Better off Dead? Working Stiff by Rachel Caine

Bryn Davis knows working at Fairview Mortuary isn't the most glamorous career choice, but at least it offers stable employment--until she discovers her bosses using a drug that resurrects the clientele as part of an extortion racket. Now, Bryn faces being terminated--literally, and with extreme prejudice. 

With the help of corporate double-agent Patrick McCallister, Bryn has a chance to take down the bigger problem--pharmaceutical company Pharmadene, which treats death as the ultimate corporate loyalty program. She'd better do it fast, before she becomes a zombie slave--a real working stiff. She'd be better off dead...

Synopsis from GoodReads.com

Bryn Davis never really knew what to do with her life but after a stint in the military dealing with death and destruction on a daily basis, Bryn believes she has found her true career calling as a funeral director.  Giving dignity to the dead and comfort to those left behind has given her a purpose.  Unfortunately, her curiosity leaves her much closer to death than she bargained for.

Let me say upfront, I love Rachel Caine.  The Morganville Vampires and the Weather Warden series are some of the best urban fantasy out there.  However, Working Stiff is not what I would categorize as UF.  If I had to choose, I would say it is pure science fiction or even horror.  Don’t get me wrong, Ms. Caine wrote a good story, but it is harsh.  The descriptions of dying and decomposing are fairly graphic and the author doesn’t do much to sugarcoat the fear, pain and disillusionment that are a part of death.

Working Stiff would be great on the big screen.  I can see this book easily translating to a hard core thriller.  There is intrigue, drama, gunfights and chases.  The character’s lives are constantly in jeopardy and you are never quite sure of where the danger is coming from.  My only real complaint in the entire book is the lead character’s romantic relationship.  In my opinion it felt weak and one-dimensional.  To be honest, I don’t think the story even needed it.  Otherwise, the characters were well done, interesting and show depth and growth.

This is the first book in the new Revivalist series.  As usual, Rachel Caine has created a believable, intricate world with realistic, gritty characters.  Bryn is a great heroine with a good balance of strength and vulnerability.  It will certainly be interesting to see where this story leads!

*originally published at lifeandloveofliterature.com