Hard Spell

Occult Crimes Unit Investigations, Book 1

By: Justin Gustainis

Narrated by: Peter Brook

Scranton, the strangest city on earth has an uneasy “live and let unlive” relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call me.

"My name’s Markowski, a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD’s Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit. I carry a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets."

Justin Gustainis was born in Northeast Pennsylvania in 1951. He attended college at the University of Scranton, a Jesuit university that figures prominently in several of his writings. He is currently a Professor of Communication at Plattsburgh State University. His popular series of urban fantasy novels featuring investigator Quincey Morris include Evil Ways, Black Magic Woman, and the forthcoming Sympathy for the Devil.

©2011 Justin Gustainis (P)2014 Audible Ltd

Good story - terrible narration!

I love the hard-bitten urban cop type of story - and when you throw in a few vampires and witches it's even more fun - but really, the narrator used comic book voices for all but the main character and makes them just sound silly. Whoever produced this one needs to be sent to his room without supper - this should have been stopped before more than a chapter was recorded!
Would love to continue with the series - but a new narrator would sure help the experience!

The beginning of a good series

While I wouldn't call the storyline innovative, it's a great book for when you just want to be entertained while you do chores. Will definitely be looking for the next installment in this series.

Stupid decisions that lead to stupid outcomes!

The lead character got on my nerves or maybe it’s the narrator! At the end, the stupid Rachel could have ran out to the car and gotten help! I understand the lack of good judgment by Stan but Rachel doesn’t have the sense God would give a cat!

good listen

history lesson in the beginning but great story altogether. hope to read more of this series soon.

Enjoyed

The story kept my attention and wasn't dragged out, but the main character sounded like a young rookie, not someone who has been on the force for awhile.