Format: Kindle, 242 pages
Release Date: May 10, 2025
Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Matty has lost his soul, and it’s up to Frankie to find it before his body gives up the fight for survival. But soon his isn’t the only life at risk from the soulless condition. The affliction is spreading from Thunderbolt, Georgia, into the beating heart of the French Quarter and right up to Madam Vionette Fontenot’s front door.
When Frankie returns to New Orleans in search of answers, she finds herself at the mercy of a god who covets her newfound powers as the guardian of the Alcheyvāhā. He makes it clear he’s willing to do whatever it takes to wield her for his own benefit. Even if it costs Frankie everyone she loves.
When Frankie returns to New Orleans in search of answers, she finds herself at the mercy of a god who covets her newfound powers as the guardian of the Alcheyvāhā. He makes it clear he’s willing to do whatever it takes to wield her for his own benefit. Even if it costs Frankie everyone she loves.
Cheater Slicks, by Hailey Edwards, is the Fourth installment in the author's The Body Shop series. I recommend that you have some knowledge of the past 3 installments before proceeding with this story, since previous characters are key to what happens in this story and why. While the series is usually set in Thunderbolt, Georgia, the author sends Frankie, Josie, and Kierce to New Orleans, one of the more unique cities in the country, to write a story about, after Frankie's mentor Vi seems to have been felled by the same curiosity as Matty.
Frankie Talbot is a skilled necromancer who recently found a new calling thanks to Anunit and runs The Body Shop. This unique auto repair garage doubles as a supernatural hub for helping the deceased resolve unfinished business. In Cheater Slicks, the central conflict revolves around Matty, whose soul has gone missing, leaving his body on the brink of collapse. It’s up to Frankie to unravel this mystery before time runs out.
This premise, seeded as a cliffhanger in the previous book (Midnight Auto Parts), sets the stage for a high-stakes narrative that keeps readers hooked from the outset. Frankie remains a standout protagonist, flawed yet fiercely relatable. Her evolution as a necromancer is a highlight, as she grapples with new powers and the psychological toll of her work. Edwards portrays Frankie’s growth with nuance, showing her resilience alongside moments of vulnerability.
Her internal struggles, particularly those related to trust and family, add depth, making her a character readers can root for. The relationship between Frankie and Kierce, while compelling, suffered from a lack of clarity. Kierce’s loyalty to Dis Pater was always going to be a significant obstacle, so Frankie’s apparent shock and naivety at the end didn’t quite ring true. This story is definitely Harrow's redemption for all the pain and suffering he caused Frankie.
Now the weaknesses: The reliance on yet another cliffhanger may frustrate readers seeking resolution, a recurring issue in the series. Especially when it comes to back to back novels. With so many subplots (like Josie and Carter) felt unnecessary to the overall enjoyment of the story. Edwards seamlessly blends real-world elements with supernatural ones, creating a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. However, the expanding mythology can occasionally overwhelm, as new concepts are introduced without fully resolving existing ones.
No comments:
Post a Comment