Death Blows

Bloodhound Files, Book 2

By: D. D. Barant

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

FBI profiler Jace Valchek was pulled into this parallel realm to hunt for Aristotle Stoker, a human serial killer who preys on vampires and werewolves. Now she works for the National Security Agency of the Unnatural States of America - and her boss is a vampire.

At a bizarre crime scene, Jace finds a bloodsucker murdered by magic, fried to the bone, and dressed in the costume of the comic book hero The Flash - a character who isn't supposed to exist here. Comic books have been outlawed for their powers, including crossover spells like the one that transported Jace to this world. Soon, she's following a trail of dead bodies into the sinister underworld of black-market comics - where a deranged madman gives new meaning to the term "super-villain."

©2010 D.D. Barant (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Heroine Jace Valchek's in-your-face style brings plenty of humor to dangerous scenarios. Fast paced, fun and not to be missed!" ( Romantic Times)

Very Creative Thinking

Any additional comments?

This book is one of my favorites in the series. Relationships are evolving, and new characters are being introduced (including a dog). And be aware: Don't get too distracted or you'll be playing catch up during the big reveal. There's a lot of creative concepts packed into this one.
The narration seemed a bit rushed at times. I didn't notice this during the last book, and it won't stop me from downloading the next.

Fast paced action with a dash of smart ass

What made the experience of listening to Death Blows the most enjoyable?

I have to say that it took me a bit to get used to the narrator for this series. She reads a little too quickly. But getting past that she does a good job on the voice distinctions and catching the overall feel of the attitude and emotions of the main character.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a hard one and the reason why is because the main character is VERY strong so the supporting cast really allows the listener to enjoy her more for being the smart ass character she is. I can't point out one person as the story and plot is impacted by so many of the supporting cast but I will say that I have developed a soft spot for many of them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes... and I did. There is a lot of action and the way that the book is written the ending isn't in any way given away so I lost some sleep to learn how the book ended... and started the next book the next day.

Any additional comments?

This is number 2 in the series and I highly recommend listening or reading the first book. Though explanations are given as reminders through all of the books as you go, it's best to get the full story from book 1 as it's important to get the relationship the main character has with many of her supporting cast.This was a great book and I'm looking forward to more of the series to come!

My Favorite So Far From This Author!

I really enjoyed this book. It has just what I like in this genre - a tough heroine, a mystery and a little humor thrown in with the snark! Enjoyed Gallahad too! I've grabbed the next audiobook in this series already so I can continue the fun. LOVE Johanna Parker's narration!

Somewhat boring.

I had trouble focusing with this one. I constantly had to rewind. That is really rare for me. I haven't decided yet if I want to continue with this series.

Just as good as the 1st!

What made the experience of listening to Death Blows the most enjoyable?

Johanna Parker's vocal talent continues to blow me away! She has a real gift for narration and story telling.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Dr. Pete. He turned out to be a complex character, yet still very likable.

Which character – as performed by Johanna Parker – was your favorite?

Of course Jace is my favorite and Gretchen is a close second. I love Jace's humor and introspection. It is a perfect balance to Gretchen's refinement.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely!

Any additional comments?

Death Blows took my emotions on quite a roller coaster ride. I laughed, cried, got angry, and experienced a good chunk of nostalgia. That's how you know a book - especially an audible one - has done its job :)

Definitely worth a credit

(First, I apologize for posting this same review on the wrong book.)

1. As with any mystery, you want to see if you can figure it out as the story progresses. You might as well give up on this idea in the series. The writer builds "suspense" by having his characters constantly withhold critical information they knew from the start, disclosing it only in dribs and drabs. That's not suspense. It's annoyance. It would make sense if these characters were enemies, but they're supposed to be part of the "good guys" hoping to solve the crimes.

2. I gave the performance 5 stars, because I love this narrator. But she talks too fast, and runs the main character's thoughts together with her speech so it's difficult to tell when the character is thinking and when she's talking.

Now, the good:

1. Despite the problems, these stories are JUST. PLAIN. FUN. The characters are fun. The banter is fun. The ideas are fun. This is especially appealing to people like me, who like the "film noir in an alternate universe" style.

2. Abandoning the idea of solving the mystery based on the same clues the main character has to consider doesn't mean you can't figure out who's doing the killing. I managed to guess simply based on the writing style.

3. The narrator's style of storytelling grabs you and keeps you interested.

Love this series

Great book and narrator. Can't wait to listen to the next book. This series is so consuming.

ready for the next one

love the story and now I'm going to download the next one. can't wait.