Books, Boots and Bakeries

Some books you return to not just because they’re good — though this one is — but because they feel like a particular kind of comfort. For me, Four Psychos by Kristy Cunning (the paranormal pen name of C.M. Owens) is that book. Or rather, that series. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reread it. And then made my neice read it.

I first found C.M. Owens through her Sterling Shore books, back when I was binging contemporary romance and looking for characters who felt real, flawed, and funny. That series never got finished — something I’m still quietly gutted about — but when she switched gears to paranormal chaos with Four Psychos, I followed. And I’ve never really let go.

The story kicks off with our heroine, who doesn’t even have a name at first. She’s a ghost — or thinks she is — tethered to four supernatural men who can’t see or hear her. But she’s stuck with them anyway. Watching. Learning. Judging. And sometimes poking a little fun. She calls herself Keyla, because why not? And she’s exactly the sort of unhinged narrator I adore — snarky, bored, curious, and just a little morally ambiguous.

Those four men? They’re not exactly heroes. They’re dangerous, powerful, and pretty bad at sharing their emotions — or anything, really. But when things start to unravel, and they do finally notice her (and oh boy, do they), the story shifts. Suddenly, she’s not just haunting them — she’s part of something bigger. Something involving gods, betrayals, secrets, and a destiny she didn’t ask for.

The banter is brilliant. The spice, when it kicks in, is chef’s kiss. But it’s the emotional beats that sneak up on you. Somewhere between the fighting, flirting, and near-death experiences, a found family forms. And as the books go on (yes, it’s a four-book series — and trust me, you’ll want all four), the stakes get higher, the reveals get wilder, and Keyla becomes something far more than just a ghost girl with attitude.

It’s clever, chaotic, and absolutely re-readable. There’s something addictive about the mix of sharp humour, soft feelings, and supernatural nonsense that just works. And knowing that Kristy Cunning was the alter ego of C.M. Owens, who passed away a few years ago, gives the series an unexpected bittersweetness. She had such a unique voice — hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure.

If you’re in the mood for something unpredictable, slightly unhinged, and genuinely emotional under the madness — give this series a go. Just know you’re going to want to read all four books back-to-back. And then maybe again a year later.

Because sometimes, when the world is a bit much, you need four psychos, a dead girl, and an author who knew exactly how to write messy, magical, unforgettable fun.