Category: murder mystery

Review: A TOUCH OF MURDER (Touched Book 1) by E.M. Leya

Rating: 4🌈

E.M. Leya writes the terrific Ghostly romance mystery series and this is the first in her new paranormal murder mystery series, Touched.

The main characters , located in the small town of Hidden Falls , WA, are Barrett Whitestone, 34, PD detective skeptic and Adam Wrecker , 32,a psychometric psychic. That’s someone who can , by touch, sense events and experiences from an object they have been given. 

A missing girl brings the two men together and the cosy nature of the small town dynamics repeatedly makes repeated visits necessary in various ways. 

One aspect of this story that’s out of the usual box for this author is the graphic depiction of violent SA, torture and murder of the victim here. I suspect that, given the circumstances surrounding the psychic gift of Adam Wrecker that this will be a reoccurring issue.  

I feel this series and story should have trigger warnings associated with it given those elements.  FYI. 

Leya is creating a new cozy mystery atmosphere for her series by introducing a full cast of townsfolk and shopkeepers, police officers included. It’s a tiny town that counts on tourism. But most cozy mysteries don’t have such raw material as part of their storylines. 

There’s a sweet, slow burn romance between the two characters but countered by the graphic horror of the victim’s death. 

For me, the other seems jarring here. I get that it helps authenticate Adam as a psychometric, but it’s out of “character “ for the rest of the narrative.   If this was a harder type of story with characters who are hardcore, a romance with an edge , and  darkness, then I’d expect this aspect of the novel. 

But with donuts, small towns communities dynamics and cozy spaces, along with the occasional slow burn sweet kisses, it other feels out of place. 

Adam comes across as very believable in his gifts. The slow investigation of the culprits and frustrations of the small police force also seems real and credible. 

A Touch of Murder is a good start to a new series. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next. 

 Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: Touched 

Blurb 

Officer Barret Whitestone loves the small town of Hidden Falls. After all, he grew up there. He takes his job of protecting the people seriously, and so when a case brings him to Touched, he’s sure he has just met the biggest fraud and charlatan in town. With a murder case to solve, he doesn’t have time to waste with someone he’s sure is taking advantage of a grieving family.

Adam is a psychometric—a person who has the rare ability to sense an object’s history through touch. But unlike most others with his gift, he can’t turn the ability off. He’s used to people not believing him, but when it comes to murder, he knows he can help identify a killer.

With pressure from the town, Barret humors Adam. At first, he’s convinced he’s wasting time and energy, but when what Adam tells him starts to match with the evidence, he can’t help but believe there may be something to Adam’s ability.

Forced to put their differences aside, the two slowly piece together what happened to a missing woman. Navigating through a confusing case while searching for evidence that can be used in court, they’re both determined to bring a killer to justice and learn to trust each other along the way.

  • Publisher: E.L. Publishing
  • Publication date: August 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages
  • Book 1 of 1: Touched

Review:  The Sinner’s Son (Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood Book Two) by  Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 4🌈

The Sinner’s Son is the second in the Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood series by Aimee Nicole Walker.  It’s a ongoing dramatic story about a couple who have traveled from their first encounter and police cases as police officers through the obstacles of a complicated process of their relationship and respective careers through the process of marriage and now fatherhood. 

With any long history and multiple series like this, there is going to be books that will hit on every level and some that will fall short. 

For me, The Sinner’s Son fell a bit short. Too much of repetition in terms of certain aspects of the storyline. I felt like I anticipated the plot and villain. Especially since the overall mystery going through to the next book seems clear. 

For me the best elements are those surrounding the impending birth, their emotional state about fatherhood, their friends and support. 

The mystery feels less well developed than usual. Or maybe I just read too many mystery novels. And listen to too many crime podcasts. 

Either way, I enjoyed the first novel more. And will look forward to reading Brokered Betrayals later this year.

Cover photo © Wander Aguiar 

Cover design © Natasha Snow 

Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood series: 

The Paternity Puzzle #1

The Sinner’s Son #2

Brokered Betrayals #3 – Dec 16, 2025

Preceding Necessary Locke and Key Series :

Zero Hour (3 books)

Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem (3 book series)

Related series:

Sinister in Savannah (3 book series)

Buy link

        The Sinner’s Son (Sawyer and Royce: Felonies and Fatherhood Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Can a sinner’s son outrun his father’s shadow, or will darkness follow him everywhere and taint everything? 

No one’s life should be reduced to random items in an evidence box, only to collect dust for decades. Seeking justice for the forgotten will bring a temporary partner into Sawyer’s life who threatens his carefully curated peace. Alec Bishop, the son of a serial killer, arrives in Savannah with an audacious ego, an unwillingness to accept boundaries, and an overzealous fan club. Calling it quits isn’t part of Sawyer’s character, but he might not have a choice when the circumstances surrounding the sinner’s son take a dark twist.

Nature versus nurture? The age-old question forces Sawyer and Royce to reevaluate the relationships with their fathers, and it influences the parents they aspire to be now that the countdown to Baby Locke has begun.

The Sinner’s Son is book two in the Felonies and Fatherhood trilogy, the third installment in the Royce Locke and Sawyer Key story arc. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour and Matrimony and Mayhem trilogies before reading Felonies and Fatherhood. **The Sinner’s Son continues Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the most anticipated phase of their lives. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned.

Review: License to Curse (The Merlin Mysteries, Book One) by Kim Richardson 

Rating: 3⭐️

I have written and rewritten this review several times.  And finally decided to try and keep it as concise as possible. 

This was a DNF multiple times for me for many reasons but ultimately I finished it and enjoyed it. But I won’t be going further with this series. 

Main issues revolve around the characterization and plot issues. Things and elements that repeatedly occur throughout the story or seem to be a part of the main character makeup which makes any credibility of a magical law enforcement officer impossible. 

Arcane witch Rhea Morven is a newly credited Merlin. That’s a Magical Enforcement Response League Intelligence Network. Basically they’re the magical law enforcement agents who police the paranormal world. Rhea’s got a sketchy family history and wildcard powers. And she’s a newbie. But still an agent with a badge. 

And she’s sent out to an equally sketchy town, Gallows Gate, where a fellow agent disappeared and 3 teenagers have gone missing. 

Should be a great mystery and law enforcement storyline. 

However, author Kim Richardson gives little insight or foundation into the political structure or powers here. So instead of the Merlin coming into town as a powerful magical force or police officer, there’s nothing to this aspect of the plot. 

The agency has given no resources and dumped her. Might as well be a civilian. And she’s whiny. When the Council (and parents) blame her for certain crimes/events that have happened in her absence and without an investigation, she immediately agrees she’s a failure. She’s been there one day. 

People refuse to listen or talk to her. Fine. Off she goes. No procedure. What training? Zero credibility as a Merlin for me as a reader. 

Rhea’s personality too is lacking. Absolutely gullible as written, especially for a trained agent and magically powerful person. Rhea who listens to the person who’s got “big bad Villain“ stamped on their forehead while suspecting the person who’s saved her repeatedly and reeks of ancient great being.  Let’s do that. 

While there are some funny moments and engaging characters, like the ghost who’s attached to the dilapidated house that called the local Merlin office/ home, they’re swamped by scenarios and situations that are frankly eye-rolling. 

The narrative continues to grow less credible as events unfold that the reader recognizes aren’t well developed mysteries but rather easily explained events.  But the author keeps insisting that Morven can’t have the intelligence to guess immediately who and what is going on. 

Example: The previous Merlin who was investigating several cases disappeared ten days ago. Now a new body of a man has been discovered. Looks like he’s been there a while. Week, maybe ten days . Oh no! Whoever could it be? Not like there’s a missing person or something. SMH. 

Then in the dramatic climax and battle, a character turns into a well used trope. Why not. No foundation laid but ok. 

For me this became a kitchen sink paranormal narrative, with little cohesion thrown together with some likable characters but not enough to make me go forward. 

Read it if you’re a fan of this author. 

Cover design by Kim Richardson

The Merlin Mysteries:

License to Curse #1

Witch on Probation #2 – Oct 31,2025

Magical Misconduct #3 – Nov 30,2025

Buy link:

 Book 1 of 3: The Merlin Mysteries 

Blurb 

First day on the job? Missing teens. Dangerous magic. Zero backup.

I’m Rhea Morven, rookie Merlin agent, walking magical anomaly, and proud owner of a cursed bloodline no one trusts.

My first case dumps me in Gallows Gate, a hidden town full of secrets, politics, and creatures that bite. The assignment? Find three missing paranormals before the town tears itself apart. The twist? They’re not just anyone. They’re the children of the ruling council.

Now I’m stuck navigating vampire egos, witch rivalries, and suspicious council members who’d rather see me fail.

Good thing I’ve got a sharp tongue, a dangerous kind of magic, and a very low tolerance for bullsh*t.

Also, there’s a broody shifter with eyes like gold and a tendency to save my life. Not helpful for focus.

They sent me here to fail, but I’m not leaving without a fight.

Love found-family, magical suspense, and snarky witches who bite back? Welcome to The Merlin Mysteries, where a cursed bloodline meets a case from hell.

  • Publication date: July 22, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 281 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: The Merlin Mysteries

Review:  Shift of Morals (Shifter Lords Book 2) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shift of Morals was another good story, fast paced and action packed. There are new terrific characters, added fascinating story threads, and further exploration of this character’s back history and traumatic experiences that led to this situation and her evolving physical status, whatever it may be. 

I liked Shift of Morals better than Shift of Heart. Evie is growing more multi dimensional and relatable as she faces ever greater challenges and personal dangers. Especially when her worst enemy comes to town. 

Highlights are scenes that include Seymour, the sentient venomous flycatcher plant with major personality, and more fantastic magical powerful elements, especially those of plants where they exhibit the ability to move and think for themselves. Toxic plants are everything!

I’m still not sold on shifter lord, Caelan. He’s still a bit problematic, especially when the author has such other strong good male characters available. Caelan is still being reactive, obsessed, secretive, non communicative, violent. And a bit dimwitted at the end. 

Sigh. Why, why do authors love to write these main characters so much?SMH. 

Still, so terrific writing and elements here. Heading forward! 

Check it out! Especially if urban fantasy or paranormal romance is your thing.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords :

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3 – Oct 26,2025

Shifting Winds #4 – Feb 10,2026

Shifting Resolve #5 – March 31,2026

Shift of Rule #6 – May 26,2026

Shift of the Wild #7 – July 28,2026

Buy link

 Book 2 of 7: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

What do you get when you mix one hot shifter, one angry god, and an absolutely zero chance of keeping things low-key? 

A whole bunch of trouble, that’s what.

Life was so much simpler when Evie’s problems consisted of picking the perfect peony. Now she’s got the gods on her tail and shifters trying to sniff out her secrets.

Then there’s the smoking hot Shifter Lord who has never once thrown a party, hiring her for all kinds of pack events and doing his best to convince her to trust him. But he has an agenda of his own, and Evie is far too smart to let her guard down.

On top of that, there’s a new god in town, one who’s way too good at identifying bloodlines and scenting out lies. She’ll have to dig deep and muster up some of her rusty acting skills to escape his notice, while trying to keep her identity hidden from the rest of the world so intent on finding her.

And if that wasn’t enough, someone is trying to kill her, and they’re getting close to succeeding.

Surviving will require placing her trust in the unlikeliest of allies and deciding just how long she can keep pretending she’s only a demure little florist who has an unfortunate black thumb for drama.

Evie is still a florist. Still a fraud. And still trying to pretend she’s not falling in love.

  • Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
  • Publication date: September 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 256 pages
  • Book 2 of 7: Shifter Lords

Review:  Veiled Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I have read all the preceding series as well as the prequel for this book but I was still very surprised and throughly thrilled by how great this series looks to be.  

It might be my favorite of them all. 

It’s not just that the author has done a fantastic job with creating horrifying murder mysteries with accompanying emotional effects and deeply poignant moments but how it brings the quietly powerful Det. Stacy back together with the ogre High King Krieg is incredibly well written. 

Those familiar with the prequel story know why Krieg is so intensely focused on Stacy even though she’s unaware of his agenda. It’s the investigations and murders, as well as keeping her family safe, that’s her goal.  Both of them are credible, powerful characters getting to know each other and their respective lives, while dealing with a dangerous and unpredictable investigation. 

This makes for a fast paced, entertaining and just plain fabulous piece of storytelling. 

I love that feathered snarky caladrius, Loki. Just hilarious. And the cameo appearances from other series.  Plus you can see the beginning of a foundation of the group that will form around Stacy and Krieg here. 

Just a great story and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. 

Highly recommend this and dive into this universe if you’re not familiar with it already.  I’ve listed the reading order below. 

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series

 Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series 

Blurb 

Murder has crashed the party, so justice won’t wait for an invitation.

Champagne, caviar… and a corpse. This high-society party wasn’t meant to end in murder. When my brother calls me to investigate the brutal stabbing of a female ogre at the charity ball of the season, the glittering magical elite quickly become a sea of suspects.

Everyone who’s anyone was there, but glamour has given way to something far darker. Someone’s playing a deadly game, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s my job to cut through the beauty and lies to find a killer hiding among the rich and powerful.

As a police inspector with the Connection, I’ve seen plenty of strange things, but this case reeks of entitlement, secrets, and old money with something to hide. Then the King of the Ogres storms in. Furious and formidable, he demands justice. Stopping him from tearing through the guest list is almost as hard as keeping my mind on the case, because rage and power look annoyingly good on him.

But when a dryad turns up dead at another elite event, I realise I’m chasing a serial killer who thinks they’re too rich to face consequences… and they’re setting my brother up to take the fall.

With a rookie partner finding his feet and my talking-bird sidekick offering sharp advice (and sharper insults), I’m racing against the clock to solve the case before my brother faces the lethal justice of the Other realm…

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press limited
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: August 28, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 342 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series

Review:  Magic Stars (A Kate Daniels universe story) by Ilona Andrews 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I put a reading order for this and the titles of all the collected books below because while there’s a main series list of novels, the side stories factor greatly into this highly elaborate, incredibly detailed character driven narrative. 

Think of the books more like one of those detective white boards, with pictures, notes and strings running through them, attaching to each other, like an enormous tapestry of characters , stories and unusual mysteries that will eventually come together in one whole.  But you need all the pieces first. 

This short story, 4 chapters, featuring Julie and Derek, provides important information and background for the upcoming drama and storytelling for events that will happen in forthcoming novels. 

It also contains some emotional moments and new insights into these characters relationship, especially as Julie’s growing up and Derek’s role in her life and that with her adopted parents is changing too. 

Julie is 16. Derek 20. Neither is an accurate reflection of what their lives have been like, some of which is recounted here. 

Both will be seen again in Blood Heir, another step in their journey together. I can’t wait to see what the authors have in mind for them both. 

Fantastic. 

Reading Order : Kate Daniels Universe series:

Kate Daniels Series 

MAGIC BITES 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC BURNS 

MAGIC STRIKES 

MAGIC MOURNS 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC DREAMS 

MAGIC SLAYS 

GUNMETAL MAGIC (Andrea and Raphael)

MAGIC GIFTS 

MAGIC RISES 

MAGIC BREAKS 

MAGIC STEALS 

MAGIC SHIFTS 

MAGIC STARS (Julie and Derek)

MAGIC BINDS 

IRON AND MAGIC #1 (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper) a must before the finale 

MAGIC TRIUMPHS – OG finale

Kate Daniels World 

BLOOD HEIR (Julie and Derek)

Roman’s Chronicles SANCTUARY Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years MAGIC TIDES 

MAGIC CLAIMS 

UNTITLED IRON AND MAGIC (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper #2) -NRD

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMagic Stars (Grey Wolf Book 1) eBook : Andrews, Ilona

Blurb 

Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.

Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.

  • Publisher: NYLA
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: December 8, 2015
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 89 pages
  • Book 1 of 1: Grey Wolf

Review:  This Potion is da Bomb (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 8) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating:  4.75✨⭐️

This was a highly entertaining and a grand new book in the series. As the first case for Jamie’s Queen’s Own agency, it’s an intriguing mystery.  It will take Jamie, Henri, and her crew of investigators that are quickly forming a core of friends as well, to new lands and new magical powers to explore. 

It expands into the growing relationships between Jamie and Henri, Sherold, and others around them both. And the adorable Felixes are in the mix too. 

The format of Henri’s notes, with different colored handwritten notations by others (Jamie, Sherold, Henri) are often funny, full of references and tiny emojis. I love it. 

Don’t miss Jamie’s ever growing list of new additions to this universe of “inventions” from her world, new discoveries. It expands from book to book. 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        This Potion is da Bomb (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 8)

    

Blurb 

Yay first Queen’s Own case! Yay first international case! Blowing people up with bombs, not so yay.

This is supposed to be a murder-suicide but the case smells. And not just because the dead potion maker lacks knowledge about the cure he supposedly created. Jamie’s got a smoking crater of an office (and body), a queen breathing down her neck, a witness clinging to life, and no answers.

One thing she knows for certain, however–this potion is a cure to die for.

Review: Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling 

Rating: 3.25🌈

While I’m really enjoying this subset of paranormal fantasy novels in the Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery universe, this book doesn’t have the same level of complexity and depth for all the main characters as previous stories. And that lack hurts my connection to the narrative. 

K Sterling is a fantastic author. Her ability to weave together a coherent and compelling narrative is a huge factor in her success. She uses her unique background of investigations, murders then adds more layers of natural history, geography, multicultural history, and mythology to create a unique world and experiences. 

This is where I recommend readers not to forget to include reading all Sterling’s author’s notes at the beginning of this book. On this being a love note to our parks and its Rangers, but also to their own complex, oppressive history with our indigenous people and communities over lands that were confiscated by the government.

And, there’s a dictionary for those who want to know how to pronounce some of these Irish Gaelic words seen throughout the novel and series.  Honestly, I loved this. 

Now to the pluses and minuses of the book. 

The plot is excellent but almost too removed from actual action and its deep roots in a nefarious bargain. We should have seen more of that. And perhaps less sex, more detailed work on a real relationship.

It’s framed in that the Oracle has seen that an innocent, a Park Ranger in the Shenandoah’s, will be in danger from a demon. 

That’s more than enough for the crew of Demi Sun god MacIlwraith, Nelson, Merlin, the two hellhounds and their mates to make the trip to investigate and save him. This group is always a great source for the story and dialogue. And we see Nox MacIlwraith’s powers growing.

However, thing is , the main story revolves around the Ranger, Niall, and the demon, Cenn, aka Lord Smoak.  Of the two, we get one fascinating character and one bland one dimensional character. Guess who is the one note person? Niall the human.

He’s got a great background story, but that not well represented in his actual personality. The dark damage he fled from wouldn’t be the same as someone who really just comes across as an introvert from a conservative background. It’s not believable as written.

Who is on point is Cenn, the demon Lord Smoak. First of all demons, arguably murderous, arrogant, dark and complex. And flexible in his ways and character to show the ability to make choices and changes as he sees fit. 

Silas, a Sheriff and new character has the next book in the series and it’s already an interesting one from the small excerpt included here. 

This left one aspect of Cenn and Niall’s relationship open as well as what happened to the first villain, an ongoing conflict. 

So my take on Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling is that it’s interesting but doesn’t hold up well next to the preceding stories. 

Read it as a bridge between the books, for the new characters and to see how the group is evolving. Nox especially. 

Exquisite covers.

Cover art by @KillerLaurent

Moon Mysteries 1 – 3 (first series)

Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries sequel series)

Back in the Hunt #1

The Tides of March #2

Dead Air #3 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries)

Blurb 

He hid in the woods to escape a monster but found a demon in his bed.

Six years ago, rising political star Niall Gilpatrick was living a lie. A fearless and vocal activist, he hid that he was himself a victim. After a brush with death, Niall ran, starting over as a park ranger in the Shenandoah Mountains.

But now, strange dreams and an impossibly dashing biologist have upended his tranquil existence.

And that was the point.

An ancient Irish demon, Chance Curn was sent to tempt this surprisingly wholesome mortal into selling his soul. 

He’s haunting Niall’s dreams and playing with his heart, but it is Chance who finds himself in a dangerous trap.

Since when did demons have feelings?

Now, Chance has to decide if he’s willing to risk it all for a mortal and Niall must face his fears to trust a demon with his heart and his life. Can they save each other or will they become dead air?

Dead Air is a paranormal MM romance set in the mountains of rural Virginia. There’s Celtic mythology, an evil plot to foil, and an isolated cabin where no one can hear you scream. Dead Air is set in the world of Nelson & MacIlwraith, but can be read as a standalone.

  • Publisher: Bawdy Books
  • Publication date: August 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 247 pages

Review: Death Over the Garden Wall (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 7) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating:  4.75✨⭐️

I love Death Over the Garden Wall because it’s a bit different from the other cases Jamie and Henri have investigated. And it goes in a different direction than what I had originally imagined. 

There’s peril, plenty of magic, suspense and suspects to explore when the body of an old friend of Queen Regina’s is found washed up on shore after a tumultuous night with angry guests. At her cliffhanger of a house.

Jamie, Henri, some of her Kingsmen “ducklings “ and the Felix trio along with her other close associates/friends are there to help them investigate and solve the mystery. 

The chapter titles and handwritten “note” by different characters never fail to entertain me. I love how this is framed out by the author.

While this might not be the most compelling or difficult mystery to figure out, it’s engaging and totally one I was invested in. 

Another winner in a series full of outstanding writing. 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Death Over the Garden Wall (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 7)

    

Blurb 

Three modus operandi to die. Four employees, six house guests, and not a single witness.

Confusing clues and no helpful leads cloud the death of Countess Giada Barese, who washed up on shore two weeks after her mysterious disappearance. Henri and Jamie have no idea if her death is a homicide, suicide, or accidental death, for nothing adds up.

There is something strange going on, though, Jamie’s sure of that. The countess was found wearing mismatched slippers, her lover disappeared the next day, and everyone is acting shifty.

Jamie feels like she’s playing a game of Clue, one she’s determined to win. Where’s a candlestick when you need one?

Review:  Grimoires and Where to Find Them (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 6) by Honor Raconteur 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

Talk about catastrophe magic! And it starts at a book faire! I loved the mystery and layers of Grimoires and Where to Find Them. 

It’s got books thefts galore, book lovers and collectors everywhere, Reaper grimoires going missing, and Henri has friends we didn’t know about!

This has moved further into the future with Jamie being here several years later her kidnapping and more than settled down in her own life and relationships. She can, through the efforts of Henri and Seaton, at least communicate with her family, and she’s happy.  

So is Henri, enough that he’s ready for another step in his life and career. It’s an exciting and very wonderful element here. 

The three Felix’s are very much a part of this story and the group. And new characters are introduced as their roles are integral elements of the story and mystery. 

We see new “inventions” that Jamie with Ellie’s manufacturing magic and creativity has introduced to the world and the lists at the end continue to grow. 

A fabulous addition to a fantastic series. It’s slow burn, no sex, all delightful G content. Creative, well written, beautifully plotted and executed. 

A must read for me to share.  I’ll be so sad whenever this series ends. 

Highly recommended. Highly addictive. 

Love the covers. 

Cover by Katie Griffin

The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):

Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1

Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2

Magic Outside the Box #3

Breaking and Entering 101 #4

Three Charms for Murder #5

Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6

Death Over the Garden Wall #7

This Potion is da Bomb #8

All In A Name #9

A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10

All Fun and Games #11

Buy link

        Grimoires and Where to Find Them (The Case Files of Henri Davenforth Book 6)

    

Blurb 

How do you catch an elusive thief?

There is nothing more delightful than a bookfaire with his lady love. At least, until Henri learns that a grimoire belonging to the dangerous Reaper’s Set has been stolen without its protective box. When Henri and Jamie go looking for answers, they are horrified to discover more than one volume has been stolen without its protective box.

Jamie has never seen Henri so livid or frightened. The spells in the grimoires, unchecked, are powerful enough to make a building melt. Literally. Melt. They need to find them quickly, for the war-era grimoires could tear the city apart–and have already gotten a head start. 

With the thief nowhere to be found and still stealing grimoires, Jamie, Henri, and Seaton are more than ready to catch him. 

Please. 

And thank you.