Thank you netgalley and Jen for the arc!

This was definitely more of an interesting book than I have read before. This one had to do with a girl who could see and communicate with ghosts and had to help solve a murder that occurred to one of the ghosts. She then goes on this daring journey to find out and discovers a lot of secrets along the way.

This book didn’t keep my full attention the whole time but I was invested for a lot of it and really ended up liking it!

Enid is a strong character and despite not wanting to get involved she still did in order to help someone else. Her dog was also a really nice touch in creating personality to the story. I love when main characters have an animal side kick.

A good time and definitely would recommend if you are looking for a new series that has to do with relationships with ghosts!

3/5⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and Mythic Scrivener Press, LLC for the chance to read Bad beginnings by Jen Blair. This is the 1st book in the urban fantasy series Shady spirits and was a fast and easy read, with lots of ghosts and humor. I will admit I was not really crazy on the main character Enid, but I still enjoyed the story.

This was one wild and exciting ride of an urban fantasy adventure complete with a gripping murder mystery along with the addition of humour in all the right places.
Enid Walsh is gifted with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts and even though she has moved to Denver for a fresh start and living with her cousin Lexi she at first is elated to think that the ghosts haven't followed her to her new job.
However, this belief is soon dashed when a ghost by the name of Ollie needs her help and, after trying her best to ignore Ollie at first decided reluctantly to help him with his problem (hoping that her life can then go back to normal) although she finds out this may not be a possibility at all.
In the story, the elements of murder mystery, crime cartels along with a slew of various ghosts (all with their own unique personalities and abilities as well as an animal companion (which may or may not be something more) all weave together perfectly to make this book a fun, scintillating fast paced and suspenseful adventure which had me hooked from the first page to the last and left me wanting more in the series.
A fantastic first book to what is sure to be a phenomenal and unique series.

I really enjoyed this urban fantasy! A murder mystery with ghosts! It was suspsenful and entertaining. The FMC is witty and so are the ghosts that surround her. The pacing was good as well. Looking forward to book 2.

Thank you Net Gallery for an ARC.

Cozy with a good amount of action, mystery, suspense, and definitely chuckles - even yes, some genuine laugh out loud moments! An interesting group of characters, a ghost dog, and some emotional moments add texture. No romance for those looking for it, but a fun read and worth the time for sure.

This is such a fun urban fantasy book! I couldn’t put it down and literally binge read it in one sitting. Ghosts, murder mystery, forced proximity, uh yes please.

Enid’s character development was so good. At first I was a little put off, but by the end I thoroughly enjoyed her and her snarky comments.

I cannot wait for the series to continue, I have to know what happens next!! So grateful to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Haha thoroughly enjoyed myself while I binged this book in a day! Very unique plot line and throw in some ghosts and criminals and I had a blast. Definitely felt for multiple characters in this book and still have questions. Eagerly waiting for the next book! So happy to have had a chance to read this arc through NetGalley!

3.5 stars

This was a fun read. The main character, Enid, had a great deal of character development throughout the book. She started off a rather unlikable character who while capable of great empathy, chose to withhold it from so many. Even understanding the reasoning behind it, I found her callousness off-putting. By the end of the book she had shown immense growth. I still wasnt a fan of her, but I could see her potential. In short, she was a believable and complicated character.

The rest of the characters were not as complicated and well developed, but the groundwork was there for future books in the series.

There were multiple plot lines, related but separate enough that some could be resolved within the immediate story, while leaving an interesting over-arching plot for the series.

4.25/5 stars! This is an urban fantasy by author Jen Bair. The cover had a dog, so I figured I at least would enjoy reading about a canine sidekick if nothing else. Surprisingly, this new-to-me author wrote a gripping and sassy story that had me hooked. I really enjoyed it and Enid and her pup had paws-itively great chemistry. Will definitely be continuing the series.

A picture says more than a thousand words and the front cover is pretty standard, a woman with flowing hair, a mystical glow, and a canine companion. Yet, the story has a different twist to it than other stories with similar covers.

Enid sees ghosts and it's nothing but a pain for her. She tries her best to ignore them, because ghosts gossip when they find out she can see them, and they pester her and messing up her life. The only thing she can do is move far away and start over again, which is where the story begins.

Enid is working as a waitress and sleeping on her cousin, Lexi's, couch in quiet, ghost-free Peach Grove, Atlanta. Until Ollie shows up at her workplace. He tricks her into helping her, and from there the snowball starts rolling, dragging Enid into the dark underbelly of a seemingly regular small town.

Bad Beginnings isn't the usual 300+ pages book and I like that! The author told the story without all the boring filler other books have a tendency to contain. It's a slow pace while going through the drudgery of everyday life, but the pace increases to match the severity of the situation Enid finds herself in.

I wasn't wow'ed by the story but I was entertained, and will likely read the next installment to see which shenanigans Enid, her dog, and Ollie get into next.

3.5 stars

This was a cute book, and an interesting premise! I enjoyed the ghost characters, but the plot felt like it oscillated between really fast and then really slow, and I thought the book finished at around 70% when it actually continued on for a while after that. Overall, an interesting series and I think I will read the next books. 3.5/5

👻 Spooky Fun in Small-Town Atlanta: A Whirlwind Adventure 🐾

1. Ghostly Adventures and Small-Town Intrigue 👻
*Bad Beginningsby Jen Bair launches readers into a thrilling urban fantasy where the everyday brushes up against the eerie. Enid Walsh, our relatable heroine, just wants a normal life, but with the ability to see ghosts, she's quickly dragged into mysteries she never asked for.

2. Haunted Heroines: Enid Shines as the Reluctant Ghost Whisperer 🌟
Enid's character is a breath of fresh air. Struggling with a gift she can't quite handle, she embodies courage, wit, and a touch of vulnerability. Her journey alongside the ghostly Ollie unfolds with charm, making her someone you can’t help but root for.

3. A Unique Blend of Mystery and the Supernatural 🌌
The setting—a seemingly mundane Atlanta that's anything but—plays host to dark secrets, conspiracy theorists, and otherworldly pets. From shadowy figures to ghostly guides, the mystery captivatingly blends paranormal elements with down-to-earth drama, pulling you into Enid's world.

4. Delightful Characters: A Strong Start to What Promises More 📖
The motley cast, from lovable conspiracy theorist Randall to a ghostly dog guide, enrich the narrative with quirks and surprises. The relationships, particularly between Enid and her spectral companions, cleverly balance comedic moments with gripping suspense.

5. Promising Beginnings: Excitement for the Series 🏆
While Enid’s investigation begins slowly, the payoff is well worth it. The ramped-up tension in the latter half leaves you eager for the next installment. Jen Bair has crafted an accessible and engaging tale that promises even bigger things on the horizon.

Final Thoughts 🌈
*Bad Beginningsis an exhilarating ride into the supernatural laced with a sense of humor and adventure. It’s exactly what fans of urban fantasy crave—memorable characters, enthralling plots, and an undercurrent of mystery that ties it all together. Perfect for readers who enjoy ghostly escapades with a side of conspiracy, this opener is a noteworthy addition to the genre. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With Enid at the helm, I look forward to seeing how the series unfolds, diving deeper into the unseen and discovering just what her future holds. 📚

Bad Beginnings kicks off an urban fantasy series full of ghosts, small-town secrets, conspiracies, and a bit of mystery. Twenty-two-year-old Enid Walsh just wants a normal life, but her ability to see ghosts keeps dragging her into trouble, especially when a persistent ghost named Ollie needs her help to solve his wife’s murder. With danger around every corner, a strange ghost dog, and a conspiracy theorist named Rendall, Enid quickly realizes this town holds way more secrets than she ever expected.

The book one started a little slow for me, and I’ll admit it took a few chapters to get into the story fully, but once I did, I was hooked. I loved the small-town hiding dangerous secrets vibe, and Enid made for a relatable, flawed heroine you can’t help but root for.

The glimpses into Enid’s life with her cousin Lexi, her new friend the weird but lovable conspiracy theorist Rendall, and Enid's day-to-day struggles as someone living with an unwanted “gift” made the world feel real and lived-in.

The mystery kept me engaged, and the slow friendship dynamics were really well done.

I’m excited to see where the series goes and recommend it to anyone who loves small-town paranormal mysteries with ghosts.

Tropes:
-paranormal mystery
-small town
-ghosts
-ghost whisperer FMC
-reluctant heroine
-found family

I really don’t need to find new authors to read, but I really can’t help myself when I find one that sounds interesting like this one. In this series opener, we are introduced to Enid who can see ghosts but really wishes she couldn’t. We are then slowly introduced to more characters, and I loved all of them, but I admit that at first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Enid. However, she grew on me. While this series-starter was a tiny bit uneven in a couple of places, it wasn’t bad at all. Added to that, it was so much fun, and I see so much darn potential for the future of this series, I can’t wait to read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

This book was great! If you love urban fantasy romance books then you will love this book! The story was fast paced and well written.

3 Stars – A Promising Concept, But It Didn’t Quite Fully Hook Me (ARC Review)

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Bad Beginnings by Jen Bair, and while I found it an interesting urban fantasy with a lot of potential, it didn’t fully capture me. The premise, with its gritty setting and supernatural elements, was solid, and I appreciated the strong, determined lead in Enid. She’s a character I could get behind, and her loyalty and grit were admirable.

However, the pacing was a bit of a struggle for me, especially in the first three-quarters of the book. The plot seemed to drag a little, and I found myself waiting for things to pick up. While the world-building and setting were promising, I felt like it took a bit too long to get to the good parts.

That said, the action in the final quarter of the book definitely picked up, and I was satisfied with how it ended. The dynamic between Enid and Ollie, her dog, was one of the standout aspects for me. I liked the bond they shared, and it added a unique layer to the story.

While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can see a lot of readers who enjoy gritty urban fantasy with slow-burn tension and a strong heroine really enjoying this one. I’ll be interested to see how the series develops, and I’m hopeful that future installments will bring the pacing and intensity I was hoping for.

This was a fun urban fantasy that kept me engaged and I loved how the FMC being able to see ghosts played into the plot overall. Can't wait to see how this series progresses!

Reading is subjective, and sometimes the right story hits you at the right time.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump—liking books but not really into them, not wanting to pick them up and turn the page right away. You know that feeling. You see the book, then you’re distracted by something else.
Bad Beginnings hit me just right. I wasn’t expecting much—I've seen so many urban fantasy books with a woman and an animal on the cover, so let’s just say I wasn’t impressed at first.
But it caught me from the very first page.
Enid is a 22-year-old who sees ghosts, so everyone she’s known thinks she’s crazy. She inherited this “curse” from her grandmother, but sadly, everyone else has labeled her a wacko. The problem is, once a ghost realizes she can see them, they won’t leave her alone—they demand her help, which makes her lose jobs and prevents her from keeping friends.
Enter Ollie. He’s in distress, and when he realizes Enid can see him, he won’t leave her alone until she helps him out. The more she tries to avoid him (and then helps him), the deeper she falls into danger. She soon finds herself in knee-deep trouble after stumbling across some shady, dangerous men. She has no choice but to get involved—with both the living and the dead.
This gave me Ghosts (the Netflix series) vibes—but honestly, it’s even better (and I love Ghosts), so that was a huge plus for me.

Things I Loved:
-The heroine. Jen Bair knows how to write a relatable heroine! Enid struggles, she’s trying, she’s scared—but also brave. I loved her.
-The weird conspiracy theorist. I want more of him! I hope book 2 gives him a bigger role. While this isn't a romance, I do have a secret wish for Enid and Randall. Fingers crossed.
-The ghosts. They were fantastic! Actually, I loved that all the characters in this book are distinct. So many books I’ve read lately make it feel like only the MCs have personality. (Maybe I’ve been reading too much of the wrong genre? Sigh.)
-The narrative. I’m a pretty picky reader—head-hopping and PoV violations really bug me. That wasn’t the case here. Jen Bair knows how to write and keep it engaging.

Things I Didn’t Love So Much:
-Eh… nothing, really? Maybe the inclusion of illegal substances made it feel a little too real for me, but that’s nitpicking.
Fantastic start. This book gripped me from page one, and I couldn’t put it down until I was done. Can’t wait for book two!

Enid Walsh is just trying to live a normal life—but that’s easier said than done when you can see and talk to ghosts. When a ghost named Ollie appears in the diner where she works and asks for help, Enid does what she usually does: she tries to ignore him. But ghosts don’t give up so easily… and neither does this story.

This book was thoroughly entertaining and kept me hooked from the first page. I found myself genuinely invested in the story and eager to learn more about the characters with each chapter. My only wish? That the dog had a bigger role—it was such a fun addition, and I would’ve loved to see more of it throughout the book.

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

‧₊˚✧3.5 ✧˚₊‧

Enid Walsh wants to lead a normal life, unfortunately for her, she has the ability to see and converse with ghosts. When Ollie shows up in the diner she works at, and asks for her help, she does what she usually does: ignore him. But how long can her ignorance last?

I started this story with no expectations, but I really ended up enjoying it. The characters were well thought out, the story flowed nicely plotwise and it all flew by in a flash.

What kept me reading?
The workings of the ghosts are nicely woven into the story, there's no boring loredump anywhere!
The character Randall is a weirdo, but he also has an impala, which makes him a lot cooler.
I felt like Ollie balances out Enid and keeps her going in this book.
LOVED the bookish references
The writing was humorous and relatable to me personally
The MC, Enid, is very aware of her flaws and sometimes comments on them too

What bothered me at times?
The dog is just kinda around for 60% of the book until she finally does something, I had hoped to see her somewhat earlier in the book.

My favourite quote?
"Sanity was seriously underrated."

I did spot a mistake in the following sentence "... but you can't fix reality, and the ghost were part of her." I believe ghost needs to be ghosts plural instead, because it says 'were'. Hopefully it can be fixed before release :)

At last I want to thank Netgalley, Mythic Scrivener Press, LLC, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. I hope to be able to read the following books in this series too!