"California Demon" Review

California Demon

 The Secret Life of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom

(2nd in series)

By Julie Kenner

9/10

Synopsis:

California Demon by Julie Kenner is the second book in the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom Series following Carpe Demon.  This book continues the tale of Kate Connor – demon-hunting soccer mom.  In this edition, the battle of good versus evil hits a bit closer to home as it begins at Coronado High School, the school of Kate’s daughter Allie.  This time the mystery is two fold, she must find out the purpose and plan for an ancient book with nothing on its pages as well as deciphering the cryptic note left to her by her first husband Eric.  All of that while trying to figure out just who this new teacher at Allie’s school really is and what his interest in her and her family could mean.  Can she handle being mom, wife, friend, sleuth, and demon hunter all at once or will her secret be exposed?

My opinion:

I was really looking forward to reading this second installment in the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom Series and I was not disappointed.  Kate again captures the title of super mom by balancing her public life and her secret life.  Kenner’s writing continues to be witty and fun.  The characters are colorful especially Eddie, the elderly hunter that Kate has taken in under the guise of being Eric’s father.  The introduction of David Long is an unexpected twist and makes for a nice subplot for Kate.  Any mom will feel the urgency and fear Kenner creates when Kate’s daughter Allie is pulled into the middle of things.  The secret of the book with blank pages that the demons covet is interesting at first but makes for a rather unbelievable ending.  While I know the book is fiction, there was something about the first book, Carpe Demon that gave it an even greater sense of “This couldn’t really happen.” I felt rather conflicted about the ending of this book but in all actuality, I have to give Kenner kudos for surprising me yet again.  This book is a solid follow-up but make sure to read Carpe Demon first.  9 out of 10!