Ghost of a Chance, the third novel in the Many Travails of John Smith by Chris Tullbane, delivered another snarky, suspenseful tale in this urban fantasy series narrated by Joel Richards. John Smith searches for missing ghosts and gets in trouble with the vampire queen.
by Chris Tullbane
Series: The Many Travails of John Smith #3
Narrator: Joel Richards
Length: 13 hours 40 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
"Broken-Neck spat forth a stream of Spanish which no doubt contained disparaging comments about my intelligence. Or my appearance. Or my fashion sense. The only Spanish words I knew were the expletives my friend Mike had taught me. Even so, I recognized insults when I heard them."
The White Ladies of San Diego are one of the city's supernatural powers, organized and led by Graciela. But now their leader is missing, and the Ladies have hired John Smith, supernatural mediator and sometimes-private-investigator, to find her. Which raises some questions: How do you track down a ghost? What if she doesn't want to be found? And if foul play was involved in her disappearance like the Ladies believe, how exactly? It's not like ghosts can be kidnapped... right?
John doesn't have any answers. As usual. He also doesn't have much time. The White Ladies aren't known for their patience, and if Graciela can't be found soon, he might just find himself permanently retired.
I am having a blast with this series and am excited to see the next audio in the series releasing with Tantor Audio. John is still living in his parents’ basement and finds he has competition in the mediator business. He has a fresh case involving missing ghosts and is ankle deep in trouble with the vampire queen.
Twists, romance, powers and a fantastic mystery kept me listening. We get snark, as this motley crew gathers around John to give aid. John is building ties in the supernatural world, including an unexpected protector.
The world building is stellar, and each audiobook has been more impressive than its predecessor. Fans of urban fantasy, paranormal tales and private investigators will want to grab the series. As with most UF, it is best to listen in order of release.
The tale can get dark and gritty. John is tortured and what happens with the vampire queen is twisted. John hasn’t quite mastered the art of diplomacy, or maybe he likes to call out bullshit. Either way, it gets him in trouble. He did a splendid job with the werewolves, though.
For me, this was the best in the series. The tone is different, darker and suspenseful, while still having wonderful humor, awkward moments and even some swoons. We saw character growth from John and it ended in such a way that I am excited to listen to more.
Joel Richards gives voice to these characters and captures their personalities, as well as the overall tone of the story. The story/series lends itself perfectly to audio.
*Kindle Unlimited
About Chris Tullbane
Chris Tullbane began as a gleam in someone’s eye, but birth and childhood were quick to follow. He’s been fortunate enough to live in Spain, Germany, and all over the United States of America, and is busy planning a tour of the distilleries of Scotland. He currently lives in Nevada with his angelic wife and ever-expanding whisky collection and occasionally ventures outside to peer upwards, mutter to himself about ‘day stars’, and then scurry back into the house. Chris is the author of two series; The Murder of Crows and The Many Travails of John Smith, as well as a collection of novelettes and stand-alone novels, Stories from a Post-Break World, which are set in the world of The Murder of Crows.
About Joel Richards
Joel Richards was the kid who did crazy things just to have a good story to tell afterward. On deciding to make his affection his profession, he received a BFA in acting and a BA in English from the University of Utah, and later an MA in oral storytelling from East Tennessee State University. He has narrated over 150 audiobooks (fiction and nonfiction) and continues to tell his original stories to live audiences.
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
This looks so fun and I love the ghostly lover. I love books with a bit of snark to them and this sounds like a series I need to start.
Berls
I’m terribly behind on my Tantor requests but this one may need to go on my list when I do get caught up! Sounds right up my alley!
Kimberly
I hope you get to add them Berls.
Sophia Rose
Love seeing your reaction to this one. You’ve got me enthused to try the series, too.
Kimberly
I am having fun with this series Sophia. It’s fresh.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I don’t think I’ve heard of these before, but it sounds like a fun series! Great review!
Kimberly
I hope you look in to them!
Wendy
This sounds like such a great exciting series. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Kimberly.
Kimberly
Thanks Wendy!
Debbie Haupt
Oh Wow Kim how did I miss your previous reviews this sounds fantastic. It’s going on my list thanks
Kimberly
Happy listening!