How to Rattle an Undead Couple

The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy: The Epilogues #3

by Hailey Edwards

Bring on the cakes, balloons, cakes, gifts, cakes, and…well…cakes. It’s time for Grier’s baby shower!

Grier is ready to smile for the cameras, rip open the presents, and finally taste that lemon chiffon cake, but it’s just not meant to be. The Grande Dame is MIA, which turns the big event into an even bigger search party. And that delicious cake? It’s going right back in the fridge.

While Grier doesn’t have the best relationship with her mother-in-law, she’s determined her child will grow up with one living grandparent or else. Even if it means wiggling into maternity jeans, putting on actual shoes, and waddling over to Lawson Manor to investigate the potential kidnapping.

Just as the investigation turns a corner, Grier pays the price for her stress. The baby wants out ahead of schedule, and it has a unique way of making its desires known. Unique and terrifying. Now the race is on to find the Grande Dame before the baby makes his or her first appearance.

What do you get when you cross a goddess-touched necromancer with an Eidolon?

Linus and Grier are about to find out firsthand. Now they just have to survive parenthood.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Magic, Shapeshifters

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2020

About the author

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.

Hailey isn't on Goodreads.

Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/

Reviews

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I love this series ❤️
And LJ is a super baby 👶 😘😂
Keep them coming, Ms. Edwards!
I can’t wait to see more of LJ’s antics 😘

I don’t recommend a series often even thought I like that series very much.
But I highly recommend this series and go on give it a try 😊.
It has a fantastic hero and I haven’t read any other PNR with someone like Linus, before.
It’s worth reading and Grier is an interesting heroine too, plus all those supporting characters are fun too!

❤️❤️❤️

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Rattle an Undead Couple is book three in The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy: The Epilogues by Hailey Edwards. It’s a sweet short novella that takes place 9-months after How to Survive an Undead Honeymoon.

This novella delivers mystery, laughs and suspense. When The Grande Dame, Grier's mother-in-law, is a no-show to the baby shower a mystery ensues. Grier wants in on the investigation and while she is 9-months pregnant the gang keeps her informed, but Linus and the others handle the search.

Of course it would be a typical baby shower. Especially when the little one wants to make an early appearance. I wasn’t at all surprised that this would not be a normal birth and Edwards did not disappoint.

I recommend Hailey Edwards and The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series. This novella was adorable and a treat for this fan.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved being back in this world with these characters and seeing how they were all doing! I love this rag tag bunch of people that have become family and so much more. This truly has been a favorite series of mine from the very first book and I am thrilled that the author keeps giving up these glimpses and stories into their lives. I've missed these lovable and so so memorable characters so much and I truly hope we get more in the future.

If you are looking for something with a little bit of it all I can't recommend this series enough!

[Dew · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Potentate In Name Only

What happened to this series? I must have read these books a dozen times by now and absolutely adore the Potentate of Atlanta books, breathlessly awaiting the next instalment, but the 3 epilogues are unworthy successors of the original series. I can only speculate that Ms. Edwards must have leased out the source material to a ghostwriter.

NuGrier is sloppy, slovenly, gluttonous, and in the 3 epilogues has never actually done any of the work of being a potentate. Rather, the epilogues are about how 25 supporting characters from the original series, including Linus and all of Hadley’s team in Atlanta, do all of the work for Grier who has become little more than an afterthought in her own series. The author specifically mentions that over the past 3 years, Grier never bothered to hire her own team. And why would she when every person she has ever met is willing to do all the work for her as unpaid lackeys desperate to protect Grier and her newly delicate sensibilities? Lethe doesn’t manage her own pack, parent her daughter, or spend time with Hood because she is literally sleeping with Grier in Grier’s bed every night. I guess all of Grier’s concern about helping Linus sleep and eat went by the wayside in favour of really leaning into the codependency between Lethe and Grier. In an affront to working pregnant people everywhere, Grier is too lazy to lift a pinky to do the job that she was willing to die for in book 7. On the upside, for the first time in 5 books the author finally decided that someone other than Lethe is a total p*g. Unfortunately, that character is Grier, who eats 2 dozen doughnuts in a single sitting and shoves full-size cupcakes into her mouth by the dozen, wrapper and all.

If the non-stop grosser-than-gross detailing of Grier stuffing whole candy bars into her gaping maw with smears of frosting all over her face isn’t enough, the author makes sure that readers all know that the Grier who used to wash her own floors is now a pampered princess and no longer deigns to lower herself to doing things for herself. The author throws in ableist slurs to put a point in it. It makes me wonder if the author would feel as confident using the “r”-word as they are calling someone a m*r*n even as they note that Grier requires a full-time nanny to help her sit, stand, lay down, potty, or dress.

Since the Grier of books 1-7 is gone and the theme of the epilogues is that Grier is “spoiled rotten”, Linus gifts her with yet another custom-made motor vehicle, as one does, bringing the total over 4 books to 5. Every last vestige of the Grier who understood what it’s like to work and try and survive is well and truly erased as though she never existed at all. I would wonder if it would ever occur to this version of Grier to stand up for anyone as she did in the original series or would she simply wave off other people’s problems, the people who might need a caring, invested potentate, as “let them eat cake”.

In case any reader held out hope that this book is anything more than to pick-pocket fans of the original series, it ends without resolution. Marchand and Volkov are still on the loose and plotting against Grier. Stay tuned for book 11.

[Stephaniec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy Hailey Edwards dropped these epilogues - I am genuinely happy to dive back in this world every time.

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linus and Grier are the damn best. And the secondary cast of this series is so wonderful.

I happily ate up every bit of this extension of their series, while crying that it's the end.

[Che is Slowly Getting Back to Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I'm really enjoying these novella's

Linus is a precious bean and deserves all the happiness in the world!

Grier just made me hungry and salivating for cake or anything sweet, seriously every pov chapter she's eating cake, or cupcakes and/or just finished eating something or on her way to eat something! Lucky duck!

This book does introduce a potential new big bad if the author decides to continue with a new spin off series for them but it doesn't end in a cliffhanger. Its a quick dip into their lives and wrapping up all potential loose ends.
Although i would totally love a spin off with LJ and Kayleigh. Even though there was must of Lethe & Hoods new adoptive daughter but the fact that she has a dark aura because of the ritual and LJ having most of Linus's powers, it could be interesting

So at this point i dont know if there will be any further epilogues but this series is awesome with some amazing side characters so will defo re-read this series again.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Grier at the end of her pregnancy you can tell she is ready for things to go back to normal, but with her things are never normal and that starts with her baby shower. Something that should be fun for Grier and Linus ended up starting them on a chase around the city. While Grier was sidelined, Linus was in on the action, finding all sorts of crazy things. But it was Grier who managed to shock the crap out of everyone with the baby and the new tricks it learned, freaking all of them out. I loved that this put the birth on the fast track and how the baby was welcomed to the family. I also loved how special the baby was and the different ways that Linus and Grier had to baby proof different things around the house. May they live long and happy lives!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grier and Linus are about to welcome their baby into the world, but when Linus’s mother goes missing the day of the baby shower (just a couple of weeks away from her due date), Grier must relinquish control by letting Linus and her trusted friends investigate.

First, can I just say that I wish the pram on the cover was actually available IRL. I love it and want one. Pregnant Grier was hilarious and I loved seeing all her friends rally around her. I laughed out loud at her reaction when the baby started manifesting powers while still in her womb. Oh how I wish this series was going to continue. I would love to see how Grier and Linus actually handle being parents of such a unique kid. Oh well. All good things must come to an end eventually. Time to cue up the spin-off series and hope it is as good as this one was.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww i love Linus more than ever this was a great story seeing Griers family pull together

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Rattle An Undead Couple delivered a hilarious, unique baby shower with cake, and a missing mother-in-law. Mystery, laughs and suspense await you in this tale.

Fair warning- never come between Grier and cake, especially when she is nine months pregnant. From swollen ankles to cranky moments, she was in rare form. This baby shower is the official baby shower befitting her title. It was organized for the benefit of her mother-in-law, The Grande Dame. When she is a no-show the mystery leads to some surprises.

I devoured this all while drooling over talk of lemon chiffon cake. Poor Grier wanted in on the investigation and while she was kept in the loop, Linus and others handled the search. It was interesting and I loved who partnered with Linus.

When the baby decides it wants to make an early appearance, I wasn’t at all surprised that this would not be a normal birth and Edwards did not disappoint. I think fans will be pleased with this final epilogue. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoy spending time with Grier and Linus (seriously, those two are SO FREAKING CUTE together) AND all the oddballs they surround themselves with. The fact that the new Woolworth power duo are not normal in the slightest and the situations they end up in are way beyond what most people (humans and supernaturals alike) ever have to deal with just makes it more exciting.

I mean, baby Woolworth alone gets props for bringing the spooky. And that's before you throw in vampires, a mysterious presence, an old enemy, and...other stuff. There's a lot going on here, okay? A glorious lot.

Not the least of which is a VERY pregnant Grier who isn't thrilled about being kept from her desserts or helping her city. She's a little cranky at times, a lot weepy all the time, and she's determined to pull her weight (snerk!) when it comes to protecting the people around her. All the people. Even her sometimes overbearing mother-in-law.

What can I say? We got sweet Grier and Linus time, snacks, a few secrets were uncovered, some sleuthing, and party! MAN, I love this series.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Snarktastic Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another in this weeks highly anticipated reads that fell a bit short of my expectations. Doesn't mean the book is bad, it means I expected too much.

The book begins with a baby shower. And it ends with a baby shower. In between baby showers a bit happens. Just a bit though . . . it feels like a novella to me. They mystery is kind of one note and we quickly move from clue to clue without a lot of fanfare or searching along the way. In the end, it is (mostly) resolved, but we are left with the knowledge that the fight is just begun and there is sure to be more to come.

So. I am frustrated. I though Linus and Grier's story was done. Yet, we keep adding more and finding ways for old nemeses to return. Truly, I more thoroughly enjoy Hadley and Midas, so these stories are less enticing to me. And, I would prefer a little more solidity to the story line. But, that's just me.

The sarcasm is still rampant. The friendships are still overwhelming. The love is still undeniable. I am pleased that Neely is so much more involved. He really adds to the story for me. But, I still finished this one wanting more.

[Janet Faes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I finished it fast. I wanted to know what was next. But Grier was.... not herself. Lethe’s obsession with food has transferred to Grier. Now, pregnant women have cravings and food becomes a ‘thing’ but this book is ridiculous. And near the end Linus says, I know you’re not used to spending money but I did this ‘thing’. Nope, not true, you bought her another motorbike at the start, money is no longer a luxury.

I did like the description of the toll pregnancies take

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great end to this series

I think this wrapped up this series fairly well. There are some unsolved threads, everyone's lives are not tied up in a tidy bow. No major plot points are really left open, but there are things that allow the author to come back for spin offs.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry in this series! I really hope someday we get a book with Lethe and Hood.
4 stars

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars... Well, if I am not mistaken, this is the last of the epilogue for this series... As sad as I am to not hear directly from these characters moving forward, I have a feeling we will be keeping tabs on them as secondary characters, I hope so anyway... Hailey Edwards really did a phenomenal job wrapping up these storylines and giving our beloved Grier and Linus the ending they deserved... Filled with humor (Grier as a very pregnant and highly emotional woman cannot be missed and of course you have Lethe, enough said!), intrigue, and supernatural elements this was simply an exciting and fun read from start to finish... I got the sense we may see some spin-offs featuring Corbin, Eve, and certainly Linus jr.... Some mystery continues to prevail that need solving; I am looking forward to how that storyline will come full circle... Much to anticipate in the future:)

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh - I put this off because I knew once it was all over I wasn't sure when we would back in the lives of Grier and Linus again. Perhaps one of my favourite couples in UF fantasy out there. This books was every bit as good as I was expecting, more so for being like a few hours in the company of best friends. Truly wonderful author and series. I hope for more.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - Cute novella. I always want more of Grier, Linus, Wooly, Cletus, Keet and the rest of the crew. The ending leaves you with an unsolved mystery and I do not know if there will be more. Definitely recommend this series.

[Valerie - Cats Luv Coffee Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure what's happened to The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy. I adored the series in its original form. How to Rattle an Undead Couple is book 3 in what's considered the "Epilogues". Not a fan. I had high hopes for How to Kiss an Undead Bride, the first in the Epilogues but didn't like it. How to Survive an Undead Honeymoon got back on track with the action that I love from UF. To give you an indication, I think I binged the first six books within two weeks. This one has been sitting on my Kindle probably since its August release date.

Grier, our protagonist, is 8+ months pregnant. Combined with her magic and that of baby daddy Linus, the baby is complicated, to say the least. However, in this book all Grier seems to manage to do is cry and stuff her face. If that sounds like normal pregnancy to you, well...we are talking smashing whole cupcakes in her mouth, two dozen doughnuts at a go, and somehow still manages to only dreamingly drool about food every other waking minute. She doesn't manage to do any of her potentate duties, yet still wonders if she should just go ahead and let Linus take over before the agreed-upon maternity leave. While her friendship with Lethe has always managed to be odd, Lethe is neglecting her own duties and her daughter to spend every waking minute with Grier, including sleeping in her bed every night with pixie sticks and other half consumed candies being dribbled out on the pillows. And her doting husband thinks it's "cute".

Speaking of Linus, this book is all about him. As it's his mother that disappeared on the day of Grier's baby shower, and Grier is too pregnant to walk up stairs (yes, really), it's up to him to figure out what's happened and where she is. There's a lot of telling and not much showing. What do I know though? At the time of this review, How to Rattle an Undead Couple had 1270 ratings and is sitting at a 4.33-star rating. Obviously, people love this series, those people are, sadly, not me, not anymore.

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grier has her baby!

Intense emotions and tons of action kept me enthralled throughout this story. The story starts with a high-society baby shower and ends with "You had the baby before the friends and pack shower, so introduce the kid" shower. In between are a lot of puzzles, and mysteries to solve. Friends and family to rescue, and enemies to interrogate. Basically, an average day in the life of Grier and Linus. They never know who or what will have it in for them daily, weekly, or seasonally.

As always the world-building is realistic, and the characters are so real I feel I only need to go to Savannah and I could run into any of them. I know I would love to find Estaban's while there.

I highly recommend this book and series. I hope that the author will write at least one or two more spin-off series. I would love to see one for Bishop and another for Corbin.

[Shymsal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, not up to the earlier books' standard, but some of Grier being in the last stages of pregnancy was amusing. It was also good the she was willing to accept that she simply couldn't go running about catching the "bad guys" with her normal enthusiasm. Am I the only one who wishes neither the Grande Dame nor Boaz were found alive? I think that would give the possibility of shaking the book world up in interesting ways. Will likely read any other additional stories in this series unless it gets worse. Oh! And I will likely try Amelie/Hadley's spin off series.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but I can barely give it 3 stars. I don't know if Hailey Edwards has ever been pregnant or if she was trying to make it funny but I didn't find it funny. For Grier to not be able to even walk up the stairs on her own and to be constantly shoving food her in mouth just didn't sit right with me. I know a lot of women myself included who worked right up until they went into labor and certainly were able to walk up a flight of stairs. It also said Grier hadn't bothered to hire her own team so the job she almost died for she seems to no longer care about. The plot wasn't bad but I just couldn't get past all the food and pregnancy nonsense.

[Katy Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best send off

This series made my whole year, the year of its release and continued to be one of my favorites as the days and months flew by.

The epilogue books were a TREAT we didn’t truly need to wrap up.. or so I thought. I knew I wanted them but they made me so happy to continue my love for this series.

This final epilogue was everything, written amazingly, and so bitter sweet.
It’s so hard to say good bye to abortive characters and stories but these books will be on my reread for years to come.
What an amazing way to end a series. I’m going to miss the WHOLE gang.

[Elenariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much food talk, too much Lethe, too much telling rather than showing, in Linus' POV chapters in particular.
I also have doubts about all these high profile prisoners being able to escape from maximum security prisons, and can't believe how Hadley and Midas are completely left out.
But I love Grier and Linus too much! Their interactions; the worldbuilding and their adventures: just the two of them are enough to make a great read.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I liked this enough for 4 stars but I do have some notes:

- the story obviously does not end here as we have loose ends. I thought these were some epilogues. Why not just write a whole book instead of several novellas?
- The eating... really? Grier and Lethe eat and stuff themselves more and more. I thought it was getting a bit much.
- Love Linus and his obvious love for Grier.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll never tire of Grier & Linus

These short glimpses into Linus and Grier’s life post series are amazing and full of surprises. I love that their story isn’t quite over yet because I’m not ready to be done with them. The epilogues have answered so many questions for me and continue to keep me interested.

[Riana Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praying for future books

Although I'm sad to finish the last book of the series, everything wrapped up beautifully. There were still some open pathways that left the possibility for future books (please!), but none of the dreadful cliffhanger type endings.

[Dawn Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

Hailey Edwards always delivers. Linus and Grier are two of my favorite characters. I will never tire of reading more stories from starring them

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, the second "epilogue," better than the first. It wasn't quite as dark in story line and there was a lot of food porn humor.