Unholy Magic - Book Review

Unholy Magic (Downside Ghosts #2) by Stacia Kane

What is it about:
For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. 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—along with their ruthless employers—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.

What did I think of it:
It isn't the story that makes this series awesome in my opinion.
To be honest: I think the story suffers from too much convenient coincidental occurrences. Still I absolutely love this series and it's Kane's writing style combined with the amazing characters that pull this off.

It's a rare writer who can write a criminal, violent character like Terrible and make him more than likeable. Same goes for Chess: she's an addict, does stupid things and still I'm rooting for her. It's these and other characters and their interactions that make me read this series and turn a blind eye at the obvious flaws in the storyline.

Not that the story is all bad: it's actually a cool and creepy story if you don't focus too much on the coincidental stuff, but it's the characters and the writing that make the story come to life and turn it from a nice read to a reread favourite. If Kane keeps writing her characters the way she does I'll keep on reading this series.

Why should you read it:
If you like grim, character-driven Urban Fantasy you should really read this series.