Corpses and Cognac: Deadly Drinks #2

Name: Corpses and Cognac: Deadly Drinks #2
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781734896022

✍️ Dorian Graves

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$19.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Half-huldra brothers investigate a leviathan mystery in Arcata.

The Gallows brothers face a crisis when the head of a buried leviathan vanishes, unleashing a ghost that endangers Arcata. Their investigation reveals a carnival promising eternal bliss and a minotaur gang targeting unknown outsiders. Allies like Nalem and Farris provide support, but trust erodes as friends reveal darker sides. The brothers must save the town while questioning their own nature and relationships. Graves uses this case to explore themes of identity and survival in a world where monsters and humans blur lines.

Key Themes

ghost exorcism half-huldra brothers Arcata leviathan

Literary Context

This work sits within the queer supernatural fiction tradition, drawing on urban fantasy tropes and gothic horror. It references the aesthetic of 'Supernatural' and 'Neverwhere', placing it in a modern American setting with mythological undertones. The 2021 publication date aligns with contemporary trends in diverse genre fiction.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

N.K. Jemisin · Catherynne M. Valente

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Dorian Graves Fiction 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781734896022

📝 Description: Corpses and Cognac: Deadly Drinks #2

Dorian Graves presents the second entry in the Deadly Drinks series, following half-huldra brothers Retz and Jarrod Gallows. The narrative centers on a ghost exorcism in Arcata, California, where an ancient leviathan’s missing head threatens the town. Retz, a possessed hairdresser, and Jarrod, a cursed bounty hunter, investigate disappearances linked to a madcap carnival and a minotaur motorcycle gang. They are aided by Nalem, a necromancer ghost who inhabits Retz, and Farris, Jarrod’s boyfriend navigating his new existence as a Faerie. The plot involves mysterious strangers and allies who reveal hidden natures, forcing the brothers to confront their own identities. Graves writes queer supernatural fiction that blends urban fantasy with gothic horror elements. This book suits readers who enjoy monster hunters dealing with personal trauma and complex relationships. It may not appeal to those seeking straightforward action without emotional depth or queer representation. The story balances dark humor with serious questions about self-knowledge and loyalty.

💎 Our verdict on Corpses and Cognac: Deadly Drinks #2

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Graves crafts a compelling narrative that balances dark humor with serious thematic inquiries into identity and loyalty. The integration of gothic horror with urban fantasy creates a distinct atmosphere where monsters and humans blur lines. Retz and Jarrod’s investigation provides a structured plot for exploring deeper emotional truths. This approach suits readers who value character-driven stories within the horror genre. The work excels in portraying complex relationships and personal trauma, offering a refreshing alternative to standard action-heavy plots. It is particularly appealing to those seeking queer representation and nuanced explorations of self-knowledge within a supernatural framework.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a blend of dark humor and emotional depth will find value in this narrative. It appeals to those interested in queer supernatural fiction who enjoy monster hunters confronting personal trauma and complex relationships. The book offers a unique perspective on identity and survival, making it suitable for fans of urban fantasy with gothic undertones. Those who appreciate nuanced character development over straightforward action will benefit from the exploration of trust, loyalty, and self-knowledge amidst a backdrop of cosmic and psychological horror.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Graves crafts a compelling narrative that balances dark humor with serious thematic inquiries into identity and loyalty. The integration of gothic horror with urban fantasy creates a distinct atmosphere where monsters and humans blur lines. Retz and Jarrod’s investigation provides a structured plot for exploring deeper emotional truths. This approach suits readers who value character-driven stories within the horror genre. The work excels in portraying complex relationships and personal trauma, offering a refreshing alternative to standard action-heavy plots. It is particularly appealing to those seeking queer representation and nuanced explorations of self-knowledge within a supernatural framework.