Unholy Magic

Downside Ghosts, Book 2

By: Stacia Kane

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

For freewheeling ghost hunter Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

©2010 Stacia Kane (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“ Unholy Ghosts is a wonderful, weird, wild tale filled with gritty magic, punk rock and macabre spirits. Kane’s world is dark, dangerous and haunted, populated by hustlers, junkies and exorcists…and you’ll never want to leave. Simply the best book I’ve read this year.” (Caitlin Kittredge, author of Street Magic)

Unexpected

I've listened to the first two of this series in less than a week. I'm sure I will have the last two completed in as much time. Give it a chance. It's a new, unique supernatural type story. Not the same ol template that cascades through most witch based story lines.

Another Winner!

An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. At the same time she continues to juggle the two men whom she has an interest in, knowing they are mortal enemies. Just as she is beginning to make headway with the guy she is truly interested in things go to hell. Literally.
The best part was when Terrible came and took care of Chess after she had been poisoned. No questions, just came out in a freaking snowstorm and took care of her. Too bad things get so complicated and by books end, Terrible can't stand to look at her or be around her. Its so bittersweet, because you can tell he hasn't really cut himself totally off from her, but he can't let her know it.

Again a masterful performance by Bahni Turpin.

Book 3 upcoming!!

This series isn't for everyone, its edgy, gritty, dark and oh so dirty, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Like I said before not for the faint of heart looking for those sweet lil happily ever afters.

A Wonderful Surprise!

This series has been a real find and a total surprise. I purchased the first one after reading some amazing reviews but was unsure what to expect. The heroine is a drug addict?? However, Chess is such a vulnerable and complex character that the listener can't help but love her. She is insecure, brave, clever, and full of contradictions. She is a fascinating protagonist and gets more interesting with each installment. Stacia Kane's world is edgy and unique. At times it is genuinely scary and at others it is grim, yet there is still love and hope to be found. Terrible and Lex add to a wonderful cast of rich characters. The other great thing about this series is the magnificent performances by Bahni Turpin. I honestly think the best way to experience these books is to hear her read them. She is superb - probably the best narrator I have heard. The books come to life and the characters are voiced so well its impossible to think of them sounding any other way. If you're a fan of urban fantasy with an edge this series is one of the best. I bought the first one and was so captivated I purchased all the others and had them finished in a week. Then I started again!

The first book was sooo great, this one is a bit of let down, but not much

The first book was impeccable. Fairly well written with amazing narration & production. Quite frankly, had I not heard the first book, I probably would've been tempted to give this one a five star rating.

This second book of the series, however, isn't quite as well written, and the narration is nowhere near as crisp and clean. There are a few passages where it sounds like each sentence is from a different recording session with slightly different energy from the reader, and definitely different mixer settings.

I'm still going to listen to the next book in the series. Starting in about a half hour.

LOVE this series…please write more

I love the world, dialect and characters, it is completely different than any series. I have listened/read this series more times than I can count. I am hoping that more books in this series begin after her children are older. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us more Downside.

Incredible

This book is so well written, especially when you consider it falls into the paranormal/ urban fantasy genre. It moves you to tears at points. the main character Chess is a flawed but none the less compelling protagonist. I can't wait for the next installment at the end of the month.

Twists and Turns

Sometimes difficult to stomach. The pain of addiction wrapped up in a church witch. Heartbreaking moving, exciting plot coupled with the stupidity of drug addled decision making.

Could not put down the ear buds

The story was fast paced and compelling. I love the characters. They had a lot of personality and uniqueness. I’m can’t wait to start the next one. I hope the story never ends.

The withdrawal description...Brutally on the mark.

Personal issue with a Junkie heroine. But here I am, still reading. I hope she gets clean.

Great urban fantasy series

I started with this book, thinking it was the first one, and was able to pick up on the back story without trouble - which says a lot for the writing. The narrator is fantastic. A number of the characters speak in a street slang dialect which I think would have been awkward to read in print, but the narrator's inflections made the dialect seem totally natural and understandable. The characters and world are complex and there is nothing in the way of a bright shiny happy ending - which I kind of love about it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.