Darker Days by Jus Accardo

October 15th, 2013 Kimberly Review 90 Comments

15th Oct
Darker Days by Jus Accardo
Darker Days
by Jus Accardo
Series: The Darker Agency #1
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads

Jessie Darker goes to high school during the day, but at night she helps with the family investigation business. Cheating husbands and stolen inheritances? They’re your girls—but their specialty is a bit darker. Zombie in your garage? Pesky Poltergeist living in your pool? They’ll have the problem solved in a magical minute. For a nominal fee, of course...
When gorgeous new client, Lukas Scott, saunters into the office requesting their help to find a stolen box, it sounds like a simple case—until the truth comes out. The box is full of Sin.Seven deadly ones, in fact. They’ve got five days to recapture the Sins before they're recalled by the box, taking seven hijacked human bodies with them. Easy peasy—except for one thing...There’s a spell that will allow the Sins to remain free, causing chaos forever. When the key ingredient threatens the life of someone she knows, Jessie must make the ultimate choice between love and family—or lose everything.

Darker Days is the first book in the Darker Agency series by paranormal author Jus Accardo. It offers up a snarky teenage protagonist, possessed dogs, zombies and a side dish of romance that will leave you smiling. Three word review: funny, action-packed and uniquely original.

We meet protagonist Jessie Darker as she arrives at the client’s home to remove a zombie from their pool and from the very first page the tale had me in its grips. Jessie and her Mom handle cases involving paranormal activity. Imagine missing people, spell mishaps, poltergeist, and zombies in your garage. If it’s weird for a nominal fee, they will clean things up for you. When a handsome young man arrives asking for help locating a person and a stolen box the case sounds simple enough. However,things are about to get complicated. The missing box contains the seven deadly sins, and they are wreaking havoc all over town. The tale unfolds providing romance, humor and nonstop action.

Jessie Darker is anything but your typical teenager. Her mother is human and hunts paranormal activity and her father lives in the Otherworld and is a demon. Yep, things are definitely not typical at her house. Jessie is fearless, snarky and speaks a lingo all of her own. I found her to be refreshing, and her spontaneous react first, think later attitude is typical of the kick-ass heroines we love in this genre. She is a delightful blend of innocence and maturity beyond her years. The parental units are present and take an active role in Jessie’s life. We get a strong sense of who they are and I liked their interactions with Jessie. Lukas Scott is eighteen, and you could say he has old-fashion values. He carries around some guilty which makes him vulnerable and you immediately connect with this swoon-worthy young man. Other characters and sins help round out the castas they made me laugh and get caught up in the action.

Darker Days was fresh, fun, and had a well-developed story-line. The Darker Detective Agency and unique characters quickly drew me into the story. The pacing and Accardo’s descriptive, easy-going writing style,allowed me to slip into the tale. The main case involving the Seven Deadly Sins provides the reader with heart racing scenes wrapped in humor. Accardo gradually builds the world and history of the Darker family with clever twists and family secrets. The romance develops slowly over the course of five days but evolves from respect and admiration rather than hormones. Ok, so maybe some hormones were involved, but it felt real, had cute moments and the author made me believe. The possibilities for this series are endless, and I am excited to see how this develops. Accardo’s imagination and gift for spinning captivating tales made this an excellent start to a promising new series.

Fans of paranormal hunters and snark will enjoy Darker Days and its unique cast of characters and paranormal creatures. Jus Accardo is the author of the popular Denazen series. I am looking forward to reading her upcoming novel Ruined.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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90 Responses to “Darker Days by Jus Accardo”

  2. Berls

    I can’t seem to remember where I saw this book before, but I know I was interested. Now I’m certain that this is one I’d like to read. It sounds like just the right balance of funny and serious – not to mention really unique, which I love. I can’t think of anything I’ve read that sounds just like it. Thanks for sharing!

  3. Lolita

    I just found out about this giveaway due to the giveaway banners in your sidebar. I really want to read this book, I have heard great things about it and you mentioned it’s unique and I love unique stories. I have read some books in Jus her other series and I really like her writing style. Thanks for the giveaway!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad you checked the sidebar Lolita. Good Luck, this was a fun one!

  4. Jolene A

    I’m not sure I could work with them, I am sure I would be hurt or worse. It sounds interesting though. Is there an office job, you know, so I can be safe but still hear all the cool stories of other people putting there self in danger 🙂

  5. Denise Z

    I would love to work for the Darker Agency – facing off with pesky poltergeists sounds like a hoot to me. I have had this on my wishlist and cannot wait to read it. Thank you for making me smile 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      My thoughts exactly Denise and the job would never be boring! Good luck 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Sharon, I am really glad I tried her, and look forward to Ruined.

  8. Lauren

    I agree with Victoria, this kind of sounds like a paranormal Veronica Mars! So glad to hear it was good, and that you’re looking forward to Ruined. I need to read this! Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was such a fun read, and yes Ruined looks good, I will be reviewing that at a later date.

  9. Alina

    Oh this sounds awesome! Definitely going in my wishlist. If I had the skills I’d work for the Darker Agency, I would love to kick some butt 😉

  10. Tammy

    I read her book Touch and loved it for the humor in it. Can’t wait to read more of her books.

  11. Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

    Great review and it sounds like a fun book. I read the description and it sounded to me like a paranormal version of Veronica Mars! I think I’ll have to check it out. 🙂

  12. Kim { Book Swoon }

    I’m so glad you liked Darker Days too! I fell in love with Jessie’s character, and loved her snark and kick-buttness. This was my first read from Jus Accardo- but it won’t be my last for sure!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was my first too, I am going to be reviewing her next book soon 🙂

  13. DannyBookworm

    I really love Jus Accardo and Darker Days was sooo much fun!! So happy to see you loved it! I think it had all the great elements to make a good story. Snark, fun, kick ass characters, romance and a great storyline!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed Danny and I am looking forward to reading more from her.

  14. Adriana

    I’m hooked already! I of course would want to work for the Darker Agency! I’d probably need some serious training though because I can see myself running away from the action instead of running after (;
    I love the family aspect of the story. Usually it’s only the teenager who’s showcased while the parents are in the background.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was such fun, and like you I would totally love this job!

  15. Christy

    I’ve wanted to read this since I first saw the cover reveal awhile back. It sounds like a lot of fun!

  17. Terrie Fulk

    I love the concept of this book. A family investigating agency that investigates the paranormal. How cool and different.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      they are a unique family unit, wait till you meet Dad 🙂

  18. Mary

    I’ve read a couple of reviews for this one and I definitely need to check it out! *runs to Amazon* (Sorry. It’s too late to run to the bookstore!) Love the idea of Mom and kiddo working together at a detective agency and, of course, the paranormal stuff, too!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I bought an eBook of it too, for me it is easier since these eyes give me trouble unless it is hardcover or eBook.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks, it was a fun read and I look forward to reading more 🙂

  20. Pamela D

    This book sounds like a fun romp. I have been reading a lot of serious books lately. This would definitely spice things up!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh it is perfect for for in-between heavier reads Pamela 🙂

  21. Jenea

    I like Jessie is a snarky girl and especially that are parents are with her. I think I really need to pick this one up. 🙂 Wonderful review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think you would like this one Jenea, hope your week is going well 🙂

  22. S.Huston

    I LOVE Jus Accardo and I LOVE snarky teenage protagonists so I’m pretty sure I’m going to LOVE this book! Thanks for taking the time to review it and bringing it to my attention. It’s going on the TBR shelf!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was such a fun read, and I see why you love this author 🙂 Enjoy!

  24. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Oh I like the sound of the romance. You also had me at snark and the paranormal. Okay, mostly snark… so therefore yes, I would love to work at the agency as long as I can learn to snark it up with the best of ’em. 😀

  25. Braine Talk Supe

    I think I would but I don’t want to be a field agent, I want to either be a pencil pusher or the one who takes photos for filing purposes.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Deal I will be the field agent and you can do the paperwork! LOL

  27. Candace

    I’m not sure I’d want to work there. Maybe in the office, lol.
    I really want to read this one, it sounds like so much fun! And the characters really sound like my cup of tea and rather refreshing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      totally fun read Candace, hope you get a chance to read it!

  28. Jennifer

    I’d definitely work there! It sounds like fun plus I need some excitement in my life being a stay-at-home-mom currently, lol. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I remember those car seat days, when any trip required a large diaper bag, cheerios and patience! This would make an excellent evening job. “Have fun with kids honey, I am off to kick some catch a poltergeist.”

  29. Kay

    Even though it would be tough I would love to work for the Darker Agency. 🙂 I’m really into paranormal books and this one sounds really unique and fun. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I would too Kay, I am so ready to kick zombie ass, and can some ghosts!

  31. Danielle

    I think it would be awesome to work for the Darker Agency. Just imagine the people and things you would see! 🙂

  32. Carmel

    I know my YA reviewer is a huge can of Accardo’s books but I may just have to steal this one from her. LOL You had me at snark and paranormal hunters. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am a picky YA reviewer, and tend to stay in the dystopian genre, but this one screamed read me, and I am so glad that I did..steal it, steal it!

  34. Michele

    I WANT this! I love the movie Seven, so the seven deadly sins really got my attention. Is this one Katertot and I can read together? It’s teens, and I think she would love it, too. Hmmmm… I don’t want to work there, but I do want to be able to count those who do among my friends!! Thank you for the great review and giveaway 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      How old is she again? Keep in mind the character is snarky and that carries over into how she talks to the rents. However, it is tame, and if you would let her watch Supernatural, then yes you could read this together.

      • Michele

        She’s 14 and we never miss an episode of Supernatural <3 Just wasn't sure how sexy the sexy times got 😉 Thanks for the reply and for your comment on my Teaser! I had to 'tease' you just a little bit more, and I loved your vent!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ha, I didn’t until my 40’s and while I am super picky about my YA reads, NA has always been around, it was just called adult..LOL

  36. Jen

    Hmm…I’m not sure I’d want to work for them. Knowing me, I’d get myself killed on day one of training. So I think I’ll just stick to reading about the agency instead!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, but we could fight zombies, and stop possessions! Ooo and we could wear bad-ass outfits!

  37. Toni

    Wow, this sounds like my kind of book! It’s going on my TBR immediately. In fact, I might just have to one-click this baby!

    I’ve missed you the last couple of weeks, Kim. I’ve been so busy with my event and I keep meaning to stop by, but you know how easy time gets away from you. I’m so glad I was finally able to today!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh Toni I so get it, I have been commenting back to blogs that visit me, since I am crazy with this event. I am having a blast though!

  38. tonyalee

    This book sounds so fun and like you said, Original. Jessie seems like the type of Protag that I love most. And bonus points for a realistic romance 🙂

    Great review !

  39. kindlemom1

    I love that the protagonist is snarky!

    I keep meaning to read this one and then forget about it. So many great books, so little time for them all!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I know exactly what you mean Ali. This is a good one and can be read in a single evening 🙂

  40. Felicia The Geeky Blogger

    I would like to go out drinking with the peeps from the agency 🙂 I mean I like snark and all but I am not much of a fighter LOL

    Actually this one has been on my wishlist for awhile.

  41. Nick

    Yay! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed this, Kim. I love Jus Accardo’s writing and she is such a creative author.
    I completely agree about the characters in this book. They are fun and easy to love.
    I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for her readers.
    Lovely review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad I bought this one Nick, and yes I will so read her again 🙂

  43. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    This is exactly the perfect weekend read for me, after an endless week of work and nothing but work. Writing style that grabs you quickly and completely, fun and quirky characters and an easy, entertaining romance… what can I say except yes, please!