How to Be A Badass Detective by Michael Anderle is the first audiobook narrated by Dara Rosenberg in the series by the same name. I was really excited to dive into this story, but from the start I felt like I was missing pieces. Come see why I kept listening…
by Michael Anderle
Series: How To Be A Badass Detective #1
Narrator: Dara Rosenberg
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
Provided a choice, would you give up magical power or become the most disparaged of those who work with the law…
A private detective!
Fed up with playing the normal game, recent university graduate, ex-cum laude, ex-soccer star, ex-popular, and mostly broke Kera MacDonagh changed her life when she read How to be a Badass Witch and shockingly, the spells worked.
Kera MacDonagh has dealt with learning magic, overcoming power-hungry covens from abroad, and engagements with the police to help those around her.
Now, Kera puts her best adult foot forward and decides to branch out in a new direction.
One her mother is unlikely to happy about.
But will the powers that be allow her a chance to make a difference?
With everything happening, Kera is balancing her relationship as well.
Will becoming a detective fulfill her need to support those without hope, keep her boyfriend, and satisfy her mom?
Unlikely, but she’s going to try!
Caffeinated Aspects
- Kera MacDonagh our protagonist, is sassy and determined to open up her own detective agency with her friends. She has goals and wants to support her family. All of this despite relationship struggles and displeasing her mother.
- The world was interesting and filled with with magic, witches, night clubs and entertaining secondary characters.
- Kera’s first case was interesting and filled with danger as she and her friends’ work to solve it. The pacing was well done, with plenty of twists and turns. The story ended on enough of a cliffhanger to leave listeners eager for the next installment.
- I liked the magic and seeing Kera develop skills.
- Allies, friendships and the world kept me listening, as did the narration by Dara Rosenberg, who captured the humor and voices of the characters.
- The book is well received, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon. The series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
- The narration. Dara Rosenberg captured the characters and tone of the story. Her voice pulls you in and made listening enjoyable.
Decaffeinated Aspects
From the beginning, I felt like I was the newbie in the room and everyone else already knew each other. Fans of this author didn’t have issues as they have read his previous trilogy, How to Be A Badass Witch. It appears to be set in the same world. I saw comments like this series just keep getting better or I love the smooth transition from one series to another. Which isn’t a bad thing. I love that about The Guilden Codex worlds by Annette Marie.
While I think the author attempted to make newcomers welcome, I still ended up feeling like I dropped in the middle on a series. This didn’t allow me to fully immerse myself in the story and feel connected.
By the end I felt like I finally gained my footing, but I highly recommend begin with the previous trilogy. I am going to pause listening to this series until I’ve listened to the How To Be A Badass Witch trilogy.
How To Be A Badass Detective by Michael Anderle was intriguing, but I recommend listening to How to be a Badass Witch series first. #HowtoBeABadassDetective #Urban #Audiobook #DaraRosenberg Share on XAbout Michael Anderle
Michael Anderle was born in Houston, Tx. A very curious child, he got into trouble - a lot. What to do with an inquisitive mind when he was grounded? Read! That hasn't changed since he was in elementary school. The Kindle was developed with him in mind. In the first 20 years, he mostly read Science Fiction and Fantasy. In the last 10 years he has enjoyed Urban Fantasy and Military Fiction. Using these influences, he has developed The Kurtherian Gambit. A series dedicated to watching how one genetically modified person with an incredible team behind her might be able to change the future, if she can survive along the way.
About Dara Rosenberg
Dara Rosenberg is an accomplished voice-over artist who has been recognized nationally for her extensive work in audiobooks and commercials. She has narrated over 140 audiobooks and has been the voice of dozens of national television and radio commercials. You can hear Dara's voice each day as a daily news reader for Time Magazine, SpeakPage, and Wibbitz, where she reads for the Huffington Post, CNN, and Reuters. She has a BFA in drama from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and studied at Interlochen Arts Academy, where she majored in drama and musical theater. When Dara is not in the studio recording, she spends her time enjoying life in NYC with her husband, Alex, and fat English Bulldog, Truman.
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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
Barbara Strickland
Great review. And good reason to start at the beginning.
Wendy Williams
This sure looks like fun. Strange how it’s a #1 in a series, but you still had trouble because it’s based on his other trilogy. It’s so difficult to read a book that’s confusing because you don’t know the backstory.
Nadene
Thanks for the heads up regarding reading the previous trilogy. Great review.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Excellent review. Good to know about the prior trilogy.
Felicity Grace Terry
Loving the idea of a how to be a badass witch spell that works.
Great cover, this book really appeals to me though I’m a little concerned that I could also be left feeling like a newbie not in the know. A chance I’m prepared to take, I’m away to add this to my Wish List.
Melliane
Ah yes, so not a good idea to start with this one. I’ll have to check out the other novels