Continuing on my to re-read the Christopher Moore books in my library I ventured into two that take place in San Francisco.
A Dirty Job, starts with the birth of Charlie’s daughter Sophie, the death of his wife, meeting a Death Merchant, and learning about soul vessels – all in the first few pages of the book. Ultimately, Charlie learns (from Minty Fresh, a Death Merchant) that he is also one.
Sophie it turns out is Death, and is protected by two Hell hounds, and is forbidden from saying the word kitty. Whenever she says kitty whatever she’s looking at dies.
And then there are the Morrigan, ancient Celtic witches. Their job is to steal souls and kill people so that they can get the souls.
Since this happens in San Francisco it also includes The Emperor of San Francisco, as well as a Buddhist nun, Audrey who is a key player with her squirrel people.
All-in-all the book is funny and suspenseful.
The sequel Secondhand Souls takes place a few years after the first. It still involves souls and spirits but also focuses on the relationship between Charlie and Audrey (the Buddhist nun).
As with the first book, and frankly all of Moore’s books there are plot twists and turns alternating between laughing and crying. All of the characters from the first book appear in the second.
More later…
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