I had a great time reading this--the pacing could be tighter, and Kathy annoyed me at times, but I love the way Maxie Dara writes Kathy's relationships with the ancillary characters. (Her relationship with Connor, in particular, moved me in a way I didn't expect...maybe because it's an ad-hoc mother-son dynamic.) I'd definitely read more in this series, so I hope it continues!

Thank you Berkey for the digital ARC of this book.
4.25⭐️

I don’t really know what I was expecting with this but nothing I could have imagined would have been as lovely.

The characters in this story are so relatable. Specifically the feelings of not being good enough and not worthy of love. I think these are things most (if not all) people feel at some point and I think they were really nailed in these characters.

And on top of that…what a fun story! I love thinking of grim reapers in business casual sitting a desk before ushering souls to the other side. Such quirky likable characters and story.

So glad to hear this will be a series!

This was such a delightful surprise. It was the book I didn't know I needed. I liked the off beat humor along with the found family and that it didn't take itself too seriously.

Kathy considers herself to have the opposite of a golden touch and everything she touches goes wrong. I'm not usually a fan of a character beating themself up over things, but this one didn't come across like that. I don't know if it was the humor or the story

Kathy is a grim reaper and when she goes to collect her latest deceased person, he is not at the scene. I love that the organization refers to him as case number 507032, but we get to know him as Simon. As she tracks him down and tries to help him, the two form a bond. Throw in Kathy's mentor and her ex and you have a great cast of characters.

I mentioned that it never takes itself too seriously, but there are some weighty issues. It does a great job of walking the line between the playful and the serious as it takes on grief, finding your worth, and the parent/child relationship.

I am not always a cozy mystery lover, but the quirky in this one really connected with me. And to see it is the start of a series made my day. I can't wait to see what Kathy and her misfit group gets up to next.

Jamie Lamchick did a great job bringing both attitude and tenderness narrating Kathy and Simon's journey. I loved the story and I loved the narration. It was the perfect match of narrator and story.

This is my favorite book of the fall so far. The perfect lite spooky read when you aren't in the mood to be scared.

You can find a Grim Reaper costume in any costume shop, because everyone agrees on what it is—long cape, hood, no face, and a big ole scythe, right?

But... what if everyone is wrong?

What if sometime between the reaper’s first appearance—in the Middle Ages, when the Black Death was the COVID of its day—and now, the whole concept of the grim reaper was... updated?

The black-hood-of-death-and-harvesting-tool getup would have to go.

Maybe the Grim Reaper 2.0 would look like a regular Joe (or Jane!). Like your neighbor. Your aunt. The muscle-y dude pumping iron at the gym.

Debuting author Maxie Dara makes hay* with this idea in her delightfully-creative new mystery, A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer.


You probably wouldn’t look twice at Kathy Valence, if you passed her on the street. Just another frumpy, middle-aged, nearly-divorced—and very pregnant—woman... nothing to see here, just move along.

But the badge she carefully pins to the collar of her practical blazer every day? That sets her apart... as a licensed agent of S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences). Kathy’s job is collecting “essences”—the souls of newly-dead people, to you and me—then delivering them to another part of the company that... well, sends them on to whatever “beyond” is.

It’s super-secret—and one of the reasons she’s almost-divorced—but her job in S.C.Y.T.H.E.’s Department of Natural Causes is stable and has no surprises. (Plus, it’s the only thing she’s ever been good at, so there’s also that.)

Until today... when she gets to the scene of her latest collection, but instead finds only the empty body... no lingering essence, anywhere.

Case Number 057032 was a teenaged boy—someone who died way before his time.

It’s the last thing Kathy expected to find (or not find)... and the last thing she needs. It’s her responsibility, though, so she tries to figure out how to track 057032—Conner Ortiz—down.

But when she finally finds him, Kathy hits another snag... because Conner refuses to go.

His reason? He doesn’t know how—or who did it—but he knows he was murdered. And that, as far as he’s concerned, just isn’t right.
Kathy agrees with him, in theory.

But the clock is ticking--she only has forty-five days to deliver Conner’s essence before the window closes... and after that? He’ll be doomed to being a ghost, forever.

It’s going to take every bit of energy the very-pregnant Reaper doesn’t have... along with some help from her friends... and one very unhappy teen spirit... to put things right.

But if there’s one thing Kathy knows, it’s that she can’t bring a new baby into the world, knowing she didn’t do everything she could to help someone else’s kid to peacefully leave it.

A Grim Reaper’s Guide is without doubt one of the most completely-original things I’ve read in a very long time.

Seriously, there is nothing about this book I didn’t love! (Did I know, before I picked it up, that I needed a book about Grim Reapers and souls and... stuff?? Nope, had no clue. But it turns out, I absolutely, positively did.)

Kathy is one-hundred-percent believable—I know people just like her. She’s the perfect Had-No-Idea-She-Was-a-Hero-but-Rose-to-the-Task kind of heroine... someone it’s easy to root for, and feel uncomfortable with. (Besides, if you can’t support a heavily-pregnant woman that everybody always overlooks, who can you champion?)

Conner is relatable in that Oh-My-God-He’s-so-Obnoxious-(but-Also-He’s-Not-All-Wrong) way common to teenagers. There’s such poignancy to his situation... killed before his real life had even begun, that you can’t help but feel for him. And his relationship with Kathy (or “Grim”, as he calls her)? Spot-on angsty perfection.

And then there’s Kathy’s soon-to-be-ex, Simon. I really didn’t want to like this guy—a dumpy little nebbish who would do anything in the world for her—and yet... I couldn’t not like him because of his earnestness, cheerfulness, and blind willingness to do everything she eventually asks him for help with. There are good people in the world, and Simon is one of them.

My final thoughts? I laughed... I pondered deep thoughts... and I cried... (in no particular order). This book is absolutely THAT. GOOD.

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer is gonna stick with me for a long time... and I’ll definitely reread it more than once. (You know, before Ms. Dara writes a sequel, which I am totally here for...)

Seriously, folks. Just go get this one, and read it, STAT.
~GlamKitty


*That is officially the first—and, I suspect, the last—hay-related joke (pun? Whatever) I’ve ever made. [“Make hay while the sun shines”? Scythe... harvesting straw... oh, never mind.]

What happens when you die? Well, a collections agent comes for you. Grim Reapers, they’re just like you and me, which is a fantastic premise to build an absolutely delightful book around. I really enjoyed THE GRIM REAPERS GUIDE TO CATCHING A KILLER, from the character development to the plot to the deft hand with which the author explored the loaded issue of what happens to us when we die (and I say that as an end-of-life doula) and the struggle for resolution we all face at the end of life.
Snarky, lovely, and real in turn, my only quibble was the constant reminder of Kathy’s age. 42 isn’t old and the repeated reminders of “middle-age” and “spinster-aunt” etc almost led to me putting the book down in annoyance a couple of times. Ultimately, I’m glad I didn’t but age is just a number and my fencing instructor is 72 and will probably outlive me, so…

I really enjoyed this book! It's such an interesting and clever concept for a book and the action and mystery starts from the very beginning. The main character, Kathy is quirky and likeable and I am so happy to see there will be more books in this series!

Kathy is in her 40s, in the process of a divorce and pregnant with her ex’s baby. She works for S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences) in the natural causes department. Basically, she’s a grim reaper in modern times. When she goes to collect Conner, a 17 year old who died of a seizure, he insists he was murdered. She has 45 days to figure this out before Conner becomes a ghost on Earth for eternity.

I really liked these characters and the relationship they develop. Kathy’s friend Jo was spunky and fun. The found family aspect was great and I enjoyed her ex husband, Simon. It was quirky and cozy. A fun debut for the Halloween season!

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxi Dara is an exciting paranormal story. We meet Kathy Valence, who is 42years old, and in the midst of a divorce, even though her husband, Simon is thrilled that she is pregnant. She is a modern-day grim reaper, who works for SCYTHE (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences (souls)). Her job is to collect a newly deceased person’s soul for processing to the afterlife; she is very successful at her job.
Kathy is assigned to case number 507032, who is known as Conner Ortiz, who was killed. Conner is 17 years old, and Kathy cannot find him. When she eventually discovers him, he tells her that he was murdered by someone wearing a SCYTHE badge. Connor at first was hostile, but in time, he was willing to work closely with Kathy, and find out who murdered him. Kathy’s mentor Jo, as well as her ex-Simon will also help her find out what is going on in the SCYTHE offices. Time is of essence, as Connor has a 45 day window, where if he doesn’t make it, his soul would be doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever.
I really liked Kathy, as well as Simon, who was very much still in love with Kathy, especially now that she was pregnant. Her mentor Jo, was also lots of fun. Kathy and Connor did become close, as she was determined to find a way to save him. They are racing against the clock, with Kathy, Jo, Simon and Connor investigate those who may be from the SCYTHE people; as she uncovers clues that could reveal what is happening. I do not want to give any more information, as it could ruin the story for you.

What follows is an exciting tense climax, with a few twists and turns along the way. A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was a fun story, with some humor, mystery, suspense and a bit of romance. A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was very well written by Maxi Dara. As noted, this was a fun enjoyable story line, which I suggest you read.

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

This was a really entertaining read!! It was a murder mystery, but our investigator is an early 40s, pregnant woman who is one of many “grim reapers” at secret modern organization called S.C.Y.T.H.E.
She works in the Natural Causes department, so she should only be collecting souls that died from natural causes, but when she gets to Conner’s house, she can’t find him. After stumbling upon him later, she learns that he thinks someone killed him. This leads her to figure out who killed the 17 year old; something way out of her division. The further she digs, the less she begins to trust her higher ups.

I enjoyed the relationships Kathy had with everyone in this book (aside from her boss). They were all relatively healthy, even the one with her almost-ghost Conner, and the character arc we see from her is knowing that she is worthy of love too.

Her and her husband are getting a divorce, but it’s not from a lack of love. She’s pregnant, he loves her, and wants to be there for her in any way he can. But with her job being a secret, she can’t tell him a lot of things and it becomes a strain on their marriage. But as she opens up, we get to see more of his golden retriever energy and that he’s not as boring as he comes off.

While well off financially, Conner wasn’t really loved by his parents, so the care that Kathy and even Simon take to him takes him a bit to adapt to. But as he does, we see that tough armor start to slide off and it’s wonderful to see him experiencing love, even if after death.

Also Jo is a TRIP. That’s all I got to say, sugar.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Maxie Dara, and Berkley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!

This was fun!! I would say this is very similar/along the lines of the Finlay Donovan series in terms of a quirky protagonist with a wacky mystery that is low-stakes to read yet still fun and heart-warming. I liked the "fantastical" elements of Kathy's job at SCYTHE, and I thought the world-building in that was well thought out. I did find myself rooting for Kathy all the way throughout, and I loved her relationship with Conner. I thought the book was filled with a lot of wit and humor that made it more of a fun read than a true "mystery". When the twist was revealed, I definitely knew what was coming, but I really liked how Dara set up the ending to lead to future books in the series. Although this read was nothing remarkable for me personally, I had a good time reading it all the way through and will definitely check out the next installment to see what they are up to in SCYTHE!

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book and PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Kathy works as a soul collector (aka grim reaper) for S.C.Y.T.H.E. But one of the souls she is meant to collect is missing. As she tracks him down, she learns that 17-year-old Connor may have been murdered by one of her coworkers.

I thought this had an amazing opening, and I loved the very short chapters. But it then slowed down a bit for me. It took me a while to appreciate both Kathy and Connor. While I expected some snarky banter, I found the dialogue sometimes fell a bit flat and more on the mean side. But by midway, I was quite engaged. And I found the S.C.Y.T.H.E agency and world building incredibly well done.

The book brought in a lot of emotions about motherhood. I found those aspects surprisingly touching in addition to the vein of humor. And the final steps of the plots were so twisty. I definitely did not guess who.

Jaime Lamchick voices the audiobook with a great tone for Kathy and a perfect reading of just the number to start each chapter. But I didn't love her voice for Simon, Kathy's ex.

I don't read much "cozy horror" but thought this title sounded fun. And it was for the most part, but I also found it hard to get into & slow at times. I did love the FMC though - a pregnant, middle-aged gal but I did not care for the murder victim teenager at all & found him quite obnoxious. Anyway, my thanks to the publisher for the widget along with Net Galley, I appreciated the opportunity to read & review this one.

You have to love the business of souls moving on, becoming corporate and more friendly! Except for one soul. Kathy, an essence collector must solve the mystery of a young man's death. She thought she was arriving to transport an essence onto the next realm, but his passing didn't seem right.

I love that Kathy, is a regular person we can all relate to, a corporate job that she wants to excel at, a demanding boss and a love life that is in shambles. And now she has a mystery to solve!

This book is a fun ride, not scary, and an enjoyable mystery. The main character is such a likable person!
I am glad this is the first in a series. I am looking forward to reading more in this series, and the next adventure for Kathy.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the eARC!

At last, something a bit different! This action-suspense, murder mystery gives the reader a fresh take. The plot of a ghostly murder victim (client), professional Reaper with issues (not least a pregnancy), and the skullduggery afoot (corporate of course!) make for an enjoyable, ride. Looking forward to the further adventures of this Reaper!

Kathy is a middle-aged, mid-divorce, pregnant, modern-day grim reaper and her career is one of the few aspects of her life she is confident in. Kathy works in the natural causes department so imagine her surprise when the next soul she has to transport, seventeen-year-old Connor, insists he was murdered. Kathy must step outside of her comfort zone to investigate Connor’s murder before he becomes a ghost and she needs all the help she can get.

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer is such a fun, wildly original novel. The characters are all so lovable, especially Kathy’s ragtag sleuthing crew. I adored the themes of recognizing your self-worth, second-chances, and found family. A beautiful story that is laugh-out-loud funny, entertaining, and light-hearted despite the subject of death. I’m so excited to see where the S.C.Y.T.H.E series goes next!

Kathy love her job, but it has led to her divorce, and now she is pregnant with her ex’s baby. Her job is super secret, it’s to help souls pass from their body to the afterlife. When she gets her latest assignment though, things start to go a bit off the rails as the soul she is meant to help is nowhere to be found. When she finally manages to track him down, he tells her that he was murdered. Murdered by someone at her company. Kathy is now determined to find out who murdered Conner and why…

This was such a unique story! I just fell in love with Kathy, even if she sometimes worked against her bets interests. The relationship she built with Conner throughout the story was so precious and heartwarming, it just filled my cup! That feels like a weird thing to say about a book about the grim reaper, but it really did. I found this book to be such a wonderful and fun delight! It was the light hearted book I needed, even if the topic seems heavier!

Thank you to @berkleypub for my gifted copy of this book!

I first have to start out by saying that this book surprised me author Maxie Dara wrote a book that is so different and has so much imagination then any others that I’ve read before. I loved it. It’s perfect for A October read
Imagine a Grimm reaper who is a pregnant divorced female character that works for a company called S.C.Y.T.H.E. That is a corporation that has policies and procedures. Kathy the MC likes her job it’s boring and predictable so when a case drops to her about a teenage boy who soul is missing and is claiming he didn’t die of natural causes and will,not move on Kathy finds herself needing help with this case because if she doesn’t solve it she might lose her job and the boy will be doomed to roam the earth.
If you want to read a different quirky story this one it.

thank you berkley pub for the free copy!

4.5 stars!!

i had so much fun reading A GRIM REAPER’S GUIDE TO CATCHING A KILLER. if you enjoy cozy mysteries & want something seasonal, this is it! 🖤

Omg, the way I loved this book! It was absolutely what I was needing to help pull my from my reading slump I’ve been feeling like I’ve been in for the last month.

Read if you like:
👻 Spunky Teenage Ghosts
🔎 Amateur Detectives
💀 Human Grim Reapers
🤣 LOL Moments/ Morbid Jokes
🥈 Second Chance Romances
🤰🏼 Pregnancy & Jokes
⏰ Ticking Clock to Save the Day!

Kathy is a 42 year old, average, relatively boring, anti-social, pregnant, and in the middle of divorcing her husband who loves her more than anything but she has started to find him utterly annoying with his devotion to her, which is more complicated by the fact that after she left him they hooked up and she ended up pregnant.

And then poorly timed difficult case at work pops up in the midst of her mid-life crisis, pregnancy, and divorce that forces her to ask for help and finally to open up to her quirky and bit odd soon to be ex husband and baby daddy when the collection of one of her assigned souls does not go to plan when he isn’t where he should be for collection and then when she does find him, he refuses to cross over as he reports he didn’t die of natural causes as her report says, but that he was murdered by someone wearing a name tag just like hers.

So now pregnant Kathy teams up with her teenage spirit who is her polar opposite and her senior citizen former mentor at work to try to solve Conner’s murder before the 45 day window for his spirit to cross over ends and he will be stuck on earth as a ghost for eternity, ohhh and also before she pops since she is 7 months along in her geriatric pregnancy.

Things start to take a scary turn as she investigates Conner’s death and starts to suspect different coworkers who may be involved and potential killers… but the journey is also filled with smart quips and a blooming rekindling of romance and Kathy beginning to believe that just maybe her life isn’t so bad.

I can’t say enough good things about this one, and highly recommend to anyone reading this to add it to their spooky season tbr and especially to check out the audio as I really loved the narration!

Thank you so much to Berkley and PRHA for my gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this book a little ridiculous? Yes. Did it get super in depth into the "science" of how Kath's job worked? No. Did I have an excellent time reading it? Yes. I giggled at some points, I was emotional over a few others, and I'm thrilled this appears to be the start of a series.