by Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2
Narrator: Emily Bauer
Length: 10 hours and 59 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
Cryptid, noun:
1. Any creature whose existence has been suggested but not proven scientifically. Term officially coined by cryptozoologist John E. Wall in 1983.
2. That thing that's getting ready to eat your head.
3. See also: "monster."
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity - and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and when her work with the cryptid community took her to Manhattan, she thought she would finally be free to pursue competition-level dance in earnest. It didn't quite work out that way...
But now, with the snake cult that was killing virgins all over Manhattan finally taken care of, Verity is ready to settle down for some serious ballroom dancing - until her on-again, off-again, semi-boyfriend Dominic De Luca, a member of the monster-hunting Covenant of St. George, informs her that the Covenant is on their way to assess the city's readiness for a cryptid purge. With everything and everyone she loves on the line, there's no way Verity can take that lying down.
Alliances will be tested, allies will be questioned, lives will be lost, and the talking mice in Verity's apartment will immortalize everything as holy writ - assuming there's anyone left standing when all is said and done. It's a midnight blue-light special.
Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire is the second novel in her InCryptid urban fantasy series. Wildly imaginative and everything an urban fantasy should be, I was soon pulled back into the world. Monsters, danger and an action-packed storyline along with Emily Bauer’s narration made this the perfect listen.
I am participating in the Backlist Challenge, and the InCryptid series is my current binge. I am a huge fan of McGuire’s writings as Mira Grant and absolutely love this zany creature-infested world. McGuire has a knack for vividly describing the world and creatures she creates. While I recognize some of the creatures like dragons, Medus, the Boogeyman and more, her descriptions shed a whole new light on them. Then there are the creatures I’ve never met.
Dave’s Fish and Strips, a nightclub for discerning gentlemen has been transformed into The Freakshow now that Jackson’s cousin has taken over the business. Think Cirque du Soleil where cyprids and humans interact side by side. The place is freaky and works well as the central place in the storyline. Verity works there although now she is part of the opening act. Here she can interact with cryptids and eek out enough funds to support her rent and dancing.
Midnight Blue-Light Special was darker than the first book and delivered an intense storyline as Dominic informs Verity that the Covenant is coming to New York. Fearful for the cryptid population and her own neck she and others go into hiding as they make plans to protect the cryptids. But can Dominic be trusted? Will he turn Verity in? The tale that unfolded kept me listening into the wee hours and had humans and creatures working side by side.
While the main pov is Verity herself, we do get a few chapters from Sarah our Cuckoo. It was interesting and shared things about Sarah we did not know. Secondary characters are fantastic from the mice to Istas, goth Wahila, who both freaked me out and made me giggle. We meet more Price cousins and a Heeley which was downright frightening. Will Manhatten survive? You’ll have to listen to find out, and trust me this is a fun, suspenseful tale you won’t want to miss.
Midnight Blue-Light Special surprised me in that this wraps up Verity’s story, even the romance albeit an open ending. The next book has us joining Alex Price, Verity’s brother. I was pleased with this storyline from beginning to end and McGuire has me reaching for the next audiobook.
From the concept to the incredible worldbuilding, the InCtyptid series is proving to be an addictive listen Emily Bauer does a splendid job transforming this world and characters to audio. I love the unique voices, accents, and tone she brings to the tale.
Monsters, danger and an action-packed storyline along with Emily Bauer's narration made Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire the perfect listen. #iloveaudiobooks #urban Share on X
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
MarthaE
I have the first book on my Audible TBR shelf. I need to listen to it soon. Glad you are enjoying more in the series.
Kimberly
That makes me happy!!
Stefanie
It’s interesting to think how an author is inspired to come up with her fantasy world. This one sounds creative.
Thank you for the well wishes. I know many have mixed feelings for A Wrinkle in Time and have noted Rotten Tomatoes gave its movie version a bad rating. When I first heard it I thought it unusual as I haven’t read too many science fiction books. I did watch Star Trek as a kid and as an adult, but was more into fiction and romance as I got older. I found what may be a newer version of the audio. Off to get into the hold list line.
Kimberly
I just finished the 6th audiobook and she really does the world justice.
Tyler H. Jolley
I always feel like a few random POV switch ups are such a treat or bonus in some way. When it’s done right, that is. Love it.
Kimberly
I just finished book 6 and agree 🙂
Nadene
I love the sound of this series. Reading your review has whetted my appetite. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly
YES! My job here is done 🙂 thanks Nadene
Ash
Well this looks awesome. I haven’t read the first one but I think I’ll have to check it out.
Kimberly
Yay. When you do, I ‘d love to hear your thoughts.
Greg
I need to get on with this series. And a POV from Sarah’s perspective sounds great too. I think it’s interesting that the next book takes up with another Price POV- nice that she’s shaking it up a bit. Also the mice lol, they were funny!
Kimberly
I am just finishing the sixth audio which is the youngest sister’s adventure. I love that we travel all over the states and even out of the country. I want an Aslin mouse!
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have to start reading more Urban Fantasy! All of these audiobooks you have been reading sound fabulous! Thanks for another book on my list of reads. =)
Kimberly
Hehe. I love urban fantasy Mary and hope you add more to your pile 🙂
Daniela Ark
gah I LOVE that you always find the absolute BEST Urban Fantasy series Kim!!!
1) Monsters!!! – Monsters are the best thing in the bookiverse!
2) Incredible worldbuilding! – this world sounds amazing!
Kimberly
*bows* Bwahaha…yes I love the monsters too and I am loving the secret societies, the cryptologist, and Pierce family.
Sophia Rose
Yay for working through your Backlist challenge with such an entertaining series. Oh, now that is an interesting twist that it will swap leads in the series. I think Cecy Robson’s Wird sisters is the only other I’ve read like that. Glad its still good.
Kimberly
Exactly. This changes between siblings.
Angela Adams
Great review! Thanks.
Kimberly
Thank you, Angela.
Debbie Haupt
Oh I haven’t seen this series but it looks right up my alley. Fantastic looking thanks Kim
Kimberly
I love all the different creatures Debbie 🙂
Blodeuedd
I think I stopped here and never had time to read book 3, eeek
Kimberly
You need to catch up! I am almost done the 6th and excited about the newest release
Heidi
I have this on hold at the library. I am eager to finally get going with this series, I have had it on my wish list since it debuted.
Kimberly
I am excited for you. I am at about 90% on audio of book 6 and cannot wait to grab the lastest 🙂
Jenea’s Book Obsession
Glad you enjoying the series, it sound creepy and you know love me some creepiness.
Kimberly
It has some darker edges.
Laura Thomas
I have the first book on my curious list. After your high recommendation, I’m now putting the series on my to read list! This is right up my alley. And I’ll go with audible. Been enjoying listening to books lately.
Kimberly
I think urban fantasy is perfection on audio 🙂
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I read book one ages ago, and would really like to get back to this world. I’m glad to hear the audio is so good!
Kimberly
I’ve been having a blast with them and have almost finished Audio 6
Angela @ Simply Angela
This one sounds interesting. I need to start reading more urban fantasy.
Kimberly
I am on a UF and PR bender…bwahaha
Silvia
I still have to try any of her book, but if you say this is everything an urban fantasy should be, then I’m in! I personally love this genre, so I’m glad to hear you found a very addicting one 🙂
Kimberly
These are such fun reads with mystery, humor, suspense, action and a touch of romance.
Melliane
I’m glad you’re having a good time with this series. I really love this author!
Kimberly
Agreed.
Cindy
I admit that I have never read this authors books before but this sounds intriguing. Kimberly you always write a great review and have me wanting to grab this book and dive in!
Kimberly
I am glad I pique your interest, Cindy!