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David Bussell
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Spectral Detective: An Uncanny Kingdom Urban Fantasy (The Spectral Detective Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by David Bussell (Author), M.V. Stott (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 125 ratings

What happens when an exorcist who spent a lifetime banishing ghosts gets murdered and becomes one?

When Jake Fletcher died he discovered a horrible truth: the method he was using to send souls to the afterlife wasn’t transporting them to a better place.

It was obliterating them.

To atone for his mortal sins he becomes a spectral detective: a phantom PI who helps restless spirits depart the mortal plane by bringing their killers to justice.

His latest job is no open-and-shut case, though. The ghost of a dead celebrity needs his help to cross to the other side, but for that to happen, Jake will have to reckon with a cabal of sinister magicians and a soul-hungry demon.

To complicate matters further, a minion of God has informed Jake that if he doesn’t succeed in his task, he’ll face arbitration at the pearly gates.

And he won’t be getting a halo hung on his head.

Does Jake have what it takes to walk his client into the light, or are two souls about to be lost forever?

Mystery, the macabre, and caustic wit collide in this bizarre noir. Fans of Jim Butcher, Ben Aaronovitch, and Benedict Jacka will love this page-turning detective story with a supernatural twist.

Praise for Spectral Detective:

“Be prepared for action, danger, mystery, humor, surprises, and top shelf snarky repartee.” ★★★★★

An excellent, engaging read, full of humor and spooky goings-on.” ★★★★★

“Spectral Detective combines fantasy and noir detective stories into a perfect little blend.” ★★★★★

“The story is exciting, gory and has lots of twists and turns leading to plenty of surprises. I'm already eager for the next book.” ★★★★★

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Spectral Detective
  2. Print length
    282 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 28, 2017
  5. File size
    2.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 6 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you're looking for a really fun read, give this a try!" ~ Shadows in Wonderland

From the Inside Flap

Experience The Uncanny and explore more from the Uncanny Kingdom Urban Fantasy Universe:

Spectral Detective
  • Deathday (exclusive mini-story)
  • Spectral Detective
  • Corpse Reviver
  • Twice Damned
  • Necessary Evil
  • Deadly Departed
  • Dread Spectre
Hexed Detective
  • Hexed Detective
  • Fatal Moon
  • Night Terrors
Dark Lakes
  • Magic Eater
  • Blood Stones
  • Past Sins
  • Demon's Mark
Branded
  • Sanctified
  • Turned
  • Bloodline
Uncanny Ink
  • Bad Soul
  • Bad Blood
  • Bad Justice
  • Bad Intention
  • Bad Thoughts
  • Bad Memories
London Coven
  • Underground Magic (exclusive mini-story)
  • Familiar Magic
  • Nightmare Realm
  • Deadly Portent
  • Other London
  • Darkly Dreaming
Receive EXCLUSIVE titles and never miss a new release by heading to uncannykingdom.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06X3RKL7J
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Uncanny Kingdom
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 28, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Spectral Detective
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 125 ratings

About the author

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David Bussell

David Bussell

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​David Bussell is a best-selling British author renowned for his contributions to the urban fantasy genre. He is the co-creator of the Uncanny Kingdom, a series that explores a secret Britain teeming with paranormal suspense stories. His notable works include the "Spectral Detective" series. David's writing prowess has been recognized with the P.G. Wodehouse New Comic Writer Award. Beyond his literary achievements, he is an avid fencer, a lover of synthwave music, and a committed comic book fan.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
125 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this urban fantasy book for its snarky humor and fast-paced narrative, with one review noting it's full of action throughout. The book receives positive feedback for its interesting take on death and the afterlife, and one customer describes it as a new spin on the supernatural detective genre. Customers praise the writing quality and character development, particularly appreciating the fantastic protagonist.

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11 customers mention "Humor"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as snarky fun and hysterical, with one customer noting its irreverent tone.

"...and fleshed out parts of the story providing us with more detail, more snark, and a fuller backstory that makes this edition even better than the..." Read more

"...Bottom line is that this book is wonderfully written true snarky fun, and highly recommended." Read more

"What a hysterical book. It was well written and full of wise crack jokes and a few scenes that made me really laugh out loud...." Read more

"...but, it had enough to keep my interest. And the action scenes it did have, fit in nicely with the overall story...." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced with great storylines, and one customer notes it's full of action throughout.

"...The author, David Bussell, has now gone back and fleshed out parts of the story providing us with more detail, more snark, and a fuller backstory..." Read more

"...(fast paced and with appropriate thrills and adventure, twists and turns)..." Read more

"...The book is fast paced and full of action throughout the whole story...." Read more

"...And the action scenes it did have, fit in nicely with the overall story...." Read more

9 customers mention "Mystery depth"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery depth of the book, describing it as an interesting take on death and the afterlife, with one customer noting its surprising twists and turns.

"...of the story providing us with more detail, more snark, and a fuller backstory that makes this edition even better than the first...." Read more

"...I love the whole concept of an ex-exorcist phantom, providing PI services to lost souls with the aim of solving their cases so that they can &#..." Read more

"...It was a new spin on the supernatural detective genre and was well written. So, chalk one up for the Brits!..." Read more

"...In this well written and macabre mystery adventure you'll find an entire interesting and memorable cast of characters, surprising twists and turns,..." Read more

7 customers mention "Enjoyment"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a truly enjoyable series that is simply superb.

"...In other words I found this book to be very hysterical and worth a read." Read more

"...It's a truly enjoyable series and I look forward to reading each book as it comes out...." Read more

"REally liked this book. Am very glad I discovered this whole Uncanny Kingdom group" Read more

"What a great series ! Loved both of the books . Fast paced, never dragging,,great story lines...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one describing it as wonderfully written with snarky fun.

"...think my key word here is "top notch" as that describes the overall writing quality, the lead and supporting characters..." Read more

"What a hysterical book. It was well written and full of wise crack jokes and a few scenes that made me really laugh out loud...." Read more

"...It was a new spin on the supernatural detective genre and was well written. So, chalk one up for the Brits!..." Read more

"...In this well written and macabre mystery adventure you'll find an entire interesting and memorable cast of characters, surprising twists and turns,..." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one specifically praising Jake Fletcher as a fantastic protagonist.

"...; as that describes the overall writing quality, the lead and supporting characters (and I love the snarky dialogue deployed at times), plot..." Read more

"...mystery adventure you'll find an entire interesting and memorable cast of characters, surprising twists and turns, good guys with grit, baddies with..." Read more

"...The characters are unusual and unexpected. I definitely recommend." Read more

"...Hilarious doesn't even begin to describe it. Fantastic protagonist, well written and simply superb." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • txdoc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant benchmark urban fantasy!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I first read this book a year ago and found it nothing short of brilliant. The author, David Bussell, has now gone back and fleshed out parts of the story providing us with more detail, more snark, and a fuller backstory that makes this edition even better than the first. In this story, we follow Jake Fletcher, or rather the ghost of Jake Fletcher, as he begins the arduous task of making amends for the wrongs he unwittingly committed while alive. In life, he was an exorcist who truly believed that he was doing a service for the spirits he exorcised. Sadly, it turns out that he was, in fact, obliterating them rather than helping them to find their proper place in the Great Hereafter. He fears that his final judgement will be quite unpleasant if he is unable to cancel out some of the red in his ledger and find a way into the good graces of the Man Upstairs. As a spectral detective, he feels he can make a positive contribution to the society of the living as well as to the spirits of people struggling with the reality of their untimely demise. His new profession puts him in contact with all manner of the Uncanny. Be prepared for action, danger, mystery, humor, surprises, and top shelf snarky repartee. I highly recommend this brilliant and entertaining story to all urban fantasy enthusiasts.

    While I did purchase a copy of the first edition of this book, I was provided with a free copy of this extended edition. My review, however, is entirely voluntary, honest and unbiased.
    One person found this helpful
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  • The Mysterious Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written true snarky fun
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Fresh Hell, the first book in the Ghosted series (though it actually follows the excellent prequel Deathday which you can get free from the author), is set in David Bussell and MV Stott's wonderful "Uncanny Kingdom" urban fantasy universe. I'm just coming off a reading-high from books in a related series, the London Coven books (by MV Stott), so I expected good things. Boy oh boy was that expectation met.

    I love the whole concept of an ex-exorcist phantom, providing PI services to lost souls with the aim of solving their cases so that they can "pass on to the other side". Jake Fletcher is a fantastic (if nicely flawed) character and Fresh Hell easily passes what I call my "Dresden Test" both as a book (is it as good as the average Dresden book) and in terms of the starring character (how does that lead stack up against Harry D). I think my key word here is "top notch" as that describes the overall writing quality, the lead and supporting characters (and I love the snarky dialogue deployed at times), plot (fast paced and with appropriate thrills and adventure, twists and turns) and, as mentioned, the Uncanny Kingdom world built for the characters to play in (including the magic system that allows Jake to occasionally take over of other bodies - at times with pretty funny consequences).

    Bottom line is that this book is wonderfully written true snarky fun, and highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Julie
    3.0 out of 5 stars It was just ok
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I had trouble keeping up with the characters.
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  • Christy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny book 1
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What a hysterical book. It was well written and full of wise crack jokes and a few scenes that made me really laugh out loud. The book is fast paced and full of action throughout the whole story. We are introduced to Jake a dead PI trying to earn brownie points before he has to face the "Big Guy" upstairs. Although Jake is a ghost he can possess people when he has to, leading to quite a few funny scenes. Some of his contacts on the street are alive and some are dead but all are a hoot. Jake keeps a dialogue going throughout the book that lets us know what he is thinking as he tries to solve the poor murder of the skinned victim. In other words I found this book to be very hysterical and worth a read.
    Helpful
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  • agrodged
    4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Good
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, I’ll admit it. I usually detest British authors. They ramble on too much and have zero imagination when it comes to action. This book still didn’t have a lot of action, per se (very few fight scenes, very little gun play, etc.) but, it had enough to keep my interest. And the action scenes it did have, fit in nicely with the overall story. It was a new spin on the supernatural detective genre and was well written. So, chalk one up for the Brits! I’ll grab the next book and keep going with the story. Good job, Mr. Bussell!
    Helpful
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  • Athena
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best ghost detective you'll ever read about!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I received an ARC of the expanded Spectral Detective and I stand by my orginal five star review. In fact, I would give the new version an additional five stars as well. 10 big gold stars all the way!

    This book is one unique and intriguing experience you won't soon forget! If I cant find the fountain of youth or become a vampire, I definitely wanna be pals with Jake Fletcher when I bite it.

    Jake Fletcher, our hero, is a ghost P.I. spending his afterlife helping to solve murders and give other ghostly souls some peace. In this well written and macabre mystery adventure you'll find an entire interesting and memorable cast of characters, surprising twists and turns, good guys with grit, baddies with gutsy moves, and a front row seat to Jake snarking his way in and out of trouble with practiced ease. This expanded version packs an even bigger punch, so even if you previously read Spectral Detective you should really give this version a read. You will not be disappointed.

    Seriously, if you want to read a supernatural mystery that is anything but average you cannot do any better than a book set in the Uncanny Kingdom. Try this one today, I dare you.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • PJ Bookish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not so hellish.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    As an "ex-exorcist" Jake has work to do to redeem himself, not easy when you're a ghost.
    This book is great fun, Jake is a very likeable protagonist and I love the engagements between him and the characters he ropes in to help him.
    The story is exciting, gory and has lots of twists and turns leading to plenty of surprises.
    I'm already eager for the next book.
    Report
  • Kim P. NZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining Read
    Reviewed in Australia on July 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book was really good. I enjoyed the storyline and the main character. Theres parts that are quite humorous and parts that are thought provoking, given that this is a ghost story. It was an entertaining read and I will be interested to read more of this series.
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  • Grace55
    3.0 out of 5 stars Spoilt by being far too short
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I did enjoy reading this, its great to have an urban fantasy based in England so I'm likely to pick up all the cultural references. It's very much in the wisecracking detective style, fast paced, not predictable and exciting.
    But I bought it and had finished it well within a single afternoon. This is more of a novella. I'd much rather pay more for a longer more developed book than buy three shorter parts, though to be fair it doesn't have a cliffhanger.
    Report
  • Maria
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the anti hero ghost/dead detective in these stories by ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I love the anti hero ghost/dead detective in these stories by David Bussell. Really well written with lovely sense of humour and some touches of Raymond Chandler here and there. A very good read.
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  • Janet Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What a great storyline. Jake is a brilliant character. Very funny and sharp witted. Just a pity he's dead. Will definitely be reading more stories from this series. Keep up the good work.
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