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PsyCop #short stories
PsyCop Briefs: Volume 1
Victor Bayne sees dead people for a living…and he sees them off the clock, too. After all, ghosts don’t confine their appearances to a psychic medium’s work hours.
From the macabre to the mundane, from titillating to tender, these PsyCop shorts feature stolen moments between the novels. Get a glimpse of Vic’s life with Jacob between cases, from both men’s viewpoints. Gain new insight on their psychic talents by accompanying them on odd jobs, shopping runs and family visits, or simply enjoy some downtime in the cannery.
The twenty short works range in length from flash fiction to novelettes, woven together to create a novel-length narrative of Vic and Jacob’s relationship from a fresh perspective. The stories are gleaned from various anthologies, newsletters, and web, with four all-new pieces to tie the collection together and delve deeper into your favorite PsyCops' domestic life.
Coffee O’Clock
Thaw
Mind Reader
Stroke of Midnight
No Sale
Most Likely To…
Jock Straps On Sale
Piece of Cake
In the Dark
Let the Chips Fall
Memento
Impact
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns
Waiting Game
On the Road
Wood
Off the Cuff
Locked and Loaded
Inside Out
Witness
From the macabre to the mundane, from titillating to tender, these PsyCop shorts feature stolen moments between the novels. Get a glimpse of Vic’s life with Jacob between cases, from both men’s viewpoints. Gain new insight on their psychic talents by accompanying them on odd jobs, shopping runs and family visits, or simply enjoy some downtime in the cannery.
The twenty short works range in length from flash fiction to novelettes, woven together to create a novel-length narrative of Vic and Jacob’s relationship from a fresh perspective. The stories are gleaned from various anthologies, newsletters, and web, with four all-new pieces to tie the collection together and delve deeper into your favorite PsyCops' domestic life.
Coffee O’Clock
Thaw
Mind Reader
Stroke of Midnight
No Sale
Most Likely To…
Jock Straps On Sale
Piece of Cake
In the Dark
Let the Chips Fall
Memento
Impact
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns
Waiting Game
On the Road
Wood
Off the Cuff
Locked and Loaded
Inside Out
Witness
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
99 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,129 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 31, 2019
5++++ stars
Because:
-Vic..Vic...Vic
-Vic and Jacob
-Made me laugh so hard
-Hot! Hot!
-Ghosts!
Freaking LOVED IT!
Because:
-Vic..Vic...Vic
-Vic and Jacob
-Made me laugh so hard
-Hot! Hot!
-Ghosts!
Freaking LOVED IT!
January 4, 2017
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
If you love Vic and Jacob in the PsyCop series, this is the perfect collection of stories to get your hands on!
While some of the stories stand well alone, others are better appreciated if you are acquainted with the characters from the series. I have not read all the books in the series yet, so it was a surprise to encounter characters I didn’t know, get a glimpse of the future, and see psychic abilities further developed. A few of the stories were familiar, but it was more fun to read them a second time as part of a collection.
Coffee O’Clock – Early on in their relationship, Jacob has spent nearly a week at Vic’s apartment, and while Jacob seems perfectly comfortable there, Vic is experiencing some anxiety. It’s fun to see Vic get all flustered when Jacob replaces his powdered creamer with half-and-half. I like being in Vic’s head, privy to all his neurotic insecurities and conversations with dead people. A little sad, but funny too.
Thaw - This sweet, humorous, short story shows a brief glimpse into the lives of Vic and Jacob, when they are not busy fighting crime. Who knew ice-skating could be so fun and sexy?
Mind Reader – Even though Crash is Jacob’s ex, he is still very much a presence in their lives. His friendship with Vic starts awkwardly, but I love their banter while they’re on a museum trip discussing mummies and ghosts. Crash is slutty and unpredictable, and fortunately for Vic, his empathic abilities are not nearly as honed as Vic’s abilities to communicate with the dead, allowing Vic to stuff his feelings under his belt.
Stroke of Midnight – This is one of few stories where the reader gets Jacob’s perspective on events. It’s Vic and Jacob’s first New Year together, and they are planning to attend a party hosted by Jacob’s ex, Keith, but work calls and Jacob goes alone. It was nice getting into Jacob's head and knowing how strong his feelings for Vic are. I never knew Vic had a cleft chin.
No Sale – The flirtatious salesman and his fancy knives don’t have a chance with Jacob, not while Vic is seeing ghosts. I love Vic’s self-confidence in this one.
Most Likely To… – A nice little glimpse into 80’s hairstyles and Vic’s past.
Jock Straps on Sale – Vic needs some Florida water and Crash needs a ride. I love how Crash unsettles Vic and never fails to make me laugh.
Piece of Cake – Another short featuring Crash, this time while Vic is trying to bake Jacob a cake.
In the Dark – Vic is far more comfortable stuffing himself with meat pastries than making small talk with Jacob’s friends. An encounter with a ghost and a chat with Jacob’s ex, Keith, leads to mutual understanding.
Let the Chips Fall – Before I met my husband, my home was a mishmash of eclectic pieces I picked up at flea markets, yard sales, and from friends. I feel Vic’s pain. Why agonize over paint colors when white goes with everything?
Memento – Old t-shirts, yard work, and sweet lovin’. Told from Jacob’s point of view, his tenderness and desire shines through their relationship. Vic is so lucky!
Impact – I haven’t read the stories beyond Camp Hell, so seeing Vic help Jacob explore his own abilities was a nice surprise.
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns – A creepy, unsettling story that is just perfect for Halloween. Vic and Jacob are out buying painted pumpkins for another party that Vic is not thrilled about attending. Jacob becomes curious when Vic recalls his first experience seeing a ghost clown in an old movie theatre. Instead of going to the party, they are off to hunt ghosts. Clowns are not the only scary things!
Waiting Game – Loved this short told from Vic’s partner Lisa’s point of view. She uses her precognitive talent to read between the lines, causing Vic and Jacob to blush.
On the Road – Vic and Jacob are planning to head out to visit Jacob’s parents. Jacob is very focused on his trip preparations and attention to details, while Vic is worrying about getting there too early. Hilarious little story that shows even Mr. Perfect can make mistakes.
Wood – Vic and Jacob are helping Jacob’s Uncle Leon put together some bookshelves. I love the stories that focus on lighter moments between the two men. This was fun, humorous, and sexy.
Off the Cuff – As much as I love clothes that fit well, I don’t envy Vic’s experience with the tailor. Still, it was a thoughtful gesture on Jacob’s part and Vic really needs some new clothes.
Locked and Loaded – This started out a little tense, with both guys on high alert. Jacob didn’t have his sidearm, but proved that a strong voice and confident stance goes a long way.
Inside Out – This is a fun little prequel to the PsyCop series and one of a few stories told from Jacob’s perspective. He and his partner, Carolyn, are going to his first PsyCop meeting. While he’s excited about it, Carolyn is more interested in fixing Jacob up with a new man. As Carolyn is a telepath, Jacob has to be very careful what he says to her. As much as I enjoyed this story, I think it would be better appreciated by gaining some familiarity with the characters and their world. Vic’s misadventure with a jelly donut is hilarious!
Witness – This story packs a punch! What starts as a dull training exercise that Vic has absolutely no interest in, turns into a satisfying mystery and further solidifies the bond between Vic and Jacob.
*Book provided by JCP Books in exchange for an honest review.
If you love Vic and Jacob in the PsyCop series, this is the perfect collection of stories to get your hands on!
While some of the stories stand well alone, others are better appreciated if you are acquainted with the characters from the series. I have not read all the books in the series yet, so it was a surprise to encounter characters I didn’t know, get a glimpse of the future, and see psychic abilities further developed. A few of the stories were familiar, but it was more fun to read them a second time as part of a collection.
Coffee O’Clock – Early on in their relationship, Jacob has spent nearly a week at Vic’s apartment, and while Jacob seems perfectly comfortable there, Vic is experiencing some anxiety. It’s fun to see Vic get all flustered when Jacob replaces his powdered creamer with half-and-half. I like being in Vic’s head, privy to all his neurotic insecurities and conversations with dead people. A little sad, but funny too.
Thaw - This sweet, humorous, short story shows a brief glimpse into the lives of Vic and Jacob, when they are not busy fighting crime. Who knew ice-skating could be so fun and sexy?
Mind Reader – Even though Crash is Jacob’s ex, he is still very much a presence in their lives. His friendship with Vic starts awkwardly, but I love their banter while they’re on a museum trip discussing mummies and ghosts. Crash is slutty and unpredictable, and fortunately for Vic, his empathic abilities are not nearly as honed as Vic’s abilities to communicate with the dead, allowing Vic to stuff his feelings under his belt.
Stroke of Midnight – This is one of few stories where the reader gets Jacob’s perspective on events. It’s Vic and Jacob’s first New Year together, and they are planning to attend a party hosted by Jacob’s ex, Keith, but work calls and Jacob goes alone. It was nice getting into Jacob's head and knowing how strong his feelings for Vic are. I never knew Vic had a cleft chin.
No Sale – The flirtatious salesman and his fancy knives don’t have a chance with Jacob, not while Vic is seeing ghosts. I love Vic’s self-confidence in this one.
Most Likely To… – A nice little glimpse into 80’s hairstyles and Vic’s past.
Jock Straps on Sale – Vic needs some Florida water and Crash needs a ride. I love how Crash unsettles Vic and never fails to make me laugh.
Piece of Cake – Another short featuring Crash, this time while Vic is trying to bake Jacob a cake.
In the Dark – Vic is far more comfortable stuffing himself with meat pastries than making small talk with Jacob’s friends. An encounter with a ghost and a chat with Jacob’s ex, Keith, leads to mutual understanding.
Let the Chips Fall – Before I met my husband, my home was a mishmash of eclectic pieces I picked up at flea markets, yard sales, and from friends. I feel Vic’s pain. Why agonize over paint colors when white goes with everything?
Memento – Old t-shirts, yard work, and sweet lovin’. Told from Jacob’s point of view, his tenderness and desire shines through their relationship. Vic is so lucky!
Impact – I haven’t read the stories beyond Camp Hell, so seeing Vic help Jacob explore his own abilities was a nice surprise.
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns – A creepy, unsettling story that is just perfect for Halloween. Vic and Jacob are out buying painted pumpkins for another party that Vic is not thrilled about attending. Jacob becomes curious when Vic recalls his first experience seeing a ghost clown in an old movie theatre. Instead of going to the party, they are off to hunt ghosts. Clowns are not the only scary things!
Waiting Game – Loved this short told from Vic’s partner Lisa’s point of view. She uses her precognitive talent to read between the lines, causing Vic and Jacob to blush.
On the Road – Vic and Jacob are planning to head out to visit Jacob’s parents. Jacob is very focused on his trip preparations and attention to details, while Vic is worrying about getting there too early. Hilarious little story that shows even Mr. Perfect can make mistakes.
Wood – Vic and Jacob are helping Jacob’s Uncle Leon put together some bookshelves. I love the stories that focus on lighter moments between the two men. This was fun, humorous, and sexy.
Off the Cuff – As much as I love clothes that fit well, I don’t envy Vic’s experience with the tailor. Still, it was a thoughtful gesture on Jacob’s part and Vic really needs some new clothes.
Locked and Loaded – This started out a little tense, with both guys on high alert. Jacob didn’t have his sidearm, but proved that a strong voice and confident stance goes a long way.
Inside Out – This is a fun little prequel to the PsyCop series and one of a few stories told from Jacob’s perspective. He and his partner, Carolyn, are going to his first PsyCop meeting. While he’s excited about it, Carolyn is more interested in fixing Jacob up with a new man. As Carolyn is a telepath, Jacob has to be very careful what he says to her. As much as I enjoyed this story, I think it would be better appreciated by gaining some familiarity with the characters and their world. Vic’s misadventure with a jelly donut is hilarious!
Witness – This story packs a punch! What starts as a dull training exercise that Vic has absolutely no interest in, turns into a satisfying mystery and further solidifies the bond between Vic and Jacob.
*Book provided by JCP Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2018
OMG! I can’t even begin how much I love the collection of these short stories. 😱😍 This is truly remarkable. I listened this in a day so you can see how enthralled I was. Don’t get me wrong, I love Vic and how adorably quirky and endearingly awkward his POV is. 😁 But it was truly refreshing to see other characters’ POVs in this book, especially Jacob’s! Oh, how I love that extremely macho and lovingly protective that man is! 😍 You see the story in a whole different way when the narrator of the story changes. And that was what this collection is all about. I enjoyed all the short stories in this book but there are a few that really stood out for me. Surprisingly, “Wood” is my favorite in the collection despite being Vic’s POV because I was really sure “The stroke of Midnight” going to be my favorite before I got to “Wood”. 😁
The reasons why “Wood” is my favorite. It was I-almost-peed-myself funny. So hilarious yet so romantic and sweet. 😌 And don’t forget sizzling smut! 🔥 Ah, backroom quickies just became my favorite kind of quickie and it was lovely to see both Vic and Jacob reminiscing their first time together. Super adorb! 💜
My second favorite is “The stroke of Midnight”. Well, obviously, is Jacob’s POV (OMG! I’m still screaming with joy rolling butt naked in my bed 😂👏). And because it’s so soooooooooooo romantic. ❤️ I have been telling this for a long time but I’m going to again, guys, Vic is a hopeless romantic! 😁 And he really really loves Jacob like Jacob is GaGa over him. 😉
Third favorite is “Thaw” because I am a sucker for winter romance and festive spirits. 😌 And it was so adorable, beautiful and lovely between them. Loved it! 😘
You really learn so many things about these two in this collection. We can see how Vic is selfless and always ready to help others even at the expense of his own life and how even always unflappable Jacob has insecurities. And the stolen intimate moments between these two are just too precious and beautiful. 😍 And oh, I forgot to tell you, “Mind Reader” Vic and Crash’s short trip the museum was so damn funny. 🤣 I love the dynamic and ongoing bromance between those two. 😁 I wish we’d still get another shorties anthology of Vic and Jacob in the future because man, I hereby declare these two my favorite couple ever in urban fantasy/ paranormal genre! Loved, loved it and can’t recommend this one enough! 👍
5 Because love is the greatest gift of all stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
The reasons why “Wood” is my favorite. It was I-almost-peed-myself funny. So hilarious yet so romantic and sweet. 😌 And don’t forget sizzling smut! 🔥 Ah, backroom quickies just became my favorite kind of quickie and it was lovely to see both Vic and Jacob reminiscing their first time together. Super adorb! 💜
My second favorite is “The stroke of Midnight”. Well, obviously, is Jacob’s POV (OMG! I’m still screaming with joy rolling butt naked in my bed 😂👏). And because it’s so soooooooooooo romantic. ❤️ I have been telling this for a long time but I’m going to again, guys, Vic is a hopeless romantic! 😁 And he really really loves Jacob like Jacob is GaGa over him. 😉
Third favorite is “Thaw” because I am a sucker for winter romance and festive spirits. 😌 And it was so adorable, beautiful and lovely between them. Loved it! 😘
You really learn so many things about these two in this collection. We can see how Vic is selfless and always ready to help others even at the expense of his own life and how even always unflappable Jacob has insecurities. And the stolen intimate moments between these two are just too precious and beautiful. 😍 And oh, I forgot to tell you, “Mind Reader” Vic and Crash’s short trip the museum was so damn funny. 🤣 I love the dynamic and ongoing bromance between those two. 😁 I wish we’d still get another shorties anthology of Vic and Jacob in the future because man, I hereby declare these two my favorite couple ever in urban fantasy/ paranormal genre! Loved, loved it and can’t recommend this one enough! 👍
5 Because love is the greatest gift of all stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
February 3, 2020
Absolutely marvelous collection of short and not so short stories that show Jacob and Vic on and off the clock. As always Vic's sarcastic humor coupled with all the love between him and Jacob make this a fantastic read. I enjoyed Jacob and Lisa's POV and all the little unknown tidbits about my favorite characters. Steamy and funny stories! Loved it!
July 1, 2022
Reread: So much better in chronological order, lol. And reading them along with the books really helped to place where they actually belong best. Yes, JCP finally provided a timeline in Briefs, Vol 2, but even she misplaced one or two of them based on context from the main books, so I've got my official order to read these in from now on, lol.
Original review:
It's a good day when I can kick back with some new stories (and some old faves) about one of my favorite couples ever. Vic and Jacob are the best, hands down. They don't have big misunderstandings or petty jealousy issues and neither of them feel compelled to keep secrets from each other for the sake of the other's safety. They communicate, they trust each other and they just click. They don't always agree, but they respect each other and challenge each other. Oh, and they also track down ghosts and stuff.
I do have one gripe about the layout: I would've preferred the stories to be individually timestamped instead of just having a note in the front that briefly describes when these all take place, especially since the stories aren't even laid out chronologically. It doesn't help that JCP has changed the order some of the older stories originally take place in the series, and some stories don't really have a set time at all except a vague "after they moved to the cannery." The stories are all enjoyable enough that this lack of concreteness didn't bother me too much, but I am a stickler for details like this, because it sometimes felt like Vic's level of comfort with his abilities or with Jacob or himself jumped around. It felt like it lacked continuity as a result. So I'm knocking off a star for that as well as some typos in the last story that were significant enough to make me stop to figure out what the sentence was supposed to be saying.
As for the stories:
Coffee O'Clock - I'm with Vic. No one makes judgments about what I put in my hot beverage (hot chocolate for me) no matter how well-intentioned they are! But this was a cute little glimpse into their early days living together and those first initial adjustments they made at the start of their relationship.
Thaw - Vic and Jacob ice skating! Awww! I wish we could see this side of Vic more often, but it wouldn't make a lot of sense in the regular series books, which is why these shorts are so much fun.
Mind Reader - Ugh! Still like this one the least. Frickin' Crash.
Stroke of Midnight - I had no recollection of this one while I was reading it. I thought from the title that it was going to be "In the Dark". I also can't say that I care overly much about Manny and Keith, and I actually pretty much forgot these characters existed. Then I vaguely remembered them as the friends from Jacob's gym who put the anti-psychic whammy on the cannery. It probably won't make much of a lasting impression on me this time around either.
No Sale - Cute little ficlet about Jacob trying to buy a kitchen knife.
Most Likely To... - The idea of Jacob with a mullet is hilarious. Nice little look back to the 80s and what Vic used to be like back then.
Jock Straps on Sale - Yes, Crash annoys me, but he can be charming and funny in his own way too.
Piece of Cake - Vic tries to bake a cake for Jacob. Crash isn't much help. I reaaly enjoyed this one too.
In the Dark - Poor Vic trying to socialize with Jacob's friends and ex-boyfriend. I think I'd rather be out in the alley with the repeater too. It does help to humanize Keith too and give us some insight into his background.
Let the Chips Fall - I do not have the home decorating gene. It skipped me entirely, so rows and rows of paint chips - this is pretty much my reaction to them too.
Memento - Another Jacob POV, in which he waxes poetic over old T-shirts and Vic. Love this glimpse into Jacob's mind and how he sees Vic.
Impact - Jacob's trying to figure out his non-psych talent, and Vic's trying to figure out how much he's able to help or not help with his own abilities.
Everyone's Afraid of Clowns - This is a new novella. Vic is remembering his first time sensing a ghostly spirit in his teens and Jacob decides they should go check out the place. I don't know what's scarier, the clown or the misogynists. No, ok, I lied. The misogynists are scarier.
Waiting Game - This is a Lisa POV, told in third person, and gives a little more insight into how she uses her si/no talent - and how she tries not to use it, and gets a little creepy about it.
On the Road - Cute little glimpse of the guys road-tripping.
Wood - I liked this one better as part of this collection. It's as funny as ever, but feels less PWP when surrounded by so many other tidbits detailing Vic and Jacob's life together when they're not on the job.
Off the Cuff - I'm not a dude, so this is an experience I will never have to worry about it. Poor Vic. Jacob owes him big time.
Locked and Loaded - Ha! Jacob can intimidate perps even without a sidearm. That takes talent. :D
Inside Out - Probably my favorite Jacob POV as he gets to go to his first PsyCop meeting and sees Vic for the first time.
Witness - This is another new novella set right after Spook Squad, of Vic, Jacob and Bly going on a weekend "retreat" - aka forced training on your time off. The FPMP is evil. EVIL! *clears throat* It was good to see a little more of Bly and to find out that Jacob isn't quite the Boy Scout we always took him for.
Original review:
It's a good day when I can kick back with some new stories (and some old faves) about one of my favorite couples ever. Vic and Jacob are the best, hands down. They don't have big misunderstandings or petty jealousy issues and neither of them feel compelled to keep secrets from each other for the sake of the other's safety. They communicate, they trust each other and they just click. They don't always agree, but they respect each other and challenge each other. Oh, and they also track down ghosts and stuff.
I do have one gripe about the layout: I would've preferred the stories to be individually timestamped instead of just having a note in the front that briefly describes when these all take place, especially since the stories aren't even laid out chronologically. It doesn't help that JCP has changed the order some of the older stories originally take place in the series, and some stories don't really have a set time at all except a vague "after they moved to the cannery." The stories are all enjoyable enough that this lack of concreteness didn't bother me too much, but I am a stickler for details like this, because it sometimes felt like Vic's level of comfort with his abilities or with Jacob or himself jumped around. It felt like it lacked continuity as a result. So I'm knocking off a star for that as well as some typos in the last story that were significant enough to make me stop to figure out what the sentence was supposed to be saying.
As for the stories:
Coffee O'Clock - I'm with Vic. No one makes judgments about what I put in my hot beverage (hot chocolate for me) no matter how well-intentioned they are! But this was a cute little glimpse into their early days living together and those first initial adjustments they made at the start of their relationship.
Thaw - Vic and Jacob ice skating! Awww! I wish we could see this side of Vic more often, but it wouldn't make a lot of sense in the regular series books, which is why these shorts are so much fun.
Mind Reader - Ugh! Still like this one the least. Frickin' Crash.
Stroke of Midnight - I had no recollection of this one while I was reading it. I thought from the title that it was going to be "In the Dark". I also can't say that I care overly much about Manny and Keith, and I actually pretty much forgot these characters existed. Then I vaguely remembered them as the friends from Jacob's gym who put the anti-psychic whammy on the cannery. It probably won't make much of a lasting impression on me this time around either.
No Sale - Cute little ficlet about Jacob trying to buy a kitchen knife.
Most Likely To... - The idea of Jacob with a mullet is hilarious. Nice little look back to the 80s and what Vic used to be like back then.
Jock Straps on Sale - Yes, Crash annoys me, but he can be charming and funny in his own way too.
Piece of Cake - Vic tries to bake a cake for Jacob. Crash isn't much help. I reaaly enjoyed this one too.
In the Dark - Poor Vic trying to socialize with Jacob's friends and ex-boyfriend. I think I'd rather be out in the alley with the repeater too. It does help to humanize Keith too and give us some insight into his background.
Let the Chips Fall - I do not have the home decorating gene. It skipped me entirely, so rows and rows of paint chips - this is pretty much my reaction to them too.
Memento - Another Jacob POV, in which he waxes poetic over old T-shirts and Vic. Love this glimpse into Jacob's mind and how he sees Vic.
Impact - Jacob's trying to figure out his non-psych talent, and Vic's trying to figure out how much he's able to help or not help with his own abilities.
Everyone's Afraid of Clowns - This is a new novella. Vic is remembering his first time sensing a ghostly spirit in his teens and Jacob decides they should go check out the place. I don't know what's scarier, the clown or the misogynists. No, ok, I lied. The misogynists are scarier.
Waiting Game - This is a Lisa POV, told in third person, and gives a little more insight into how she uses her si/no talent - and how she tries not to use it, and gets a little creepy about it.
On the Road - Cute little glimpse of the guys road-tripping.
Wood - I liked this one better as part of this collection. It's as funny as ever, but feels less PWP when surrounded by so many other tidbits detailing Vic and Jacob's life together when they're not on the job.
Off the Cuff - I'm not a dude, so this is an experience I will never have to worry about it. Poor Vic. Jacob owes him big time.
Locked and Loaded - Ha! Jacob can intimidate perps even without a sidearm. That takes talent. :D
Inside Out - Probably my favorite Jacob POV as he gets to go to his first PsyCop meeting and sees Vic for the first time.
Witness - This is another new novella set right after Spook Squad, of Vic, Jacob and Bly going on a weekend "retreat" - aka forced training on your time off. The FPMP is evil. EVIL! *clears throat* It was good to see a little more of Bly and to find out that Jacob isn't quite the Boy Scout we always took him for.
January 31, 2022
great
4 Stars
Great shorts that insert in between the books
It was good to see just what happens in the off times as the guys got to know each other and grow into their relationship
Great addition to the series
4 Stars
Great shorts that insert in between the books
It was good to see just what happens in the off times as the guys got to know each other and grow into their relationship
Great addition to the series
November 18, 2017
That was great! Many of the stories I've read before but there were a couple new ones, plus I did the audio version and there's nothing better than Gomez Pugh narrating PsyCop!
July 2, 2022
I loved this collection of shorts and novellas, it showed so many new sides of the characters. Who would’ve thought Jacob and Vic could turn into teenagers over some instructions to assemble new furniture?
There are just a couple of things that made this less than perfect:
1. I appreciate the rough timeline at the beginning, but, since the stories aren’t printed in chronological order, it would’ve been better to have one line before each story explaining at what point in the series it was set, without having to go back to the beginning every time.
2. What exactly was the point of Mind Reader? I’m not being polemic. I wouldn’t have liked anyway, but I really don’t see the meaning of that story. Unless I completely missed it.
And I had such great expectations for Piece of Cake, the short set on Vic and Jacob’s first anniversary.
I loved all the others, though. I liked Piece of Cake, too, to be precise, I just wanted something more for that particular occasion. What can I say, I’m greedy.
There are just a couple of things that made this less than perfect:
1. I appreciate the rough timeline at the beginning, but, since the stories aren’t printed in chronological order, it would’ve been better to have one line before each story explaining at what point in the series it was set, without having to go back to the beginning every time.
2. What exactly was the point of Mind Reader? I’m not being polemic. I wouldn’t have liked anyway, but I really don’t see the meaning of that story. Unless I completely missed it.
And I had such great expectations for Piece of Cake, the short set on Vic and Jacob’s first anniversary.
I loved all the others, though. I liked Piece of Cake, too, to be precise, I just wanted something more for that particular occasion. What can I say, I’m greedy.
October 16, 2023
2nd re-read October 2023
___________
Anything regarding Vic and Jacob is always going to get 5 stars from me!! I need so much more Victor Bayne! Even if I read most of these stories before, I would re-read them anytime to get my fix.
___________
Anything regarding Vic and Jacob is always going to get 5 stars from me!! I need so much more Victor Bayne! Even if I read most of these stories before, I would re-read them anytime to get my fix.
February 9, 2021
What can I say? I love Vic and by extension Jacob. I had read and perhaps even reviewed many of these shorts but it's nice to have them all in one volume.
I love how Jordan uses these shorts not as filler but as ways to illuminate parts of Vic's past, personality or his relationship with Jacob that wouldn't work well in the longer novels. My favorites are the ones that seem like little throw away moments such as Memento where we get the double pleasure of glimpsing a teenage Vic having a moment of happiness and seeing him thru Jacob's eyes which is always a treat. Because Vic is always so self-deprecating & so good at it we sometimes end up believing that he is a bumbling, gangly mess and not the efficient, enigmatic, tall cool drink of water that Jacob and the world at large sees and recognizes.
I loved them all but special mention for Everyone's Afraid of Clowns where we see Jacob lose his cool and Vic be the level headed one and Witness where Vic's undeniable empathy comes to the fore making him succeed at something he isn't even trying for. Thaw has always been one of my favorites because a happy Vic doing something he's unexpectedly good and Jacob falling in love with him is a palpable and beautiful thing.
I could go on but I'll add one last mention: The Stroke of Midnight because it's a Jacob POV story in which his insecurities & doubts make an appearance and we get the Keith story too. That last scene when Vic comes home for quick New Year's kiss??? It slays me every single time I read it. *happy sigh*
I love how Jordan uses these shorts not as filler but as ways to illuminate parts of Vic's past, personality or his relationship with Jacob that wouldn't work well in the longer novels. My favorites are the ones that seem like little throw away moments such as Memento where we get the double pleasure of glimpsing a teenage Vic having a moment of happiness and seeing him thru Jacob's eyes which is always a treat. Because Vic is always so self-deprecating & so good at it we sometimes end up believing that he is a bumbling, gangly mess and not the efficient, enigmatic, tall cool drink of water that Jacob and the world at large sees and recognizes.
I loved them all but special mention for Everyone's Afraid of Clowns where we see Jacob lose his cool and Vic be the level headed one and Witness where Vic's undeniable empathy comes to the fore making him succeed at something he isn't even trying for. Thaw has always been one of my favorites because a happy Vic doing something he's unexpectedly good and Jacob falling in love with him is a palpable and beautiful thing.
I could go on but I'll add one last mention: The Stroke of Midnight because it's a Jacob POV story in which his insecurities & doubts make an appearance and we get the Keith story too. That last scene when Vic comes home for quick New Year's kiss??? It slays me every single time I read it. *happy sigh*
June 28, 2017
We’re given a few notes at the beginning of this collection regarding where in the timeline each of these stories fits amongst the full length novels. Some of these have been previously published independently and I’ve noted those with the numbers. Otherwise, I’ve indicated in general where each story falls.
In a nutshell, here’s what you wana know: this is quite a bargain in the bang for your buck category, let alone for the amount of story and character development we get to experience. If you’ve read the novels in this PsyCop series, you will thoroughly enjoy all of these stories. I had fun hopping around, not reading them in order of presentation here.
If you haven’t read this series, you need to git awn it! Vic and Jacob, the whole cast, the humor and settings, and the “rules” of this contemporary universe are masterfully manipulated by Jordan Castillo Price.
Coffee O’Clock (soon after Among the Living)
A key to Vic:
Most people have a still, small voice that tells them when something is worth pursuing. Not me. Mine was murmuring Better not get used to it
He’s referencing being with Jacob, and how things between them are seemingly beginning to take shape - this is early in their relationship.
Having read this series, and already some of the stories in this collection, I don’t feel as sad for Vic as I might have if I’d come across this while still reading Among the Living. I know what’s yet to come for him, and he’s heading in the right direction. I think this is definitely one of the best things about this collection: we gain different perspectives on Vic, Jacob, and many parts of their lives, including Crash and Lisa.
Thaw (1.1 in timeline of full length novel series)
*happy sigh*
Ice skating. I do love it so. And now I can picture Vic and Jacob loving it, too.
Vic is so great at letting us see so much of Jacob. I love that, too.
Oh and uh, don't mind telephone pole guy.
Mind Reader (2.3 in timeline)
Huh.
Not really sure what to say about this one.
Vic concerned about all of the things that Crash isn't concerned with.
But I also think sometimes Crash doesn't know what he wants, so he tries anything, just to see. There's a dose of insecurity in there somewhere.
Huh.
Stroke of Midnight (3.1 in timeline)
Oh goodness, even in this shorty short, the chemistry and comfort and desire that make up Vic 'n Jacob all come through.
I liked seeing Manny and his silly confident self.
Getting inside Jacob's head is such a vunderbar thing. It essentially confirms what we already know: that he loves Vic and plans on doing that for a very long time... and Vic knows it, too.
Love.
No Sale (after Camp Hell)
Ha! This is an example of why flash fiction is so much fun, and forces a singular focus. An essence of Vic and Jacob’s relationship is demonstrated: trust. The fun parts are in the form of the little details about their personalities, and they make me say, ‘yes!’ This is so them.
Most Likely To… (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
A snapshot, this one. The magic of Jacob helping Vic see himself in different lights. He does this quietly, not even guiding Vic, but allowing him to find his way along an alternative path based on this new information. It works. They work.
Jock Straps On Sale (after Body and Soul)
Crash.
He’s awesome.
Thatisall.
Wait! I want more! I’m snickering as I type this, remembering how Crash uses his own spedecial brand of communicating. And how well he knows Vic. ;)
Piece of Cake (just after GhosTV)
Vic + cake baking + texting with Crash = deliciously typical energy between these two.
The brilliance of Price’s storytelling is that she uses detail 100% specific to her characters, especially the mundane, and they communicate what’s happening in such entertaining ways. In this one, Vic is forced, by his own hand, to admit a truth about the relationship between him and Crash. I’m still grinning.
Vic has a strong sense of right and wrong and, even if grumpily sometimes, he chooses the former. ;)
In the Dark (6.1 in timeline)
I really liked this shorty short. Vic is in yet another social situation in which his awkwardness should shine through, only... it doesn't. Not really.
In just a few pages, Price shows how Vic's confidence and knowledge have grown, how he sees Jacob as always having his back, and that admitting a flaw can actually gain instead of losing something.
A formidable team, these two be, and it's loverly seeing them utilizing it... in every way.
Love.
Let the Chips Fall (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
This is just a few pages long and yet I was picturing every moment, each gesture between Vic and Jacob. By the end, I had a smile on my face.
Memento (6.2 in timeline)
It's inviting, engaging, and wonderful to get Jacob's point of view in this story. It's not just that we get his thoughts and interpretations, we get them through the prism of how well he knows Vic while knowing there's more to learn. He wants to learn more. He wants Vic.
Q: While he gave his coffee another slurp, I eased the T-shirt out of sight beneath a recliner cushion, then joined him on the sofa he wasn’t quite committed to sitting on. I dropped my knees open, canted my hips in invitation, and said, “Kind of cold out there for yard work.”
“It’s October.” Slurp. “It’ll only get colder.”
I smiled to myself. Subtlety is lost on him. Ironic, since his come-hither signals require the training of a federal investigator to be perceived. His idea of making a pass involves leaning in my general direction, and on a bold day, maybe clearing his throat. /Q
As usual, these two are smokin' hot and uniquely them in how they express and share that heat between them.
Price's descriptions are ever thrilling in what they invoke from me, namely easily accessible emotion.
His breathing was deep now, threaded with encouragements.
I love these two, Vic and Jacob, and I love how well JCP knows them and is happy to share with us.
Impact (after Camp Hell)
Jacob is struggling. Not with his extrasensory abilities but in recognizing when he’s succeeding with them. It’s like he’s not looking up for concentrating so he’s missing the road signs letting him know he’s getting closer and closer. When he struggles, he goes into himself, momentarily forgetting that he’s got Vic there to support him, which then means he’ll get there, he’ll succeed.
Vic knows this and doesn’t post comment, as it were. He doesn’t try and force Jacob to see.
This is a sweet and realistically portrayed scene between them and it shows how well they do work together. Vic’s caring tugged at my heartstrings.
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns (sometime in the future?)
Halloweeeeeeeeeeen! And this is my kinda All Hallow’s Eve yarn. Passion and potential ghost chasing. That’s what it’s all about.
Waiting Game (between Spook Squad and GhosTV)
Happiness is watching Lisa and Jacob, feeling their mutual awkwardness as realization blooms, while Jacob plays knight in shining armor, just as Lisa describes. This one is competing for my favorite in the bunch.
On the Road (after Spook Squad)
I relate to every word of this, being the pro road tripper that I am. This would have been doubly snerk-worthy if we’d gotten Jacob’s point of view, too. ;)
Wood (3.2 in timeline)
I mean, c'mon, it's Vic and Jacob, with a side of favorite uncle Leon and a dash of dyi furniture building.
And it's Vic and Jacob feeling horny, and appreciative.
Even in a short like this, an extended snapshot really, JCP gives us all the things: Vic's unique take on the world, his love for Jacob, Jacob's love for Vic, teenage type humor (in other words, the kind that never gets old), sweetness and hotness, and I'm left wanting more.
<3
Off the Cuff (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
The funny thing is, Vic accepts change more easily thanks to Jacob. I think sometimes he surprises himself or, even more, it doesn’t hit him that he’s successfully navigated another turn in the road. He does, however, always know Jacob is there with him. With him, Vic is moving forward, he’s no longer stagnant in his life, treading around in the sameness.
This is wonderful.
Locked and Loaded (after Spook Squad)
Awwwwwwww :)
Price is so good at teasing us about taking the story in one direction but then taking an unexpected exit from the roundabout. This is especially enjoyable when it happens in the quiet moments.
Inside Out (0.1 in timeline)
In the timeline of the series, this is basically first.
However, having read the first two books in the series, and then reading this, you'll get a lot more out of it.
Yep, it's Jacob's point of view, and we see the beginnings of several storylines.
The sport coat. That's all I'm saying.
I'm on to read the next. :)
Witness (after Spook Squad)
Maybe I would never trust anybody one hundred percent, but I knew how far the borders of my trust with Jacob spread. And that perimeter was so vast I might never find all the edges.
~ drops mic ~
This slowly morphs from seemingly boring training exercise to the beginnings of a mystery, while bringing in the spooky spook stuff we all love about this universe. Most of all, it adds a few more bricks to the strength that is Vic and Jacob’s relationship.
In a nutshell, here’s what you wana know: this is quite a bargain in the bang for your buck category, let alone for the amount of story and character development we get to experience. If you’ve read the novels in this PsyCop series, you will thoroughly enjoy all of these stories. I had fun hopping around, not reading them in order of presentation here.
If you haven’t read this series, you need to git awn it! Vic and Jacob, the whole cast, the humor and settings, and the “rules” of this contemporary universe are masterfully manipulated by Jordan Castillo Price.
Coffee O’Clock (soon after Among the Living)
A key to Vic:
Most people have a still, small voice that tells them when something is worth pursuing. Not me. Mine was murmuring Better not get used to it
He’s referencing being with Jacob, and how things between them are seemingly beginning to take shape - this is early in their relationship.
Having read this series, and already some of the stories in this collection, I don’t feel as sad for Vic as I might have if I’d come across this while still reading Among the Living. I know what’s yet to come for him, and he’s heading in the right direction. I think this is definitely one of the best things about this collection: we gain different perspectives on Vic, Jacob, and many parts of their lives, including Crash and Lisa.
Thaw (1.1 in timeline of full length novel series)
*happy sigh*
Ice skating. I do love it so. And now I can picture Vic and Jacob loving it, too.
Vic is so great at letting us see so much of Jacob. I love that, too.
Oh and uh, don't mind telephone pole guy.
Mind Reader (2.3 in timeline)
Huh.
Not really sure what to say about this one.
Vic concerned about all of the things that Crash isn't concerned with.
But I also think sometimes Crash doesn't know what he wants, so he tries anything, just to see. There's a dose of insecurity in there somewhere.
Huh.
Stroke of Midnight (3.1 in timeline)
Oh goodness, even in this shorty short, the chemistry and comfort and desire that make up Vic 'n Jacob all come through.
I liked seeing Manny and his silly confident self.
Getting inside Jacob's head is such a vunderbar thing. It essentially confirms what we already know: that he loves Vic and plans on doing that for a very long time... and Vic knows it, too.
Love.
No Sale (after Camp Hell)
Ha! This is an example of why flash fiction is so much fun, and forces a singular focus. An essence of Vic and Jacob’s relationship is demonstrated: trust. The fun parts are in the form of the little details about their personalities, and they make me say, ‘yes!’ This is so them.
Most Likely To… (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
A snapshot, this one. The magic of Jacob helping Vic see himself in different lights. He does this quietly, not even guiding Vic, but allowing him to find his way along an alternative path based on this new information. It works. They work.
Jock Straps On Sale (after Body and Soul)
Crash.
He’s awesome.
Thatisall.
Wait! I want more! I’m snickering as I type this, remembering how Crash uses his own spedecial brand of communicating. And how well he knows Vic. ;)
Piece of Cake (just after GhosTV)
Vic + cake baking + texting with Crash = deliciously typical energy between these two.
The brilliance of Price’s storytelling is that she uses detail 100% specific to her characters, especially the mundane, and they communicate what’s happening in such entertaining ways. In this one, Vic is forced, by his own hand, to admit a truth about the relationship between him and Crash. I’m still grinning.
Vic has a strong sense of right and wrong and, even if grumpily sometimes, he chooses the former. ;)
In the Dark (6.1 in timeline)
I really liked this shorty short. Vic is in yet another social situation in which his awkwardness should shine through, only... it doesn't. Not really.
In just a few pages, Price shows how Vic's confidence and knowledge have grown, how he sees Jacob as always having his back, and that admitting a flaw can actually gain instead of losing something.
A formidable team, these two be, and it's loverly seeing them utilizing it... in every way.
Love.
Let the Chips Fall (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
This is just a few pages long and yet I was picturing every moment, each gesture between Vic and Jacob. By the end, I had a smile on my face.
Memento (6.2 in timeline)
It's inviting, engaging, and wonderful to get Jacob's point of view in this story. It's not just that we get his thoughts and interpretations, we get them through the prism of how well he knows Vic while knowing there's more to learn. He wants to learn more. He wants Vic.
Q: While he gave his coffee another slurp, I eased the T-shirt out of sight beneath a recliner cushion, then joined him on the sofa he wasn’t quite committed to sitting on. I dropped my knees open, canted my hips in invitation, and said, “Kind of cold out there for yard work.”
“It’s October.” Slurp. “It’ll only get colder.”
I smiled to myself. Subtlety is lost on him. Ironic, since his come-hither signals require the training of a federal investigator to be perceived. His idea of making a pass involves leaning in my general direction, and on a bold day, maybe clearing his throat. /Q
As usual, these two are smokin' hot and uniquely them in how they express and share that heat between them.
Price's descriptions are ever thrilling in what they invoke from me, namely easily accessible emotion.
His breathing was deep now, threaded with encouragements.
I love these two, Vic and Jacob, and I love how well JCP knows them and is happy to share with us.
Impact (after Camp Hell)
Jacob is struggling. Not with his extrasensory abilities but in recognizing when he’s succeeding with them. It’s like he’s not looking up for concentrating so he’s missing the road signs letting him know he’s getting closer and closer. When he struggles, he goes into himself, momentarily forgetting that he’s got Vic there to support him, which then means he’ll get there, he’ll succeed.
Vic knows this and doesn’t post comment, as it were. He doesn’t try and force Jacob to see.
This is a sweet and realistically portrayed scene between them and it shows how well they do work together. Vic’s caring tugged at my heartstrings.
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns (sometime in the future?)
Halloweeeeeeeeeeen! And this is my kinda All Hallow’s Eve yarn. Passion and potential ghost chasing. That’s what it’s all about.
Waiting Game (between Spook Squad and GhosTV)
Happiness is watching Lisa and Jacob, feeling their mutual awkwardness as realization blooms, while Jacob plays knight in shining armor, just as Lisa describes. This one is competing for my favorite in the bunch.
On the Road (after Spook Squad)
I relate to every word of this, being the pro road tripper that I am. This would have been doubly snerk-worthy if we’d gotten Jacob’s point of view, too. ;)
Wood (3.2 in timeline)
I mean, c'mon, it's Vic and Jacob, with a side of favorite uncle Leon and a dash of dyi furniture building.
And it's Vic and Jacob feeling horny, and appreciative.
Even in a short like this, an extended snapshot really, JCP gives us all the things: Vic's unique take on the world, his love for Jacob, Jacob's love for Vic, teenage type humor (in other words, the kind that never gets old), sweetness and hotness, and I'm left wanting more.
<3
Off the Cuff (after Vic and Jacob moved into the Cannery)
The funny thing is, Vic accepts change more easily thanks to Jacob. I think sometimes he surprises himself or, even more, it doesn’t hit him that he’s successfully navigated another turn in the road. He does, however, always know Jacob is there with him. With him, Vic is moving forward, he’s no longer stagnant in his life, treading around in the sameness.
This is wonderful.
Locked and Loaded (after Spook Squad)
Awwwwwwww :)
Price is so good at teasing us about taking the story in one direction but then taking an unexpected exit from the roundabout. This is especially enjoyable when it happens in the quiet moments.
Inside Out (0.1 in timeline)
In the timeline of the series, this is basically first.
However, having read the first two books in the series, and then reading this, you'll get a lot more out of it.
Yep, it's Jacob's point of view, and we see the beginnings of several storylines.
The sport coat. That's all I'm saying.
I'm on to read the next. :)
Witness (after Spook Squad)
Maybe I would never trust anybody one hundred percent, but I knew how far the borders of my trust with Jacob spread. And that perimeter was so vast I might never find all the edges.
~ drops mic ~
This slowly morphs from seemingly boring training exercise to the beginnings of a mystery, while bringing in the spooky spook stuff we all love about this universe. Most of all, it adds a few more bricks to the strength that is Vic and Jacob’s relationship.
November 1, 2021
This is a collection of short stories relating to some events that take place in the series books...or might/could take place. Some are, and some are not a part of those stories. Just think of them as reading someone’s private thoughts in a diary or peeking in the character’s window. As readers, we invest a great deal of time and energy becoming wrapped up in the lives of our favorite characters in any book as their stories unfold before us. In the PsyCop world of Victor Bayne and Jacob Marks, we often get caught up in the roller coaster of emotions...of danger that is heightened by the love and lust ever present in their lives. We are taken into a world so rich in detail, we almost become a part of the PsyCop team. There are just some times where we may feel a sense of wondering what the guys get up to in their day-to-day lives. What happened when they first moved in together? What do they get up to when they're not on a case? What do they enjoy doing together? The stories are almost too short...but they do give the fans insight into the lives of out two guys.
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed it a lot. If you like PsyCop series this is a lovely treat. This collection of shorts give some insight in between the novels and being in Victor's head is always funny. My favourites:
-Inside Out
-Waiting Game
-Witness
-Inside Out
-Waiting Game
-Witness
October 10, 2016
"This volume was like a box of chocolates. There was a candy set in the past. Some pieces were love scenes. That piece was from Jacob’s perspective (squee!); this one from Lisa’s. I’d experienced a couple of them before, and they were as tasty as always; a couple bits were new to me. Some were bigger than others. One was even a piece from the future! There was not a coconut or freaky toothpaste flavored candy in the bunch (yup, I’m riding this metaphor all the way to the finish line, folks).
It was lovely. I recommend it for any and everyone who has read and enjoyed the main series. There’s stuff here for all of you. If you haven’t tried the series yet (WHY?!), go read it first. Or heck, go grab it on audio because Gomez Pugh IS Victor Bayne, and he knocks all these books right out of the park. Just do that before you read this book, because these shorts will all make more sense in the context of knowing the series arc. They don’t really work on their own."
Read Cassie's full review at The Novel Approach
It was lovely. I recommend it for any and everyone who has read and enjoyed the main series. There’s stuff here for all of you. If you haven’t tried the series yet (WHY?!), go read it first. Or heck, go grab it on audio because Gomez Pugh IS Victor Bayne, and he knocks all these books right out of the park. Just do that before you read this book, because these shorts will all make more sense in the context of knowing the series arc. They don’t really work on their own."
Read Cassie's full review at The Novel Approach
October 15, 2017
4.5 Stars
I've read a lot of the short stories in this collection, but - since I've listened to ALL of the other books in this series - hearing these narrated by Gomez Pugh really brought them to life and tied together the entire experience.
I can't even pick a favorite (although, I could have done without the clown one, again *shudder*); no matter the character POV they each provided a slice of life between the novels that really fleshed out each of them as individuals; gave us insight into what makes them who they are and what makes them tick. While I loved getting to see things from Lisa & Crash's perspectives, I have to say that hearing the ones from Jacob's POV are a delight simply because I love hearing his voice...and I honestly think that Vic is my favorite character from all the MM Romance book series I've ever read. Period.
Bring on #8 JCP!
I've read a lot of the short stories in this collection, but - since I've listened to ALL of the other books in this series - hearing these narrated by Gomez Pugh really brought them to life and tied together the entire experience.
I can't even pick a favorite (although, I could have done without the clown one, again *shudder*); no matter the character POV they each provided a slice of life between the novels that really fleshed out each of them as individuals; gave us insight into what makes them who they are and what makes them tick. While I loved getting to see things from Lisa & Crash's perspectives, I have to say that hearing the ones from Jacob's POV are a delight simply because I love hearing his voice...and I honestly think that Vic is my favorite character from all the MM Romance book series I've ever read. Period.
Bring on #8 JCP!
May 12, 2020
**2nd time listening and i still love these shorts!**
Original review- November 2018:
A fantastic collection of PsyCop shorts!!!! Loved them ALL!
Want to get to know your favorite PsyCops a little bit better? Are you a PsyCop fan? If the answer is yes, then YOU NEED THIS COLLECTION!!! Do not deny yourself this PLEASURE!!
I thought I was fine not digging in to these side stories, snippets, and moments; after all, I’ve read all of the books through Agent Bayne, why would I need stories or scenes that didn’t “fit” in any of the novels?. Was I ever wrong!!! I loved all of these shorts. Some were funny, others sexy, curious, gruesome. What they all had in common, though was Vic and Jacob, narrated by the incomparable Gomez Pugh!
Original review- November 2018:
A fantastic collection of PsyCop shorts!!!! Loved them ALL!
Want to get to know your favorite PsyCops a little bit better? Are you a PsyCop fan? If the answer is yes, then YOU NEED THIS COLLECTION!!! Do not deny yourself this PLEASURE!!
I thought I was fine not digging in to these side stories, snippets, and moments; after all, I’ve read all of the books through Agent Bayne, why would I need stories or scenes that didn’t “fit” in any of the novels?. Was I ever wrong!!! I loved all of these shorts. Some were funny, others sexy, curious, gruesome. What they all had in common, though was Vic and Jacob, narrated by the incomparable Gomez Pugh!
February 7, 2017
I listened to the audio. I think Gomez Pugh is my favorite narrator. Also Victor Bayne has got to be one of my all time favorite characters. I LOVE this series. This book is the collection of short stories and novellas that happened between the main books. I've read some of them before, but listening to everything together was well worth my time. I can't get enough.
February 3, 2022
I really enjoyed these shorts. :)
February 22, 2019
Re-read 2/21/19 Even better the second time. Now my Psycop re-read is over and I must impatiently wait for book ten to be released. :(
What a wonderful treat. I enjoyed the new stories as much as the ones I'd read already. I loved getting extra bits of life with Jacob and Vic and always enjoy getting stories from other characters' POV. I especially enjoyed getting a little peak at what it's like to be Lisa and love how Jacob sees Vic. *swoon*
Also, Gomez Pugh is a rock star!
What a wonderful treat. I enjoyed the new stories as much as the ones I'd read already. I loved getting extra bits of life with Jacob and Vic and always enjoy getting stories from other characters' POV. I especially enjoyed getting a little peak at what it's like to be Lisa and love how Jacob sees Vic. *swoon*
Also, Gomez Pugh is a rock star!
July 18, 2023
No matter your skill level or natural talents. Nothing beats, "Chance!"
At first it's like a whole bunch of disjointed thoughts. Keep reading and you see. These are scenarios without a place in the main storyline. But just as important!
At first it's like a whole bunch of disjointed thoughts. Keep reading and you see. These are scenarios without a place in the main storyline. But just as important!
November 3, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
Teresa’s View:
Queue and I decided to buddy read this collection of short and not quite as short, stories from the Psycop universe and do our reviews as question and answer. We both answered the same set of questions. My answers are below, Queue’s follow J
Q1: What was your favourite story?
A: Personally, I liked Witness. It showed how different Vic and Jacob are in their approach to investigating as well as how well they are working as partners outside the Police force. It also showed life beyond the last book in the series.
Q2: Which was your least?
A: Probably Jock Straps on Sale. I’m not a huge fan of Crash and I found this story a little pointless.
Q3: Did you enjoy the stories from other points of view than Vic’s?
A: Very much so! I loved seeing a little bit of how the si-no worked for her. I also really enjoyed seeing Jacob’s POV. It added so much to his character.
Q4: Did you find this an important part of the series or is it unnecessary to read?
A: While nothing happened in the shorts that added to the overall story arc, I think they go a long way to understanding Vic and Jacob’s relationship. It showed some moments that really clicked with me and said “This is why they are together”.
Q5: Do you have a preference for the slice of life interludes or for the longer investigation type stories?
A: While I liked the slice of life pieces, I always like longer stories better as I can’t get enough of these two!
Q6: What is your overall opinion of the anthology?
A: A wonderful collection that is a must read for fans of the series! Be warned, you should read all the novels first as some of the content is spoilerish.
Queue’s View:
Q1: What was your favourite story?
A: Inside Out. Not only was it from Jake’s POV instead of Vic’s and it expanded on the overall story of the couple. I loved that Jake was instantly interested in Vic from the minute he saw him. It also adds info about how Jake met Crash, one of my favorite supporting characters.
Q2: Which was your least?
A: Witness. It just seemed to drag on forever. I just couldn’t get into it.
Q3: Did you enjoy the stories from other points of view than Vic’s?
A: So very much. I’m a huge fan of first person POV which is one reason I love the Psycop books but reading tales from a different character’s head was extremely interesting, especially when it led to insight regarding Vic that we wouldn’t otherwise get.
Q4: Did you find this an important part of the series or is it unnecessary to read?
A: It depends if you’re a fan of the Psycop books or if you’re a Superfan like myself. As a superfan I had no choice but to read the anthology. A casual reader of the Psycop series might not see the importance of some of the stories included here.
Q5: Do you have a preference for the slice of life interludes or for the longer investigation type stories?
A: I really enjoyed the slide of life interludes in this collection. One that stands out is No Sale. It’s super short, only a couple pages, but what goes on between Vic and Jacob perfectly encapsulates their relationship.
While I didn’t enjoy Witness, one of the longer investigation type tales, I did like Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns. Though I think this one kind of fits both in both categories. It’s Vic and Jacob being cops but it’s something they stumble upon. Plus, that haunted house was majorly creepy. And their sexy tryst being viewed by a ghost—hilarious.
Q6: What is your overall opinion of the anthology?
A: I thoroughly loved this collection. So many great stories that just served to make me love Vic and Jacob even more than I already do. These guys are one of my all-time favorite MM couples. And this line is one of the reasons why:
Sometimes I feel like I’m nothing more than a bundle of baggage…
It’s so true that Vic is a hot mess, but he’s Jacob’s hot mess.
Teresa’s View:
Queue and I decided to buddy read this collection of short and not quite as short, stories from the Psycop universe and do our reviews as question and answer. We both answered the same set of questions. My answers are below, Queue’s follow J
Q1: What was your favourite story?
A: Personally, I liked Witness. It showed how different Vic and Jacob are in their approach to investigating as well as how well they are working as partners outside the Police force. It also showed life beyond the last book in the series.
Q2: Which was your least?
A: Probably Jock Straps on Sale. I’m not a huge fan of Crash and I found this story a little pointless.
Q3: Did you enjoy the stories from other points of view than Vic’s?
A: Very much so! I loved seeing a little bit of how the si-no worked for her. I also really enjoyed seeing Jacob’s POV. It added so much to his character.
Q4: Did you find this an important part of the series or is it unnecessary to read?
A: While nothing happened in the shorts that added to the overall story arc, I think they go a long way to understanding Vic and Jacob’s relationship. It showed some moments that really clicked with me and said “This is why they are together”.
Q5: Do you have a preference for the slice of life interludes or for the longer investigation type stories?
A: While I liked the slice of life pieces, I always like longer stories better as I can’t get enough of these two!
Q6: What is your overall opinion of the anthology?
A: A wonderful collection that is a must read for fans of the series! Be warned, you should read all the novels first as some of the content is spoilerish.
Queue’s View:
Q1: What was your favourite story?
A: Inside Out. Not only was it from Jake’s POV instead of Vic’s and it expanded on the overall story of the couple. I loved that Jake was instantly interested in Vic from the minute he saw him. It also adds info about how Jake met Crash, one of my favorite supporting characters.
Q2: Which was your least?
A: Witness. It just seemed to drag on forever. I just couldn’t get into it.
Q3: Did you enjoy the stories from other points of view than Vic’s?
A: So very much. I’m a huge fan of first person POV which is one reason I love the Psycop books but reading tales from a different character’s head was extremely interesting, especially when it led to insight regarding Vic that we wouldn’t otherwise get.
Q4: Did you find this an important part of the series or is it unnecessary to read?
A: It depends if you’re a fan of the Psycop books or if you’re a Superfan like myself. As a superfan I had no choice but to read the anthology. A casual reader of the Psycop series might not see the importance of some of the stories included here.
Q5: Do you have a preference for the slice of life interludes or for the longer investigation type stories?
A: I really enjoyed the slide of life interludes in this collection. One that stands out is No Sale. It’s super short, only a couple pages, but what goes on between Vic and Jacob perfectly encapsulates their relationship.
While I didn’t enjoy Witness, one of the longer investigation type tales, I did like Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns. Though I think this one kind of fits both in both categories. It’s Vic and Jacob being cops but it’s something they stumble upon. Plus, that haunted house was majorly creepy. And their sexy tryst being viewed by a ghost—hilarious.
Q6: What is your overall opinion of the anthology?
A: I thoroughly loved this collection. So many great stories that just served to make me love Vic and Jacob even more than I already do. These guys are one of my all-time favorite MM couples. And this line is one of the reasons why:
Sometimes I feel like I’m nothing more than a bundle of baggage…
It’s so true that Vic is a hot mess, but he’s Jacob’s hot mess.
November 8, 2019
Being with Vic & Jacob always feels like coming home. There's something about the way JCP writes the small intimacies between those two that I find deeply romantic. Ugh I just really, really loved this.
Also, I listened to this one on audio and Gomez Pugh, once again, is Vic. *chef's kiss*
Also, I listened to this one on audio and Gomez Pugh, once again, is Vic. *chef's kiss*
March 5, 2018
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Really had fun with all this little short-reads. It was great having them all following on each other. The little titbits out of Jacob’s point of view was a nice touch.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Really had fun with all this little short-reads. It was great having them all following on each other. The little titbits out of Jacob’s point of view was a nice touch.
October 14, 2016
So many different impressions: mundane, abnormal, normal, and irregular. Certainly gives us insight into the supporting characters that just layers on like icing on a cake for anyone that has read and enjoyed the PsyCop universe. It enriches the PsyCop world, and its definitely worth getting for any Psycop reader.
Fyi, there is an intro from JCP that explains some things, as far as order, lack of, or placement of the stories in here. I had no problem changing headspaces when I realized whose narrative I was listening to, or even that it was a jump forward or back in time. It does help if you’ve listened to or read up to book 7.
As usual, JCP does an excellent job of pulling the reader in to Vic’s world, making it seem so much like just another day in Chicago, with the small addition of the dead people, slimed hands, and salt or white light that appears conveniently here and there..and little idiosyncrasies that can only happen in a world where anything goes.
I found myself smirking many times as I got into Vic’s head. I love his dry, sarcastic approach to life, and at the same time appreciate as a bystander getting a bigger picture as to what REALLY might be going on. And the obliviousness of the other characters sometimes had me laughing out loud, then looking around to make sure my cats and dogs didn’t think I was losing it. Or the parrot (be quiet Jazz). Pets are so forgiving. *smiles*
For a bit of timely Halloween fare, 'Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns' was perfecto! And the chance to get to know all the supporting cast?
'Inside Out' is a short little prequel that's a great flashback before Jacob sets his sites on Vic. Enlightening bits about how Carolyn knows Crash, how she tries to help Jacob get over a recent breakup, and how his being single came about due to some personal choices he made.
I was seriously cracking up over Vic’s phobia of getting his inseam measured in 'Off the Cuff'.
I enjoyed the one from Lisa’s POV, and it answered some questions I had as to what she has to do to avoid ‘awkward’ moments with her si-no.
And seeing a bit more of Jacob’s friends Kevin and Manny was helpful too. I’m reserving opinion as to whether I like Kevin. The backstories gave me a bit more empathy or sympathy, though, depending on circumstances.
After reading through all these shorts, well, I think Vic personally has come a long way and really is a nicer guy than he wants everyone to know.
The last story, 'Witness', was 47 pages of perfection and a great way to end this book. This whole book was like an early holiday gift!!
I’m not doing a synopsis of every story, but I think there is enough variety in this book to please most everyone.
Do yourself a favor, and grab this one. I can hardly wait for Volume II!! A definite 5-star(10 pot o’ gold) collection. And when the audio comes out, I’m all over that one too *Gomez Pugh. Yep*
Fyi, there is an intro from JCP that explains some things, as far as order, lack of, or placement of the stories in here. I had no problem changing headspaces when I realized whose narrative I was listening to, or even that it was a jump forward or back in time. It does help if you’ve listened to or read up to book 7.
As usual, JCP does an excellent job of pulling the reader in to Vic’s world, making it seem so much like just another day in Chicago, with the small addition of the dead people, slimed hands, and salt or white light that appears conveniently here and there..and little idiosyncrasies that can only happen in a world where anything goes.
I found myself smirking many times as I got into Vic’s head. I love his dry, sarcastic approach to life, and at the same time appreciate as a bystander getting a bigger picture as to what REALLY might be going on. And the obliviousness of the other characters sometimes had me laughing out loud, then looking around to make sure my cats and dogs didn’t think I was losing it. Or the parrot (be quiet Jazz). Pets are so forgiving. *smiles*
For a bit of timely Halloween fare, 'Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns' was perfecto! And the chance to get to know all the supporting cast?
'Inside Out' is a short little prequel that's a great flashback before Jacob sets his sites on Vic. Enlightening bits about how Carolyn knows Crash, how she tries to help Jacob get over a recent breakup, and how his being single came about due to some personal choices he made.
I was seriously cracking up over Vic’s phobia of getting his inseam measured in 'Off the Cuff'.
I enjoyed the one from Lisa’s POV, and it answered some questions I had as to what she has to do to avoid ‘awkward’ moments with her si-no.
And seeing a bit more of Jacob’s friends Kevin and Manny was helpful too. I’m reserving opinion as to whether I like Kevin. The backstories gave me a bit more empathy or sympathy, though, depending on circumstances.
After reading through all these shorts, well, I think Vic personally has come a long way and really is a nicer guy than he wants everyone to know.
The last story, 'Witness', was 47 pages of perfection and a great way to end this book. This whole book was like an early holiday gift!!
I’m not doing a synopsis of every story, but I think there is enough variety in this book to please most everyone.
Do yourself a favor, and grab this one. I can hardly wait for Volume II!! A definite 5-star(10 pot o’ gold) collection. And when the audio comes out, I’m all over that one too *Gomez Pugh. Yep*
January 31, 2017
Just like when I READ the book as a treat for myself over Halloween, this audio short story collection did NOT disappoint. I was so happy that Gomez was narrating this one, and could not imagine that anyone else would be able to do it justice. He IS Vic, and he just cemented the characters in my mind. This collection had a little bit of something for everyone, with different POVs we typically did not receive in the Psycop series, and it gave the books a whole new meaning.
Hearing things before, during, and after the stories I had already come to love was a treat I never expected. As an example, getting to hear things from Lisa’s perspective was so humorous, embarrassing, and enlightening on what it must be like for her to be around Vic and Jacob. I chuckled when I imagined what she tried NOT to ask her ‘si-no‘ to keep from being embarrassed.
And Crash. It was something to see how Jacob kinda stumbled across him, and how he was so much different than what he usually went for *love the visual of a short Billy Idol. The cover model is perfect!!* At the same time we got to see, during this time before, how Jacob’s interest was slightly peaked about awkward, messy, and oblivious Vic. The cream-filled donut explosion and crumbs all over everything was so exactly how I imagined Vic would present at a precinct gathering of fellow officers!
As mentioned before in my previous review of the book, there were so many different impressions: mundane, abnormal, normal, and irregular. I absolutely loved it. And if it was possible to add a star or pot of gold to an already perfect book, this audio collection would have done it for me.
The inside glimpse into so many supporting characters, as well as the bonus stories, were the perfect dessert to the 4-course meal that is this series. It enriches the PsyCop world, and its definitely worth getting for any Psycop reader.
Do yourself a favor, and grab this one. I can hardly wait for Volume II!! A definite 5-star(10 pot o’ gold) collection. As expected, the audio edition was perfect *Gomez Pugh. Yep*
If interested in my full previous review of the ebook version of this story, please change to the ebook review.
.Note: a copy of this audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hearing things before, during, and after the stories I had already come to love was a treat I never expected. As an example, getting to hear things from Lisa’s perspective was so humorous, embarrassing, and enlightening on what it must be like for her to be around Vic and Jacob. I chuckled when I imagined what she tried NOT to ask her ‘si-no‘ to keep from being embarrassed.
And Crash. It was something to see how Jacob kinda stumbled across him, and how he was so much different than what he usually went for *love the visual of a short Billy Idol. The cover model is perfect!!* At the same time we got to see, during this time before, how Jacob’s interest was slightly peaked about awkward, messy, and oblivious Vic. The cream-filled donut explosion and crumbs all over everything was so exactly how I imagined Vic would present at a precinct gathering of fellow officers!
As mentioned before in my previous review of the book, there were so many different impressions: mundane, abnormal, normal, and irregular. I absolutely loved it. And if it was possible to add a star or pot of gold to an already perfect book, this audio collection would have done it for me.
The inside glimpse into so many supporting characters, as well as the bonus stories, were the perfect dessert to the 4-course meal that is this series. It enriches the PsyCop world, and its definitely worth getting for any Psycop reader.
Do yourself a favor, and grab this one. I can hardly wait for Volume II!! A definite 5-star(10 pot o’ gold) collection. As expected, the audio edition was perfect *Gomez Pugh. Yep*
If interested in my full previous review of the ebook version of this story, please change to the ebook review.
.Note: a copy of this audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
A collection of, well... Psycop briefs. Most are just simple glimpses into the day to day lives of Victor Bayne and Jacob Marks. And as most of the Psycop series is told from Victor’s point of view, we get a few from other characters. Lisa, a couple from Jacob, and each one of varying length - some just tiny snippets of inner monologue others novelette length. And the vast majority are absolutely sublime.
Of particular note is “Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns” and “Witness”. These two multipart stories are worth the price alone.
4.5 stars rounded up - mainly due to “Witness”.
Of particular note is “Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns” and “Witness”. These two multipart stories are worth the price alone.
4.5 stars rounded up - mainly due to “Witness”.
Want to read
October 1, 2016Crash in green nail polish! Grrr
January 2, 2019
I love Vic and Jacob.
October 12, 2016
First, the timeline Jordan gives us helps with understanding both the flow and order of these stories.
A Rough Timeline
The PsyCop shorts differ from the main series in various ways: tone, pacing, even subject matter. Some of them don’t fit neatly into a specific slot in the series. Some of them may even contradict small facts from the main books. They’re tangents, really, bits of story that would warp the pacing of a longer book, but things that seemed to be worth exploring.
Coffee O’Clock takes place soon after Among the Living, when Vic’s relationship with Jacob was still tenuous and new. A few months elapsed before Thaw, so it would be set betweenBody & Soul and Secrets. So would Stroke of Midnight, their first New Year’s together.
No Sale is the first story that takes place after they move in to the cannery, so it’s after Secrets and Camp Hell. Most Likely To…, Let the Chips Fall, Off the Cuff and Memento all occur after the move-in. Vic’s baking effort marks their first anniversary together, so Piece of Cake occurred just after GhosTV.
In the Dark, which expands on Jacob’s relationship with Keith, would be their second Halloween together, which puts it between GhosTV and Spook Squad. That would make Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns a future Halloween.
The stories where Vic tangles with Crash happened closer to the beginning of their friendship. Mind Reader would be pretty early, in the Fall just after Criss Cross, but in Jock Straps they’re more comfortable together, so it’s the next Spring, after Body & Soul.
Since Lisa is in town with Waiting Game, it happened during the gap between GhosTV and Spook Squad, which was the longest continuous stretch she was in Chicago.
In Impact, Jacob is beginning to explore his own abilities, so that’s after Camp Hell. Wood and On the Road are set around the holidays of their second winter, and Vic is at ease with Jacob’s family by then, so they occur after Spook Squad, as do Locked and Loaded and Witness.
Inside Out is a prequel set before Among the Living, but it wouldn’t be as interesting to read it chronologically. I think of it as a flashback episode of a sitcom where none of the characters know each other yet; the fun comes from viewing it through the lens of knowing that those ships passing in the night will eventually collide.
These snatches of stories—vignettes and flashbacks, and a few longer meaningful moments that happened when the novels weren’t looking—form a mosaic of Vic and Jacob’s relationship that’s still recognizable as them, but shows the two of them in some new and unexpected colors.
Coffee O’Clock
This is a very cute "morning after" with Vic and Jacob. I love how little things bother Vic in this one that we see pop up again and again in other stories. (Like how Jacob is kind of a slob with his stuff!) We also get to see just how important Jacob is to Vic and how pivotal this time period is for them as a couple.
Thaw
This is just a sweet little story about Vic and Jacob being cute with one another and very loving. Also – ice skating!
Mind Reader
I’m not sure what this was about… but I’ll bet it plays out in the future. A little (weird) interlude between Vic and Crash.
Stroke of Midnight
Jacob ends up alone at a New Year’s Eve party at his ex’s house. He’s lucky, though, he ends up with Vic at Midnight.
Very cute and the two of them are so sweet with one another!
No Sale
This is a quick shopping trip where Vic runs into a knife wielding ghost and Jacob shows us how much he trusts Vic.
Most Likely To…
I thought this was a fascinating look through Vic's eyes at himself and a nice little glimpse of the lengths Jacob will go to to find out more/support his love.
Jock Straps On Sale
As with Crash in general, I'm not quite sure where this was going... but it was funny!
Piece of Cake
Ha! This is a fun look at Vic and Crash and baking for Jacob!
In the Dark
This was a pretty fascinating look both at how Vic sees himself as compared to the rest of Jacob's friends and a little bit on morality and moral obligations. Really interesting.
Let the Chips Fall
Cute story about our boys buying paint.
Memento
I think this is my favorite of all the little side stories. It is an amazingly sweet look at Vic through Jacob's eyes and it just GLOWS with his ardor. He loves Vic so, so much. Fascinating and so touching.
Impact
I like seeing Jacob flexing his psychic "muscle".
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns
What an interesting one! I loved the take on the haunted house and the eventual ghost hunt. (The castration zone was particularly disturbing!)
Waiting Game
Yes! One from Lisa's perspective! So fascinating. All the wondering. Si? No.
On the Road
Mr. Perfect not being perfect, though still perfectly charming.
Wood
This is a fun "boys will be boys" side trip where Vic and Jacob are easy in their relationship and having fun. It was a blast!
Off the Cuff
A little bit more "boy humor" with our guys. :)
Locked and Loaded
I love both the psychic strength Vic shows here and the love he has for Jacob.
Inside Out
Technically this is a pre-quel to the Psycop series but I strongly recommend reading it after book one and before Thaw, so that’s where I’m going to place it. You’ll have already read book one, so you know Crash, Carolyn, Victor and Jacob.
This is the first time Jacob meets Victor and hears about Crash. So interesting!
Witness
This was a well crafted short story about a strange training exercise that ends up topsy turvy. And a little smexy times!
For fans of the series, some of these you'll have already read, so it's great having them compiled in one convenient package, but there are others here that are new and so much fun to read!
A Rough Timeline
The PsyCop shorts differ from the main series in various ways: tone, pacing, even subject matter. Some of them don’t fit neatly into a specific slot in the series. Some of them may even contradict small facts from the main books. They’re tangents, really, bits of story that would warp the pacing of a longer book, but things that seemed to be worth exploring.
Coffee O’Clock takes place soon after Among the Living, when Vic’s relationship with Jacob was still tenuous and new. A few months elapsed before Thaw, so it would be set betweenBody & Soul and Secrets. So would Stroke of Midnight, their first New Year’s together.
No Sale is the first story that takes place after they move in to the cannery, so it’s after Secrets and Camp Hell. Most Likely To…, Let the Chips Fall, Off the Cuff and Memento all occur after the move-in. Vic’s baking effort marks their first anniversary together, so Piece of Cake occurred just after GhosTV.
In the Dark, which expands on Jacob’s relationship with Keith, would be their second Halloween together, which puts it between GhosTV and Spook Squad. That would make Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns a future Halloween.
The stories where Vic tangles with Crash happened closer to the beginning of their friendship. Mind Reader would be pretty early, in the Fall just after Criss Cross, but in Jock Straps they’re more comfortable together, so it’s the next Spring, after Body & Soul.
Since Lisa is in town with Waiting Game, it happened during the gap between GhosTV and Spook Squad, which was the longest continuous stretch she was in Chicago.
In Impact, Jacob is beginning to explore his own abilities, so that’s after Camp Hell. Wood and On the Road are set around the holidays of their second winter, and Vic is at ease with Jacob’s family by then, so they occur after Spook Squad, as do Locked and Loaded and Witness.
Inside Out is a prequel set before Among the Living, but it wouldn’t be as interesting to read it chronologically. I think of it as a flashback episode of a sitcom where none of the characters know each other yet; the fun comes from viewing it through the lens of knowing that those ships passing in the night will eventually collide.
These snatches of stories—vignettes and flashbacks, and a few longer meaningful moments that happened when the novels weren’t looking—form a mosaic of Vic and Jacob’s relationship that’s still recognizable as them, but shows the two of them in some new and unexpected colors.
Coffee O’Clock
This is a very cute "morning after" with Vic and Jacob. I love how little things bother Vic in this one that we see pop up again and again in other stories. (Like how Jacob is kind of a slob with his stuff!) We also get to see just how important Jacob is to Vic and how pivotal this time period is for them as a couple.
Thaw
This is just a sweet little story about Vic and Jacob being cute with one another and very loving. Also – ice skating!
Mind Reader
I’m not sure what this was about… but I’ll bet it plays out in the future. A little (weird) interlude between Vic and Crash.
Stroke of Midnight
Jacob ends up alone at a New Year’s Eve party at his ex’s house. He’s lucky, though, he ends up with Vic at Midnight.
Very cute and the two of them are so sweet with one another!
No Sale
This is a quick shopping trip where Vic runs into a knife wielding ghost and Jacob shows us how much he trusts Vic.
Most Likely To…
I thought this was a fascinating look through Vic's eyes at himself and a nice little glimpse of the lengths Jacob will go to to find out more/support his love.
Jock Straps On Sale
As with Crash in general, I'm not quite sure where this was going... but it was funny!
Piece of Cake
Ha! This is a fun look at Vic and Crash and baking for Jacob!
In the Dark
This was a pretty fascinating look both at how Vic sees himself as compared to the rest of Jacob's friends and a little bit on morality and moral obligations. Really interesting.
Let the Chips Fall
Cute story about our boys buying paint.
Memento
I think this is my favorite of all the little side stories. It is an amazingly sweet look at Vic through Jacob's eyes and it just GLOWS with his ardor. He loves Vic so, so much. Fascinating and so touching.
Impact
I like seeing Jacob flexing his psychic "muscle".
Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns
What an interesting one! I loved the take on the haunted house and the eventual ghost hunt. (The castration zone was particularly disturbing!)
Waiting Game
Yes! One from Lisa's perspective! So fascinating. All the wondering. Si? No.
On the Road
Mr. Perfect not being perfect, though still perfectly charming.
Wood
This is a fun "boys will be boys" side trip where Vic and Jacob are easy in their relationship and having fun. It was a blast!
Off the Cuff
A little bit more "boy humor" with our guys. :)
Locked and Loaded
I love both the psychic strength Vic shows here and the love he has for Jacob.
Inside Out
Technically this is a pre-quel to the Psycop series but I strongly recommend reading it after book one and before Thaw, so that’s where I’m going to place it. You’ll have already read book one, so you know Crash, Carolyn, Victor and Jacob.
This is the first time Jacob meets Victor and hears about Crash. So interesting!
Witness
This was a well crafted short story about a strange training exercise that ends up topsy turvy. And a little smexy times!
For fans of the series, some of these you'll have already read, so it's great having them compiled in one convenient package, but there are others here that are new and so much fun to read!
July 9, 2021
Well, I did something unexpected. I read this as my first Psycop book. By accident (expecting it to contain the first three novellas at least) but with enjoyment.
Many scenes remain strongly in my memory and I have gotten a sense of both the MC's characters.
I liked the long stories best, of course, because they had an arch.
The short stories were just reports of moments without beginning or end.
And all of them lacked solving crimes. No puzzles or procedures here.
The narration was well done.
Many scenes remain strongly in my memory and I have gotten a sense of both the MC's characters.
I liked the long stories best, of course, because they had an arch.
The short stories were just reports of moments without beginning or end.
And all of them lacked solving crimes. No puzzles or procedures here.
The narration was well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews