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Kali James #2

Threading the Bones

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Necromancer Lesson #1: Never step into a summoning circle with a goat shifter and a candle.

I’m a costume shop owner, not a demon hunter. My life was supposed to be filled with tequila shots and vintage clothing.

But when I accidentally unleash a demon on Kansas City, the Tribunal labels me a walking menace. Then, they give me a two-week ultimatum—send him back to hell or face the consequences. The only problem? I have no idea how to do that.

I’ve got a goat shifter in my corner. I also have a sexy-as-sin enforcer I need to keep at arm’s length and a necromancer offering a crash course in death magic. However, the more powerful I get, the bigger the target on my back becomes.

I’m about to find out who I can trust and who is determined to kill me.


Threading the Bones is the second book in the Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and a dose of slow-burn romance, this series is for you.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2022

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286 people want to read

About the author

L.A. McBride

20 books142 followers

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5 stars
453 (49%)
4 stars
309 (33%)
3 stars
127 (13%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
1,204 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2024
While out for a run with Riley, they come across a cave that was previously blocked up. Naturally they have to investigate and find the remnants of an old ritual as well as a skeleton. Deciding it’s best to leave everything alone, they block up the cave again.
Unfortunately, Kali somehow completed the ritual and a demon is loose in Kansas City. Brought before the tribunal, there are two choices – kill Kali and immediately send the demon back where it came from or for Kali to do another ritual to send it back. Obviously, she wants the second choice and is given two weeks to get it completed. But it was not an unanimous decision – the vampires want her dead. Now she has to find the ritual but no one seems to know anything about it.
Accompanied by Riley, they begin searching and questioning everywhere and everybody. As Kali does not trust Miera the only other necromancer she knows and the witches aren’t talking, this is not an easy task.
Fighting off the influence of the demon, who seems to inspire lust for Kali’s bodyguard, Craig, and also watching out for those trying to kill her makes things extremely difficult.
This book has action, humour (a drunken goat shifter attacking Max is especially good), suspense, mystery, surprises and some romance.
This is another great book and well worth reading, as are all of L A McBride’s books.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,784 reviews20 followers
August 12, 2022
Good

Kali is beginning to come to terms with her identity as a necromancer, not that it means she’s willing to learn how to control her power.
When she and her goat-shifter friend Riley stumble across the site of a ritual circle, they inadvertently free a demon on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Kansas City.
Now Kali has two weeks to fix her mistake- which means she has to learn a lot more about her abilities than she had planned.

This book had me laughing out loud at times, and the star of the show was undoubtedly Riley! I’m really hoping she gets her own books, because she is definitely a goat in human form… that is to say chaotic. That being said, the four older witches definitely give her a run for the money.
Kali learns a little more about her Necromancer abilities, and even some about her heritage. There are almost as many unanswered questions as there were before, however this time we have had a few answers.
The slow-burn romance continues- slowly, but we get to know a little about Craig too.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and funny read that I’d happily recommend for urban fantasy enthusiasts.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.5k reviews355 followers
August 1, 2022
Kali's Difficult Task . . .

Necromancer Kali James is not a demon hunter, which is going to present a problem to her when she inadvertently sets a demon loose in Kansas City. The Tribunal is not happy. She has two weeks to send the demon back where it came from or there will be consequences.

She is gathering friends, and they are delightfully funny, but there is no way to know if they will be helpful or not in this situation. She also has not mastered her own powers yet, so cannot be sure if they will be much help to her. And as she becomes a bigger danger to others with her power growing, they become more dangerous to her. What is her next step?
Profile Image for KLynn.
1,490 reviews23 followers
October 4, 2023
2.75
This second book was plagued with the same TSTL moments the first book suffered from. Throw mind manipulation and coercion (two of my least favorite tropes) and you have this book in a nutshell. Why the three stars then you ask? I like the characters and the push and pull of the relationships. However, I know I wouldn't continue on with the series if I had anything else to read right now. Just saying.
Profile Image for Andi.
2,142 reviews
August 4, 2024
2.5 stars. This second installment was a bit of a letdown for me. I couldn’t get over my growing dislike for Kali, with her impulsiveness and immaturity in the face of some pretty dire circumstances after unexpectedly letting a demon loose into the world. But some interesting things happened, and the ending was good. I’m just going to take a break from this series for a bit before deciding if I’ll continue.
1,492 reviews86 followers
September 19, 2024
Sigh, Jack just refuses to go away,as a dead guy, wouldn't you think he'd go to wherever he's meant to go now that his murderer is exposed? Nope, Nada, no way, he has a different agenda and he's making Kali's like a living hell. But that's the least of her worries... Riley, bless her, is pretty reckless and spurs Kali into situations that are dubious at best! This supernatural world has Kali totally out of sorts, not knowing anything about it, Kali very unintentionally summoned a demon, although, in all truth, Riley should have known better, but hey, she's just so likeable, I've forgiven her. It's not like she WANTS either of them to get into any trouble, she just seems to attract it. There's definitely some deal with Riley and Volkov, everyone fears him except Riley. In fact she downright pushes his buttons! I can't wait to get to the bottom of this.

Kali is one hell of a character, I love everything about her and I really love Kali's take on accessories, weapons CAN make cool accessories, who needs earrings, bags or the like when you can adorn yourself with knives? But back to the story...it honestly clears up many unanswered questions, while at the same time revealing new ones. One thing this book did clear up is who, or better said, what Craig is, wasn't expecting that! But he's just so cool, so interesting, no matter his form. The relationship between Kali and Craig goes up a notch, very fist pumping, high five, yes evoking.

I really savoured how well written this series is so far, the mystery, the unknown and the expansion of the characters is glorious, as well as revelations being exposed in a manner that has a wonderful flow. I love the world the author has opened up to me, very easily losing myself to this captivating tale and the marvelous characters, and nd best of all, the promise of more, which I'm digging into straight away.
Profile Image for Jilleen.
Author 39 books172 followers
July 3, 2022
Oh my! Another great installment in the Kali James series! Our lovely costumer, Kali James knows what she is, but still has not mastered her powers. In her ignorance, and because her bestie is a crazy goat shifter that likes to stir things up, she accidentally frees a demon on Kansas City.

Now, she has two weeks to fix it, or her possible love interest will have to kill her to cut the demon's link to the earthly plane.

So how was it? Fantastic! The characters continue to evolve and we get to learn more about them. We get more background on Riley (the goat shifter) and her abilities. Kali learns more about herself and her own abilities, we get some great new characters (mainly four old witches who will crack you up), and learn a lot more about the old ones (you finally get to know what Craig is, and it's yummy).

The writing is paced well, the story never drags, and you can't wait to find out what happens next, all hallmarks of a great book and great series.

So, when I read a book, I use certain criteria to determine if it's good. First, was I entertained? A hearty yes! Would I read a sequel, again a resounding yes! This is a great series and a must read for all who love urban fantasy!
Profile Image for Sandy.
7 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2022
A real page-turner!

I love this book – it’s exciting, interesting, and fast-paced with great characters. We get more of Kali’s goat-shifter pal Riley – who’s hilarious – and things finally heat up between Kali and Craig. The plot is engaging and kept me guessing. After Kali accidentally releases a demon, the supernatural community gives her two weeks to fix her mistake – or face grave consequences. As she desperately tries to figure out how to bring down the powerful demon, Kali winds up befriending a cast of quirky characters that she turns to for help. A fun adventure and a fantastic follow-up to Fastening the Grave. L.A. McBride just gets better and better — I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Leigh Brooker.
207 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2024
Well what can I say.. I absolutely LOVED this second installment and when I finish a book in one day (I finished it last night) you know that book is damn good. Now after my introduction to Kali's world I couldn't wait to dive in and find out what happened next, and once again I was not disappointed. I was taken on a thrill ride that wouldn't let me go until the last page, even then I was still left with wanting more. Yep I'm hopelessly addicted to this series and I'm still kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

When Kali inadvertently unleashes a demon on Kansas City, The Tribunal gives her two weeks to fix her mistake or face the consequences. Unfortunately for her, she has no idea how to send him back. And with her power growing from her training in death magic, the demon might just be the least of her problems.

Kali is fast becoming one of my favourite female characters and I simply adore everything about her. From her new found hobby of knife throwing to her accidentally raising a demon, her awkwardness at not realising just how powerful she is makes her so damn relatable and I love her all the more because of it. And watching her grow as a character is a pure delight which has me rooting for her all the way. Of course I was ecstatic to see her relationship with Craig ramp up so my heart did quite the happy dance at that as well. I can't wait to see what she has in store for me next.

Riley who has become Kali's self appointed side kick is an absolute riot, her unpredictability and her nose for finding trouble has endeared her to me for life. And oh god how she loves to antagonize Volkov (Max) pushing his buttons into the stratosphere, appearing nonchalant while doing so is priceless. There's definitely chemistry there and one I'm already shipping hard.

And Craig the stoic enforcer of the supernatural community rocked me to my core when I found out exactly what he is. Does it change my feelings towards him, nope not a chance, in fact knowing what he is, coupled with the information that he also bakes makes him damn PERFECT in my eyes. I'm in full swoony melt down 😍

So yep, there's great character development in this one along with a uniquely fantastic take on how vampires are created ranking this book one of the best I've read this year. If you are yet to start this series do yourself a favour and pick it up today I promise you won't regret it. Totally loved it and very highly recommend 😁
Profile Image for Arabella Auberon.
387 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2022
This is a new series to me, I borrowed the first one on KU, and had to jump right into this one because holy wow, this is an awesome story! I love how Kali grows and becomes more confident and capable as the stories progress. The character dynamics are fantastic, and I am loving this new world I’ve been thrust into! I’m on the edge of my seat for the next one!!

5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.

4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.

3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.

2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.

1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
467 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2024
Really good 2nd book.

Kali James is a Necromancer, albeit untrained. She’s avoided everything connected to the dead and necromancy until very recently. The murder of a local journalist dragged her back towards ghosts. She’s been offered training but has adamantly avoided that too.

However, given all of the trouble she had since Jack (journalist) died she’s decided training to get fit and being able to fight are a priority. Who knew going jogging with your bff Riley the goat shifter could bring about so many problems? Well with Riley involved it’s probably to be expected.

Love the overall concept and for that matter most of the book too. My biggest grumble has to be all of the non help Kali received during this story. Having several Tribunal members involved and she still had to solve this problem pretty much on her own. With the only active help coming from Riley. A passing comment from Craig the Tribunal Enforcer provided accidental ass
Profile Image for Dahlia Drake.
Author 9 books46 followers
July 19, 2022
I recieved a free copy of this book for my unbiased opinion. I'd just finished the first book of the series anyway when I was offered so jumped at the chance because I liked that one so much.

This second installment did not disappoint. I enjoyed the first book but I think this was even better. We're learning more about Kali and friends, the world, Kali's past, and it's a lot. There's no data dump but you learn a good, satisfying amount of info. The writing is great, the story is tight, the characters are fun to watch and get to know. I LOVE Riley! Craig is becoming much more interesting. I'm just really looking forward to however many books about Kali are coming out. I'm rooting for her now and looking forward to seeing everything she gets up to.

100% will read the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Profile Image for Fraxinus.
252 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2022
When Kali and her friend Riley discover a cave with bones and strange markings, they accidentally end up raising a demon who reaks havok on the town and the Tribunal tells her to clean up the mess in two weeks or they will have to exorcise the demon by killing her.

I LOVED this book! I really enjoyed Kali's story. I love the idea of an untrained necromancer with excellent fashion sense traipsing around Kansas City just brings me so much joy! I loved the interplay between Riley and the paranormal universe-- she really got their goat!

As Kali and Riley try to find the ritual to send back the demon, the realize that things may not exactly be as they seem. I really appreciated the world-building the author used and am looking forward to the next installment in this fascinating saga!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Aighmi*.
543 reviews
June 29, 2023
Oh, my goodness, this book is wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series, but this one grabbed me even more deeply. What happens when impulses you already feel are amplified to a degree that can hurt everyone? Ms. McBride introduces a lot of strife, resulting in characters' growth as they face conflict, consequences of their own poor decisions, and formidable adversaries. They must come up with creative solutions in the resistant face of staunch tradition. Throughout the story, there is the deepening of relationships that help ground Kali in her sense of herself in the world she inhabits, and a deeper look into back stories, especially Riley's. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator is marvelous at bringing an added layer of reality to this urban fantasy tale.
1,934 reviews14 followers
July 25, 2022
In this second book of the series, Kali, a necromancer, is in trouble again. After she and Riley find bones in a walled up cave, they set something loose in K.C. Feeling a strong attraction to Craig, the supernatural enforcer, every time she sees him is causing upheaval in her life. Always keeping your interest, L.A. brings the mystery and supernatural to the forefront. This is so much fun with drunken goats, witch seances and spying on men in gyms. I really enjoy this series and Kali with her group of friends. Kali is a spirited, loyal and kick-ass heroine. Be ready to enjoy another adventure! I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
17 reviews
July 25, 2022
I eagerly received a free copy of this book for my unbiased opinion. I had started reading the first book in this series so was thrilled to continue the story.

The second book is a good stand alone read so you won’t be lost if you read this first.

Kali James is continuing on business as usual when she accidentally releases a demon. The supernatural community puts it on her to fix her mistake in two weeks.

Along the way, we learn more background about Kali and her friends. She makes new friends and gains insight into her powers.

I completely enjoyed this adventure and look forward to the next installment. Highly recommend!
116 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2022
Another Kali James

Ms. McBride continues the Kali James series with another round of Kansas City supernatural doings. Kali is still fighting her training in the supernatural world but her power as a necromancer inadvertently lets an evil loose in her community. The council holds her accountable and gives her two weeks to fix her mistake. The characters are fleshed out more and some are surprisingly not as likable as you thought in the first book and others are given more dimension. More of Kali’s history and family is revealed as she comes to terms with her powers and her new world. Overall a 5 star entry in an exciting new series.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,802 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2022
Threading the Bones is book #2 in the Kali James series by L.A. McBride.

Kali James owns a costume shop, but she is also a necromancer. She accidentally releases a demon. He wreaks havoc on the city and Kali has a deadline to get rid of him.

Kali’s getting to meet more individuals in the supernatural community. The hard part is figuring out who she can trust and who wants her dead. We learn more about the characters’ backgrounds and there is a lot of humor even though Kali is in a life or death situation. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,857 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2023
An excellent, new adult & college fantasy. Kali James is a necromancer who doesn't know what she's doing. When she accidentally unleashes a demon, the Tribunal gives her two weeks to dismiss it or else. The result is a madcap adventure with a bit of romance.

L.A. McBride infused this tale with urgency and drama. The characters must solve the riddle of the demon. All the while being influenced by it. Add to that unsanctioned attempts on their lives. This story has a lot of appeal.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Page-turner. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Livey.
1,395 reviews
January 14, 2025
Kali has a lot to deal with now that she and Riley have accidentally released an evil demon. Tasked by the powers that be she has now forced to train with Meira who can her with her unusual necromancy powers. Emma and Riley are also still in her corner although the heat with Craig has been missing as she is not sure how he feels about her after the fiasco with talking to ghosts. She is still heartbroken over the loss of her twin and now has to deal with the witches and vampires who are not happy that a young person of her caliber is the only one who can reverse what they released. I love the overlap of series as I read Riley’s first.
Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,818 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2025
Due to a dangerous incident, Kali must begin to work on her gifts as a necromancer to reverse the damage she has done.

With little time to train while they find the only thing that will replicate the incident, Kali must face a demon who wants to possess her, a killer determined to make her disappear, and her strong feelings for Craig, which are being manipulated. The best part is her loyal friend, Riley, along with her witch friends, who have given us lots of laughs.

This book was better than the first one, and I liked the woman Kali is becoming, who is beginning to show strength and determination, proving that she is more than worthy of the power she possesses.


Profile Image for Shantel.
43 reviews
August 15, 2022
Another MC TSTL

*Mild Spoilers* Main character is too stupid to live. In the first book I could excuse it because she was “new” to the whole magic thing. Now we have Riley and her both doing it. How could Riley, raised in the magical community, not understand she was standing near a summoning circle. It’s ridiculous. The MC’s voice is very mature, but then her actions are more like a teenager at times. I didn’t even make it halfway through this book. It’s so disappointing because we have a decent writer with a great world.
2,037 reviews27 followers
July 26, 2022
Wow, another great story with kick ass Kali and the craziness that ensues. She has a mishap to right and a short time frame, which makes for an amazing ride. Another part in this wild Urban Fantasy World! I breathed in the pages and had a great time reading. This book is Fantastic! I need More! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,814 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2022
Who would have thought it would be so easy to unleash a demon accidentally? Kali with Riley both stumble into a cave, not suspecting what might happen. I loved the mystery and action, the pieces of Kali's backstory unfolding more, and discovering more about those surrounding her. I look forward to reading more about Kali and her friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Madhellena.
632 reviews19 followers
Read
November 10, 2023
DNF at around 20%
The first book in the series was a struggle. I refuse to torture myself with a second one.
If someone discovers they have unusual powers, the only logical thing is to learn what those powers are and how the work. This dumb@ass decided to avoid any education and her chaotic friend dragged her into a huge mess. I am sorry, I have too little time to read to waste it on TSTL heroines.
Profile Image for Melody.
230 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2024
Perched at the edge of my seat, fisting my ultra-soft, comfort blanky, eyes stinging from lack of sleep... Kali's adventure is firmly threaded through my bones! It would take a strong witch to sever my attention from this McBride series.
I keep thinking the knight-in-shining-armor is going to swoop in to save the day, but Kali is a queen of badassery! I love her strengths even when I cringe at her plans of action. She certainly keeps me guessing!
73 reviews
July 18, 2022
Really loved this second book in the Kali James series. I love her relationship with goat shifter Riley, plenty of laugh out loud moments.
You get to know more about Craig and his character and I cant wait for that to evolve further.
This book definitely leaves you wanting to know more about Kali's world! I really hope we get to hear more from the 4 witches in this book, they are hilarious!!
Profile Image for Kathie.
737 reviews
July 26, 2022
I really enjoyed everything about this book: the unique and engaging plot, the smooth and steady pace, characters so craftily defined that I can easily visualize them, mature dialogue that's witty and relevant, the slow-burn romance, and the fact that the story line is wrapped up at the end of the book. I can't wait to read the next book and immerse myself in the craziness of Kali's world!
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