I received this book from Harper Fiction/Voyager for review. Thank you very much, this is a great start to the series, I’m hooked.
Description: The first book in a compelling new urban fantasy series, The Downside Ghosts.
Murderous spirits and ruthless drug dealers combine to create serious problems for fiercely independent heroine, Chess, in these fast-paced, sexy and addictive novels – fitting for a witch with a serious drug problem.
The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen and constantly attack the living. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Consequently, there are many false claims of hauntings from those hoping to profit.
Enter Chess Putnam, a fully-tattooed witch and freewheeling Debunker and ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for nailing the human liars or banishing the wicked dead. But she’s keeping a dark secret from the Church: a little drug problem that’s landed her in hot and dangerous water.
Chess owes a murderous drug lord named Bump a lot of money. And Bump wants immediate payback. All Chess has to do is dispatch a very nasty species of undead from an old airport. But the job involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and crossing swords with enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust with a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.
Review: Where to start, I really loved this book. It’s an adult title and for as much I love Young Adult books, it was nice to read about some adults with adult problems for a change. And boy does Chess have some problems.
Chess is the main character of the book, she is a tattoo wearing, debunker and ghost hunter for the Church who are a bit like the government. She gets rid of ghosts and sends them back to the underworld, using a psychopomp. Such a cool word for a spectral dog.
Chess is an orphan, been through abuse, the system and an addict. She uses the drugs to escape from her lonely life. The church took her in, gave her a job and are the only people she thinks she can trust. I have a lot of empathy for Chess and want to befriend her.
Her drug addiction gets her into a spot of bother or two when she is unable to pay off her debt. Bump, the dealer takes advantage of this and uses her to help solve his own problems. This has a domino effect and gets her into more hot water with other dealers.
The male characters in this book, aren’t the most pleasant and a bit volatile. One character whom will capture your heart is Terrible, he is exactly what Chess needs – a friend.
Stacia’s written style is exciting and new, it gives you chills, fear, horror, violence, gore and excitement all rolled into one thrilling ride.
I would highly recommend this book if you are into Urban Fantasy, Horror or just looking for something exciting and action packed.
This post is protected under copyright. SusankMann 2009 – 2014
I have been unsure about buying this book or not, but after your review I will put it up on my buying list 🙂
Hi there, I saw your post on Vampires and Tofu and wanted to check out your blog…which I really like! This was an excellent, excellent review. I'm excited to read about someone with such a deep flaw. It sounds great.
This book sounds ace, cant wait to read it – on my wish list now hehe – excellent review xx