Search - Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Bk 1)

First book in the Hollows series. Rachel Morgan is a bounty hunter for the I.S., an organization that polices fae creatures in an alternate Earth where a deadly virus has revealed that faeries DO exist. Rachel is a witch and she wants out of her job. The only problem is that not being able to pay off her contract means a contract on her life with all manner of supernatural assassins after her (thus the title of our book). Her only hope is to solve something BIG so she sets out to find out who is behind the illegal Brimstone operations in the city. Of course she almost dies trying numerous times. I read the second book of this series as well and what I admire most is probably how well minor things from the first book are incorporated in the second as unexpected ah-has. What annoyed me the most is probably Rachel's ignorance about certain aspects of other fae and magic. If she grew up a witch, shouldn't she already know these things? If her partner in I.S. was a vampire, shouldn't she know more about what sets them off? This inconsistency kept coming up and grated at my enjoyment of the rest of the book which I found to be generally quite absorbing and entertaining.

A witch and a vampire end up as roommates and business partners for crime solving and/or bounty hunting.

PROS: This is a fun story and I enjoyed each of the characters. I do think the pixies sort of stole the show at times -- in a good way. The witch protagonist is far from perfect, and that makes her all the more likable. A great mix of characters. The end of the book leaves you wanting to know how the interpersonal relationships are going to flesh out. But the mystery/action loose ends are nicely tidied up.

CONS: I did take me a while to get into this one. The action was a little slow at times, but that didn't detract from a strong premise. Also, I felt a little lost in this world from time to time. Like I was coming in on the third book in a series. I still do not fully understand how vampires 'work' in this series.

A book so good that I spent my Saturday curled up in a chair reading. Nothing could get me to move. It's been awhile since I've found a book that good.

Ms. Harrison does an excellent job writing characters that are believable, that are people with issues, problems, needs. Her characters have a depth that some authors just can't grasp. When you read you know there's more to their actions than what is being told and you want to beg to be let in to know everything. Yet you're satisfied with the knowledge you have thinking of all the possiblities.

I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I purchased this and The Good The Bad and The Undead at Goodwill. I didn't plan on reading them (only swap them.) But upon seeing that they were wishlisted I decided to give them a shot! I am glad I did and now I'm sitting on the wishlist waiting for the rest of the series...lol.

Things I liked: The characters and types of characters were very imaginative and interesting. The idea of why the world had changed to the state it was in the book was a good concept! I enjoyed the humor of the characters, especially Jenks!

Things I didn't like: Rachel is continually portrayed as "airheaded" for lack of a better word. Not that she can't be intelligent when it is absolutely necessary, but she doesn't seem to to use her head unless it is life or death. I wish there was more about Ivy outside of when they are at home!

Overall I enjoyed it and would say it is worth the read!

Had a hard time getting this one. Seemed that some of the information about the city seemed to be missing (it wasn't - it just wasn't explained). It was ok, but book 2 is much better - probably because you understand things better from book 1.

"All the creatures of the night gather in 'the Hollows' of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed."

I loved this book because of the alternate dimension-ness of it. If there were parallel universes, Ms. Harrison's universe of Witches, Pixies, Vampires, Warewolves (or rather, just Wares) and Fairies would be where I would want to live. The world has been turned upside down by the discovery of mythological creatures whom have been living next door to the 'normal' people for centuries. The Turn changed everything, and this book is a delightful romp through the shadier parts of it! And the series just gets better :)

I have a HUGE issue with the blurb on the back of This KIM Harrison series. They are written to grab the attention of everyone who appreciates Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake vampire series. I stayed away from DEAD WITCH for that reason, but after getting over it, I am delighted. The two books are only alike in genre as types of bounty hunters of the supernatural& other oddities. Her writing is enjoyably fun while dealing with darkness & evil. Jenks the pixy gets my vote as favorite character. I also like how the book winds down, leaving small cracks open for further exploring in the series without punching you in the face about it. I am still a LKH fan but glad to know I have another author I can read in between book releases.

In this urban fantasy, the Midwest is hopping! Witches, vampires, weres, leprechauns and other supernatural beings live side by side with humanity, creating much tension, conflict - and unexpected alliances. With a young redhaired witch with attitude as narrator, this suspenful fantasy set in Cincinnati is a must for fans of Anita Blake and other characters in that vein.

This is an excellent start to this set. This was my first book i have read by her and look forward to reading the rest

This is a hard series to get into if you have been reading this genre for a while because she takes some of the old "standards" of vampires, witches, and werewolves to a different level. I love the characters because they are just as geeky as can be while still trying to look cool. Funny and different. Keep reading the series... you won't be disappointed!

took a chance on this book, now i can not wait till the next book comes out.

Hard to get started but after Chapter 16 I liked it. I also consider the fact that I read alot of books in the genra so I expect a lot from it. I plan on reading the 2nd in the series befor I deceid if it's realy worth it or not.

Surprisingly good little series.

This is not the usual genre of vamp novels that have hit the shelves recently which involve a heavy-handed amount of sex and romance. Dead Witch Walking leans more toward the Anita Blake detective vamp novel. Set aside the menage a trois aspect of the Blake novels...no sex here...lots and lots of allusions to it courtesy of our heroine's buddy who is a vamp. This stuff borders on a non hetero relationship although nothing comes of it, you'd swear it was around the corner. If you aren't comfortable with these allusions, set this one aside. The book in and of itself is a fairly fast paced detective novel set in a parallel Cincinnati where the vamps, ghouls and weres live across the river in the "Hollows". Harrison has some great original ideas and I enjoyed the universe she created. This red-headed witch is full of charms and enchantments and has a two great side kicks to keep you amused. Read it.

Good beginning to a great series. Scary parts with lots of action.

I couldn't finish this book. It was tough for me to get into.

This book held my interest enough to read the whole thing, but I doubt I'll read another. Just to stupid-romancy type for me.

I could not get into this book. I guess I am a little more hardcore about my horror. This book was too cutesy for me. I think the Author has talent and if she ever writes something more scary and less delightful, I will pick it up in a heartbeat.

The whole Hollows series is wonderful and very addictive. This and the Southern Vampire series are my two favs.

Futuristic story, first in a series. A witch and a vamp go into business together as private runners(missing persons, human or otherwise, mostly otherwise. They also add a pixie as a partner. Danger and antics prevail.