http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2023033.html

It's tricky to write novels set during the fairly tight continuity of a TV show, though one format that works well here is the Being Human version of the Doctor Who / Torchwood monster-of-the-week, in this case a ghostly woman called Gemma, whose presence in our heroes' lives provokes them to help her find her own closure after the her son's death. The truth turns out to be pretty tough to uncover and also rather unpleasant in detail, with the ghosts of wronged Bristolians thronging the pages. Gemma is quite a good character study in character manipulation, and is indeed herself the main obstacle to reaching the answer; in the end Mitchell's key motivation for solving the mystery and getting rid of her is that she is driving Annie up the walls.

Meanwhile George is excused most of the Gemma sub-plot to get hooked up with some friendly colleagues who want him to father their child. But apparently there is more of that in the next book. ( )

good

Based on the tv series Being Human, three roommates try to live normal, human lives. But Mitchell is a vampire, George is a werewolf, and Annie is a ghost.

When another ghost shows up at the house, the roommates are immediately suspicious of the motherly Gemma. Gemma’s son committed suicide years ago, but she’s not sure why she hasn’t crossed over. But Mitchell and George have stress at work as well, when a new hospital administrator arrives to evaluate performance at the hospital.

The story picks up after the first season of Being Human. This first installment of the tie-in novels reads much like a murder mystery. The same fascinating characters from the show are faced with new dilemmas and more drama. As a fan of the series, I wasn’t disappointed. A short, fast-paced read, this new story arc is off to a great start. ( )