Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I started reading this book almost immediately after finishing the first one, and then suddenly I was 70% in before I even knew what happened because I got so sucked into the story I just couldn’t put it down!
This was not as emotional and heart-wrenching as the first book because it was more focused on mystery, however, it was still completely gripping. The plot was more complex and action-packed, the mystery aspect kept me on the edge of my seat, and reading from the POV of a character who was possessed and felt like she was losing her mind was interesting.
And even though the focus wasn’t on the character growth this time, it was still there in smaller quantities, the characters were all still unique and well-developed, like real people, and there was still great, realistic relationships between them. I especially loved the unique friendship between Emma and Officer Walker. He may have made a mistake in pressuring her to do the spells, but he still tried to help her and didn’t blame her for the things that happened. And the way everyone came together to help each other when times got tough was touching (I won’t say who everyone was, but it was an interesting mix of characters I wouldn’t have expected).
Also, as much I do love heart-wrenching books, it was actually nice to have a bit of a reprieve. There were still a couple scenes that brought tears to my eyes, I felt for Emma when she felt like she was completely alone and didn’t know what to do about the supernatural mess she found herself in, but there were also some scenes with happiness and hope that kind of patched up some of the holes that Book 1 left in my heart. *SPOILER ALERT (major for Book 1, minor for Book 2)* I didn’t want to ruin the emotional impact of all the dead guys disappearing back into the river in Book 1 for anyone who hasn’t read it, but if you have already read it, you’ll be happy to know the guys all make reappearances in this book! *END SPOILER ALERT* And there was still some of that quirky humor thrown in to crack me up every now and then.
Overall, this was a book I couldn’t put down once I picked it up. If you liked the first book, I definitely recommend you continue with this one because I think you’ll be really happy with it!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Ann M. Noser's The Witch's Handbook Series. Anyone who likes urban fantasy with complex characters and edge-of-your-seat mystery.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: How to Date Dead Guys (The Witch’s Handbook Book 1) by Ann M. Noser
Book Review: How to Ditch Dead Guys (The Witch’s Handbook Book 2) by Ann M. Noser
I’m on an urban fantasy kick (kind of) and I just want to read these so badly based on your reviews! You make them sound so good and now that I’ve had a glass (and some) of wine my self control and ability to keep to my book buying ban are just wavering. Waahhh
Great review! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these 🙂
Well, I’ll just say that if you *are* going to break a book buying ban, this is probably a good series to do it for 😉 Your comment is cracking me up though, haha.
Thank you! I just hate that I have to wait for the last one now!
Thanks for the great review! I’m starting to collect reviews to post on my blog site.
Here’s the link: http://annandersonnoser.blogspot.com/p/books.html
Let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to change.
Thanks again!
Ann
No problem! Thanks for using my review 🙂
Ooo… I haven’t come across this one and it is making my mouth water… Thank you once again for a great review:).
I definitely recommend this series! Glad I could help you find a book you’re interested in 🙂
I do like the sound of this series but anything too heart-wrenching isn’t usually for me so that aspect makes me nervous (I couldn’t help myself & did click your hidden spoiler 😉 ) I’m glad this book gave you a reprieve.
A lovely review Kristen! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Well, since you read the spoiler lol, the first book might not be so heart-wrenching for you. But it’ll still be meaningful with the character growth and all that 🙂
Thanks!
When I began reading your review, I could tell the tone of this second book was a little different from the first. I’m glad it worked for you – helped put some of the pieces of your heart back together. 🙂 It just seems like Emma can’t catch a break! And I’m very curious about the situations she gets herself into this time – I can’t imagine being possessed by a murder victim and reliving their experience. Gah! Poor Emma…and poor Officer Walker. What must he have felt for putting her in that situation. I have books 1 and 2 of this series in my Amazon cart, Kristen. I’m chomping at the bit to read them. My problem is, of course, finding time to read all the many books I own. 😉
It was definitely a different tone, but still great 🙂 The poor character really can’t seem to catch a break though lol. Seriously, reliving people’s murders sounds awful! And Officer Walker is pretty great, I like him. He’s also kind of awkward though lol which makes him realistic.
Damn time, causing all these problems 😉 But this is a series you should definitely try! I do think you’ll like them 🙂
I just got approved for these two books!!! I requested them after reading your review of book 1. You always use the right words to get me excited! emotional [aha!], heart-wrenching [uhumm], completely gripping [yay], action-packed [of course!], POV of a character who was possessed??? [HELL YEAHHH], supernatural mess [hehe], complex characters and edge-of-your-seat mystery [me! me! and THANK YOU BFF for approving]
Great review 🙂
Yay! I can’t wait to see your reviews! But muahahahaha, that’s my evil plan, using all the perfect words just to manipulate you into reading the books 😉 They really are great books though, so I’m glad you got them too! And thanks 🙂
It’s great when you got so sucked into a book! The focus on the mystery sounds well done and even though it wasn’t as emotional as the first book it does sound like a great sequel. I really like how you describe the characters in this one, I love it when the characters feel real and act realistic. I hope you’ll also enjoy(ed) the third book!
It’s always great when a book sucks you in! That’s usually how you know it’s a good one 😛 The characters are really the shining feature of these books. So complex and developed. The third book isn’t out yet since this one was just released lol, but thanks, I’m looking forward to it!
This sounds like a very fun read! I love when books give you mystery, humor and heart….especially when they add in a supernatural twist. 🙂
The series is an amazing one! If you like mystery, humor, heart, and a some supernatural, I think you’d love it!