All in all an entertaining read with a dynamic plot and easygoing language that you would find in YA fiction. Some of the themes in the book were quite dark for a YA novel though but then the character complexity wasn’t quite there for an adult novel so I feel it would be good for future books in this series to be a bit more intentional with the audience for them.

Loved the ending and how fast it all unravelled but to be honest I was trudging through the first 30% of the book trying to wrap my head around who the main characters were and what was going on. Now that the scene is set though, I’m excited to find out more about this world and the adventures the crew get up to. Will definitely be looking forward to the next in series.

I really enjoyed this book! Fun fantasy in the same vein as Discworld. Interesting characters, good pacing, quick read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I DNF'ed at 27%. I tried so hard to get into this book. But the writing was hard to read and I felt no interest in the story or the characters with how it was written. This book moves really slow and I felt by 15% that there was no real plot development. I kept reading hoping it would get better but it never did

Bart and Spencer are criminals who really want to go straight. What better way then huntin demons. They get drawn into some nefarious goings on in town and simply try to stay alive while figuring out what is really going on.

This was such a fun book with plenty of demons, spirits and blood.  I loved the three main characters and their banter, really drove the book forward.  This is a nice easy read that I expect any fan of the fantasy genre would enjoy.

I appreciate @netgalley and @burning_chair for giving me access to this ARC. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thank you, Net Gallery, for the advanced copy.
I read this in one sitting and found it quirky as the characters are definitely not heroes but at some point, reluctant helpers. I assume the world is fleshed out a little better in earlier books as only a brief explanation is given.

A new series called Spencer & Bart begins with its first release, The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency by Peter Oxley. It was a great break, for me, to take from serious novels and tears. And, while other readers may cry a little here (like I did), they will be tears of laughter rather than of sadness. Not that the characters don’t have their tales of woe. They all live hard lives! Bart and Spencer are down on their luck thieves who can’t seem to get out from under the thumb of the “big boss” who, no matter what they do or where they go, seems to find them and demand much of what they make, trying to survive.

And then, there is Tessa, a woman they meet who needs their help, is part of the upper class, married to a brute of a man whom I suspect will, by the end of the book, put her in danger. Lord Merchant, Tessa’s husband, seems to be setting Tessa up for something, for her downfall. The only reason for that being, is that he is a cruel man. Thus, she seeks out Bart and Spencer, the only two demon hunters. So it’s not like they don’t have their problems; and big ones. But, the fact that they persevere, don’t shrink in the face of the demons, even themselves, taking what they want, no one doing anything about the demons; that is, until Bart & Spencer decided to hunt them down, makes it a better read due to these characters. No one else seems to be doing anything about all the demon activity in London and….they really need the money. Their life of crime has only led to problems and they want to go straight. Straight to hunting demons, that is.

For some reason, Philippa Gregory’s Order of Darkness series pops into my mind, when I think about what this book reminds me of, since recommendations like these are the norm in reviews now. Whether it is the writing, or that Bart and Spencer are part of 1868 London’s streets, while the Order of Darkness books occur farther back in the past than this, both books are an older world experience where readers are immersed into the streets these characters inhabit. And though the Order of Darkness series are a little more serious in nature, (after all, the general theme of the books are researching religious phenomena) Oxley hearkens onto a story like Gregory does, at least when she is writing for young adults. Also, I am a fan of the Order of Darkness series and now, the Spencer and Bart series, a reader who now can’t wait for more, the next in the series. And there still is the hope that Greogory will add another to the Order of Darkness series, too. She seems to be done with the fourth book of the series but one can always hope?

While the series does present the paranormal in a “cozy” way, I guess would be the best way to say it, (the book is for young adults, after all) because after reading a page you're not going to “freak out” if your cat happens to jump up on your lap or anything. But the book still manages to make reading about demons interesting, and, a little scary, if not just annoying most of the time. Because while Bart and Spencer may do away with some of the demons in the story easier than others, near the end, the two find their hunting has set them up with some real problems, making themselves targets of some real monsters. But, I spent much of the book angry that the boss they once worked for seemed to think he owned them, causing more trouble and demanding money for jobs he took no part in, long after he told them he didn’t want the two in his “gang” anymore. And, crossing my fingers that they weren’t picked up by the police, who seemed to follow the pair all the time, only goes to highlight to those reading this just how much trouble the pair can really cause. Especially when they get to thinking and, God forbid, they do it together.

At first, I had a hard time knowing what to call the book as the cover, really, is what drew me to it. The Grate Big Demon Hunting Agency is written on it, by a hand with long nails and, the Grate is crossed out by that hand, in red, and spelled correctly, not in type as the original words, but written out, looking handprinted; which illustrates the very nature of what you will find in the book. Something easy, fast and fun. I was very lucky to have found the series and author! A real diamond in the rough, I believe,The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency will live up to my hype, for all who read it!

This was a decent read! It was relatively lighthearted but at times a bit gory! The main characters Bart and Spencer were funny but were hard to differentiate between up until the halfway mark or so. The story moved too quickly in parts I thought.
Unsure if I would continue reading more books set in this universe.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a fun read and I’d love to read the next installment. I’m glad I chose to try it. I love the cover art as well. I would recommend this book to my friends.

What a Fantastic fun and demonic treat this is from Peter Oxley,

My first read of his Aether universe books, this story set in Victorian England introduces new readers to the affable, mischievous, somewhat misunderstood and criminal duo of Spencer and Bart.

A London that is riddled with Demons who live amongst us, with dirty magic, supernatural, dastardly criminals and danger abound there is very little not to enjoy about this fast paced and quick read.

It’s funny, entertaining, full of characters to get behind and dislike in equal measure. Peter Oxley has gained a new fan, and I’ll be sure to check out the earlier books that set up this new series.

Enjoyable reading. Some of the most fun and pleasure I’ve got from reading in quite a while as I could just let myself go and get taken on an thoroughly entertaining and darkly amusing trip to Victorian London.

I just didn’t love this as much as I was hoping I would.

The writing at points felt a bit juvenile, and the story moved back and forth so quickly between plot points that I sometimes struggled to keep up with what was going on. I think the book could have been longer had the story of been more streamlined and the characters developed a bit more - it’s like you don’t get to know who any of them are. They just appear and you’re meant to love them without being given any reason whatsoever to do so.

You can tell from the ending that it’s shaping up to possibly be a series, but I just don’t know what another book could add to the story. The title about hunting demons, but there seemed to be very few demons actually hunted or even in the story, which was also a bit of a disappointment.

If there is a second book in the series, I unfortunately don’t think I’ll be picking it up.

I had a lot of fun with this book, it’s not something I usually read but nevertheless it was fun. Definitely appreciate that it’s fast paced and gets to the point. The main character is also a fun character to follow.

I would definitely give it another read and follow up for any future books if there are any, and would recommend for others to read.

The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency is about two crooks who want to quit their thief careers and start something new. So they start the great big demon hunting agency. This book was less than 200 pages. It was a fun and very fast-paced read. I really liked the characters and I laughed out loud a couple of times. I wish we get to know them a little bit better. Especially Tessie kept saying she is into science. I liked to read more about their lives too. It ended with a cliffhanger so I am guessing there is more to come. I'll definitely pick up the next book.

This was a bit different than I expected: going in, I thought it would be a snarky comedy with some supernatural hijinks thrown in. However, what was have is a very distinctively low key British piece about two down-on-their-luck blokes trying to survive with the few assets they have in their bags. There is little humor (and all of it very dry) since this is more about how the two always manage to survive - be it luck, instinct, or actual ideas.

Story: Spencer and Bart grew up in the wrong side of town in a London burdened by supernatural beings and magicians. Their crime boss master isn't pleased with the hapless pair, especially when they almost botch a job due to a conscience. So Spencer and Bart decide to go legit and start a demon hunting agency (despite not knowing any demons or being sure what that would even entail). Cue a wealthy upper crust lady with a questionable husband who has even more questionable acquaintances. Hired to find out if her husband is trying to kill her, the two have to steer clear of the law, avoid their former crime lord, deal with angry demons, mollify a powerful sorcerer, and still manage to make enough coin to afford a pint at night.

Yes, it is almost a cliché to have a pair consisting of a big strong simple guy with a small weaselly fellow. Add in the usual harassment by a particular policeman and you have a set up we have indeed seen before many times. Both main characters are purposefully dumb but that isn't used to play off for laughs so much as to get them into situations. At times, it felt like Dumb and Dumber, the historical supernatural London version. With the humor being so dry, it was often easy to miss the bon mots as well. But there is plenty of adventure and the boys have a way of charming if you stick with them.

The read is very easy and the story simple almost to the point of being simplistic. It makes for a decent read and I imagine that an audiobook would be even better. This first book looks to set up a series since there was a lot of questions unanswered despite ending on a solid arc. Certainly, it would be interesting if the boys team up with one or more of the side characters in future books.

In all, don't read this because you are looking for Pratchett-like humor. This is a lighthearted adventure piece with simple and decent down-on-their-luck- blokes who just want an easier life. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

What do you get if you cross 2 small-time crooks, a wealthy woman stuck in a loveless marriage and a Victoria London plagued by demons? The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency, of course!

This was a lot of fun. It's a short read, just shy of 200 pages, meaning I read it quite quickly. The characters are mostly likeable (apart from those that are not supposed to be!) and the story is well paced.

I stumbled across the book whilst browsing Netgalley and I'm glad I picked it. I hope there are more to come, it has all the makings of a wonderful series.

This was a fun book, with a fun concept. Spencer and Bart are sick of the thievin’ life and want to go straight and start a demon hunting agency. Of course, they get embroiled with a much scarier big bad and have to save the day.

I thought the story of this was pretty good, but due to the short length of the book I really missed out on some world building. I wanted to know more about the demons and how they came to be(I think we got a sentence breezing over this).

Overall the characters were fun, I had a few laughs and think that this could be an interesting series to continue!

Very interesting read, I loved the characters and the plot, It had me guessing what would happen next. A great, fun read.

Sadly I didn't manage to finish this book because of many personal issues coming up and causing me to get in a complete slump focusing-wise, and between that and more important deadlines I don't think I'm gonna be able to get back to reading without forcing myself to for at least a good month. That said, I did reach the first half and I didn't feel like completely ignoring it, hence why I'm still reviewing this read, even if in a "less traditional" way.
It took me a moment to get actually captured in the story, but once I did it was indeed an enjoyable read I'm hoping to get back to; so far I really liked the characters and the overall plot, and I'm looking forward to properly leave a review once things get a little better.

The three stars are just due to netgalley, as I wanted to leave it blank but this seems like the most neutral option given that I'm not done with the book yet.

I wanted to read this book purely because of the title. Demons hunting agency? That was enough got me.

I was not dissapointed at all, set in London 1968 so a perfect era for my taste. I enjoyed this boom, it was a fun, easy read. I think it would be more YA.

Thank you Netgallery!

The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency by Peter Oxley was too eye-catching to pass up.

The cover brings to mind bumbling detectives, which doesn't do the characters justice. Spencer and Bart are actually inept criminals just can't catch a break from the mob, the demons, or the aristocracy. Yet they somehow bumble their way into becoming rather competent demon hunter heroes.

I really enjoyed this one! It's as if Of Mice and Men was starring Laurel and Hardy and set in a 1960s version of the Sunnydale Hellmouth.

With the splashy cover art, dynamic title
and intriguing blurb, I expected a light-hearted fast-paced romp of a story. What I got felt a little more like a mishmash between historical fiction and mystery and paranormal/supernatural and the fit wasn't very natural. I found the pacing a lot slower than I wanted it to be and something about the writing style just didn't resonate like I expected it to. I found myself struggling to stay connected to the story early on, and unfortunately that's a feeling that never changed. This wasn't a good fit for me