Dead and Kicking

Harry Russo Diaries Series, Book 1

By: Lisa Emme

Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg

Length: 6 hrs

Publisher's summary

Angharad "Harry" Russo is just your ordinary 20-something, with one exception - she's a witch with an out-of-the-ordinary gift. When her blind date goes sideways and she ends up face-to-face with a dead body, her life starts to go sideways too.

Harry soon finds herself right in the middle of the mayhem, dealing with Cian Nash, a homicide detective that is as aggravating as he is sexy; the biggest, baddest vampire in town; and a parcel of pesky zombies that keep popping up everywhere. It's all connected to her date's unfortunate demise, or is there more to it than meets the eye?

©2015 Lisa Emme (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"I enjoyed the story, I loved the characters, and I can't wait to read more." (Kaleidoscope Heart Book Reviews)

More to go

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys twist and turns with a dose of stalwartness.

What did you like best about this story?

Believe it or not, I really like Salvatore and Isaac and hope that some missing info will be cleared up in another book.

What about Dara Rosenberg’s performance did you like?

I thought she hit most of the characters voices on the mark in a way similar to Lorelei King,

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

???

Any additional comments?

I would have given a 3.5 stars for the story if I could. Though the story has been an enjoyable read, I have been thoroughly frustrated at the continual information blackout that makes Harry appear to be rather an airhead. Or perhaps the goal is to continue the ostrich effect...what do I know!!??!!

A great series that was around since 2016!

A light, cozy, paranormal mystery. The action is fast and continues until the end. Harry is witch and can see ghosts. Her roommates are a werewolf, Tess and a human, Holly. They are childhood friends and entrepreneurs, with a five-year plan to buy the building the fire hall. That was their plan until vampires get involved.

In this society there are vampires, witches and werewolves. There are two strong male characters, Nash, the police officer/werewolf, as well as Salvador, a vampire. Both male characters play true to the stereotypes for their characters. Nash is a sexy brooding character that take command of situation and gives orders, he is also a little grumpy. Salvador is a suave old-world vampire. He is the Magister and the most powerful vamp.

After her initial vampire meeting, Nash leads her to his bike holding her hand. She reflects that is was kinda nice. There is the traditional tug of war between the alpha wolf male and alpha human female; I can take care of myself, you cannot mark me as your property like you pee on a tree. Even before that you are given the clue there could be romantic interest.

When Harry is in a threatening situation she uncovers additional powers. She learns information about her parent(s), and characters in her entourage. In the quest to solve the murder of Bryce, her blind date, Harry discovers a necromancer has been working in the city. In addition to feeling compelled to find Bryce’s killer, she is involved with the zombies and looking for Holly. Harry is kick ass with a few fighting skills and she just wades into battle without fear. She is a very strong twenty something who does not constantly talking about being horny, doubt her abilities and has good at negotiation with vampires.

I am amazed that this series has not gotten more readers since it was originally published in September 2016. The writing is good, funny and will hold your interest.

Good book

I love this series, I hope there is more to come! I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out on audio

TSTL Female Lead

I tried to like this book but the more I listened the more annoyed I got. The lead character Harry was undeveloped and made and made idiotic decisions over and over again. The only thing that saved this book was the world building created by Lisa Emme. The environment created for Harry is descriptive and creative filled with likable supportive characters. I would have stopped listening if it were not for them.