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The Spectral Inspector #3
Osgood as She Gets
Within the mysterious confines of Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, Prudence Osgood, 45, queer AF, tormented by chronic pain, opioid addiction, and a tempestuous relationship with alcohol, captains The Spectral Inspectors—an ensemble of ghost hunters, each wrestling with their inner ghosts. In "Osgood as She Gets," the third installment of The Spectral Inspector series, a sinister phenomenon known as The Graveyard Game emerges, drawing in fearless teenagers who dare to confront their own mortality by gazing into the hooded statue's eyes. As suicides surge, a chilling question Is this disturbing game to blame, or does it have a connection to the elusive North Side Slasher? With time running out, The Spectral Inspectors must unravel the mystery that threatens their beloved city.
"Osgood as She Gets" delves deep into themes of regret, survivor's guilt, the relentless fight for survival, and the haunting art of letting go. With a tone that balances moments of light-heartedness and warmth with periods of profound introspection and spine-tingling terror, this novel invites you to join Osgood, Audrey, and Zack as they navigate the twisted realms of the supernatural. Can they unearth the truth before the shadows swallow them whole?
"Osgood as She Gets" delves deep into themes of regret, survivor's guilt, the relentless fight for survival, and the haunting art of letting go. With a tone that balances moments of light-heartedness and warmth with periods of profound introspection and spine-tingling terror, this novel invites you to join Osgood, Audrey, and Zack as they navigate the twisted realms of the supernatural. Can they unearth the truth before the shadows swallow them whole?
- GenresHorrorParanormalLGBT
338 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2024
About the author
Cooper S. Beckett
11 books101 followersAs a queer non-monogamous writer, Cooper S. Beckett endeavors to create characters that reflect the diverse lifestyles of his friends, his partners, and himself. From that mandate, he writes scary, silly, and sexy books and essays. Beginning his writing career as a podcaster and speaker in the sexuality education community, he wrote My Life on the Swingset, a memoir of his first five years in non-monogamy, then followed that up with two novels that take a brutally honest look at swinging and polyamory, A Life Less Monogamous, and Approaching the Swingularity. Returning to his first love, the horror genre, has been like a homecoming. From a young age, his obsession with horror movies and books seriously concerned his mother. It probably still does. Given a choice, he would rather winter at the Overlook than the Waldorf. Like Lydia Deetz, he has always thought of himself strange and unusual, be it his perspective on sexuality, monogamy, politics, or where Elder Gods ought to fall in the hierarchy.
He lives in Chicago with his wife, constant, and binary star, Ophilia Tesla, and their black cats Xander and Willow.
He lives in Chicago with his wife, constant, and binary star, Ophilia Tesla, and their black cats Xander and Willow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 15, 2024
Rating: 4.5
The author was kind enough to gift me this book. The review is my own honest opinion.
The first question I'm going to answer before I continue with the review: can you read this as a standalone? Yes. This book gives you enough context - when it references previous events - that you can. It might hit differently if you start with the first book, though, to see everything happen prior to this one. I'm going to go back and read the first two now, to see what I've missed!
By the way! This book handles quite a lot of triggering topics and is quite adult in content (including one of the art pieces that is in the book), so please look up triggers.
The writing is very solid and flowed so well!
You can absolutely tell Pru is neurodivergent, you're in her head during her monologuing and distractions as she struggles to focus on the task at hand. So rep there! There's also rep for LGBTQ+. Rep for chronic pain warriors. And on top of all of that, Pru also struggles with tons of vices, relationships, and mental health. She is an absolute disaster and I love her for it. It gives her charm, oddly enough.
The mystery really captured my interest as well, though the investigation I did feel like took a back seat through most of the book. Things REALLY picked up with speed, when it came to solving the mystery, in the back half. I feared the ending wouldn't be as satisfying because of this, but it wrapped up rather well and the characters were so interesting throughout the book, I didn't mind that imbalance.
That cliffhanger to prepare us for the fourth book though. It doesn't look like things are over for poor Prudence Osgood. Also, there's a particular character introduced in this book that I'm side eying curiously. Hopefully we see more of them in the fourth book.
The author was kind enough to gift me this book. The review is my own honest opinion.
The first question I'm going to answer before I continue with the review: can you read this as a standalone? Yes. This book gives you enough context - when it references previous events - that you can. It might hit differently if you start with the first book, though, to see everything happen prior to this one. I'm going to go back and read the first two now, to see what I've missed!
By the way! This book handles quite a lot of triggering topics and is quite adult in content (including one of the art pieces that is in the book), so please look up triggers.
The writing is very solid and flowed so well!
You can absolutely tell Pru is neurodivergent, you're in her head during her monologuing and distractions as she struggles to focus on the task at hand. So rep there! There's also rep for LGBTQ+. Rep for chronic pain warriors. And on top of all of that, Pru also struggles with tons of vices, relationships, and mental health. She is an absolute disaster and I love her for it. It gives her charm, oddly enough.
The mystery really captured my interest as well, though the investigation I did feel like took a back seat through most of the book. Things REALLY picked up with speed, when it came to solving the mystery, in the back half. I feared the ending wouldn't be as satisfying because of this, but it wrapped up rather well and the characters were so interesting throughout the book, I didn't mind that imbalance.
That cliffhanger to prepare us for the fourth book though. It doesn't look like things are over for poor Prudence Osgood. Also, there's a particular character introduced in this book that I'm side eying curiously. Hopefully we see more of them in the fourth book.
March 22, 2024
A more traditional PI vibe than the previous two books, but just as much creepy fun. This time the Spectral Investigators investigate the murder or suicides of Chicagoan teens. It’s a fast paced horror thriller that develops the central characters further and won’t disappoint Osgood fans.
Next book please!
Video review of the series here: Why is no one talking about these books? The Spectral Inspector series by Cooper S Beckett
https://youtu.be/dR-CxBiP-Rw
Next book please!
Video review of the series here: Why is no one talking about these books? The Spectral Inspector series by Cooper S Beckett
https://youtu.be/dR-CxBiP-Rw
April 14, 2024
Thank you to the author for gifting me the new addition to the Spectral Inspector series!
Rating: 👻👻👻👻/5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, LGBTQ+
Release date: Feb. 29th - 1 more week!
TW: suicide, suicidal ideation, murder, SA, homophobia, toxic masculinity (please read through his TW’s note at the start of the book)
I didn’t expect the drawings and was so pleased to have a visual of a scene. There’s also a soundtrack and someone who cosplays as Prudence! The Spectral Inspector series is so interactive and I absolutely love that. This book is #3 in the series but can be read as a standalone. Though, it does leave you wanting more of Osgood and the rest of the investigators. There is rep for people with chronic pain, LGBTQ+, and it also discusses mental health and sexuality. Overall, it is a very well-rounded novel.
Prudence is a hot mess and she knows it. I loved the way we can really be in her head when she talks to herself and when various people in her life act as her internal monologue. Audrey (her friend/former-lover/co-worker/roommate) really tore Osgood a new one when pointing out her self-destruction. One quote that particularly had me go ‘damn’ was, “Because apologies don’t matter if you keep doing the same things repeatedly. And when I let you, that means I’m just doing the same thing again and again.”
Now, The Graveyard Game and the Guardian. I thought it was SO cool, and tragic, of course. I love stories with a supernatural force making its way through society like a plague, or virus like Zack states. That aspect reminded me of Ring by Koji Suzuki (The Ring franchise). What makes this game particularly scary is that it increases ‘the call of the void.’ I’ve definitely felt the call of the void during hard times. While I won’t elaborate, I think it’s scary that a force pushes someone toward that by any means necessary. Seeing Osgood grapple with the call of the void and connecting that to her previous close-calls with death was so intriguing. No matter the amount of times that she answered the call, in her words, she got the fuck back up.
Rating: 👻👻👻👻/5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, LGBTQ+
Release date: Feb. 29th - 1 more week!
TW: suicide, suicidal ideation, murder, SA, homophobia, toxic masculinity (please read through his TW’s note at the start of the book)
I didn’t expect the drawings and was so pleased to have a visual of a scene. There’s also a soundtrack and someone who cosplays as Prudence! The Spectral Inspector series is so interactive and I absolutely love that. This book is #3 in the series but can be read as a standalone. Though, it does leave you wanting more of Osgood and the rest of the investigators. There is rep for people with chronic pain, LGBTQ+, and it also discusses mental health and sexuality. Overall, it is a very well-rounded novel.
Prudence is a hot mess and she knows it. I loved the way we can really be in her head when she talks to herself and when various people in her life act as her internal monologue. Audrey (her friend/former-lover/co-worker/roommate) really tore Osgood a new one when pointing out her self-destruction. One quote that particularly had me go ‘damn’ was, “Because apologies don’t matter if you keep doing the same things repeatedly. And when I let you, that means I’m just doing the same thing again and again.”
Now, The Graveyard Game and the Guardian. I thought it was SO cool, and tragic, of course. I love stories with a supernatural force making its way through society like a plague, or virus like Zack states. That aspect reminded me of Ring by Koji Suzuki (The Ring franchise). What makes this game particularly scary is that it increases ‘the call of the void.’ I’ve definitely felt the call of the void during hard times. While I won’t elaborate, I think it’s scary that a force pushes someone toward that by any means necessary. Seeing Osgood grapple with the call of the void and connecting that to her previous close-calls with death was so intriguing. No matter the amount of times that she answered the call, in her words, she got the fuck back up.
February 5, 2024
I was giving a ARC for an honest review.
The idea of the book seemed intriguing. A main character with a troubled past in a paranormal mystery. It seemed like there would have been a lot of light hearted moments to look forward to along side burst of horror.
Unfortunately I was unable to finish this. Which was a disappointment because I really wanted to like this going in. I made it 1/3 of the way though before I had to put it down.
The main reason being the choppy writing. It came off as if were very lightly edited if at all. There were tense issues and weirdly worded sentences that ether didn’t work or didn’t make since how it was writing.
The pacing was all over the place with long stretches of watching the characters go through their daily life followed by instant action, that didn’t come off as surprising as I think the author was going for as much as a jarring scene was missing.
The dialogue was fine, even good in moments, but sometimes it came off as odd and unnatural to me.
I think there’s a chance for this series to get turned around if its plot structure and emotional description was closer to the characters for a more immersive experience. And much more time spent on editing.
I hope the authors next book is more thorough. He had the chance to write a not just a good story but a great one. But there’s still more that needed to be done in order to get it to that level. If the author gets to that point soon, they have all the potential to make a great story.
The idea of the book seemed intriguing. A main character with a troubled past in a paranormal mystery. It seemed like there would have been a lot of light hearted moments to look forward to along side burst of horror.
Unfortunately I was unable to finish this. Which was a disappointment because I really wanted to like this going in. I made it 1/3 of the way though before I had to put it down.
The main reason being the choppy writing. It came off as if were very lightly edited if at all. There were tense issues and weirdly worded sentences that ether didn’t work or didn’t make since how it was writing.
The pacing was all over the place with long stretches of watching the characters go through their daily life followed by instant action, that didn’t come off as surprising as I think the author was going for as much as a jarring scene was missing.
The dialogue was fine, even good in moments, but sometimes it came off as odd and unnatural to me.
I think there’s a chance for this series to get turned around if its plot structure and emotional description was closer to the characters for a more immersive experience. And much more time spent on editing.
I hope the authors next book is more thorough. He had the chance to write a not just a good story but a great one. But there’s still more that needed to be done in order to get it to that level. If the author gets to that point soon, they have all the potential to make a great story.
February 29, 2024
Have yall met Osgood yet???
If you haven't, you are seriously missing out. She's quickly becoming the hot mess that I can't help but adore. She's kind of rude, a bit of a sex addict, she suffers from a few addictions, but she's got a good heart, and her character feels real... She's relatable.
It's like Ghostbusters, but Queer AF and I am here for it. I'll be transparent, I am reading them backward ( this is book 3, and it releases very, very soon!), but I just KNOW this is a series worth checking out!
Full review coming soon of all three titles!
If you haven't, you are seriously missing out. She's quickly becoming the hot mess that I can't help but adore. She's kind of rude, a bit of a sex addict, she suffers from a few addictions, but she's got a good heart, and her character feels real... She's relatable.
It's like Ghostbusters, but Queer AF and I am here for it. I'll be transparent, I am reading them backward ( this is book 3, and it releases very, very soon!), but I just KNOW this is a series worth checking out!
Full review coming soon of all three titles!
February 17, 2024
Well, I have some serious catching up to do with this series. This is the third book buty first and I'm really glad I discovered it.
This follows a character named Prudence Osgood. And, let me tell you, she has... issues. A lot of them. Both physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual issues. But she's also a very sympathetic character. One you'll get behind and root for despite all of her flaws.
Along with her friends, they have a ghost hunting team that investigates the strange and creepy. And in this book, the truly horrifying. A viral tiktok challenge, a nefarious statue in a graveyard, and the murders and suicides of many teen and younger people are all going to be brought together. The supernatural/cosmic horrors in this book are nightmare fuel and the author delivers these with enough detail to raise the hackles on your neck.
But the main character is the glue to the story. Osgood is a fascinating study in mental health! You can't help but love her even when her actions seem to sabotage herself. And knowing the horrific things she's been through and things to come really builds a tense narrative that moves along at a great pace. It's one of those books that's just hard to put down.
This is definitely a very queer horror book as well and it's always good to see that representation done so good.
I'm definitely going to pick up the first two books in this series so I'm all caught up before the next installment. I highly recommend this one.
I want to thank the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This follows a character named Prudence Osgood. And, let me tell you, she has... issues. A lot of them. Both physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual issues. But she's also a very sympathetic character. One you'll get behind and root for despite all of her flaws.
Along with her friends, they have a ghost hunting team that investigates the strange and creepy. And in this book, the truly horrifying. A viral tiktok challenge, a nefarious statue in a graveyard, and the murders and suicides of many teen and younger people are all going to be brought together. The supernatural/cosmic horrors in this book are nightmare fuel and the author delivers these with enough detail to raise the hackles on your neck.
But the main character is the glue to the story. Osgood is a fascinating study in mental health! You can't help but love her even when her actions seem to sabotage herself. And knowing the horrific things she's been through and things to come really builds a tense narrative that moves along at a great pace. It's one of those books that's just hard to put down.
This is definitely a very queer horror book as well and it's always good to see that representation done so good.
I'm definitely going to pick up the first two books in this series so I'm all caught up before the next installment. I highly recommend this one.
I want to thank the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
February 13, 2024
Wow 🤩🤩 I am so happy a friend recommended this book to me! I could not put it down. First off, the beginning chapter was one of the best introductory chapters I've ever read in my life—just the right amount of info and just the right amount of hook to keep you wanting more. The dream sequences were intense, and just like Osgood experienced them, it's hard as the reader to tell what's real or not until they're almost over. The pacing between Osgood's character development and the horror mystery unraveling was perfection, the characters are so real (especially Osgood 😍) they feel like they're sitting right next to you, and the illustrations were a fun touch I definitely appreciate. This is meant as a standalone, but I feel the last chapter reads more like the beginning of the next book. I bought the first two immediately after reading this, and I can't wait for the fourth. Amazing, Beckett. Thank you for the adventure!
January 30, 2024
This book was such an interesting (albeit dark) concept - a mixture of mystery and paranormal.
The third installment in a series which can be read as a standalone, this book follows Spectral Inspector Osgood (Os) as a series of teen murders and suicides due to a 'Graveyard Game' that has gone viral. (Definitely read the trigger warnings)
The main character showed queer, neurodiverse and chronic pain rep, and was also a flawed character which is a trope I personally love.
The plot was spooky and original, my only qualm was that I found the first half quite slow to get going, but the last 40 pages seemed to rush the climax of the story.
I will definitely look out for the next installment!
Thank you to Cooper for giving me an ARC of this book :)
The third installment in a series which can be read as a standalone, this book follows Spectral Inspector Osgood (Os) as a series of teen murders and suicides due to a 'Graveyard Game' that has gone viral. (Definitely read the trigger warnings)
The main character showed queer, neurodiverse and chronic pain rep, and was also a flawed character which is a trope I personally love.
The plot was spooky and original, my only qualm was that I found the first half quite slow to get going, but the last 40 pages seemed to rush the climax of the story.
I will definitely look out for the next installment!
Thank you to Cooper for giving me an ARC of this book :)
January 31, 2024
Fantastic cast of characters, intriguing plot and excellent use of ghosts and hauntings. Great entry in the series.
March 2, 2024
I loooved the mysterious plot in this book and although it was similiar to the previous books, it was Also very different!
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book, its something that caught my attention from the prologue and I just wanted to get more information and the rest of the puzzle pieces.
Also following Osgood, Audrey and Zach is as always a pleasure and a pain at the same time. Osgood is one of the most infuriating characters ever, But at the same time I cant help But to be fascinated by her, She is a incredibly strong person that has had to deal with a lot of stuff. All of the main characters in this book could get on my nerves But in the end I still feel with them and understand them and like them.
I had some small issues with this book and its plot, which is why its a 4⭐️ instead of 5⭐️. First off I felt like the mystery was going great But felt a bit rushed in the end, like the conclusion came so fast when I still felt like We were only in the middle of the investigation. I Also felt like bringing up Covid (a lot of times) was really not needed, it didnt add to the story and for me it even complicated the time aspect, like How much time had actually passed between the books and when was covid? During the books? Before all of them? Inbetween? It just didnt add anything of value.
But I really enjoyed this book so much and I cant wait for the next one because this ending was 😱😱
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book, its something that caught my attention from the prologue and I just wanted to get more information and the rest of the puzzle pieces.
Also following Osgood, Audrey and Zach is as always a pleasure and a pain at the same time. Osgood is one of the most infuriating characters ever, But at the same time I cant help But to be fascinated by her, She is a incredibly strong person that has had to deal with a lot of stuff. All of the main characters in this book could get on my nerves But in the end I still feel with them and understand them and like them.
I had some small issues with this book and its plot, which is why its a 4⭐️ instead of 5⭐️. First off I felt like the mystery was going great But felt a bit rushed in the end, like the conclusion came so fast when I still felt like We were only in the middle of the investigation. I Also felt like bringing up Covid (a lot of times) was really not needed, it didnt add to the story and for me it even complicated the time aspect, like How much time had actually passed between the books and when was covid? During the books? Before all of them? Inbetween? It just didnt add anything of value.
But I really enjoyed this book so much and I cant wait for the next one because this ending was 😱😱
February 12, 2024
A great opening, a perfect surprise ending, and excellent character development throughout. I am not going to go into details, because I don’t want to spoil anything. I can say you pull for Osgood the whole time, even when her behavior is self destructive. In fact her deeply flawed nature made me love and root for her all the more. I also greatly enjoyed where the plot line traveled. I was not expecting the climax of the main plot to be what it turned out to be. I love when a story does that to me.
This was my first Osgood book, and I loved it! This is a standalone story, so you don’t need to read the first two to enjoy this one. After falling in love with the main characters, especially Osgood, I have to go back and read the first two. I am now invested in Osgood and want to see how she got to this point in her life in more detail. This was a page turner from the prologue to the finale. I highly recommend this book!
This was my first Osgood book, and I loved it! This is a standalone story, so you don’t need to read the first two to enjoy this one. After falling in love with the main characters, especially Osgood, I have to go back and read the first two. I am now invested in Osgood and want to see how she got to this point in her life in more detail. This was a page turner from the prologue to the finale. I highly recommend this book!
February 22, 2024
whewww this was a roller coaster of a novel. it gets dark, very dark at times, while others had me laughing out loud. osgood reads like a real person with real flaws. i kind of love her and kind of hate her at the same time bc she’s so damn stubborn and self sabotaging. the paranormal elements were scary but the on page deaths were scarier and more gruesome. the book is so beautifully written though, almost like poetry at times. while it sometimes felt like nothing was really happening, it held my interest in a death grip and i couldn’t put it down. i definitely wanna go back and read the other two books now. AND THAT ENDING?! lowkey screw you for that cliffhanger, coop. overall tho, i really enjoyed this!
i received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
i received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 29, 2024
The author gifted me an arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
To start, the first chapter of this book was one of the most shocking, most gripping opening chapters I’ve ever read. I immediately knew this was a book I needed to finish fast! I was instantly hooked!
One of my favorite things is when authors don’t try to make their main characters perfect and lovable. Osgood was flawed and made bad decisions and struggled with addiction, and it’s what made her feel real. I was able to relate with her better BECAUSE she was flawed. Flawed or not, you couldn’t help but love her.
This was a creepy and gripping horror. It made me wonder why I don’t dabble in horror more often than I do. There were moments where my skin crawled because the author wrote so vividly that I felt like I was along for the ride with these characters.
I loved pretty much every character in this book. Especially the main trio. I could relate with all of them in different ways. Audrey and Osgood have a complicated relationship, but in true lesbian fashion, they’re still best friends after their romance failed.
I wasn’t expecting this to be so spicy because it is a horror, but they’re are some nice spicy scenes in here that I enjoyed. I’m always afraid of how someone who isn’t a woman will portray women sexually because there has been some real bad stuff, but this author executed it very well.
There’s also some beautiful illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book and it felt like such a treat each time I got to the next one!
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!
To start, the first chapter of this book was one of the most shocking, most gripping opening chapters I’ve ever read. I immediately knew this was a book I needed to finish fast! I was instantly hooked!
One of my favorite things is when authors don’t try to make their main characters perfect and lovable. Osgood was flawed and made bad decisions and struggled with addiction, and it’s what made her feel real. I was able to relate with her better BECAUSE she was flawed. Flawed or not, you couldn’t help but love her.
This was a creepy and gripping horror. It made me wonder why I don’t dabble in horror more often than I do. There were moments where my skin crawled because the author wrote so vividly that I felt like I was along for the ride with these characters.
I loved pretty much every character in this book. Especially the main trio. I could relate with all of them in different ways. Audrey and Osgood have a complicated relationship, but in true lesbian fashion, they’re still best friends after their romance failed.
I wasn’t expecting this to be so spicy because it is a horror, but they’re are some nice spicy scenes in here that I enjoyed. I’m always afraid of how someone who isn’t a woman will portray women sexually because there has been some real bad stuff, but this author executed it very well.
There’s also some beautiful illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book and it felt like such a treat each time I got to the next one!
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!
February 7, 2024
Prudence Osgood is a ghost hunter for hire who along with her partner and ex lover, Audrey Frost had been respected paranormal investigators before a hoax. Following an almost fatal accident and other not so human incidents, Osgood with Audrey and Zach are ghost hunters. As teenagers start playing the Graveyard Game, the teens are ending up murdered or taking their own lives, the Spectral Investigators are called in but is it the game or the mysterious Slasher who or what is at work in their town.
This starts with a hell of a scene that comes out of nowhere and is deliciously deviant! This is a rollercoaster of a book, both darkly humorous and horrifically gruesome. The third in the series but can be read as a standalone, there is a short summary of the previous two stories at the beginning. It is a horror mystery supernatural thriller that explores a dark and difficult subject.
Osgood is a very queer drug addict in chronic pain who makes very bad decisions, she is neurodivergent and honestly a big old mess but I loved her! Audrey is also damaged and haunted but along with Zach keeps the Spectral Investigators more or less on track. Great characters and a fast paced story, I enjoyed this!
This starts with a hell of a scene that comes out of nowhere and is deliciously deviant! This is a rollercoaster of a book, both darkly humorous and horrifically gruesome. The third in the series but can be read as a standalone, there is a short summary of the previous two stories at the beginning. It is a horror mystery supernatural thriller that explores a dark and difficult subject.
Osgood is a very queer drug addict in chronic pain who makes very bad decisions, she is neurodivergent and honestly a big old mess but I loved her! Audrey is also damaged and haunted but along with Zach keeps the Spectral Investigators more or less on track. Great characters and a fast paced story, I enjoyed this!
February 9, 2024
Loved this book! Well written, I loved the characters and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
February 21, 2024
This is the third book in the Spectral Inspector series but can be read as a standalone which is nice. There are short summaries in the beginning about the first two books.
The prologue in this book was absolutely wild. The main first half of this book is kind of slow going. You’re really just taking a front row seat to Osgood being messy within all of her relationships.
I do love how REAL Osgood is, though. She’s dealing with an array of issues: chronic pain, mental illness, addiction, she also has a lot of self destructive tendencies. Oh, let’s not forget about all of this spooky shit that keeps happening to her. She’s a hot mess for sure.
AND THAT ENDING!?! I can definitely say I am now a Specterino. I’m going to need the fourth book ASAP. In the meantime though, I’ll be tearing through the first two books in this series.
The prologue in this book was absolutely wild. The main first half of this book is kind of slow going. You’re really just taking a front row seat to Osgood being messy within all of her relationships.
I do love how REAL Osgood is, though. She’s dealing with an array of issues: chronic pain, mental illness, addiction, she also has a lot of self destructive tendencies. Oh, let’s not forget about all of this spooky shit that keeps happening to her. She’s a hot mess for sure.
AND THAT ENDING!?! I can definitely say I am now a Specterino. I’m going to need the fourth book ASAP. In the meantime though, I’ll be tearing through the first two books in this series.
January 22, 2024
Neurodivergent disaster-bi with unhealthy coping habits, fluctuating mental health and a penchant for the paranormal? Sign me up.
This book was sold to me as the third in a series which is able to be read as a standalone. And it is. While there were lots of clear mentions of previous adventures and trauma, at no point was I lost or in anyway disconnected from the characters and their messy, intertwined group dynamics.
That being said, I've been dragged into the story and plan to read the first couple of books in due course because I want to know what I've missed!
A murder-mystery with paranormal elements is always going to peak my interest but this one balanced extraordinarily dark subject matter (REALLY dark - please read the triggers!) with humour and easy character dynamics and relationships. I love that a book so dark can be so fun.
This book was the epitome of a flawed protagonist you can't help but root for and I'm genuinely looking forward to jumping back in at the start of the series soon.
I mean, half-shaved turquoise hair, funky glasses and a cool trench coat is everything I ever wanted for myself as a queer woman. So how could I not enjoy Osgood? Even when I wanted to simultaneously rub my temples at her choices 😂.
Thank you for the arc!
I knew I was going to enjoy this after reading the trigger warning, which tells everyone offended by the presence of a trigger warning to "fuck right off" - a sentiment I highly respect and agree with 🤣🤣.
For transparency - I was sent this arc and sharing my opinions of the story was welcomed and encouraged. However, I was never specifically asked to write a review in exchange and have chosen to do so based on my own enjoyment of the book.
An extra note that although many of the aspects of this book which require a content warning happen in the form of nightmares and visions - they are still written in the moment and described as though they are happening to the character (even if they wake up afterwards). So please be wary as shit gets really dark.
This book was sold to me as the third in a series which is able to be read as a standalone. And it is. While there were lots of clear mentions of previous adventures and trauma, at no point was I lost or in anyway disconnected from the characters and their messy, intertwined group dynamics.
That being said, I've been dragged into the story and plan to read the first couple of books in due course because I want to know what I've missed!
A murder-mystery with paranormal elements is always going to peak my interest but this one balanced extraordinarily dark subject matter (REALLY dark - please read the triggers!) with humour and easy character dynamics and relationships. I love that a book so dark can be so fun.
This book was the epitome of a flawed protagonist you can't help but root for and I'm genuinely looking forward to jumping back in at the start of the series soon.
I mean, half-shaved turquoise hair, funky glasses and a cool trench coat is everything I ever wanted for myself as a queer woman. So how could I not enjoy Osgood? Even when I wanted to simultaneously rub my temples at her choices 😂.
Thank you for the arc!
I knew I was going to enjoy this after reading the trigger warning, which tells everyone offended by the presence of a trigger warning to "fuck right off" - a sentiment I highly respect and agree with 🤣🤣.
For transparency - I was sent this arc and sharing my opinions of the story was welcomed and encouraged. However, I was never specifically asked to write a review in exchange and have chosen to do so based on my own enjoyment of the book.
An extra note that although many of the aspects of this book which require a content warning happen in the form of nightmares and visions - they are still written in the moment and described as though they are happening to the character (even if they wake up afterwards). So please be wary as shit gets really dark.
February 28, 2024
I DELIGHT to discover exciting and engrossing books and authors new to me. The newest is OSGOOD AS SHE GETS, the third in its series. An unabashedly Queer, Supernatural, open-minded, profane mystery, at once both endearing and shocking.
Cooper S. Beckett is a gifted writer, with an amazing grasp of pacing, moderating Horror and Scares with humor, drama, touching scenes. He also comprehends coming-of-age uncertainty in a fashion that rings very true to life and close to the bone. The reader's hook is so in-your-face mind-boggling that I was already into the following chapter before I realized "WH-AA-T! Did I REALLY just read that?"
There are cautions, and Mr. Beckett kindly notes these in the very beginning. Again, this novel is very upfront, pulling no punches, but at the same time, while strongly empathizing, the reader feels cocooned.
I've not read the first two novels in this Series [THE SPECTRAL INSPECTOR] , but I'm about to remedy that quickly.
OSGOOD AS SHE GETS.
Cooper S. Beckett.
THE SPECTRAL INSPECTOR Book 3.
Release: February 29 2024
Cooper S. Beckett is a gifted writer, with an amazing grasp of pacing, moderating Horror and Scares with humor, drama, touching scenes. He also comprehends coming-of-age uncertainty in a fashion that rings very true to life and close to the bone. The reader's hook is so in-your-face mind-boggling that I was already into the following chapter before I realized "WH-AA-T! Did I REALLY just read that?"
There are cautions, and Mr. Beckett kindly notes these in the very beginning. Again, this novel is very upfront, pulling no punches, but at the same time, while strongly empathizing, the reader feels cocooned.
I've not read the first two novels in this Series [THE SPECTRAL INSPECTOR] , but I'm about to remedy that quickly.
OSGOOD AS SHE GETS.
Cooper S. Beckett.
THE SPECTRAL INSPECTOR Book 3.
Release: February 29 2024
February 11, 2024
I was so excited to get an offer for this ARC copy! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read in advance.
Technically, it’s the third book in the Osgood saga, but it was very easily read and understood as a standalone. We follow Osgood, a ghost hunter in Chicago. After just surviving what sounds like one of many traumas in Osgoods life, we are along for the journey of investigation into a mass of suicides in the Chicago area. Is it natural? Or Supernatural?
I really enjoyed this engaging and surprisingly dark novel (there’s a good amount of TWs in this one). I really loved the representation in this book. Osgood is Queer, complex and a really well developed, realistic character. I loved this book and I’m definitely going to go back and read the first two!
Technically, it’s the third book in the Osgood saga, but it was very easily read and understood as a standalone. We follow Osgood, a ghost hunter in Chicago. After just surviving what sounds like one of many traumas in Osgoods life, we are along for the journey of investigation into a mass of suicides in the Chicago area. Is it natural? Or Supernatural?
I really enjoyed this engaging and surprisingly dark novel (there’s a good amount of TWs in this one). I really loved the representation in this book. Osgood is Queer, complex and a really well developed, realistic character. I loved this book and I’m definitely going to go back and read the first two!
January 9, 2024
What if you could look into the eyes of death and see how you would go? Cooper S. Beckett's latest installment in the Spectral Inspector series is a trippy, cosmical joyride into the mind of Prudence Osgood as she grapples with all of her pain, grief, guilt, and bad decisions in the face of a new deadly challenge. If you haven't read this series, you're missing out.
February 21, 2024
I was given an arc for an honest review, so here we go:
This starts off with a bang, the prologue was brilliant and shocked me, did not see that coming. I did struggle to get into the main story for quite a chunk of the book but then towards the end it got really good.
I enjoyed the visions and nightmares, very creepy!
This can be read as a standalone, however, I did feel like I was missing something. The characters clearly have a lot of history and sometimes when things were mentioned I was a bit baffled. So I would probably recommend reading the first two...although I haven't read them so I could be wrong.
Overall, I enjoyed this creepy supernatural thriller. Definitely a fun quick read.
This starts off with a bang, the prologue was brilliant and shocked me, did not see that coming. I did struggle to get into the main story for quite a chunk of the book but then towards the end it got really good.
I enjoyed the visions and nightmares, very creepy!
This can be read as a standalone, however, I did feel like I was missing something. The characters clearly have a lot of history and sometimes when things were mentioned I was a bit baffled. So I would probably recommend reading the first two...although I haven't read them so I could be wrong.
Overall, I enjoyed this creepy supernatural thriller. Definitely a fun quick read.
March 22, 2024
I recently received an ARC for an honest review of this book. The Prologue immediately drew me in with its captivating storyline. However, as I progressed, I found the pace slowing down, making it feel tedious until about halfway through when it finally picked up again, only to slow down once more. Although I appreciated the surprise ending, I found Osgood to be somewhat irritating at times. Despite being the third book in the series, it was mentioned that it could be read as a standalone, but I often felt like I was missing crucial information. Unfortunately, I didn't feel a strong connection with the characters, and it seemed like the focus was more on Prudence and her struggles with addiction and chronic pain rather than the mystery aspect of the plot.
February 24, 2024
Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC of this novel for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I haven't read any of the previous novels in The Spectral Inspector series, however this was easily read as a standalone novel, with seemingly only mild spoilers from the previous two included. I really enjoyed it overall, and will likely be reading the previous two novels soon.
This series reminds me of an R-rated, lgbtqia+ version of Nancy Drew, but with ghosts. I honestly felt this was more of a mystery than horror, as the spookiest parts were mostly within the last 10% of the novel. The characters were very likeable, despite being highly flawed. I think Pru is especially wonderful - I found her character to be extremely relatable. She has attributes I think a lot of people can identify with to some extent, whether it's her dark humor, mental health struggles, issues with addiction, her perseverance to pull through tough situations, or the fact she is considered to be "different." I've found that as you get older, life gets messier but how you come back from each struggle is what makes you the person you are. Prudence is a prime example of that and it makes her a wonderfully messy but still loveable main character. Other than the characters, I also enjoyed the concept of the Graveyard Game. It was definitely unique to have a TikTok challenge involved with a surge of deaths within the city. I really liked how the game tied into a paranormal aspect, even though the rest of the city thought it was just a serial killer or random suicides.
However, I do feel like some parts were a little bit disjointed and I got a bit lost, particularly when Pru would have flashbacks or black out. I also wish more detail/backstory went into the secret society, to tie things together more. It seemed like that aspect was added in more at the end. There was a lot of mudane daily life things, which added to the character development but I felt myself wanting more about what was happening with the game and more about the deaths to add to the horror aspect. Other than that, this was a very interesting, unique story and I can't wait to read the first two installments, and I look forward to more stories featuring Pru!
I haven't read any of the previous novels in The Spectral Inspector series, however this was easily read as a standalone novel, with seemingly only mild spoilers from the previous two included. I really enjoyed it overall, and will likely be reading the previous two novels soon.
This series reminds me of an R-rated, lgbtqia+ version of Nancy Drew, but with ghosts. I honestly felt this was more of a mystery than horror, as the spookiest parts were mostly within the last 10% of the novel. The characters were very likeable, despite being highly flawed. I think Pru is especially wonderful - I found her character to be extremely relatable. She has attributes I think a lot of people can identify with to some extent, whether it's her dark humor, mental health struggles, issues with addiction, her perseverance to pull through tough situations, or the fact she is considered to be "different." I've found that as you get older, life gets messier but how you come back from each struggle is what makes you the person you are. Prudence is a prime example of that and it makes her a wonderfully messy but still loveable main character. Other than the characters, I also enjoyed the concept of the Graveyard Game. It was definitely unique to have a TikTok challenge involved with a surge of deaths within the city. I really liked how the game tied into a paranormal aspect, even though the rest of the city thought it was just a serial killer or random suicides.
However, I do feel like some parts were a little bit disjointed and I got a bit lost, particularly when Pru would have flashbacks or black out. I also wish more detail/backstory went into the secret society, to tie things together more. It seemed like that aspect was added in more at the end. There was a lot of mudane daily life things, which added to the character development but I felt myself wanting more about what was happening with the game and more about the deaths to add to the horror aspect. Other than that, this was a very interesting, unique story and I can't wait to read the first two installments, and I look forward to more stories featuring Pru!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
The prologue definitely set the tone for how dark the rest of this book would prove to be! Not only was this book dark, but the creepy elements were 🔥!!
And the fact I am aware of many of the places referenced in this book as I have lived in the Chicagoland area all my life and have been to the Andersonville neighborhood, Rosehill Cemetery (great grandparents are buried there), and Graceland Cemetery (great-great grandmother buried there and it’s the home of the Dexter Graves monument I’m pretty sure this is based on) made this book an extra special read for me!! ❤️
I loved getting to know more about our queer main character, Prudence Osgood - her self-destructive habits affecting her relationships as well as the absolute trauma her body has been through and the resulting chronic pain.
This was the third book in the series, which I read as a standalone. While I had no issues reading it as a standalone, I do feel like I would have gotten more out of Prudence’s story if I had read the first two. Which of course I am going to do because I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more!!! ❤️🙌
Highly recommend this one but be sure to check the trigger warnings!!! 🫶
TW: Suicide, murder, brief sexual assault, homophobia, toxic masculinity
Thank you to Cooper S. Beckett for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!! ❤️ You’ve made me a Specterino!
And the fact I am aware of many of the places referenced in this book as I have lived in the Chicagoland area all my life and have been to the Andersonville neighborhood, Rosehill Cemetery (great grandparents are buried there), and Graceland Cemetery (great-great grandmother buried there and it’s the home of the Dexter Graves monument I’m pretty sure this is based on) made this book an extra special read for me!! ❤️
I loved getting to know more about our queer main character, Prudence Osgood - her self-destructive habits affecting her relationships as well as the absolute trauma her body has been through and the resulting chronic pain.
This was the third book in the series, which I read as a standalone. While I had no issues reading it as a standalone, I do feel like I would have gotten more out of Prudence’s story if I had read the first two. Which of course I am going to do because I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more!!! ❤️🙌
Highly recommend this one but be sure to check the trigger warnings!!! 🫶
TW: Suicide, murder, brief sexual assault, homophobia, toxic masculinity
Thank you to Cooper S. Beckett for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!! Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!! ❤️ You’ve made me a Specterino!
February 28, 2024
I received the opportunity to read this novel before release in exchange for an honest review, thank you Cooper S. Beckett.
Pru Osgood is a quirky, grumpy, bisexual, non-monogamous modern day ghost buster. She can by cynical and witty and I really enjoyed her character. She reminds me of a Sherlock Holmes type, super smart addicted to drugs, broken, healing but wicked smart and a great detective. There’s been a recent rash of suicides by teens in Chicago plus a possible serial killer on the loose and the Spectral Inspectors are investigating. Apparently a new trend called The Graveyard Game is making its rounds on social media and kids are dying. This book caught me from the trigger warning plus the prologue and kept me hooked on through the rest. Osgood As She Gets is the 3rd installment of this series but don’t let that deter you, anything super important from the other two are kind of included so you don’t feel lost. I even bought the other two books in the series and am excited to read them too. Some of the writing style was a little choppy and I felt like some parts were trying too hard to seem edgy/with the times but it was something I was able to read through rather than making me want to stop reading. Overall I liked Os’ inner monologue and the premise was intriguing, and it was cool to have queer people represented in a book if you like paranormal thrillers/horror and fun characters check it out!
This book releases on February 29th, 2024.
Pru Osgood is a quirky, grumpy, bisexual, non-monogamous modern day ghost buster. She can by cynical and witty and I really enjoyed her character. She reminds me of a Sherlock Holmes type, super smart addicted to drugs, broken, healing but wicked smart and a great detective. There’s been a recent rash of suicides by teens in Chicago plus a possible serial killer on the loose and the Spectral Inspectors are investigating. Apparently a new trend called The Graveyard Game is making its rounds on social media and kids are dying. This book caught me from the trigger warning plus the prologue and kept me hooked on through the rest. Osgood As She Gets is the 3rd installment of this series but don’t let that deter you, anything super important from the other two are kind of included so you don’t feel lost. I even bought the other two books in the series and am excited to read them too. Some of the writing style was a little choppy and I felt like some parts were trying too hard to seem edgy/with the times but it was something I was able to read through rather than making me want to stop reading. Overall I liked Os’ inner monologue and the premise was intriguing, and it was cool to have queer people represented in a book if you like paranormal thrillers/horror and fun characters check it out!
This book releases on February 29th, 2024.
February 29, 2024
this book was phenomenal!!
i was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from the author and im so glad i got it. i absolutely loved mystery and horror books when i was younger and this brought me right back into that genre. i need to read the rest of the series now!!!
osgood is a very interesting and complex character, and my feelings about her were all over the place throughout the book. i love how real she felt. she dealt with real issues, like addiction and mental health, and it all made her a great character. even if you get frustrated with her at times, you cannot deny that having a main character that’s flawed makes things a lot better.
the book was full of mystery, horror, lgbtq+ representation, investigations, and paranormal activity. it also has the ability to be read both as a standalone and as part of the series. im very intrigued now and need to check out the other books!
i really enjoyed this one and had a lot of fun with it. congrats to Cooper Beckett for writing an amazing book!
i was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from the author and im so glad i got it. i absolutely loved mystery and horror books when i was younger and this brought me right back into that genre. i need to read the rest of the series now!!!
osgood is a very interesting and complex character, and my feelings about her were all over the place throughout the book. i love how real she felt. she dealt with real issues, like addiction and mental health, and it all made her a great character. even if you get frustrated with her at times, you cannot deny that having a main character that’s flawed makes things a lot better.
the book was full of mystery, horror, lgbtq+ representation, investigations, and paranormal activity. it also has the ability to be read both as a standalone and as part of the series. im very intrigued now and need to check out the other books!
i really enjoyed this one and had a lot of fun with it. congrats to Cooper Beckett for writing an amazing book!
February 25, 2024
I thoroughly have enjoyed this series and I have trouble choosing which of the three I enjoyed most. This third one holds true to Osgood being a disaster in all aspects of her life. I like a main character that has multiple flaws but you still find yourself rooting for. I also liked that Zack and Audrey had their own stuff separate from Osgood. They're truly amazing friends for standing by her through all the trauma she's endured (and they've endured with her). I also hope Remy will be in the next book - I really liked her relationship with Osgood.
I liked the writing style and found it makes it a quick read.
I liked the writing style and found it makes it a quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
A strong third book to the series with a lot of the creepiness from book 1.
January 24, 2024
Osgood as she gets, is the third book of the Spectral Inspector series, featuring the adventures of Prudence Osgood, a 45-year-old queer, living in Chicago. Osgood, with the help of her partners, is trying to figure out what is happening, as the city sees a significant rise in death and suicides, especially within the younger generation. All could be linked to the graveyard game..
Although this is the third book, the author intended for ut to be also read as a stand aline book, so he included a summary of the first two books ( I will be reading these two soon).
I really enjoyed the plot, the mystery. The fact that the main character is broken, suffered tremendously physically as well as emotionally in her life, helps to get attached to her. However, I disliked a big part of her personality, as she tends to only focus on sex, being vulgar. It was a bit too much for me, as I am not used to it, not used to reading books with such characters.
I guess I am just not used to reading books with a bit of spice.
All in all, I enjoyed it, I am gonna be reading the first two books and will be waiting for the fourth one,as the author left us on a cliffhanger!
Although this is the third book, the author intended for ut to be also read as a stand aline book, so he included a summary of the first two books ( I will be reading these two soon).
I really enjoyed the plot, the mystery. The fact that the main character is broken, suffered tremendously physically as well as emotionally in her life, helps to get attached to her. However, I disliked a big part of her personality, as she tends to only focus on sex, being vulgar. It was a bit too much for me, as I am not used to it, not used to reading books with such characters.
I guess I am just not used to reading books with a bit of spice.
All in all, I enjoyed it, I am gonna be reading the first two books and will be waiting for the fourth one,as the author left us on a cliffhanger!
February 6, 2024
This book starts with a huge bang! My mouth dropped when this sweet, innocent character turned in the most unhinged way. I was worried that after an opening like that, the book wouldn't continue on such a high. However, I'm glad it did. Although things did slow down a bit, this was enough time to get to know the characters, their lives, friendships, quirks etc. This is actually the third book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
The investigation did sometimes feel like a side plot, but it did really pick up towards the second half which was good as it was super intriguing. Other than bookstagram, I'm not the biggest social media lover, but I really love stories that include it (tiktok challenges and so on etc)
I loved that this book has illustrations too! I recommend to horror / thriller lovers. It looks as if this is going to be a longer series too, so if I were you, I'd get your hands on the first book and start this weird journey from the beginning!
The investigation did sometimes feel like a side plot, but it did really pick up towards the second half which was good as it was super intriguing. Other than bookstagram, I'm not the biggest social media lover, but I really love stories that include it (tiktok challenges and so on etc)
I loved that this book has illustrations too! I recommend to horror / thriller lovers. It looks as if this is going to be a longer series too, so if I were you, I'd get your hands on the first book and start this weird journey from the beginning!
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