A brilliant sequel with more Heebie- jeebies!
The Case of the Deadly Doppleganger is a terrific sequel to Lucy Banks’s The Case of the Green Dressed Ghost.
We return to Dr Ribero’s Supernatural agency just a few months after the end of the first novel. Times are hard, Dr Ribero and his quirky, rag tag band of employees are forced to work together with Ribero’s nemesis, Larry Higgins. Can they come together and end old feuds in an attempt to solve The Case of the Deadly Doppleganger?
Whereas the first novel was the author finding her voice with her debut novel, Doppleganger is far more polished. The characters are more fleshed out and well established, you can really picture them in your mind’s eye. Also this novel is a lot darker than the first with some truly chilling scenes which gave me great pleasure. I think the author’s great skill is combining the chills, while retaining a quintessentially English sense of humour. This, ultimately, is the charm of the novel and is really the heart of the book and perfectly balanced. I loved the interaction of the main characters, everyone is catered for.
There is a cliff hanger which I will not elaborate on but am thrilled to know that this must lead into a third instalment of this chilling, comical, very English supernatural series. I eagerly await it’s arrival and anything else written by Lucy Banks.

My apologies to the author but I really didn't get into this book in the way that most of the other reviewers seem to have done. In fact, unlike most of the other reviewers, I did not find this book to be full of believable human beings and paranormal curiosities. The whole tone and style of this book actually gave me a headache; strange really as paranormal tales don't, as a rule, do this to me..

This is the 2nd book in Dr. Ribero's Agency of the Supernatural series. Although I liked the first book in the series (The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost) a little bit better, this was still a good read and can be read as a stand alone.

I wish to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

I give this book 5 out of 5 supernatural stars! Even though this was the second in the series I was able to read it as a standalone. This book was filled with twists and turns. I didn’t want to put it down and at times it was hilarious! I loved the characters for the most part but what sold me on 5 stars besides the plot was how the author had a transgendered person in the story and discussed the importance of it being accepted. She covered the issue quite well that trans men and women face. Lucy Banks weaved supernatural elements, humor and sleuthing into a worthwhile series. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the first one to get a better feel for things but this was also great as a standalone. When I read this a couple weeks ago it had me up through the night and kept my mind off of trials in my life and topk me on a fun adventure! I definitely recommend this series for those who love something supernatural!😊👻😄

Dr Ribero’s supernatural agency are ghostbusters of a sort, though their methods of containment are simple and their technical equipment is often non working. I wouldn't say the novels are meant to be humorous, but the interplay between the vibrant characters can be funny at times. The story centers around Kester, Dr Ribero’s son who has newly become involved in the organization. His uncertainty and self awareness make him a charming character that is easy to identify with. His bickering counterparts on the other hand are hasty sketches with little depth. The previous novel did a far better job of making the supporting characters believable.

There isn't much of a mystery. A spirit is killing people, first taking on their appearance. Readers already know what is going on, so we spend our time watching Kester and the others and wondering when they will get a clue. I wasn't too worried - despite elderly victims dropping like flies, it seemed the greatest worries were the public discovering spirits exist and Ribero’s agency not getting paid. Still, it is a cute book that is a pleasant escapist read and the premise is original. I liked the time spent on the development of Anya and Kester’s friendship. They make a cute couple. I'm also curious to see what will come next.

It is tough to settle on a rating. The book is an enjoyable read, despite its weaknesses. It isn't exactly a mystery per se, but it isn't quite an urban fantasy. The main problem is that if it had a firmer footing in either territory, more would be expected.

3 / 5

I received a copy of The Case of the Deadly Doppelgänger from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

It's only been a couple of months since his mother died and he discovered that ghosts and spirits are real, but Kester is part of a whole new life now. One with friends, sort of, and a father, albeit an odd one, and maybe even a girlfriend. He's got a purpose too, working at a supernatural agency that deals with ghosts. Kester can open a door into the spirit world that lets the departed pass over. At least, he did it once. Now he'll have to do it again - before anyone else is killed.

A malicious spirit is hunting down the residents of Lyme Regis and killing them in their homes. Kester and his friends will have to move fast and overcome some personal rivalries if they want to succeed.

I really liked this series when I discovered it last year and I was so excited to win an ARC from NetGalley for the second book. If you like funny mysteries or mysteries with a little supernatural aspect thrown in, you will totally love these!

The first chapter had me hooked. Great idea which I'm sure will become more developed with each book. The main characters are rather similar, negative and argumentative. However, they are balanced by Pineapple, Daisy and Enya who I hope will appear more in later books.. Some tightening up needed on the frequent use of certain phrases. Would I read the next instalment? A definate yes.

This was an interesting read and although I haven't read the first in the series it was not a problem as it was very easy to follow the characters and pick up exactly who they were. The main character Kester Lanner is extremely believable as he is new to all this ghost busting and hasn't a clue how he fits into the whole business and feels at times he is a bit of a fraud. His mothers influence is what keeps him going and eventually he has his breakthrough. I would recommend this book for older teens /young adult.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review!
The Case of the Deadly Doppelganger was a fun supernatural mystery read.
Though I have yet to read the first book, it was not at all difficult to pick up on the characters and their history. It follows a supernatural investigation agency as they try and determine what is behind the murders of seniors in a small English town. I enjoyed the supernatural elements and all of the quirky characters. It was a fun, fairly light read (despite all of the murders) and ended on a cliffhanger that makes me want to read book 3 soon!
I will also be picking up book 1 as I need all the details of this story's beginnings.

This would seem to be the second book in a series, which would explain why the characters were not clearly delineated and described. I didn't develop a clear picture of any of them. It starts with an interesting description of a death, but goes downhill from there. I found the plot predictable with clues rather laboured at times. There were no surprises, twists or turns. The addition of a transgender character felt tokenistic and their story was not true to life (e.g. you have to live fully in the preferred gender role for at least two years before any surgery would be considered on the NHS).
some of the descriptions and action was cartoonish, more typical of Scooby Doo; why on earth did they not take five minutes to pick up toothbrushes and toothpaste at a service station, let alone stop for a change of clothes? The hotel described was so run down that it wouldn't last a season.
Perfectly pleasant read, but nothing special.

A few short months after opening a spirit door and forcing an angry spirit through it, Kester Lanner and the rest of Dr. Ribero's supernatural agency fond themselves investigating a series of deaths in the seaside town of Lyme Regis. The team is under significant pressure to stop whatever malevolent spirit is killing the elderly town residents before they are all gone. To add to the challenge, the team has to work with Dr. Ribero's arch enemy, Larry Higgins.
It is a wild ride as the team works to solve the case and keep themselves from doing serious harm to Mr. Higgins.
Although the pace started a little slowly, it picked up as the story got going. I enjoyed The Deadly Doppelganger and will keep my eye out for the rest of the series as it is published.

This book was just so much fun! I enjoyed spending time with Dr. Ribiero and his crew, and of course "the Higgins" and his agency. Although I hadn't read the first book I was able to follow along fairly well. That being said, I will definitely be seeking out the first book to learn more about how Kester joined the supernatural detective gang. Highly recommended!

I read The Case of the Green Dressed Ghost because Publisher's Weekly described it as Ghostbusters with a British accent. It was light and fun and I couldn't wait for the next one. Deadly Doppelganger doesn't disappoint. Lucy Banks writes a great urban fantasy.

I did not read the first in this book series and while it may have been a really great book I was able to read this second book to the series, and enjoy it immensely, without having read it.

Kester has only recently come to know his father as well as the truth of the family business. While, in the first book, he discovered an ability to open spirit doors he doesn't quite have the control over it as he might have wished for to be a useful part of his father's supernatural agency his intelligence helps him be an asset to the team. But the question in this book is whether the team will be able to discover where to find the doppelganger spirit is and why the usually calm spirit has gone rogue and is killing elderly people in a quite seaside town.

There seems to be more to the story than what the team has been told but they will stop at nothing to find out what is causing the upset--their payment relies on it!

This book series seems to do a great job melding mystery, drama and humor together! I loved the cliffhanger of this book (how often can you say that?) and I cannot wait to read the next!

This story picks up a few months after the first book in this series. Kester is working on fitting in with Dr. Ribero's team, but they are quickly getting discouraged at the limited number of cases they are winning. And then when they bid on a more local case, they are awarded it in coordination with their hated rival, Larry Higgins. The case involves several older residents, who apparently see themselves right before their death. The two teams have been given a set time to solve this case, but can they work together to accomplish the task at hand. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, with its quirky characters and supernatural elements. However, I found there was too much bickering and self doubt among the characters in this new story. It wasn't until near the end of the story that the supernatural element became the primary focus and the varying talents of the team members were utilized. There was some development in the character of Kester, as he begins to date librarian Anya, and considers his future in his father's company. I also enjoyed the new characters introduced from Larry Higgins' team and hope to see more of them in the future, especially in light of the intensely personal secret that the one team member revealed and how the Ribero team dealt with this revelation. And since there were a few unresolved issues (including a bit of a cliffhanger ending), I will probably continue on with future books in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC received from NetGalley.

When I saw this book, I knew I wanted to read it. The first book was one of my favorite reads and this one does not disappoint. All the quirky characters have returned and additional ones have been added. The Agency is forced to work with the nemesis of Kester's father, Dr. Ribero. Kester is unique as he has inherited his Mother's ability to see the spirit door opening to sent the evil spirit back to his realm. I found the flow of the words difficult to read at times, but it did not interfere with my enjoyment.
The case involved a number of unusual deaths in the neighboring town. Both Agencies work together to find the reason for the deaths. The victims cry out that they see themselves just before they expire. One mention she was not the person that the spirit was sent to 'fetch'. The story changes direction as the group seem answers and more deaths occur. Lester doesn't agree with group and Kester and one friend takes a different route. Will Kester be able to return the Fetch spirit to his home before he loses his own. I highly recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Amberjack Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

When you work at an establishment for an extended period, your fellow employees become to feel like a family to you. For Kester Lanner his fellow employees at the supernatural agency are the closest to family he has, not to mention his boss is his newly discovered father, Dr. Ribero. And, like many families, they bicker and pick on one another relentlessly but will defend each other if an outsider decides to pick on one of their own. As it happens, when several elderly citizens of Lyme Regis die under questionable circumstances, they must partner with their rival supernatural agency run by Dr. Ribero’s nemesis, Larry Higgins, and their patience and fortitude will be tested.

This is the second installment of Dr. Ribero’s Supernatural Agency and can stand on its own. The series is unusual and stands out from other mysteries with its paranormal storylines. Banks characters are completely human, flawed and could be anyone you bump into on the street. The stories are interesting and engaging and the characters compliment the story. The descriptions of the surrounding locale are well defined, and you feel the damp and smell the musty air. I would give this to older teens looking for something different as they will be able to relate to the insecurities felt by Kester and his eagerness to please his peers.

An absolutely enjoyable romp through the English and Scottish countryside with dr Ribero and kester! This book is wonderful- lots of action and reminiscent of ghostbusters. Lots of humor and fun and the story kept me going until the very end (and beyond?) Very well written and amusing. Can’t wait to read more from Ms. Banks!

This was a wish book, granted by NetGalley - I came across the first in the series just as I saw that this was available, and rushed to wish for it because I was so intrigued by the first (The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost). If you don't know the series, it's a fun regular-guy-learns-there's-more-to-the-world tale - akin to Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London books, but with its own unique slant, unique cast of characters, and a nice cozy-ish writing style that is thoroughly enjoyable. The books are engaging, with entertaining mysteries and a nicely formulated supernatural underpinning. Kester is a darling bundle of raw nerves and makes for a marvelous foil for Dr. Ribero and his agency - their adventures together blend realistic drama (paying the bills, surviving the death of a parent, competition in business) with just enough almost-over-the-top supernatural drama (possessed paintings, spirits captured in water bottles) to keep things light yet just eerie enough to stay darkly entertaining. It's a fine balance, and more fun for its tightrope walking!

In this second installment, Kester is finally starting to come to terms with his new-found place in the world - and the supernatural world is, in turn, starting to adjust to his role in it. His character is developing nicely, adjusting to the bizarre reality he has been unceremoniously dropped into the midst of while still maintaining enough of the wide-eyed innocence of his introduction both to the series and the supernatural world that is so endearing. I think there is tremendous opportunity for growth here, and do look forward to seeing where Banks takes things.

Author Lucy Banks takes us on another adventurous paranormal mystery filled with her crew of memorable, quirky employees working at Dr. Ribero's Agency of the Supernatural in Exeter, England. The agency has been hired by the Government, along with a rival firm to investigate the deaths of several elderly residents of the English seaside town of Lyme Regis that died under suspicious circumstances that may have involved something, not of this world. The whimsical British mannerisms along with the unique characters woven into an adventurous romp through England to Scotland have me wanting more in this series.