Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Golden Girls in this humorous contemporary standalone fantasy about a group of former Chosen Ones coming out of retirement to save the world one last time
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Thursday Murder Club and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish." —The Wall Street Journal
Three former Chosen Ones have joined together to spend their retirement in peace and quiet, running Second Life Books and Gifts in Salem, Massachusetts: a calm, tourist-filled oasis where they never have to worry about stopping the apocalypse-of-the-week. Jenny, Temple and Annette have had their fill of heroics and saving the world, and they’re ready to lean into a life where the most exciting thing is a new book from a local author.
Until someone starts messing about with ancient creatures best left alone . . . and a young would-be hero shows up on their front porch, ready to slay anything that moves . . . and also, their bookstore’s basement might be growing a portal to the underworld. These ex-heroes thought they were done, but if they want to finish their retirement in peace, they’ll have to save the world one last time.
Why leave saving the world to the young? Fun, funny, and heartwarming, this is a story about chosen family, second chances, and the healing power of chocolate-chip muffins.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Thursday Murder Club and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish." —The Wall Street Journal
"Hines brings a wry touch to his vividly imagined urban fantasy world...Ben Aaronovitch fans will appreciate Hines’s humorous approach to supernatural peril." —Publishers Weekly
"Hines’s (Kitemaster) latest is a delightful, somewhat cozy fantasy with a fast pace and snappy supporting characters, both human and supernatural." —Library Journal
"Imagine the Thursday Murder Club worked with Harry Dresden out of the Legends & Lattes shop, and you will understand who will enjoy Hines’ original tale of found family, second chances, and oh, an end-of-the-world event." —Booklist
"A witty take on urban fantasy that goes beyond just monster-of-the-week." —Caitlin Rozakis, author of New York Times bestseller Dreadful
"The only thing better than a fun, fast-paced, save-the-world story with kickass characters? That story written by Jim C. Hines. As usual, Himes adds his signature depth and heart throughout… an instant classic and highly recommended!" —Julie E. Czerneda, author of the Night’s Edge series