by Zilla N.

We’re reviewing The Ghost in the Vending Machine, by Saevelle. 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like for authors when they read fanfiction of their work? When someone takes a thought they had and turns it into something bigger and brighter, a living, breathing story? The answer is: overjoyed.

Saevelle writes Night Beats stories. Not just stories with Night Beats in them—she writes paranormal investigations starring Lilith the vampire medical examiner, Jane the werewolf cop, and Jordan, the boring human cop. If that wasn’t fantastic enough, Ghost in the Vending Machine gives us both sides of the story. Not only do we see the investigation of Trix’s murder on the show, we also see the actors, stunt doubles and special effects creators as they create the magic, and as they live their own lives with their own dramas.

Both sides of the story are perfect. Saevelle brings all my favorite moments to life (or at least to undeath), from Brent the ghost making bad puns to the political implications of cryptids taking refuge in your city. I found myself invested in the murder mystery, not just seeing it as a plot device. And the actors’ stories are equally delightful. There’s an ongoing gag with Ao3 and rabbits that had me cackling with laughter, and a truly heartfelt romance between Fynn the enby deathly make-up artist and Derrick the presumed-straight stunt double.

This story is a must-read for Night Beats fans, and also anyone who likes the paranormal, investigation, humour, and romance, not always in that order. You can read it for free on Wattpad.