Member Reviews

Kathy feels like she has a dead end job escorting dead essences for processing. She is in the process of divorcing and also pregnant. But then her latest client is missing from his dead scene and something else seems to be going on. ARC from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I loved reading this book! Kathy's character was so realistic, relatable, witty, and fun! This book had a great plot, a great story that is unique and keeps you on your toes. The funny banter between Kathy and Conner, the witty remarks by Kathy, the unapologetically herself Jo, all just had my heart. I also loved how even in this unique and out of the world scenario, Kathy was a normal woman, just like me or anyone I would know.

Definitely recommend this book! If you're looking for a fun twist to thrillers and mysteries, here's your answer.

Was this review helpful?

I was really excited to receive an early copy of this book, but ultimately I just couldn't get into it. The premise was really interesting and fun, but the execution wasn't as fun or campy as I think it should have been. It was quick to get through, but after a while I just wanted to give up. I think this will find its audience, but that audience was not me.

Was this review helpful?

I got the pleasure of reading A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer (arc), and I loved it! I wished I could have read it all in one day but life.. I loved the mystery aspect of the plot and the fact that Kathy, is basically a modern day grim reaper. It was a very interesting plot and topic but it made me love it even more. It has tropes of found family and forced proximity, along with some much needed humor thrown into the mix. I definitely think if you're one for a love of murder mystery with some humor, this book if for you!

Was this review helpful?

The idea of the book was intriguing. I ove paranormal. I DNF'd the title after 5 or so chapters. The protagonist started off ok, but the was progressively gloomy and I just couldn't connect/care about what was going to happen. I am sure other people may like it, so I may purchase it for our patrons, but it was not for me.

Was this review helpful?

What I hope is a start to a fun series. Wonderful twist on the whole grim reaper. Quick light beach read.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars, rounded up.

I adored everything about this book. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the way the book developed and the message it had.

It follows Kathy, a soon to be divorced 42 year old that is pregnant with her ex's baby. She also happens to work for S.C.Y.T.H.E as a grim reaper. She stumbles across a difficult case where the soul she's supposed to collect is insisting he's been murdered and she needs to help him find out who.

Everything that happens next is just what I love to see in a book. It has found family. It has banter, and wit. It's got a smidgen of romance and packs a punch with the drama in this book. Beautifully written and such a fun time, I can't wait for everyone to read this on release day.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored this book. It was hilarious and fun, a great mystery but it had so much heart. The FMC was so funny!! I really can’t wait to see where the S.C.Y.T.H.E mystery world takes it, and I’m really looking forward to more installments in this collection. Thank you to Berkley and Netgally for this ARC! 5 stars!!

Was this review helpful?

Enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. A refreshing take on the Grim Reaper trope, this book had me hooked so hard, I read it all in one sitting and was late to a meeting the next morning because it took all night. I read it slowly, which I don't normally do because I have ADHD and everything needs to be done at a breakneck speed. This, however, I took time to read. Loved the whole thing. Well done.

Was this review helpful?

Kathy is a grim reaper for S.C.Y.T.H.E. Only they don’t go by that name anymore, she’s a Collections Agent. When she’s assigned a case to escort a 17 year boy for processing, things go awry. I really can’t say I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It did take me a bit to get into, but I am so glad I continued. Love the relationships with all the characters in this book. And I loved Kathy’s self realizations by the end. I laughed and cried. A Grim Reapers Guide To Catching A Killer had a unique storyline that I look forward to continuing!

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book made me feel so many emotions. I laughed, cried so much, laughed. This book broke my heart and put it back together again. Such a funny and sweet way to turn this into both a mystery and show how important family can be.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC! This story does it all makes you laugh, makes you cry, and just touches your heart. A great read!

Was this review helpful?

Who knew a book about a self-exiled pregnant grim reaper could be so incredibly touching? It is full of humanity, life, wisdom, risk, and intense emotion. The friendship between Connor and Kathy will stick with me long after finishing. This novel is important. It is raw, real, and rare. One of the best books I have ever read, Maxie Dara writes the middle-aged female perspective and the angsty teenager with perfection. I cannot recommend this book enough, it is that good. Truthfully, I cry easily, but I have never shed happy tears over a murder mystery. You’ve got to pick up this book!

Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for the eARC! I am “eternally” grateful.

Was this review helpful?

This was ridiculously good. It was everything. It was funny, and intense, and tear-jerking, but never cliche or cringey. Be prepared to fall in love with these characters, to laugh out loud, and to be shocked when someone asks why you’re crying.

Was this review helpful?

Breezed through this book and truly loved that it was actually filled with character development! A rarity in the genre. The twist was interestingly engineered and didn't feel forced. That being said, the ending really felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. Hopefully, we'll get more tales of S.C.Y.T.H.E. in the future!

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting and I hope there is more to come from the author. Joy to read and I can’t wait to recommend this title. Congratulations to the author and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced read. I will be purchasing a copy for my personal library as soon as it is released.

Was this review helpful?

4 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny light enjoyable. The mystery was solid. The characters were fun and relatable. It was a nice break from such heavy mysteries and whores that I normally read.

Was this review helpful?

I really like the premise of the book. That said, it didn’t feel “mystery/thriller” as much as it felt “cozy mystery” to me. I wasn’t personally invested so stopped after chapter 5 (11%).

I think this is solidly a three to four stars for “cozy” fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?