My Five Word TL:DR Review: This Series is a Blast

I’m absolutely loving the Stranger Times series and considering that we’re up to instalment No.5 already there hasn’t been a single blip or lull so far.  I quite literally can’t say enough good things about this and if you’re currently looking for your next urban fantasy series then I highly recommend it. I would at this point also mention that if you’re intending to read this series (and you really should) then you might want to stop reading now in case of spoilers.  I also suggest you start with book 1 as you really don’t want to miss any of these mysteries or the background to the characters.

This instalment is all about the merry Christmas vibe.  As the book begins we meet with a small coven, meeting in the library after hours to do a few good deeds here and there.  Unfortunately things go horribly wrong and all but one of the coven end up brutally slain.  This is just the start of yet another mystery that the Stranger Times staff will become deeply embroiled with that has massive implications.

Basically, somebody is interfering with the universe, lulling people in with magical artefacts and causing chaos when things don’t go to plan. On this occasion an old, long forgotten God called Zalas has been released unwittingly.  Absolutely livid at the paltry humans who no longer remember his existence he is determined to wreak havoc and have his revenge on these worthless people – and, well, if Christmas is ruined in the process then so be it.

The police are totally blindsided and although the staff of the Stranger Times are hot on the trail of Zalas it’s difficult to keep track when he can easily inhabit any body he wishes to.  And, well, he’s currently playing the best role he’s ever had.

This was such an excellent read.  It’s almost 500 pages but I couldn’t put it down and finished it in about two days.

As with the other instalments we learn more about the staff of the Stranger Times.  Stella and Manny seem to be having something of a clash in this story which comes to a completely unexpected conclusion.  Hannah and Tom are still pussyfooting around each other, Hannah being very protective over Tom’s (private) eye (I know!)  Banecroft is saving the world whilst Ox plays audience and Grace wants nothing more than a festive party.  Perhaps she’s on the naughty list after all.

To be honest, I loved this story and it’s another perfect instalment.  The dialogue is funny, the imagination is incredible, I really care for the characters and I love the setting.  I mean, I couldn’t begin to see how everything would be resolved and yet once again the author pulls it off with style.  So, the whole package really.  I seriously, wholeheartedly recommend this series.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 5 of 5 stars