The Mortician's Daughter: Mortician’s Daughter Series, Book 2

The Mortician’s Daughter #2

by C.C. Hunter

Riley has accepted that her special gift is to help dead people with their unfinished business. But she never thought she'd be tasked with helping the spirit of a convicted criminal who died in prison. He may lead her on the scariest mission yet, but helping him could mean saving the life of a child. The convict's daughter needs a liver transplant, and the one person who could still be a match is his brother...who also happens to be a gang leader.

Hayden's not happy that Riley's discovered who he is and is seeing him sick and unconscious in his hospital bed. This feels like as good a time as ever to cross over and put all of them out of their misery...but Riley is in danger. She's visiting some of the most dangerous spots and confronting some of the creepiest lowlifes in town. For her, he'll need to regain his strength and fight to keep her safe.

But dealing with other people's problems still can't keep Riley from her own. Her dad's drinking has gotten worse. And she'll soon learn it's because he's been keeping a huge, horrible secret that will change everything she believes about her family and her mother's death.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.

C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels. www.christie-craig.com


C.C. would love to hear from you. Because of deadlines, it may take her a day or so to get back with you, but she will reply. cc@cchunterbooks.com

Reviews

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 “read in one sitting” stars

 

Reading CC Hunter’s books is like wearing my favorite plush sweater or curling on the couch under a blankie with a roaring fire in the chimney: comforting, easy and luscious.

Seriously I know that each time I will have a very enjoyable reading moment with just the right balance between suspense, romance, mystery, adventure, drama and humor.

 

She has a way with words that make me read these stories unaware of the time flying by when I am engrossed in the adventures of her fictional characters.

God knows that I awaited expectantly Two Feet Under!

If you have read my review of "One Foot in the Grave" (you can find it HERE) you maybe recall that I wrote a “complaint to CC Hunter” because we parted on a huge cliffy! I swear she could have been script writer for Dallas series and the likes *yes I am that old* where we parted not knowing who shot JR! She is evil like that I tell you!

 

By the end of book one we learned who Hayden was and that he was not really dead …yet! And then…. nothing!!!!

Will he wake from his coma? Would Riley and Hayden have a future together?

Was Riley’s dad really drinking? Would he stop?

And who was Riley’s mom? What was the secret surrounding her departed mother?

Who was “lunch lady”?

What …

 

Two Feet Under begins right where we left Riley and will end with …more secrets and another plot twist!

My reaction finishing the book was “CC I hate you yet writing this you keep the ball rolling so ….more pleasure to come!”.

 

After reading my friend's reviews of what is known as “cozy mystery” genre I think we could consider The Mortician Daughter’s series as CC’s own version of “cozy mystery” for teens in a paranormal world.

Every book so far focuses on Riley going on a mission to help a ghost. She “has” to help either unmask a killer (first book) either find a lost uncle to save a dying little girl. You even have the ever present animal, Pumpkin her cat, that you can find in many cozy mysteries.

These “one book missions” revolves around two central plots: helping *one way of another* gorgeous, kind, smart, funny Hayden and solving Riley’s dad’s drinking problem. Bonus for solving Riley’s mom mystery.

 

Riley’s “partner in crime” is Hayden as he may be a ghost he can make phones explode, surprising anyone threatening Riley and giving her the needed time to escape if need be!

 

What I love once more is that Riley struggles with common teenager’s problems: swooning for cute boys, fighting bullies at school, dealing with parent’s problems but being far from “common” as she can see and speak to ghosts.

This mix of paranormal and perfectly ordinary elements make us really believe in the story and forget that this could not really happen “in real life”.

 

Riley feels like the “girl next door” you would love having as a friend. She is selfless, generous, courageous and smart. Hayden is …just dreamy! Supportive, protective, funny and handsome. You just want them to be together but ….let’s just say everything is not so simple!

 

Filled with expected tropes and twists that can be found in many YA books CC Hunter is an expert at weaving her tales to let you have a fantastic reading time.

 

Recommend it?

 

Of course!

 

PS CC please write fast! I need to know what happens next 😊

 
Have you read it or any of CC's books?
 

Thanks for reading!

 
Sophie

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[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this book now!! When does it come out?? I need a release date... I'm dying over here

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.C. Hunter is one of my favorite authors when it comes to emotional young adult romances with a touch of the paranormal. Her writing is gripping and heartfelt, weaving stories that always suck me in. Two Feet Under is just over 200 pages and I flew through this fast paced story in one sitting. When I finished Two Feet Under, I immediately started reading Three Heartbeats Away, book 3 in the series. I just can't get enough of these characters and their world.

[Nancy The book junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25/5

Review to come!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exactement ce que j’avais besoin pour me sortir de ma petite panne de lecture!
C’est intriguant et rapide à lire. Riley est un personnage que j’apprécie énormément. Malgré tous ses problèmes, avec les fantômes, son père et Hayden, elle souhaite aider les gens autours d’elle. La fin m’a encore plus donnée envie de lire la suite !

[Tomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read while dealing with some serious issues. My main concern is that some aspects are being slow-played on purpose instead of developing the characters further along.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, I was a big fan of the TV show Ghost Whisperer and also Meg Cabot's series The Mediator. I love stories where humans can see ghosts and help them to pass over into the light. Two Feet Under is the second book in The Morticians Daughter series and features Riley who has the gift. At the end of Book #1, she discovered that the ghost Hayden whom she had fallen in love with is, in fact, her new boyfriend Jacob's best friend Carter and he is in a coma. Book #2 starts with Riley breaking up with Jacob as she hasn't seen Hayden for a while and her heart no matter what belongs to him. Desperate to reconnect with Hayden's ghost, she goes to the ICU and sees him and meets his mother Mrs. Carter along the way and the pair get close. During her hospital visit, she is visited again by the ghost in the orange prison jumpsuit and learns his name is Mr. Brooks and he has a daughter dying - a little girl Annie whom we get to meet and read her story throughout the book. I loved the character of Annie as in a way, she stole the show. Riley's life though is about to get very complicated as Jacob wants her back despite her protests and even ropes Kayla into his plan to win her back. He also sees her talking to herself which brings a few more unwelcome questions and then there is her venture to save Annie which leads her into the heart of the Free Bloods Gang. Lately, Riley also has been getting some glimpses and a few bits and pieces from her dad about her mother who died when she was four. What happens though when the search for her mother sends her to an Art Gallery and Riley is left to face some answers to questions which should have been left unanswered? I am enjoying this series and as soon as I finished this book, I went to Amazon and one-clicked Book #3 as Book #2 ended on a major OMFG cliffhanger. Fans of The Ghost Whisperer will love CC Hunter's series The Morticians Daughter.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well....Well....Well.... I'm not sure if I'm more upset about the HUGE Cliffhanger or that I don't have the next book in my hands already...



Anyway...



Riley is still hoping Hayden will come back. She needs him to come back. In the meantime, the prison ghost guy is still around and needs her help. She's a little hesitant right now, given the fact that the last ghost lead her to a dangerous man. But this ghost needs Riley to help him and Fast.



Riley now knowing who Hayden is, she finds him and goes to visit him daily at the hospital. Hoping he will wake up. Hoping he will do what she says and fights to live. He eventually shows up and isn't too thrilled with Riley right now. He doesn't want her to see him that way. But they car for each other too much and staying away isn't the answer. So Hayden stays, he joins her on these dangerous tasks for the other ghost and fights to wake up.



Now prison ghost guy is giving her information in hopes to find his brother. His brother is all the hope he has left. His brother needs to save his little girl before it's too late. Go through their past to find his brother is dangerous, mostly because they learn he is the leader of a horrible gang. But true to her word, Riley tries her best to get in contact with him. Dealing with a few creeps in between, she finally gets a meeting. It takes more than one chat to convince him that he is the only one who can save his niece from dying. This is the favor he owes to his brother.



On top of ghosts, boy drama, school, drug planting in her locker, Riley still has other big things on her plate. Her best friend Kelsey wants to know what shes hiding. Her dad won't stop drinking. She wants to know more about her mom. Safe to say that Riley's plate is full. And just as everything wraps up in the end, a new ghosts appears. She can tell Riley about her mom...and then BAM! ALL DONE. Yes, that kind of cliffhanger....I so cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!!!!! C.C. Hunter has never ever failed to amaze me with her books.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you ever watch the TV program Tru Calling (Eliza Dushku, Zach Galifianakis, Matt Bomer, etc)? If so you will know Tru was able to help the recently departed. Well if you enjoyed that program then this book series should interest you. One difference is the heroine, Riley, is a high school student. So yes you get teenage angst. Still most enjoyable!

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the past year and a half, Riley had started seeing ghosts of dead people who needed her help before they could cross over. Once it started with simple requests until she helped a woman who tragically died under questionable circumstances. Now a dead violent convict needed her help to contact his brother who was a dangerous gang leader.

And then there was Hayden's ghost, who happened to be alive but unconscious - comatose. He didn't want Riley to see him like that in the hospital; suffering with all the tubes and medical apparatus attached to his almost lifeless body. He was losing hope... He was losing her... 

Two Feet Under brings more excitement and thrills, especially now that Riley Smith had finally accepted her "gift". I liked her a lot; she's got a great heart and doesn't hesitate helping those in need. She's one of a kind, she's golden. Although she's still having issues with his father's predicament, Riley proved to be a strong girl with a soft heart. She's lucky to have friends like Kelsey and Jacob and the crazy lunch lady. And there's Hayden, too. Such a fine young man with good intentions, although troubled with his current situation. The ending was a cliffhanger and got me even more excited than ever before. 

CC Hunter continues to make waves and ignite fire with her beautiful writing and wonderful stories. I can't wait to finish this series! I'm just three heartbeats away from reading it!!! 

[Kanyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tore up my heart. It’s emotionally heavy and at times sad, but yet, it so, so, so GOOD. I ended up reading the book in one day, getting up only when absolutely required to. I just had to know what was going to happen next to Riley and all the moving parts. If you’ve read the first book you know she has ongoing issues with her father, there’s more secrets appearing relating to her mother and helping the dead sort out unfinished business are only half of her problems. I so want her friendship to grow with Kelsey. They are like two peas in a pod and I can only think of all the good that could happen if they stopped with the secrets. And then there’s Hayden…All my favorite parts involved him and Riley. Overall the story was a fast read for me that I absolutely enjoyed. I can’t wait for the next book!

The Mortician’s Daughter: Two Feet Under was an exceptional sequel and one I know will stay with me for a while. If you love paranormal stories with a healthy dose of drama, mystery and romance then you should check out this series.

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Final Rating: 5 Stars

[Jessica *The Lovely Books* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may have mild spoilers from the first book. So if you’re reading this....prepare yourselves. If you want, skip the sections that are marked spoilers and just go to the end.

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**SPOILERS**

Okay, so how about that ending of The Mortician’s Daughter? And how we FINALLY know all about Hayden. Hayden. Sigh... he’s SO dreamy. Then the way Two Feet Under ended—uh, lets just say that I thought I was prepared for it. But I wasn’t!

Much like first book, we’re taken on dangerous adventure with Riley and the help of Hayden—did I mention she’s in danger? Well, she is! As many of you know, Hayden is in a coma and since Riley now knows who he is, she’s able to go and visit him everyday. To try to get him to fight for his life. But Hayden doesn’t like that she’s seeing him in such a vulnerable light.

Hayden being the dreamy man he is, won’t cross over until he knows Riley is safe. THEN that ending happens. What’s a girl to do? Well, get into the next and final book to see what happens and how everything comes to end.

While we’re dealing with the Riley/Hayden show; we also have Riley’s father. Who we find out in the first book, is actually an alcoholic. It seems to be getting worse for him too. There’s so much to deal with and I’m ready for the next book.

**End Spoilers**
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Alright. All I’m gonna say, is pick these babies up! So good.

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy for an honest an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[2shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by 2shay..........

I love this girl! Riley. She’s a corker. I always expect a lot from C.C. Hunter, and she always delivers. In The Mortician’s Daughter series she has created a delightful character. Her “Riley” can see ghosts. Not just “see” them, she can hear and talk and interact with them. We know from book one, One Foot In The Grave, that Riley has fallen head over heels in love with Hayden. He’s not quite a ghost, yet, but soon will be. Her relationship with Hayden is very sweet, but he keeps trying to divert her to his best friend, Jacob.

In this book, Riley is approached by an ex-con who just died. He needs her help. He was about to donate a piece of his liver to the young daughter he just found out about. He needs Riley to find his brother, a very bad man, hoping he will be a match for his dying daughter. Much to Hayden’s dismay, Riley keeps putting herself in danger, trying to save the little girl.

Meanwhile, Riley’s own problems aren’t going away. She worries about her father’s drinking constantly. Her dad is a great guy. I really like him. He’s sweet and compassionate, and loves Riley beyond reason. But...he’s very reluctant to talk about Riley’s mother. What’s that about? Maybe we will learn more in the next book. I hope so. Her other most pressing problem is Jacob. Her feelings for him are lukewarm, at best, nothing like what she feels for Hayden. But Hayden is dying. Possibly. Probably. Should she try to move on? She is tenacious.

C.C. Hunter has captured all the teenaged angst you would expect from a seventeen year old girl. This is beautifully told. I would recommend to any romance fan. So...pick up a copy and...

Enjoy!

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next one!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, but overall I thought it was a bit too repetitive. I rate "Two Feet Under" 4 stars.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously?!?! That ending!! OMG!!

But really though. I loved this book!! It was very emotional! It really had my feelings everywhere. I need the next one like NOW!!!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book picks up immediately from where the first one ended. I did not honestly expect to like this book as much as I enjoyed the first one after reading the blurb. I just did not think the story could get much better. I was mistaken. I read Two Feet Under with the same passion and intensity as the first one. The story was even more intense and the stakes higher than ever. This series is superb and I am really looking forward to the third installment of this fascinating adventure.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

[Sarah Gries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am literally crying as I write this review...

But first, i want to thank Netgalley and C.C. Hunter for giving me this opportunity to review Two Feet Under. My review is 100% honest and only my opinions. Thanks again.

From the year wait and the book delay, I was very eager to read this book. I missed Riley and Hayden so much, but this cliffhanger has me in tears. I can't tell you how heartbroken I am...

Getting into the review itself. The only issue I had with the novel was the amount of conflicts going on in the novel at one time. It seemed like every character had some personal issue that Riley needed to figure out. Everything was tied back to Riley, and it made me slightly upset because characters should be their own people. Other than the fact everything was led back to her I really enjoyed it.

It broke my heart to see Annie and Hayden struggle so much, but in the end I guess everything will work out. Riley is coming into her own in this novel, and I see a lot of character development and acceptance of her gift. She still lives too much in the past when it comes to her mother, but it's a issue I can understand. Not having a mother has really confused Riley's life, because she doesn't know who she is. However, Riley needs to understand she is her own person and her mother doesn't control who she is.
I also can't imagine the pain Riley goes through with her alcoholic father. Alcoholism is a disease that ruins families and relationships. Riley is trying her best to stop it and I wish her the best of luck.

The plot of the story was very interesting. There wasn't much action, but I honestly didn't mind it. The reasoning behind this is because it was a very emotional and sentimental book. Hunter didn't need to provide a lot of action. She makes people think about their actions and how they can individually help one another. The idea that you can make a difference is a common motif found within the whole series, which is very important and powerful. I hope to learn more from Riley and the characters, till then...

Cheers, lovelies!

[Teresa Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. C. Hunter never fails in writing a good story. I love her writing!
I couldn't wait to read the second book of The Mortician's Daughter Two Feet Under.
I suggest you read the first book, One Foot in the Grave before reading this book so you understand the story of the characters.
We follow Riley as she takes on the tasks of helping ghosts. She's accepted her gifts, but sometimes wishes she could resign and who could blame her, sometimes ghosts can be pretty scary.
Speaking of scary, her next task is helping the ghost of a convicted criminal, Carlos, which leads her down some dangerous paths and dangerous people. But helping Carlos could help save a little girl's life.
If having that on her plate isn't enough, she's also dealing with trying to keep her secret of seeing ghosts from her best friend Kelsey as well as trying to convince Hayden/Carter to not leave her. She loves Hayden who's not quite alive, yet isn't dead.
On top of that, her father's drinking has gotten worse as well as he's hiding a huge secret that'll shake Riley's belief in her family and her mother's death.
This book was gripping and I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I found myself annoyed with having to stop reading to finish my daily duties, but ran straight back to this book. I love books that yank my attention.
This book does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger. Be still my impatient beat heart- *slides down from my chair onto the floor like a spoiled impatient child*- the wait will be worth it for the next book.
I enjoyed the 3 chapter preview at the end of C. C. Hunter's new upcoming book, In Another Life. I'm already hooked and am dying to read it. Hurry up March 26, 2019!

[Kate Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mortician’s Daughter: Two Feet Under C.C. Hunter

Loved the first book in the series, and this one is even better. Riley is having issues with Hayden’s spirit who doesn’t like her seeing him in the hospital sick and unconscious. He’s beginning to think seriously of giving up and letting go of life. Then a new ghost appears who needs Riley’s help—a convicted criminal who was supposed to donate part of his liver to save his daughter’s life, but he was murdered in prison before the transplant could take place. He wants Riley to find his brother, a vicious gang leader who might be a match for the little girl.

Hayden’s not happy with Riley’s choice to help, the deceased convict is pressing her for action, she’s worried about her father’s drinking and the fact he seems to be keeping important secrets from her, and as complicated as it sounds, this is a totally engrossing story that kept me riveted to the pages. Just like the first book, One Foot in the Grave, this one ends with a cliffhanger—which I usually hate. Except with C.C. Hunter, I know the next book will be a perfect segue from this one to that, and I’ll forgive her the moment I have it in my hot little hands.

Definitely a five-star read! And Three Heartbeats Away can’t come out soon enough!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was one thing I really didn't want to happen when I read this book. Guess what... IT HAPPENED!



SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Lets be honest, we all knew he was in a coma right? I mean why else would he be semi-alive, unlike any other ghosts. I felt so uncomfortable when she first went to visit and the mom was there. The one thing I kept thinking was don't let this be like the movie Just Like Heaven. But I knew when he woke up he was going to forget who she was. I was so bugged by that!

I did enjoy the first book more, at least the mystery part, but this one was still really good. There was just less mystery. I also really enjoyed how it focuses on Riley's whole life and not just the whole I see ghosts part.

[Laura Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading two feet under by C.C. Hunter and all I can say is I need the third book now! What a major cliff hanger. Riley has been visiting Hayden everyday at the hospital now that she knows who he is and that he is not dead, but Hayden is not too happy about that. Dead prison guy is still needing some major help and fast, his daughter is needing a liver transplant and the only person who could possibly save her is his brother, who is also a gang leader. This might just be Riley's most dangerous mission but it involves saving the life of a child. While dealing with the dead Riley still has some problems at home, her dad is still drinking, she wants answers about her dead mother, and what she discovers may just lead to unwanted answers. This book was very emotional but
C.C. Hunter has the writing ability to make you cry and laugh within a few pages. I received an advanced reading copy through net galley courtesy of the author herself. This is the best book I have read this year!

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley Smith can see and speak to dead people...many dead people... not a great thing if your dad happens to be a mortician. And they all need help! In this second installment Riley is tasked once again with helping someone from the beyond, this time a convict whose young daughter is dying and in need of a transplant. With the help of Hayden, the spirit of a boy in a coma whom Riley has fallen for, she races against the clock to save possibly more than one life.
This was just as great as the first book! A page turner, I could not put this one down. And what a cliffhanger ending! I am waiting with baited breath for the next chapter in this great series!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortician’s Daughter Two Feet Under Review
Riley is a young adult who helps spirits cross over into the light. All the while managing her own life problems. Riley has an inmate spirit following her. He wants her help to save his daughters life. Riley is a scared of this inmate with good reason. Will she overcome her fear and help the inmate. Then there is Hayden and Jacob. Jacob a living breathing young man. Hayden has been in a coma for months with poor prognosis. Riley can see Hayden’s spirit and talk to him. Who will she choose? Her dad is tight lipped about her mother who is dead, he is drinking. Riley wants to help him and learn more about her mom. How will she every get the answers she wants.
This book was worth the wait…But left me wanting more. Great cliff hanger.
Thank You C.C. Hunter

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great YA series

Riley can see the dead and it’s getting her into some dangerous situations. With her life & heart. The Mortician’s Daughter is a great YA series. Romance along with mystery & suspense. It would be 5 stars except for the cliffhanger!

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love C.C. Hunter aka Christie Craig. She's one of my favorite authors and a genuinely nice person. This is a fantastic series and it has mystery, romance and ghosts. My only problem with it is that I devoured it and will probably have to wait a year for the next one.

[Linda Maestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended too quickly! I have SO many questions as to what is going to happen next! The next one better come out soon!

[Heli - So Many Books - So Little Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Sandrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5/5

[Becky Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

These cliffhanger endings are killing me!