I'm starting to really love this series now! The romance is a little weird to me but that's probably because I'm hoping for a different pairing than what we're getting. I do wish certain plot points moved a little faster because I'm tired of seeing the same conversations over and over. I'm really interested in Trent and hope we get to see more of him! ( )

Rachel just can't keep herself out of trouble ( )

After the second in this series, I was hesitant to pick up the third, but since I enjoyed the first so much and because of a certain demon contract that Rachel had to get herself out of, I went ahead and read it. I'm glad I did. The ridiculous tension with Ivy has been put aside for the most part, and Rachel gets some actual character development. I was annoyed at some of the peripheral characters, however. Without giving too much away, let me just say that I hope Harrison doesn't introduce random safety button characters in the next couple of books. Overall, a solid read, and one that I enjoyed. ( )

Oof this one was rough. I accidentally saw some reviews while reading and I have to agree: too much boyfriend nonsense. I didn't care for Kisten, never did, so having him so much in this story irked me.

Still some seeds that will grow into plotlines in later books are in this story so that was cool.

Ivy and her sister being called exotic... Big: Oh No. ( )

Good fluff. ( )

Rereading these books inorder to finish this series. I think I read the first 8 books. I really can't remember.
Anyway, I like this book with the exception of Kisten and Rachel as a couple. First Rachel has the absolute worst taste in men. Yikes. Second, Ivy is her best friend and tge closest thing to casual family she has. Again, she's under no obligation to be what Ivy wishes. None the less it seems unconscionably cruel to date Ivy's best friend, past lover and fellow scion. There are so many folks in the world, why shit where sleep?
I forgot how much I like David and Ceri.
As is becoming standard witb the reread of this series I removed a star for continuing to refer to Ivy as 'oriental'. shudder. ( )

I am so stoked Rachel hooked up with Kistan, I don't know why but I think he's a better match for Rachel than nick is or was, and maybe it's because he's an Inlander jut like her and Nick is just a human (puny humans) lol. ( )

There's a new underground player in the Hollows, and he's putting his own brand of Brimstone on the streets. People are beginning to die. Both Piscary and Trent want the new competition out of their city, and Rachel is about to end up in the middle of it all. To make matters worse, every time she taps a line she risks calling Al across the ley lines. Rachel can't escape the demon forever, but she doesn't plan on becoming a tool for him either. Rachel is going to have to make some tough decisions, ones that will scar her forever.

I confess the reason I love this addition to The Hollows series is Kisten. I need a Kisten in my life. He can be a royal pain, but deep down he knows that Rachel is broken inside from failed relationships. He's not about to walk into one with Rachel and expect her to change, or give him something she isn't able to. And while he can be pushy, he also knows the clear signs of when to back off and respects them. Being a living vampire, yes he wants blood, but he's willing to go without it for Rachel's sake. Though lately it's been hard for her to say no.

Rachel is learning to toughen up in this novel, even if it has to be beaten into her. Each time she goes toe to toe with Al, it's nothing but page-turning action. Watching her try to outwit him and find whatever loopholes are exciting to read. She's also taking on increasingly harder runs allowing the reader to see how much she is beginning to change as a character. Even if it means some of her morals are starting to be compromised.

The farther Rachel journeys down her path, the more involved the world-building becomes. We start to learn more about Rachel's father and what exactly happened to him. And the Ever After is no longer just something to be seen through second sight. It becomes a tangible area that begs to be explained in future novels. There is a rich history there, just begging to be tapped into.

As always, The Hollows is an adrenaline filled ride. I can't wait to continue to the next! ( )

I liked getting more back-story on Trent and Rachel’s dad. I especially like what they did with Kisten and Nick’s characters. But, I didn’t like the story line with Jenks. He wasn’t around enough for me to be happy. Still, I liked it very much, as much or more than book two and MILES ahead of book one. ( )

You know you're in trouble when the lurid cover makes you (and by you, I mean me) pull out the construction paper to make a cover so that the T ride in to work is not so embarrassing. It's starting to get a little too Anita Blakey, but still plenty entertaining. It may not be the Buffyverse, but sometimes it's fun to enjoy a substitute. (April 29, 2007) ( )

The Algaliarept plotline leaves me cold, but the world and its inhabitants remain fascinating. Kisten and Rachel are hot together, and it's nice seeing Rachel feeling free to enjoy herself. David the were is an interesting addition to this world, as are the details about Rachel and Trent's joint past. ( )

Ah yes, this genre of urban fantasy romance type book. We have one badass heroine, who is smart, fiery, and manages to get into a lot of trouble. Of course, there is the leading guy, and right now, the third book of the series there is 3 - Vampire, Mob Boss, and Normal Human. The plot is so-so, it revolved too much around Rachel's Date with Kirsten. Of course, that is par for the course, so I'm okay with it. The writing it tight, the story fun, and we have an interesting world. What more can you ask for in a book like this? ( )

Every Which Way But Dead
4 Stars

There is a lot going on in Rachel’s life as she deals with becoming Algaliarept’s familiar, Nick’s aloofness, Ivy’s possessiveness, Kisten’s advances, Jenks’s hurt feelings as well as a possible Were stalker, a dangerous extortionist and last but not least, Trent Kalamack’s mysterious machinations. With all this, its amazing that she hasn’t lost her mind yet … or has she?

The majority of the book revolves around introducing new characters and developing existing ones. The actual storyline only puts in an appearance in the last few chapters, which is disappointing as I am more of a plot than a character driven reader. Nevertheless, the updates on Rachel’s past and her interactions with the different people and beings in her life makes for entertaining reading overall.

There is a great deal of focus on the men in Rachel’s life in this installment. The developments with regard to Nick are positive and I, for one, would be glad to see the back of him for good. While not exactly hero material, Kisten is growing on me, and his actions and motivations, although morally questionable, appear to be more straightforward than Nick’s (at least on the surface). More information is provided on Trent and his agenda that sheds light on his past actions and makes them more understandable if not completely acceptable. While he still isn’t trustworthy, he is starting to redeem himself a bit.

The two new additions, Lee and David, are both very intriguing. Lee is little more than pond scum and it was good to see him get his just desserts although something tells me that we haven’t seen the last of him. There is also more to David than meets the eye and it will be interesting to see where Harrison takes his unusual alliance with Rachel.

Ivy and Rachel’s relationship is as creepy as ever mainly due to the fact that Ivy is unwilling or unable to accept that Rachel only wants to be friends not blood buddies. Nevertheless, the angst is toned down somewhat so I’m willing to put up with her.

On a final note, Marguerite Gavin's narration is superb as always and she does an excellent job making each and every character come to life. Looking forward to the next chapter of Rachel’s adventures in the Hollows. ( )

After the first two novels in this series being so good, this one disappointed me. I'm still not sure what was going on. The characters would be more appealing if I could figure out why they were reacting to things the way they were - they clearly had some idea of what was happening and why that I just couldn't get to.

Mind you, the sex was amazingly well written :) But I expected better of the plot. Hopefully the next one will make more sense. ( )

I love it when a series gets better as it goes! (Hopefully it will last for at least a few more books ...) ( )

Questo nuovo capitolo della saga “The Hollows” non delude minimamente le mie aspettative. Anzi. La trama, come sempre, è adrenalitica e intricata abbastanza da non permettere al lettore di allontanarsi. Impossibile staccarsi dalle pagine di “Le creature della notte” prima di aver letto l’ultima, proprio impossibile. C’è maggiore azione, rispetto al precedente e i personaggi abbandonano definitivamente la lieve rigidità che li aveva caratterizzati fino a quel momento.

Ormai il “team” collaudato nei primi due libri interagisce senza il minimo problema e con assoluta facilità. Gli intrecci dei rapporti fra le diverse razze è assolutamente intrigante e sensuale. Come il trio Rachel, Ivy e Kisten che nulla a che vedere con un “normale” triangolo. Se siete stanchi anche voi di trovare il solito schema lei, lui e l’altra/altro questo è il libro adatto per divertirvi ed affascinarvi. Il rapporto fra i vari personaggi è straordinario e la capacità dell’autrice di trovare sfumature diverse per ogni rapporto è assolutamente magistrale. L’introduzione di nuovi personaggi, come David il licantropo, non appesantisce minimamente la trama ma, anzi, rende il tutto ancor più interessante.

La capacità di Rachel di ficcarsi nei guai con i demoni è ormai appurata e stupisce sempre il lettore come, ogni volta, riesce a trovare un scappatoia grazie alla logica (dell’autrice) in situazioni apparentemente senza fuga.

Trent, da dispotico e sì, ammettiamolo, stronzo sta diventando sempre affascinante. Affascinante come trovi, intrigante, Rachel ma continui a dispetto di tutto e tutti a non fidarsi e a sfidarla continuamente. Sarebbero una coppia esplosiva… chissà.

Nick, per fortuna, pare che si sia tolto definitivamente dalle scatole. Non che fosse un “brutto” personaggio ma, semplicemente, non riuscendo a inquadrarlo neanche approssimativamente riusciva a scatenare semplicemente diffidenza e astio.

A questo punto non possiamo che attendere con ansia il quarto libro della saga con la speranza che, oltre a presente, l’autrice decida di svelarci qualcosa di più anche sul passato “comune” di Rachel e Trent.
( )

I liked this audiobook but it was bit of a disappointment after absolutely loving the first two books in the series. This was a re-read for me but I actually didn't remember anything about it from my initial read years ago. I am actually pretty sure that this is the book that I stopped on when I started the series the first time. It was a good book but it wasn't anywhere near as entertaining as the first two in the series were for me.

This book started out really strong with Rachel having to deal with Big Al. Things looked pretty bad for her and I had no idea how she was going to outsmart him. She ends up getting a bit of help from his familiar and a werewolf insurance agent. It was a close call for Rachel and while she is trying to recover a secret slips out and Jenks ends up mad...and leaves. I missed Jenks constant presence in this book.

This book really seemed a bit more focused on the character relationships. I can't say that I really liked all of the developments in this installment. Nick can't handle being near Rachel so he leaves town. Rachel starts dating Kisten and while they have chemistry it seemed to happen way too fast. Ivy is having her own struggles with Piscary and staying in control. Jenks needs some time away to cool down. This felt like more of a transitional book that may be laying the framework for future books.

I did enjoy the narration in this audiobook. Marguerite Gavin is really the perfect narrator for this series. She is Rachel in my mind but she also performs all of the different voices very well. I never have any trouble understanding who is speaking and her delivery really keeps my focus on the story.

I would recommend this book to others. This is the third book in the series and I really do think that this series needs to be read in order since everything builds from the earlier books. Readers who try to read this as a stand alone will most likely be quite lost. I am looking forward to starting the next audiobook in this series very soon! ( )

I was extremely excited to dig into this one after the massive ending of the second. As I wanted, it starts with Rachel and Algaliarept and their 'deal', which was a fascinating turnout. Setting the tone for the rest of the book was perfect. I was happy to get plenty of Al time, and thrown in with this was a new, intriguing character and back history.

In this book the pot is heating up about Ivy and Rachel's unconventional relationship, a new man in town who's wanting a piece of Cincinnati's pie, a new relationship forming that I have been wanting for several books now *yum*, and Rachel trying to get her life sorted out in the middle of all this. There's always a war erupting somewhere.

Character wise Nick is showing new sides and I found it very touching on Rachel's emotional struggles with all that. It holds a convincing realism that made me grow even closer to her as a character. Al has a lot of page time, which is excellent. Trent is here and in yummy form as he and Rachel are forced to work together again and have intriguing turnouts. Ivy is growing on me more and her relationship with Ivy definitely keeps me on my toes. We get to meet her father and sister and have a new character come into town to create minor irritants for Rachel. Ceri is an awesome addition and makes an impressive appearance and entrance.

Honestly the characters are so great in this series that you have to really think about it to even pick a top favorite out of the group.

Out of the first three books ( I love the first two ) this is my favorite of the beginning trilogy. It's incredible with emotions, actions, events, magic, fascination, betrayals, secrets uncovered - revealed - and hidden. The pacing and tension is strong, whether the scene is focusing on revelation and experience, or else outright action and eek moments.

As I've said before, the magic in this series is in-depth, inventive, and nifty. Harrison has a talent with characterization, dialogue, and slips humor in all the time without it feeling forced. It comes naturally with Rachel, but the book is also a serious one at the same time in a dark, gritty world.

The 'date' was fun and intense, and the beginning opens with such a strong bang that I'm both pleased and impressed that the book is able to follow it's lead without losing steam. Kim Harrison takes time to really dig deeper into existing relationships while there is no mystery this time, but still a lot at play and fascinating.

As with the other books, this one is not only incredible, it's even more so. The characters we love are here but even more so, and the additions of any new ones doesn't take away from the story at all or make it distracting. This one makes it easy to feel, read, and experience the magic The Hollows promises. ( )

It's another exciting adventure as a popular musician hires Rachel to assist him with a problem. Things grow complicated when her new case is wrapped up with the recent turf war between Piscary's vamps and Stanley Saladan. While Rachel and her team plan a solution, Big Al is making plans of his own. Of course Rachel is still worried about her "familiar" problem and how that affects her relationship with Nick. She meets a couple of new characters, Ceri and David, and has another interesting encounter with Trent Kalamack. Rachel's world is in a constant state of change and I enjoyed being along for the ride.

Many questions I had were answered in this installment, but not completely. It was done in such a way that I have new ones and I'm dying for more. Trent has me completely hooked. I stand by my opinion that he's not the bad guy we think he is. I sense a lot of excitement on the horizon and I'll be jumping into the next book as soon as possible. ( )

Another entertaining entry in an enjoyable series with an interesting take on same sex love and romance (in the form of Ivy's feelings for Rachel). ( )

3.5 Not my favorite... it seemed to take forever to really get to the point of the story. But I gotta read the next one to see what happens. Why oh why and I liking Trent so much??? ( )

Listened/Read for Fun (Audible/Library)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75

Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Every Which Way but Dead by Kim Harrison would have been a 4.50 for me except for the men.

Quick Thoughts:I am loving Rachel, Jenks, and Ivy but the men really need to become a bit more worthy before I will claim total love with this series :) In fact, the romance (for lack of a better word) is the only "soft spot" for me. The action, mystery, and world-building are just over-the-wall awesome.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Marguerite Gavin / Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Marguerite Gavin is a perfect match for this series. I am really enjoying her narration. I can't imagine anyone else doing it!

Part of the Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews ( )

Great series! Rachel is snarky and a kick a$$ chick! Jinx is hysterical and Ivy is a real bada$$! I may be crushing on Al, I know he is a demon but he is just so funny!

Terrific concept and truly entertaining tale! ( )

I love the whole hollows series. Rachel, Ivy and Jenks pull it off time and time again. Magic, mystery and danger follow them where ever they go.

Harrison just keepings getting better. Fantastic series for people who like urban fantasy but find the sexual overload necessary. I look forward to each and every book. ( )

The Hollows by Kim Harrison is definitely one of my favorite series of all time. Every Which Way But Dead is the third book in the series and is another example of the excellent writing of Kim Harrison. I think I'd enjoy reading her grocery list.

Rachel is in trouble. She's wrestling the demon Al to keep her freedom; trying to find her way in her relationship with Ivy, her roommate; getting hot under the collar for Kistan, the vampire; and arguing with her partner, Jenks. So, yah, everything's normal.

While the story is great, the genius as always in this series is the characters. Harrison writes characters that can pop off the page and go out to dinner with you. As long as it's not Piscary, the vampire kingpin.

You can read this book without reading the first two in the series, but I think it would be more enjoyable to start with the first book, Dead Witch Walking and read them in order. This series is a must read for paranormal/supernatural vampire, pixy, werewolf fans! ( )