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SPI Files #4
The Ghoul Vendetta
Men in Black meets Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum in the fourth urban fantasy novel in the series starring seer Makenna Fraser and her fellow agents at Supernatural Protection & Investigation.
The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) are paid to keep the peace. But that’s not so easy when an endless evil threatens to tear that peace to pieces...
A vampire gangster’s nephew is abducted off his yacht by a bunch of low-rent Creatures from the Black Lagoon. A slew of banks are knocked over by what looks like the cast of Night of the Living Dead. All of this may seem like the movies, but, I promise you, it’s not.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I know the culprits aren’t wearing disguises or makeup. They’re real. Deadly real. Especially their leader—an ancient shapeshifter who leaves a trail of chaos and blood in his wake. Now, he’s taken my partner, Ian—and his intentions aren’t pretty.
The worst part? This is only the beginning...
The beginning of the end of the human race.
The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) are paid to keep the peace. But that’s not so easy when an endless evil threatens to tear that peace to pieces...
A vampire gangster’s nephew is abducted off his yacht by a bunch of low-rent Creatures from the Black Lagoon. A slew of banks are knocked over by what looks like the cast of Night of the Living Dead. All of this may seem like the movies, but, I promise you, it’s not.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I know the culprits aren’t wearing disguises or makeup. They’re real. Deadly real. Especially their leader—an ancient shapeshifter who leaves a trail of chaos and blood in his wake. Now, he’s taken my partner, Ian—and his intentions aren’t pretty.
The worst part? This is only the beginning...
The beginning of the end of the human race.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
85 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shearin
22 books1,104 followersLisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 11, 2025
2020 Re-Read
Interestingly, I can see this second time through why the publisher was done at this point, leaving Shearin to pursue a self-publishing path. The most important plot lines have been resolved. We know reasonably clearly who the bad guy is. He is classified and provisionally named before being soundly trounced. Both Ian and Makenna are suitably paired off. Makenna has achieved her place firmly in SPI.
Shearin definitely uses Irish mythology to the best advantage in this installment. She is probably a plotter rather than a pantser, as many of the necessary details for this, the fourth book, were set up in the first book. Someone just depending on seat of the pants inspiration is unlikely to have this level of continuity.
These days, when the future is uncertain, a HEA ending is surprisingly comforting.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Another enjoyable offering in the SPI Files. Now I can see the set-up for this book that Shearin wove into the first three books. Very skillfully done.
For those who are into paranormal romance, this series may frustrate you. The pace of Mac and Rake’s relationship is glacial, but I’m okay with that. This seems to be parr for the course, as Shearin’s Raine Benares series is much the same. Unfortunately there is also the same is a tendency to repeat, repeat, repeat herself (although not quite as much in the SPI Files).
With Vivienne Sagadraco on vacation, we get to see more of Alain Moreau, cool vampire lawyer. Although I love Vivienne, it was nice to see Alain get some page-time.
The big changes in this installment happen in Ian’s life. I will be interested to see where Shearin takes things next, as there are obviously threads of the story left hanging, waiting for another book. Not to mention that I want to know how things go for Mac & Rake. Mac didn’t get to use her seer’s powers much in this book—hopefully that will change in the next one.
Now the big question is when will Book 5 will be published?
Interestingly, I can see this second time through why the publisher was done at this point, leaving Shearin to pursue a self-publishing path. The most important plot lines have been resolved. We know reasonably clearly who the bad guy is. He is classified and provisionally named before being soundly trounced. Both Ian and Makenna are suitably paired off. Makenna has achieved her place firmly in SPI.
Shearin definitely uses Irish mythology to the best advantage in this installment. She is probably a plotter rather than a pantser, as many of the necessary details for this, the fourth book, were set up in the first book. Someone just depending on seat of the pants inspiration is unlikely to have this level of continuity.
These days, when the future is uncertain, a HEA ending is surprisingly comforting.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Another enjoyable offering in the SPI Files. Now I can see the set-up for this book that Shearin wove into the first three books. Very skillfully done.
For those who are into paranormal romance, this series may frustrate you. The pace of Mac and Rake’s relationship is glacial, but I’m okay with that. This seems to be parr for the course, as Shearin’s Raine Benares series is much the same. Unfortunately there is also the same is a tendency to repeat, repeat, repeat herself (although not quite as much in the SPI Files).
With Vivienne Sagadraco on vacation, we get to see more of Alain Moreau, cool vampire lawyer. Although I love Vivienne, it was nice to see Alain get some page-time.
The big changes in this installment happen in Ian’s life. I will be interested to see where Shearin takes things next, as there are obviously threads of the story left hanging, waiting for another book. Not to mention that I want to know how things go for Mac & Rake. Mac didn’t get to use her seer’s powers much in this book—hopefully that will change in the next one.
Now the big question is when will Book 5 will be published?
April 23, 2021
An enthusiastic 3.5 stars rounded up for this fourth adventure with Supernatural Protection and Investigations (SPI), told again by their not-quite-so-new-now agent Makenna Fraser. All the stops are pulled out for another climactic confrontation to avert a world cataclysm, this time one that will happen at the stroke of midnight on the summer solstice (go figure). But as for danger, deadlines, and especially the odds against success, this climax is a bit less heart-stopping than the first three--still great fun to read, though!
And many reviewers were disappointed in the first half of the book when Makenna recaps the previous three adventures in a fair amount of detail and indulges in a fairly repetitive writing style. You know, thinking the same thoughts and feeling the same feelings over and over--we get it already. But for me those are minor complaints compared to the author's achievement in imagination, drawing on yet another mythology and bringing in actual gods, or at least superpeople who were worshiped as such.
Gods and monsters, of course. There's a kraken lurking in the Hudson River just off Manhattan, big enough that its countless tentacles can grab hold of a yacht, and the monsters who board the trapped yacht reveal to us that the Creature from the Black Lagoon was really a documentary. All to kidnap the scion of the Bathory vampire family, and once they have him everything's unsettlingly okay.
Well, Makenna is at the party on that yacht as Rake Danescu's date, and like the other party-goers she and Rake have to be pulled out of the river. And this is the other factor that held my rating down compared to the first three books in the SPI Files series. Not their wetness but their romance.
I admired Makenna for her great loyalty to her senior partner Ian Byrne, SPI's foremost agent in New York, and it remains professional throughout the series despite pressure from the paranormal romance genre to make them an item. (And Makenna seems happy in this book with Ian's sweet & loving dryad girlfriend.)
Then in book #3 The Brimstone Deception Rake Danescu the wealthy goblin sorcerer gets an important role in the adventure, and here in book #4 SPI needs his cooperation because of his magic and the forces he brings in from the goblin dimension. At the same time he's a goblin and a dark mage; others are wisely cautious, but Makenna seems to be falling hard for him. Gray complexion and all--remember, Makenna's value to SPI is as a seer who sees through glamors and detects portals, so she sees Rake as he really is. Yes, a goblin. Hmm. It strikes an odd note for me.
The publisher's blurb, reprinted at the head of this Goodreads page, is actually rather spoilery. The attack on the yacht is the only part of it that happens in the first few chapters, but we know that banks are being "knocked over" (that's a little misleading) by ghouls and their leader is an ancient and evil shapeshifter who kidnaps Ian. That last calamity doesn't happen till the halfway point in the book. Once again, as in the first three books of the series, the story shifts gears at that point, and the second half of the book is action-packed compared to the more investigative first half.
Recommended, with those reservations.
And many reviewers were disappointed in the first half of the book when Makenna recaps the previous three adventures in a fair amount of detail and indulges in a fairly repetitive writing style. You know, thinking the same thoughts and feeling the same feelings over and over--we get it already. But for me those are minor complaints compared to the author's achievement in imagination, drawing on yet another mythology and bringing in actual gods, or at least superpeople who were worshiped as such.
Gods and monsters, of course. There's a kraken lurking in the Hudson River just off Manhattan, big enough that its countless tentacles can grab hold of a yacht, and the monsters who board the trapped yacht reveal to us that the Creature from the Black Lagoon was really a documentary. All to kidnap the scion of the Bathory vampire family, and once they have him everything's unsettlingly okay.
Well, Makenna is at the party on that yacht as Rake Danescu's date, and like the other party-goers she and Rake have to be pulled out of the river. And this is the other factor that held my rating down compared to the first three books in the SPI Files series. Not their wetness but their romance.
I admired Makenna for her great loyalty to her senior partner Ian Byrne, SPI's foremost agent in New York, and it remains professional throughout the series despite pressure from the paranormal romance genre to make them an item. (And Makenna seems happy in this book with Ian's sweet & loving dryad girlfriend.)
Then in book #3 The Brimstone Deception Rake Danescu the wealthy goblin sorcerer gets an important role in the adventure, and here in book #4 SPI needs his cooperation because of his magic and the forces he brings in from the goblin dimension. At the same time he's a goblin and a dark mage; others are wisely cautious, but Makenna seems to be falling hard for him. Gray complexion and all--remember, Makenna's value to SPI is as a seer who sees through glamors and detects portals, so she sees Rake as he really is. Yes, a goblin. Hmm. It strikes an odd note for me.
The publisher's blurb, reprinted at the head of this Goodreads page, is actually rather spoilery. The attack on the yacht is the only part of it that happens in the first few chapters, but we know that banks are being "knocked over" (that's a little misleading) by ghouls and their leader is an ancient and evil shapeshifter who kidnaps Ian. That last calamity doesn't happen till the halfway point in the book. Once again, as in the first three books of the series, the story shifts gears at that point, and the second half of the book is action-packed compared to the more investigative first half.
Recommended, with those reservations.
January 16, 2018
Lisa Shearin finally tapped into more background information on Ian Byrne -- the human partner of Makenna Fraser in The Ghoul Vendetta. Ian joined SPI after his cop-partner was devoured by ghoul. Apparently the ghoul leader is fixated on Ian without anyone really understand why. In this book, the ghouls are doing blatant robberies (captured on camera!) while taunting Ian -- and later they even managed to capture Ian.
I LOVED the exploration of Ian's background ... as well as the Irish mythology behind it. Apparently, Ian is the direct descendant from both Lugh Lámhfhada, King of Tuatha Dé Danann (the not-mythical race of deities and heroes that settled in Ireland) and their enemy, Balor, the King of Fomorians (a race of demons that came from the sea). I knew that Ian wasn't just an "ordinary" human, and I was happy to know about this progress.
The preparation of the SPI agents for the save and rescue of Ian is enjoyable -- I loved how everyone from vampires, werewolves, even goblin and dragons join-forces because rescuing Ian is necessary to stop bunch of sea-demons of making havoc on Earth.
So. Much. FUN.
On the relationship front -- I was more and more into Rake, the dark mage/goblin superspy, as Makenna's boyfriend. Rake is a BADASS. He is FABULOUSLY awesome -- and at the same time, so dedicated and very much into Mac. How couldn't I not love him for it?!? Plus he rides dragon. See? Badass!
I can't WAIT to read when Mac finally introduced Rake to her family. Shearin said that it was a BIG possibility in the upcoming book.
I LOVED the exploration of Ian's background ... as well as the Irish mythology behind it. Apparently, Ian is the direct descendant from both Lugh Lámhfhada, King of Tuatha Dé Danann (the not-mythical race of deities and heroes that settled in Ireland) and their enemy, Balor, the King of Fomorians (a race of demons that came from the sea). I knew that Ian wasn't just an "ordinary" human, and I was happy to know about this progress.
The preparation of the SPI agents for the save and rescue of Ian is enjoyable -- I loved how everyone from vampires, werewolves, even goblin and dragons join-forces because rescuing Ian is necessary to stop bunch of sea-demons of making havoc on Earth.
So. Much. FUN.
On the relationship front -- I was more and more into Rake, the dark mage/goblin superspy, as Makenna's boyfriend. Rake is a BADASS. He is FABULOUSLY awesome -- and at the same time, so dedicated and very much into Mac. How couldn't I not love him for it?!? Plus he rides dragon. See? Badass!
I can't WAIT to read when Mac finally introduced Rake to her family. Shearin said that it was a BIG possibility in the upcoming book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
The Ghoul Vendetta is the fourth installment in author Lisa Shearin's SPI Files. This is a series that features Makenna (Mac) Fraser as a Seer who works for the Supernatural Protection & Investigation. SPI keeps the peace between the supernatural races, while also keeping the human race from discovering that others live among them. Mac has come a long way from the first novella, to this book. She's grown not only in the way she handles things, but in other aspects of her life as well. One being her ability to see portals, which has been a handy dandy tool over the last few books.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews 01/30/2017*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
The Ghoul Vendetta is the fourth installment in author Lisa Shearin's SPI Files. This is a series that features Makenna (Mac) Fraser as a Seer who works for the Supernatural Protection & Investigation. SPI keeps the peace between the supernatural races, while also keeping the human race from discovering that others live among them. Mac has come a long way from the first novella, to this book. She's grown not only in the way she handles things, but in other aspects of her life as well. One being her ability to see portals, which has been a handy dandy tool over the last few books.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews 01/30/2017*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
February 10, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
While I have some small quibbles, THE GHOUL VENDETTA was exactly what I expected from Shearin and The SPI Files. Fun, dramatic, witty and an all around good read, THE GHOUL VENDETTA continues the series in a great way, answering some questions while opening new avenues for the story to go down. This book captivated me from the very beginning, and I read it in only two sittings.
First of all, Mac and Rake. I swear, every scene they had together made me want to swoon. Their relationship is progressing so adorably and I just loved every moment they were on the page as a unit. Rake has progressed a long way from his seemingly bad guy ways in the earlier books, and is almost tender and sweet to Mac. It is everything I want it to be!
Lest you think the romance is the main focus of the book (it is most definitely not), let's talk about the mystery. I loved how Shearin has clearly been dropping hints for the past three books leading up to this one. This bad guy takes the cake, and this mystery was super personal for the SPI team. Mac also really starts to come into her own in this book, able to actually shoot a gun and kind of take care of herself (though the men around don't seem to want to let her). She's grown more comfortable with her boss and partner and I loved seeing how that manifested itself.
Also, for those of you who have read Shearin's Raine Benares series, there's some awesome Easter eggs in THE GHOUL VENDETTA. (I was very excited by this!)
My one complaint, and honestly, this is very minor, is the fact that there seemed to be a bit of repetition. Something that would be on one page would be repeated in a different way (but same fact) on the next page, and I got a little frustrated with that. This however, could be a bonus for a new reader to the series, since they would pretty much get all the background details very easily. I also would have liked to see Mac be a little more independent, but I understand the circumstances that have put her in the situation she's in.
All in all, THE GHOUL VENDETTA does not disappoint! Shearin does an excellent job of maintaining the action, mystery and romance that has kept me glued to this series since it started, and has me dying for each new book. A fast read, THE GHOUL VENDETTA is definitely worth it if you like sarcastic main characters, swoon-worthy romance, and very evil bad guys who hold a grudge.
Sexual content: Kissing
While I have some small quibbles, THE GHOUL VENDETTA was exactly what I expected from Shearin and The SPI Files. Fun, dramatic, witty and an all around good read, THE GHOUL VENDETTA continues the series in a great way, answering some questions while opening new avenues for the story to go down. This book captivated me from the very beginning, and I read it in only two sittings.
First of all, Mac and Rake. I swear, every scene they had together made me want to swoon. Their relationship is progressing so adorably and I just loved every moment they were on the page as a unit. Rake has progressed a long way from his seemingly bad guy ways in the earlier books, and is almost tender and sweet to Mac. It is everything I want it to be!
Lest you think the romance is the main focus of the book (it is most definitely not), let's talk about the mystery. I loved how Shearin has clearly been dropping hints for the past three books leading up to this one. This bad guy takes the cake, and this mystery was super personal for the SPI team. Mac also really starts to come into her own in this book, able to actually shoot a gun and kind of take care of herself (though the men around don't seem to want to let her). She's grown more comfortable with her boss and partner and I loved seeing how that manifested itself.
Also, for those of you who have read Shearin's Raine Benares series, there's some awesome Easter eggs in THE GHOUL VENDETTA. (I was very excited by this!)
My one complaint, and honestly, this is very minor, is the fact that there seemed to be a bit of repetition. Something that would be on one page would be repeated in a different way (but same fact) on the next page, and I got a little frustrated with that. This however, could be a bonus for a new reader to the series, since they would pretty much get all the background details very easily. I also would have liked to see Mac be a little more independent, but I understand the circumstances that have put her in the situation she's in.
All in all, THE GHOUL VENDETTA does not disappoint! Shearin does an excellent job of maintaining the action, mystery and romance that has kept me glued to this series since it started, and has me dying for each new book. A fast read, THE GHOUL VENDETTA is definitely worth it if you like sarcastic main characters, swoon-worthy romance, and very evil bad guys who hold a grudge.
Sexual content: Kissing
December 13, 2017
3.5
I hate when a book is marketed as 'X meets Y' or, even worse, 'if you loved X author, you'll love this book'. I tend to avoid them even when the X author is the one I like.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- with the exception of one particular gory detail from the case they are working on, it's light and it doesn't take itself seriously, so you shouldn't either;
- the overall theme (it's not in the blurb, so I'll leave it to the readers);
- the friendship between Makenna and Ian (it's great and refreshing that this pair is not and never will be in a relationship):
- Rake (no need for explanations for those who've read the series);
- Rake's out-of-the-blue decision (for that they should have been together more on page, but I'm not complaining);
- the future threat;
- the idea of Rake's world's issues that might be explored in future books (hopefully);
- the silly Makenna's humour;
- its lovecraftian tones;
- a bunch of other things;
A bit of a warning, though. That blurb is way too spoilery. The part that mentions Ian? It happens almost near the middle of the book.
I hate when a book is marketed as 'X meets Y' or, even worse, 'if you loved X author, you'll love this book'. I tend to avoid them even when the X author is the one I like.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- with the exception of one particular gory detail from the case they are working on, it's light and it doesn't take itself seriously, so you shouldn't either;
- the overall theme (it's not in the blurb, so I'll leave it to the readers);
- the friendship between Makenna and Ian (it's great and refreshing that this pair is not and never will be in a relationship):
- Rake (no need for explanations for those who've read the series);
- Rake's out-of-the-blue decision (for that they should have been together more on page, but I'm not complaining);
- the future threat;
- the idea of Rake's world's issues that might be explored in future books (hopefully);
- the silly Makenna's humour;
- its lovecraftian tones;
- a bunch of other things;
A bit of a warning, though. That blurb is way too spoilery. The part that mentions Ian? It happens almost near the middle of the book.
November 7, 2023
Stars: 5 out of 5.
I think this series hit its stride, because the last two books were excellent.
I like that we finally established all the relationships in this series (romantic and non-romantic), so we can concentrate on the story and character development instead of the whom of the two/three/etc. hot males (females) will the protagonist choose.
The story picks up a few months after the events of the previous book, in which our team plus Rake closed a Hellmouth. And this particular installment is centered around Ian's old nemesis, the pseudo ghoul who had attacked him and his partner back when he was in the NYPD. It ate his partner and almost killed him, and it seems that it's been stalking Ian ever since and orchestrating some of the troubles the team had to deal with in the previous books.
It's interesting to see that the tables are turned in this book, and Ian is playing the role of the damsel in distress instead of Mac. He is drugged and kidnapped and destined to be sacrificed to precipitate the end of the world. And it's Mac and the SPI team that has to do everything in their power to save him, not only to prevent said end of the world, but also because he is their friend, and really want him to continue breathing.
I also think that Mac finally found her stride. She understands that she will never be a SPI commando who rushes into danger guns blazing. She knows her physical limitations. But she also knows that she possesses a few unique abilities that could mean that an op is a success or a failure. And since she is a lot more sure of herself and at ease in her own skin, she is a delight to follow in these books. I love her sense of humor and down to earth attitude.
I also love that she has real friends in the SPI and a strong support system, and all those secondary characters feel like real people with their quirks and their flaws. Oh, and I absolutely loved the dragon riders from Rake's realm. Now that's a cool job to have... unless you also have to clean up after your dragon, because then I think I'll pass.
Oh, and I also like how Mac's relationship with Rake is progressing. I like that they seem to be having fun together and have a deeper understanding of each other then either of them was aware of, I think. Rake is a fun character to try and puzzle out. He is a rogue, no doubt, but he has a moral code and, I think, he is very loyal to those he considers his friends. I hope we learn more about his past and his motives in the following books. I wouldn't mind visiting his homeland as well.
All in all, I'm still really happy with this series. It's fun, it's interesting, it's surprisingly low on existential angst. So I will definitely pick up the next book to see what new horrors await our SPI partners plus Rake.
If you liked this review, check out my blog.
I think this series hit its stride, because the last two books were excellent.
I like that we finally established all the relationships in this series (romantic and non-romantic), so we can concentrate on the story and character development instead of the whom of the two/three/etc. hot males (females) will the protagonist choose.
The story picks up a few months after the events of the previous book, in which our team plus Rake closed a Hellmouth. And this particular installment is centered around Ian's old nemesis, the pseudo ghoul who had attacked him and his partner back when he was in the NYPD. It ate his partner and almost killed him, and it seems that it's been stalking Ian ever since and orchestrating some of the troubles the team had to deal with in the previous books.
It's interesting to see that the tables are turned in this book, and Ian is playing the role of the damsel in distress instead of Mac. He is drugged and kidnapped and destined to be sacrificed to precipitate the end of the world. And it's Mac and the SPI team that has to do everything in their power to save him, not only to prevent said end of the world, but also because he is their friend, and really want him to continue breathing.
I also think that Mac finally found her stride. She understands that she will never be a SPI commando who rushes into danger guns blazing. She knows her physical limitations. But she also knows that she possesses a few unique abilities that could mean that an op is a success or a failure. And since she is a lot more sure of herself and at ease in her own skin, she is a delight to follow in these books. I love her sense of humor and down to earth attitude.
I also love that she has real friends in the SPI and a strong support system, and all those secondary characters feel like real people with their quirks and their flaws. Oh, and I absolutely loved the dragon riders from Rake's realm. Now that's a cool job to have... unless you also have to clean up after your dragon, because then I think I'll pass.
Oh, and I also like how Mac's relationship with Rake is progressing. I like that they seem to be having fun together and have a deeper understanding of each other then either of them was aware of, I think. Rake is a fun character to try and puzzle out. He is a rogue, no doubt, but he has a moral code and, I think, he is very loyal to those he considers his friends. I hope we learn more about his past and his motives in the following books. I wouldn't mind visiting his homeland as well.
All in all, I'm still really happy with this series. It's fun, it's interesting, it's surprisingly low on existential angst. So I will definitely pick up the next book to see what new horrors await our SPI partners plus Rake.
If you liked this review, check out my blog.
February 6, 2017
What should have been a fun date for Seer Mac and her Goblin boyfriend Rake quickly turns sour when the yacht they're partying on is attacked by a kraken and a bunch of other weird creatures normally only seen in bad sci-fi movies. Things only get worse when ghouls start carrying out perfect bank jobs and eating any security guards who come anywhere close to catching them in the act. Throw in an old vendetta against her SPI partner Ian and shocking kidnap and Mac realises the stakes have never been higher but can she rescue Ian from the clutches of a madman AND save the world from an ancient enemy or is she destined to fail?
One of the things I love most about this series is the way Lisa Shearin keeps coming up with interesting new creatures to populate her world with. We've had dragons, gorgons, demons and more but The Ghoul Vendetta increases the stakes and introduces a whole new host of monsters for Mac to worry about. We also get to find out a lot more about Ian's background which was fascinating (I wish we'd seen some of the story from his point of view though!). Mac is much more confident than she was at the beginning of the series and while she's not the strongest fighter in the SPI she's definitely willing to stand up when it counts, especially when her partner's life is on the line.
If there is one thing I'm a little disappointed with it's the romance though. Rake has really grown on me as a character but I just don't see any real connection between him and Mac which makes it very hard to believe in them as a couple. Mac spends so much time thinking about Ian that Rake is pretty much an after thought throughout the whole book, even when he's going out of his way to help her. It's probably easy to guess that I'm totally team Ian but I can see that ship has firmly sailed and I'm sure I'll get over it eventually. I just hope the author can actually create half the chemistry between Mac and Rake that she's already done between Mac and Ian. Luckily the romance isn't the main focus of the story though and I'm happy to just roll with the unbelievable relationships because I'm enjoying the rest of the story so much.
The Ghoul Vendetta has plenty of action and some really funny moments to lighten up the dark nature of the ghoul attacks. We're getting a much view of the world now and there are some really interesting revelations that will have a knock on effect as the series continues. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where things go from here and I'm still not-so-secretly keeping my fingers crossed that Mac and Ian will see sense and stop dating other people when they're both so obviously in love with each other LOL.
Source: Received from Ace in exchange for an honest review
One of the things I love most about this series is the way Lisa Shearin keeps coming up with interesting new creatures to populate her world with. We've had dragons, gorgons, demons and more but The Ghoul Vendetta increases the stakes and introduces a whole new host of monsters for Mac to worry about. We also get to find out a lot more about Ian's background which was fascinating (I wish we'd seen some of the story from his point of view though!). Mac is much more confident than she was at the beginning of the series and while she's not the strongest fighter in the SPI she's definitely willing to stand up when it counts, especially when her partner's life is on the line.
If there is one thing I'm a little disappointed with it's the romance though. Rake has really grown on me as a character but I just don't see any real connection between him and Mac which makes it very hard to believe in them as a couple. Mac spends so much time thinking about Ian that Rake is pretty much an after thought throughout the whole book, even when he's going out of his way to help her. It's probably easy to guess that I'm totally team Ian but I can see that ship has firmly sailed and I'm sure I'll get over it eventually. I just hope the author can actually create half the chemistry between Mac and Rake that she's already done between Mac and Ian. Luckily the romance isn't the main focus of the story though and I'm happy to just roll with the unbelievable relationships because I'm enjoying the rest of the story so much.
The Ghoul Vendetta has plenty of action and some really funny moments to lighten up the dark nature of the ghoul attacks. We're getting a much view of the world now and there are some really interesting revelations that will have a knock on effect as the series continues. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where things go from here and I'm still not-so-secretly keeping my fingers crossed that Mac and Ian will see sense and stop dating other people when they're both so obviously in love with each other LOL.
Source: Received from Ace in exchange for an honest review
April 13, 2023
The Ghoul Vendetta is a fast fun read that kept me entertained. I adore Shearin's stories. Always plenty of action and surprises. So why three stars? Here my problem. It's frustrating when authors don't do what you want them to do. I like Mac. It took a while to warm up to Ian, but once I did that was it. He's my guy. I Do Not like Rake. It's safe to say it was hate at first sight. From their first meeting in the short story "Lucky Charms" he was a smarmy arrogant manipulator. I can't put that aside. Besides he's gray. ICK!
Looks like I'm stuck with him tho. I'm sure I'll manage. But I don't get it. I thought the focus of the series be on SPI and Mac and Ian fighting supernatural bad-guys. Generally the relationship is between the two main characters. Not the two main characters and their respective others. Plus it felt like Rake was the dominant character in this book. It felt off balance and really really weird. So fun story. Lots to entertain the reader. But exactly the opposite of what I was hoping for. Sigh.
Looks like I'm stuck with him tho. I'm sure I'll manage. But I don't get it. I thought the focus of the series be on SPI and Mac and Ian fighting supernatural bad-guys. Generally the relationship is between the two main characters. Not the two main characters and their respective others. Plus it felt like Rake was the dominant character in this book. It felt off balance and really really weird. So fun story. Lots to entertain the reader. But exactly the opposite of what I was hoping for. Sigh.
January 22, 2018
This series is urban fantasy. Each book is a self-contained episode in the life of Makenna Fraser, seer to a supernatural police force.
The books are fairly light and short. Emphasis on action, less on character development or substance.
Better to read the books from the beginning, even though each book explains the background.
There is a very little romance, but it's neither the focus of the story nor is it well developed. So the relationship between the h and her romantic interest continues to evolve, but the reader doesn't get to experience how. It just happens.
Also, this book fails to explain how the bad guys get loose to begin with. Big plot hole.
The books are fairly light and short. Emphasis on action, less on character development or substance.
Better to read the books from the beginning, even though each book explains the background.
There is a very little romance, but it's neither the focus of the story nor is it well developed. So the relationship between the h and her romantic interest continues to evolve, but the reader doesn't get to experience how. It just happens.
Also, this book fails to explain how the bad guys get loose to begin with. Big plot hole.
June 23, 2017
I've attempted to read this book multiple times and I get bored and try again and return it to the library, and I just took it out again. I've read the start and the end and...
It's not a bad story. The writing isn't poor. The characters are just fine. I just cannot get into it.
It's just me.
It's not a bad story. The writing isn't poor. The characters are just fine. I just cannot get into it.
It's just me.
October 15, 2017
SPI agent Makenna Fraser points out that bad stuff always seems to happen around her, and she’s not kidding. The Ghoul Vendetta opens with Mak and Goblin Lord Rake Danescu on a yacht in the Hudson, along side several of the supernatural world’s bigwigs, when it is attacked by a kraken and other sea creatures. What is even more strange is that no one is hurt and everyone is left alone as soon as their target, a vampire mob boss, is kidnapped. Soon after, a familiar foe turns up, robbing banks and threatening Mak’s partner, Ian. Now it’s up to SPI to find the connection and stop a terrible enemy.
As a fan of the SPI Files from the beginning, I am sad to say that The Ghoul Vendetta held several issues for me. First, I was disappointed that the first five to six chapters are almost entirely review of the previous three books; explaining the world and highlighting major events. I appreciate that the author takes care to do this, but by the fourth chapter, I was ready for things to move forward. And once again, throughout the book, there is so much repetition. Mak will remark on who a character is or what they like or do a more than once in the book.
Another issue I’m struggling with is the relationship between partners Mak and Ian. Yes, I was disappointed when the author chose to keep Mak and Ian platonic friends, but I was glad to see she gave them each a love interest. After the conclusion of the previous book, I was looking forward to seeing Mak and Rake together. However, for much of the book, the story once again focuses on how close Mak and Ian are - but how they are only friends. I’m not buying it. Mak shows way more affection for Ian than her supposed boyfriend, Rake. If the author wants me to buy into the “just partners,” and view Rake as a love interest, then she needs to invest time in the romance. There was some of this in the last parts of the The Ghoul Vendetta, but honestly, it felt awkward and out of place since we really haven’t seen Rake and Mak together other than a few casual dates, or working in life and death situations. We know more about Ian and Kylie’s romance than Mak and Rake.
Sadly, I never really got past these two issues, so it was difficult for me to get into the overall story, which has some extremely interesting aspects. I appreciate that the author works to tie together several threads from the previous books. I liked the tie-in with Ian, and was left wondering what will happen next (in a good way). I just felt like there wasn’t enough emphasis on this part of the story after the continuous mention of so many previous events.
One bright spot in listening to The Ghoul Vendetta is the narration by Ms. Parker, even when I bumped up the listening speed 1.5x. I love listening to Ms. Parker’s Mak, repetitions and all. She has a lovely southern accent that is fitting for the tough yet “weaker” character of Mak. Ms. Parker’s male voices are good, but tended to blend a bit (Ian and Rake), and I felt that her performance of Alain Moreau has changed slightly-a bit more dramatic of an accent, yet I still enjoyed it.
In the end, I had real difficulty getting beyond the constant rehashing of past events and the constant repetition within the story. It diminished what should have been an engrossing storyline and frustrated me to the point where I had to speed up the playback to get though it more quickly. With that, I still recommend The Ghoul Vendetta to fans of the SPI Files, and I hope that the next title will be tighter, stronger, or I fear I may drop the series.
My Rating: C
Narration: B+
As a fan of the SPI Files from the beginning, I am sad to say that The Ghoul Vendetta held several issues for me. First, I was disappointed that the first five to six chapters are almost entirely review of the previous three books; explaining the world and highlighting major events. I appreciate that the author takes care to do this, but by the fourth chapter, I was ready for things to move forward. And once again, throughout the book, there is so much repetition. Mak will remark on who a character is or what they like or do a more than once in the book.
Another issue I’m struggling with is the relationship between partners Mak and Ian. Yes, I was disappointed when the author chose to keep Mak and Ian platonic friends, but I was glad to see she gave them each a love interest. After the conclusion of the previous book, I was looking forward to seeing Mak and Rake together. However, for much of the book, the story once again focuses on how close Mak and Ian are - but how they are only friends. I’m not buying it. Mak shows way more affection for Ian than her supposed boyfriend, Rake. If the author wants me to buy into the “just partners,” and view Rake as a love interest, then she needs to invest time in the romance. There was some of this in the last parts of the The Ghoul Vendetta, but honestly, it felt awkward and out of place since we really haven’t seen Rake and Mak together other than a few casual dates, or working in life and death situations. We know more about Ian and Kylie’s romance than Mak and Rake.
Sadly, I never really got past these two issues, so it was difficult for me to get into the overall story, which has some extremely interesting aspects. I appreciate that the author works to tie together several threads from the previous books. I liked the tie-in with Ian, and was left wondering what will happen next (in a good way). I just felt like there wasn’t enough emphasis on this part of the story after the continuous mention of so many previous events.
One bright spot in listening to The Ghoul Vendetta is the narration by Ms. Parker, even when I bumped up the listening speed 1.5x. I love listening to Ms. Parker’s Mak, repetitions and all. She has a lovely southern accent that is fitting for the tough yet “weaker” character of Mak. Ms. Parker’s male voices are good, but tended to blend a bit (Ian and Rake), and I felt that her performance of Alain Moreau has changed slightly-a bit more dramatic of an accent, yet I still enjoyed it.
In the end, I had real difficulty getting beyond the constant rehashing of past events and the constant repetition within the story. It diminished what should have been an engrossing storyline and frustrated me to the point where I had to speed up the playback to get though it more quickly. With that, I still recommend The Ghoul Vendetta to fans of the SPI Files, and I hope that the next title will be tighter, stronger, or I fear I may drop the series.
My Rating: C
Narration: B+
February 8, 2017
The SPI Files series is full of well developed characters, interesting story lines with plenty of mystery and lots of action.
Trouble always seems to find Makenna and her boyfriend Rake is usually with her when it happens. Their date doesn't go as planned when the ship they're on is attacked and someone is kidnapped. Since he was kidnapped by creatures that don't belong in this world, Makenna and her partner Ian end up on the case. If you're a fan of the Raine Benares world get ready to be excited, a few characters make an appearance in THE GHOUL VENDETTA.
I really like Rake. He grows on me more with every book, but for some reason I still find myself looking for romance between Makenna and Ian. Mac and Rake's relationship continues to grow and Ian is with someone as well, but I just keep looking at the two like they should be together.
I always seem to wait until the very last minute to read each SPI Files book after I receive it for review, but I always really enjoy it once I start reading it so I have no idea why I continue to do that. If you enjoy urban fantasy, I say give this series a chance and make sure to start with book one.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Trouble always seems to find Makenna and her boyfriend Rake is usually with her when it happens. Their date doesn't go as planned when the ship they're on is attacked and someone is kidnapped. Since he was kidnapped by creatures that don't belong in this world, Makenna and her partner Ian end up on the case. If you're a fan of the Raine Benares world get ready to be excited, a few characters make an appearance in THE GHOUL VENDETTA.
I really like Rake. He grows on me more with every book, but for some reason I still find myself looking for romance between Makenna and Ian. Mac and Rake's relationship continues to grow and Ian is with someone as well, but I just keep looking at the two like they should be together.
I always seem to wait until the very last minute to read each SPI Files book after I receive it for review, but I always really enjoy it once I start reading it so I have no idea why I continue to do that. If you enjoy urban fantasy, I say give this series a chance and make sure to start with book one.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
1.5 stars. This one didn't work for me at all. If it hadn't been by an author I usually like, it would have been DNF. The plot was overly convoluted with too many not-well-defined players. Some of the dialogue was eyeroll inducing. The romance between Rake and Makenna happened so far off the page that when Rake it came off as preposterous.
I'll still give the next book a shot because I usually like Ms. Shearin's work.
I'll still give the next book a shot because I usually like Ms. Shearin's work.
March 28, 2017
I can't believe it's taken me until now to see the ties from this series to the Raine Benares series. Is a Rake Tam's son??? Now I will have to go back and read the series again. I love the sarcasm and humor
February 17, 2017
3.5
While I enjoyed this book I felt that a big part of the book was more of Mac rambling on and repeating a lot of stuff that could have given room to more development. Finishing this book made me smile and I will continue to read this series, but I wish there would be less telling and more happening. It did tie up a lot of plotlines from the previous books which was good.
While I enjoyed this book I felt that a big part of the book was more of Mac rambling on and repeating a lot of stuff that could have given room to more development. Finishing this book made me smile and I will continue to read this series, but I wish there would be less telling and more happening. It did tie up a lot of plotlines from the previous books which was good.
November 2, 2017
1.5 stars rounded up
April 21, 2019
C'est avec un grand plaisir que je replonge dans cette séries à chaque nouveau tome.
Un Kraken et des créatures marines non identifiées attaquent brusquement le yacht ou Mak et Rake assistant à une réception pour enlever l'héritier d'une famille vampires très puissante.
Au même moment la goule préférée de Ian, celle qu'il poursuite depuis qu'elle a assassiné son partenaire, se met à cambrioler des banques en dévoilant ses pouvoirs aux yeux des caméras.
Le SPI ne peux pas laisser la situation dégénérer ....
L'ensemble était fun, dynamique, sans temps morts et les personnages toujours aussi attachants. Exactement ce que j'en attendais, donc.
Ce qui était agréable c'est qu'en fait l'intrigue de ce tome avait déjà démarré dans les précédent et que d'un coup on a tout les indices qui se rassemblent. Du coup je dirais que c'était un tome plus central, plus fédérateur au niveau des événements qui s'y déroulent.
Les personnages continuent d'évoluer, pour notre plus grand plaisir. Surtout Ian dans ce tome qui finalement lui était dédié.
L'imaginaire est aussi pas mal étendu vu qu'on en apprend plus que les gobelins de Rake, le fait qu'ils vivent finalement dans un autre monde parallèle donnait un plus à l'ensemble, un coté fantasy qui change de ce qu'on trouve habituellement en Urban fantasy.
Dans l'ensemble j'ai beaucoup apprécié ce tome qui avançait enfin dans l'intrigue tant attendue de Ian avec les goules. Je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
16/20
Un Kraken et des créatures marines non identifiées attaquent brusquement le yacht ou Mak et Rake assistant à une réception pour enlever l'héritier d'une famille vampires très puissante.
Au même moment la goule préférée de Ian, celle qu'il poursuite depuis qu'elle a assassiné son partenaire, se met à cambrioler des banques en dévoilant ses pouvoirs aux yeux des caméras.
Le SPI ne peux pas laisser la situation dégénérer ....
L'ensemble était fun, dynamique, sans temps morts et les personnages toujours aussi attachants. Exactement ce que j'en attendais, donc.
Ce qui était agréable c'est qu'en fait l'intrigue de ce tome avait déjà démarré dans les précédent et que d'un coup on a tout les indices qui se rassemblent. Du coup je dirais que c'était un tome plus central, plus fédérateur au niveau des événements qui s'y déroulent.
Les personnages continuent d'évoluer, pour notre plus grand plaisir. Surtout Ian dans ce tome qui finalement lui était dédié.
L'imaginaire est aussi pas mal étendu vu qu'on en apprend plus que les gobelins de Rake, le fait qu'ils vivent finalement dans un autre monde parallèle donnait un plus à l'ensemble, un coté fantasy qui change de ce qu'on trouve habituellement en Urban fantasy.
Dans l'ensemble j'ai beaucoup apprécié ce tome qui avançait enfin dans l'intrigue tant attendue de Ian avec les goules. Je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
16/20
March 22, 2018
Previously, on Ben’s reviews of THE SPI FILES…:
*fist pump* Called it.
Is this really the fourth book in this series? I can remember back when Lisa Shearin was turning out the second and third books in Raine’s series! It feels like just yesterday, but here we are … almost exactly one year since I rea dthe last book and well into the SPI Files and apparently a third series on the horizon. Coming upon Shearin when she was a new author and getting to read her books soon after their publication has been a delight, year after year, because she keeps delivering fun stories. The Ghoul Vendetta is no exception. Fans of the series will find what they want in this book, and newcomers won’t feel too lost (though I highly recommend picking up at least the first book!).
It’s June now, and Mac is on another date with Rake Danescu Dark Gobl—er, I mean, dark mage—er, I mean, he’s a goblin, OK? And he does dark magic, but he’s good, and he has the hots for Mac, and she has the hots for him, but things keep attacking them, and it’s just really inconvenient. And so they’re on a date, and things attack them! This turns out to be connected to a wider plot by Old Ones wanting to undo a curse by other Old Ones keeping them from dominating and terrorizing all other species on the planet. To make matters worse, Mac’s work partner, Ian, is intimately connected to this plot, which is masterminded by the face-shifting not-a-ghoul who has taunted Ian in various ways in the previous books.
The Ghoul Vendetta follows a pattern I’ve noticed (which may entirely be a product of my delusional, word-addled mind) of series arcs, at least for ongoing urban fantasy novels like this series, really picking up in the fourth book. That is to say, the first three books of a series might be good, even amazing, but they are often very contained. They lay the groundwork for future books, but they haven’t yet established enough of the characters’ baseline behaviour to really show them growing, changing, and responding to threats from their past or threats newfound. By the time book four comes round, enough pages have elapsed to make this possible. Shearin capitalizes on this opportunity. This book is all about Ian, his past, and it is definitely game-changing for him and his role in SPI.
There are so many good additions to the series lore here!
Vampires do not play a prominent role in the story per se, but they are on the periphery of everything, and Shearin gives us more information on how vampirism works in this world. The exposition is interesting but never overdone—it all relates the main plot. Moreover, Alain Moreau has a bigger role in this book, because he is subbing for Vivienne Sagadraco while she takes a vacation. I liked Moreau from previous books, but his smaller parts made it harder for me to get a read on him. He comes off as much more personable, less “creepy hypnotic vampire lawyer/line manager” than he has previously. Mac even gets to see him in jeans at one point!
With Ian out of commission for large swathes of the book, Mac’s dynamic changes significantly as well. The Ghoul Vendetta is much less about her and her powers/role as a seer. I like how Shearin puts Mac in physically dangerous situations and portrays her has a competent but not overly skilled fighter. Mac certainly seems to have more to do in this book, and although she isn’t necessarily the one who directly initiates something, she tends to be the driving force and instigator in most of the plot developments. Ian’s vulnerability here offers opportunities to affirm their mutual respect and trust for one another as partners.
The antagonists are also quite different from your average monster in an urban fantasy book. Shearin has really dug deep into a less popularly used mythology for some inspiration here, and it works extremely well. I love the way she presents the threat of these monsters: they are simultaneously brutish and overwhelming in their power yet constrained and cunning thanks to their leader (the face-shifting ghoul with a vendetta against Ian). They are also very different from the threats that SPI has dealt with up until this point. However, sometimes the “mystery” element felt flat. So many of the developments come from Ian and his investigation into his past. There are a few dead bodies, but there isn’t quite the same frenetic energy that the previous books have had with Mac and Ian racing around New York trying to stop the baddie. Even the field trip out to Bannerman’s Castle is relatively sedate.
Fortunately, the climax is pretty rewarding. Lots of fighting, an aerial sequence, and plenty of grandstanding from the villain—you know, the usual. I’m very pleased with the resolution and the way that Shearin deals with the immediate threat while letting other threads hang loose, ready to be picked up in later books. She could easily have had Ian just wipe away all the opposition with super-godlike powers or something, but her solution is much more nuanced. The book ends on a somewhat humorous note, reminding us that what might seem strange to mundanes like ourselves is actually just another day at the office for SPI agents. So it goes.
I apologize if this review is a bit vague; I wanted to avoid spoilers so that you can enjoy it as fresh as possible. The Ghoul Vendetta is exactly what I was hoping for from the next SPI Files book. I mean, at this point, I’d pretty much subscribe to Shearin’s series if that were an option.
My reviews of The SPI Files:
← The Brimstone Deception | The Myth Manifestation →
… the intimations of bigger and better story arcs continue here. Once again we have a direct reference to the face-shifting ghoul terrorizing Ian. (According to the Goodreads series list, the next book is The Ghoul Vendetta, so I’m guessing we’ll soon get some pay-off on that arc!)
…
I was going to criticize the covers and complain about how they’re all different poses of Mac and Ian waving weapons around …
…
Plus, it’s nice that the covers acknowledge Mac and Ian’s partnership. Ian has Mac’s back in this book—hopefully in The Ghoul Vendetta we’ll see a little more vulnerability in him and Mac will really have a chance to shine.
*fist pump* Called it.
Is this really the fourth book in this series? I can remember back when Lisa Shearin was turning out the second and third books in Raine’s series! It feels like just yesterday, but here we are … almost exactly one year since I rea dthe last book and well into the SPI Files and apparently a third series on the horizon. Coming upon Shearin when she was a new author and getting to read her books soon after their publication has been a delight, year after year, because she keeps delivering fun stories. The Ghoul Vendetta is no exception. Fans of the series will find what they want in this book, and newcomers won’t feel too lost (though I highly recommend picking up at least the first book!).
It’s June now, and Mac is on another date with Rake Danescu Dark Gobl—er, I mean, dark mage—er, I mean, he’s a goblin, OK? And he does dark magic, but he’s good, and he has the hots for Mac, and she has the hots for him, but things keep attacking them, and it’s just really inconvenient. And so they’re on a date, and things attack them! This turns out to be connected to a wider plot by Old Ones wanting to undo a curse by other Old Ones keeping them from dominating and terrorizing all other species on the planet. To make matters worse, Mac’s work partner, Ian, is intimately connected to this plot, which is masterminded by the face-shifting not-a-ghoul who has taunted Ian in various ways in the previous books.
The Ghoul Vendetta follows a pattern I’ve noticed (which may entirely be a product of my delusional, word-addled mind) of series arcs, at least for ongoing urban fantasy novels like this series, really picking up in the fourth book. That is to say, the first three books of a series might be good, even amazing, but they are often very contained. They lay the groundwork for future books, but they haven’t yet established enough of the characters’ baseline behaviour to really show them growing, changing, and responding to threats from their past or threats newfound. By the time book four comes round, enough pages have elapsed to make this possible. Shearin capitalizes on this opportunity. This book is all about Ian, his past, and it is definitely game-changing for him and his role in SPI.
There are so many good additions to the series lore here!
Vampires do not play a prominent role in the story per se, but they are on the periphery of everything, and Shearin gives us more information on how vampirism works in this world. The exposition is interesting but never overdone—it all relates the main plot. Moreover, Alain Moreau has a bigger role in this book, because he is subbing for Vivienne Sagadraco while she takes a vacation. I liked Moreau from previous books, but his smaller parts made it harder for me to get a read on him. He comes off as much more personable, less “creepy hypnotic vampire lawyer/line manager” than he has previously. Mac even gets to see him in jeans at one point!
With Ian out of commission for large swathes of the book, Mac’s dynamic changes significantly as well. The Ghoul Vendetta is much less about her and her powers/role as a seer. I like how Shearin puts Mac in physically dangerous situations and portrays her has a competent but not overly skilled fighter. Mac certainly seems to have more to do in this book, and although she isn’t necessarily the one who directly initiates something, she tends to be the driving force and instigator in most of the plot developments. Ian’s vulnerability here offers opportunities to affirm their mutual respect and trust for one another as partners.
The antagonists are also quite different from your average monster in an urban fantasy book. Shearin has really dug deep into a less popularly used mythology for some inspiration here, and it works extremely well. I love the way she presents the threat of these monsters: they are simultaneously brutish and overwhelming in their power yet constrained and cunning thanks to their leader (the face-shifting ghoul with a vendetta against Ian). They are also very different from the threats that SPI has dealt with up until this point. However, sometimes the “mystery” element felt flat. So many of the developments come from Ian and his investigation into his past. There are a few dead bodies, but there isn’t quite the same frenetic energy that the previous books have had with Mac and Ian racing around New York trying to stop the baddie. Even the field trip out to Bannerman’s Castle is relatively sedate.
Fortunately, the climax is pretty rewarding. Lots of fighting, an aerial sequence, and plenty of grandstanding from the villain—you know, the usual. I’m very pleased with the resolution and the way that Shearin deals with the immediate threat while letting other threads hang loose, ready to be picked up in later books. She could easily have had Ian just wipe away all the opposition with super-godlike powers or something, but her solution is much more nuanced. The book ends on a somewhat humorous note, reminding us that what might seem strange to mundanes like ourselves is actually just another day at the office for SPI agents. So it goes.
I apologize if this review is a bit vague; I wanted to avoid spoilers so that you can enjoy it as fresh as possible. The Ghoul Vendetta is exactly what I was hoping for from the next SPI Files book. I mean, at this point, I’d pretty much subscribe to Shearin’s series if that were an option.
My reviews of The SPI Files:
← The Brimstone Deception | The Myth Manifestation →
December 26, 2017
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I was so excited to be back in the world of SPI and Makenna Fraizer. I’ve loved this series since I listened to the prequel story, Lucky Charms in the Night Shift Anthology. This series has been full of action, humor and really fun characters. Add in Johanna Parker’s narration and I’m in love.
Mac is a seer, she can see through glamours, which is how she got her job at SPI. SPI works around the world to keep the supernatural world unknown to humans. That includes policing supernaturals and covering up things that would out the supernatural world. It is staffed by humans, werewolves, shifters, dragons, dryads, nomes, you name it.
Her partner is a a former NYPD detective, Ian Byrne. They also have their driver, six foot eight Russian werewolf Yasha Kazakov, who is very protective of his partners and his suburban. The last character I’m going to mention is Rake Danescu. He’s a black mage and a goblin. He’s not often on the right side of the law, but he is a good “man”. He has also been dating Mac, much to Ian’s dislike (not because he has a love interest in her, he has a dryad lover. He is just protective of his partner and like I said, Rake not usually on the right side of the law).
So in this story, we have a vampire that is kidnapped and right in front of Mac and Rake, no less.. There is also a large theft from a bank that caters to supernaturals. Mac believes that the crimes are related. The vampires who safety deposit boxes were stolen aren’t wanting to cooperate. There are also weird sea creatures involved. Mac refers to “Creatures from the black lagoon”, “squid man” and the Kraken. There are also ghouls. Ian is in the real mix, as the ghoul that killed his NYPD partner is leaving clues for him.
If you’re looking for a funny urban fantasy/cop action story, this is a great series for you. Mac is a strong heroine. She is a human surrounded by supernatural individuals. While she is willing to take risks, she does realize that she isn’t as durable as the vampires, werewolves and others at SPI. But she is loyal and won’t be left behind if there is something she can do to help (there is a great scene with her boss and her where she makes this exact argument in this book). This is also a series where I could include a ton of snippets from the book, but I did try to limit myself.
Narration
Johanna Parker does a great job with the narration of this series. I love all the voices she’s chosen for each character. There is a large mix of accents. Mostly, I love how she really brings out the humor in the story. I’m not sure if I can say exactly what she does that brings out that humor, she just does it. I think she does well with the male and female voices and the wide array of characters. Her pace and tone are perfect too. Johanna Parker is one of my favorite narrators. I think she is especially great in a series that has a lot of humor (like Shelly Laurenston series).
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to be back in the world of SPI and Makenna Fraizer. I’ve loved this series since I listened to the prequel story, Lucky Charms in the Night Shift Anthology. This series has been full of action, humor and really fun characters. Add in Johanna Parker’s narration and I’m in love.
Mac is a seer, she can see through glamours, which is how she got her job at SPI. SPI works around the world to keep the supernatural world unknown to humans. That includes policing supernaturals and covering up things that would out the supernatural world. It is staffed by humans, werewolves, shifters, dragons, dryads, nomes, you name it.
Most folks would say that history and mythology couldn’t be more different, but when you worked at SPI, you knew they were the same thing.
Her partner is a a former NYPD detective, Ian Byrne. They also have their driver, six foot eight Russian werewolf Yasha Kazakov, who is very protective of his partners and his suburban. The last character I’m going to mention is Rake Danescu. He’s a black mage and a goblin. He’s not often on the right side of the law, but he is a good “man”. He has also been dating Mac, much to Ian’s dislike (not because he has a love interest in her, he has a dryad lover. He is just protective of his partner and like I said, Rake not usually on the right side of the law).
So in this story, we have a vampire that is kidnapped and right in front of Mac and Rake, no less.. There is also a large theft from a bank that caters to supernaturals. Mac believes that the crimes are related. The vampires who safety deposit boxes were stolen aren’t wanting to cooperate. There are also weird sea creatures involved. Mac refers to “Creatures from the black lagoon”, “squid man” and the Kraken. There are also ghouls. Ian is in the real mix, as the ghoul that killed his NYPD partner is leaving clues for him.
If you’re looking for a funny urban fantasy/cop action story, this is a great series for you. Mac is a strong heroine. She is a human surrounded by supernatural individuals. While she is willing to take risks, she does realize that she isn’t as durable as the vampires, werewolves and others at SPI. But she is loyal and won’t be left behind if there is something she can do to help (there is a great scene with her boss and her where she makes this exact argument in this book). This is also a series where I could include a ton of snippets from the book, but I did try to limit myself.
“So you passed out,” I said for what felt like the umpteenth time. I was careful not to use the “f” word. For some reason, men had a problem being told they’d fainted. Passed out was better. Knocked out was best. It meant you’d probably been engaged in a manly activity like fighting or football when you’d gotten your bell rung.
A few minutes later, Rake made his way over to us, looking neither left nor right, not rushing but not dragging his feet, either. The press had spotted him and were shouting to get his attention. My date was a center of near-Zen calm as he pretended that none of them existed, especially Baxter Clayton. All I can say is that it was a good thing there was a police-guarded barricade or Rake would have been mobbed, and that would not have ended well. Goblins were rather like cats: neat, fastidious, mostly aloof, with an intense dislike of being dunked in water. If you did anything to them that they considered to be degrading or annoying, you’d better prepare to be shredded.
Rake Danescu was wet, his tuxedo was likely ruined, and though his expression was carefully blank, I knew that inside he made Grumpy Cat look like a cheerleader. But when he got close enough to us, he did at least acknowledge Ian.
Narration
Johanna Parker does a great job with the narration of this series. I love all the voices she’s chosen for each character. There is a large mix of accents. Mostly, I love how she really brings out the humor in the story. I’m not sure if I can say exactly what she does that brings out that humor, she just does it. I think she does well with the male and female voices and the wide array of characters. Her pace and tone are perfect too. Johanna Parker is one of my favorite narrators. I think she is especially great in a series that has a lot of humor (like Shelly Laurenston series).
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2019
The Ghoul Vendetta is the fourth book in the SPI Files series written by Lisa Shearin and centered on Makenna Fraser, a former tabloid journalist, turned covert agent for the Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) when she discovered she had the gift of second sight.
Makenna Fraser is out for a date with her dark mage ghoul boyfriend, Rake, hobnobbing with the rich, elite, and supernatural, when a kraken attacks and their host is kidnapped by sea monsters. The attack proves to be just the opening foray in the lead-up to a cataclysmic plot perpetuated by the recurring nemesis of Ian Byrne, her SPI partner. While the stakes grow dire and the enigmatic enemy taunts the SPI, Makenna must rally her forces to prevent apocalypse.
The Ghoul Vendetta is written rather well. However, the book is bloated with references to events from earlier in the series, so new readers will find it easy to catch up, but it is hard to become immersed. Makenna is charmingly quip, though, and Shearin delivers a pulpy good time for undemanding readers.
All in all, The Ghoul Vendetta is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Makenna Fraser is out for a date with her dark mage ghoul boyfriend, Rake, hobnobbing with the rich, elite, and supernatural, when a kraken attacks and their host is kidnapped by sea monsters. The attack proves to be just the opening foray in the lead-up to a cataclysmic plot perpetuated by the recurring nemesis of Ian Byrne, her SPI partner. While the stakes grow dire and the enigmatic enemy taunts the SPI, Makenna must rally her forces to prevent apocalypse.
The Ghoul Vendetta is written rather well. However, the book is bloated with references to events from earlier in the series, so new readers will find it easy to catch up, but it is hard to become immersed. Makenna is charmingly quip, though, and Shearin delivers a pulpy good time for undemanding readers.
All in all, The Ghoul Vendetta is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
March 8, 2021
The repetitive description of characters and world building is getting old. And now she rehashes story’s from previous books too. And the book title keeps giving away the main storyline (as it does for the next book too).
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this one. Got to love a book that opens with a swanky party on a yacht and a kraken! And more Rake!
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this one. Got to love a book that opens with a swanky party on a yacht and a kraken! And more Rake!
October 18, 2023
Större delen av boken är aktivt ointressant. Upplösningen är klicheartad. Epilogen är väldigt söt dock.
May 11, 2021
★★★★☆
February 6, 2017
In previous books in the SPI Files series, Agent Makenna “Mac” Fraser and her partner Ian Byrne have repeatedly encountered a mysterious villain from Ian’s past. He poses as a ghoul, but they know he’s really something much more powerful. In The Ghoul Vendetta, they’ll finally discover just who and what he is and the reason for his grudge against Ian. But first, they have to find a missing vampire, heir to the powerful Bathory family, who was kidnapped off his yacht by sea monsters while Mac and her goblin lord boyfriend watched, and find out why a gang of ghouls are robbing banks.
I love the variety of creatures and mythologies that Shearin incorporates in this series. I feel like it would be spoilery to say which ones come into play in The Ghoul Vendetta—it’s a myth I’ve seen referenced before but never in as much detail. I really enjoyed getting more of the story. She also brings in some characters from the Raine Benares world, Shearin’s other series. I love that the two very different worlds can be connected by a portal, as well as the subtle reminder that I still need to pick up Treasure and Treason.
I wish that all or part of this book were told from Ian’s point of view. It’s not called the Makenna Fraser series, so I don’t see why it couldn’t be, although Mac does have a very distinct voice. She rambles and digresses, which I think is part of what makes the series feel light and funny. But I feel like this is really Ian’s story. It’s frustrating to watch Mac try to get information from him and it feels odd to have Mac learning about Ian’s past without him. And I realize that dual points of view would suggest a romance, which Mac repeatedly points out that she and Ian are not having. At this point in the series, they’re even both seeing other people.
Mac’s relationship with Rake still feels off to me. He’s saying things like, “I can’t imagine my life without you,” while she seems surprised that she actually wants to kiss him. I wasn’t sold on that ship at the end of the last book and I’m still not. It may just be that after book one I really wanted Mac and Ian to be Cat and Bones, leading this top-secret team together. I suppose there’s still time for them to be Booth and Bones, who got together somewhere around season five.
I really enjoy the SPI Files series and I feel like it’s one that not enough people know about. Shearin’s lighthearted take on the paranormal police procedural is a breath of fresh air in a genre that can get very dark. Since The Ghoul Vendetta brings in so many threads from earlier books, I’d definitely start reading at the beginning with The Grendel Affair.
Originally published at Vampire Book Club and based on a copy provided by the publisher.
I love the variety of creatures and mythologies that Shearin incorporates in this series. I feel like it would be spoilery to say which ones come into play in The Ghoul Vendetta—it’s a myth I’ve seen referenced before but never in as much detail. I really enjoyed getting more of the story. She also brings in some characters from the Raine Benares world, Shearin’s other series. I love that the two very different worlds can be connected by a portal, as well as the subtle reminder that I still need to pick up Treasure and Treason.
I wish that all or part of this book were told from Ian’s point of view. It’s not called the Makenna Fraser series, so I don’t see why it couldn’t be, although Mac does have a very distinct voice. She rambles and digresses, which I think is part of what makes the series feel light and funny. But I feel like this is really Ian’s story. It’s frustrating to watch Mac try to get information from him and it feels odd to have Mac learning about Ian’s past without him. And I realize that dual points of view would suggest a romance, which Mac repeatedly points out that she and Ian are not having. At this point in the series, they’re even both seeing other people.
Mac’s relationship with Rake still feels off to me. He’s saying things like, “I can’t imagine my life without you,” while she seems surprised that she actually wants to kiss him. I wasn’t sold on that ship at the end of the last book and I’m still not. It may just be that after book one I really wanted Mac and Ian to be Cat and Bones, leading this top-secret team together. I suppose there’s still time for them to be Booth and Bones, who got together somewhere around season five.
I really enjoy the SPI Files series and I feel like it’s one that not enough people know about. Shearin’s lighthearted take on the paranormal police procedural is a breath of fresh air in a genre that can get very dark. Since The Ghoul Vendetta brings in so many threads from earlier books, I’d definitely start reading at the beginning with The Grendel Affair.
Originally published at Vampire Book Club and based on a copy provided by the publisher.
May 15, 2017
An OK urban fantasy novel, this latest installment of the author’s SPI Files series (where SPI stands for Supernatural Protection & Investigation agency) relates a new story about the series’ protagonist, Makenna Fraser, and her friends. A bunch of dimension-hopping ghouls have committed a few daring bank robberies lately. Humans have been killed. Makenna and friends have no choice but to investigate.
Fast moving but utterly forgettable.
Fast moving but utterly forgettable.
June 24, 2022
Another great addition to the SPI Files series, this time Makenna Fraser, her partner Ian Byrne and her new boyfriend Rake Danescu are after a gang that is made up of beings that resemble Creatures from the Black Lagoon and lead by the evil shapeshifter that has been causing Ian nightmares for years. Now he’s upping the ante by kidnapping a vampire gang leader's nephew and knocking off several banks that targeted vampire’s safety deposit boxes. If he’s not stopped, it could mean the return of an ancient race that will cause no end of trouble to all humans. Rake is a dark mage, which makes for a powerful ally, and he has a vested interested in keeping Mac safe - since it seems he’s fallen hard for her. Ian has also made it his mission to keep her safe, but after his nemesis abducts him, it’s Makenna’s turn to rescue Ian before it’s too late. At least she has all of the resources of SPI at hand to help not only with the rescue, but to stop the shapeshifter from his evil plan. This was another action-filled adventure, with great characters and lots of different supernatural creatures, some on the side of good, and some evil. I enjoyed the heating up of Makenna’s relationship with Rake, and it seems he’s serious about her - which I wasn’t quite sure of previously. It was good to learn a bit more about Rake's motives and feelings, as well as Mac’s, as they got to know each other much better. I certainly look forward to the next book in the series, I know I’m in for a treat whenever I get my hands on a new one.
March 10, 2017
I liked the book but my only problem was that this battle that was being hyped up for the whole book was written in ten pages. Kinda disappointed it wasn't a bigger part of the book. Felt rushed. Felt like the author just did the simplest way to resolve the conflict. But I still love Lisa Shearin and her books
February 5, 2018
The Ghoul Vendetta (SPI Files 4)
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: DAW
Page count: 292pp
Release date: 31st Jan 2017
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
The fourth in the SPI Files series starts in June, and Agent Mac Fraser has been working with her partner Agent Ian Byrne for about a year now.
SPI, the agency of the title, is a government agency with its HQ in New York, which acts as the supernatural equivalent of of the FBI/CIA etc dealing with supernatural or mythical criminals and crimes whilst protecting innocent supernatural creatures and the general, unaware, human population.
Mac, the narrator, is a seer - she can see through the glamour or ‘face’ used by supernaturals to the face underneath. Now, I know some people say their boss is a dragon - well, in Mac’s case, she’s telling the truth.
So where the varied staff of SPI see boss Vivienne Sagadraco as a petite, glamorous older woman, Mac sees the three storey tall dragon that their boss actually is. Apart from that little fact, she’s a pretty cool boss, assisted ably in her job by centuries old vampire Alain Moreau.
At the start of the last book, due to a ley line incident, Mac (Makenna), was dealing with the shock of an extra skill; the ability to see portals. She couldn’t open or close them like baker Kitty, but she could detect them.
Mac has been dating goblin Rake Danescu for a good few months now, and they are on a date aboard a yacht in the Hudson owned by a notorious vampire gangster (Mac undercover) when the nephew of said gangster is kidnapped. The family name is Bathory - yes, that Bathory.
By fish men - or creatures from the black lagoon. And a tentacle.
Their case gets more interesting and complicated when uncle Bathory’s deposit boxes are stolen from a bank by Ian’s nemesis - the ghoul who killed his NYPD partner five years ago - and more gilled groupies.
From here you have an action-packed adventure as Ian discovers he is linked to a magical weapon, is also kidnapped, and makes some startling discoveries about his heritage.
The whole of SPI and the supernatural community gets involved in finding the missing agent, whilst mythical sea creatures appear to popping up everywhere.
There’s a lot to say about the different plot points and character development here, but - spoilers darling.
So, I’ll simply say what I thought of it.
The Ghoul Vendetta is an emotional, funny, zipping read which delivers on fights, shocks and surprises. Meanwhile, the growing relationship between Mac and Rake gets airtime and is sizzling, without taking centre stage and attention away from the story.
I finished the book really quickly and I’m about to dive eagerly into Myth Manifestation the fifth book in the series, which was released 16th Jan 2018.
5/5
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: DAW
Page count: 292pp
Release date: 31st Jan 2017
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
The fourth in the SPI Files series starts in June, and Agent Mac Fraser has been working with her partner Agent Ian Byrne for about a year now.
SPI, the agency of the title, is a government agency with its HQ in New York, which acts as the supernatural equivalent of of the FBI/CIA etc dealing with supernatural or mythical criminals and crimes whilst protecting innocent supernatural creatures and the general, unaware, human population.
Mac, the narrator, is a seer - she can see through the glamour or ‘face’ used by supernaturals to the face underneath. Now, I know some people say their boss is a dragon - well, in Mac’s case, she’s telling the truth.
So where the varied staff of SPI see boss Vivienne Sagadraco as a petite, glamorous older woman, Mac sees the three storey tall dragon that their boss actually is. Apart from that little fact, she’s a pretty cool boss, assisted ably in her job by centuries old vampire Alain Moreau.
At the start of the last book, due to a ley line incident, Mac (Makenna), was dealing with the shock of an extra skill; the ability to see portals. She couldn’t open or close them like baker Kitty, but she could detect them.
Mac has been dating goblin Rake Danescu for a good few months now, and they are on a date aboard a yacht in the Hudson owned by a notorious vampire gangster (Mac undercover) when the nephew of said gangster is kidnapped. The family name is Bathory - yes, that Bathory.
By fish men - or creatures from the black lagoon. And a tentacle.
Their case gets more interesting and complicated when uncle Bathory’s deposit boxes are stolen from a bank by Ian’s nemesis - the ghoul who killed his NYPD partner five years ago - and more gilled groupies.
From here you have an action-packed adventure as Ian discovers he is linked to a magical weapon, is also kidnapped, and makes some startling discoveries about his heritage.
The whole of SPI and the supernatural community gets involved in finding the missing agent, whilst mythical sea creatures appear to popping up everywhere.
There’s a lot to say about the different plot points and character development here, but - spoilers darling.
So, I’ll simply say what I thought of it.
The Ghoul Vendetta is an emotional, funny, zipping read which delivers on fights, shocks and surprises. Meanwhile, the growing relationship between Mac and Rake gets airtime and is sizzling, without taking centre stage and attention away from the story.
I finished the book really quickly and I’m about to dive eagerly into Myth Manifestation the fifth book in the series, which was released 16th Jan 2018.
5/5
August 21, 2018
As other reviewers have mentioned, Shearin tends to repeat herself, particularly when it comes to background descriptions. Every time a character is introduced we get a description of them which seems almost word-for-word with the description used in earlier books. I did not love the plot of this one - I missed Ian when he'd been kidnapped, and I felt like the ending was I also feel like Shearin doesn't actually write romance very well - the romance between Rake and Mac has been moving at a snail's pace and there doesn't seem to be a lot of actual emotional impact in the romance itself. Like, Mac tells us she's taking it slowly and that she doesn't really understand why Rake is so into her, but that's pretty much it - there's no further depth to her worries or concerns, and I still don't know why she likes Rake save that he's hot and super into her. It's almost like the author thinks we don't need any more reasons than that. I may be suffering from over-exposure to romance novels here, where the romance has a lot more emotional heft and import.
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