Dead Spots

Scarlett Bernard, Book 1

By: Melissa F. Olson

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

When LA’s vampires, witches, and werewolves make a mess, they call Scarlett Bernard to clean it up. Her ability as a null erases all magical traces from anything—or anyone—that comes within ten feet of her, and keeps humans in the dark about the city’s paranormal activity. One night when she’s called to a grisly crime scene, Scarlett is spied by the all-too-human LAPD cop Jesse Cruz, who strikes up a deal with her: he’ll keep quiet about the supernatural underworld if she helps him crack the case. She agrees, but the city’s chief vampire, Dash, starts to suspect Scarlett is behind the murders and will reveal all she knows of his shadowy empire. Now it’ll take more than Scarlett’s unique abilities to clear her name, keep the underworld underground, and track down the real killer.

©2012 Melissa F. Olson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Bad narration

I cannot stand Amy McFadden's voice. I will read the rest of the series. Not at all impressed with her Mexican accent for Jesse Cruz. Rather insulting, when you consider he is suppose to be the son of upscale parents, a Hispanic mother and anglo father and she has him sounding like a vato out of an east LA barrio. As Hispanic myself, it's downright rude.

Pretty Good Overall

Would you listen to Dead Spots again? Why?

Probably. It's a quick read/listen.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters were likable and kept me interested enough to want to read more about them.

What does Amy McFadden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her female voices are very good and gives each character their own uniqueness.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't think it's film-worthy. The story is entertaining but not strong enough to make the leap.

Any additional comments?

The one thing I found annoying was the constant switching between first person and third person narration. Pick one and go with it.

Great start for a new series!

Would you consider the audio edition of Dead Spots to be better than the print version?

Audiobooks are much better than print, and you can listen on the go.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Spots?

The main theme of the story, Scars Job.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked them all

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they guys stayed with her at the end when she was in the hospital.

Well done Ms. Olson, looking forward to more

Would you listen to Dead Spots again? Why?

This is an interesting and captivating series

What other book might you compare Dead Spots to and why?

It mostly fits into the Harry Dresden genre, good story, interesting characters

captivating story

enjoyable read with a captivating story. not high literature, but I definitely want to know what happens next and am invested in the characters.

Enjoyed well enough to press on.

I had some issues with Ms McFadden's read but that could very well not be her fault. Listening to a book is a collaborative effort & usually I will adjust & fall into a reader's cadence, tone, pace, etc. I never really got there with this book but the performance was good enough & the tale kept me hooked, so I will try the next volume. I have noticed that a reader will "grow" into a series as well so I am all about 2nd chances.

Great book series. Audiobook quality excellent.

Love Amy's narration. Story is pretty solid despite a few logic/choices that seemed odd at the end as the author tried to wrap up and set up for next book. I've listened to this too many times.

It's different

I liked the story line; it was different and intriguing. The characterization was well done; they acted within the 'person-hood' established for them by the author.

Pacing was good; the story neither dragged nor jumped ahead without reason. And the narrator stayed true to that.

I'm not fond, for the most part, of stories that do not end but are the beginning of the next book, and this one has series written all over it, and not in a particularly deft way. (Although it's not a cliff-hanger either.)

SPOILER**It's a love triangle, although the female protagonist isn't one of those romance Tall and Blonde and Gorgeous heroines, thank heavens. Relationships develop rather than are thrust on one.**

All this said, I do not think I'll be going to the next (and the next and the next) book. The set-up seems to indicate more of the same, and she did it right the first time; I don't think I'll need a second helping. But YMMV. If you like the genre and don't need clothes falling off every time the characters get close to each other, you might like this. Not a 'gritty' book although there is violence.

great book

loved the setup an the characters were so real!!! interesting an different! reading next book in the series now!!!

Great boook

cool vampire and werewolves story. easy read and nicely thought through. Hope the rest of the series holds up