Death Watch

Soul Reader #2

by Annie Anderson

A prison break. A secret admirer. And a boatload of lies.

Just about everything Sloane Cabot knows about her past is a big old pile of malarkey. Couple that with the blank spot of how her family died, and she needs answers, like, yesterday.

But when a man shows up dead on her family’s grave, she knows it somehow has to be tied to that fateful night a year ago.

Too bad you can’t question the dead… or can you?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Magic, Paranormal Romance

Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2021

About the author

Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I liked this book. It was okay. I would even say it was meh for the most part. The so-called mystery was nowhere to be found. Nothing moved forward for that storyline. All the worrying and the huge time jump didn't make for a particularly memorable story. Heck, it's been only a few days since I've finished this book and I'm having a hard time recalling what it was that I actually read. That's how not-good it was. My brain is already working to erase it from my memories. I don't care enough about the characters and the story to read the next book at this point. I took the liberty of reading a few reviews for Book #3 and they did not convince me to change my mind. So this is where I'll be stopping on this journey.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Annie Anderson!

Death Watch is the second book in the Soul Reader series and continues the story of Sloane and the night watch.

I really enjoyed reading the first book, Night Watch, and when I got my hands on an ARC of Death Watch I was so happy! Annie Anderson is such an amazing author and she keeps creating these interesting worlds and characters. I also really liked the fact that the Soul Reader series is a crossover series with the Grave Talker series. Sloane and Darby are both badass characters and I’m so excited for them to have epic adventures together! 

Sloane is so funny and badass and I really enjoyed reading about her. There are also some plot twists about Sloane that I didn’t see coming at all. Besides Sloane, Bastian is one of my favourite characters. I think he’s so sweet to Sloane and he’s just everything she needs. I also really liked reading about the other characters but the main focus is on Sloane and Bastian.

Death Watch was another amazing read by Annie Anderson, and I didn’t expect anything else. I really loved reading about Sloane again and I’m excited to read the next book in the series. If you’re a fan of Fantasy and Romance than I definitely recommend the Soul Reader series and the Grave Talker series by Annie Anderson!

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Cranky Stars


Ho. Lee. Forking. Shirtballs. I didn’t see that coming like not at all not even a little bit. Maybe I should have picked up on it but I didn’t. When I got to that moment and if you read it you know my mouth dropped open. Kudos girl you pulled a fast one. You also ripped my darn heart out for a bit as well. I want to be like Sloane when I grow up.


Sloane is just getting used to having a team at her back. She doesn’t know what to make of her newfound life but she’s adjusting. She is still out there seeking answers and kicking butt while doing it. When a mysterious letter appears only signed from X she knows she has been found. Now Sloane must protect her new family while learning the truth about herself. On top of all that is her burgeoning relationship with Bastian. She learns he is the most important person in her life, and she would follow him to Hell and back if she must.


Once again didn’t see that coming and I’m here for it. This should be epic and I’m excited to see how the author pulls this off. I’ll say it again I love Bastian. I mean the man is a mountain with a giant heart. The whole crew is amazing and even bone kitty Isis. I can’t wait for book three to see how this all weaves together.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 my only quibble with this entry in the series is that Sloan is written as more of a weaker character this time around. She’s still a kickbutt person butt not as much as in book one. The shifter who betrayed them in book one has broken out of jail so their team is tasked with finding him and the other inmates. Sloan makes some shocking discoveries about herself and her parentage and it’s a doozy. Sloan isn’t used to having anyone have her back so she’s determined to protect herself and them, but luckily they’re not having it. Her relationship with Bastien ratchet’s up and she’s willing to go to hell and back for him and the team.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloan and Bastian plus third wheel Thomas =🤣👌👌

I love this series so much! Sloan and her squad are back and what a freaking roller coaster it is !! There is something so special about this team that it just brings the best out of everyone! Together they rock !! I seriously cant get enough! The chemistry is on point, the bickering is endearing and Sloan has the best laugh out loud comments ever! Simon too even when he is an a hole. Get ready so much shenanigans and revelations to die for! 😅 best cliffhanger ever!!! because technically it isn’t. It’s just amazing news!! can’t wait for the next book!! #Bastian&Sloan#ILoveThomas

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent sequal. Sloane continued to be a hoot and the overall plot moved on nicely.

I felt that things with Sloane and Bastian were a bit rushed, which put me off a bit, but I still enjoyed it.

[Sombre Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un second tome tout aussi addictif que le premier.
Même si ma mémoire m'a fait défaut pour une bonne partie de ce tome, j'ai adoré re-découvrir l'univers et les personnages avec ses différents mystères et intrigues.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!

This series keeps getting better and better. There is a lot more we find out about Sloan. It’s all starting to come together. I can’t wait to see what comes next. It is sooooooo good!!!!!

[Courtney Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series needs to be in your reading pile. I loved this book and read it in a day. It is so hard to put down. Death Watch is the second book in the Soul Reader Series by Annie Anderson. The characters are just as amazing as in book one. You get to watch Sloane and Bastian have chemistry that is on fire through all the different hurdles they experience. In this book you will get to see more of their relationship. I love how strong Sloane is and how you get to see her evolve over the course of this book. There is some crossover with the Grave Talker Series (another must read series) which if you have read you know also has some amazing characters. It will keep you on your toes with all the action that is going on. This book will leave you wanting more. I cannot wait for book three!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Imee Benzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Brilliant Witty and Action packed***

What more do u want this book packed a punched to your heart and makes you giggle at the same time. Ok I might have cried when Celeste and her cronies attacked night house but Sloane step up and everything turned out ok (alive) oh and being an embodiment of the female opposite of grim reaper is no fun but it has its perks knowing your daddy dearest is the grim reaper. Ok I've rqnted enoughed just buy this book you won't regret it I promised because Sloane kicked ass.

[Annelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing

I don't know what I just read🧐 Everything was so confusing and blurry!
Sloane acted like a teenager saying one time "I leave" and one minute after "I stay with my family", I HATE that with FMC. It was frustrating reading how her "family", the Night Watch, kept distrusting her and being unfair and then watching Sloane forgiving everything.
About her relationship with Bastian, there wasn't any "normal" development like in any relationship, especially when it's a hate to love one. You know, dating, get to know each other, etc. No, no, one moment they despised each other and then they became lovers saying "I love you forever". Not realistic at all.
I wasn't a big fan as well of the climax of the book. Sloane repeatedly warn her friends about a future attack but they turned down her, saying that they could manage everything. And guess what happened? They failed, of course!!!! And then everything went south and illogical 🙄 Azrael, an Angel of death??? The author should review her notes about demonology... Then, there was this father, sisters, and brother not plausible story...
Like I said, I still don't understand what I've been reading...

[Janice perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!!

Oh I absolutely love Sloane. She may be a little confused by her life in the beginning, but she is really starting to get a grip of who she is and where she belongs in this world. I also enjoy Bastien, he's such an interesting character. Can't wait for more.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just recently I've started ordering audiobooks to utilize my drive time to and from work. I must confess that I 've never thought about finding out who the narrator is before I order an audiobook but after reading and listening to "Death Watch" I will be more mindful of this in the future. While I truly enjoyed the storyline for Soul Reader #2, I absolutely loathed the narration. The narrator"s voice was whiny and grating and making the listening torturous! However, I promise that I did not let her voice color my review of the read.

In this installment Sloane wakes up to find a note written in blood on her bed. When she takes it to Thomas and Emry they both notice a startling change in her appearance. The note held a blood curse and by all rights, Sloane should be dead. Yet, here she is freaked out and wondering how she can reverse the changes in her appearance. With Emry's help she is given a charm to conceal her appearance making her look more vampire like.

Thomas guides Sloane through the politics of the vampire world when he introduces her to the Queen and her coven. Then, the worst possible thing happens, there is an attack on the ABI as well as the prison holding one of the nastiest criminals Sloane has had a chance to capture. Now, Sloane and her family/housemates must do all they can to recapture the escapees and assist the ABI. Little does she know but Sloane is about to come face to face with her past, parentage and future. Everything she previously thought she knew is about to be blasted to bits.

On the good side, with the help of Bastien, Sloane is no longer a loner. She is slowly letting her guard down and realizing she is capable of loving and being loved. This realization will be one of the very things that will help her wade through all of drama and turmoil she is about to face.

There is plenty going on in this read. Secrets will be revealed and Sloane will discover some of the skills she is truly capable of. There is plenty of action, drama and chuckles along the way. I just would not recommend the audio version of this read. However, I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Artemissia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’ai bien aimé le premier tome et découvrir les aventures de Sloane, une jeune vampire qui n’est pas vraiment vampire. Dans cette suite, Sloane a quelques problèmes avec son apparence qu’elle ne comprend pas bien. Pour cela, elle est aidée par Emrys et Thomas.

Ce fut une lecture somme toute sympathique, même si je n’ai pas bien fait mes devoirs, car je n’ai pas lu avant le tome 2 de l’autre série parallèle. Mais, ce n’est pas bien grave en fait. Ça se lit facilement, on est vite happé dans l’univers même si je trouve que l’autrice ne s’est pas foulée des masses. Les intrigues sont vues et archi-revues. Sloane et ses comparses enquêtent sur le fameux X qui veut la mort de notre héroïne, et de sombres secrets vont être déterrés. J’ai trouvé que tout allait très/trop vite en fait. Sans compter la romance déjà bien en place et qui n’apporte au final presque plus grand-chose de jouissif. J’avais l’impression qu’Annie Anderson remplissait un cahier des charges et essayait de cocher tous les schémas classiques de l’urban fantasy sans détailler son propre récit ou lui donner plus de profondeur.

Il y a bien un rebondissement qui a su capter toute mon attention, mais ça va tellement vite ainsi que le début de la résolution, que je n’ai pas eu le temps d’en apprécier toutes les saveurs. Quant au dernier tiers, ça se lit, oui, mais bon… je suis un peu perplexe quant à la suite, vu que ce sera le dernier tome.

Bref. C’était une lecture satisfaisante, mais qui aurait pu être dix mille fois plus pétillante et mieux. Bien sûr, ce n’est que mon avis.

[K.A. Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Watch (Soul Reader series #2)
by Annie Anderson

***5 fantastic stars***

Sloane is at it again and let me tell you - you want to be on this crazy train! With the gang by her side, they get into a whole mess of chaos and it's utterly fantastic!

If you've read Annie's Grave Talker series, let's just say you'll be super excited for some of the surprises thrown your way. I'm still bouncing off my seat!

Now let's talk about Bastain for a minute, shall we? This dark and sexy as sin man has taken over my heart and soul. He's EVERYTHING naughty and delicious and Sloane is one lucky girl!

This story is an absolute must read for fans of the paranormal/fantasy genre. If you aren't - I dare you to give this series a try. I think you'll love it! I can't wait for the next installment. It can't come soon enough for this girl!

[M Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo! Book two was everything I thought I wanted and so much more! Sloane is still dealing with the aftermath of waking up at her grave. Establishing herself as part of the Night Watch, she has to learn to open herself up to not only a new life, but friends and the reality that she is hunted. Annie has crafted one heck of a story with this series. I love how Sloane isn't a perfect character. She's bruised. She struggles with her past, her present and her future.
I love this world. It is bursting with so many cunning and quirky paranormal characters. Secrets are revealed and more questions arise in book two. I honestly cannot say much about the plot because some of those twists you simply must read for yourself. I will just say, if you are a hard core Annie Anderson fan, you will squeal in shock, horror and excitement as you read this book.
I cannot wait to see how Sloane faces her future. I honestly cannot wait for the next book!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you love paranormal stories like I do (because limits - what are those), enjoy sassy heroines with badass written all over them, you must read this series. Sloane's adventures will not disappoint.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death Watch”, the second installment in the “Soul Reader” series by Annie Anderson, is solid classic procedural/urban fantasy story, whose main character (Sloane Emerson Cabot) who lost almost everything after being murdered one year ago (‘Night Watch’ Book 1) and has slowly adapted to her new situation and somehow reluctantly joined the Night Watch. However, Sloane is still looking for clues about what really happened to her the night her all family was murdered and the reasons behind it. Now a fresh body has been found on top of her own family grave, and Sloane follows a new set of clues to unravel the mystery, maybe the death can indeed tell their story after all.

Annie Anderson has a penchant to create fully credible series, spiked with some supernatural tropes and multifaceted characters that fit seamlessly with each other, like a somehow dysfunctional but nevertheless pretty credible family. Sloane is a wonderful character, who even sharing some qualities with Darcy [the main character of her parallel series ‘Grave Talker’], particularly her snarky, witty, and strong character, is much different from her. Wouldn’t be fun to get them to work together, just saying 😊 and don’t let us forget about the gang, Bastian first forward 😉

[Jenni Coomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloane returns home to find a note on her bed that has a blood curse on it. When she looks in the mirror, she sees that her face isn’t normal. The first thing she does is find Thomas to fix it. HE takes her to Emrys tofu it. Unfortunately, she can’t so she makes a necklace that will glamour Sloane until they can work it out.

Sloane tries to avoid all. Her roommates so they don’t freak out when they see her face. It doesn’t work as Bastian finds her and convinces her to go into the club that she has been scoping for the last 2 months. While in there the bar manager takes issue with her because she is feeding off Bastian.

Bastian takes issue with the manager and tells him to leave his property and if he even thinks about causing trouble it will be the last thing that he does. Sloane is shocked to learn that it is Bastian’s club. During all of this it only reaffirms the Sloane is falling for Bastian.

Sloane loses her necklace, and Simon freaks out when he sees her. Bastian knows and tries to get Simon to drop it. Emrys comes in and tells them to drop it. She splits up Bastian and Sloane to go after the list of escapees from the prison. Sloane is tracking the last one on their list and he is giving her a hard time. They climb a water tower and Sloane freezes when she realizes how high up they are.

Thomas gets Sloane down and not in the way she would have liked. They return all the prisoners to the prison. Sloane thinks that is a stupid idea as they had escaped there already. Siobhan tells Sloane that death is coming for her which freaks Sloane out a little bit.

Sloane gets a call from Bastian to tell her they found Booth and that she didn’t have to hurry to them. Sloane realizes that Booth is already dead even though his file said to return alive. Simon wants to tell Sloane something but Bastian steps in and tells him no. Bastian asks for 24 hrs to check out Simon’s theory. Simon agrees.

Sloane decides that the only way they are going to get answers is if she tastes his blood and see if she can see anything in it. As Sloane goes to enter the spot where Booth is laying (her grave) she is sent flying by a spell that makes it feel like she is on fire.

As she fights to open her eyes, she hears Bastian and Dahlia tell Axle to bring what he needs to the room because he’ll would freeze over before they let her downstairs to be treated. Sloane falls back into a deep sleep. The next time she rouses she realizes she is naked and in a bathtub being feed blood bags.

Sloane rips through the blood bags and then wants to feed from Bastian. He resists at first but they both give into their burning desire and Bastian lets Sloane feed from him which leads to them having amazing sex. Sloane wakes after falling asleep to find herself in Bastian’s arms. He doesn’t want to move. Simon bangs on the door and tells them to get their asses downstairs for dinner after calling Bastian a dick for his ward setting and his shirt catching alight.

After they shower Sloane comes downstairs only to realize that she is no longer earring the necklace that makes her look normal. They are shocked at first but love and accept her. Simon lets it be known that there is a witch in the basement. After they have eaten Sloane goes down to the basement to talk to the witch. Simon, Thomas and Bastian go with her.

Sloane learns that her father is the Angel of Death. This feels like a lie but after talking to her for a little longer it starts to sink in that this true. She asks how to summon him as she has questions that she wants answered. Simon is pissed that he isn’t the one to tell Sloane. When Sloane asks if there is anything he wants to add he grumbles no.

Sloane goes outside to summon her father. He doesn’t look like what she thought he would. She asks why she doesn’t look like him but looks like X. He changes his appearance and tells her, oh but you do my child. She asks why he did what he did and who gave him the right. He answers he had permission as her father. Sloane learns she has a sister as well.

Her father asks to come be with him so she can learn her full potential and how to change her appearance. Sloane is worried that if she stays with her family that X will come and kill them all like he did with her mum and the guy she thought was her father.

Sloane tries to run away thinking that this will protect her new fond family only they don’t let her leave. They tell her that she is staying and that she needs to stop being a pain in the ass. Iris wraps herself around Sloane’s leg and when she picks up Iris she gives Sloane a vision.

They are about to be attacked, and this is Sloane’s worst nightmare. They get themselves armed and try to work out how they found them. When they work it out Sloane races down to the prison cell. The witch drains the ruins of their power and starts war with Sloane’s new family.

Sloane watches as her friends are murdered Simon. Dahlia and Bastian. When she sees the knife going to Bastian Sloane tries to save him. She ends up in the in - between. She finds Dahlia first in the dining room. Simon is next in his bedroom. They find Bastian in his bathroom. Sloane gets each one to lay back in their bodies to return to living world. Bastian takes a little long but return.

Before Sloane can return she must face the witch. Just when she thinks she is defeated her father turns up and tell the witch she picked the wrong side. Before Sloane returns her father tells her that she needs to tell Darby (her sister) the name of their brother and that he is sorry he didn’t give it to her sooner. The story ends with Darby knocking on her door.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A note written in blood…
.
A note written in blood unleashed a powerful curse on Sloan. She will need all Emrys’ skill to create a glamour to conceal the effects from the other Night Rangers and the vampire nest that she will be visiting with Thomas when he introduces her to the Vampire Queen. Sloan finds herself in the crosshairs of “X”, a powerful and evil individual that may have played a part in her parent's deaths and may now be trying to orchestrate hers.

This book is packed with plot twists and paranormal action. It is the first book I have read in the series and now I really want to go back and read the first one. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary. This is a great series!

[Ani Conda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not stress enough how good Annie Anderson is at merging series together from the same story world. You do not need to read the Grave Talker series to enjoy this one but you’ll love it just as much.

From the get go she drops little Easter eggs which tug a smile from you. Whilst simultaneous providing answers and infinitely more questions, she hands out little treats which make the story that much better. Each time you think they are level footing with the enemy they find themselves on a new hill. Heartache and redemption, long lost siblings and never catching a break; that is Sloanes life since death. Action and filled with sass, you can’t help but feel connected to the characters. You are fully invested in their triumphs and their defeats.

I am very much looking forward to reading the next instalment in this badass females unfortunate adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Swalsk · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was fun. Non-stop action. Fast paced, no room for breathing let alone digesting info. Poor girl gets a lot of truth bombs thrown at her.

The insta-love is still ridiculous. She even says at the end how she doesn't even know the guy but they are absolutely, ends of the earth, bonkers over each other. The reasoning he had for his insta-love? She spiked his head to the ground back in the last book... At least they joked about it afterwards, but it's still weird. They don't even know eachother!!

Hah, anyways, fun fast read if you don't dig too deep.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane and crew are back in the thick of things, fighting the bad guys, trying to find who left her in the graveyard and killed her parents, and keep people safe. She's learning more about her powers, more about how she became the way she is, but there are some new surprises along the way. She's introduced to new characters that bring in new story lines for future books! Great read and great ending!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Kitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute page turner

A couple of quick thoughts, first I absolutely appreciate that Annie either has a good editor or proofreader. I read many indie authors and her books are the cleanest, with the fewest typos of all of them. Her books are all well written, this is certainly no exception, and she deftly weaves characters from different series into another. I absolutely recommend every single word she has written.

[Sharon Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane is ready to kick some major butt to get answers. Bastian just wants to keep her alive and safe. He has a problem keeping tabs on her at times, but what’s a guy to do? Sloane is searching for the guy who killed her family and has been stalking her. Annie Anderson has done an amazing job writing this series and that ending ... I definitely need the next book ASAP, need to know everything! No wonder I have an issue deciding who I love more... Highly recommended!! I received an advance copy for my honest review..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and they must be read in order. Sloane just can’t seem to catch a break. She has been through so much already. Then she wakes up and finds out someone has tried to kill her once again. They can’t figure out why she didn’t die. She knows this must be tied her what happened a year ago. Then they find a body on her grave. Sloane needs answers. Things only get more interesting when a prison break happens. They are tasked with bringing in those who escaped. Could this lead Sloane in the direction of the answers she needs. I feel for Sloane. Sloane is still trying to find her place in her new situation. Her world may finally be settling but what will she discover in the end? I am really liking this series and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book. This series seems like it will tie in with another of Annie’s series. I look forward to the two coming together and reading what happens. Fantastic job Annie. I can’t recommend this series enough.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Sloane was just getting settled into her new home when her parents killer left a note on her pillow. The spell on that note cursed her and made her look verry scary. She had a house mate glamor her, so she didn’t scare the occupants of the house and her boyfriend. They finally found the trader from their house, Sloane finally found out who her father was, that she had more family than she thought, and that a family member was trying to kill her. This was a book that was hard to put down. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Izzybear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. I loved this book so much.
Sloane is exactly the type of leading lady I enjoy reading about. Her life hasn’t gotten any easier. It’s actually a little more complicated but Sloane never backs down or runs away from the fight. She’s strong, determined, courageous and has a wonderful heart.
I really liked seeing her grow through out her journey.
I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Soul Reader series and it was everything I thought it would be and more now I’m anxiously waiting for book 3. Sloane is now a part of Night Watch she has her friends and is part of a kick ass team she knows that the person who murdered her parents is after her too. Sorry guys I can’t get too much into this story because I don’t want to spoil this amazing story, there’s plenty of action, adventure, suspense, danger, twists and turns, mystery, passion and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. This is an exciting story I loved it and I definitely recommend this book/ series.

[Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Death Watch is a great follow up and picks up right where the first left off and I have to say I really love Sloane.
Sloane is a strong, feisty and strong woman and believes she will get her new friends killed but instead they show her they will do anything to help her because they care for her too.
Sloane finally gets her memories back from the night she and her parents died. She learns who and what she is and I have to say I really wasn’t expecting that little twist.
This is a great magical read with plenty of action, suspense and even some twists. I can’t wait for more!

[JadeShea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Watch wasn't as good as the first one, but it's still really awesome. Sloane learns the truth about who she really is and her relationships with everyone progress as well. I'm super excited to read more now.