Reviews
The fifth 'Grim Reaper' mystery may not be the conclusion of the series, but it certainly completes an ongoing story arc, as Casey learns the necessary lessons to move on with her life. With a strong sense of place, this creepy, disturbing novel of small-town troubles is balanced by dark humor, represented by Death, with his many disguises, often as movie characters. VERDICT Readers of Laura Anne Gilman's 'Devil's West' series may appreciate this story of another strong female loner., Soon [Casey Maldonado] and Death, whom only she can see, are piecing together the reasons for a 45-year-old vendetta, which has soured local residents, as well as shining some light on more contemporary malevolence. Clemens draws the reader smoothly into this fantasy world while providing an original approach to the iconic figure of the Grim Reaper., "You have to hand it to Judy Clemens for providing her amateur sleuth with a genuinely offbeat gimmick: she travels with Death...With Casey installed as a fitness instructor in a gated Florida community where a murder takes place, we're free to appreciate her companion's wit and dress code: skintight Spandex for a Zumba class; a flowered bathing suit and shades for the pool; and an all-white ensemble with brass-¬handled walking stick to make a fashion statement ("I am the epitome of cool"). Not even Cosmo Topper, who was advised by two charming ghosts, can beat that one." - The New York Times "Most readers will find themselves thoroughly entertained." - Booklist "An interesting premise (shades, almost, of The Fugitive) and a vulnerable but strong protagonist are the highlights here, though the character of Death adds an unexpected dimension. Clemens, author of the Stella Crown series, could have another winner." - Booklist of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Clemens, author of the well-received Stella Crown series, explores intriguing new territory in this series debut, and adventurous mystery buffs may want to hitch a ride." - Library Journal of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Casey and Death make an oddly entertaining pair, and readers will hope to see their relationship fleshed out in future titles." - Publisher's Weekly of Embrace the Grim Reaper , "You have to hand it to Judy Clemens for providing her amateur sleuth with a genuinely offbeat gimmick: she travels with Death...With Casey installed as a fitness instructor in a gated Florida community where a murder takes place, we're free to appreciate her companion's wit and dress code: skintight Spandex for a Zumba class; a flowered bathing suit and shades for the pool; and an all-white ensemble with brass-¬handled walking stick to make a fashion statement ("I am the epitome of cool"). Not even Cosmo Topper, who was advised by two charming ghosts, can beat that one." -- The New York Times "Most readers will find themselves thoroughly entertained." -- Booklist "An interesting premise (shades, almost, of The Fugitive) and a vulnerable but strong protagonist are the highlights here, though the character of Death adds an unexpected dimension. Clemens, author of the Stella Crown series, could have another winner." -- Booklist of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Clemens, author of the well-received Stella Crown series, explores intriguing new territory in this series debut, and adventurous mystery buffs may want to hitch a ride." -- Library Journal of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Casey and Death make an oddly entertaining pair, and readers will hope to see their relationship fleshed out in future titles." -- Publisher's Weekly of Embrace the Grim Reaper , "An interesting premise (shades, almost, of The Fugitive) and a vulnerable but strong protagonist are the highlights here, though the character of Death adds an unexpected dimension. Clemens, author of the Stella Crown series, could have another winner." -- Booklist of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Clemens, author of the well-received Stella Crown series, explores intriguing new territory in this series debut, and adventurous mystery buffs may want to hitch a ride." -- Library Journal of Embrace the Grim Reaper "Casey and Death make an oddly entertaining pair, and readers will hope to see their relationship fleshed out in future titles." -- Publisher's Weekly of Embrace the Grim Reaper, "An interesting premise (shades, almost, of The Fugitive) and a vulnerable but strong protagonist are the highlights here, though the character of Death adds an unexpected dimension. Clemens, author of the Stella Crown series, could have another winner." --BooklistofEmbrace the Grim Reaper"Clemens, author of the well-received Stella Crown series, explores intriguing new territory in this series debut, and adventurous mystery buffs may want to hitch a ride." --Library JournalofEmbrace the Grim Reaper"Casey and Death make an oddly entertaining pair, and readers will hope to see their relationship fleshed out in future titles." --Publisher's WeeklyofEmbrace the Grim Reaper
