Unholy Magic

Downside Ghosts, Book 2

By: Stacia Kane

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

For freewheeling ghost hunter Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

©2010 Stacia Kane (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“ Unholy Ghosts is a wonderful, weird, wild tale filled with gritty magic, punk rock and macabre spirits. Kane’s world is dark, dangerous and haunted, populated by hustlers, junkies and exorcists…and you’ll never want to leave. Simply the best book I’ve read this year.” (Caitlin Kittredge, author of Street Magic)

Totally Incredible!!!

This story was absolutely amazing you can't help but get drawn in and love the characters I would recommend this book And tell you you won't regret reading it. I absolutely love it can't wait to get started on the next one

So much fun!

Yes it’s a dark story. But more real than many others. The characters are flawed, not beautiful and make lots of mistakes. Like real people. And I don’t find the slang annoying at all, as a matter of fact, it makes sense that the people in the story would not speak “properly”. Loved it!

Love love love

Loving this series!!! Looking forward to reading more and seeing what happens with these two!

FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES. The characters and world are awesome. Narrator goes a great job of bring characters to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unholy Magic?

The sexual tension between these two are off the charts. And I love that they are one of those couples that doesn't get together in the first book. It keeps you hanging on to see if they will or won't make it. And you just know if they, do it will be explosive and life changing for the both of them.

“I figure you really wanted me you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll f-in carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain't lookin for charity, an I ain't lettin you go after. Once...once ain't enough for me, dig?”

O.M.G. Just reading that quote again makes me what to re-listen to the book again. Terrible is such a great anti-hero. I was told by friends that he might replace Jericho Barrons (Fever series) on the top of my list. He is very close; he and Barrons might have to hang out at the top together for awhile.

Which character – as performed by Bahni Turpin – was your favorite?

Chess and Terrible

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The WHOLE book!

Any additional comments?

Seriously, if you have not started this series get off your butt and do it! FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC.

For all you Urban Fantasy fans that has not started this series yet I highly recommend that you put down what you are reading and start this series TODAY.

Well written story

This book was written very well and would make a great movie or TV show. It was a great story with lots of love, magic and action. I can't wait to hear the next story.

another great book in this series

i can't express how much i am enjoying this series. stacia kane is an amazingly talented writer, crafting complex human connections, a gritty, compelling world and heartbreakingly beautiful damaged souls for her main characters. the descriptive storytelling pulls the reader into the world and shares the experiences of the characters. also bahni turpin is one of the most talented narrators I've had the pleasure to listen to. thank you so much for this book and this series, I'm going to read book 3 directly.

Another Winner!

An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. At the same time she continues to juggle the two men whom she has an interest in, knowing they are mortal enemies. Just as she is beginning to make headway with the guy she is truly interested in things go to hell. Literally.
The best part was when Terrible came and took care of Chess after she had been poisoned. No questions, just came out in a freaking snowstorm and took care of her. Too bad things get so complicated and by books end, Terrible can't stand to look at her or be around her. Its so bittersweet, because you can tell he hasn't really cut himself totally off from her, but he can't let her know it.

Again a masterful performance by Bahni Turpin.

Book 3 upcoming!!

This series isn't for everyone, its edgy, gritty, dark and oh so dirty, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Like I said before not for the faint of heart looking for those sweet lil happily ever afters.

A Wonderful Surprise!

This series has been a real find and a total surprise. I purchased the first one after reading some amazing reviews but was unsure what to expect. The heroine is a drug addict?? However, Chess is such a vulnerable and complex character that the listener can't help but love her. She is insecure, brave, clever, and full of contradictions. She is a fascinating protagonist and gets more interesting with each installment. Stacia Kane's world is edgy and unique. At times it is genuinely scary and at others it is grim, yet there is still love and hope to be found. Terrible and Lex add to a wonderful cast of rich characters. The other great thing about this series is the magnificent performances by Bahni Turpin. I honestly think the best way to experience these books is to hear her read them. She is superb - probably the best narrator I have heard. The books come to life and the characters are voiced so well its impossible to think of them sounding any other way. If you're a fan of urban fantasy with an edge this series is one of the best. I bought the first one and was so captivated I purchased all the others and had them finished in a week. Then I started again!

The first book was sooo great, this one is a bit of let down, but not much

The first book was impeccable. Fairly well written with amazing narration & production. Quite frankly, had I not heard the first book, I probably would've been tempted to give this one a five star rating.

This second book of the series, however, isn't quite as well written, and the narration is nowhere near as crisp and clean. There are a few passages where it sounds like each sentence is from a different recording session with slightly different energy from the reader, and definitely different mixer settings.

I'm still going to listen to the next book in the series. Starting in about a half hour.

LOVE this series…please write more

I love the world, dialect and characters, it is completely different than any series. I have listened/read this series more times than I can count. I am hoping that more books in this series begin after her children are older. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us more Downside.