Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Samantha Desz, Biergarten of the Damned by Seana Kelly is the fifth urban fantasy audiobook in the Sam Quinn series. Kelly delivered a stellar, action-packed tale that kept me listening way past my bedtime.

I’m Sam, the werewolf book nerd owner of The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore & Bar. I’ve always thought of Dave, my red-skinned, shark-eyed, half-demon cook, as a kind of foul-mouthed uncle, one occasionally given to bouts of uncontrolled anger.

Something’s going on, though. He’s acting strangely, hiding things. When I asked what was wrong, he blew me off and told me to quit bugging him. That’s normal enough. What’s not is his missing work. Ever. Other demons are appearing in the bar, looking for him. I’m getting worried, and his banshee girlfriend Maggie isn’t answering my calls.

Demons terrify me. I do NOT want to go into any demon bars looking for Dave, but he’s my family, sort of. I need to try to help, whether he wants me to or not. When I finally learn the truth, though… I’m not sure I can ever look at him again, let alone have him work for me. Are there limits to forgiveness? I think there might be.

As with most urban fantasy, this series is best enjoyed in the order of its release. From overall story arcs to relationships and character growth, you’ll want to go back to the beginning. I adore quirky, nerdy bookstore & bar owning wolf, Sam Quinn. As the story has progressed, she has gained a swoon-worthy vampire husband and befriended everything from fae to dragons.

Something is up with her cook, Dave the demon, and she is determined to help him even as he pushes her away. Settling back into the newly restored bar & bookstore has her busy, but when Clive is attacked in his sleep, the suspense builds. Let me just say demons are scary, and you should never mess with Sam Quinn.

Each installment of this series gets better as Sam builds allies and we enjoy moments between her and Clive. The danger is ever present, but Sam can hold her own. The twists and reveals in this one hurt. I felt the conflict, or in this case, the act of forgiveness, resolved too quickly, but appreciated Sam’s insight.

I cannot wait for the next audiobook. Samantha Desz narrates and has become the voice of these characters. Her tone and pacing build the suspense, bring the heat and capture snark, anger and fear.

Fans of urban fantasy, supernatural tales and kickass bookstores with bars need to grab Biergarten of the Damned and the rest of the Sam Quinn novels on audio.

Amazon | Audible

About Seana Kelly

Seana Kelly lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one fish. When she's not dodging her family, hiding in the garage and trying to write, she's working as a high school teacher-librarian. She's an avid reader and re-reader who misses her favorite characters when it's been too long between visits. She's represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency

Website | Twitter | Instagram

About Samantha Desz

Samantha Desz is a classically trained actor with extensive theater experience. She also is an experienced voice actor, working on a variety of long form voice-over projects. Samantha has a passion for learning about different cultures and lifestyles. She's lived around the US and in London, England, called New York City home for nearly twenty years, and is currently living in the Midwest.

Website | Twitter

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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