Dead, Undead Or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Eternal Press
Available: February 7, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1770650220
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Book received from: Author
One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.
No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.
She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her—until now.The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.
But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.
Have you ever picked up a book, read the first line, and knew right then you were going to like it?
“Rhiannon’s Law #27: When you’re working in a gentleman’s club and one of your dancers takes off those heels, alert the big guns, an ass kicking is on the menu.”
This is the first line in Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between. Yes, I knew I was going to like Rhiannon right away. She is a bartender in strip bar otherwise known as a gentleman’s club. She’s also a necromancer, which means she can see spirits that linger in this realm for one reason or another. But she’s not your run of the mill necromancer. Not only can she see the dead, she can see the twice dead, meaning she can see vampires who have been killed. This makes her quite a hot commodity in the vampire world. Being human and coveted by vampires can be very beneficial, or quite dangerous to a girl’s well being, depending on who’s coveting you.
When vampires start dying, the head of a local vampire family decides it’s time to find out who’s killing them and why. It’s not easy to kill a vampire and the fact someone has the power to do so has set the vampire community on edge. When Disco, realizes Rhiannon can see the twice dead, he seeks her out to help find out who is killing vampires. That’s something she’s not all too thrilled about. The idea of hanging out with vampires is not her idea of a good time. However, Disco is pretty easy on the eyes and he might just want Rhiannon for more than a little vampire sleuthing.
I fell in love with the two main characters in Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between right away. Rhiannon is tough, and yet a little vulnerable. She has a tragic past but in no way does she wallow in it. She’s a sharp both in wit and intellect and her point of view is fresh providing many laugh out loud moments. Disco, is a super sexy vampire that knows what he wants. He’s large and in charge and the only thing that can hold him back in lack of an invitation. So if you’re not feeling Disco, don’t invite him in. What I loved most about him is his gentlemanly nature and his respect for Rhiannon. As a very powerful vampire he can have most anything he wants but at no time does he ever take from Rhiannon what she is not willing to give.
There are several secondary characters in this story but there are a couple that stood out among the crowd and really captured my attention. Paine is a vampire and a lifelong friend to Disco. He has a unique talent—or curse, depending on how you look at it—that allows him to see flashes of someone’s past and future when he touches them. So, it is possible for him to know the circumstances of someone’s death. That’s quite a burden and a huge obstacle in developing relationships and therefore he seems to be quite a lonely soul. And then there’s Goose who is human and also a necromancer that becomes both a mentor and friend to Rhiannon. I found him intriguing because he is a human who has pledged fealty to Disco’s vampire clan. He also uses his necromancer skills to help people who mourn the loss of loved ones find peace. He seems to be the quintessential good guy and I hope that we’ll hear more from him in future books in this series, and perhaps his own little romance?
Ms. Saare knows how to write a villain. Although the true villain is not revealed until very late in the story, once revealed the story took on a much darker edge leaving Rhiannon face down an evil far beyond what she could have thought possible.
I enjoyed Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between with it’s colorful characters and sexy romance. Although it didn’t offer a whole new take on vampires, it did offer several unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. The ending was bittersweet for me, as Ms. Saare lead me down a fairly obvious path to conclusion and then tossed in a very unexpected surprise at the end. I’m more than ready for the next book in series, The Renfield Syndrome.
Purchase a copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between
Other books in the series
The Renfield Syndrome (TBA)
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Stop by tomorrow for a fun interview with J.A. Saare and a giveway!
Nice review — I also love Paine and Ethan (I just can't get into calling him Goose, though). I did think Disco was a nice alternative to the usual kind of vampire — he was nicely beta, in a lot of ways. IMO In fact, while still strong types, I think all of the men in this book were somewhat beta, and that's a win for me, but I don't know if others felt that way…
Sam
Ugh — sorry, I didn't mean beta, I meant gamma — the best mix of alpha and beta traits. These heroes definitely aren't beta…
Sorry, DST hitting me today…
Sam
Thanks for the fantastic review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Dead. It was a blast to write.
And I've been told I'm a bit evil for that bittersweet ending, but I just couldn't help myself.
Jaime
I can't wait to read this. I bought it, it's on my harddrive TBR file for as soon as I get my ereader. It better be soon becausing I'm DYING to read this.
I loved this book! Great review!!! The story moves along at a great pace and has the perfect mix of romance, sexual tension and humor.
I loved Paine as well.
I kind of thought Ethan was beta…
Great review – I loved the first line in the book too! I agree that the book doesn't break new ground with it's take on vampires but it has excellent characters- and it's the first time I've read about a vampire named Disco
Mandi, I think you're right — Ethan probably is the closest to Beta of all of them, but he has that more surprising side under the surface, like at the party… I'd love to know more about him too.
Sam
Yes..he does have a surprising side..he is a nice contrast to Disco and Paine
So…who's excited for The Renfield Syndrome?? LOL
Lol love that first line! ;o) Im gonna have to pick this one up! Thanks girl!
Yes Monroe, get it! Rhiannon is one of my fav female protags. She is so funny and witty. Loved her.
After reading your review – I am glad I picked it up when I saw it…
The ending was bittersweet for me, as Ms. Saare lead me down a fairly obvious path to conclusion and then tossed in a very unexpected surprise at the end.
I love that as well and hate it as well in equal measure, now to wait for the next book…
Oh the agony..
Thanks for the review…
E.H>
EH–I couldn't decide how to feel about the ending at first. Totally caught off guard and really excited for the next book. Ms. Saare is a clever lady.
I like that she is a necromancer. I wants it FV. I wants it!!!
KC–She's super necromancer…sees the twice dead. It's similar to twice baked potatoes but different. Wait, what?
Add me to the list of those who have to read this book now that I've read your review. It sounds like a must-read.
Great review! I can't wait for TRS! : )
Hey hon! Great review!
Thanks for the heads up!
Sounds like a great read!
Dead's definitely on my keeper shelf…great review, FV! I'm so excited for TRS. ;d
I'm gonna buy this just because the hero is named Disco. That's all kinds of win right there.
FV–this sounds great! Thanks for the review….I am going to put this on my TBR pile right now….bye!
And the cover!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it!
I have this books and I am looking forward to getting into it. Thanks for the great review!
Great review! This book wasn't really on my radar but I think I'd like to read it – thanks!
I want this book!!!
Great review!
This books sounds terrific and exactly what I like to read. I'm a glutton for surprise ending, especially with twists. I must add this to my list. Thanks!