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A review by ramreadsagain
The Undetectables by Courtney Smyth
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was gifted a copy of this book by Titan Books. This is my honest review.
A book about three witches and a ghost in a cat costume trying to catch a serial killer? And it’s queer? Sign me up.
I really enjoyed this, the characters are great and the humour is on point (though won’t be for everyone, I’m just corrupted by tumblr). I loved the world-building too, particularly all the little details about the different groups (witches, faeries, vampires…) and their customs.
The main character is disabled, having fibromyalgia. This is at the forefront of the book and she has to deal with the limitations this imposes on her. I really liked this aspect, as well as how queer everything in the book was. The world seems to be queernormative, or at least there are no homophobia plotlines.
The mystery was entertaining, despite me guessing the major reveals. I still like how it was done though.
My main pet peeve about this book is the use of “goddess” where in our world we would say “god”. eg ‘oh my goddess’. This is a general ick of mine in books as it always feels forced to me. Not holding it against the book too much though!!
This is currently a standalone, but had a fairly open ending and I can absolutely see this world being turned into a series where The Undetectables have to solve more crimes!
A book about three witches and a ghost in a cat costume trying to catch a serial killer? And it’s queer? Sign me up.
I really enjoyed this, the characters are great and the humour is on point (though won’t be for everyone, I’m just corrupted by tumblr). I loved the world-building too, particularly all the little details about the different groups (witches, faeries, vampires…) and their customs.
The main character is disabled, having fibromyalgia. This is at the forefront of the book and she has to deal with the limitations this imposes on her. I really liked this aspect, as well as how queer everything in the book was. The world seems to be queernormative, or at least there are no homophobia plotlines.
The mystery was entertaining, despite me guessing the major reveals. I still like how it was done though.
My main pet peeve about this book is the use of “goddess” where in our world we would say “god”. eg ‘oh my goddess’. This is a general ick of mine in books as it always feels forced to me. Not holding it against the book too much though!!
This is currently a standalone, but had a fairly open ending and I can absolutely see this world being turned into a series where The Undetectables have to solve more crimes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, and Toxic relationship