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In The Beginning There Was Bauhaus
Onyx can smell evil. No one; not even werewolves, wendigos, or vampires, can hide from her once they've committed a crime. When Onyx’s paranormal investigation of a local haunting triggers the death of a divorced mother, she is cut short by the provocative Detective Elliot Stevens. Now she must either tempt Elliot astray from his clean-cut, straight-edged path or change her apathetic ways and learn the truth about who and what she is — before what she doesn't know can kill her.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2015
30 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 5, 2025
This is more a horror adjacent story. I originally read these nine years ago, but it was before I had a Goodreads account and decided to review everything. Having Goodreads helps me remember the books I've read better and keep the plots less confused.
In Blame the Goth Girl #1, Onyx is introduced. She is a unique individual with a paranormal gift of smell. She can identify vampires, werewolves, and a wendigo. Her skills are used by the police in the investigation of what is at first considered to be a serial killer, but soon we learn that supernatural beings exist beside people, and we only get to detect them when they are doing something evil.
The story is interesting with fascinating characters, but there really is very little story with even less character development. How is it that we care about these characters? Is it because Onyx is so extra? I don't know. I do like the book, but it is really a novella with a cliffhanger ending. She really should have put the first "book" and the second "book" together to form one novel.
In Blame the Goth Girl #1, Onyx is introduced. She is a unique individual with a paranormal gift of smell. She can identify vampires, werewolves, and a wendigo. Her skills are used by the police in the investigation of what is at first considered to be a serial killer, but soon we learn that supernatural beings exist beside people, and we only get to detect them when they are doing something evil.
The story is interesting with fascinating characters, but there really is very little story with even less character development. How is it that we care about these characters? Is it because Onyx is so extra? I don't know. I do like the book, but it is really a novella with a cliffhanger ending. She really should have put the first "book" and the second "book" together to form one novel.
February 20, 2017
Easy and fun to read. I enjoyed the book. characters were interesting and fun. The story is very good.I don't mind the romance part but the explicit scenes....really not necessary. The book is interesting enough it really doesn't need to try to be spiced up with sexual content. That alone brought it down a star for me which is a pity as I had fun reading it up to that point. Also cliffhanger at the end?? Really?? I prefer having a choice to read or not to read the 2nd book.
June 30, 2023
Exactly the fun palette cleanser I needed!
March 13, 2018
This is not really my genre. I'm not into vampires and werewolves and other supernatural creatures. So I didn't completely understand everything that was going on, but I enjoyed what I did follow. The first volume introduces us to Onyx who is a ghostbuster who can sniff out supernatural beings. She works in a porn shop alongside a kinky ghost named Frank. Her interactions with the ghost Frank were some of my favorite scenes in this novella. I also was intrigued by the chemistry between her and Elliot. I am interested in reading more from this author.
June 20, 2018
Two worlds collide when goth girl meets straight-laced detective.
This was a fun, enjoyable read. If you like lighter hearted, but adult, paranormal stories this is one to check out. Be warned though, volume one really does mean it's only the first part of the story. If you're wanting a degree of story resolution at the end, this isn't for you. A little disappointing, but part one was free and the next parts are priced low.
This was a fun, enjoyable read. If you like lighter hearted, but adult, paranormal stories this is one to check out. Be warned though, volume one really does mean it's only the first part of the story. If you're wanting a degree of story resolution at the end, this isn't for you. A little disappointing, but part one was free and the next parts are priced low.
December 13, 2023
Meh - 2.5. The writing left a lot to be desired. I liked that the FMC was specifically mentioned as being 30, which is a nice change from all of them being 18-24, but then it kept being mentioned that she looked much younger. Which I didn't love. It had a sexy scene towards the end, which was fun, but the ending was very abrupt and felt like a weird place to end it. The world was cool tho, so I'm still debating if I want to try and give the second book a chance.
October 22, 2024
Goth me up!!!
This is a fast paced spooky read.
Paranormal Investigator gets entangled with a murder. While helping solve this murder she’s also learning more about herself and her abilities.
This is a fast paced spooky read.
Paranormal Investigator gets entangled with a murder. While helping solve this murder she’s also learning more about herself and her abilities.
December 10, 2025
Onyx is amazing and her character brings a whole new meaning to ghost hunters. With her new sexy detective there is nothing she can’t do, as long as she can convince him of the truth. Meeting other supernatural beings Onyx learns more about her past, while her future becomes even more chaotic.
November 5, 2021
Enjoyed it
April 3, 2024
This was fun and short, like this review. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
September 28, 2024
Who gave the author this mind?? Like helloo?? This shit is hot and cool.
The end was not cool, like !? Cliffhanger much
The end was not cool, like !? Cliffhanger much
January 8, 2026
Within the first few pages, it was kinda fun. Quickly turned very stupid.
September 24, 2016
Blame The Goth Girl Vol. 1: In The Beginning There Was Bauhaus by Bettina Busiello
I have to admit, I am torn. Blame the Goth Girl is an interesting story with many intriguing characters, which Ms. Busiello has crafted in her own unique way. This is not a cookie-cutter urban fantasy. Her fantasy world is much like our own, so suspending disbelief is easy to achieve. There are point-of-view shifts, through well-labeled chapter headings, between a few different characters. I enjoy this type of story-telling; it gives me a perspective I otherwise wouldn’t have. Also, knowing the thoughts and feelings that are going on in whomever’s head gave me the chance to identify with them on a personal level.
Onyx, the main character and our Goth girl, is snarky, relatively down-to-earth, and street smart. However, she finds herself in foreign territory when she begins to notice otherworldly creatures around her. She fancies herself as a paranormal investigator, when she is not running her porn store, even though she has only had experiences with ghosts. While that sounds interesting, I found myself wishing for more character development with her. Onyx is not flat though, but her past is more a mystery so far.
I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the vast array of creatures, along with a few humans. The plot is captivating as we learn how this world works right along with the other players. It seems there is more to Onyx than even she realizes.
But then…
No, no, no, just NO! You can NOT end a book with NO resolved issues! Endings like this are not considered a hook, it’s like slapping the reader in the face. Where is the cliff-hanger warning in the blurb? It shows a lack of respect to your readers, and will get you dropped like a hot potato for the scathing burn they are left with. What were you thinking, Ms. Busiello? This is not a good way to gain a base of faithful readers.
No, I’m not kidding. The book ended abruptly, and left me in frustrated disbelief. For that reason alone the book lost stars. To tell you the truth, I seriously considered rating this book two stars despite how much I liked the story so far.
FYI: In The Beginning There Was Bauhaus is the first book in the Blame the Goth Girl series and ends with a major cliff-hanger. There is one oral sex scene and several F-bombs within, so if you are sensitive to either of these you should find another book. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 16, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing issues.
I have to admit, I am torn. Blame the Goth Girl is an interesting story with many intriguing characters, which Ms. Busiello has crafted in her own unique way. This is not a cookie-cutter urban fantasy. Her fantasy world is much like our own, so suspending disbelief is easy to achieve. There are point-of-view shifts, through well-labeled chapter headings, between a few different characters. I enjoy this type of story-telling; it gives me a perspective I otherwise wouldn’t have. Also, knowing the thoughts and feelings that are going on in whomever’s head gave me the chance to identify with them on a personal level.
Onyx, the main character and our Goth girl, is snarky, relatively down-to-earth, and street smart. However, she finds herself in foreign territory when she begins to notice otherworldly creatures around her. She fancies herself as a paranormal investigator, when she is not running her porn store, even though she has only had experiences with ghosts. While that sounds interesting, I found myself wishing for more character development with her. Onyx is not flat though, but her past is more a mystery so far.
I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the vast array of creatures, along with a few humans. The plot is captivating as we learn how this world works right along with the other players. It seems there is more to Onyx than even she realizes.
But then…
No, no, no, just NO! You can NOT end a book with NO resolved issues! Endings like this are not considered a hook, it’s like slapping the reader in the face. Where is the cliff-hanger warning in the blurb? It shows a lack of respect to your readers, and will get you dropped like a hot potato for the scathing burn they are left with. What were you thinking, Ms. Busiello? This is not a good way to gain a base of faithful readers.
No, I’m not kidding. The book ended abruptly, and left me in frustrated disbelief. For that reason alone the book lost stars. To tell you the truth, I seriously considered rating this book two stars despite how much I liked the story so far.
FYI: In The Beginning There Was Bauhaus is the first book in the Blame the Goth Girl series and ends with a major cliff-hanger. There is one oral sex scene and several F-bombs within, so if you are sensitive to either of these you should find another book. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 16, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing issues.
May 28, 2016
I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review is featured on Shh, I Am Reading
This was such a fun book! It brought back many memories of my youth. In honour of said book, the review wouldn’t be complete without listening to Lamb of God, Coal Chamber, Deftones, Tool, My Ruin and my favourite from my youth: Jack Off Jill.
I was a Goth once upon a time. My high school days were plagued with heavy boots, fishnets and a ton of black lipstick and eye-liner. Best time of my life yet!
I completely agree with the author and the protagonist, Goth isn’t just a style, it’s a calling. It’s also totally an attitude. I retired my Goth for more of a mix of my own taste and Rockabilly. Love me some heels and swing dresses. Any who, onwards to the review!
Onyx is a great protagonist. She is a fun, quirky and self-assured woman. This woman also has a unique ability to smell supernatural creatures. If the creature has done a crime, they smell worse. Example, vampires who kill humans smell like garbage. Werewolves smell like wet dog. Ew.
This ability is a new one. It’s really unique too. I applaud the author for thinking outside the box!
The novel reminds me of some of my favourite shows like Buffy, Grimm especially (with the police officers being different wesen) and especially The Dresden Files. However, there is nothing wrong with getting ideas and inspiration from these shows. They’re great for that and stories are meant to be shared and retold as well as reshaped.
I loved the “Goth Girl has the hots for the Sexy Cop” twist in it. It added some great romantic and sexual tension to it. I even liked that she was like “yeah no thanks,” to the vampire and all into the cop. I enjoy that “outside the norm” love twist.
The crazy porn obsessed former Mafia ghost added a great touch of awkward and inappropriate humour to the story.
Despite my love for the book, it does need a little fleshing out. One thing that has never really been in the faces of others is what the Goth culture is all about, what it was and how it has changed. Not like Punk was. There are also so many subgenres of the Goth culture, as well. The music, the clothing, and etc. It just would have been nice to read a bit more of that in the novel.
However, I really hope to continue on this journey with Onyx and Elliot, and learn more about her ability. Especially as that was one helluva cliff-hanger!
This review is featured on Shh, I Am Reading
This was such a fun book! It brought back many memories of my youth. In honour of said book, the review wouldn’t be complete without listening to Lamb of God, Coal Chamber, Deftones, Tool, My Ruin and my favourite from my youth: Jack Off Jill.
I was a Goth once upon a time. My high school days were plagued with heavy boots, fishnets and a ton of black lipstick and eye-liner. Best time of my life yet!
I completely agree with the author and the protagonist, Goth isn’t just a style, it’s a calling. It’s also totally an attitude. I retired my Goth for more of a mix of my own taste and Rockabilly. Love me some heels and swing dresses. Any who, onwards to the review!
Onyx is a great protagonist. She is a fun, quirky and self-assured woman. This woman also has a unique ability to smell supernatural creatures. If the creature has done a crime, they smell worse. Example, vampires who kill humans smell like garbage. Werewolves smell like wet dog. Ew.
This ability is a new one. It’s really unique too. I applaud the author for thinking outside the box!
The novel reminds me of some of my favourite shows like Buffy, Grimm especially (with the police officers being different wesen) and especially The Dresden Files. However, there is nothing wrong with getting ideas and inspiration from these shows. They’re great for that and stories are meant to be shared and retold as well as reshaped.
I loved the “Goth Girl has the hots for the Sexy Cop” twist in it. It added some great romantic and sexual tension to it. I even liked that she was like “yeah no thanks,” to the vampire and all into the cop. I enjoy that “outside the norm” love twist.
The crazy porn obsessed former Mafia ghost added a great touch of awkward and inappropriate humour to the story.
Despite my love for the book, it does need a little fleshing out. One thing that has never really been in the faces of others is what the Goth culture is all about, what it was and how it has changed. Not like Punk was. There are also so many subgenres of the Goth culture, as well. The music, the clothing, and etc. It just would have been nice to read a bit more of that in the novel.
However, I really hope to continue on this journey with Onyx and Elliot, and learn more about her ability. Especially as that was one helluva cliff-hanger!
May 19, 2016
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
4.5x5 Stars
With a strange porn-crazed ghost, wear-my-sunglasses-at-night cool vampire, and stinky werewolf, this had all the makings of a solid urban fantasy. The traditional sense to these creatures didn't waver much, but how they adapted to their surroundings did. Also, Onyx's little gift is something new, and really fun to learn about.
We start off with Onyx who is a funny, stereotypical goth girl who has as much sharp sarcasm as she does black eyeliner. What sets her apart is that she can smell supernatural creatures. As we run along with her, she starts to understand her powers by meeting supernatural creatures out there, and when murder strikes after one of her ghost cleansings, she takes it upon herself to find out why.
She has a heart of gold, if not a little closed off -- as you'd expect. There were awkward, hilarious friendships and situations that made me laugh out loud. There were a few taboo subjects breached without batting an eye, or apology. I found I liked this. It was open about sexuality, and definitely suited the main character.
The only thing that kind of made me mad was the ending. Nothing was concluded. The story built up to a certain point, and blank page...I double checked to see if maybe there was a mistake, but it ended without much being accomplished other than Onyx's new understanding to her powers, which isn't concluded either really.
CONCLUSION
Ghosts, vampires, clairvoyants, porn shops and muuuuurder. This was a fun read. I was disappointed that nothing was really concluded, but I was entertained all the way up to that end. The characters are hilarious and I definitely had a good laugh over some of the situations Onyx got herself into.
4.5x5 Stars
With a strange porn-crazed ghost, wear-my-sunglasses-at-night cool vampire, and stinky werewolf, this had all the makings of a solid urban fantasy. The traditional sense to these creatures didn't waver much, but how they adapted to their surroundings did. Also, Onyx's little gift is something new, and really fun to learn about.
We start off with Onyx who is a funny, stereotypical goth girl who has as much sharp sarcasm as she does black eyeliner. What sets her apart is that she can smell supernatural creatures. As we run along with her, she starts to understand her powers by meeting supernatural creatures out there, and when murder strikes after one of her ghost cleansings, she takes it upon herself to find out why.
She has a heart of gold, if not a little closed off -- as you'd expect. There were awkward, hilarious friendships and situations that made me laugh out loud. There were a few taboo subjects breached without batting an eye, or apology. I found I liked this. It was open about sexuality, and definitely suited the main character.
The only thing that kind of made me mad was the ending. Nothing was concluded. The story built up to a certain point, and blank page...I double checked to see if maybe there was a mistake, but it ended without much being accomplished other than Onyx's new understanding to her powers, which isn't concluded either really.
CONCLUSION
Ghosts, vampires, clairvoyants, porn shops and muuuuurder. This was a fun read. I was disappointed that nothing was really concluded, but I was entertained all the way up to that end. The characters are hilarious and I definitely had a good laugh over some of the situations Onyx got herself into.
May 14, 2016
Blame the Goth Girl
by Bettina Busiello was a really cool book. From the pacing to the character development to the overall story itself, it was put together in a way that was very enjoyable. I loved the sexual tension between Onyx and Elliot.
I thought the female main character, Onyx was fun and quirky, but not annoying. I loved her sense of humor and she was easy to relate to. Her ability to sniff out other supernaturals was entertaining at times. That ability by itself isn’t one I’ve read about many times before so it was nice to have something different to read about. Most of the other characters in this book were also pretty funny in their own ways. Except for Nicki. She was a twat.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the story and how the characters had to come together to achieve what they were trying to accomplish. The story was interesting and easy to follow. I enjoyed this authors writing style and the sarcasm she puts into her characters is something I connect with.
Overall this was a great read for me. I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read full of supernatural stuff and characters with an actual sense of humor.
This review was originally posted on Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews
I thought the female main character, Onyx was fun and quirky, but not annoying. I loved her sense of humor and she was easy to relate to. Her ability to sniff out other supernaturals was entertaining at times. That ability by itself isn’t one I’ve read about many times before so it was nice to have something different to read about. Most of the other characters in this book were also pretty funny in their own ways. Except for Nicki. She was a twat.
I enjoyed the mystery behind the story and how the characters had to come together to achieve what they were trying to accomplish. The story was interesting and easy to follow. I enjoyed this authors writing style and the sarcasm she puts into her characters is something I connect with.
Overall this was a great read for me. I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read full of supernatural stuff and characters with an actual sense of humor.
This review was originally posted on Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews
March 3, 2016
The book's idea is a fun and new one. I haven't read about a character with Onyx' abilities before, that's for sure. Onyx herself was a little hard to grasp. Like she is supposed to be 30? But she acts more like a hyper teenager. The dialogues were bit meh, too. I did like Frank. He is a little bit creepy, but adds a nice touch to the story.
Why has there to be instalust? And you don't even know each other and you're acting possessive? It doesn't make sense in my brain (although I know lots of people like it. Don't know why though). Apart from the lust problem, I had a chemistry problem - because there was none. Since this is not a romance book, it isn't that bad. But still.
I really could have worked with a different ending! I don't want to spoil you, but there were some actions I thought "That's really clever right now" and that cliffhanger? There are cliffhangers and then there are stopping-right-in-the-middle-of-an-idea-cliffhangers. This book contains the last one.
So... good beginning, bad ending.
Disclaimer: The author provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Why has there to be instalust? And you don't even know each other and you're acting possessive? It doesn't make sense in my brain (although I know lots of people like it. Don't know why though). Apart from the lust problem, I had a chemistry problem - because there was none. Since this is not a romance book, it isn't that bad. But still.
I really could have worked with a different ending! I don't want to spoil you, but there were some actions I thought "That's really clever right now" and that cliffhanger? There are cliffhangers and then there are stopping-right-in-the-middle-of-an-idea-cliffhangers. This book contains the last one.
So... good beginning, bad ending.
Disclaimer: The author provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
September 13, 2016
Onyx
Absolutely loved this book. A whole new take on the supernatural..love the characters, also..It is great to see that good and even is shown in all stations of life...The world is a giant Ying Yang. Bless all living and non-living creatures.
Absolutely loved this book. A whole new take on the supernatural..love the characters, also..It is great to see that good and even is shown in all stations of life...The world is a giant Ying Yang. Bless all living and non-living creatures.
January 6, 2017
An exquisitely fun read!!! Vol 2 next...
May 1, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed the first book of this series, bit short. But good. I like the sassy character Onyx with her unique ability to smell none humans. Conversations are good , same for the monologues. The story has a good development regarding the plot.
All could do better with more detailed information on the characters how they look and details on the surrounding area and places the storyline takes hold. That would get you a deeper connection to the characters. But looking forward to read the second part of this series.
I enjoyed the first book of this series, bit short. But good. I like the sassy character Onyx with her unique ability to smell none humans. Conversations are good , same for the monologues. The story has a good development regarding the plot.
All could do better with more detailed information on the characters how they look and details on the surrounding area and places the storyline takes hold. That would get you a deeper connection to the characters. But looking forward to read the second part of this series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews