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fakestginger's review
2.0
I really, really, really wanted to like this book because I did enjoy the first book quite a bit! But, unfortunately, I found the pacing of this book to be so sloooooow. I also was very confused by a lot of the explanations and the logic behind the new magic added in this book, which made it hard to follow sometimes and very difficult to try and come up with my own guess to the ending, which was frustrating.
Still, I love Kincaid, Lee, and Nate and found a new love in Gideon in this one. I’m unsure as to whether I’ll read the final book.
Still, I love Kincaid, Lee, and Nate and found a new love in Gideon in this one. I’m unsure as to whether I’ll read the final book.
brianne_k's review
4.0
Many Thanks to Net-Galley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy. This did not affect my rating.
*4/5*
The Voodoo Killings was one of my favourite books of 2016. I devoured it. I pushed it on my friends. I waited and wished and hoped for a sequel. It was such a unique concept. Voodoo practitioners who can raise zombies, and summon ghosts.
Kincaid Strange is the last voodoo practitioner in Seattle - she has an ex-boyfriend, Aaron, who is a cop and is trying to help Kincaid get back to work with the Seattle police. Her best friend, Nathan Cade, is a ghost. He was a grunge musician in the 90's. Their relationship is still as hilarious in this book, as it was in the first.
This book directly follows The Voodoo Killings, with Kincaid trying to figure out how to unbind Nate from the dead body he mysteriously and mistakenly got bound to. Along with that, Aaron has called upon Kincaid to look at a cold case that has ties to Nate. She also must work with Gideon, a sorcerer's ghost who has a temper.
I love this series so much. I just love how unique it is. I love the underground world of the dead.. We learn a lot about a new type of afterlife. I love that it's set in Seattle. I love the characters, and I want more.
Kristi Charish is such a sweetheart of an author. She is Canadian, and The Voodoo Killings was repackaged in the summer of 2018 to appeal to new fans across the border in the States. I hope that she was reached may many new fans.
There were a few parts that seemed to drag on a little bit for my taste, but it was still a chaotic, rollicking good time.
*4/5*
The Voodoo Killings was one of my favourite books of 2016. I devoured it. I pushed it on my friends. I waited and wished and hoped for a sequel. It was such a unique concept. Voodoo practitioners who can raise zombies, and summon ghosts.
Kincaid Strange is the last voodoo practitioner in Seattle - she has an ex-boyfriend, Aaron, who is a cop and is trying to help Kincaid get back to work with the Seattle police. Her best friend, Nathan Cade, is a ghost. He was a grunge musician in the 90's. Their relationship is still as hilarious in this book, as it was in the first.
This book directly follows The Voodoo Killings, with Kincaid trying to figure out how to unbind Nate from the dead body he mysteriously and mistakenly got bound to. Along with that, Aaron has called upon Kincaid to look at a cold case that has ties to Nate. She also must work with Gideon, a sorcerer's ghost who has a temper.
I love this series so much. I just love how unique it is. I love the underground world of the dead.. We learn a lot about a new type of afterlife. I love that it's set in Seattle. I love the characters, and I want more.
Kristi Charish is such a sweetheart of an author. She is Canadian, and The Voodoo Killings was repackaged in the summer of 2018 to appeal to new fans across the border in the States. I hope that she was reached may many new fans.
There were a few parts that seemed to drag on a little bit for my taste, but it was still a chaotic, rollicking good time.
bmg20's review
3.0
Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Short Summary: Kincaid Strange, voodoo practitioner, finds herself searching for a solution when her roommate ghost, grunge rocker Nathan Cade, comes home bound to a body risen from the dead. Things take even more of a turn for the worse when people from Nathan’s past are being killed in gruesome ways and the local authorities begin to suspect Strange of being involved.
Thoughts: It’s hard for Urban Fantasy to be anything but formulaic, however, Charish manages to incorporate enough unique details to make this feel like something refreshingly original. Between the vast array of paranormal beings and the wide cast of memorable characters, this is one series to be paying attention to.
Verdict: The world-building that Charish laid the groundwork for means that (hopefully) there are many more installments in the crazy life of Kincaid Strange to look forward to. I also desperately hope that Susannah Jones continues to narrate her adventures because she does an absolutely superb job.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Short Summary: Kincaid Strange, voodoo practitioner, finds herself searching for a solution when her roommate ghost, grunge rocker Nathan Cade, comes home bound to a body risen from the dead. Things take even more of a turn for the worse when people from Nathan’s past are being killed in gruesome ways and the local authorities begin to suspect Strange of being involved.
Thoughts: It’s hard for Urban Fantasy to be anything but formulaic, however, Charish manages to incorporate enough unique details to make this feel like something refreshingly original. Between the vast array of paranormal beings and the wide cast of memorable characters, this is one series to be paying attention to.
Verdict: The world-building that Charish laid the groundwork for means that (hopefully) there are many more installments in the crazy life of Kincaid Strange to look forward to. I also desperately hope that Susannah Jones continues to narrate her adventures because she does an absolutely superb job.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
iamtais's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mkm01's review
3.0
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC*
Lipstick Voodoo is the second novel in the Kincaid Strange series by Kristi Charish. This novel is set a couple weeks after the events of her first book, The Voodoo Killings. This series follows Kincaid Strange, a voodoo practitioner and her roommate Nathan Cade, the ghost of a grunge-rock star.
I read The Voodoo Killings when it was released in 2016, but to be honest I didn’t remember anything about it. That being said, I knew that I had enjoyed it enough for me to be interested in reading the newest book in the series. Unfortunately, Charish gave very few reminders of what had taken place in the first book. I understand it is difficult- the author doesn’t want to give away to much from the book, but I was so confused trying to follow all the characters and the plot, especially because this novel took place immediately after the events and the main characters were still dealing with the fall out. I wish she would have just given some small reminders as to who various characters were and how they were related to Kincaid.
Though the story was entertaining enough, I found the plot to be confusing at times. Also, I found myself skimming over parts, which is unusual for me. Some of the conversations Kincaid had were very long-winded. I will likely still read the next installment, as my curiosity was peaked just enough in the final chapters, that I would like to know what happens next.
Lipstick Voodoo is the second novel in the Kincaid Strange series by Kristi Charish. This novel is set a couple weeks after the events of her first book, The Voodoo Killings. This series follows Kincaid Strange, a voodoo practitioner and her roommate Nathan Cade, the ghost of a grunge-rock star.
I read The Voodoo Killings when it was released in 2016, but to be honest I didn’t remember anything about it. That being said, I knew that I had enjoyed it enough for me to be interested in reading the newest book in the series. Unfortunately, Charish gave very few reminders of what had taken place in the first book. I understand it is difficult- the author doesn’t want to give away to much from the book, but I was so confused trying to follow all the characters and the plot, especially because this novel took place immediately after the events and the main characters were still dealing with the fall out. I wish she would have just given some small reminders as to who various characters were and how they were related to Kincaid.
Though the story was entertaining enough, I found the plot to be confusing at times. Also, I found myself skimming over parts, which is unusual for me. Some of the conversations Kincaid had were very long-winded. I will likely still read the next installment, as my curiosity was peaked just enough in the final chapters, that I would like to know what happens next.
witandsin's review
4.0
Reviewed for Wit and Sin
Kincaid Strange, the best voodoo practitioner in the Pacific Northwest, has not been having a good time lately. After solving a series of murders that left her physically and emotionally worn out, all she wants is to get back to doing normal séances and zombie raisings. But before you can say “feral zombie,” Kincaid is up to her ears in problems again. She’s in debt to a sorcerer’s ghost, her roommate and best friend, Nathan Cade – ghost of a grunge rock star – is trapped in a zombie’s body, and now her Seattle cop ex wants Kincaid to look into a murder involving people from Nate’s past. It’s more than your average practitioner could take… But Kincaid Strange is anything but average.
Return to Kristi Charish’s fantastical and fascinating world of zombies, ghosts, and ghouls in Lipstick Voodoo. I loved Kincaid’s first outing - The Voodoo Killings - and couldn’t wait to see what happened next for the kickass voodoo practitioner.
Kincaid continues to be a great protagonist. She’s strong but flawed, smart but doesn’t know everything, and when her back’s against the wall, she’ll continue to fight, especially if someone she cares about is in danger. This time around, her irresponsible but loveable roommate, Nate, has gotten her into hot water. Nate is trapped in a zombie body and the clock is ticking for her to figure out how to get him out before Nate burns out. Nate has a fun personality and it’s easy to see why Kincaid adores him, but that doesn’t mean she’s blind to his flaws. Nate’s impulsive nature has gotten him into deep trouble and he’s got secrets Kincaid will have to suss out when supernatural murders strike and it’s clear there’s a connection to him. I loved watching how Kincaid’s mind worked as she unraveled the rapidly multiplying mysteries.
Lipstick Voodoo also brings the return of other fascinating characters. From the powerful zombie Lee Ling to the surprisingly interesting Mork to Gideon Lawrence, a sometimes-terrifying sorcerer’s ghost, there are a wealth of complex secondary characters that round out this story extremely well. I loved delving deeper into Gideon’s character in particular; he’s powerful, dangerous, intriguing, and I very much want to learn more about him. He and Kincaid have an interesting relationship and his insights into Kincaid’s character add to the story.
Lipstick Voodoo is a twisting blend of paranormal mystery, action, and the emotional struggle of a woman caught between the living and the dead. There’s a lot going on in this book, but Ms. Charish deftly weaves all the threads together to create a wonderful, engaging story. If you haven’t read The Voodoo Killings I highly recommend doing so before diving into this book (unless you don’t mind huge spoilers). I finished Lipstick Voodoo a well-satisfied reader, but I cannot wait to see what Ms. Charish has in store for Kincaid next!
FTC Disclosure: I received the ebook edition of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and purchased the audiobook edition. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kincaid Strange, the best voodoo practitioner in the Pacific Northwest, has not been having a good time lately. After solving a series of murders that left her physically and emotionally worn out, all she wants is to get back to doing normal séances and zombie raisings. But before you can say “feral zombie,” Kincaid is up to her ears in problems again. She’s in debt to a sorcerer’s ghost, her roommate and best friend, Nathan Cade – ghost of a grunge rock star – is trapped in a zombie’s body, and now her Seattle cop ex wants Kincaid to look into a murder involving people from Nate’s past. It’s more than your average practitioner could take… But Kincaid Strange is anything but average.
Return to Kristi Charish’s fantastical and fascinating world of zombies, ghosts, and ghouls in Lipstick Voodoo. I loved Kincaid’s first outing - The Voodoo Killings - and couldn’t wait to see what happened next for the kickass voodoo practitioner.
Kincaid continues to be a great protagonist. She’s strong but flawed, smart but doesn’t know everything, and when her back’s against the wall, she’ll continue to fight, especially if someone she cares about is in danger. This time around, her irresponsible but loveable roommate, Nate, has gotten her into hot water. Nate is trapped in a zombie body and the clock is ticking for her to figure out how to get him out before Nate burns out. Nate has a fun personality and it’s easy to see why Kincaid adores him, but that doesn’t mean she’s blind to his flaws. Nate’s impulsive nature has gotten him into deep trouble and he’s got secrets Kincaid will have to suss out when supernatural murders strike and it’s clear there’s a connection to him. I loved watching how Kincaid’s mind worked as she unraveled the rapidly multiplying mysteries.
Lipstick Voodoo also brings the return of other fascinating characters. From the powerful zombie Lee Ling to the surprisingly interesting Mork to Gideon Lawrence, a sometimes-terrifying sorcerer’s ghost, there are a wealth of complex secondary characters that round out this story extremely well. I loved delving deeper into Gideon’s character in particular; he’s powerful, dangerous, intriguing, and I very much want to learn more about him. He and Kincaid have an interesting relationship and his insights into Kincaid’s character add to the story.
Lipstick Voodoo is a twisting blend of paranormal mystery, action, and the emotional struggle of a woman caught between the living and the dead. There’s a lot going on in this book, but Ms. Charish deftly weaves all the threads together to create a wonderful, engaging story. If you haven’t read The Voodoo Killings I highly recommend doing so before diving into this book (unless you don’t mind huge spoilers). I finished Lipstick Voodoo a well-satisfied reader, but I cannot wait to see what Ms. Charish has in store for Kincaid next!
FTC Disclosure: I received the ebook edition of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and purchased the audiobook edition. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
powerlibrarian's review
5.0
Kincaid Strange is back in this dark and adventurous follow up to “The Voodoo Killings”.
Since this is the second in the series, there are spoilers for the first book in this review!
Synopsis:
Voodoo practitioner Kincaid Strange is invited by her ex-boyfriend, a cop, to consult on a cold case that just might have been a paranormal murder. The case is connected to her roommate, Nathan Cade, the ghost of a 90s grunge rock star. Meanwhile, Kincaid must also navigate a new relationship with her new mentor, the ghost of a psychopath sorcerer who used nefarious means to coerce her into becoming his apprentice. Everyone has their secrets, but who can Kincaid trust?
World-Building
This book is captivating from its very first page. I absolutely adore the detailed world that Charish has created. It's similar to real-life Seattle, but very dark and swarming with ghosts, zombies, ghouls, and other mysterious creatures from the Otherside. The amount of detail that Charish has put into engineering this world is praiseworthy. As a health sciences librarian, I almost died from excitement when she mentioned “PubDead”, the paranormal version of PubMed. Let’s be friends, Kristi.
A major part of the world-building is the scientific way that Otherside works in this series. Discussions of binding ghosts and setting mirrors all have a very matter-of-fact tone, with detailed nuances. Some pages read like a paranormal textbook, but with a little more sass, since it’s all coming from Kincaid’s point of view.
Plot
There are several plot lines in this story that are seamlessly interwoven. I love how Charish blended effortlessly from one to the other, and they’re so interconnected it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. Excellent storytelling.
Characters
Side characters in this book are also well-developed. Gideon, the mysterious ghost of a sorcerer, is quite intriguing. This book gives us just enough information about his past to give us a better sense of who he is, but he's still an enigma.
Since Nate is a ghost, he isn’t expected to grow as a person, which is something Kincaid comments on in the book. However, I noticed that he had a little development of his own, which I won’t reveal here, because it’s a spoiler!
I did find the character development for her love interest, ex-boyfriend Aaron, to be lacking. It seems like Kincaid makes a revelation about their relationship (or lack thereof) during the latter half of the book, but it isn’t quite addressed fully enough for my liking before the final pages. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the next book for this.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in a dark fantasy with a badass female lead. It has a very detailed world, but it's not presented in a monotonous way. It’s very similar in feel to Kim Harrison’s Hollows book series.
*Thank you to Vintage Canada and Netgalley for the ARC for review!*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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Since this is the second in the series, there are spoilers for the first book in this review!
Synopsis:
Voodoo practitioner Kincaid Strange is invited by her ex-boyfriend, a cop, to consult on a cold case that just might have been a paranormal murder. The case is connected to her roommate, Nathan Cade, the ghost of a 90s grunge rock star. Meanwhile, Kincaid must also navigate a new relationship with her new mentor, the ghost of a psychopath sorcerer who used nefarious means to coerce her into becoming his apprentice. Everyone has their secrets, but who can Kincaid trust?
World-Building
This book is captivating from its very first page. I absolutely adore the detailed world that Charish has created. It's similar to real-life Seattle, but very dark and swarming with ghosts, zombies, ghouls, and other mysterious creatures from the Otherside. The amount of detail that Charish has put into engineering this world is praiseworthy. As a health sciences librarian, I almost died from excitement when she mentioned “PubDead”, the paranormal version of PubMed. Let’s be friends, Kristi.
A major part of the world-building is the scientific way that Otherside works in this series. Discussions of binding ghosts and setting mirrors all have a very matter-of-fact tone, with detailed nuances. Some pages read like a paranormal textbook, but with a little more sass, since it’s all coming from Kincaid’s point of view.
Plot
There are several plot lines in this story that are seamlessly interwoven. I love how Charish blended effortlessly from one to the other, and they’re so interconnected it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. Excellent storytelling.
Characters
Side characters in this book are also well-developed. Gideon, the mysterious ghost of a sorcerer, is quite intriguing. This book gives us just enough information about his past to give us a better sense of who he is, but he's still an enigma.
Since Nate is a ghost, he isn’t expected to grow as a person, which is something Kincaid comments on in the book. However, I noticed that he had a little development of his own, which I won’t reveal here, because it’s a spoiler!
I did find the character development for her love interest, ex-boyfriend Aaron, to be lacking. It seems like Kincaid makes a revelation about their relationship (or lack thereof) during the latter half of the book, but it isn’t quite addressed fully enough for my liking before the final pages. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the next book for this.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in a dark fantasy with a badass female lead. It has a very detailed world, but it's not presented in a monotonous way. It’s very similar in feel to Kim Harrison’s Hollows book series.
*Thank you to Vintage Canada and Netgalley for the ARC for review!*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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lilyelement's review
4.0
Lipstick Voodoo is book 2 in the Kincaid Strange series. This series is so unique and worth a read if you're a fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. Our leading lady sees ghosts and raises zombies for her clients, oh and gets into tons of trouble. It makes for an interesting read to say the least.
Kincaid Strange returns and she's dealing with the ramifications from the previous book. Her friend that is a ghost happens to be inhabiting a body and she can't figure out how to unbind him. He'll wind up dead if she can't get him out. And if the sorcerer finds out that's what happened to the body he wanted he'll be livid and they both might wind up dead. The main things Kincaid has to solve this time around is that someone killed a man and his body is frozen solid. When Kincaid checks out the scene she sees something unsettling, and has to puzzle out Otherside being morphed into something that it shouldn't be able to. We're learning right along with Kincaid and hoping she can figure it all out before the time runs out.
Lipstick Voodoo is a great read you won't be able to put down. I'm loving the series so far and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Kincaid is a unique character and the book isn't like anything else I've read before. There's quite a bit of paranormal mixed into the story so if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with lots of paranormal beings, don't pass this book up.
Kincaid Strange returns and she's dealing with the ramifications from the previous book. Her friend that is a ghost happens to be inhabiting a body and she can't figure out how to unbind him. He'll wind up dead if she can't get him out. And if the sorcerer finds out that's what happened to the body he wanted he'll be livid and they both might wind up dead. The main things Kincaid has to solve this time around is that someone killed a man and his body is frozen solid. When Kincaid checks out the scene she sees something unsettling, and has to puzzle out Otherside being morphed into something that it shouldn't be able to. We're learning right along with Kincaid and hoping she can figure it all out before the time runs out.
Lipstick Voodoo is a great read you won't be able to put down. I'm loving the series so far and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Kincaid is a unique character and the book isn't like anything else I've read before. There's quite a bit of paranormal mixed into the story so if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with lots of paranormal beings, don't pass this book up.
bookishgurl's review
5.0
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Lipstick Voodoo (The Kincaid Strange Series, Book Two) by Kristi Charish from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Vintage Canada in order to read and give an honest review.
I am a huge fan of Kristi Charish so was thrilled to get to review the second in her Kincaid Strange Series. I really enjoy this series, it’s fun fast-paced mysteries with an urban fantasy/paranormal twist and plenty of dark humour.
Paranormal practitioner, Kincaid Strange, is on the case again. Lipstick Voodoo picks up where The Voodoo Killings leaves off with Kincaid trying to deal with the aftermath. She is trying to help her roommate ex Grunge Rockstar Nathan Cade after his spirit was entrapped in another body which was meant for Gideon, a powerful sorcerer's spirit. A furious Gideon blames Kincaid and forces her work for him as his apprentice until the debt is paid off. She is desperately trying to hide Nathan before Gideon finds out and god knows what, but it becomes increasingly difficult when the body begins falling apart. Things get really “Strange” when Kincaid’s ex-lover and police detective, Aaron, asks for her help on a cold case investigation that links the murder of an old bandmate of Nate’s to a new murder of another bandmate who is found supernaturally frozen solid. Add into the mix a police chief intent on destroying Kincaid (and all paranormal practitioners and you’ve got a story that keeps you flipping the pages.
I enjoyed watching the character development throughout the book and the intricately detailed magic system Charish is so brilliant at creating. I also find I’m actually enjoying Gideon’s character and can’t wait to see what Charish has planned for him throughout the series.
All in all a fabulous fun read I can't wait until the next one comes out, I would definitely recommend!
I am a huge fan of Kristi Charish so was thrilled to get to review the second in her Kincaid Strange Series. I really enjoy this series, it’s fun fast-paced mysteries with an urban fantasy/paranormal twist and plenty of dark humour.
Paranormal practitioner, Kincaid Strange, is on the case again. Lipstick Voodoo picks up where The Voodoo Killings leaves off with Kincaid trying to deal with the aftermath. She is trying to help her roommate ex Grunge Rockstar Nathan Cade after his spirit was entrapped in another body which was meant for Gideon, a powerful sorcerer's spirit. A furious Gideon blames Kincaid and forces her work for him as his apprentice until the debt is paid off. She is desperately trying to hide Nathan before Gideon finds out and god knows what, but it becomes increasingly difficult when the body begins falling apart. Things get really “Strange” when Kincaid’s ex-lover and police detective, Aaron, asks for her help on a cold case investigation that links the murder of an old bandmate of Nate’s to a new murder of another bandmate who is found supernaturally frozen solid. Add into the mix a police chief intent on destroying Kincaid (and all paranormal practitioners and you’ve got a story that keeps you flipping the pages.
I enjoyed watching the character development throughout the book and the intricately detailed magic system Charish is so brilliant at creating. I also find I’m actually enjoying Gideon’s character and can’t wait to see what Charish has planned for him throughout the series.
All in all a fabulous fun read I can't wait until the next one comes out, I would definitely recommend!
catsluvcoffee's review
4.0
Kincaid Strange is a voodoo practitioner. However, she's not your stereotypical voodoo priestess! Twenty-seven years old, she's in Seattle, WA, of all places, doing what it takes to keep the rent paid. She's headstrong, tenacious, and more importantly, a little unconventional. Sounds like a great protagonist, right? She raises the dead to pay the bills. She's great at her job; Not so great at people skills. She's obviously more comfortable in the company of the dead. She's extremely likable, in spite of her poor decisions and innate ability to create chaos in her life. To add to the mayhem, she has a ghost turned zombie for a roommate, and an ex-boyfriend working for the city's police force that recently distanced itself from all things paranormal. Did I mention the sorcerer's ghost that pops by occasionally in her bathroom mirror, or that said sorcerer can't know about the zombie incident? Awk-ward.
Read the rest of my review over at Cats Luv Coffee.
Read the rest of my review over at Cats Luv Coffee.