Secondhand Souls

This, and the first book in this storyline, "A Dirty Job" are my two favorites out of the Christopher Moore books I own. You can't help but fall in love with little, foul-mouthed death-bringer, Sophie, her "goggie" companions, and her father Charlie Asher. I think the character development is what makes these two books so entertaining. The story is somewhat predictable, but in a good way. It is the characters and the quirkiness of the story that really draws you in. You end of bonding with the offbeat, quirky characters over the course of time (Charlie Asher, Sophie, Lily, Minty Fresh, Audrey). I still wonder why this has not been made into a movie...what a romp that would be. I haven't enjoyed reading fiction so much in a long time. When I finished the first book, I was so hoping there would someday be a sequel. When "Secondhand Souls" came out, I was overjoyed. So much so that I dove right in. Though a slow reader, I read more than half of it in a day. Then suddenly I slowed down, and put it down for a time, reading a few pages here and there. It was not because the story bogged down, but because I did not want to end the book so soon as I feared this would be the end of this story. So I finally finished and enjoyed every minute reading it. My one complaint would be that I could've used a few less sub-stories from the ghosts. and maybe more plot twists. Is this truly the end? Will we see these characters again in their own story, or will they pop up occasionally in other Moore stories? The ending seemed to wrap things up rather conclusively, though a door may have been left open. Either way, if you enjoyed "A Dirty Job", even though that book stands well on its own, you owe it to yourself to read this sequel.

Mr. Moore’s San Francisco is a weird happenin’ place. The souls of the dead are not being collected and chaos ensues. If that last sentence makes no sense to you, it’s no surprise. The author is known for writing odd funny stories with plot lines that are nearly impossible to anticipate because Mr. Moore’s imagination is two steps away from insanity.‘Secondhand Souls’ has a generous amount of off-color humor and profanity. Despite dealing with death, ghosts, demons, and other assorted oddities, it is not a scary book. It is a sequel to ‘A Dirty Job’ which I read back in August 2010. However it is not necessary to have read the first installment to enjoy ‘Secondhand Souls.’ I don’t remember much about ‘A Dirty Job.’ That was nine years ago and my memory is not so razor sharp to hold onto the author’s outlandish storylines for that long period of time. In any case, the author fills in enough of the backstory from ‘A Dirty Job’ to get the reader up to speed. You just have to be patient because he disperses the information in bits and pieces as ‘Secondhand Souls’s story moves along. Mr. Moore’s works are fun forays into nonsensical laughs but don’t leave a lasting impact beyond tickling my funny bone. The story revolves around about a dozen characters, some with odd names like Minty Frost and Wiggly Charlie. To avoid the world being overwhelmed by darkness forever, the group must figure out where a year’s worth of souls have gone, collect them, and move them along to their next hosts before demons from the Underworld get to the souls first. It’s reincarnation given Mr. Moore’s eccentric treatment. The paperback edition includes a brief mostly silly interview with the author.‘Secondhand Souls’ is not suspenseful reading. I use Mr. Moore’s work when I need some laughs. His books are so unpredictable and off-color, they always keep me entertained. The author states in the book’s interview, “I don’t like anything that’s done to be mean-spirited and I try not to do it. I feel that I can tease and make fun of something without attacking it.” Upon reflection, I realized that statement is at the core of Mr. Moore’s works. As oddly as it may sound, ‘Secondhand Souls’ has its share of blood, gore, and death but not in a way that is unsettling. Even its funeral scene has its giggles. If you find quirkiness appealing and like death being treated in a Monty Python sort of way, you’ll likely love ‘Secondhand Souls.’

I would highly recommend reading this novel’s prequel “A Dirty Job” and then going right into this text. It serves as a continuing saga as there is only 1 year between the events in the two books. Also, there are many references in “Secondhand Souls” to its predecessor that I had completely forgotten about and are key to enjoying this text.A highlight of “Secondhand Souls” is that Minty Fresh and Inspector Rivera who have both appeared in numerous Christopher Moore novels are given key roles this time out, and they are not a disappointment.The humor is more witty and verbal in this text than in some of Moore’s more recent works. The book is profanity laden, but it does not come across as gratuitous and cheap as it has in some of his novels.“Secondhand Souls” is not nearly as touching as its predecessor “A Dirty Job”, but it does add to the story begun in that novel and gives the whole thing a completeness and satisfying arc.The climax feels very cinematic. It is action driven and full of lots of visual images. The ending is also thoughtful and it works. It is actually kind of hopeful, and I liked it and usually Mr. Moore’s endings I find a little lacking.Christopher Moore always delivers a fun story with a few chuckles and “Secondhand Souls” will not disappoint in either regard.

I have read a few Christopher Moore books and own most of them. I very much enjoy Christopher Moore. I recommend his books to friends and family regularly. However, this is not my favorite. The characters, as usual, are totally lovable. There are parts that made me laugh out loud. But the story itself just did not live up to A Dirty Job. Secondhand Souls didn't improve it. It didn't make me want to know more/what happened next. This made me sad because I was very much looking forward to reading this book.Some of my favorite parts of the story actually didn't even do anything for the plot itself. I don't want to spoil it for those that plan to read it, so I'll just say the "short stories' within the story itself is what I am referring to.

I was afraid I had forgotten all about the characters and events from "A Dirty Job", but Moore eased me back in and before I knew it, I recognized my old friends Charlie & Lily & Audrey & Sophie and her Goggies & the Emperor and his men etc.These wonderful characters are joined by a crew of well-crafted new ones (or had I just forgotten them from the first book) ...?The story is of the same high quality as before, and Moore tries to give all his characters ample space.If you enjoyed the first book in the Grim Reaper-duology, you'll love this one.Most highly recommended.

This a the very delayed sequel to 'A dirty job' and it follows the new adventure of Charlie Asher. If your are a Moore fan, you will get what you expect - funny and crazy phantasy. I like Moor's style and enjoyed the book, although I find the cursing of some of the protagonists a little heavy. For me personally I can say that it doesn't help to relate to the character, quite the opposite.

Love this book, love Christopher Moore in general! One of his best along with dirty job. Lamb is probably me all time favourite book.... Must be time to read it again ...

I have read all of Christopher Moore's books and have had quite a wait for this recent offering so I was glad to be able to revisit old friends from where the last book in this line left off. Funny witty and drool I really enjoyed this read. Hope you do too

Classic Christopher Moore. Fast paced, superbly rendered characters, laugh out loud funny dialogue. It has the added bonus of massaging your ego when you spot references to literary greats. Very funny and very clever. Make sure you read "A Dirty Job" first though.

Lots of profanity, but I really enjoyed this book. Wiggly Charlie is the BEST. Nice follow on from a Dirty Job, although Lily in her chosen profession at the end is a terrifying concept.

Havent finished reading yet but love this book already. Seems like a good continuation of the book. Hardcore chuckles on the train!

Brilliant book. Much better than the pretentious stuff he writes (see review for the serpent of venice)

BRILL !

Bought as a gift and the person was very happy with it.

The book is a little all over the place, similar to his first books. Nonetheless, it will make you laugh quite alright, particularly with Mr. Fresh.

A good follow up to "Its a dirty job". Hopefully more to come from series. 2 books is not enough.

Brilliant.Bring me more Moore.

Sadly not as good as A dirty Job, but still worth a read

Loved it!