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debtat2's review against another edition
4.0
A fully immersive series that works as standalone reads as well as a compulsive series, One to watch out for!
annieb123's review against another edition
3.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Case of the Deadly Doppelganger is the second book in the Dr. Ribero series by author Lucy Banks. Published by Amberjack publishing and released 6 February, 2018, the series is a NA paranormal mystery. This entry clocks in at an impressive 328 pages and is available in ebook and paperback formats.
There's a popular sub-genre of paranormal mysteries these days which rely on snappy and sarcastic dialogue and ensemble casts. I can think of a half dozen off the top of my head: The Laundry Files, Bryant & May, Peter Grant, Sandman Slim, Dr. Siri Paiboun, The Garrett Files, and there are so many more. It's a sub-genre of which I'm very fond. I was excited to find this example on NetGalley and requested it at once, despite not having read the first book in the series.
Dr. Ribero's Agency is a group of paranormal investigators who deal with hauntings, paranormal activity and other crises which fall outside the purview of normal government agencies. They're about as low budget and ragtag as it's possible to imagine and largely hapless into the bargain. Under normal circumstances, the 'underdog' vibe is a good comedic plot device, but in this particular case I found it more sad and annoying than funny.
The characters (lead protagonist Kester included, unfortunately) are universally whiny, irritating and crude. There are more jokes about bodily functions in this book than I really wanted to count. There's so much mean sniping and crankiness between the characters (who seem to act like 6 year olds with critically low blood sugar than functional adults) that I just found it exhausting.
My other disgruntlement with the book comes from the 2 dimensional cardboard cutout character stereotypes: the chubby nerd, the b*tchy Barbie, the dark inscrutable Russian, the passionate oily Argentinian, the stern schoolmistress-y spinster with a heart of gold, the flakey new-age hippie, the androgynous cowgirl (?!). The author manages to hit almost all, racial, ethnic and physical.
Given the incredibly enthusiastic reviews this book has gotten (4.1 Goodreads average) my experience of the book seems to be in the minority. Your experience will therefore likely vary from mine.
The book does read quite well as a standalone entry. I had no trouble following the plot at all or keeping the characters straight. It would probably be a good light read, undemanding and somewhat humorous.
Two and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Case of the Deadly Doppelganger is the second book in the Dr. Ribero series by author Lucy Banks. Published by Amberjack publishing and released 6 February, 2018, the series is a NA paranormal mystery. This entry clocks in at an impressive 328 pages and is available in ebook and paperback formats.
There's a popular sub-genre of paranormal mysteries these days which rely on snappy and sarcastic dialogue and ensemble casts. I can think of a half dozen off the top of my head: The Laundry Files, Bryant & May, Peter Grant, Sandman Slim, Dr. Siri Paiboun, The Garrett Files, and there are so many more. It's a sub-genre of which I'm very fond. I was excited to find this example on NetGalley and requested it at once, despite not having read the first book in the series.
Dr. Ribero's Agency is a group of paranormal investigators who deal with hauntings, paranormal activity and other crises which fall outside the purview of normal government agencies. They're about as low budget and ragtag as it's possible to imagine and largely hapless into the bargain. Under normal circumstances, the 'underdog' vibe is a good comedic plot device, but in this particular case I found it more sad and annoying than funny.
The characters (lead protagonist Kester included, unfortunately) are universally whiny, irritating and crude. There are more jokes about bodily functions in this book than I really wanted to count. There's so much mean sniping and crankiness between the characters (who seem to act like 6 year olds with critically low blood sugar than functional adults) that I just found it exhausting.
My other disgruntlement with the book comes from the 2 dimensional cardboard cutout character stereotypes: the chubby nerd, the b*tchy Barbie, the dark inscrutable Russian, the passionate oily Argentinian, the stern schoolmistress-y spinster with a heart of gold, the flakey new-age hippie, the androgynous cowgirl (?!). The author manages to hit almost all, racial, ethnic and physical.
Given the incredibly enthusiastic reviews this book has gotten (4.1 Goodreads average) my experience of the book seems to be in the minority. Your experience will therefore likely vary from mine.
The book does read quite well as a standalone entry. I had no trouble following the plot at all or keeping the characters straight. It would probably be a good light read, undemanding and somewhat humorous.
Two and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
jackinabook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
It's only been a couple of months since his mother died and he discovered that ghosts and spirits are real, but Kester is part of a whole new life now. One with friends, sort of, and a father, albeit an odd one, and maybe even a girlfriend. He's got a purpose too, working at a supernatural agency that deals with ghosts. Kester can open a door into the spirit world that lets the departed pass over. At least, he did it once. Now he'll have to do it again - before anyone else is killed.
A malicious spirit is hunting down the residents of Lyme Regis and killing them in their homes. Kester and his friends will have to move fast and overcome some personal rivalries if they want to succeed.
I really liked this series when I discovered it last year and I was so excited to win an ARC from NetGalley for the second book. If you like funny mysteries or mysteries with a little supernatural aspect thrown in, you will totally love these!
A malicious spirit is hunting down the residents of Lyme Regis and killing them in their homes. Kester and his friends will have to move fast and overcome some personal rivalries if they want to succeed.
I really liked this series when I discovered it last year and I was so excited to win an ARC from NetGalley for the second book. If you like funny mysteries or mysteries with a little supernatural aspect thrown in, you will totally love these!
endlessmidnight's review against another edition
1.0
Do I care about any of the characters? No. Do I care about what happens? No, I don’t even know what is happening. And I tend to realise that most mystery novels work regardless of whether I’m reading the sequel or not.
Since a lot of them have cases as the center of each book, but seriously I didn’t care about any of the characters or what was happening at all. Even a little bit of help regarding what was happening will have been welcomed.
But, I didn’t really get an idea what happened in the novel. With much of it being boring to the point that I just gave up by two thirds of book.
Well, even that tiny little bit of exposition will have helped me understand what was happening here. And since, I didn’t even get that, well I give up. I like mystery books a lot more than any other, if you ask me.
Since a lot of them have cases as the center of each book, but seriously I didn’t care about any of the characters or what was happening at all. Even a little bit of help regarding what was happening will have been welcomed.
But, I didn’t really get an idea what happened in the novel. With much of it being boring to the point that I just gave up by two thirds of book.
Well, even that tiny little bit of exposition will have helped me understand what was happening here. And since, I didn’t even get that, well I give up. I like mystery books a lot more than any other, if you ask me.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
Really funny and enjoyable. This book is well written, funny, enganging and with very interesting and likeable characters.
I look forward to reading other instalments in this series and I will go and look for other books by this writer.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Amberjack Publishing
I look forward to reading other instalments in this series and I will go and look for other books by this writer.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Amberjack Publishing
marciatch's review against another edition
2.0
A copy of this book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
this review will most likely contain some ranting, but what can one do about it?
The case of the Deadly Doppelganger is the second book in a series of supernatural mystery books. if you, like me, have not read the first book, don’t worry, this is the type of series that does not need to be read in order, the book stands alone pretty well. all relevant information given in the first book are provided during the narrative.
i started reading the book because i loved the premise. i enjoy reading this sort of urban fantasy/supernatural thriller (like the Peter Grant series or the Matthew Swift series) so i was pretty excited to read this one. the result was me being completely disappointed.
for once, i thought the mystery was kind of simple because the twists are very predictable. everything was resolved far too simply and quickly for how much they said the spirit was evil and powerful. also, the characters are complete stereotypes: you have the bickering ‘couple”, the nerdy guy, the motherly but competent woman, the other woman on the team, the foreigner (trade mark), and so on. i couldn’t relate to any of them or even like them.
however, this book is pretty easy and quick to read so if you’re looking for a supernatural book to unwind after a long day, this book is for you. also, the way the supernatural and the human world connect was nice to read.
and now, for some ranting:
- i truly disliked the main characters relationship with a girl in this book. they have no chemistry whatsoever, the character showed more chemistry with bacon than he did with his supposed girlfriend. besides, he was always objectifying her saying how she “was pretty despite the nerdy glasses” and how he needed to treat her right because she was the only girl who has ever shown interest in him. like, i’m sorry to say, but this is not the best reason to start a relationship, my man.
- the two other characters who are always bickering like “an old married couple”. they’re always insulting each other and calling each other names and simply being hostile to each other. but i am supposed to think they only do that because they really like each other but are afraid to admit it. no, this is not cute or romantic. it was not cute with han solo and princess leia back in the seventies (and we know how well that relationship turned out) and it is not cute or romantic now. please, let’s stop this idea that insulting someone is a way to show our true feelings. it is not, it is just bullying.
- now, my main complaint is related to Dr. Ribero.
He is the typical Foreigner of books. Almost all of his sentences end in a question, with ‘no’, ‘yes’, ‘eh’, or ‘okay’. i could not help but read his line with one of those stereotypical (and fake) Spanish accents. he did not know any english curses because every time he cursed was in Spanish (something the text made sure to remind us every single time). the only way he ever showed confusion about english was by saying “how do you say” and immediately saying the word in english (i don’t know you, but i often say the word i’d like to know after i make such question –in my language of course- or try to explain what i want to know). there are so many ways to show a character is bilingual without having to resort to stereotypes or misinformation. it would also be very helpful to talk to bilingual or multilingual people and ask them for tips, just saying.
but i think what really bothered me the most is that he is depicted as the stereotypical spanish speaker, the latin lover type of guy. every woman wanted him because he was very charming. even though he is old now he still manages to charm women and he was even more charming when he was young. he has the perfect argentinian charming smile that ladies love. and he is quick to anger and look like “a rabid dog” or a “charging bull”. he was also incredibly misogynistic because that’s how south american men are. please, can we stop with this stereotype? it is wrong and hurtful. create your south american characters as you would any other without having to resort to stereotypes, please.
besides, every thing he did was south american. he had a south american smile and a south american glare. i really would like to know what those look like. i tried glaring at the mirror to see if it looked like a south american glare but it only looked like a normal glare. maybe i am missing something and that means i am not south american enough, who knows.
anyway, i am sorry for ranting but i felt like i had to.
this review will most likely contain some ranting, but what can one do about it?
The case of the Deadly Doppelganger is the second book in a series of supernatural mystery books. if you, like me, have not read the first book, don’t worry, this is the type of series that does not need to be read in order, the book stands alone pretty well. all relevant information given in the first book are provided during the narrative.
i started reading the book because i loved the premise. i enjoy reading this sort of urban fantasy/supernatural thriller (like the Peter Grant series or the Matthew Swift series) so i was pretty excited to read this one. the result was me being completely disappointed.
for once, i thought the mystery was kind of simple because the twists are very predictable. everything was resolved far too simply and quickly for how much they said the spirit was evil and powerful. also, the characters are complete stereotypes: you have the bickering ‘couple”, the nerdy guy, the motherly but competent woman, the other woman on the team, the foreigner (trade mark), and so on. i couldn’t relate to any of them or even like them.
however, this book is pretty easy and quick to read so if you’re looking for a supernatural book to unwind after a long day, this book is for you. also, the way the supernatural and the human world connect was nice to read.
and now, for some ranting:
- i truly disliked the main characters relationship with a girl in this book. they have no chemistry whatsoever, the character showed more chemistry with bacon than he did with his supposed girlfriend. besides, he was always objectifying her saying how she “was pretty despite the nerdy glasses” and how he needed to treat her right because she was the only girl who has ever shown interest in him. like, i’m sorry to say, but this is not the best reason to start a relationship, my man.
- the two other characters who are always bickering like “an old married couple”. they’re always insulting each other and calling each other names and simply being hostile to each other. but i am supposed to think they only do that because they really like each other but are afraid to admit it. no, this is not cute or romantic. it was not cute with han solo and princess leia back in the seventies (and we know how well that relationship turned out) and it is not cute or romantic now. please, let’s stop this idea that insulting someone is a way to show our true feelings. it is not, it is just bullying.
- now, my main complaint is related to Dr. Ribero.
He is the typical Foreigner of books. Almost all of his sentences end in a question, with ‘no’, ‘yes’, ‘eh’, or ‘okay’. i could not help but read his line with one of those stereotypical (and fake) Spanish accents. he did not know any english curses because every time he cursed was in Spanish (something the text made sure to remind us every single time). the only way he ever showed confusion about english was by saying “how do you say” and immediately saying the word in english (i don’t know you, but i often say the word i’d like to know after i make such question –in my language of course- or try to explain what i want to know). there are so many ways to show a character is bilingual without having to resort to stereotypes or misinformation. it would also be very helpful to talk to bilingual or multilingual people and ask them for tips, just saying.
but i think what really bothered me the most is that he is depicted as the stereotypical spanish speaker, the latin lover type of guy. every woman wanted him because he was very charming. even though he is old now he still manages to charm women and he was even more charming when he was young. he has the perfect argentinian charming smile that ladies love. and he is quick to anger and look like “a rabid dog” or a “charging bull”. he was also incredibly misogynistic because that’s how south american men are. please, can we stop with this stereotype? it is wrong and hurtful. create your south american characters as you would any other without having to resort to stereotypes, please.
besides, every thing he did was south american. he had a south american smile and a south american glare. i really would like to know what those look like. i tried glaring at the mirror to see if it looked like a south american glare but it only looked like a normal glare. maybe i am missing something and that means i am not south american enough, who knows.
anyway, i am sorry for ranting but i felt like i had to.
fizah's review
3.0
** I received a free eARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
The paranormal /supernatural mystery is not that type I read often, this book is from my first ever haul from Netgalley and I was just delaying it, now publication date is not even a month far so I decided to read it Finally.
After starting it, I came to know that It is part of a series (It happens to me often), but I was able to read it standalone, Maybe I missed some history of characters but I was not even a little bit curious to know them.
Overall it was a good read, the story was average nothing much offering (for me), Characters were diverse enough to make me enjoy while reading them, Though I liked Mike’s character. It was an easy/quick read. For supernatural, It was fun enough. The book ends with a cliff-hanger but I don’t see myself reading others from the series.
People who like Supernatural may enjoy it, but not people like me, it was good for just one read and pick another book just after that…As soon as I finished it, it left me without leaving any trace. It wasn’t my type.
The paranormal /supernatural mystery is not that type I read often, this book is from my first ever haul from Netgalley and I was just delaying it, now publication date is not even a month far so I decided to read it Finally.
After starting it, I came to know that It is part of a series (It happens to me often), but I was able to read it standalone, Maybe I missed some history of characters but I was not even a little bit curious to know them.
Overall it was a good read, the story was average nothing much offering (for me), Characters were diverse enough to make me enjoy while reading them, Though I liked Mike’s character. It was an easy/quick read. For supernatural, It was fun enough. The book ends with a cliff-hanger but I don’t see myself reading others from the series.
People who like Supernatural may enjoy it, but not people like me, it was good for just one read and pick another book just after that…As soon as I finished it, it left me without leaving any trace. It wasn’t my type.