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Demon Hunts (Walker Papers #5)

by C.E. Murphy (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 1,925 ratings · 105 reviews

Seattle police detective Joanne Walker started the year mostly dead, and she's ending it trying not to be consumed by evil. Literally.She's proven she can handle the gods and the walking dead. But a cannibalistic serial killer? That's more than even she bargained for. What's worse, the brutal demon can only be tracked one way. If Joanne is to stop its campaign of terror, s...more

Paperback, 361 pages

Published June 1st 2010 by Luna Books (first published 2010)

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Apr 30, 2013 Susana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, urban-fantasy, mystical-stuff

Once again:
Love the characters!

BUT, most of the times while reading what Joanne does as a Shaman, i can't help feeling lost!

YES, PLEASE!! O_O

Heck, maybe i'm just too dense to understand it....

I can't help feeling that had the series been, less "inner dialogue oriented", less mystical or at least more interspaced with other parts, like some action or some romantic scenes, this would have worked better. As it is, i feel like there are "clumps" of the shamanic aspects....that suddenly remove all...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Starfire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, 8-10

Currently re-reading because I totally forgot I'd already read it. And I must take time it to squee and flail at the best fandom reference I've found in an urban fantasy yet. As they're driving into the state park on p184, Jo's gaze lands on a '67 black Impala with Kansas plates.

Well played, Ms Murphy. Well played.

I *desperately* want the crossoverfic now!

ETA: and it just got better! Apparently, the FBI got to the body before Jo, Coyote and co; and there are three of them. There's a woman and tw...more

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Apr 10, 2012 Beth Cato rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: in, 2010, urban, fantasy, walker-papers

This is a brand new release in Murphy's The Walker Papers books, one of my favorite urban fantasy series.[return][return]It's almost Christmas and Seattle is in a deep freeze. Detective Joanne Walker feels the cold a bit more than most: another dead body has been found, obviously chewed on, and not even her shamanistic powers can find a clue. Her partner, Billy Holliday--who really does see dead people--is equally frustrated. All of the bodies have been found in the wilderness, all the victims t...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I rather enjoyed the latest installment in Joanne Walker's fumbling through shamanism.

A couple of things though: there was a serious lack of Gary in this. Serious.

And when did she patch things up with Phoebe? I've been reading the series one after the other (blast my poor credit card) and the last thing I knew Phoebe was all heebie about Joanne's shaman magic. How was that resolved? Missed seeing that being resolved though there was no real Phoebe in the book. I don't know if I'd let a friend......more

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Mar 12, 2011 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Demon Hunts is the fifth book in The Walker Papers series, and by now, Joanne Walker (aka Siobhán Walkingstick) and her friends are familiar staples in my reading library. I've enjoyed to varying degrees watching Joanne mostly bumble along with this whole shaman gig she's always been pretty reluctant about, and while there have been times when her character's reluctance to just accept this new world she's been forced into has frustrated me, I have to admit, overall I've enjoyed the slow and some...more Demon Hunts is the fifth book in The Walker Papers series, and by now, Joanne Walker (aka Siobhán Walkingstick) and her friends are familiar staples in my reading library. I've enjoyed to varying degrees watching Joanne mostly bumble along with this whole shaman gig she's always been pretty reluctant about, and while there have been times when her character's reluctance to just accept this new world she's been forced into has frustrated me, I have to admit, overall I've enjoyed the slow and sometimes fitful journey her character has taken to become more and more comfortable and aware of her skills and gifts as well as her calling.

Demon Hunts is no different in that regard, and it managed to capture in very poignant detail that growing up and accepting responsibility is very rarely a painless process. In fact, it's often burdened by farewells we have to say and amends we have to make. It's littered with regrets for past mistakes and tinged with the iridescent sheen of broken childish dreams. It's about doing what needs to be done in the face of criticism and rebuke, no matter the struggle, if the doing is the right thing. Above all that, it demands an acceptance of self that is often uncomfortable and a paradigm shift that is as necessary as it so often is terrifying. And at the very core, that is what Demon Hunts is about. Joanne finally...finally...growing up. That aspect of Demon Hunts was well written, exceptionally well paced, and a little heartbreaking, but there was also humor, self deprecating as only Joanne can do, and hope, and friendship, so it wasn't a totally bleak endeavor.

Unfortunately, the other aspect of Demon Hunts, the threat, crime, and rush to a solution, was bleak enough on its own. A series of odd murders that leave no clues of any sort are plaguing the Seattle Police Department - no blood, no DNA, no fibers, no footprints...nothing is left at the scene. So Captain Morrison calls in his paranormal dynamic duo, Joanne and Billy Holiday, because they're who you call when normal doesn't quite cover it. Except, there's nothing either one of them can pick up either - even with their magical connections. And people are still dying. Outdoorsy people. Leaving empty, bloodless husks behind.

As Joanne races to find out what is responsible and more importantly, stop it, long lost friends return to the fold and old friends stand as stalwart support. Old enemies pop back up and persistent thorns remain thorny. And while all that sounds like fantastic building blocks for another kick ass 'Joanne's Magical Mystery Tour,' in this case the Big Bad of Demon Hunts and the narrative surrounding it was ultimately a confusing, unrewarding mess that ended up feeling more repetitive than threatening.

I'll admit, throughout the series, I've had trouble understanding some of the magic related world building and mythos of each of the books. I don't blame the author for that, really. I have trouble wrapping my mind around magical concepts and other dimensions and stuff to start with (linear thinker, unfortunately), and Murphy just doesn't describe them conceptually enough for me to always catch on to the full scope of Joanne's shamanic world. I've gotten used to that. But this book went a bit further, and I struggled to understand a lot of the too-subtly woven interpersonal stuff between Joanne and other characters - in particular a few scenes with Morrison and Coyote. There seemed to be an overabundance of dialogue with inexplicable double meanings and on top of that, I have trouble grasping the full impact of a scene if everyone's just looking at each other and the narrative doesn't really explain what's going on. In that regard, this book's narrative felt far more internal (from Joanne's POV) than others in the series, and that was exceedingly frustrating.

Another problem that's starting to niggle me is the evolving relationship between Morrison and Walker, which, in this book in particular, was far less 'evolve' and far more 'evade.' That whole 'one step forward two steps back' adage could definitely be used here...if the steps back were Jolly Green Giant-sized. I hope that Demon Hunts is a turning point, a stepping stone, or the last of the metaphorical shaman baby steps that Joanne needed to take to really become the warrior shaman Seattle needs and that by the sixth book in the series we'll start to get an idea of where that relationship is headed, as well as some overall arc progression or definition, because there wasn't any of that in Demon Hunts.

For the maturing and the personal growth, both well written and touching, I'd rate Demon Hunts 4 stars, but because of the weakness in the storyline of the killer and the repetitiveness of the battles with it, the conflict of Demon Hunts gets only 2 stars from me today. I averaged it out to 3 overall. I hope the next one has got a little more to offer.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.(less)

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Feb 11, 2011 Habrewer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Demon Hunts by CE Murphy
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Joanne is struggling to understand all of her Shaman powers. She has grown stronger in power as well as self confidence over the last few months. She still has a lot of internal conflict that she is having problems overcoming.

Something is killing people in Seattle and it is up to her and her partner Billy Holliday to try and stop it. They are sure it's something from the spirit world but they...more Demon Hunts by CE Murphy
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Joanne is struggling to understand all of her Shaman powers. She has grown stronger in power as well as self confidence over the last few months. She still has a lot of internal conflict that she is having problems overcoming.

Something is killing people in Seattle and it is up to her and her partner Billy Holliday to try and stop it. They are sure it's something from the spirit world but they have never seen anything like it. When it attacks a friend of Holliday's for trying to help, it becomes personal to Joanne.

Coyote, her Navajo teacher she thought was dead, arrives to help her defeat the monster. They are determined to free the lost spirit that has been wondering the Lower World trying to find its way home. When another murder turns up in a mountain park, Joanne, Coyote, and Gary head up there to try and stop it. Along the way she gets help from a former friend, who is now a local FBI agent and a TV reporter that is more concerned with getting her story than her own safety.

It takes Joanne entering Lower World on her own, armed with a wooden spear given to them by the tree God, her drum and her spirit animals. Once the creature has been defeated, Joanne has some hard decisions to make about her future. Will she stay in Seattle, follow Coyote or go home to her dad in North Carolina?

This is the 1st book I've read in this series. I was a little lost at first but there is so much internal dialogue from Joanne that you are quickly gotten up to speed. I had a hard time at the beginning getting into the book because it leans primarily toward urban fantasy. I enjoy the genre but for me it didn't have enough action at the beginning to catch my attention.

The further I got in the book though, the more I enjoyed it. I became invested in what was going on and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I probably won't go back and read the earlier stories but I will definitely pick up the next book in this series.

Overall I enjoyed the book and give it 3 flaming hearts.
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Sep 21, 2010 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars

For weeks now, someone has been killing and well, munching on people in Seattle. Many detectives have been given a shot at cracking the case. However, when not one single shred of evidence is found at any scene, it is becoming clear the killer is most likely not human. Its up to Joanne and Billy to figure it out who the killer is and stop them quickly. After a nasty confrontation they find out the killer is a wendigo, a nasty soul-eating creature. Unlike her prior escapades, she is really outmat...more For weeks now, someone has been killing and well, munching on people in Seattle. Many detectives have been given a shot at cracking the case. However, when not one single shred of evidence is found at any scene, it is becoming clear the killer is most likely not human. Its up to Joanne and Billy to figure it out who the killer is and stop them quickly. After a nasty confrontation they find out the killer is a wendigo, a nasty soul-eating creature. Unlike her prior escapades, she is really outmatched, and may just not have enough to stop this creature.

The usual characters return in this book, Morrison, Billy, and Gary. Gary of course is her steadfast rock whenever she needs him. He just could not get more awesome! It was so heartbreaking when Joanne confessed her past to him. He actually gets to help Joanne directly in this book, and it was great to see him shine. Morrison, unfortunately only played a small part. I found his absence slightly disappointing, but I am a little biased. I would prefer he was majorly prevalent in all books.

So, now that Joanne is really coming into her powers, it only makes sense that her love life would become even more of a mess. Coyote returns in this book and well, complicates things. Joanne does have feelings for him, but her heart is really already claimed. I felt really bad for Joanne and her completely torn emotions. I cannot imagine being in love with someone you absolutely cannot have, let alone in love with someone else as well that you cannot give all of yourself to because of the other love. Whew, its exhausting just trying to imagine how that would feel. I do hope that she is now accepting things, she might get a little happiness in return, even if it means not being with Morrison. I really don't think Coyote is entirely right for her, but if he can make her happy, well then she deserves it. Its just going to have to be one of those wait and see things.

Joanne really gets herself in come hot water in this book, and its amazing to see how she musters through. Once again, the action has been stepped up. Look forward to jealously, major mistakes, an unfriendly visit from the past, and an annoying reporter that just won't get off her back in this great 5th installment. I really cannot wait for the next book.(less)

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Jul 05, 2010 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sf-f-goodies

Very strong outing in the Walker Papers series. And Hooray--Joanie has finally accepted her magical abilities and come to grips with what she is capable of doing and how much more she could be capable of.
(So her magical life is going strong, but her love life is still a mess.)
But just many more scary supernatural creatures is she going to have to face?
This book's baddie is a wendigo that is killing and eating the citizens of Seattle. And it is tough and tricky and, even with her new acceptance o...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Marsha rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: ?

Since the first book in this series, I've struggled with whether or not I would continue with it. I really like the supporting characters, Gary, Billy etc. However, I didn't particular care for the continuous venture into the astral plane and the incessant self dialogue of the main character. Over time, this corrected itself but now after reading Demon Hunts I am asking myself once again whether or not I will continue with this series.
This time my problem is with the main character's lack of...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Lianne Burwell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Demon Hunts is the fifth book in a series, so it's a little hard to review it on its own.

Joanne Walker is still learning about her abilities as a Shaman. Her cross-dressing partner can see ghosts, while his wife is a 'wise woman' who can do some magic. Everyone still likes to joke that Joanne is involved with her 70+ year old cabbie friend, although really, she's in love with her Captain. And then there's that pesky reporter who had figured out that there's something strange about Jo.

Someone or...more

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May 31, 2010 Dren rated it 3 of 5 stars

Demon Hunts is C.E. Murphy’s fifth book in the Walker Papers series. Joanne Walker is a Seattle police detective who is trying to deal with the facts of her life. She has the Sight. She can Heal. She’s a Shaman. What else could go wrong? When a cannibalistic serial killer starts leaving mutilated bodies in her jurisdiction, Joanne and her partner Billy are thrust into the forefront and try to use their supernatural skills to track a killer.

This is my first entry in the Walker Paper series and I...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: squee-worthy, boo-hoo-grab-a-tissue, rotflmao, book-boyfriend, favourites, magic-tastic, kick-ass-chicks

Another great book, another four stars. The plot this time is, as the title suggests, is a hunt for a "demon" or whatever it is that's leaving half-eaten bodies all over Seattle. Joanne and her partner in crime, Billy Holliday, are called in to check over the crime scenes as there is something funny about the way the bodies are being found. Even though it's late December and there is snow all over the ground, there are never any tracks around the dumped bodies.

Now that Captain Morrison has well...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Smith rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: extremely damaged people who think they are normal

Walker still needs serious psychotherapy because she sure isn't giving up on anything on the emotional level. At this point she is going to have claw marks all over anything she does give up because it is going to have to yanked away from her. She still spends a lot of time and energy ruminating over what she has been bawling about in the the last 4 books like a calf separated from its mother too soon. The girl needs a serious self help meeting.

Making progress? Not hardly. A warrior? I'm so glad...more Walker still needs serious psychotherapy because she sure isn't giving up on anything on the emotional level. At this point she is going to have claw marks all over anything she does give up because it is going to have to yanked away from her. She still spends a lot of time and energy ruminating over what she has been bawling about in the the last 4 books like a calf separated from its mother too soon. The girl needs a serious self help meeting.

Making progress? Not hardly. A warrior? I'm so glad I wasn't drinking something right then, I would have choked on it. All we get are self humiliation and pity parties with a LOT of Wallowing. By the time I got to the first one in the first chapters I was saying "Yes you are a ..... up. Yes you did do it. Yes you are stupid. Yes...." I mean I was actually agreeing with every negative thing she said and very glad she gave up the baby. That shocked me and made me realize how bad this series and character really are. A flawed hero is a given but this child isn't flawed she's a blanking train wreck.

She really hasn't grown because if the same fears keep reappearing, she hasn't grown one bit. She is still floundering around trying to prove her worth to her self but her psychosis is keeping her from going anywhere.

I'm not sure if the writer either doesn't know how to grow a character or thinks this is normal but after 5 books, its pathetic. I mean we have a formula going:
Jo screws up.
Evil gets loose.
Jo finally after much thinking and wallowing and moaning realizes that Evil is loose.
Jo moans whines and complains about not having the tools for this [nevermind if she got off her tush and actually did something she WOULD have the tools for this].
Jo finally gets pushed in a corner and pulls up the big girl panties and does something and says basically I really have to learn about this but whines "I don't want to. I was forced into this." [um no you made a choice and sometimes the choice is between sucks and suckier. So man up matey. It was your choice.]
Then Jo goes off and does the same thing over again with no change until the next book where she starts the whole process over again.

By book 5 we should have had some motion ok besides whine moan and fight evil. The demons she need to face the most are what's in her that she has created by her choosing to perceive what happened to her in the past in the manner she has chosen to perceive it. She's got the perfect addictive personality and a bad avoidance issue among her neurosis. Instead of dealing straight on and pushing thru she would rather hang on to it and use it as excuse for not having a life.

She's a professional victim pretending in the series to be a hero. I was hoping for a strong female character like Rizzoli when I got this series. Instead, I get a neurotic, self absorbed, extremely damaged, egotist who screws up on a regular basis then has to spend the next book fixing what she did and not having enough brains to learn to use the tools given to her. Rizzoli would have just shot the suckers. In fact Rizzoli would have just shot Joanne and Isles would have helped.

Last book. Can't take this any more. I don't care if she ever grows up but if she gets eaten, let me know. I want to read that scene. And I don't think I am alone considering the way the total number of ratings are dropping at the top of each page. A whole lot are losing interest in the series. Maybe that is why the drastic change in the 7th book. Trying to draw back readers that are already sick of the whining.(less)

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Dec 16, 2011 Deea (Andreea) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: uf, my-audiobooks

There's got to be a heartbreaking book in all the series, especially in the long ones. Well, seems like for the Walker Papers series, this was it. And I never saw it coming...*sigh* *tear*

Anyway, this series is getting better and better. I love C.E. Murphy's writing style, I love her world building and the realistic way she crafts her characters. And Jo rocks! I'm so glad I got to read (well, listen to) all the books back to back!<3

The villain in this book was sooo annoying! For the last 1/4...more

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May 09, 2011 Viccy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Joanne Walker is a cop in Seattle. She is also a shaman. In the past year, her life has gotten exceedingly weird but that's just normal for shamans. In this series entry, her mentor, Coyote, returns and Joanne discovers more about her skills and abilities. She obtains a second spirit guide, the rattlesnake, which imbues her with the power of healing. A wendingo is stalking the outdoorsmen of Seattle. Invisible in the human world, the wendingo hunts on the astral plain, not only killing its prey,...more

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Jul 22, 2010 Hali Sowle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, magic, shaman, series, c-e-murphy

Joanne Walker is a Seattle cop and it's reluctant Shaman is knee deep in it again as the book opens with her and partner Billy Holliday hanging by a harness on the side of a mountain examining a corpse that has been chewed upon. Unfortunately what has done the chewing appears to be supernatural and not leaving any clues. This brings Joanne into a whole new world of malevolent spirits and stretches her ability to "see" the good and the bad and the places in between. The book continues Joanne's gr...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Lady Jaye rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, stars-2, did-not-like-it, disappointing, fantasy-urban-fantasy, magic, part-of-a-series, pb-other, people-law-enforcement, people-magic-users, skimmed-it

For the most part, this series leads me to think of what it might have been, instead of what it now is. It could easily have been a great series, but it isn't. Not by a long shot. I had thought the series was starting to look up when the author began to portray a different side of Joanne - a more likeable side. But alas, it seems like that was only a flash in the pan.

Dimwit Joanne seems to be making a comeback in full force: rude, obnoxious, and with very little to recommend her. In this book,...more

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Oct 06, 2010 Maren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Probably my favorite book of the series so far. Almost a year has past since Joanne went the way of the unwilling shaman, and she is really coming into her powers. Add a winter mystery in the beautiful mountains of Washington, a surprise guest, and the ever present cheerful banter between the characters, and I seriously had trouble putting this one down.

I have a bit of a rule I try and follow when it comes to favorite books - don't reread a book for at least a year, and I've stuck to it pretty...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, audiobook

Audiobook.

3.5 stars - Good book. (view spoiler) Joanne needs to workout just to keep up with all the baddies that keep coming to visit her. I swear it's every two months they come to town.

I think that's my problem with the series. Every two months something horrible happens....more

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Sep 29, 2010 Lia rated it 2 of 5 stars

First half of the book was good, second half not so much. Loved the tension between Morrison and Coyote, wish things could have built up before they came crashing down with Joanne's revelations about Coyote. Loved that Joanne is finally asking someone for help, wish she had done it in the past 4 books! Would have loved to see more of Morrison, glad that Murphy has stopped with her killing rampage (seriously, the first couple books felt like anyone new Jo would meet would die), but the storyline...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: walker-papers

Joanne Walker, urban shaman, investigates a cannabilistic serial killer. Warning, possible spoilers ahead...

What I Liked:

The shout-out/cameo of Dean & Sam Winchester. I am a huge fan of the Supernatural tv show, so I was highly amused by Sam & Dean's appearance along with Joanne's love of the Impala.

The wendigo - Having the wendigo be both a psychic and physical threat was a unique twist on the creature.

Gary - Awesome as always. How many 73 year olds are willing to tackle and body slam a...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Jo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-and-science-fiction

In this fifth installment in the Walker Papers series, the creature feature plot was a bit thin (cannabalistic monster terrorizes city of Seattle and environs) but the personal growth is worth the read. It captures well that growing up and accepting responsibility is very rarely a painless process. It's necessary but not easy. The growth in this book is rather heart-breaking, although there were moments of humor as well. I'm giving it 4 stars on the character growth (it would be 2 stars on the m...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Sinn rated it 3 of 5 stars

To be honest, it took me awhile to get into this series. After a failed attempt at reading the first book, Urban Shaman, I decided to give it another try when a friend suggested that I read it. And, like the Dresden Files, I liked the book the second time around! Even though Joanne was a little annoying and extremely predictable, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed the book. After that, I ended up tearing through the series! However, this book just ended up sitting on my shelf for a year. I t...more To be honest, it took me awhile to get into this series. After a failed attempt at reading the first book, Urban Shaman, I decided to give it another try when a friend suggested that I read it. And, like the Dresden Files, I liked the book the second time around! Even though Joanne was a little annoying and extremely predictable, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed the book. After that, I ended up tearing through the series! However, this book just ended up sitting on my shelf for a year. I think I lost steam and found some other book I as interested in. However, in an attempt to start reading through my TBR pile, I decided to grab this one on a whim.

After Joanne's adventure in the previous book, she is still dealing with the aftermath. Letting everything loose and the imbalance of power, a cannibalistic killer is drawn to her for some unknown reason. To me, the nature of the killer was extremely predictable. I figured it out long before it was stated to the audience. For the sake of not spoiling it, I'm not saying it here.

Sheesh, I don't know how many times I have rewritten this section over and over again! Really, all I have to summarize the book is that someone who was thought lost returns; Corvallis continues to put her nose where it doesn't belong and they end up in a better place; Joanne being confronted with her true role; more angst between her and Morrison; a new spirit guide; and that's about it.

Unfortunately, even though this book is nearly 400 pages, it doesn't feel as though it had much substance. Granted, I wanted to know what happened and how things played out, but I found myself struggling to finish the book. It took all my effort to finish it this afternoon. It took me the greater part of the day to read less than a 100 pages!! Needless to say, I wasn't too impressed.

I felt the story just took too long. I enjoyed parts, I was curious to see how the book would end, etc. It just drug on and on and on . . . For example, the ending took a little too long. Yes, yes, I always complain that the ending is always too rushed, but this ending took too long! Also, bringing Sara into the story seemed rather pointless. Granted, it got her to open up to Gary about her past, but I didn't really see the point in adding her into the story. Aside from Sara confirming Joanne's dream training by Coyote and telling her to return to North Carolina, she didn't offer anything more than an obstacle and possible cannon fodder.

That being said, it wasn't a terrible book, but it didn't really hold my attention. Due to the fact that I wanted to see how it ended, I'm going to give the author a break. However, I'm not sure how badly I want to read the next book in the series.(less)

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Jan 28, 2012 Sho rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, re-read

In this book Joanne gets to fight with a wendigo, a tormented spirit lost in the cold turned into a sprit/flesh eating monster.

In this 5th installment, the characters are pretty much established, Joanne is now comfortablly settled in as a police detective resposible for incidents with suprenatural slant with her partner Billy. It is amazing to see how far she has come from the first book. The dialogues are as usually snappy, funny and matches the characters' personalities.

As Joanne persues the...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Bron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shaman, wendigo

Joanne Walker, and the Seattle police department are caught up in a bizarre series of murders. The murder victims are left in the wild, in the snow, with no discernible footprints or blood marks left behind. Of course this can't be caused by a human, so Joanne and Billy have to figure out what is going on.

This story shows the reappearance of Coyote, much to Joanne's joy, and since he is with her in person, means she has some guidance in trying to figure out what is causing the murders. He is no...more Joanne Walker, and the Seattle police department are caught up in a bizarre series of murders. The murder victims are left in the wild, in the snow, with no discernible footprints or blood marks left behind. Of course this can't be caused by a human, so Joanne and Billy have to figure out what is going on.

This story shows the reappearance of Coyote, much to Joanne's joy, and since he is with her in person, means she has some guidance in trying to figure out what is causing the murders. He is not the only presence from her past, there is also the girl that liked the same guy at high school as Joanne who now works for the FBI, and causes a lot of emotional conflict for Joanne.

Joanne and Coyote find that they have a lot to work on as their differences become apparent. Coyote, who is a healer, appears to be Mr Perfect, he is a very caring sort of guy, however, when he finds himself in situations where he has to fight cannot cope so well, he also doesn't fully understand the way Joanne rushes into incidences without fully preparing first, and does not necessarily agree with some of her snap decisions. It's amazing how Joanne, and those she talks to, appear to be able to have "unspoken" conversations during their conversations, in which everyone around seems to be able to figure out exactly what is meant.

I find sometimes in these books that the whole shamanistic fighting on different planes gets confusing - Middle world and lower world, somewhere has demons and the other the dead - or something like that. And somewhere in there fits the garden of the soul. Thankfully the book can be enjoyed without always remembering which level does what!

The most amazing thing about this book was definitely the dvd given to Joanne that actually showed what Joanne looked like when she was fighting in these different worlds.

Overall, the book was enjoyable, but I wish that any emotional romance between the characters was spelt out to give feeling in the same way as the fighting scenes!

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Feb 04, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-pubs

Demon Hunts (Walker Papers, Book 5) by C E Murphy is definitely the best book in the series so far. It's Christmas time and Santa has a lot of surprises in store for Joanne Walker. Not long after the events of Walking Dead (The Walker Papers, Book 4), the Seattle area is hit with a new serial killer--a paranormal killer who chews on his victims. Joanne & Billy are on the case--but there's not much to go on. This killer leaves no trace evidence, not even the kind these two paranormal detectiv...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Kieraanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic-irl-urban-fantasy, horror, murder-mystery, romance-adventure, tough-chick

This book was good in that it welcomed back Coyote. However, the first 75 pages or so were torture to get through. They were slow and kept referencing things from past books I couldn't remember as it has been so long since I read them. I also didn't like how apparently it is now essential to the plot line to have read the short story from Moon Called/Banshee Cries. If it is in a short story it should add to, but not be essential to the main books in the series. I think Ms. Murphy forgot this. Al...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This was my favorite book in the series without a doubt, because I finally get to see Joanne in love! While it is not with her boss, Morrison, whom it is obvious she has an attraction to, it is still a very satisfying romance. Her bubbly happiness is quite enjoyable to read, and it does not get on my nerves despite how sickly sweet Joanne is in the descriptions. At times, her love interest really does seem like the perfect man, and I am thrilled that she gets to have this in the midst of the cha...more

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Oct 22, 2010 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2010, for-review-read

Joanne Walker is a police officer but she is also a shaman and along with her partner Billy Holiday she investigates crimes that involve the supernatural. Joanne isn't an expert Shaman though, she is new to her powers and is definitely having to learn on the job. This time they are up against a serial killer who is eating part of their victims but leaving absolutely no evidence behind to give the police a clue to their identity. Can Joanne track down the killer using her magical abilities before...more Joanne Walker is a police officer but she is also a shaman and along with her partner Billy Holiday she investigates crimes that involve the supernatural. Joanne isn't an expert Shaman though, she is new to her powers and is definitely having to learn on the job. This time they are up against a serial killer who is eating part of their victims but leaving absolutely no evidence behind to give the police a clue to their identity. Can Joanne track down the killer using her magical abilities before he claims any more victims?

Before I start this review I have a confession to make - when I started Demon Hunts I didn't realise it was book 5 in a series (which is very unlike me as I'm quite obsessive about reading series in order!) so I did find myself getting a little confused in places as I wasn't sure of the back story. I still really enjoyed the book and am now planning on reading the other books but I have a feeling that I've probably picked up on some major spoilers for previous stories so I would strongly recommend reading this series in order. Although this review won't include spoilers for Demon Hunts I can't guarantee it won't include spoilers for previous stories so you might want to skip reading if you're not up to date with the series. If you're an urban fantasy fan and like an action packed story with a strong female heroine then I'd definitely recommend you give the first book Urban Shaman a try though.

I really do wish I'd read this series in the correct order, I have a feeling that Joanne has done a lot of growing to get to where she is today and I'd like to have seen that happening (I'm going to be checking that by reading the earlier books but am going to leave it a few months so that I can hopefully forget any spoilers I picked up by reading this one). I thought she was a great main character, she is obviously still learning about her abilities and it appears that she has struggled to come to terms with the new supernatural world that she has found herself in but she is doing a great job of it. Joanne was a very realistic character and I enjoyed listening to her voice as she tells the story.

There are also a lot of interesting side characters who I'm looking forward to getting to know more about. Billy added a lot of comedy to the story and I enjoyed watching him & Joanne work together but it was also nice to see him with his wife and family too. One of my favorite characters was Coyote, he seems to hold his cards quite close to his chest but I'm hoping to see more of him and find out some of his secrets in future books. Gary and Morrison were both interesting characters and ones I'd have liked to have seen more of but I get the feeling that they've both played major roles in previous stories. C.E. Murphy has created a detailed world but I felt like I was missing out on some important information by picking up the series so late in. I'm looking forward to investigating the world more fully in the future and think I'm going to become a big fan of this series by the time I've caught up.(less)

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Jan 02, 2011 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis: Seattle police detective Joanne Walker started the year mostly dead, and she's ending it trying not to be consumed by evil. Literally.

She's proven she can handle the gods and the walking dead. But a cannibalistic serial killer? That's more than even she bargained for. What's worse, the brutal demon can only be tracked one way. If Joanne is to stop its campaign of terror, she'll have to hunt it where it lives: the Lower World, a shamanistic plane of magic and spirits.

Trouble is, Joanne'...more Synopsis: Seattle police detective Joanne Walker started the year mostly dead, and she's ending it trying not to be consumed by evil. Literally.

She's proven she can handle the gods and the walking dead. But a cannibalistic serial killer? That's more than even she bargained for. What's worse, the brutal demon can only be tracked one way. If Joanne is to stop its campaign of terror, she'll have to hunt it where it lives: the Lower World, a shamanistic plane of magic and spirits.

Trouble is, Joanne's skills are no match for the dangers she's about to face - and her on-the-job training could prove fatal to the people she's sworn to protect..

Joanne Walker is a police officer but she is also a shaman and along with her partner Billy Holiday she investigates crimes that involve the supernatural. Joanne isn't an expert Shaman though, she is new to her powers and is definitely having to learn on the job. This time they are up against a serial killer who is eating part of their victims but leaving absolutely no evidence behind to give the police a clue to their identity. Can Joanne track down the killer using her magical abilities before he claims any more victims?

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Joanne is half-Cherokee (father) and half-Irish (mother); This is also the anniversary of her mothers death, and that plays a part in Joanne's thoughts. For the uninitiated, Joanned used to be the SFPD's mechanic. She still does work on fellow officers cars when she has an off day. However, after she was nearly fired for spending too much time away from her job due to her mothers funeral in Ireland, Morrison decided to make her a patrol officer. Joanne has an uncanny ability to get into the middle of trouble even if she's not looking for it. That's why she is now working with Billie Holliday in the supernatural spook squad. They answer only to Captain Morrison.

Demon Hunts is Book 5 in the Urban Shaman series and marks the return of Joanne's mentor the Coyote. Joanne thought the Coyote died protecting her several books ago. If you try to figure out this series just by reading this book...good luck to you!

The are they, or aren't they moment of the series; Will Captain Morrison and Joanne finally stop tap dancing around each other, and just say, hey I like you! Or, is Joanne hopefully in love with the Coyote?

Joanne's character has also come a long way from the first release when she was stabbed with a sword, died, and ended up with Coyote as a mentor and shaman powers. I still love the fact that her cabbie friend Gary makes an appearance still. He is probably the most constant character in her life.

This is a series you either like, or don't. Me, I'll continue reading it.

(less)

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About C.E. Murphy

C.E. Murphy is a writer of fantasy novels and short stories. She also writes "action-adventure romance" novels under the pseudonym Cate Dermody, which was her grandmother's maiden name.

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“To my embarrassment, I was crying again. Real girl tears for the second time, these ones born out of frustration. That didn't happen to me very often, but I hated it when it did. It was faulty wiring in the female body, tear ducts attached directly to the frustration meter. Trying to explain to men that no, I wasn't being manipulative, I just couldn't stop my eyes from leaking salt water, only added to the aggravation.” — 5 people liked it

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Demon Hunts (Walker Papers #5)

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