Duck Duck Ghost

Hellsinger, Book 2

By: Rhys Ford

Narrated by: Tristan James

Paranormal investigator Wolf Kincaid knows what his foot tastes like.

Mostly because he stuck it firmly in his mouth when his lover, Tristan Pryce, accidentally drugged him with a batch of psychotropic baklava. Needing to patch things up between them, Wolf drags Tristan to San Luis Obispo, hoping Tristan's medium ability can help evict a troublesome spirit haunting an old farmhouse.

With Wolf's sister handling Hoxne Grange's spectral visitors, Tristan finds himself in the unique position of being able to leave home for the first time in forever, but Wolf's roughshod treatment is the least of his worries. Tristan's ad-hoc portal for passing spirits seems to be getting fewer and fewer guests, and despite his concern he's broken his home, Tristan agrees to help Wolf's cousin, Sey, kick her poltergeist to the proverbial curb.

San Luis Obispo brings its own bushel of troubles. Tristan's ghost whispering skill is challenged not only by a terrorizing haunting but also by Wolf's skeptical older cousin, Cin. Bookended by a pair of aggressive Kincaids, Tristan soon finds himself in a spectral battle that threatens not only his sanity but also his relationship with Wolf, the first man he's ever loved.

©2014 Rhys Ford (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

Another winner from Rhys Ford

A great sequel to Fish and Ghosts, made even better by Tristan James' narration. A winning combination. Loved meeting more of Wolf's family.

Tristan James and Rhys Ford are a great duo!

Wolf starts off with a bang and a new assistant in the swamps of Florida and instead of a ghost almost loses a limb to an alligator! We find out he as totally effed up things with Tristan and ran out on the guy after a bad episode of hallucinogenic honey consumption.

Tristan meanwhile is not happy because a) Wolf is acting like an ass and b) the ghosts seem to have left the Grange.

A little time passes, Wolf comes to his senses and returns to Tristan. The two call a truce because Wolf’s cousin Sey is in need of some ghost experts and they realize they aren’t quite through with each other.

Sey operates a toy repair service and it seems as though one of the toys has come with its own poltergeist. Tristan and Wolf, then later cousin Cin, must rid Sey’s ranch of the ghost of a horrifying little girl before the entire place (literally) goes up in flames.

Ok. Rhys, I admit it. I was pissed at first. How could you cause trouble between Tristan and Wolf when they had just found each other?!

(Whining over) They quickly get back together and manage to work through some pretty important emotional stuff. In fact Tristan ends up really coming up to bat for Wolf against Cin, who holds Wolf in contempt for “abandoning” the Hellsinger family traditions. That was pretty awesome. Their make-up sex is also super amazing, so I pretty much forgave Rhys for everything and she continues to be my hero.

Besides the love story, (which, as previously mentioned, rocks!) the ghost story in this book was way scarier than in the first. Maybe it’s the scary kid ghost, (I kept getting flashes of Chuckie, IT, and Poltergeist) but those porcelain doll heads are plain creepy all on their own. Now imagine them haunted. Yeah. Creepy as hell. Thanks for the nightmares Rhys!

I loved Ray and Petal, though. They reminded me of Beetlejuice’s football team ghosts. Nice, funny, kinda clueless. They were great assets to the story.

I thought Cin was a douche-bag, but he was kinda supposed to be, and I’m hoping we’ll see more of him, more evolved, hopefully in love with someone…

It was nice to meet Ophelia Sunday and to learn more about Wolf’s history and I really liked where the couple ended the story even though it looks like Rhys is going to put them in hot water… again!

I just love this ghost series by Rhys Ford and am excited to see where their adventure takes us, even though it might just give me more nightmares!

Audio:

Tristan James, one of my all time favorite narrators, does another great job with this. His Wolf Kincaid voice is growly and delightful and Tris is just a shade light to give him a more delicate air. I love the family and Mara and all the secondary characters.

Good

Have read and listen to this series of book. And I check every year to see if the next book has come out. Love the characters and stories need more please

How I Wish There Were a Book 3

This was a fun and intriguing second book in the series. Wolf and Tristan learn more about trusting and relying on each other and deal with a creepy crawly ghost mystery as well. New characters are introduced - Wolf's cousins, including Sey and Cin (who could probably hold down his own series) - who I'd like to hear more about.

There was humor, fear, sadness and some fun inside references that made me smile to catch. I like these two guys and would love to read more in their world.

Tristan James is one of my favorite narrators and I loved hearing his performance here. The ending of this book made it so clear where a third book could pick up and I just WISH there was one. Please, Ms. Ford?

Another Surprisingly enjoyable RF series

Would you listen to Duck Duck Ghost again? Why?

Yes. I enjoyed the characters enough to want to revisit them. I love the idea of a ghost hotel, and though much of this book didn't take place in that locale - it was fun to see how the events of the first book have rippled through the characters lives and homes.

I did not expect to enjoy this series nearly as much as I did. I really love Rhys Ford's writing style, and have enjoyed the other two series by her that are featured on Audible. Each series manages to have unique and well rounded characters who are not simply cookie cutter protagonists.

What did you like best about this story?

I want more Cin! I was a bit annoyed with the beginning of the story and where we pick up with the characters, but quickly got over it. It was amusing to watch the honey gag play out throughout the story.

I think my favorite bit though was probably watching Tristan come into his own a bit.

What does Tristan James bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

There are a handful of narrators who tend to read the MM genre books - some of them better than others. Tristan James is one that I never mind listening to. He does a really good job of creating distinct characters and lending enough inflection to keep the story interesting without having the narration become a distraction.

Who was the most memorable character of Duck Duck Ghost and why?

Aunt Gildy - crazy like a fox? Who doesn't love an eccentric crazy old lady thrown in for comic relief? She was almost as creepy as the dolls.

Any additional comments?

I really hope we get some answers and payoff with Tristan's development as this series continues.

Decent story, excellent narration

Any additional comments?

You know how a really good narrator can make or break an average story? that was very true in this case. The story was enjoyable but not outstanding, but the narration was excellent. The narrator really brought this story to life. This was a real performance.

enjoyed it - solid 4.5 stars

Would I listen to it again: yes - I have and will again
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

📖 Story comment: good pace, likeable characters and an entertaining story.
It's fun and creepy and I enjoy it more each time I listen to it. The end of this book doesn't end on a cliff hanger, instead it sets up the next story which I hope eventually comes!

🎧 Narrator comment: I enjoy Tristan James as a narrator, and go through phases where he's all I listen too. His smooth even tones are just what the ragged edges of my soul need. He suits these characters, does "creepy" well, has good timing, inflections and intonations and brings Rhys Fords words to life.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 8
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in multiple formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]
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great series

love this series, love Rhys Ford, and love Tristan James. however he does mispronounce words/names sometimes which can be a distraction the listening process

Great story. Great narration.

A worthy sequel to Fish and Ghosts. Dreadfully creepy in spots, smoking hot in others, and written eloquently. Narration was also sufficiently unnerving in the right spots.

Fun! Fun! Fun!

I Loved this Rhys Ford Hellsinger series.The characters are lively. The dialogue is funny and the plot is a gteat m8x of comedy, sexy times and scary things that go bump in the night. I wish she would write another.