I recently dove into “Karma’s a Bitch,” an award-winning paranormal mystery that tickled my fancy with its quirky premise and engaging characters. As a fan of supernatural tales with a touch of humor, I was intrigued by the idea of Morgan, a sass-filled spirit dealing with her karmic debt on Earth. It sounded like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, and it definitely delivered!
With a brisk publication date of May 27, 2023, and a neat 323 pages, I settled down with high expectations. Morgan, freshly deceased and desperately trying to figure out the mystery of her own death, must tackle a motley crew of supernatural beings while undertaking her mission. The combination of tension and humor in this novel was impressive. Morgan’s journey through the shadows of Pasadena, aided by a werewolf, a shape-shifting Pucca, and a phobic Djinn, was as wild as I had hoped.
What I genuinely loved about this story was how well the characters were fleshed out. Morgan is as witty and sassy as advertised, and the interactions with her quirky companions delivered many laugh-out-loud moments. The idea of a repentant werewolf and a mischievous Djinn introduces a refreshing touch to the narrative. I found myself rooting for Morgan and her team as they faced off against an angelic conspiracy to unleash the Old Gods, which is no small task, especially given that her memory has been wiped clean. It unfolds an intricate web of intrigues, and I was eagerly turning pages to see how it all would resolve.
However, there were a couple of points that stood out as drawbacks. A notable complaint I came across from other readers pointed to the cliffhanger ending, which left many yearning for the next installment. While I appreciated the cliffhanger’s role in building anticipation for future plots, I can understand how it might frustrate readers who prefer a more conclusive wrap-up. Additionally, there were moments where Morgan’s snarkiness, although entertaining, bordered on a bit excessive. Some scenes felt like they could have benefitted from more depth and less sass, allowing for a richer exploration of the story’s themes.
On the positive side, the pacing of the book was commendable. Liz, another reader, mentioned how she devoured it in about six hours, and I can see why! The story maintains a great rhythm, combining action with moments of levity in perfect balance. I couldn’t put it down, much like Lynall and cescottie described in their reviews. The irreverent take on the afterlife offered a fresh perspective that was both fun and thought-provoking.
In terms of the book’s premise, it undoubtedly met my expectations. Morgan’s witty dialogue and outlandish situations captured the spirit of the description perfectly. The author has successfully woven a tapestry of supernatural elements into an intriguing plot—posing entertaining questions about morality, justice, and, of course, karma.
All in all, “Karma’s a Bitch” left me eagerly awaiting the next adventure in this fascinating universe. With its humorous characters, fast-paced action, and a cliffhanger that promises more excitement ahead, it’s a solid read for anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries with a snappy twist. I wholeheartedly recommend this book but with the caveat that you’re prepared for an unfinished story arc—think of it as an invitation to an upcoming sequel that I hope will be released soon!
Rating this book at a 4.5 out of 5 stars reflects my overall enjoyment while also acknowledging the few aspects that could be improved. If you’re in the mood for a whirlwind of paranormal antics and a splash of sass, grab a copy of “Karma’s a Bitch” and join Morgan on her quest—you won’t regret it!