Living with the Dead

Living with the Dead follows Robyn Peltier, a human PR professional in Los Angeles, who becomes entangled in a supernatural crisis when her client is murdered. After being framed for the crime, Robyn finds herself running from both human law enforcement and forces she never knew existed. Hope Adams, a half-demon reporter, and John Findlay, a necromancer detective, work to clear Robyn's name while protecting her from escalating threats. Their investigation reveals connections between the murder, supernatural organizations called cabals, and the death of Robyn's husband. The story traces Robyn's forced journey from normal life into the supernatural world as she confronts dangers alongside Hope and werewolf Karl Marsten. The murder investigation expands into a complex web of cabal politics, hidden agendas, and mounting casualties. The novel examines themes of grief, identity, and the impact of discovering that reality is far different from what one believes. Through Robyn's perspective, it explores how ordinary people cope when thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Readers found this to be one of the weaker entries in Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series. Many fans noted it strayed too far from the supernatural elements and core characters that define the series. Readers liked: - Fast-paced action sequences - The Miami setting - Hope and Karl's relationship development - Inclusion of multiple supernatural races Readers disliked: - Too much focus on new human characters - Limited appearances from fan-favorite series regulars - Confusing multiple POV switches - Plot holes in the crime storyline Multiple reviews mentioned the book felt more like a crime thriller than urban fantasy. Several longtime fans commented they had trouble connecting with Robyn as the main protagonist. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) One recurring positive note was the book works better on re-reads once readers adjust their expectations away from typical series installments.

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Grave Witch by Kalayna Price A witch who can communicate with the dead solves supernatural crimes while dealing with fae politics and dark magic.

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill A graduate student transforms into a vampire and must solve murders while learning to navigate Chicago's supernatural politics.

Blood Rights by Kristen Painter A human woman with special powers works as a procurer for vampires while investigating a series of supernatural crimes.

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep An assassin with elemental magic powers uncovers conspiracies within her city's supernatural underground while seeking revenge.

🔮 The "Women of the Otherworld" series spans 13 main novels, with "Living with the Dead" being book #9 📚 Kelley Armstrong began her career as a computer programmer before becoming a full-time writer in 2002 💫 The book features necromancy, which has roots in ancient practices - the word comes from Ancient Greek "nekros" (dead) and "manteia" (divination) 🌟 Los Angeles, where the book is set, has a rich history of supernatural fiction, including being the setting for "Angel," "Buffy," and countless other urban fantasy works 🎭 The character Hope Adams represents a rare supernatural type in fiction - a half-demon who feeds on chaos rather than traditional demonic traits like violence or evil