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Debriefing the Dead (The Dead Series) Paperback – May 7, 2018

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

HYACINTH FINCH HAS GOT ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE, THE OTHER KICKING ASS.

The only thing Hyacinth wants is her life back. Literally. She and her sister were murdered by Demons, leaving her young nephew, Geordi, to his father's family in the brutal Sicilian Mob. Then Archangel Michael offers her a deal: recapture a powerful rock the Demons stole, and she can live long enough to find Geordi a safe home. Refuse, and she'll continue up (or down) to the Afterlife.

So, slightly more alive than dead, she heads for Turkey and the Demons, taking Geordi, her mysterious neighbor Jason, and a sexy dead guy only she can see with her. But the hardest part won't be battling Demons, meeting Satan, or dodging Middle Eastern customs--it will be later, when Geordi is settled, and Michael rips her away again. How can she abandon her nephew? Or can she outwit the Angel of Death himself, and stay with Geordi forever?
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Award-Winning Urban Fantasy:2020 Reader's Favorite Bronze Award for Best Urban Fantasy2019 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Published Fantasy
2019 InD'tale Magazine RONE Award for Best Long Paranormal
2019 HOLT Medallion Literary Award for Best Paranormal Romance & Best First Book
2019 Romance Writers of America RITA® Award Finalist for Best Paranormal Romance

5 stars from N.N. Light's Book Heaven: "To say I loved this book is such an understatement...I freaking LOVED it! It's got adventure, archaeology, paranormal, action, spirituality (Heaven/Hell/archangels/demons/Satan/death/afterlife), a touch of romance, history, travel... For it being Kerry Blaisdell's debut, it's incredibly written without a flaw in the plot. The characters are so well-conceived and fleshed out, they appeared to come to life."

5 stars from InD'tale Magazine: "Hyacinth is a well-crafted character with a deep, intriguing personality. She really feels rounded and three-dimensional, like an actual person. The love interests were interesting too, in particular Eric, since his peculiar situation makes him all the more enthralling. The ending is unexpected, the pacing is fast, and the writing is pretty good as well. With so many twists, turns and secrets, this book is a fun, original, adventurous novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats."

5 stars from The Paranormal Romance Guild: "An amazing story filled with secrets and surprises and an adorable seven year old. The story doesn't lack in suspense and left me hurrying to finish so I could find out what Jason's secret was. I can't wait for the next book in the series which I hope will be sooner rather than later."

4 stars from The Romance Reviews: "DEBRIEFING THE DEAD is fun and smart, ambitious and self-aware.... It is well-written, researched, and edited. It doesn't turn away from horrors and the horrible consequences of horrors. It asks big questions and doesn't always provide the reader with comforting answers. It treats the reader like a grown-up. Author Kerry Blaisdell is a professional, and the fact that it comes as such a relief to me makes me wonder if I should re-examine my reading life."

About the Author

Kerry Blaisdell is the award-winning author of The Dead Series, including DEBRIEFING THE DEAD - 2019 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Published Fantasy, InD'tale Magazine RONE Award for Best Long Paranormal, HOLT Medallion Literary Award for Best Paranormal & Best First Book, and Romance Writers of America RITA® Award finalist - and its sequel, WAKING THE DEAD, which InD'tale Magazine recommends for "fans of television shows like 'Constantine' or 'Supernatural.'" She also writes award-winning Romantic Suspense and Historical Mystery. She has a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley in Comparative Literature (French/Medieval English), and a Master's in Teaching English and Advanced Mathematics from the University of Portland. Kerry lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her family, assorted cats and dogs, and more hot pepper plants than anyone could reasonably consume.

Connect with Kerry online or subscribe to her Very Occasional Mailing List at kerryblaisdell.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Black Rose) (May 7, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509220453
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509220458
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

About the author

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Kerry Blaisdell
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Kerry Blaisdell is the bestselling and award-winning author of the acclaimed Dead Series, including DEBRIEFING THE DEAD and its sequels, which InD’tale Magazine recommends for “fans of shows like ‘Constantine’ or ‘Supernatural.’” She also writes award-winning Romantic Suspense and Historical Mystery. She has a B.A. from U.C. Berkeley in Comparative Literature (French/Medieval English), and a Master’s in Teaching English and Advanced Mathematics from University of Portland. Kerry lives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her family, assorted animals, and more hot pepper plants than anyone could reasonably consume.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
124 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging with a fast-paced storyline and intriguing premise. They describe it as a fun, well-written read with good characters and a likable heroine. The humor is described as quirky and funny. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions and attention to detail in the book. Overall, customers find the book an enjoyable and entertaining read that keeps their attention throughout.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Pace"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's fast-paced story. They find the premise intriguing and the characters well-developed. The story has suspenseful elements and an action-packed adventure from beginning to end. Readers appreciate the great storytelling and unexpected plot twists.

"...This debut novel is well-researched, well-written, and a fast-paced page turner. Hint: Keep your eye on that rock ...." Read more

"...Very light on the actual romance with tender moments and a few hot kisses. Definitely need to see what else is in store for Hyacinth!" Read more

"This fast-paced paranormal adventure is what would happen if Veronica Mars got involved with angels and demons...." Read more

"Great, fast-paced story, with few typos...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and engaging. They appreciate the well-written storytelling and the way it captures their attention.

"...This debut novel is well-researched, well-written, and a fast-paced page turner. Hint: Keep your eye on that rock ...." Read more

"A wild read with a unique and gripping plot. Full of action, wit, emotion, and suspense...." Read more

"This was such a fun read. Within pages Hyancinth’s quirky, witty voice pulled me in and made me laugh. Hyancinth was not your typical protagonist...." Read more

"I really loved this book. It was wonderful to read something different with a spice of romance in it...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find the heroine likable, strong, and a good person at heart. The storyline is engaging.

"...However, deep down she was a good person at heart and would do anything to protect her seven-year-old nephew from his mafia family...." Read more

"...Debriefing the Dead's protagonist, Hyacinth, is smart, funny, and likable. She has some crazy stuff thrown at her but handles it all with style...." Read more

"...I do glad I took a chance and read her book with the wonderful characters and story. Julie with Summer Fling Reading Challenge." Read more

"...Hyacinth is a complex main character with a unique plight that you can't help but get behind and root for...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it quirky, funny, and interesting. The heroine's wry humor is appreciated.

"A wild read with a unique and gripping plot. Full of action, wit, emotion, and suspense...." Read more

"This was such a fun read. Within pages Hyancinth’s quirky, witty voice pulled me in and made me laugh. Hyancinth was not your typical protagonist...." Read more

"...Debriefing the Dead's protagonist, Hyacinth, is smart, funny, and likable. She has some crazy stuff thrown at her but handles it all with style...." Read more

"...I could not put it down. It was a fast-paced, quirky, funny, interesting romp replete with angels, demons, and screaming artifacts...." Read more

5 customers mention "Description"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's descriptions. They find the storyline engaging, with well-developed characters. The descriptions of Turkey are vivid and well-researched.

"...This debut novel is well-researched, well-written, and a fast-paced page turner. Hint: Keep your eye on that rock ...." Read more

"...The author's description of Turkey, both some history and present-day, make me want to go there!..." Read more

"This book is so well written and interesting and had such good characterizations and a terrific story line that I plan to follow this author...." Read more

"...premise is intriguing and the characters are very well-presented and vivid. I could use less hiding of the secret...." Read more

3 customers mention "Attention span"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's attention span. They find it engaging from the opening scenes, with constant action and great characters.

"...The story takes off from the opening scenes and keeps you turning the pages...." Read more

"Debriefing the Dead does not disappoint! Constant action and great characters made this a GREAT read...." Read more

"Couldn't put this book down, it held my attention throughout. Good storyline, good characters wonderful descriptions." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2019
    Hyacinth is an art and antiquities dealer whose merchandise has dubious provenance. When her partner dies and leaves her a truckload of art, she examines the haul to see what is marketable--and a a rock sings to her. The rock, indistinguishable from any rock-garden variety rock, is such a siren she cannot resist touching it. And it knocks her off her feet and into a series of extraordinary events.

    Add a sister who was literally married to the mob, a hot handsome neighbor, an equally hot and handsome dead guy, Archangel Michael in battle gear, and a nephew who needs to be rescued from the clutches of demonic beings and you have a cast of characters ready to go into action.

    This debut novel is well-researched, well-written, and a fast-paced page turner. Hint: Keep your eye on that rock . I give this book 5 Angelic Stars and highly recommend this supernatural story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
    A wild read with a unique and gripping plot. Full of action, wit, emotion, and suspense. Very light on the actual romance with tender moments and a few hot kisses. Definitely need to see what else is in store for Hyacinth!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2019
    This was such a fun read. Within pages Hyancinth’s quirky, witty voice pulled me in and made me laugh. Hyancinth was not your typical protagonist. She lived a bit of a shady life as an antique dealer, working with even shadier characters, selling stolen items and sometimes robbing ancient graves herself. However, deep down she was a good person at heart and would do anything to protect her seven-year-old nephew from his mafia family. When she found herself dead, she worked out a deal with archangel St. Michael to return to Earth to steal some powerful rock before their new owners could give it to Satan. If she was successful, she would be allowed to remain undead on Earth as long as it took to find a good home for her newly orphaned nephew. It’s a crazy plot with a crazy cast, but Kerry Blaisdell makes it work. Loved the southern France and Turkey setting too. Looking forward to the next book of the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023
    This fast-paced paranormal adventure is what would happen if Veronica Mars got involved with angels and demons. Hyacinth is strong and determined, and the mystery is intriguing. And I’m *here* for Eric. Swoon! Since Kerry Blaisdell left me on a cliffhanger I’ll be picking up the next book soon!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2022
    An interesting book. Overall, I like the idea and the execution was pretty good.

    There is a lot to unpack in this book. I think if you dog too deep at it, there are a lot of holes, but if you take it for what it is meant to be (in my opinion), which is a fun, twisty read, you'll enjoy it. It has angel, demons, ghosts, cops, a dash of romance and a whole boatload of twists, so, something for everyone!
    There were a few places where it dragged, and a lot of the issues could have been solved with conversations...but there is enough meat to the story to pull you through those patches. I do feel like the big scene at the end was a little anticlimactic, but I think that is just because there was so much focus on the deadline.

    If you are a fan of ghosts, demons, and the grey areas in life, I think you'll like this one.
    Thank you BookSirens for my free copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2023
    I really loved this book. It was wonderful to read something different with a spice of romance in it. Hyacinth isn't your typical female protagonist and I love her for it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2019
    I'm so happy to have found a new author! I spent much of last year catching up on my favorite authors, which felt disappointing after a while when the characters and plots became somewhat "stale." Debriefing the Dead's protagonist, Hyacinth, is smart, funny, and likable. She has some crazy stuff thrown at her but handles it all with style. She's not perfect but that makes her all the more real. The author's description of Turkey, both some history and present-day, make me want to go there! Also, if you see this in the romance category but don't like romance books give it a try. I am not a romance fan but read this on a friend's recommendation and don't consider it romance (although there is some great chemistry between Hyacinth and her companions in the book).
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020
    Great, fast-paced story, with few typos. Imagine begging the Archangel, Michael, for more time on earth, but to be granted that desire you have to pit yourself against a slew of vicious demons to steal back a priceless object - against an impossible deadline. All so you can save your nephew from the Mafia! So, Will our heroine find the object in time, or will the demons have their way and then it’s game over? Even though there is a sequel or part 2, the ending of this book doesn’t leave any big questions unanswered. I love that. I am already reading the second book because I liked this one so much.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Created video
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2023
    Moreover Negev butlers virtually crushing xml zealous about such devices Facebook Goodreads here joined kindle line parks over its unique
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2020
    A thoroughly entertaining book, that I found difficult to put down. The story is very well written, and has great characters and an interesting plot. I picked this up on sale, and was delightfully surprised -- I shall definitely buy more from this author.
  • Corinne LaBalme
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced paranormal fun!
    Reviewed in France on December 2, 2021
    There is a lot of romance in this paranormal adventure even though the hunky dudes are not 'exactly' alive, totally legal, or 100% human. However, our wise-cracking heroine has a few issues of her own in these respects so those negative attributes are not deal-breakers. Lots of fun!
  • Michele Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2021
    This was my first book from this author and it didn’t disappoint, lots going on to keep you enthralled. I am looking forward to reading the next one
  • Jody Cairns
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2019
    I bought this book as it's a finalist for a RITA award. I thought it was a good book. Great characterization and pacing, but not much romance.
    2 people found this helpful
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