read plenty more. Absolutely one of my favourite contemporary authors.
(Side note: I feel like the blurbs for these books were written before the books were - they both misname a character! The first one had Linda instead of Brenda, this one has Lucy instead of Grace. Who knows, maybe it'll turn out to be relevant in Book 3!)
The Rook series is a bit more grown up than Gabby's Darkwood series, and that's very obvious here, with some very grim ghost stories, a lot of discussions of alcoholism, and not as many laughs as that series. (It's still howlingly funny, but in a different way.) I couldn't put it down once I'd started it, and I finished it very quickly. The middle book in a trilogy often feels like wheels spinning in place; things happen, but none of it has any effect on the overall story. Not the case in this one, where revelation piles on revelation. And it still feels like there's plenty to discover in the third book!
PTerry left a huge hole in the world of comic fantasty, one Gabby is doing her very best to fill. I can't wait to finish this series and hopefully read plenty more. Absolutely one of my favourite contemporary authors.
(Side note: I feel like the blurbs for these books were written before the books were - they both misname a character! The first one had Linda instead of Brenda, this one has Lucy instead of Grace. Who knows, maybe it'll turn out to be relevant in Book 3!)
October 12, 2022
10th of October was my spot on Instabooktours blog tour for The Rooks series book 2 - Out of Service - by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch. I read this humorous novel as a paperback for this tour and I’m so happy that I took part on this blog tour as I really liked this novel just as much as I liked the first novel in the Rooks series. This funny novel tells a story about demon and ghost hunting family, who keep saving the world. I loved this novel, it makes great, lighthearted and a bit of light reading. It is nice for a change to put the more serious thrillers and crime novels aside and read a funny and humorous novel. I loved finding out more about this rather dysfunctional family who are all superheroes in their own unique ways.
This novel is quite a quick read but an entertaining one. It is fast-paced and action-packed. I thought the service station on an English motorway is a great setting for this novel, albeit an unexpected one. The whole novel is one big surprise after another, as you never expect anything that happens in this novel when you turn a page. I read this novel in one sitting, and found that it held my interest and attention throughout.
I liked this Rooks series of novels, and just like the first novel, I’m giving this one 5 stars as I really liked it and I think other readers will like it too.
This novel is quite a quick read but an entertaining one. It is fast-paced and action-packed. I thought the service station on an English motorway is a great setting for this novel, albeit an unexpected one. The whole novel is one big surprise after another, as you never expect anything that happens in this novel when you turn a page. I read this novel in one sitting, and found that it held my interest and attention throughout.
I liked this Rooks series of novels, and just like the first novel, I’m giving this one 5 stars as I really liked it and I think other readers will like it too.
October 5, 2022
Thank you to @instabooktours and @farragobooks for my gifted copy and place on the book tour for
Out of Service by Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch
This is book two in The Rooks series and doesn't let the reader down.
Welcome to the motorway service from hell....... Literally. Thankfully the book is not hell to read.
The Rooks just have a knack of finding trouble with a capital D ..Demons and hell holes all in a days work for this quarrelling family of Ghostbusters.
This continues from book 1
Chapter one title ... Don't even talk to me Until I have had my Coffee. I mean This right here... okay for me it's tea but yes! I feel seen with this title.Her chapter titles just add a sprinkle of extra humour and fabulousness 🤣🤣
If you like your paranormal stories witty, spookiness with a side serving of realism. Go give The Rooks a try.
Out of Service by Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch
This is book two in The Rooks series and doesn't let the reader down.
Welcome to the motorway service from hell....... Literally. Thankfully the book is not hell to read.
The Rooks just have a knack of finding trouble with a capital D ..Demons and hell holes all in a days work for this quarrelling family of Ghostbusters.
This continues from book 1
Chapter one title ... Don't even talk to me Until I have had my Coffee. I mean This right here... okay for me it's tea but yes! I feel seen with this title.Her chapter titles just add a sprinkle of extra humour and fabulousness 🤣🤣
If you like your paranormal stories witty, spookiness with a side serving of realism. Go give The Rooks a try.
December 9, 2022
This book really jumps straight into the action! No waiting around for something to happen here-it's clear from the very first chapter that something significant is going down.
I went into reading this book thinking I was going to get a clear protagonist, but this story is told from the perspective of many different members of the family. The book gives vague 'Supernatural' vibes with a family of ghost hunters working together to save the world from demonic powers that be. I really liked how each narrator had their own style. The leading characters were all so different, yet I never had to work to think about whose perspective I was reading from now-one of my pet peeves about multiple POV books-because this one was so super clear!
Ends on a *bit* of a cliffhanger so I'm looking forward to reading the next one to see how the adventure ends!
This was a Netgalley review.
I went into reading this book thinking I was going to get a clear protagonist, but this story is told from the perspective of many different members of the family. The book gives vague 'Supernatural' vibes with a family of ghost hunters working together to save the world from demonic powers that be. I really liked how each narrator had their own style. The leading characters were all so different, yet I never had to work to think about whose perspective I was reading from now-one of my pet peeves about multiple POV books-because this one was so super clear!
Ends on a *bit* of a cliffhanger so I'm looking forward to reading the next one to see how the adventure ends!
This was a Netgalley review.
October 6, 2022
Thanks to @instabooktours for my spot on the book tour & this gifted copy! }
• "Out of service is the second installment in the rooks series. Even though I did like the first book, I really enjoyed reading this one. I think because I was familiar with the characters & everything from the first book, I had more of an idea what I was actually getting into. I think it all came together more in this one & we really got to see who the rooks are.
• Janusz is obviously a favourite but I'm loving grace too👀.
• if your looking for a fun paranormal series, with lots of humour, I think the rooks would be perfect for you!
• "Out of service is the second installment in the rooks series. Even though I did like the first book, I really enjoyed reading this one. I think because I was familiar with the characters & everything from the first book, I had more of an idea what I was actually getting into. I think it all came together more in this one & we really got to see who the rooks are.
• Janusz is obviously a favourite but I'm loving grace too👀.
• if your looking for a fun paranormal series, with lots of humour, I think the rooks would be perfect for you!
June 7, 2023
Loved the first book in the series and this one was no different. The author does a great job of keeping the story fun and full of humour whilst also portraying the serious situations and unique dynamics between the characters. The Rooks are all lovable but flawed, well-rounded characters. Each member of the family provides a distinct perspective of the situation, all of which were enjoyable to read. The word building and mythology within the story was reminiscent of authors such as Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I’m super excited for the next book and to see what else this author is capable of.
December 9, 2022
Apocalypse Now--Almost
Author Gabby Hutchinson Crouch writes irreverent, hip, sarcastic, doomsdays with flip wit in that oh-so-British and off-center style we know from Monty Python. This is the second book in which a family of Van Helsing wannbes (read "Dracula"!) do their ghost-hunting thing in aid of saving the universe as they know it. This story does stand on its own, but let's face it--you really should read book one first for maximum enjoyment. And we are promised a book three, although the events herein do come to their conclusion!
Author Gabby Hutchinson Crouch writes irreverent, hip, sarcastic, doomsdays with flip wit in that oh-so-British and off-center style we know from Monty Python. This is the second book in which a family of Van Helsing wannbes (read "Dracula"!) do their ghost-hunting thing in aid of saving the universe as they know it. This story does stand on its own, but let's face it--you really should read book one first for maximum enjoyment. And we are promised a book three, although the events herein do come to their conclusion!
September 30, 2022
The second in the entertaining trilogy featuring the ghostbusting Rook family. The book hits the ground running after the first book, so there is a definite need to read the previous book. As with the first book, there is the wonderful interaction of the family members, now joined by Grace Berry. Full of humour and non-stop action, this is a fun and quick read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
October 5, 2022
more from the ghost hunting family
I had to buy this after reading the first book Wish you weren’t here and the Hansel and Gretel YA books.
Charity and Darryl and parents Brenda and Richard are back. Poor Grace still doesn’t know what’s happened to her old home.
On the way to assist Grace they end up at a service station deserted what now have they arrived at?!
Read and enjoy more hijinks and ghosts
I had to buy this after reading the first book Wish you weren’t here and the Hansel and Gretel YA books.
Charity and Darryl and parents Brenda and Richard are back. Poor Grace still doesn’t know what’s happened to her old home.
On the way to assist Grace they end up at a service station deserted what now have they arrived at?!
Read and enjoy more hijinks and ghosts
October 7, 2022
I hadn't read the first book in the series and was a little lost so that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Read the first one so you know the family background info. Otherwise this is an awesome October read or for anytime you want a fun humorous read. Love the one liners! Great characters and story line. This is one family I could hang with! Thanks#Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
January 13, 2024
This was fun!
Demolished in 24 hours. Quite light and easy to catch up on plot even when I'd not read the first book.
I'd rate it at 4.5 really as the author did limit themselves with the location and very short time period, and then had to have quite a few "convenient" developments in order to resolve the story. Felt a bit like a one act play.
Will be getting the other ones for a bit of nice light comedic entertainment.
Demolished in 24 hours. Quite light and easy to catch up on plot even when I'd not read the first book.
I'd rate it at 4.5 really as the author did limit themselves with the location and very short time period, and then had to have quite a few "convenient" developments in order to resolve the story. Felt a bit like a one act play.
Will be getting the other ones for a bit of nice light comedic entertainment.
October 1, 2022
This one was a bit too odd for me. A ghost busting family that takes on jobs and travels for them and the ensuing chaos and craziness was a bit strange. Maybe I needed to read the first one to get into their brand of zaniness, but this one just didn’t do it for me. Doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it, but I really didn’t.
September 23, 2023
This one is both funny and a bit sad. I really feel for the kids I can relate to that specific parent-kid dynamic of knowing your parent loves you but just don't listen to you or take your feelings on specific matters at all seriously.
I am now really looking forward to the next book; which If read the info right is out next month; which I think is supposed to wrap everything up.
I am now really looking forward to the next book; which If read the info right is out next month; which I think is supposed to wrap everything up.
September 16, 2025
Yes, thank you: British Dry wit, a lovable, relatable but flawed family of psychics, demons and... not a Reverend. This was just what I didnt know I needed.
Also, kudos to the author for her exploration of alcoholism. She kept it light but, at this point, Im starved for ANY mention of the way addiction hurts us and the people we love the most.
Also, kudos to the author for her exploration of alcoholism. She kept it light but, at this point, Im starved for ANY mention of the way addiction hurts us and the people we love the most.
October 9, 2022
Another very funny book in this series, a serious humorous horror. A bit slower than the first but thoroughly enjoyable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 28, 2023
Was it as good as the first? Yes, but it took a lot longer to get in it a lot of time was repeating the events of the first book, but once it got underway it was just as a good as Wish you Weren’t Here.
September 7, 2023
A wonderful sequel to Wish You Weren't Here, full of British humour mixed in with a strong dose of heaviness as everyone is coping with the events of the previous. The ending is strong and I was happy with the twists and revelations of the book. Looking for the next book in this series :D
October 20, 2024
I love this series. Taking essentially the plot of Ghostbusters but making it into a very British almost dark sitcom is absolutely inspired and this entry set at an abandoned drab motorway service station is brilliant, but recommend reading book 1 first.
September 30, 2022
DNF it was too weird for me. I didn’t like the story or the characters. It’s a weird story.. I didn’t like it.
October 4, 2022
Loved this one but not as much as the first. This one seemed a little slower and I felt a bit let down by the lack of describing the action/fighting scenes. Overall another good read.
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