I had a lot of fun with the first book in this series, but Undead Complex…I’m just bored. Now that the characters have been established, I’m not that interested, and again, it was fun to see the Undetectables figuring out magical forensics in book one, but now they have that down, the process of their investigation held no appeal for me. And it felt like Undead was taking forever to get anywhere – although I’m not sure if it actually was, or it it just felt like that because I wasn’t enjoying myself. I recognise that the new case – a dead body showing up with the face of someone still very much alive – is objectively weirder than a serial killer case (which is what we had in the first book), but still, I was bored. I didn’t care AT ALL about what was going on or who the killer might be, or how everything would resolve – I couldn’t care less about the tv set and the drama among the crew and cast. I just wanted it to be over – and then realised I could make that happen! So.

The fibro rep continues to be excellent, but I just don’t care about the story said rep is in, unfortunately.

The Undead Complex by Courtney Smyth is a captivating blend of supernatural intrigue, complex characters, and sharp wit that kept me hooked from start to finish. Smyth masterfully weaves a tale that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways.

If you're a fan of paranormal fiction with depth, heart, and a dash of humor, The Undead Complex is a must-read. Courtney Smyth has crafted a story that lingers in your mind long after the final page. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Following on from he queer and sassy The Undetectables, this is a delightful gay witchy romp, full of found family and fun. Read in a single sitting.

I haven't read the first book in the series which may explain why I found the beginning very choppy with the relationship between all the characters a bit unclear. It smooths out a bit as the story went along, but honestly, the character development left me cold. The group is supposed to be tight knit, but never really feels that way.

The pacing of the mystery was slow and how it was laid/rolled out was not to my mystery reading taste.

If I came across the first book, or any subsequent book, at the library or for free (as I received this one from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review), I'd give it a go to see if more exposure to the characters and writing style increased my enjoyment of the series because there is potential.

Be gay. Solve Crimes. Take naps is a tagline from the first book that’s appropriate for the second book. This book is more gay than the first and I am here for it.

This book follows on from the events of book 1. Mallory has managed to bring Theo back (still a ghost with cat ears) and is still trying to solve his original murder. The Undetectables are technically banned from doing more detective work while the investigation into the last case wraps up (and of course the government is taking it’s sweet time), and Diana’s past catches up to her when an ex brings her a case she cannot refuse. This book, while having its own self-contained storyline, pulls at threads that weren’t fully resolved in book 1, and I don’t recommend reading this as a standalone. This book has two POV characters. There is still Mallory, who is predominantly following the unresolved issues from book one, but we also get to see Diana, who is leading the main storyline in this book. It’s actually nice getting a different POV, especially because Diana adds another insight into the Mallory/Cornelia situation (if you know, you know!). By the end of the book, Diana’s storyline is nicely resolved, but Mallory’s storyline is still developing, which I’m hoping means we get another book.

My one gripe about this book is that I don’t think it’s YA. I think this book falls into the space publishing refuse to acknowledge: new adult. The characters are in their twenties and are navigating jobs and more serious relationships, and we see that a lot in this book, especially with Diana’s storyline. That’s not to say a younger audience can’t read and enjoy this book, but I’m not sure how much they’ll relate to Diana trying to decide which direction she wants her career to go and whether she should remain with the detective agency.

Overall this was an absolutely delightful read and perfect for fans of paranormal/fantasy/crime. I’m hoping there will be more, because I really want to know how Theo died (the first time) and I’m starting to feel his storyline is dragging a little, so I’m hoping it gets wrapped up in the next book. Also: Will they or won’t they? (You need to read the book to find out because, spoilers!)

I was lucky enought to get a review copy of this book from netgalley. I had read the first book and loved it! It was great to return to these characters and their magical world. This one felt like it could be a spooky, cozy, queer midsommer murders. There was a mysterious murder on a horror movie set at a country house and the team had to infiltrate the set to make their investigations. I really appreciated the way these murders were set up, bodies that looked like people who were still alive, a mysterious doll house. And an fascinating subplot about what was up with their returned from the dead (again) ghost.
This series is really refreshing. It has such great disability and queer rep. More than anything I think it shows the best way to be a friend to someone who has a different energy level and pain level than most people. The ending was tantalising and I can't wait for book 3.
Even though I got a free preview copy from netgalley. I will definitely be buying this when it comes out as it will be one I'd like to read again as a physical copy.

I read the first in this series at the start of the year and really enjoyed it as a pacy, fun Gen Z take on the witchy/supernatural fantasy thriller. And while I don’t love it when a sequel spends a lot of time retreading ground from the previous book or books, it’s pretty much essential to at least give your reader SOME reminders because I struggled so much for the first half of this book trying to remember the lore, the characters and the events of the previous book and very little help was given. Suffice it to say, it absolutely would not work as a standalone. Once I’d got past the trying to remember who was who, with what powers, I did enjoy this but it was hard to regain ground from those first few hours spent constantly thinking “they what now?”

The Undead Complex is the second book in Courtney Smyth's Undetectables series and it is a strong addition. The set up is clever, with the team being tasked to investigate the murder of Diana's ex- girlfriend Taylor- by Taylor herself who is decidedly not dead despite appearances. This means the team going under cover on the set of a tv series to try to root out the killer. However that is not the only problem faced by the Undetectables, something is wrong with their ghostly pal Theo and time may be running out to help him, especially if he continues to deny that anything is wrong.
While you could read this book as a stand alone I think the reader would enjoy it much more having read the first book, the heart of the series is the friendship between the members of the Undetectables team which is established in book one and built upon here. I really appreciated the disability representation, Mallory , the forensic expert on the team has Fibromyalgia and throughout the book there is a real effort to show not just how it impacts her on a daily basis but also how important and impactful accommodations and acknowledgements are. There is also some really good queer representation and a slow burning romance that had me rooting for the characters in question to get it together.
In terms of the plot of this book, it is quite convoluted at times, I definitely needed to pay attention to keep up with what was going on, but it was cleverly done. The mystery is resolved by the end of the book but that does not mean I was not left wanting more, there is a little reveal that will keep me eagerly awaiting the next book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Such a great follow up to the series. I love the characters so much. Queer, ,mysteries and magic, what more could we ask for?

This sequel to the Undetectables was great! The plot twist at the very end left me shaking my kindle, trying to get one more page! The characters only got better in this installment and the supernatural world was once again very well written.

The Undead Complex is such a good story. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's so immaculate the story that was created, the plot was fabulous.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

This is the sequel to The Undetectables, and the plot just got more deadly, heightened and complicated than ever! I loved every minute of this, especially with it being more from Diana's point of view, whereas the first was from Mallory. I hope the next instalment is from Cornelia's, given the plot twist dropped on us in the very last line - not cool, I need the next one immediately.

The character development was really interesting, and I look forward to learning more about what is going on with Theodore. Courtney Smyth has really turned it up a notch.

If you enjoy a group of friends turned found family fighting supernatural crime (almost in a Scooby Doo vibe) then this series is begging for you to read it!

The Undetectables, a private investigative agency run by three witches and a ghost, are still recovering from their last murder case when Diana’s ex, Taylor, approaches them with another. And the victim appears to be Taylor herself…

I loved being back in the supernatural world of this series, and spending time with its impossible-not-to-love characters again. The Undead Complex is set five months after the events of The Undetectables (the first book in the series), and I loved that we get to see the effects of the events of that book. This one is best enjoyed with its prequel fresh in the mind, but can also be read as a standalone. The character development is superb, and this series does a fantastic job of queer and disabled representation. I particularly loved the romance storylines.

This one was very nearly a five-star read for me, although the plot felt a little convoluted at times, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. With each book, I fall in love a little more with the world-building and characterisation, both of which are incredible. I loved that The Undead Complex brought its main plot to a satisfying close, while also leaving plenty of unanswered questions to keep the reader wanting more. It’s me, I want more!

Loved The Undetectables, so I was absolutely champing at the bit for more. I'll admit, the magic has worn off a little, but I think that's more due to it not being so new to me anymore. It's fun returning to this world, and when the stakes heat up, you'll be glued to the book the way I was (which means it feels a little less cozy, but it's still just as fun).