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.

Meh.

This story and the world that MO has built has lots of potential, but the story fell flat for me. I know that I'm in the minority here. There was a bunch of ravings of originality, but this type of story has been done before, even the null factor was done in Xmen, and to top it off I didn't especially care for the characters. Not that I didn't like them, I just didn't get interested in anything that was happening to them because I didn't care one way or another. Scarlett was very wishy washy, which annoyed me. I also don't like love triangles and I don't like half ass relationships when stories first start off, which this book has both. I did manage to finish this book, but there were a few times where I debated not to. Which I'm sure was because of my ambivalent feelings for the characters. I won't be reading anymore from this author/series. Narrator is pretty good, but you do have to get use to her, she is a bit jarring at first.

Surprise in a good way--thumbs up

I could see this is a first book of a series--a few rough points but I must say I like the characters, the action and intrigue. Couldn't wait to read Book 2---I was very surprised at the book--REALLY WELL DONE. Again all of the above but those rough spots are now gone.

I had to get Book 3---SO HAPPY I DID--great flow of story line and new action to spice up the story. Great imagination---time well spend and I really have enjoyed the reading/ listening.

Now for your narrator--Amy McFadden--excellent choice--you are doing a great job!

One problem--WE NEED BOOK 4!

Might be meh or wow as the series progresses

I just don't know. It was just ok. I think my biggest issue is that the main character had no fight. I mean until she had to. I may be interesting to see how she evolves. If she becomes a proactive participant in her life or if she continues to let other characters walk all over her.

Sharp, engaging book

Great for anyone who enjoys urban fantasy or supernatural suspense. Characters were well drawn, plot was engaging. I particularly enjoyed the twist at the end, which I obviously won't ruin here. Definitely look forward to the sequels.

Action Packed Paranormal Adventures

I have found a new series to binge! I can't wait to continue on with the series! You must get the audio to this book no matter what! Amy McFadden is unbelievable and doing voices and portrays the character perfectly!

great story

I really love this first book of the series. It puts a different twist on supernatural stories with plenty of mystery to go around. Can't wait to see where it goes next. The narrator did a fantastic job with the different characters and kept things interesting. Highly recommended,

Pleasantly surprised

The last few bargain audio books that I've purchased have been disappointing so I was very happy to have a realistic fantasy that was not the usual fair. I also enjoyed the narrator before so that was nice as well.

Witches Are Human...Mostly

What did you love best about Dead Spots?

I liked the interaction of Scarlotte to,the other characters. Eli was especially likable. The vampires see the good in Scarlotte and all end well.

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

When Scarlotte discovers how powerful she is.

Have you listened to any of Amy McFadden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I liked her narration of this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily. It was entertaining and I will,continue with the series but it wasn't a book I couldn't put down. I recommend it.

Found a new series

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about this story. However I was pleasantly surprised that it was this good. Scarlet's story and the world around her is entertaining. There's no lag or drawn out story it's crisp and makes you think. Good effort for the first in a series. The twist was awesome! On to the second book.
Oh and the narrator was pretty good! Not annoying and doesn't take away from the story.

Great!

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

Yes! I really enjoyed the extra bit of "real" that Ms McFadden was able to give the characters with the audio version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eli. He's a mixture of a big puppy that wants to make his mistress happy and a protective rottweiler who wants to do everything to keep her safe.

Have you listened to any of Amy McFadden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time hearing Amy McFadden.

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

Not without spoilers!

Any additional comments?

I was just looking for something to distract me from the long wait in between books in another series. What I got was another series to add to my "Must always read" pile...and another long wait for the next book. If you are looking for the same, be prepared to love this book, and this series!