A Good and Useful Hurt

By: Aric Davis

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Mike is a tattoo artist running his own shop, and Deb is the piercing artist he hires to round out his studio’s motley crew of four. The last either expects is romance, but that’s what they get as they follow their off-kilter careers and love lives into complete and total disaster. When Mike follows a growing trend and tattoos the ashes of deceased loved ones into several customers’ tattoos, he has no idea that it will one day provide the solution - and solace - he will sorely need. And when the life of a serial killer tragically collides with the lives in the tattoo shop, Mike and Deb will stop at nothing in their quest for revenge, even if it means stepping outside the known boundaries of life and death. Ink that is full of crematory ashes, a sociopathic killer, and pain in its rawest form…this is going to hurt.When the hope of redemption runs headlong into the dark side of life’s chaos, we are left with one of the most haunting thrillers in recent memory. A Good and Useful Hurt delivers the bittersweet essence of life with the sting of a needle in skin.

©2012 Aric Davis (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story

I loved this story that revolved around a tattoo artist. The characters were likeable (except for the serial killer) and the tragedies were devastating. The story really pulled me in and the supernatural twist made it even better.

Good and Useful doesn't hurt a bit!

What made the experience of listening to A Good and Useful Hurt the most enjoyable?

This book is beautifully performed. The reader makes each character sound specific, without being campy. The writing is not the most powerful you've every read, but the book's message and story keep you drawn in and it doesn't leave you fast forwarding through anything.

What did you like best about this story?

The message of love about those that pass gets right into the heart. If you've ever lost someone close to you then it's hard not to be touched by this story. In fact if you've ever dreamed about a deceased love one then this story makes those moments very haunting.

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

I actually started reading this book on my Kindle after receiving it discounted. I was fascinated by the topic and thought it would be a very quick read. Two years later I still hadn't finished it and had more or less completely abandoned the book. But listening to Luke's honest and even tone to the characters gave the piece and new life and I'm glad that I took a chance on this audio book.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this, and you won't regret it!

unique twist and awesome narrator

I checked with my best friend who’s an amazingly talented tattoo artist and apparently, it’s completely possible to mix ashes in with the ink. I thought using this idea as the starting point for the novel was one of the most unique ideas I've come across in a novel lately. I don't want to give anyway anything from the story but it's an awesome and realistic view of this unique subculture with a great paranormal twist. Memorial tattoos are bittersweet for the artist and client both. It truly is a good and useful hurt.

The narration was awesome as always with Luke Daniels. He's one of my favorite male narrators. He does very distinct voices for each character and the women actually sound like women. I highly recommend him as a narrator and this book in particular. Very credit worthy.

A New and Different Horror Story/Mystery

I only follow four audible reviewers. Elle from the Northwest led me to this paranormal mystery and love story, and as usual, she hit the mark. This story line is original and entertaining. This horror novel is about a talented and likable tattoo artist who unintentionally creates a new artistic trend by mixing the ashes of cremated love ones into tattoo ink. This audible mystery was very well done. The ability to suspend belief would have been challenging had it not been for the narration of Luke Daniels, who keeps it real. Worth a credit.

I'm loving it

If you could sum up A Good and Useful Hurt in three words, what would they be?

No I don't have a tattoo nor ever want one. But this book is a 'can't put down'. Engaging characters, people I would like to know and a strong story line. Plus this is one of the best narrators I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. He seems to be as engaged in the story as I am. Love it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mike, of course. He is a deep soul and genuine good guy

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Deb, Daniels has the ability to make her seem natural.

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

yes

Any additional comments?

I want to find more of this combination