Grim Tidings

An Aisling Grimlock Mystery, Volume 1

By: Amanda M. Lee

Narrated by: Karen Krause

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Grim(ace) while you work....

Aisling Grimlock is having a bad week. Well, actually, she's having a bad life - not that she's complaining. Okay, she's totally complaining.

After being laid off from her secretarial position, she has no choice but to join the family business, and now she's a full-time grim reaper. That's right. She collects and transfers souls to the hereafter.

Cool, huh? Not quite.

On the second day of her new job, Aisling (literally!) stumbles over a dead body that's not on her list and the stakes are suddenly raised because, when a name isn't on the list, that means someone stole it (and that's never a good thing).

Aisling's family, which consists of a tempestuous father and four overbearing older brothers, are hot on the case - but the answers they're coming up with aren't exactly soothing.

It seems a contingent of wraiths have descended on the area, and they're not just dangerous for unsuspecting souls and the general populace. The Grimlock family is at risk, too.

If that weren't bad enough, Aisling finds herself inexplicably drawn to Detective Griffin Taylor - the police officer who considers her a murder suspect. Oh, and she's a wraith-magnet - although, truth be told, she's more interested in Detective Taylor.

Aisling is determined to prove that she has what it takes to be a great reaper - even if it means risking her life and proving her father and brothers wrong when it comes to her competence level.

When things finally become clear, will Aisling survive long enough to make things right? Or, will she fall prey to the wraiths and the individual controlling them?

©2014 Amanda M. Lee (P)2015 Amanda M. Lee

Be prepared ROFLYAO and have a really fun time!

A family whose business is being Grim Reapers. And who live in a castle. In Detroit, Michigan. Except for Aisling. She lives in a condo with her bestie. Who is a guy. Who turns out to have the hots for Aisling's twin brother. And she has the hots for a homicide detective. Who took her in as a suspect.
And that's just the beginning of this giggle fest! Throw in botched assignments, evil wraiths, a Daddy Dearest (everything but 'NO WIRE HANGERS!), and a whole intricate cast of characters. Dialog is fast and snarky, always lots going on, and too much fun to louse up with spoilers!
Karen Krause really nails it with her performance! Good character involvement and differentiation, and is totally believable as Aisling (who first person's the entire tale). It doesn't hurt that her voice is pleasant, either.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Ah, a new series!! Yum

I am currently wondering how long I have to wait for the next audiobook in the series. I really enjoyed this and would prefer to listen rather than pick up the ebooks that are already out.

The characters here are engaging and witty! I loved the whole family and her BFF Jerry. The romance angle with detective Taylor was cute, especially the playful banter. All those other brothers and her dad were a trip! It was just such fun reading those scenes when they were all together.

The whole story is from Aisling’s POV, which limits you to what she knows and feels. I kind of wish we had the other side of the romance in the narrative too. It is typical cozy, only letting you see through the main character.

Karen Krause does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. I loved the snark and sass she instilled in her voice to match the attitude of the book. While she has a nice steady pace, I like t a touch faster. Most of the male voices blended together for me, which wasn’t a huge issue but not optimal listening either. In the end she is the right choice for the book because her energy helps move the action of the story.

I didn’t really feel the whole mystery angle, it was light on the investigative elements you would expect. I am hoping that changes as the series progresses. I hope those audio are on their way soon!

Like the story not the narrator

Would you try another book from Amanda M. Lee and/or Karen Krause?

Maybe by Amanda M. Lee but not narrated by Karen Krause.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator made the main character sound to bland and boring. I know she could have had more emotion.

Do you think Grim Tidings needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Grim Tidings could definitely have another book. The story was good. The characters were good. I enjoyed it.

.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Grim Tidings?

I liked the relationship that Aisling had with her brothers and best friend. They had her back no matter what.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Aisling came home from the dance and found her brother and best friend together. Not spoiling it but it was funny!

Any additional comments?

Grim Tidings: An Aisling Grimlock Mystery is the first in a new series. In this book we meet Aisling and her family who are Reapers. Aisling has reluctantly joined the family business after trying her hand at life in the traditional world. All looks well with the new job until she comes across a dead body that isn't on her retrieval list. While she and her family try and figure out who took the soul, Aisling is also dodging the local police detective. Can her family find the answers before the detective finds out their secret?

I really enjoyed this book. I would call this a light mystery with some laughs. Ms. Lee has written a good story and you really can enjoy these characters. I loved Aisling the best. She is a very real character. You probably have someone like her in your family.

Ms. Krause made this book even more enjoyable with her narration. She has a way of drawing you further into the story. She gives Aisling the lightess that her character needs. You can really feel each emotion Aisling is going through. Ms. Krause also gives each of the other characters their own voices.

I would recommend this boo to anyone who enjoys a nice mystery with a little comedy thrown in.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grim Reaper with Purple Eyes ... works for me!!!

What made the experience of listening to Grim Tidings the most enjoyable?

The whole book cracked me up. From the sibling rivalry to the banter with the BFF this book is great. Anyone who comes from a large family will see parts of themselves in the Grimlock family

What other book might you compare Grim Tidings to and why?

It's in a class all of it's own.

What about Karen Krause’s performance did you like?

She does schmarmy so well!! She brings everyone to life.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review

Great story

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

I enjoyed this book's unique perspective on the Grimm Reaper. I thoroughly enjoyed each family member and stayed interested in the story line.

What other book might you compare Grim Tidings to and why?

I haven't read other books that compares

Not great but has it's moments

I liked it. Didn't love it. Had funny parts for sure. Interesting story. Narrator alright. Good for a fluffy read for sure.

I didn't care anything for the main character

The first thing I noticed was that the narrator's voice was very nasally and flat. It was very hard to distinguish one male character voice from another. I really tried to like this book, but my mind kept wandering and I couldn't wait for it to end. I kept listening, hoping it would get better, but no such luck.

Loved it!

This audiobook kept me hooked from start to finish! I hated to stop listening at any point. Great characterization by the narrator and wonderful plot.

Witty and thrilling-fast moving story.

Being a Grim certainly has its challenges. All that and man trouble thrown in for good measure. Certainly an enjoyable ride!