Review Detail

I'm a huge fan of Marlene Perez's DEAD IS THE NEW BLACK series. I love paranormals that aren't as dark as some others out there. Plus, I love characters that feel real without going way over the top. I was excited to hear that there is now a spin-off series. It was fun to go to ALA this last June and be able to have Marlene sign copies of this new series.

In DEAD IS A BATTLEFIELD we follow Jessica Walsh, who is Daisy's neighbor. Jessica is trying to forget about her brother's terrible graduation. It doesn't help that the town she lives in, Nightshade, has a reputation for having some interesting people. Here the paranormal is the new 'normal'. Then an embarrassing mark on Jessica's arm starts tingling right about the same time she meets the new band singer for Side Effects May Vary, who also has his own secrets. Add to this a new business and former kid TV star who bring a whole new meaning to groupie.

What I love about this series is that these are the perfect books to take with you to the beach. Fun, fast-paced with quirky characters that aren't written way over the top. There's a sweet romantic angle too.

Dominic Gray, the new lead singer of Side Effects May Vary, continues the rock music 'messages' that I thought were silenced in the last book. Other characters also pop their heads back in. Slim, the invisible cook. Flo, who ends up becoming the mentor of the Virago, women warriors who fight evil. Yes, there's some Buffy-like butt-kicking in this book! Poppy, one of Daisy's sisters, 'shows' up to help Jessica's mother and also impart her own advice.

A fun romp through the town of Nightshade, Ca where the paranormal is the new 'norm'. Think Veronica Mars meets the paranormal world with a quirky flavor and sweet romantic angle. A great find for those who love lighter paranormal stories.