Reviews

South of Salem by Janni Nell

helenkat's review

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5.0

A fun read full of sass, intrigue and a hint of romance. Well written and if you like detective stories with a paranormal twist, this one is a great one.

wulfwyn's review

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4.0

This is book 2 in the Allegra Fairweather Series. If you haven’t read book 1 do not let that stop you. There are a few references to book 1 but they are not essential to the enjoyment of the story. They do leave you intrigued about the first book though.
Allegra is a paranormal investigator with a guardian angel – a hot, sexy but totally off limits angel. She has a perfect mother and sister, neither of whom acknowledges the paranormal. That is until Allegra’s mother believes that her husband, a politician, has become possessed. Then it turns out there is a family curse on him and her sister Lily’s husband. The witch who cursed the family is also after Lily’s unborn child. This would seem to be a dark read except for the snarky wit that is sprinkled throughout the book. There is some sibling rivalry but I found it to be believable as Allegra and her sister don’t get along and yet can and do count on each other. There is also reference to Allegra’s father who disappeared years before. Although her mother believes him dead Allegra knows this is not the case. It is something I think will come up again in future books in the series. The characters are well defined. I especially appreciated the background on the witches who were involved with the curse and how they related to the family. Allegra has a best friend who is a witch and helps her on this case. I think we will be seeing more of her either in this series or perhaps a spin off series.
I found this to be a fast but entertaining read. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the first book and be interested in the next book in the series. I particularly want to see where the relationship with Allegra and Casper, her guardian angel, goes. If you have been reading heavy books and are looking for a break with some light, pleasant reading I would recommend South of Salem. It has action, snark, good character and plot development, realistic family dynamics and some sexual tension. There are no heavy sexual scenes so it is fine for those who prefer cleaner reads. It is an enjoyable paranormal book.

I received this book from Net Galley. No compensation was offered or received. A review while appreciated was not mandatory.

heatherhy01's review

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4.0

This was a great read! I was a little nervous about not reading the first in the series..would I understand what was going on? Definitely!!! You do not need to read the first book to get wrapped up in the story.

The whole storyline was great and I loved Allegra's attitude. She is sassy and smart. Her mother on the other hand, is totally annoying. One of those characters that is always worried about what everyone else will think. She is totally embarrassed by Allegra and although, their relationship did improve in this book, I still think Lily is her favorite. Which brings me to Lily....SNOBBY with a capital S. It's all about her. It's no wonder Allegra wants to move away from her family...they are crazy!

But Casper......aaaahhhh! He was like a breath of fresh air. Very swoonworthy:) Their relationship is very complicated and I really enjoy that aspect. It gives the reader something to look forward to in future books!

I really would like to read the first book in the series, Allegra Fairweather: Paranormal Investigator. I will be on the lookout for it.

This book is very appropriate for a teen or adult! Mark it on your to-read list!

patchworkbunny's review

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4.0

Allegra is a paranormal investigator whose big toe itches when something paranormal is nearby. Other than that she has no special powers and she's a likeable, down-to-earth heroine. It's a fun paranormal mystery read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Allegra has a hunky guardian angel who she nicknamed Casper as a child. He pops in and out of the story as he's otherwise engaged in attending an angel awards ceremony. It's not, however, a romance.

I haven't read the first book, Allegra Fairweather: Paranormal Investigator, but I think South of Salem is perfectly readable as a standalone novel.
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