This is the second instalment in that fantastic series known as The Hollows. It's just an amazing world created by the author Kim Harrison where characters or more directly the interaction between them takes proceeding over action or thrills. It makes you want to turn the pages but not because of a thrill ride effect but simply because you want to know what happens to these people you actually grow close to. Yeah...Yeah! I know they don't really exist but they sure feel like it and to me that equal's great writing. Ok enough babbling and on with the review...

So back in this one is our main character Rachel Morgan. I guess the best way to describe her would be a red haired witch with the patience of a lit dynamite stick, and probably as dangerous as one. Now she might not be the most powerful or even the smartest one out there but she does have presence. I guess a runaway train would be a perfect description for her. Together with her borderline non drinking vampire friend Ivy who sometimes walks the line of bite or no bite she opens some sort of private detective agency who caters to the fanged, furry or flying half of the population. These two with the help of Jenks a wicked little pixy...god I love saying that, take care of each other and the business. The interaction between these three is not only funny or friendly it's a lot more complex. Just the relationship between a vampire and others is almost a story in itself. And Jenks, although he does a great job at bringing comic relief to the series brings a lot more backbone to the stories. You learn that faeries and Pixies are not only cute little flying creatures but they actually fight and die to protect what they consider theirs. Also back is Nick the once a week practical boyfriend...wink, wink ...plus Big Al ,the wheeling and dealing demon, also, most of the secondary characters from the first offering are all part of the story. Of course Trent the evil well... maybe not so evil bad guy plays a major role in this one. He may be on the sideline but his past history is of major importance to the story, especially when...no way that would be a spoiler so read the series and find out.

Now since Rachel is having a hard time making rent she decides to get a job as a sort of consultant to the F.I.B. who are investigating the death of Witches. White witches who tap in on the Ley Lines to be more precise...hmmm sound like anyone we know? Now the lead investigator happens to be Capt Eden's son Glenn. From there on we have all sorts of subplots with Trent being the prime suspect to Big Al having is say in the matter to Ivy trying to get Rachel to be her scion. Add a master vampire called Piscary who seems more than just interested in Rachel plus the meddling of Kristen the vamp from Ivy's past and you got yourself a melting pot of great writing material. What's so special about all of this is the way the author combines them all together to make the storyline flow from one plot to the other while tying everything together. Even if you figure out who dunnit before the big reveal it really doesn't matter because just to read how everything ties down nicely is more than worth it. Rachel learns that friends sometimes are dangerous and foes sometimes are lifesavers.

If I could I would definitely give this one a 4.5 star rating. I just love the world created by Kim Harrison where characters are more important than fight scenes. Where the people in the stories actually grow and change. Where a boyfriend can actually be that. Doesn't always have to be the love of your life type of deal. Where the hero is flawed and not always perfect. Where the demon isn't really evil, he's simply a demon. That being said...well....on to the next.

This is the 2nd installment in 'The Hollows' series by Kim Harrison. The reader learned a great deal about the intricate world created by Harrison in the first book & in this work there is a greater focus on Rachel's abilities as a witch & how she might better be able to put them to use but life is never uneventful for this impetuous female lead.

The tension in Rachel's relationship with Ivy mounts throughout the book. Ivy struggles to stave off her hunger to maintain her status as non-practicing & Rachel finds herself incredibly vulnerable to vampire pheromones thanks to her demon attack. Not a great combination to have as roommates but it leaves you wondering…will they or won't they consummate a different kind of relationship beyond friendship?

One of the best relationships undoubtedly has to be between Rachel & Trent, he is the ultimate nemesis but is he really her enemy or will they be something else too? Information does come light as to what Trent truly is & surprise they met in childhood not that they were friends then either!

The main cast of characters in Harrison's world is dynamic & their relationships are increasingly complex. I imagine Rachel's Demon Al will play a very big role in the books to come & perhaps Nick's curiosity will get the better of him sooner than later. I cannot wait to find out!!!

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead is the 2nd book in the Hollows Series.

Rachel continues to struggle to make rent while being partners in a firm with a pixie named Jenks and a living vamp named Ivy. Rachel is also still struggling with living with Ivy who wants to hunt her. Rachel has made it clear to Ivy, that she will not let her have her blood. We also see more of Nick (a human) who is now Rachel's boyfriend.

Having a hard time paying rent, Rachel accepts a case for the FIB (Federal Inderlander Bureau). The case involves murders of ley line witches. When Rachel realizes that all the murders connect to Trent Kalmack she jumps at the opportunity to put him away.

We also meet Master vamp Piscary and learn that Kisten is his scion. Kisten is a living vamp who Rachel doesn't like. The chemistry between the two is great. I love the elevator scene the most.

Nick has been calling a demon for help at times. He doesn't realize the how dangerous it is. The demon known as Big Al is after Rachel's soul. Rachel still holds the demon mark and is determined to have it removed. The alternate world of the Ever-After is fascinating.

This book exceeded my expectations. I had a very hard time getting into book 1. This book I could not put down. I love the relationships between Ivy, Rachel and Jenks. Jenks by far is my favourite character. He is extremely funny and sarcastic. I also really like the character of Kisten. I can't wait to see more of him.

once again I really got into all her characters...couldn't put it down