An American Weredeer in Michigan (Bright Falls Mysteries #2)

by C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus

Audible Audio, Unabridged Audiobook

Published April 3rd 2018 by Crossroad Press

Kindle Edition, 260 pages

Published October 12th 2017 by Crossroad Press

Urban Fantasy is not my favorite genre, but I am convinced C.T. Phipps can do no wrong. And when you add Michael Suttkus to the mix hilarity is sure to ensue.  This is the second installment of the Bright Falls Mysteries and if anything it is even better than the first. Although the mystery in this one wasn’t that difficult to figure out.  Here is the Blurb.

Life is not easy for the world’s first weredeer detective. A simple hike turns into a media circus when Jane Doe, her best friend Emma, and a pair of monster hunters find a mass grave. Determined to find the parties responsible, Jane soon discovers a sinister cult leader has decided to make Bright Falls, Michigan the home of his corrupt religion.

As if this wasn’t complicating her life enough, Jane also has to decide whether or not she wants to begin a relationship with FBI Special Agent Alex Timmons or local crime lord Lucien Lyons. Both men are determined to get to the bottom of the crime she’s investigating but may be distracted by their own agendas–as well as their love for Jane.

So why was it better than the first book? Well the main reason is there was much less introspection. The story is told from the POV of Jane Doe and in the first book she kind of got lost in thought and would get side tracked. It was a good way to explain to the reader things about the world and it was done well, but did tend to ramble.  In this book Jane has Raguel in her head to keep her on track.

Who is Raguel? That is an easy question with a hard answer. Raguel, also called the Merlin gun is an angel that was turned into a sentient gun.

“The griffon let forth another ear-splitting howl before flying over near us, landing with a thump, and assuming a more leonine attack position. I pulled out the Merlin Gun, dropping my staff, and aimed at my attacker. “Ten points from Gryffindor!”  Oh God and Goddess, that was terrible. Still, I fired, twice. It barely reacted, gnashing at me and advancing. Uh, why isn’t it dead? I asked my gun, It is an animal. It is not evil. Oh come on! I snapped. I don’t make the rules. Who does? I snapped. God.”

 

There are a few other new characters Like Kim Su and Robyn, but don’t worry all the old favorites are back. There is the adorable and ever cheerful Emma.

“Normal is overrated,” Emma said. “I’m a lesbian werewolf and proud of it.” “There’s nothing abnormal about either of those,” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. “I mean, yeah, there’s some question about whether you need to tell a date you’ve maybe got heartworm, but you’re taking medicine for that.” Emma glared. “Buck off.” “Hehe,” I said, deliberately enunciating my laugh. “It’s funny because we’re both being racist at each other.” Emma smirked. “We both have mixed ancestries in more ways than one.” “America as it should be.”

And then there is the……. Alex.

“Yeah, I know it sounds a little strange…” I muttered, trailing off. “Strange? Hardly,” Alex said, smiling. “I talked with Carl Sagan’s ghost once. We smoked pot and discussed the nature of the universe as an accidental place versus a deterministic one as well as whether the nature of the latter would require intelligence. We also discussed how the Klingons looked in Star Trek: Discovery.”

I was given a copy of the audiobook by the author in exchange for an honest review. The Audiobook was narrated by Arielle DeLisle and she did an excellent job. She has the perfect voice for Jane and really brings her to life Like this

 

Final Thoughts

It is a fast paced romp that is not afraid to laugh at itself or anyone else. It is filled with strange yet wonderful characters. The dialog is witty with plenty of snark and the story itself will pull you in. And don’t forget the puns! Overall An American Weredeer in Michigan is an excellent sequel and I am setting my sights on book three. I give An American Weredeer in Michigan 5 stars.

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