Some other reviewers were kind enough to give a synopsis of the book, so this review is basically for folks with a similar attitude to mine who may benefit by the heads up. I will simply say, that I didn't like *A kiss before Apocalypse*, The first book in the Remy Chandler series and here's why - This is yet another first book in a series, that starts off without a decent character introduction. I rather feel like the reader needs to be part of the character development required for an Angel to leave heaven and form lasting relationships with humans. There needs to be some work done to get the reader to a place where that character makes sense. But as I read a few chapters in to this book, after a few vague allusions to back-story,(that would have been insightful had it been fleshed out) I kept getting the feeling that I'd started the second book first by accident. This appears to be a trend that I've run across it a few times of late, mostly in books that are released as part of an, "A (Character name here) novel", series. To me jumping in to the story without character exposition is a kind of cheap short hand that I find just tolerable in movies and TV shows. In books; I don't much like it. I really wanted to like this book; the story idea is very appealing - what happens when an angel of the Lord settles on earth and starts making a living as a Private investigator? Unfortunately I found the scanty introduction to the main character and his cronies to be off putting in its approach and brevity. I really want to know what happened to make THAT happen before we settle in to the action of the second reel. I read to chapter nine of nineteen where, finally, almost a full chapter of back story was on offer; but no still real character revelation. There may be hope for the subsequent books in this series, but no hope for my reading them. I didn't throw *A kiss before Apocalypse* across the room, (The fate of those most evil of writings) but I didn't finish it either (rather a bit like book purgatory…) ( )

Really enjoyed this; think Supernatural (TV Show) with a mix of Diablo III in it, but still very original in its own right. ( )

OK. Private eye was once an angel, leaves Heaven for personal reasons, attempting to live among God's Chosen.

Okay. I could have done with more PI & less angel, but that was the point I suppose.

I prefer Simon R. Green & Jim Butcher, even Kim Harrison, but this has the heavenly spin that might sit better with some than the witch, wizard, demon characters in those.

A matter of taste.

Marlowe was cool. ( )

Somewhat likable character but backstory is not consistent with what it is supposed to be consistent with. discrepancies in the core model of reality story is based on are grating. did not finish title
probably will not read more by author ( )

An excellent book I enjoyed a lot. Remy Chandler may look like an ordinary private detective, but he's actually the angel Remiel disguised and living among humans. After the battle in Heaven that resulted in the fall of Morningstar (Lucifer), Heaven was no longer the paradise it had been for the angel Remiel and he found he couldn't bear staying there. Despite disguising himelf as human, Remy is immortal and still has all his powers. But his wife of 50 years is in a care home dying of cancer. And now his former angelic brothers approach Remy and inform him that the Angel of Death has abandoned his duties and disappeared. It's up to Remy to find the Angel of Death and prevent the apocalypse.

Despite the fairly serious subject matter, this story was simply fun to read. I especially enjoyed Remy's conversations with Marlowe, his loyal Labrador Retriever. Very well written and nice characterizations. Anyone who enjoys Jim Butcher's novels should check this one out.

( )