Had a blast listening to this one!

Listened for fun (Audible)
Tracking Books Read Review (Short)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Night of the Living Deed had great characters, a solid mystery, and ghosts who added a bit of unusual to the story!

Story Thoughts: Confession: I picked up this book based on the fact that Amanda Ronconi narrated it. Yes I have gotten to the point where I will pick up books that I haven't heard of because of the narrators. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the story. I had not heard of E.J. Copperman but I think fans of Juliet Blackwell's Haunted Renovation series would really like this one. Alison is a strong leading lady, single mom, and she can see ghosts which is problematic at times. This particular element has a twist in that one of the ghosts is a private detective trying to solve his own murder. What ensues is just a fun who-dun-it with ghosts, moms, daughters, PTA's, and house renovations. Overall this was just a ton of fun and I can't wait for the 2nd one to come out in audio (these are older books so they are already out in ebook).

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Amanda Ronconi / Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins


Amanda Ronconi simply rocks in most cases and this was no exception. She pulled off Allison, her daughter, her mother, and the two ghosts extremely well. Her timing was dead-on and the personality used was perfect for the characters. I totally recommend this one on audio!

Final Thoughts: Night of the Living Deed surprised me with fun, ghosts, and a leading lady I could root for!

87 people found this helpful

So Happy I Found E.J. Copperman

Amanda Ronconi is one of my favorite audio book narrators. I will often try an unfamiliar author based on the narrators, which is why I gave Night of the Living Deed a listen. I am so happy that I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters, and look forward to listening to all the books in the series.

75 people found this helpful

Nice book, won't be continuing the series

This was a cute little novel. There was a fun mystery. The characters were "wacky" and "way out". There were ghosts.

This is probably a great read for many mystery fans. It's light. Which is actually what I really enjoyed about it. I don't require serious reading and deep and meaningful themes in my murder. However, the kid was way too annoying. Please. Either our heroine is the worst mom ever (with the worst relationship with her own mom) or the kid is, well, annoying (to repeat myself.) I don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but trust me, children who act like that one (and who are encouraged to act that way by all the adults around them EXCEPT the mother) have issues. And why does the mother allow these people to hang around? Oh, wait, she can't help it.

Perhaps if the heroine had taken a bit more control of her life instead of always being "forced" into the actions of others. I could have thought of 15 ways to not have gotten into some of the stupid situations that she faced. Sure, Monday morning quarter-backing, but hey, I didn't write it (and yes, it is certainly better than anything I could produce-it's cute).

But I wanted more. Or perhaps better. Better character development. A plot line that really made sense with regard to motivation.

I actually, despite the problems, do recommend this book. It is an easy "read" and a bit of fun. I just don't think that I can continue with the series.

61 people found this helpful

Allison is Annoyed - So Am I

Alison Kirby is the main character in this book. She's is under alot of stress. She is recently divorced. She has taken on the challenge of rehabilitating an old house. She discovers that the house is haunted. Someone has threatened to kill her.

I understand and empathize with Allison complaining and being annoyed - alot. However, i got tired of listening to it. It is true that there are some humerous moments in the book. I found myself laughing out loud more than once.

These humerous moments were not enough to win me over. If the tone changes in subsequent books in the series I may try it again. For right now, this series isn't for me.

42 people found this helpful

Fun but no cigar

The start of a new series with ghosts and killers and quirky characters, but it's still missing something. Night of the Living Deed, tells the story of Alison, a single mother who receives a whack on the head and now can see ghosts. And the first ones she meets ask her to solve their murders. All this while she's trying to open up a guest house on the Jersey Shore. Let's do this as a pro and con list.

Pro: the author really loves her characters and wants to explore them, the plot isn't predictable, the book delivers on its promise to be fun without being serious, it's a fast read, there are endless opportunities for stories in the future of the series, the narrator is just great.

Cons: there isn't a lot of plot and when it happens there will inevitably be a scene recapping everything so far, the jokes only work some of the time, the author isn't really exploring the idea of the main character seeing ghosts nearly as much as she could so it feels underwhelming, the mystery isn't a primary focus, there isn't very much suspense even as the narrator's life is threatened and in danger, there isn't much development, and there is very little interpersonal drama.

I might read more of the series, but it didn't grab my attention very well.

34 people found this helpful

The Ghosts and Ms. Kirby

This paranormal murder mystery is a little light on suspense and the ghosts aren't all that interesting either. Might have a bit more appeal for those who like those genres and enjoy DIY (lots of home renovation action here) and precocious (i.e. sassy, irritating) children - neither of which are big favorites for me. This the first of a series of mystery books that will continue these characters and I think there might be some potential for future episodes to be more interesting. Copperman can be amusing, although I'd suggest she dial down some of the snarkiness when discussing death threats and truly serious issues, and she has lined out a decent set of characters in a good setting (small NJ shore town) to expand her plotlines. However, she will need to more fully develop the characters (only Allison has much back story so far) and their relationships with each other. Copperman depicts each of these relationships as simplistic one-note interactions - each exchange between Allison and her ghosts, her daughter, her mom, the main police officer, her best friend are exactly the same. With all that said, I didn't hate the book - I got it on sale and it was a decent "beach read" - no thinking required and sometimes humorous. In addition, Amanda Ronconi is always good to listen to and did a nice job with some of the character voices, especially the cop and the newspaper owner. I won't be quick to pick up more in the series, but if I need a light read again, I might try another.

29 people found this helpful

Great Diversion from Daily Life

If you could sum up Night of the Living Deed in three words, what would they be?

Good. Clean. Fun.

What three words best describe Amanda Ronconi’s voice?

Smirk, sarcastic... can't think of a third right now

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh out loud sometimes, which always makes my family wonder about my mental health since they don't listen to or enjoy audiobooks. But hey, as long as I'm in my happy place, they pretty much just let me be.

Any additional comments?

This is a nice light listen, although a little too formulaic for my liking. You know pretty early what's going to happen, and the author and reader both know that you know, so I guess that draws the reader in as though we're in cahoots with the whole thing, but willingly going along for the ride anyway. The story gives you enough insight into the characters that you will want to read more to find out what happens next. I love Amanda's voice, just perfect for the main character, although she lacks range for the other characters, especially children and men. But overall, well matched to the story line.

What I like best is that the author doesn't need to get too far into the grim /violent climax a lot of other mystery writers fall into, messing up a perfectly good story by thinking they need to go out with a big bang or shocking finale. I can't think of how many books I will replay only up until a certain point because I hate the gratuitous violence. Character and plot development doesn't really need that thrown in, just seems to be part of the formula for unimaginative writers these days.

I will buy other books in the series, unless they fall below 8 hours in length

27 people found this helpful

Entertaining

What made the experience of listening to Night of the Living Deed the most enjoyable?

Ok so maybe the whole story line is slightly cheezy but it is very entertaining. The characters seem very real...even the spirits. I enjoy listening to books that are offbeat and entertaining and this qualified.

What about Amanda Ronconi’s performance did you like?

Good narration, easy to listen to and each character was could be singled out.

15 people found this helpful

A Nice Mystery

Although I guessed who was behind the murders, and who wanted the deed, the story was still interesting. A great beginning to a new series. Its nice to have friends, ghost friends that is, Maxie made me laugh out loud. However, poor Paul, serious, down to earth, (what an oxymoron) guy he was, so serious about his profession really captured my heart. This is is one of those stories that you can listen to with your kids in the car.
Amanda Ronconi did a fantastic job narrating the story.

14 people found this helpful

LOVED IT

I loved this book, it has humor, murder, and a sorta love interest, which I would have like to see go further.

14 people found this helpful