Helpful Score: 5
Former thief turned government employee working for the secret Department of Extraordinary Affairs, Simon Canderous, takes a walk on the dark side. Written by a man without the superfluous erotica and romance, it's humerous and a good read.
Helpful Score: 2
I liked it in the sense that it was only to the point about what was going on, nothing frilly or fancy thrown in. It keeps you guessing about what is going on with the ghost's throughout the whole thing, would like to have seen more of that part of it, but hey. Outside of that it's not bad, definatly a guy book, with all the funny stuff he says (it's soooo male in thought. lol) but you have to love it anyway...
Helpful Score: 2
Simon, a psychometric agent for the Department of Extraordinary Affairs, is involved in two major cases that somehow intertwine. Irene, an unusual ghost, has been murdered and her apartment trashed. Why? And Jane, an employee of the Sectarian Defense League, a cultist organization for evil. Simon has feelings for both Irene and Jane, the dead girl and the enemy, which pull him away from D.E.A. teachings. Of course, Faisal, the leader of S.D.L., is totally evil and out to kill Jane, Irene and Simon. This is a mystery novel that twists and turns, just when you think you know where it's going, it changes. Totally bizarre book but also really hard to put down.
BTW, psychometry is when you can pick up an object and get visions as to who, when and where that object has been. Simon wears leather gloves all the time so he doesn't get visions from every object he touches.
BTW, psychometry is when you can pick up an object and get visions as to who, when and where that object has been. Simon wears leather gloves all the time so he doesn't get visions from every object he touches.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It has wonderful humor, well-developed characters and interesting story line. In fact, I couldn't wait for the next books through PBS so ... off I went to Borders with coupons in hand. I'm enjoying Stouts books more than Butcher. However, if you enjoy romance and sex scenes ... then Stout is not for you.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent debut novel! The main character's talent is unusual and not one normally seen in urban fantasy. I loved that he wasn't all good either, he had real people issues. I also enjoyed the day to day part that isn't normally shown in urban fantasy. He is working for the government and that involving lots and lots of paperwork, the depiction of the "office" and the cubicles was so dead on and very funny!
Helpful Score: 1
It took me forever to write this review for Anton, because I'm a crappy reviewer! He now has permission to spank me for my horribleness. Now onto the good stuff! I really enjoyed the different powers in this book, and wish that we got to see Simon use his more. At least we'll see more in the second and third books that Anton is slaving away onright?
Simon gets in some bad situations with his powers, and especially with the way it ends up affecting all his relationships. It leads to some awkward scenes and is even a little sad that Simon can't get any nookie. I do like how he is very devoted to his cases though, and doesn't want to back down from the bad guys. I must say though I sort of have a crush on Connor, Simon's mentor, and hope there is lots more of him in the future. I like the hidden world in NYC that's been created with all its secret locations and different divisions of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs. Anton obviously knows his way around NYC and it shows. Dead to Me is definitely a great addition to the Urban Fantasy genre, and if you're a fan you should add it to your collection!
Simon gets in some bad situations with his powers, and especially with the way it ends up affecting all his relationships. It leads to some awkward scenes and is even a little sad that Simon can't get any nookie. I do like how he is very devoted to his cases though, and doesn't want to back down from the bad guys. I must say though I sort of have a crush on Connor, Simon's mentor, and hope there is lots more of him in the future. I like the hidden world in NYC that's been created with all its secret locations and different divisions of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs. Anton obviously knows his way around NYC and it shows. Dead to Me is definitely a great addition to the Urban Fantasy genre, and if you're a fan you should add it to your collection!
Helpful Score: 1
It got boring towards the middle; too forced, too punny.
I just couldn't like it enough to read beyond page 70. Characterization? Style? The concept is just as good (or bad) as dozens in the genre..
A very easy read and an enjoyable story.
Simon has the power of psychometry (the ability to see an person's past through touching an object) and turned his back on a life of petty crime to work for the government's team of oddities: people who possess certain abilities that make them useful in dealing with the paranormal. But when a beautiful ghost is convinced she isn't really dead, things start to get complicated.
It's an interesting story! If you like the Dresden Files, you'd enjoy it but it might not be a favorite. I like the supernatural aspects (ghosts, living bookshelves, psychic abilities) without fairies prancing around. The writing was good, not entirely predictable and not thoroughly laced with profanities (although there were some) or lots of sex. I'm intrigued enough to read the next in the series.
It's an interesting story! If you like the Dresden Files, you'd enjoy it but it might not be a favorite. I like the supernatural aspects (ghosts, living bookshelves, psychic abilities) without fairies prancing around. The writing was good, not entirely predictable and not thoroughly laced with profanities (although there were some) or lots of sex. I'm intrigued enough to read the next in the series.
Good read
Didn't finish...couldn't really get into it.
