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Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator #4
Silver Zombie
Zombies and Witches and Vamps . . . Oh, My!
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas—at least that’s Delilah Street’s hope. With Sin City’s vampire and werewolf mobs wanting to cash in her chips once and for all, she’s retreating with her partner Ric Montoya and half-wolfhound Quicksilver to her Kansas birthplace. Unfortunately, when it comes to finding trouble, there’s no place like home. . . .
It doesn’t take long before Delilah realizes she’s not in Vegas anymore. Zombie cowboys and spectral cattle drives are kicking up dust, the local weather girls are total witches who forecast perfect storms, and some Hollywood fanatic is recasting zombies as the greatest stars of the silver screen. And speaking of silver, Delilah’s special affinity for the all-purpose monster-repellent leads her posse straight down a silver brick road—and into a notso- fun house of mirrors—putting her face-to-face with her dicey past and a mystery woman named Lilith, who’s a real dead ringer for Delilah. The key word being dead.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas—at least that’s Delilah Street’s hope. With Sin City’s vampire and werewolf mobs wanting to cash in her chips once and for all, she’s retreating with her partner Ric Montoya and half-wolfhound Quicksilver to her Kansas birthplace. Unfortunately, when it comes to finding trouble, there’s no place like home. . . .
It doesn’t take long before Delilah realizes she’s not in Vegas anymore. Zombie cowboys and spectral cattle drives are kicking up dust, the local weather girls are total witches who forecast perfect storms, and some Hollywood fanatic is recasting zombies as the greatest stars of the silver screen. And speaking of silver, Delilah’s special affinity for the all-purpose monster-repellent leads her posse straight down a silver brick road—and into a notso- fun house of mirrors—putting her face-to-face with her dicey past and a mystery woman named Lilith, who’s a real dead ringer for Delilah. The key word being dead.
358 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2010
About the author
Carole Nelson Douglas
156 books572 followersCarole Nelson Douglas is the author of sixty-four award-winning novels in contemporary and historical mystery/suspense and romance, high and urban fantasy and science fiction genres. She is best known for two popular mystery series, the Irene Adler Sherlockian historical suspense series (she was the first woman to spin-off a series from the Holmes stories) and the multi-award-winning alphabetically titled Midnight Louie contemporary mystery series. From Cat in an Alphabet Soup #1 to Cat in an Alphabet Endgame #28.
Delilah Street, PI (Paranormal Investigator), headlines Carole's noir Urban Fantasy series: Dancing With Werewolves, Brimstone Kiss, Vampire Sunrise, Silver Zombie, and Virtual Virgin. Now Delilah has moved from her paranormal Vegas to Midnight Louie, feline PI's "Slightly surreal" Vegas to solve crimes in the first book of the new Cafe Noir series, Absinthe Without Leave. Next in 2020, Brandi Alexander on the Rocks.
Once Upon a Midnight Noir is out in eBook and trade paperback versions. This author-designed and illustrated collection of three mystery stories with a paranormal twist and a touch of romance features two award-winning stories featuring Midnight Louie, feline PI and Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator in a supernatural-run Las Vegas. A third story completes the last unfinished story fragment of Edgar Allan Poe, as a Midnight Louie Past Life adventure set in 1790 Norland on a isolated island lighthouse. Louie is a soldier of fortune, a la Puss in Boots.
Next out are Midnight Louie's Cat in an Alphabet Endgame in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook Aug. 23, 2016.
All the Irene Adler novels, the first to feature a woman from the Sherlock Holmes Canon as a crime solver, are now available in eBook.
Carole was a college theater and English literature major. She was accepted for grad school in Theater at the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University, and could have worked as an editorial assistant at Vogue magazine (a la The Devil Wears Prada) but wanted a job closer to home. She worked as a newspaper reporter and then editor in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. During her time there, she discovered a long, expensive classified advertisement offering a black cat named Midnight Louey to the "right" home for one dollar and wrote a feature story on the plucky survival artist, putting it into the cat's point of view. The cat found a country home, but its name was revived for her feline PI mystery series many years later. Some of the Midnight Louie series entries include the dedication "For the real and original Midnight Louie. Nine lives were not enough." Midnight Louie has now had 32 novelistic lives and features in several short stories as well.
Hollywood and Broadway director, playwright, screenwriter and novelist Garson Kanin took Carole's first novel to his publisher on the basis of an interview/article she'd done with him five years earlier. "My friend Phil Silvers," he wrote, "would say he'd never won an interview yet, but he had never had the luck of you."
Carole is a "literary chameleon" who's had novels published in many genres, and often mixes such genre elements as mystery and suspense, fantasy and science fiction, romance with mainstream issues, especially the roles of women.
Delilah Street, PI (Paranormal Investigator), headlines Carole's noir Urban Fantasy series: Dancing With Werewolves, Brimstone Kiss, Vampire Sunrise, Silver Zombie, and Virtual Virgin. Now Delilah has moved from her paranormal Vegas to Midnight Louie, feline PI's "Slightly surreal" Vegas to solve crimes in the first book of the new Cafe Noir series, Absinthe Without Leave. Next in 2020, Brandi Alexander on the Rocks.
Once Upon a Midnight Noir is out in eBook and trade paperback versions. This author-designed and illustrated collection of three mystery stories with a paranormal twist and a touch of romance features two award-winning stories featuring Midnight Louie, feline PI and Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator in a supernatural-run Las Vegas. A third story completes the last unfinished story fragment of Edgar Allan Poe, as a Midnight Louie Past Life adventure set in 1790 Norland on a isolated island lighthouse. Louie is a soldier of fortune, a la Puss in Boots.
Next out are Midnight Louie's Cat in an Alphabet Endgame in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook Aug. 23, 2016.
All the Irene Adler novels, the first to feature a woman from the Sherlock Holmes Canon as a crime solver, are now available in eBook.
Carole was a college theater and English literature major. She was accepted for grad school in Theater at the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University, and could have worked as an editorial assistant at Vogue magazine (a la The Devil Wears Prada) but wanted a job closer to home. She worked as a newspaper reporter and then editor in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. During her time there, she discovered a long, expensive classified advertisement offering a black cat named Midnight Louey to the "right" home for one dollar and wrote a feature story on the plucky survival artist, putting it into the cat's point of view. The cat found a country home, but its name was revived for her feline PI mystery series many years later. Some of the Midnight Louie series entries include the dedication "For the real and original Midnight Louie. Nine lives were not enough." Midnight Louie has now had 32 novelistic lives and features in several short stories as well.
Hollywood and Broadway director, playwright, screenwriter and novelist Garson Kanin took Carole's first novel to his publisher on the basis of an interview/article she'd done with him five years earlier. "My friend Phil Silvers," he wrote, "would say he'd never won an interview yet, but he had never had the luck of you."
Carole is a "literary chameleon" who's had novels published in many genres, and often mixes such genre elements as mystery and suspense, fantasy and science fiction, romance with mainstream issues, especially the roles of women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 16, 2021
I yet again picked up a book without realizing it was a series and maybe that's why I didn't quite enjoy it as I had hoped. But it did had good moments and liked the paranormal stuff in it. Wasn't attached to the heroine but if I start from beginning and read the book in order I might grow to like her.
February 22, 2012
Fourth in the Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator urban fantasy series revolving around a former news reporter whose talent involves mirror-walking. Based in Las Vegas.
My Take
I really like the concept Douglas has and she uses a lot of song references, I just wish she weren't so cheesy and overly dramatic. Case in point: "I was melted Velveeta cheese in deep need of a...breadstick."
Oh, please, I hate whiny characters and Delilah whines up a storm in this installment! It's 2013 and she doesn't know about drive-in movie theaters?? Miss Vintage Film Buff??
Douglas has been so good at providing us with an independent, intrepid, trustworthy Delilah, but in this story she takes some of that trustworthiness away with her "come hither" with Snow. Actually, now that I think about it, Delilah has always been rather two-faced with Snow. He's never hidden what he wants from her and Delilah always takes from him. It may be grudgingly, but she still keeps him in her back pocket. He's the prime reason that Ric is alive and safe and she is delighted to punish him as much as possible for being the one to help. Hypocrite.
We do, at least, discover where Lilith comes from. And we find out why Delilah hates being on her back. It's an easy explanation with the most disgusting reason used by those jerks running the group homes. I wanna smack a whole lotta people!
It's an interesting set of encounters: the CinSims interacting to help the good guys; Delilah's interaction with Snow and his scars; Lilith's revelations to Delilah; the stormy encounters with Sheena; El Demonio and his plans for international domination...
Snow's interest in Wichita and future plans for Vegas should be interesting in future installments.
The Story
As part of their therapy to recover from events in Brimstone Kiss , Delilah and Ric have decided to confront Delilah's ghosts back in Kansas and drive back to Wichita in Dolly. A truly adventurous road trip.
Upon meeting up with Tallgrass, Delilah learns that news coverage has gone downhill. Way downhill. Starting with dropping any coverage of the cow mutilation story. The film of which Tallgrass wants Delilah to liberate from the television studio.
Ric's intention is to delve into Delilah's past and learn why she has such a phobia about lying on her back while Delilah interviews Caressa's not-so-identical twin Lili to see how these twins fit into her own life. It is not a pretty discovery on either count. Good thing Delilah has Helena on her side when they visit Dr. Youmans' office.
But that's only the half of it, for Tallgrass has his own concerns about a new Native American enterprise being erected in Wichita---Emerald City hotel/casino with its very own Oz CinSims. An enterprise that's running into financial problems from a most unexpected source.
The Characters
Delilah Street is a vamp magnet, former news reporter, and now a paranormal investigator working the streets of Las Vegas with a silver familiar courtesy of Snow. Lilith Quince is her CSI double who seems to have an interest in framing Delilah. Dolly is her Biarritz Caddie while Quicksilver is her something else wolfhound with the healing powers. The Enchanted Cottage's brownies have turned red carpet stylists. Irma is her imaginary friend.
Ricardo Montoya, a.k.a., the Cadaver Kid, is former FBI. Delilah has recently done some body "reconstruction" on Ric. His personal mission is to eliminate the raising of zombies as laborers or CinSims. One of his newest weapons is his silver eye. Leonard Tallgrass is Native American and a former FBI colleague of Ric's. Dr. Helena Burnside is Ric's foster mother and psychic to boot. She's also an attorney with the U.S. Attorney General's office in D.C. Ben Hassard is the mind behind Emerald City.
Hector Nightwine is Delilah's landlord and one of the Vegas heavyweights for whom she consults. His butler, Godfrey, is a CinSim from My Man, Godfrey and takes excellent and somewhat fatherly care of Delilah. Howard Hughes (billionaire-turned-vampire) is another of her clients; he seems to own a lot more of Vegas than anyone suspects. Shezmou (see Vampire Sunrise ) is both the Lord of the Slaughter and wine god in Egyptian mythology. Now that Delilah's brought him to life, he's opening his own shop in Vegas with Delilah as his partner. Cesar Cicereau is a werewolf mob boss who owns the Gehenna Hotel and is a reluctant client of hers. Sansouci is a daytime-walking vampire held hostage by and working for Cicereau. He keeps a stable of women from whom he "sips" although he claims he would give them all up for Delilah.
Snow, a.k.a., Cocaine (of the rock band Seven Deadly Sins), a.k.a., Christophe (owner of the Inferno Hotel) has a rather proprietary interest in Delilah. He's also willing to do quite a lot for an uncut, original version of the vintage film Metropolis. Grizelle is Snow's shape-shifting security chief who turns into a white tiger. She doesn't like Delilah much.
Sheena Coleman is the wicked weather witch from WTCH-TV in Kansas who called up the tornado that drove Delilah out of Kansas (any relationship to The Wizard of Oz is likely intended). Undead Ted Brinkman is the anchorman/vampire Sheena wanted and didn't want Delilah to have. Too bad Sheena didn't realize Delilah was totally not interested… Eddie Anderson is a cameraman at the station and a friend of Delilah's.
Lili West is Caressa Teagarden's twin living in the exclusive Sunset City retirement neighborhood in Wichita. Mrs. Haliburton was in charge of group homes in Wichita when Delilah was young. Our Lady of the Lake convent school for which Delilah had a scholarship. Mother Superior Ermengarde Wallace is the academic dean for the school; Delilah knew her as Sister Regina Caeli. Dr. Youmans is the doctor the group home insisted Delilah visit. El Demonio Torbellino, Ric's former "owner", is expanding his field of operations.
The Immortality Mob resurrects the dead and imprints black-and-white filmscreen actors onto the zombies.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a surprised Delilah strutting against a lightning-green sky with a blurry skull in place of the moon — makes me think of the wizard's projected head in the Judy Garland version of The Wizard of Oz. Her silver familiar is twining its way up both her forearms and she's carrying her own sword. The so-slinky, form-fitting green gown is compliments of the "Emerald City Dorothy spa option".
The title is a portent of things to come when Maria, the Silver Zombie, from Metropolis steps off the screen. And, as the previous books have been, the name of a drink invented by Delilah.
My Take
I really like the concept Douglas has and she uses a lot of song references, I just wish she weren't so cheesy and overly dramatic. Case in point: "I was melted Velveeta cheese in deep need of a...breadstick."
Oh, please, I hate whiny characters and Delilah whines up a storm in this installment! It's 2013 and she doesn't know about drive-in movie theaters?? Miss Vintage Film Buff??
Douglas has been so good at providing us with an independent, intrepid, trustworthy Delilah, but in this story she takes some of that trustworthiness away with her "come hither" with Snow. Actually, now that I think about it, Delilah has always been rather two-faced with Snow. He's never hidden what he wants from her and Delilah always takes from him. It may be grudgingly, but she still keeps him in her back pocket. He's the prime reason that Ric is alive and safe and she is delighted to punish him as much as possible for being the one to help. Hypocrite.
We do, at least, discover where Lilith comes from. And we find out why Delilah hates being on her back. It's an easy explanation with the most disgusting reason used by those jerks running the group homes. I wanna smack a whole lotta people!
It's an interesting set of encounters: the CinSims interacting to help the good guys; Delilah's interaction with Snow and his scars; Lilith's revelations to Delilah; the stormy encounters with Sheena; El Demonio and his plans for international domination...
Snow's interest in Wichita and future plans for Vegas should be interesting in future installments.
The Story
As part of their therapy to recover from events in Brimstone Kiss , Delilah and Ric have decided to confront Delilah's ghosts back in Kansas and drive back to Wichita in Dolly. A truly adventurous road trip.
Upon meeting up with Tallgrass, Delilah learns that news coverage has gone downhill. Way downhill. Starting with dropping any coverage of the cow mutilation story. The film of which Tallgrass wants Delilah to liberate from the television studio.
Ric's intention is to delve into Delilah's past and learn why she has such a phobia about lying on her back while Delilah interviews Caressa's not-so-identical twin Lili to see how these twins fit into her own life. It is not a pretty discovery on either count. Good thing Delilah has Helena on her side when they visit Dr. Youmans' office.
But that's only the half of it, for Tallgrass has his own concerns about a new Native American enterprise being erected in Wichita---Emerald City hotel/casino with its very own Oz CinSims. An enterprise that's running into financial problems from a most unexpected source.
The Characters
Delilah Street is a vamp magnet, former news reporter, and now a paranormal investigator working the streets of Las Vegas with a silver familiar courtesy of Snow. Lilith Quince is her CSI double who seems to have an interest in framing Delilah. Dolly is her Biarritz Caddie while Quicksilver is her something else wolfhound with the healing powers. The Enchanted Cottage's brownies have turned red carpet stylists. Irma is her imaginary friend.
Ricardo Montoya, a.k.a., the Cadaver Kid, is former FBI. Delilah has recently done some body "reconstruction" on Ric. His personal mission is to eliminate the raising of zombies as laborers or CinSims. One of his newest weapons is his silver eye. Leonard Tallgrass is Native American and a former FBI colleague of Ric's. Dr. Helena Burnside is Ric's foster mother and psychic to boot. She's also an attorney with the U.S. Attorney General's office in D.C. Ben Hassard is the mind behind Emerald City.
Hector Nightwine is Delilah's landlord and one of the Vegas heavyweights for whom she consults. His butler, Godfrey, is a CinSim from My Man, Godfrey and takes excellent and somewhat fatherly care of Delilah. Howard Hughes (billionaire-turned-vampire) is another of her clients; he seems to own a lot more of Vegas than anyone suspects. Shezmou (see Vampire Sunrise ) is both the Lord of the Slaughter and wine god in Egyptian mythology. Now that Delilah's brought him to life, he's opening his own shop in Vegas with Delilah as his partner. Cesar Cicereau is a werewolf mob boss who owns the Gehenna Hotel and is a reluctant client of hers. Sansouci is a daytime-walking vampire held hostage by and working for Cicereau. He keeps a stable of women from whom he "sips" although he claims he would give them all up for Delilah.
Snow, a.k.a., Cocaine (of the rock band Seven Deadly Sins), a.k.a., Christophe (owner of the Inferno Hotel) has a rather proprietary interest in Delilah. He's also willing to do quite a lot for an uncut, original version of the vintage film Metropolis. Grizelle is Snow's shape-shifting security chief who turns into a white tiger. She doesn't like Delilah much.
Sheena Coleman is the wicked weather witch from WTCH-TV in Kansas who called up the tornado that drove Delilah out of Kansas (any relationship to The Wizard of Oz is likely intended). Undead Ted Brinkman is the anchorman/vampire Sheena wanted and didn't want Delilah to have. Too bad Sheena didn't realize Delilah was totally not interested… Eddie Anderson is a cameraman at the station and a friend of Delilah's.
Lili West is Caressa Teagarden's twin living in the exclusive Sunset City retirement neighborhood in Wichita. Mrs. Haliburton was in charge of group homes in Wichita when Delilah was young. Our Lady of the Lake convent school for which Delilah had a scholarship. Mother Superior Ermengarde Wallace is the academic dean for the school; Delilah knew her as Sister Regina Caeli. Dr. Youmans is the doctor the group home insisted Delilah visit. El Demonio Torbellino, Ric's former "owner", is expanding his field of operations.
The Immortality Mob resurrects the dead and imprints black-and-white filmscreen actors onto the zombies.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a surprised Delilah strutting against a lightning-green sky with a blurry skull in place of the moon — makes me think of the wizard's projected head in the Judy Garland version of The Wizard of Oz. Her silver familiar is twining its way up both her forearms and she's carrying her own sword. The so-slinky, form-fitting green gown is compliments of the "Emerald City Dorothy spa option".
The title is a portent of things to come when Maria, the Silver Zombie, from Metropolis steps off the screen. And, as the previous books have been, the name of a drink invented by Delilah.
January 31, 2011
Yes, it's now April and I'm still reading this book. There are two things to blame for this. First, I'm a college student, and I'm really busy with classes, which leaves little time to actually read. Second, it's a good book, but I'm not being dragged into it.
I think my main issue is that I haven't read the previous books in the series, so I'm feeling a little sideswiped as I read Silver Zombie. A lot of the world in this book's universe is overwhelming for me as a reader because I don't know what's going on.
That's not to say that Carole Nelson Douglas isn't a wonderful writer, as she is and I've enjoyed a few of her other books in the past, but this one just isn't doing it for me. It feels a little too convoluted.
I did enjoy the book, but I do not feel any need to go back and read the previous books in this series.
I think my main issue is that I haven't read the previous books in the series, so I'm feeling a little sideswiped as I read Silver Zombie. A lot of the world in this book's universe is overwhelming for me as a reader because I don't know what's going on.
That's not to say that Carole Nelson Douglas isn't a wonderful writer, as she is and I've enjoyed a few of her other books in the past, but this one just isn't doing it for me. It feels a little too convoluted.
I did enjoy the book, but I do not feel any need to go back and read the previous books in this series.
July 25, 2011
(May contain spoilers!)
Cover: VERY Nicely done photo style cover that is reminiscent of a scene in the book. Call me a marketing sucker, but I have to admit, the cover and the name made me pick up this book.
First off, I’d like to mention that reviews above that Amazon notated from RT magazine and Bitten by Books are really good. (making a face here) Me, not so much. I love me a paranormal/fantasy book that delves into new ideas, but I couldn’t say the same as the two quoted reviewers.
Ms. Nelson has some really good scenes, unfortunately, they felt scattered until the last tenth of the book. Nothing seemed to tie in together. In the first five chapters, she attempts to tie in with the first 4 books of this series. I was all set for werewolves, vampires, and ancient gods as she wanders around town poking her nose into different situations. Then suddenly, in Chapter 5 the heroine packs her bags and heads out of town. All the introduced characters were never to be heard from again. After that, we weren’t introduced to the new cast until Chapter 9. Then, the real story began.
Another issue the story has is the character grounding. I didn’t feel as though I was introduced to all the main players well enough in the story. I imagine that if I’d read the previous three books, I’d have a better grasp. For example. The dog is a super intelligent paranormal creature in his own right, however, we have no background info on him. The reader just picks up that the heroine accepts the dog’s abilities without question and doesn’t really offer any explanation of his abilities. As a dog lover myself, I’ll blindly accept my pets’ oddities. However, when they do display some above average abilities, I go out of my way to question and study it. (Another side story all together, lol. But my friends have been subjected numerous times to my yorkie-poo’s ‘amazing counting ability’ and the story behind it. As well as my poodle’s strange aversion to being ‘naked’, aka: shirtless.) There are other issues of the characters not being grounded well, but I’m not going to go into it all.
Random plot jumps or developments. Another thing I found odd was the heroine’s rather odd plot revelations or jumps. In one instance, she has a random scrying of a person she’s apparently been trying to find for several books. (A new ability? Her imagination? Psychotic break?) As a reader who had not read the previous books, I did not understand where this came from nor was it explained. It was simply a device that prodded the heroine to make some important deductions. The incident wasn’t really referred back to later. There was also a random character that dropped in to help the heroine through a difficult time. This character wasn’t really referenced but confused me as she was introduced as the hero’s foster mother. When given the hero’s background in the beginning of the book, this wasn’t mentioned, nor how he got from his early beginnings in Mexico to being placed with an American foster family. The idea of the Millennium Revelation (her way of bringing out supernaturals into mainstream.) was not really explained very well. I got the gist of vampires and werewolves and other stuff coming out, but never the why’s and how it affected society as a whole. How it affected the US’s child services system and the heroine personally, but otherwise, I was clueless as to the workings of this pivotal event. I did think the idea was cool though.
Her grammar structure got pretty flowery at times with references that didn’t make sense to me.
I had more rants for this particular book (my family and friends finally told me to shut up and put the book down. One friend said to get it out of my system with a review.)
My personal opinion on the whole Wizard of Oz theme is to shrug. It’s a good theme. I loved her take on zombies and the intriguing aspect of using them as blank clones for old black and white film characters. The author has a LOT of wonderful ideas overall, I just felt they weren’t explored enough and she might have tried to introduce too much of her previous books into this one. For the majority of the book, I was lost. In order to understand everything, I had would have to read the other books and would suggest those new to the series read books one-three before you take on this story. Bear in mind that this is all opinion and has nothing to do with the author, who I imagine has some really great reads out there. I probably WILL go out and get the first book and give her another chance.
Cover: VERY Nicely done photo style cover that is reminiscent of a scene in the book. Call me a marketing sucker, but I have to admit, the cover and the name made me pick up this book.
First off, I’d like to mention that reviews above that Amazon notated from RT magazine and Bitten by Books are really good. (making a face here) Me, not so much. I love me a paranormal/fantasy book that delves into new ideas, but I couldn’t say the same as the two quoted reviewers.
Ms. Nelson has some really good scenes, unfortunately, they felt scattered until the last tenth of the book. Nothing seemed to tie in together. In the first five chapters, she attempts to tie in with the first 4 books of this series. I was all set for werewolves, vampires, and ancient gods as she wanders around town poking her nose into different situations. Then suddenly, in Chapter 5 the heroine packs her bags and heads out of town. All the introduced characters were never to be heard from again. After that, we weren’t introduced to the new cast until Chapter 9. Then, the real story began.
Another issue the story has is the character grounding. I didn’t feel as though I was introduced to all the main players well enough in the story. I imagine that if I’d read the previous three books, I’d have a better grasp. For example. The dog is a super intelligent paranormal creature in his own right, however, we have no background info on him. The reader just picks up that the heroine accepts the dog’s abilities without question and doesn’t really offer any explanation of his abilities. As a dog lover myself, I’ll blindly accept my pets’ oddities. However, when they do display some above average abilities, I go out of my way to question and study it. (Another side story all together, lol. But my friends have been subjected numerous times to my yorkie-poo’s ‘amazing counting ability’ and the story behind it. As well as my poodle’s strange aversion to being ‘naked’, aka: shirtless.) There are other issues of the characters not being grounded well, but I’m not going to go into it all.
Random plot jumps or developments. Another thing I found odd was the heroine’s rather odd plot revelations or jumps. In one instance, she has a random scrying of a person she’s apparently been trying to find for several books. (A new ability? Her imagination? Psychotic break?) As a reader who had not read the previous books, I did not understand where this came from nor was it explained. It was simply a device that prodded the heroine to make some important deductions. The incident wasn’t really referred back to later. There was also a random character that dropped in to help the heroine through a difficult time. This character wasn’t really referenced but confused me as she was introduced as the hero’s foster mother. When given the hero’s background in the beginning of the book, this wasn’t mentioned, nor how he got from his early beginnings in Mexico to being placed with an American foster family. The idea of the Millennium Revelation (her way of bringing out supernaturals into mainstream.) was not really explained very well. I got the gist of vampires and werewolves and other stuff coming out, but never the why’s and how it affected society as a whole. How it affected the US’s child services system and the heroine personally, but otherwise, I was clueless as to the workings of this pivotal event. I did think the idea was cool though.
Her grammar structure got pretty flowery at times with references that didn’t make sense to me.
I had more rants for this particular book (my family and friends finally told me to shut up and put the book down. One friend said to get it out of my system with a review.)
My personal opinion on the whole Wizard of Oz theme is to shrug. It’s a good theme. I loved her take on zombies and the intriguing aspect of using them as blank clones for old black and white film characters. The author has a LOT of wonderful ideas overall, I just felt they weren’t explored enough and she might have tried to introduce too much of her previous books into this one. For the majority of the book, I was lost. In order to understand everything, I had would have to read the other books and would suggest those new to the series read books one-three before you take on this story. Bear in mind that this is all opinion and has nothing to do with the author, who I imagine has some really great reads out there. I probably WILL go out and get the first book and give her another chance.
June 7, 2010
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/03/rev...
I actually gave this a 2.5.
Delilah Street has found herself in a bit of trouble as Sin City’s vampire and werewolf mobs are ready to cash out her chips once and for all. So Delilah, along with her lover Ric Montoya and her werehound Quicksilver, decides that a trip back home to Kansas is just what she needs. But following the yellow brick road leads Delilah into more then she bargained for as she encounters zombie cowboys, witchy weather girls, and her mirror image who holds the key to Delilah’s unknown past.
This is my first time reading the Delilah Street series. I read a novella, Bogieman, in the anthology Unusual Suspects. I found it to be engaging and well written so I decided to try my hand at a full length Delilah Street novel. I will offer the warning that these are NOT stand alones. The characters and situations carry from one book to the other with hardly any background information to allow you to catch up. I found myself having to read spoiler reviews of earlier books to understand certain parts of the story. Once I understood the basics, I found myself able to follow along.
Silver Zombie revolves around Delilah Street and Ric Montoya and their relationship. You do not get a lot of interaction with the paranormal shysters of Sin City. The first half of this story was confusing and slow starting. The dialogue between Delilah and Ric is full of hidden innuendos and abstract in it’s delivery so it’s hard to understand what they are getting at. Their road trip was is long and since we aren’t given many clues to what we are doing, it dragged the story line down.
Plus, I do not understand the constant references to Delilah being black Irish. We are forever hearing she has pale skin, blue eyes, and black hair. While I enjoy the use of a good adjective as much as anyone else, I got a narcissistic feeling from Delilah as she assures me over and over that her luminous pale skin, luscious ruby red lips, and black radiant hair attracted everyone to her and resulted in her bad childhood. Ok. I got it.
Once we stop hearing so much about Delilah’s awesome physical attributes, I began to enjoy her sassy wit and snarky dialogue. Intelligent and courageous, I was surprised at how young and vulnerable she sounded in here. When I read the novella, her voice and actions gave rise to someone much older.
Ric Montoya, Delilah’s lover, is a Latin heartthrob (author’s words not mine) that seems perfect for Delilah. Too perfect. In the last book, Delilah saves Ric’s life and has indebted herself to paranormal Vegas rock star and major power player Christopher Snow.
Delilah and Ric blend well together and while I felt some chemistry between them; I sensed deeper passion and sexual tension between her and Snow. I also found it strange that the small sexual interaction between Delilah and Snow was more descriptive then any of the ones between her and Ric.
In the second half of the book everything seems to settle down a bit and we get a better organized storyline to follow. Multiple sub plots led us on a merry and interesting journey but I did feel that Delilah’s personal story (in which she finally discovers the secret of her past) over whelms the the other story lines.
The history and references to the old classic movies and stars of Hollywood is interesting. I found the the CinSims, zombies reanimated into old stars from the past, to be quite ingenious but I would like to know the mechanics behind it.
The ending was rushed and anti climatic. I liked the Wizard of Oz play, but based on previous books, I expected a little more action and arse kicking. The most exciting part of the book for me was Delilah’s and Snow’s scenes. We are given a few interesting insights to Ric and Delilah’s paranormal powers that if explored and presented right could really take this series to a new level.
All in all an ok read, but the erratic storyline and the overplaying of Delilah’s attributes didn’t endear the book to me.
Rating: C-
I actually gave this a 2.5.
Delilah Street has found herself in a bit of trouble as Sin City’s vampire and werewolf mobs are ready to cash out her chips once and for all. So Delilah, along with her lover Ric Montoya and her werehound Quicksilver, decides that a trip back home to Kansas is just what she needs. But following the yellow brick road leads Delilah into more then she bargained for as she encounters zombie cowboys, witchy weather girls, and her mirror image who holds the key to Delilah’s unknown past.
This is my first time reading the Delilah Street series. I read a novella, Bogieman, in the anthology Unusual Suspects. I found it to be engaging and well written so I decided to try my hand at a full length Delilah Street novel. I will offer the warning that these are NOT stand alones. The characters and situations carry from one book to the other with hardly any background information to allow you to catch up. I found myself having to read spoiler reviews of earlier books to understand certain parts of the story. Once I understood the basics, I found myself able to follow along.
Silver Zombie revolves around Delilah Street and Ric Montoya and their relationship. You do not get a lot of interaction with the paranormal shysters of Sin City. The first half of this story was confusing and slow starting. The dialogue between Delilah and Ric is full of hidden innuendos and abstract in it’s delivery so it’s hard to understand what they are getting at. Their road trip was is long and since we aren’t given many clues to what we are doing, it dragged the story line down.
Plus, I do not understand the constant references to Delilah being black Irish. We are forever hearing she has pale skin, blue eyes, and black hair. While I enjoy the use of a good adjective as much as anyone else, I got a narcissistic feeling from Delilah as she assures me over and over that her luminous pale skin, luscious ruby red lips, and black radiant hair attracted everyone to her and resulted in her bad childhood. Ok. I got it.
Once we stop hearing so much about Delilah’s awesome physical attributes, I began to enjoy her sassy wit and snarky dialogue. Intelligent and courageous, I was surprised at how young and vulnerable she sounded in here. When I read the novella, her voice and actions gave rise to someone much older.
Ric Montoya, Delilah’s lover, is a Latin heartthrob (author’s words not mine) that seems perfect for Delilah. Too perfect. In the last book, Delilah saves Ric’s life and has indebted herself to paranormal Vegas rock star and major power player Christopher Snow.
Delilah and Ric blend well together and while I felt some chemistry between them; I sensed deeper passion and sexual tension between her and Snow. I also found it strange that the small sexual interaction between Delilah and Snow was more descriptive then any of the ones between her and Ric.
In the second half of the book everything seems to settle down a bit and we get a better organized storyline to follow. Multiple sub plots led us on a merry and interesting journey but I did feel that Delilah’s personal story (in which she finally discovers the secret of her past) over whelms the the other story lines.
The history and references to the old classic movies and stars of Hollywood is interesting. I found the the CinSims, zombies reanimated into old stars from the past, to be quite ingenious but I would like to know the mechanics behind it.
The ending was rushed and anti climatic. I liked the Wizard of Oz play, but based on previous books, I expected a little more action and arse kicking. The most exciting part of the book for me was Delilah’s and Snow’s scenes. We are given a few interesting insights to Ric and Delilah’s paranormal powers that if explored and presented right could really take this series to a new level.
All in all an ok read, but the erratic storyline and the overplaying of Delilah’s attributes didn’t endear the book to me.
Rating: C-
June 3, 2012
Silver Zombie: Delilah Street: Paranormal Investigator
Silver Zombie takes Delilah Street back to Kansas where she discovers some of the secrets of her past with the help of her boyfriend Ric and his formidable mother, Helena Troy. (Douglas has a penchant for “clever” names.) She also ends up tangling with her weather-witch nemesis and dangerous figures from Ric’s past. She also has to deal with the developments and transformations that had taken place in Vampire Sunrise (and so does Ric, for that matter).
This is another fast paced book that throws a lot of details out at high velocity.Delilah (and her imaginary friend Irma’s) forties-era detective story banter is still a rough fit for the subject matter, which delves into situations involving sexual abuse, assault, and medical malpractice of a very extreme and horrifying variety. Some of the scenes involved are “triggering” and extremely horrifying.
There are also some questionable moments featuring Native American character stereotypes, and some painfully embarrassing “Latin Lover” tropes. (I had to put down the book because I was embarrassed for the characters.) I think they are intended to be played for humor aspects, but they tend to fall flat given the other darker themes in the story.
In this book, we get more information on the mysterious Lilith. (The look alike whose on-screen autopsy led Delilah to Vegas on her initial quest to find out about her in the first place.) Some of the information comes from detective work on the part of Ric, Delilah and eventually Ric’s foster mother, and some of it is word from the horse’s mouth. It turns out that somehow, in some way Lilith…is actually Delilah. How this works is not explained as yet, but it isimplied that this is another secret ability of Delilah’s, and it is the magical version of Dissociative Identity Disorder as a result of some severe trauma.
Iliked this book over all, aside from some questionable situations involving Delilah and her relationship with Snow, and her relationship with Ric. (Delilah tends to be more than a little dishonest in her interactions, and I find that to be an extreme turn-off in a character.) There were also some questionable situations between Delilah and Ric’s foster mother, but this hovered in the realms of “I am not sure this is a valid treatment plan for a young woman who is the survivor of extreme abuse.” The questionable situation centered on the confrontation between a doctor who had illegally and unethically performed a specific medical procedure on Delilah when she was twelve years old. Helena Troy uses a post-Millennium talent to interrogate the doctor who had performed the procedure–while Delilah was present. The only thing that made the scene endurable was in-story objections from Ric.
Despite the various caveats, I did enjoy reading the book, and recommend it for anyone following the series.
Specialnote: Has anyone actually tried any of the mixed drink recipes? How did theytaste?
Specialnote two: I actually have no familiarity with mixed drinks.
Silver Zombie takes Delilah Street back to Kansas where she discovers some of the secrets of her past with the help of her boyfriend Ric and his formidable mother, Helena Troy. (Douglas has a penchant for “clever” names.) She also ends up tangling with her weather-witch nemesis and dangerous figures from Ric’s past. She also has to deal with the developments and transformations that had taken place in Vampire Sunrise (and so does Ric, for that matter).
This is another fast paced book that throws a lot of details out at high velocity.Delilah (and her imaginary friend Irma’s) forties-era detective story banter is still a rough fit for the subject matter, which delves into situations involving sexual abuse, assault, and medical malpractice of a very extreme and horrifying variety. Some of the scenes involved are “triggering” and extremely horrifying.
There are also some questionable moments featuring Native American character stereotypes, and some painfully embarrassing “Latin Lover” tropes. (I had to put down the book because I was embarrassed for the characters.) I think they are intended to be played for humor aspects, but they tend to fall flat given the other darker themes in the story.
In this book, we get more information on the mysterious Lilith. (The look alike whose on-screen autopsy led Delilah to Vegas on her initial quest to find out about her in the first place.) Some of the information comes from detective work on the part of Ric, Delilah and eventually Ric’s foster mother, and some of it is word from the horse’s mouth. It turns out that somehow, in some way Lilith…is actually Delilah. How this works is not explained as yet, but it isimplied that this is another secret ability of Delilah’s, and it is the magical version of Dissociative Identity Disorder as a result of some severe trauma.
Iliked this book over all, aside from some questionable situations involving Delilah and her relationship with Snow, and her relationship with Ric. (Delilah tends to be more than a little dishonest in her interactions, and I find that to be an extreme turn-off in a character.) There were also some questionable situations between Delilah and Ric’s foster mother, but this hovered in the realms of “I am not sure this is a valid treatment plan for a young woman who is the survivor of extreme abuse.” The questionable situation centered on the confrontation between a doctor who had illegally and unethically performed a specific medical procedure on Delilah when she was twelve years old. Helena Troy uses a post-Millennium talent to interrogate the doctor who had performed the procedure–while Delilah was present. The only thing that made the scene endurable was in-story objections from Ric.
Despite the various caveats, I did enjoy reading the book, and recommend it for anyone following the series.
Specialnote: Has anyone actually tried any of the mixed drink recipes? How did theytaste?
Specialnote two: I actually have no familiarity with mixed drinks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2011
It took me a long time to get through this one. I suppose it just didn't start well for me with such a vague notion of the "Millennium Revelation" since it implies that there was a radical change that "just happened" one day with no reason why. So I would dwell on that omission and couldn't concentrate well on the story in its entirety. The errors in the book also caught my attention and distracted from the tale itself. (pg 114) "I eased Delilah behind the far side of one of the station's mobile broadcast vans." I believe it should have been Dolly (the car) not Delilah that the speaker (Delilah) was referring to in this passage. These types of mistakes always distract me from the tale and affect my perception of the story as a whole. (It's unavoidable to an individual suffering from perfectionism.)
Would I recommend this book to someone else? Probably, if they have already other any of the others in the series, but not to a series virgin. It's just harder to follow without knowing everything that has led up to this point. I will be taking a trip to the library to find the others in this series to see if reading those help at all or change my opinions of this book.
Would I recommend this book to someone else? Probably, if they have already other any of the others in the series, but not to a series virgin. It's just harder to follow without knowing everything that has led up to this point. I will be taking a trip to the library to find the others in this series to see if reading those help at all or change my opinions of this book.
Want to Read
January 31, 2011Looks good. Can’t wait to read it.
July 8, 2011
This is my favorite book in the series, so far. We learn quite a bit about Delilah's past with this visit to Kansas. Throw in an iconic 1927 film and Dorothy and Toto, and the adventure takes off.
March 18, 2011
What do the Wizard of Oz, zombies and really cool bar drinks have in common? The answer is the heroine of Silver Zombie, Delilah Street, paranormal investigator.
This is the fourth book in the series and Ms. Douglas keeps getting better and better. I think it helps to have read the previous books in the series just so a reader can understand one of the very intense and personally traumatic events that happens in this book. Ms. Street has had a severe phobia haunting her for fourteen years and it really impacts her love life. A reader finally finds out why she can’t remember a period of time in her life and it’s quite graphic. So, reader beware. I was outraged and horrified on the heroine’s behalf. I am so very glad her beau and lover was there to see her through it.
I keep finding new aspects of Ms. Street’s character that I like or am surprised by. I love her invisible internal, and sometimes I wonder if she’s truly imagined, sidekick, Irma. She reminds me of having Mae West as a conscience.
One of the reasons I adore this series so much and have been addicted is the fact that the zombies that populate the books are actually movie characters. I mean Humphrey Bogart has shown up in the past and quite a few other famous characters from the black and white movie heyday. Even Peter Lorre has been on scene. However, in Silver Zombie, Ms. Douglas has tapped into my inner sci-fi geek and it’s totally and completely amazing. If the series has any of the author’s personality in it, is has to be her love for the movies of old. There are sleights of hand references throughout that really tickled my funny bone. They are included so smoothly, so naturally that it’s a pleasure and a challenge to find them all and to wonder what I’ve missed. At this point in the series, it is something I look forward to and I find it unique, refreshing and sometimes really funny. I’m in awe at this author’s imagination.
Once the personal mystery of Delilah’s gets solved, the other exciting and very scary conflict takes center stage and the action and daring-do is nonstop. The other secondary bad guys, creatures and nefarious weather girls all amp up the ante and there’s more than lives at stake.
I have to mention Ric, her best friend, ex-FBI agent and passionate love and lover. He has changed as the series as gone on and unlike the last book where he almost ‘died’, in Silver Zombie he does something really creepy and astounding and that totally rocks on the cool meter. Then there is the other love of Delilah’s life, Quicksilver, a dog who isn’t a dog but much more with really neat puppy powers. He makes Underdog look like a wimp. I laughed out loud when he saved the day without getting electrocuted.
Another aspect of this series is Delilah’s frenemies. Snow is one of them and I can’t tell if he’s a good guy or a bad guy. I think he’s a bit of both and there are times where I wish this series could turn their relationship into a ménage because I think Snow a/k/a Christophe is a hunk. He certainly is mysterious and powerful but through Delilah’s interactions with him in the past, she and I still can’t figure out what or who he really is. But I was happy to have his character show up in Silver Zombie. He brings certain panache and certainly a heightened sexual conflict. Yes, Delilah loves Ric with all her heart but there’s just something about Snow that seduces. I love his character. I love the internal angst he brings because it’s always eyebrow raising and stimulating to my imagination.
There is no complete happily ever after to this book. It’s a continuation of a growing love between Delilah and Ric and each book has them learning new things about the other while facing foes together and they each bring out the best inside the other. It’s always hot when they find moments to celebrate their physical side and in Silver Zombie it’s no different. It’s sensual, seductive and always well written. Considering the lives they had while they were growing up, I keep thinking the other shoe is going to drop but they are getting stronger together and I could hug the author for it. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other and I immensely enjoy their relationship. Keep it coming.
Silver Zombie is part of one of the best paranormal adventure romance series out there right now. Each installment presents new and fascinating components for the heroine to explore and Ms. Douglas continues to introduce new and attention grabbing secondary characters in each book. Silver Zombie is no exception and I had a ball meeting Mr. Tallgrass. Oh, and Ric’s mom is an amazing woman. I have a healthy respect for her and the author has done a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life with vivid descriptions, dialogue and setting.
And readers get a special treat at the end of the book. If a reader thinks that Delilah’s creations are made up, they’re in for a delightful surprise.
Silver Zombie gets high marks for being successful book in a truly innovative and entertaining romantic suspense series with unique surprises around every corner. I was entertained, amused and completely satisfied with the wrap up of this current paranormal crisis. I assure fellow readers, this book is going on my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to find out what new adventures are in store for Delilah, Ric and Quicksilver.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
This is the fourth book in the series and Ms. Douglas keeps getting better and better. I think it helps to have read the previous books in the series just so a reader can understand one of the very intense and personally traumatic events that happens in this book. Ms. Street has had a severe phobia haunting her for fourteen years and it really impacts her love life. A reader finally finds out why she can’t remember a period of time in her life and it’s quite graphic. So, reader beware. I was outraged and horrified on the heroine’s behalf. I am so very glad her beau and lover was there to see her through it.
I keep finding new aspects of Ms. Street’s character that I like or am surprised by. I love her invisible internal, and sometimes I wonder if she’s truly imagined, sidekick, Irma. She reminds me of having Mae West as a conscience.
One of the reasons I adore this series so much and have been addicted is the fact that the zombies that populate the books are actually movie characters. I mean Humphrey Bogart has shown up in the past and quite a few other famous characters from the black and white movie heyday. Even Peter Lorre has been on scene. However, in Silver Zombie, Ms. Douglas has tapped into my inner sci-fi geek and it’s totally and completely amazing. If the series has any of the author’s personality in it, is has to be her love for the movies of old. There are sleights of hand references throughout that really tickled my funny bone. They are included so smoothly, so naturally that it’s a pleasure and a challenge to find them all and to wonder what I’ve missed. At this point in the series, it is something I look forward to and I find it unique, refreshing and sometimes really funny. I’m in awe at this author’s imagination.
Once the personal mystery of Delilah’s gets solved, the other exciting and very scary conflict takes center stage and the action and daring-do is nonstop. The other secondary bad guys, creatures and nefarious weather girls all amp up the ante and there’s more than lives at stake.
I have to mention Ric, her best friend, ex-FBI agent and passionate love and lover. He has changed as the series as gone on and unlike the last book where he almost ‘died’, in Silver Zombie he does something really creepy and astounding and that totally rocks on the cool meter. Then there is the other love of Delilah’s life, Quicksilver, a dog who isn’t a dog but much more with really neat puppy powers. He makes Underdog look like a wimp. I laughed out loud when he saved the day without getting electrocuted.
Another aspect of this series is Delilah’s frenemies. Snow is one of them and I can’t tell if he’s a good guy or a bad guy. I think he’s a bit of both and there are times where I wish this series could turn their relationship into a ménage because I think Snow a/k/a Christophe is a hunk. He certainly is mysterious and powerful but through Delilah’s interactions with him in the past, she and I still can’t figure out what or who he really is. But I was happy to have his character show up in Silver Zombie. He brings certain panache and certainly a heightened sexual conflict. Yes, Delilah loves Ric with all her heart but there’s just something about Snow that seduces. I love his character. I love the internal angst he brings because it’s always eyebrow raising and stimulating to my imagination.
There is no complete happily ever after to this book. It’s a continuation of a growing love between Delilah and Ric and each book has them learning new things about the other while facing foes together and they each bring out the best inside the other. It’s always hot when they find moments to celebrate their physical side and in Silver Zombie it’s no different. It’s sensual, seductive and always well written. Considering the lives they had while they were growing up, I keep thinking the other shoe is going to drop but they are getting stronger together and I could hug the author for it. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other and I immensely enjoy their relationship. Keep it coming.
Silver Zombie is part of one of the best paranormal adventure romance series out there right now. Each installment presents new and fascinating components for the heroine to explore and Ms. Douglas continues to introduce new and attention grabbing secondary characters in each book. Silver Zombie is no exception and I had a ball meeting Mr. Tallgrass. Oh, and Ric’s mom is an amazing woman. I have a healthy respect for her and the author has done a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life with vivid descriptions, dialogue and setting.
And readers get a special treat at the end of the book. If a reader thinks that Delilah’s creations are made up, they’re in for a delightful surprise.
Silver Zombie gets high marks for being successful book in a truly innovative and entertaining romantic suspense series with unique surprises around every corner. I was entertained, amused and completely satisfied with the wrap up of this current paranormal crisis. I assure fellow readers, this book is going on my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to find out what new adventures are in store for Delilah, Ric and Quicksilver.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
September 28, 2011
This one wasn't great. Fans of the series should definitely read it, there is a lot that is enjoyable about it and most of all we finally get some answers about Delilah's past, and that part is satisfying. But there was a lot that didn't work as well.
I don't mind the seriousness of the explorations of Del's past, even though that part of the book was a big change in tone for the series. I like when a series grows and the characters mature. I don't need a series to be entirely light and fluffy. But I did want the parts that were supposed to be fun to be more fun than they were. It was just a lot heavier and more ponderous than it should have been. The beginning was pretty good, it was fun to open in Vegas with the characters that I enjoy, like Grizelle and Sansouci. There was humor in those scenes at least. And I appreciated the recap at the beginning since it had been a while since I had read the last book. But even that was too much, it got belabored and overly wordy. I know, who am I to talk, right? But I'm not an author. And I don't have an editor. And then there was the issue of explaining how to pronounce things. It was annoying the first time: Chez Shez. If you have to explain the joke then it just isn't worth it. But after the third time that she explained how to pronounce something it was just insulting. But once Del and Ric left Vegas things just went wrong.
The road trip was pretty much a disaster, not just for Del and Ric. It was boring to read. The encounters they had with various zombies just felt random and uninteresting. And then when they got to Kansas it continued to go wrong. The explorations of Del's past were interesting and felt appropriate to the story. But everything else was too coincidental and felt awkward and wrong. It just didn't make sense that Snow would end up there. It didn't make sense that a major piece of Ric's past would end up there. My willing suspense of disbelief doesn't stretch far enough to include even one of those major situations must less both. And then some stuff from Del's past and the reason she had to leave Kansas got wrapped in, making it even more unbelievable. Plus it was confusing and messy. And then in the end it got even more dumb when Ric
Plus it just wasn't fun! There was a little bit of flirtation with Snow, but it went too far to be comfortable for me to be happy with it, it felt like cheating on Ric that Delilah initiated. The excuse of wanting to heal his wounds with her magic kisses just isn't good enough. I'm all for woman's lib and having the ability to make choices about your sexuality, but when you're in a relationship and your boyfriend is as loyal and loving as Ric is, well, it was skeevy. You have to read the scene for yourself and see. Anyway, as for fun, there was a little bit with the Oz CinSims, a lot with Quicksilver the dog, and some very interesting stuff with the Silver Zombie and where it came from, but really not much else. What I always loved about the series in the past was the light banter, the fun historical and movie references, the humor and wit, and action, and it just wasn't here. It felt very forced and just off this time. Again, if you're already a fan of the series, you'll want to read it and you won't hate it, but if you're new to the series start at the beginning (and don't be discouraged by this review). I think the road trip and the desire to explore Delilah's past in her home town just threw the author majorly off her game. I'm hoping that being back in Vegas for next book will restore her mojo.
I don't mind the seriousness of the explorations of Del's past, even though that part of the book was a big change in tone for the series. I like when a series grows and the characters mature. I don't need a series to be entirely light and fluffy. But I did want the parts that were supposed to be fun to be more fun than they were. It was just a lot heavier and more ponderous than it should have been. The beginning was pretty good, it was fun to open in Vegas with the characters that I enjoy, like Grizelle and Sansouci. There was humor in those scenes at least. And I appreciated the recap at the beginning since it had been a while since I had read the last book. But even that was too much, it got belabored and overly wordy. I know, who am I to talk, right? But I'm not an author. And I don't have an editor. And then there was the issue of explaining how to pronounce things. It was annoying the first time: Chez Shez. If you have to explain the joke then it just isn't worth it. But after the third time that she explained how to pronounce something it was just insulting. But once Del and Ric left Vegas things just went wrong.
The road trip was pretty much a disaster, not just for Del and Ric. It was boring to read. The encounters they had with various zombies just felt random and uninteresting. And then when they got to Kansas it continued to go wrong. The explorations of Del's past were interesting and felt appropriate to the story. But everything else was too coincidental and felt awkward and wrong. It just didn't make sense that Snow would end up there. It didn't make sense that a major piece of Ric's past would end up there. My willing suspense of disbelief doesn't stretch far enough to include even one of those major situations must less both. And then some stuff from Del's past and the reason she had to leave Kansas got wrapped in, making it even more unbelievable. Plus it was confusing and messy. And then in the end it got even more dumb when Ric
Plus it just wasn't fun! There was a little bit of flirtation with Snow, but it went too far to be comfortable for me to be happy with it, it felt like cheating on Ric that Delilah initiated. The excuse of wanting to heal his wounds with her magic kisses just isn't good enough. I'm all for woman's lib and having the ability to make choices about your sexuality, but when you're in a relationship and your boyfriend is as loyal and loving as Ric is, well, it was skeevy. You have to read the scene for yourself and see. Anyway, as for fun, there was a little bit with the Oz CinSims, a lot with Quicksilver the dog, and some very interesting stuff with the Silver Zombie and where it came from, but really not much else. What I always loved about the series in the past was the light banter, the fun historical and movie references, the humor and wit, and action, and it just wasn't here. It felt very forced and just off this time. Again, if you're already a fan of the series, you'll want to read it and you won't hate it, but if you're new to the series start at the beginning (and don't be discouraged by this review). I think the road trip and the desire to explore Delilah's past in her home town just threw the author majorly off her game. I'm hoping that being back in Vegas for next book will restore her mojo.
January 13, 2011
Silver Zombie by Carole Nelson Douglas
Paranormal Romance –Nov. 30th, 2010
4 stars
Delilah Street is a paranormal investigator that resides in Las Vegas. She has dealt with her fair share of vampires and werewolves. But now she has a big problem - an undead zombie celebrity named Lilith Quince who looks exactly like Delilah. To solve the mystery, Delilah has to travel to Wichita, Kansas, the city where she was from to find out more about her past and her connection to Lilith Quince. In tow are her loyal wolfhound Quicksilver and her sexy boyfriend Ric Montoya.
Do not attempt to read this book without reading the previous three books. Due to the large cast and rich background, if you (like me) have not read the series before, this book may seem overwhelming and a bit confusing. After a few re-caps from various websites, I was able to understand this book and appreciate the story. Delilah is a witty character with a distinctive voice that keeps the book entertaining. Ric seems a little too perfect for me, but he’s okay. The main draw is definitely Delilah. Her constant bantering with Ric and her inner monologues definitely liven up this book.
This is a fun, zombie filled romp with an engaging main character. If you are a fan of urban fantasy with a wicked humor, you should definitely check this book out.
Reviewed by Pauline from Bookaholics Romance Club
Paranormal Romance –Nov. 30th, 2010
4 stars
Delilah Street is a paranormal investigator that resides in Las Vegas. She has dealt with her fair share of vampires and werewolves. But now she has a big problem - an undead zombie celebrity named Lilith Quince who looks exactly like Delilah. To solve the mystery, Delilah has to travel to Wichita, Kansas, the city where she was from to find out more about her past and her connection to Lilith Quince. In tow are her loyal wolfhound Quicksilver and her sexy boyfriend Ric Montoya.
Do not attempt to read this book without reading the previous three books. Due to the large cast and rich background, if you (like me) have not read the series before, this book may seem overwhelming and a bit confusing. After a few re-caps from various websites, I was able to understand this book and appreciate the story. Delilah is a witty character with a distinctive voice that keeps the book entertaining. Ric seems a little too perfect for me, but he’s okay. The main draw is definitely Delilah. Her constant bantering with Ric and her inner monologues definitely liven up this book.
This is a fun, zombie filled romp with an engaging main character. If you are a fan of urban fantasy with a wicked humor, you should definitely check this book out.
Reviewed by Pauline from Bookaholics Romance Club
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April 1, 2012This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.
I'm afraid that Silver Zombie was a did not finish (DNF) for me. It was a DNF for many reasons, but mainly because it doesn't work as a stand-alone novel. I should have known better, especially after resolving not to read books out of order. It was a decision I made for a reason. There isn't any way I can Silver Zombie give it a fair chance without reading all the other books first. And, unfortunately, I've got too much going on at the moment to do this, so it's going to have to go back in the TBR pile.
There was too much going on in the first few chapters of the books that I wasn't able to follow. It was all very bewildering and too often I found myself thinking the ubiquitous "Whaaa?" I want to be clear, though: Silver Zombie was a DNF for me not because of the quality of the book. I guess you could say I'm recusing myself on account of ignorance.
I'm afraid that Silver Zombie was a did not finish (DNF) for me. It was a DNF for many reasons, but mainly because it doesn't work as a stand-alone novel. I should have known better, especially after resolving not to read books out of order. It was a decision I made for a reason. There isn't any way I can Silver Zombie give it a fair chance without reading all the other books first. And, unfortunately, I've got too much going on at the moment to do this, so it's going to have to go back in the TBR pile.
There was too much going on in the first few chapters of the books that I wasn't able to follow. It was all very bewildering and too often I found myself thinking the ubiquitous "Whaaa?" I want to be clear, though: Silver Zombie was a DNF for me not because of the quality of the book. I guess you could say I'm recusing myself on account of ignorance.
May 7, 2013
Another one where I inadvertently jumped into the middle of a series due to not checking inside the front cover before dumping it in my basket at my local library. Sigh. At least this one included an introduction to the main character at the start, so it's already ahead of Devil's Punch!
Still, I struggled with this at times. Not because of the writing or the characters or anything like that. But because I missed out on all the world building, and was constantly trying to glean the events of the previous books and how they all fitted together here.
It was a little more chick-lit-y than I like my urban fantasy books, with some elements of a love triangle and pretty regular sexytimes. But there were entertaining elements, and a truly fantastic dog. So if I find the earlier books in the series at the library, I'll probably pick them up and see if things make more sense once I've got the backstory to help me!
Still, I struggled with this at times. Not because of the writing or the characters or anything like that. But because I missed out on all the world building, and was constantly trying to glean the events of the previous books and how they all fitted together here.
It was a little more chick-lit-y than I like my urban fantasy books, with some elements of a love triangle and pretty regular sexytimes. But there were entertaining elements, and a truly fantastic dog. So if I find the earlier books in the series at the library, I'll probably pick them up and see if things make more sense once I've got the backstory to help me!
January 17, 2011
This is the fourth book in the Delilah Street Mystery series. Del is finally going to face her past and go back to Wichita Kansas to face her demons. On this road trip with her are her boyfriend Ric and Quicksilver the wonder hound.
Ric has arranged for one of his friends (also a former FBI agent)to meet them and help Del trace her roots as far as she can. Del runs into problems from day one. Between being pissed off by the Wichita Child Services in the form of a Mrs. Haliburton. This book is very multi plotted with at least 3 sub plots in constant play. It will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
Carole Nelson Douglas has created an Urban World where you are drawn so deeply into it, you are surprised when you're done that your own world is not as interesting.
Ric has arranged for one of his friends (also a former FBI agent)to meet them and help Del trace her roots as far as she can. Del runs into problems from day one. Between being pissed off by the Wichita Child Services in the form of a Mrs. Haliburton. This book is very multi plotted with at least 3 sub plots in constant play. It will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
Carole Nelson Douglas has created an Urban World where you are drawn so deeply into it, you are surprised when you're done that your own world is not as interesting.
January 20, 2011
I began reading Silver Zombie expecting action and the dangerous situations that Delilah seems to keep finding herself in, but sadly was left wanting. When I reached the end of the book, I was thinking, "That's it? Where was the climatic ending, with my dose of Delilah triumph?". I guess the only triumph that can be claimed is her almost destorying a coax box, but even then Quicksilver was the ultimate savior. Either that or her little piece of dominion over Snow's body.
Out of all DSPI books, this latest one is a let down. Here's to hoping the next in the series is capable of making up for it.
Out of all DSPI books, this latest one is a let down. Here's to hoping the next in the series is capable of making up for it.
March 17, 2011
Pros:
-The second half of the book - action packed
-Scene with Snow
-Finally some resolution with Delilahs' nightmares
Cons:
-First half of the book - slow compared to the others in the series
-Editing could have been a bit better
-Flowery language that I mostly just skipped over
I'll read the next book in the series and hopefully it'll follow the lines of the earlier with more action, more editing and more romantic triangles (or quads?). I like Delilah's character but does she have multiple personalities and why hasn't she shared this with Ric (since he hears everything else)? It seems like this book was just sort of a meh for the author as well, at least in some parts.
-The second half of the book - action packed
-Scene with Snow
-Finally some resolution with Delilahs' nightmares
Cons:
-First half of the book - slow compared to the others in the series
-Editing could have been a bit better
-Flowery language that I mostly just skipped over
I'll read the next book in the series and hopefully it'll follow the lines of the earlier with more action, more editing and more romantic triangles (or quads?). I like Delilah's character but does she have multiple personalities and why hasn't she shared this with Ric (since he hears everything else)? It seems like this book was just sort of a meh for the author as well, at least in some parts.
March 10, 2011
This is the second Delilah Street book that I've had trouble really sinking my teeth into lately. I've really thought about dropping this series--then Carole Nelson Douglas wrote a drool-worthy scene featuring my favorite character Snow. Maybe I'll stick around for awhile more...
Read this one at your own risk. The plot just didn't keep my interest. The only thing I can say for certain is that maybe I should consider joining Delilah's Snow addicts self-help group!
Read this one at your own risk. The plot just didn't keep my interest. The only thing I can say for certain is that maybe I should consider joining Delilah's Snow addicts self-help group!
September 25, 2010
Better than the last. It's nice to find out why Delilah has her back phobia. Not nice what happened though. Also good to return to Kansas to put some things behind her. I enjoyed the Wizard of Oz CinSims and learning about the Metropolis movie.
January 14, 2011
I really enjoy Carole's paranormal series and I'm totally in awe of her imagination and writing skills! This is 4th in the series and covers some pretty heavy ground but it's a great story and I'm looking forward to more.
Currently Reading
January 27, 2011I have won this book from Goodreads!
Much thanks to Goodreads (and the author/publisher) for giving me a chance to read & review this book!
As soon as my book arrives I'll read it and let you know what I think.
Much thanks to Goodreads (and the author/publisher) for giving me a chance to read & review this book!
As soon as my book arrives I'll read it and let you know what I think.
July 30, 2010
pretty good, if a bit wordy. i didn't enjoy this as much as the first three books in the series. but i'll definitely pick up any of the continuing series.
December 3, 2010
Liked it a lot but sometimes I got a little confused about what what happening.
Want to Read
January 29, 2011This looks like it will be a great book to read.
Want to Read
January 29, 2011Looks like a good book.
April 15, 2011
Another great addition to the series. I hope Ms Douglas keeps 'em coming!
March 3, 2012
Overall I enjoyed the book. I really like her dog.However the whole book felt jumbled and without a resolution
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June 7, 2013Love this series.
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