All Calliope Reaper-Jones ever wanted out of life was a fabulous job in New York City and a really hot boyfriend. But now, she's the brand-new President of Death, Inc. With the Board of Death breathing down her neck and her dad's copy of How to be Death (A Fully Annotated Guide) unopened, Callie's really feeling the tension. And when the guide book is stolen at a fancy formal dinner, Callie has to figure out how to be the boss--before the powers held within the book get out and destroy humanity forever...
How to be Death (A CALLIOPE REAPER-JONES NOVEL)
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About the Author
AMBER BENSON co-created, co-wrote, and directed the animated supernatural web-series Ghosts of Albion with Christopher Golden, followed by a series of novels including Witchery and Accursed, and the novella Astray. Benson and Golden also co-authored the novella The Seven Whistlers. As an actress, she has appeared in dozens of roles in feature films, TV movies, and television series, including the fan favorite role of Tara Maclay on three seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Benson wrote, produced, and directed the feature films Chance and Lovers, Liars, and Lunatics.
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More About the Author
Amber Benson co-wrote and directed the animated web-series Ghosts of Albion with Christopher Golden for the BBC. The duo then novelized the series in two books for Random House. Her first solo novel, Death's Daughter, was published by Penguin in 2009, with a children's book for Simon and Schuster called The New Newbridge Academy to follow in the fall of 2010. As an actress, Benson spent three seasons as Tara Maclay on the cult show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She has also written, produced, and directed three feature films, including her latest, Drones, which she co-directed with Adam Busch and will be released later this year.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Theresa
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Calliope Reaper-Jones never imagined the one thing she avoided like a plague would end up fulfilling her life-long dreams of buying designer clothes -without the inevitable diet of ramen noodles to cover the cost- and dating hot guys. Who knew "Death" had so many perks?
Our once reluctant protagonist is dressed to the nines and eager to attend her first official outing as President and CEO of Death Inc. playing hostess for a Masquerade Party and Dinner at the Haunted Hearts Castle. First thing on the agenda: Prove she can handle the job. Second: Make her former boyfriend, Daniel, eat his heart out. She has a slutty rhinestone bikini that should do the trick! The tables are quickly turned however, when she discovers Daniel isn't at the party alone; a possessive paramour is on his arm. That proves to be the least of her worries when the annotated copy of "How To Be Death" is stolen and bodies start dropping like beads at Marti Gras. It's a race against time as Callie, Jarvis, Runt (Hooray!) and Freezay, a quirky retired detective, search for a vicious killer and thief before the stroke of midnight signals the end of Halloween and, possibly, the beginning of the end for all humanity.
This time around, the main focus is on the Aztec Pantheon which is particularly fitting for the story-line. Several intriguing new characters are introduced, most with secrets and/or hidden agendas. One of the dinner guests shares a brow raising revelation that is subtly hinted at in early chapters. I would love to comment further on that, and several other interesting character developments, but I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone. I'm thrilled that Callie's adorable side-kick, Runt, had a larger role in the story and also enjoyed the addition of former detective and old family friend, Freezay.... Read more ›
Our once reluctant protagonist is dressed to the nines and eager to attend her first official outing as President and CEO of Death Inc. playing hostess for a Masquerade Party and Dinner at the Haunted Hearts Castle. First thing on the agenda: Prove she can handle the job. Second: Make her former boyfriend, Daniel, eat his heart out. She has a slutty rhinestone bikini that should do the trick! The tables are quickly turned however, when she discovers Daniel isn't at the party alone; a possessive paramour is on his arm. That proves to be the least of her worries when the annotated copy of "How To Be Death" is stolen and bodies start dropping like beads at Marti Gras. It's a race against time as Callie, Jarvis, Runt (Hooray!) and Freezay, a quirky retired detective, search for a vicious killer and thief before the stroke of midnight signals the end of Halloween and, possibly, the beginning of the end for all humanity.
This time around, the main focus is on the Aztec Pantheon which is particularly fitting for the story-line. Several intriguing new characters are introduced, most with secrets and/or hidden agendas. One of the dinner guests shares a brow raising revelation that is subtly hinted at in early chapters. I would love to comment further on that, and several other interesting character developments, but I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone. I'm thrilled that Callie's adorable side-kick, Runt, had a larger role in the story and also enjoyed the addition of former detective and old family friend, Freezay.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Not ashamed to admit that I enjoy the Calliope Reaper-Jones (aka Death) series, Amber Benson's take on the paranormal romance/supernatural/urban fantasy genre. The characters are imaginative, sarcastic and interesting and the stories have a creative playfulness that I really enjoy. Plus they're quick, fun reads.
This book read as more of a straight-up "whodunnit" than the last few, borrowing some of the more popular murder-mystery motifs (locked room mystery, retired policeman to solve the crime and plenty of femme fatales), while also adding to the Death-lore of the series.
Will now wait patiently to find out what happens next to Calliope and Death Inc.
This book read as more of a straight-up "whodunnit" than the last few, borrowing some of the more popular murder-mystery motifs (locked room mystery, retired policeman to solve the crime and plenty of femme fatales), while also adding to the Death-lore of the series.
Will now wait patiently to find out what happens next to Calliope and Death Inc.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Summer40
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Amber Benson was smart enough to use one of her most beloved characters in her latest novel. Runt, the talking hellhound, is the pooch that everyone will adore. Other characters such as Jarvis (I miss his faun body), Daniel, Kali and even Calliope take a major backseat to characters that are not well-rounded,not interesting and unnecessary. I missed the Calliope from the past who encountered danger from every corner and handled it with stealth determination. In this novel, Calliope acts like she has no idea what she's doing. If the story involves an elaborate dinner party, shouldn't the author detail the food more so than the party dress? It was a labor of love trying to finish this book. Benson will come back with a stronger premise for Calliope.
By Cary Morton
Format:Kindle Edition
WARNING - THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
I loved this book. In my opinion it was much better than the previous three, and a good part of that is because of the way Amber Benson handled the plot. Rather than the usual Calliope Reaper-Jones novel plot, this one was a "Who done it?" murder mystery. It was like watching a Holiday Special episode of your favorite TV show: The characters you love are all there, it's in the same universe, but the plot was so wildly different than what you're used to. It was fun.
The basic plot goes like this: Each year on Halloween the office of Death throws a big party for all the supernaturals to attend. Callie doesn't really want to go, but she really doesn't have a choice. She's hosting. Unfortunately, this is also the single time of the year that all the supernaturals lose their magic abilities (and therefore immortality) and are completely vulnerable. It's also the one night of the year that Death's Handbook can be handed over to Death (which aside from all the rules and information one could ever want on how to actually be Death, also contains instructions for starting the Apocalypse). Whoever holds the book at the stroke of midnight then owns the book for the next year, and has completely dominion over Death and all it's sub-offices.
Unfortunately, Callie's in for one hell of a night. She's vulnerable this one night, and like usual, there are a whole host of people vying to snag her job. What ensues is a grand murder-mystery as Callie and her supernatural friends fight to keep, and then get back, Death's Handbook as unknown parties start killing off supernaturals - and even try to kill Callie.
I love murder-mysteries and I will admit that I totally got caught up in this one.... Read more ›
I loved this book. In my opinion it was much better than the previous three, and a good part of that is because of the way Amber Benson handled the plot. Rather than the usual Calliope Reaper-Jones novel plot, this one was a "Who done it?" murder mystery. It was like watching a Holiday Special episode of your favorite TV show: The characters you love are all there, it's in the same universe, but the plot was so wildly different than what you're used to. It was fun.
The basic plot goes like this: Each year on Halloween the office of Death throws a big party for all the supernaturals to attend. Callie doesn't really want to go, but she really doesn't have a choice. She's hosting. Unfortunately, this is also the single time of the year that all the supernaturals lose their magic abilities (and therefore immortality) and are completely vulnerable. It's also the one night of the year that Death's Handbook can be handed over to Death (which aside from all the rules and information one could ever want on how to actually be Death, also contains instructions for starting the Apocalypse). Whoever holds the book at the stroke of midnight then owns the book for the next year, and has completely dominion over Death and all it's sub-offices.
Unfortunately, Callie's in for one hell of a night. She's vulnerable this one night, and like usual, there are a whole host of people vying to snag her job. What ensues is a grand murder-mystery as Callie and her supernatural friends fight to keep, and then get back, Death's Handbook as unknown parties start killing off supernaturals - and even try to kill Callie.
I love murder-mysteries and I will admit that I totally got caught up in this one.... Read more ›
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This novel was a little departure from the rest of the series. It was more of a "Who-done-it." I liked it and it setup the next one. The whole series is highly original.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another round with death
Good read. Continuing saga on the trials and tribulations of Calliope Reaper Jones, aka the "grim reaper". Fanciful and imaginative!
Published 4 months ago by John J. Mcdonnell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best one yet!!!
I love Amber Benson and the way she writes....And I absolutely love Calliope as well!!!I just can't get enough of them both!!!!A definite read...My favorite so far!!!
Published 6 months ago by Kristen Avery
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent storywriting
Excellent storyline. Great continuation of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series. Would highly recommend the entire series to anybody. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Devin W. Rowland
5.0 out of 5 stars
pu
I have always enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It is fast paced and reminiscent of old time whodunnits. I am awaiting the next book in the series already.
Published 15 months ago by pu
4.0 out of 5 stars
Calliope Reaper-Jones #4
Calliope Reaper-Jones is the new President of Death, Inc., following the murder of her father. She is given her father's original copy of How to be Death (A Fully Annotated Guide),... Read more
Published 15 months ago by SciFiChick
4.0 out of 5 stars
entertaining locked castle murder mystery
Since her dad's untimely death thanks to his late oldest daughter (see Death's Daughter), Calliope Reaper-Jones feels pressure she does not want; as the President and CEO of Death,... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Harriet Klausner
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