loved this romance and finding love and remembering love before the one. love the friends and the chemistry between the couple was on fire and loved the banter.

Another Fine Mess is grislier than the typical small-town whodunit—but it’s rare that bloody supernatural thrillers are quite this much fun. It can definitely be messy at times, but the Evans women and their expanding circle of allies make for such likable characters that you’ll be eager to see what’s in store for them next.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

In Another Fine Mess, written by Lindy Ryan, we return to Southeast Texas in 1999 and the remaining Evans women as they cope with the events of Bless Your Heart. But grief isn’t the only thing they must contend with, as pets start to disappear and grisly human deaths also begin to occur. Something monstrous is roaming and the Evans women are the only ones capable of putting it to rest.

I absolutely adore this series.

I wouldn’t call it cozy per se-while the gore and deaths aren’t gratuitous, they may be a little jarring to readers expecting otherwise. But it’s the characters and their relationships with one another that continue to draw me in and also crush my heart at the same time.

While the main characters remain distinct and interesting, I also appreciate the growth of the secondary characters-Luna Evans’ friend Crane, Sheriff Roger Taylor and new funeral employee Kim Cole-as the Evans’ circle is forced to grow to both accommodate the changes in their lives and also the greater need for assistance in containing a situation that is beyond their usual scope.

The antagonist of the novel is horrific, tragic and a unique twist on what I initially assumed was behind everything. Lindy Ryan shines a light on supernatural creatures that are not always given much attention and her utilization of them is both great and terrifying.

Nevertheless, finishing Another Fine Mess is bittersweet. I enjoyed the time spent with the characters, experienced more than a few heart-wrenching moments and look forward to the next book in the series. But if there will only be a trilogy, then I will be sad to say goodbye to the Evans family, allies and the heartfelt, humerous and nightmarish moments.

Thank you very much to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing access to this ebook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC copy for Kindle!

Another Fine Mess picks up where Bless Your Heart left off, and while it brings back the witty charm of the Evans women, I’d strongly recommend reading the first book before diving into this one—otherwise, you’ll likely feel a bit lost. The story builds on supernatural threads introduced earlier, and without that foundation, this book won’t fully click.

This is a horror novel, but not one that leans too hard into gore or shock—it’s more about atmosphere and quirky small-town darkness. That said, I didn’t find this installment quite as engaging or memorable as the first. The humor felt a little toned down, and the plot, while interesting, wasn’t as tightly woven. I also found it a bit tricky to keep all the characters straight at times.

One thing I really wish is that the first book had given more depth to the supernatural elements and the Evans family’s role in all of it. Without that groundwork, this sequel feels like it’s filling in gaps that should’ve already been explored.

Still, there’s a lot to appreciate. The Evans women remain sharp, witty, and fiercely loyal to one another, which adds warmth and personality to the darker moments. And the 90s setting brings a nostalgic, small-town vibe that gives the book its own kind of charm.

Overall, this is a solid continuation for fans of the first book, though it didn’t quite land for me the way Bless Your Heart did. 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed the first book and Ryan's fresh take on mythological Strigoi and vampire lore, but I liked this one even more. It is darkly funny and creepy, yet it also has a lot of warmth and Southern charm.

Set in 1999 in a small East Texas town where the bloodthirsty undead roams. It features the Evans women, who run the local funeral home and serve as secret monster slayers. Once again, they must covertly save the townsfolk while the press is breathing down their necks.

The Evans women are fantastic characters. Tenacious and spunky, they balance big hearts with badass monster-slaying skills. Their dialogue is often hilarious. The Evans family history is still shrouded in mystery, but we get a bit more of it as some things won't stay buried. And, a few new faces are welcomed into their fold, adding an element of found family.

The story is atmospheric, with great world-building and compelling supernatural lore that is unfolding gradually. While it is horror with some gore and a high body count, it remains fun and escapist, with heartfelt moments throughout. I even shed a tear or two. I am very intrigued to see where Ryan takes this series next. There is enough background presented that this could work as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading both books in the series.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for the gifted review copy!

Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan is a fun and engaging read that really stands out thanks to its well-developed plot points and unforgettable characters. The story is smart, entertaining, and part of a series that keeps getting better. If you enjoy books with personality and heart, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

Another Fine Mess. More like, Another Exceptional Book by Lindy Ryan.

It was so good to be back in the world of the Evans women. Lindy Ryan, once again, crafted a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat with its twists and turns, but also made me laugh out loud, and even brought a tear to my eye at times. There is humor, horror, grief, and love and I enjoyed every second of reading this book.

Thank you to Lindy Ryan, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read both physical and digital copies of this wonderful book.

Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan delivers a compelling blend of Southern gothic charm, family legacy, and supernatural suspense, all wrapped in a narrative that feels as humid and haunting as a Texas summer night. It’s a story about grief, grit, and grave-digging — literally — and Ryan brings it to life with vivid atmosphere and a cast of strong, complicated women.

The Evans family has spent generations keeping the dead where they belong, and Ryan doesn’t waste time reminding us that in their cursed corner of southeast Texas, that’s no easy task. Following a tragic double burial, matriarch Lenore and her granddaughter Luna are left to pick up the pieces. But the dead don’t stay down for long — and soon, something darker than they’ve ever faced is clawing its way to the surface.

Luna and Lenore’s dynamic is the heart of the story. There’s love, resentment, and history between them — all tangled up in the Evans family duty. Their grief feels raw and real, which helps ground the more fantastical elements of the plot. The addition of the new sheriff adds a fresh perspective and a steady anchor as things spiral from eerie to downright apocalyptic.

Ryan’s writing is punchy and evocative, peppered with humor that lands more often than not, and enough twists to keep you guessing. That said, there are moments where the pacing drags, especially in the middle, and a few plot threads feel underdeveloped by the end. Still, the emotional weight and rich setting more than make up for it.

If you like your horror with heart, your magic steeped in family blood, and your heroines covered in grave dirt and sarcasm, Another Fine Mess is well worth digging into.

Lindy Ryan is serving ‘The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Hunting Vampires’ vibes with the Bless Your Heart series. Take some humor and wit and mix in some gory horror, and Another Fine Mess is the fun escape you need! Ryan has created a fun world with the Evan’s family at the heart of it. If you thought the family was unconventional before, hang on because they’re back in ways you won’t believe. Ryan did a great job of giving lots of information so if you didn’t read the first book you can jump right into this one. This is definitely a fun series worth getting into!

In the second book in the Bless Your Heart Series, there are only two Evans women left - Lenore and her granddaughter Luna. They thought their troubles were over - the undead that killed Lenore's mother and Luna's mother along with several townspeople are dead and buried. However, the dead don't always stay dead, and when the full moon finds another victim, it’s clear their trouble is far from over. Now Lenore, Luna, Luna's boyfriend Crane and the new sheriff—their biggest ally—must dig deep down into family lore to uncover what threatens everything they love most. As the body count rises, the most unexpected dead will rise–forcing Lenore and Luna to face the possibility that the undead aren’t the only monsters preying on their small town.

I love this series. You have strigoi, or the undead (do not call them zombies - Grandma Ducey hates that word!), there is lots of witty repartee, and then the mystery of who or what is out there killing all of those people. If you love fantasy fiction with a bit of humor, in a southern setting, then this is the perfect book for you!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of Another Fine Mess!

4.5 rounded down to 4.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025! I LOVED Bless Your Heart, so I was nervous to start this one. But it lived up to all of my expectations! It falls just a teensy bit behind Bless Your Heart for me, in terms of rating, but honestly I loved this one too.

We have, essentially, the same cast of characters and the story picks up about where the other one leaves off. I read Bless Your Heart a while ago, so this is where I struggled. I didn't remember some of the details that I needed to remember. I don't feel that it did a great job of recapping what we needed to remember.

BUT...Another Fine Mess was so exciting, just as fast-paced as the first. (I'm sorry I keep comparing. I'll try to stop.) We have again have the Evans family at the center of this story. There's a new mysterious, unknown monster that is terrorizing the town and it's again up to the Evans women to figure out what the heck is going on. This is not for those that have a weak stomach. There's lots of gross. And the twist of the monster is crazy and unexpected. Campy horror (or fun horror) is one of my new favorite genres and this one is just that! Fun, campy horror! If you loved the first one, I think you'll love this one as well!

This is gory, over the top, and because I didn't read the first book, a bit confusing. Luna and Lenore run a funeral home and battle the undeasd which isn't as easy as it might seem. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. While this wasn't for me (again, missed the first one), I'm sure others will enjoy it.

This is book two in this series. It seems to pick up not long after the first one ended. I would suggest you read that one first. I did think it started out a little slow. It took me a few chapters to get really interested in the story. It was kinda gruesome at times. I was surprised by the ending too. Definitely recommend

I had high hopes for this book because the first book, Bless Your Heart, was packed full of hilarious characters that ran a funeral parlor in a town where the dead never really stay dead.⚰️

Another Fine Mess was rough to get through. After all the death from the first book, this one felt depressing and slow. It started picking up around 60% but the storyline felt jumbled, repetitive, and a little too YA for me.

Prepare for another bloodbath of epic proportions!!

Lindy Ryan returns to the Evans women with Another Fine Mess! Following Bless Your Heart, this story is genuinely full of heart, mystery, and cold-blooded terror. Luna & Lenore are picking up the pieces of their family and carrying on, while the new Sheriff attempts to keep it together in the face of a town full of monstrous undead.

Lindy Ryan knows how to write a story with lots of emotional damage. Genuinely she has ripped my heart out at least 4 times in this series already. I’m genuinely petrified for book 3 because no character is safe. However, this also means that Ryan is excellent in her characterization. She has given readers four distinct generations of Evans women and each generation has a distinct voice and flavor, and the side character breath even more life into the story. This characterization is so enjoyable and kept me hooked!

The mystery in this story is amazing. It’s got notes of Gingersnaps, True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse, Buddy the Vampire Slayer, and Supernatural (TV). It’s gritty but also knows when to poke fun at itself. I found it engaging and even though there are some similarities between this book and the first the series, new twists ensured nothing ever ran stale.

This story is not for the faint of heart. Lindy Ryan writes BLOODY good horror. It’s devious and twisted. Readers should also never get TOO attached to a character. You never know who is going to survive the final bloodbath. And the end of this story gives epics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Carrie a run for their money.

You do not want to miss this story because Lindy Ryan pulled out all of the stops as she continued this epic series!

Another Fine Mess is the second book in the ‘Bless Your Heart’ series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This story picks up about a month after the events of the first book, diving right back into the chaos. I liked this book just as much as the first one. Once again, it delivers a great mix of humor, horror, mystery, and heart.

Like ‘Bless Your Heart’, this book doesn’t shy away from the gruesome stuff… be aware this time there’s quite a bit of animal death. Still, the story is incredibly entertaining. I adore the main characters and even some of the side ones, especially Crane and Kim. I also love that the series is set in the late ’90s, with little details and references that really ground it in that time period.

While there were a few predictable moments, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. It was still a blast to follow these characters on another wild ride.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’m really hoping there’s a third one on the way. I just love this author’s writing and storytelling style.

If you’re in the mood for a book series packed with dark humor, zombie-esque horror, and badass female leads, I highly recommend giving these books a shot.

This was a fast paced horror mystery that I enjoyed from start to finish! Gotta love a book with strong, sassy fmc.
Thank you St.Martin’s Press for the arc!

I loved the first book of this series & I’m so happy that it’s got a sequel. It’s like The Lost Boys, meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, meets Steel Magnolias. Yet completely original. The town is recovering from the events of book one, but the deaths & supernatural escapades are far from over. Lenore & Luna, the last two Evans women are having to cope with their grief as well as continue to hide what’s happened/happening. The Evans women have been saving this town from the undead for generations & unfortunately their work is still needed. They also start sharing the truth with a few more characters, Kim Cole, being my personal favourite. This is a dark, clever, blunt & humorous book. And more mysterious this time, as both we & the characters don’t know what they’re actually up against unlike the first book where we did. There’s a crazy, wonderful ending but it will leave you wanting more (in a good way).

If we’re lucky there’s many more books to come. This is easily one of the best series I’m currently invested in. Can’t wait for more!

🌕

Read if you like:
* Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
* Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
* The Gathering by C.J. Tudor

I finished this book late last night and it solidified the Bless Your Heart series as one of my most favorites. If you read the first one and like me, considered it more on the side of cozy horror, buckle up because this one kicks it up several notches and brings on the all-out horror, gore and all.

The book picks up after the events of book one and I really don't want to spoil too much but be warned, it may happen. Luna and Lenore are running the town funeral home by themselves and praying that this time around, the dead stay dead. Those prayers aren't too successful though because before you know it, the bodies start piling up and they have to rely on a reluctant town sheriff to figure out what is going on and who or what is really killing off the townspeople in extremely gruesome fashion. Hint, it's not the mysterious "ghost-wolf" they are selling it to be.

This story is told from several POVs which consist of the Evans women, Sheriff Taylor, the rookie Deputy and a few others here and there. It worked well and fully immerses the reading in everything happening with smooth transitions. The beasts are fun and exciting (well, for a horror lover) and Ryan has done a terrific job of adding some not-so-relied-upon elements to some old supernatural favorites. I will warn people there is an animal death pretty early on but I think Ryan handled it respectfully and it really did incorporate into the meat of the tale. Also, there is a wonderful hunting dog named Belle who may or may not be dead but who also works to save the day.

If you loved book one, I'd be shocked if you didn't fall in love with this installment as well. Ryan crushed my soul at the end but has left me impatiently wanting more.

Taking care of the restless dead is the family business at Evans Funeral Home. After the bloodbath that took place in Bless Your Heart, teenage Luna and her grandmother Lenore are the only Evans women left. Death isn’t done with their rural Texas town though, and although the attacks are initially attributed to a wolf, it soon becomes clear that the murder and mayhem is the work of the undead.

Is cozy horror a thing? Horror with humor and heart? Because that’s what this series is! While there’s definitely some blood and guts and gore, the characters are what really make this series so good. The Evans women are smart, sassy, and strong-willed, and I love how they’re starting to gather a little found family around them. The climactic scene at the high-school dance is Carrie-esque in its gore and horror but also contains some heart-wrenchingly emotional moments.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.