Rift in the Soul (2024) Faith Hunter (Soulwood #6) Having read both Rift in the Soul and Final Heir now (and fairly recently after each other) my impression is that she just wanted to stop writing about Jane — and by extension any of the characters closely related to Jane, including Nell. In short, like […]
Spells for the Dead, Audio Book (2020) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Soulwood #5) For some reason, parts of this story really stuck with me, and I was surprised to realize this wasn’t a book I’d listened to repeatedly (one reading, one listen). “Which is why you’re down here with us,” T. Laine said […]
Circle of the Moon, Audio Book (2019) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Soulwood #4) The farm had seemingly figured out that if I was a tree, there would be no one to work the soil and it liked me around. Now, as I worked, the leaves on my neck and hands broke off and […]
Murder by Lamplight (2024) Patrice McDonough (Dr. Julia Lewis #1) Set in London in 1866. Julia Lewis had to travel overseas to manage it, but she is now her grandfather’s partner in his medical practice. Women who had foreign degrees or had commenced their studies by 1858 had to be admitted to the medical roll, […]
Grilled Cheese and Goblins: Adventures of a Supernatural Food Inspector (2018) Nicole Kimberling Keith had investigated orgy sites where there had been twenty or more witnesses all standing and watching some victim being dismembered just because a cameraman was filming it. The presence of a camera implied fiction and a sense that some authority was […]
Flame in the Dark, Audio Book (2017) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Soulwood #3) Every branch of law enforcement wanted this case except the sheriff, who had too much political acumen to want anything to do with a United States senator, three rich dead VIPs, multiple wounded, and vampires. “Thank you for joining us, […]
Curse on the Land, Audio Book (2016) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Soulwood #2) “Nellie, you’un got big brass ones, that’s all I got to say.” I had learned what the saying meant at Spook School, and thought it was silly, as testicles were small, easy to remove, and easily injured. mortal sins were […]
Blood of the Earth, Audio Book (2016) Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam (Soulwood #1) I set the shotgun on the table and got out three pottery mugs. I wasn’t using John’s maw-maw’s good china for outsiders whom I might have to shoot later. That seemed deceitful. ‘The end justifies the means.’ Niccolò Machiavelli espoused […]
Cry Wolf (2021) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #5) “Did you know the cat is being more cordial than either of you right now? And I know for a fact she was raised in an alley.” “Also, he said to tell you you’ve been demoted to fourth rank.” “We don’t do ranks,” Park protested. “We’re […]
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (2020) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #4) I couldn’t justify throwing out sixty years of data. It wasn’t the science that was bad. It was the way he used it. The reasons he used it. “I think I’m going to give therapy another try. You know, real therapy and not informal […]
Thrown to the Wolves (2019) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #3) Just like any power-hungry man, deep down he was a coward. In her lap Boogie was curled up and purring so loudly the sound practically echoed through the barn. Helena couldn’t have looked more like an evil mastermind if she tried. He comforted himself […]
Duplicate Death (1951) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #3) Mrs Lilias Haddington is a domineering woman who is trying to find the “best” marriage for her daughter, which is why she’s managed to work her way into society–even though no one is quite sure how she managed it. (T)he social smile which had become so mechanical […]
Envious Casca (1941) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #2) Joseph Herriard has decided to force Christmas upon his brother, their family, and acquaintances. Nathaniel, regarding him with a contemptuous eye, said that a real English Christmas meant, in his experience, a series of quarrels between inimical persons bound to one another only by the accident of […]
No Wind of Blame (1939) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hemingway #1) She was a large woman, who had enjoyed, in youth, the advantages of golden hair and a pink-and-white complexion. Time had committed some ravages with both these adjuncts, but a lavish use of peroxide and the productions of a famous beauty specialist really worked wonders. […]
The Unfinished Clue (1934) Georgette Heyer Set in England in 1934 They disliked one another with equal cordiality. The General said that Dinah was an impudent hussy. Whereas Dinah drove him to the verge of an apoplexy by remarking with an air of naive wonder: ‘What odd expressions people of your generation do use! I […]
A Blunt Instrument (1938) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #4) Set in London in 1938 A stern glance was directed towards him. ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain,’ said Glass deeply. This admonishment was more comprehensible to Simmons, who was a member of the same sect as PC Glass, […]
They Found Him Dead (1937) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #3) Set in England in 1937 Clement, who was a partner in the firm of Kane and Mansell, was a man of considerable substance and, since he was heir to his uncle’s private possessions, a man of large expectations also. Miss Allison supposed that Rosemary must […]
Behold, Here’s Poison (1936) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #2) Set in England in 1936 Stella, unable to feel that Gregory Matthews’s nature when a little boy could compensate her aunt for all the subsequent years of strife, was impatient of this facile grief. ‘I shall never forgive her, never! I have been ordering meals for […]
Death in the Stocks (1935) Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #1) Set in London in 1935 ‘Know how the body was sitting when you found it?’ ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘All right. Put it back as near as you can. Ready with that flashlight, Thompson?’ Constable Dickenson did not care much for the task allotted him, but he […]
All the World’s an Undead Stage (2018) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes Book 6) “What is it you can’t bring up in front of the squad, Loveless? Tell me you haven’t screwed up again.” “No, ma’am. It’s nothing to do with investigations.” He hesitated, fighting against foot scuffing. “My mother called this morning…” “Gods preserve us,” […]
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #5) Unless Wolf’s squad had interesting specimens to send, State usually acted like the 77th wasn’t worth the attention a mosquito would rate. “Audacity, you should keep your head down. I don’t think wolf cubs are allowed here normally.” Miw. Her answer was little more than a […]
Feral Dust Bunnies (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #4) Vikash pulled a glove from his pocket, which made Wolf wonder if he always came to parties prepared for a crime scene. Probably. This was Vikash, after all. “It’s all right to be anxious about things sometimes. And you know it’s okay to ask for help. […]
Skim Blood and Savage Verse (2017) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #3) How could he have even thought about not celebrating his thirty-fifth birthday? Especially if it meant it gave her an excuse to invite all the old money and local officials to the affair. And outside? Of course it had to be outside. The weather […]
The Pill Bugs of Time (2015) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #2) It was the first time Vikash had experienced Greg’s particular talent being useful. He heard emotions, but only negative ones and only avian ones, and not just any birds, but only waterfowl. It was one of the most absurdly specific paranormal talents Vikash had […]
Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (2015) Angel Martinez (Offbeat Crimes, #1) (T)he pink and neon-blue raven folded his wings and waddled over to snap at Carrington’s pen. “Stop it, Edgar.” “You couldn’t get laid at a clusterfuck!” “I don’t really do anything,” Soren answered as he hefted the empty coffeepot. “Guess I’ll make fresh since […]
A Refiner’s Fire (2024) Donna Leon (Commissario Brunetti #33) Apparently I borrowed this book at the start of 2025, started reading, got distracted, and the the book was returned without me finishing it. And then I completely forgot about it. So when I borrowed the book this time and started reading, I remembered what I […]
The Shadow Pavilion (2008) Liz Williams (Detective Inspector Chen #4) Mhara is about to be coronated as Emperor of Heaven, but his changes are making people unhappy. Mhara went on, “What is the essence of our relationship to the human world?” “Compassion?” someone ventured after a moment. “Sanctuary, after the spirit’s travails upon Earth?” “Love?” […]
Precious Dragon (2007) Liz Williams (Detective Inspector Chen #3) Detective Inspector Chen and Zhu Irzh are taken from their current cases and sent to Hell to escort the Celestial, Miss Qi. “Miss Qi will be coming with us, then?” Chen asked, more to stave off yet another difficult discussion than out of any real attempt […]
The Demon and the City (2006) Liz Williams (Detective Inspector Chen #2) “I’m here about an irregularity in your feng shui dowsing license,” the demon said. “My name’s Seneschal Zhu Irzh. Want to see my badge?” At this point he had produced a piece of paper which, to Paravang’s horrified gaze, had proclaimed him to […]
Snake Agent (2005) Liz Williams (Detective Inspector Chen #1) It’s been more than half a decade since I last read this series, and I’d forgotten how much SF and horror it has. Probably because both are far less important than the fantasy and mystery, and neither the SF or the horror is written in a […]
Hudson River Homicides (2025) C.S. Poe (Memento Mori #4) The sender is still taunting Everett with corpses. Scrawled across the door in all caps with what was likely permanent black Sharpie was the message: PIN ME TO DETECTIVE LARKIN. And Larkin is struggling not just to stop the sender, but to deal with his own […]
Broadway Butchery (2023) C. S. Poe (Memento Mori #3) It hasn’t been that long since Everett resolved the issue of the subway killer, and his Cold Case Department is getting great press, but things are difficult, and someone with knowledge of the cases continues to send anonymous notes and evidence to Larkin. “Did you watch […]
Subway Slayings (2022) C.S. Poe (Memento Mori #2) Detective Everett Larkin is finally healed from the injuries incurred during his previous case. He is also now living with the detective be became friends at that time, Ira Doyle, as he’s in the process of getting divorced and wasn’t capable to living on his own until […]
Who Killed Sherlock Holmes? Audio Book (2016) Paul Cornell narrated by Damian Lynch (The Shadow Police #3) I haaaaaaaaate that this series didn’t get more books. ‘I won’t tell you!’ she shouted. ‘I can!’ Kevin insisted, pointing at himself. The stormtrooper paused awkwardly again. He obviously had as little idea as she did what Kevin’s […]
Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD (2025) Keith R. A. Decandido Monsters are real, and the NYPD has to deal with the ones who break the law. Thus was born the SCU, or Supernatural Crimes Unit. The SCU had been formed after a vampire named Bogdan Albescu killed a City Hall employee named John Rosario on the […]
The Severed Streets, Audio Book (2014) Paul Cornell narrated by Damian Lynch (The Shadow Police #2) Trigger Warnings: there are not detailed descriptions, but if a bad thing can happen, it likely happens in this series. You despair about making accurate judgements about anyone. Well, I’m here to tell you, boy, it was always thus. […]
London Falling, Audio Book (2014) Paul Cornell narrated by Damian Lynch (The Shadow Police #1) Trigger Warnings: there are not detailed descriptions, but if a bad thing can happen, it likely happens in this series. “Might as well look as if we’re together,” said Sefton, under his breath, as he pressed the tea bag against […]
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (2020) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #4) Park inclined his head slightly in that way of his that always made him look like some kind of benevolent god accepting a loving sacrifice. When Cooper tried the same he looked like he’d suddenly dropped food down his shirt. “It’s not you, it’s […]
Thrown to the Wolves (2019) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #3) “(T)he book said no one should hike alone. What if you run into an animal?” “Then there’s a 50/50 chance we’re related.” Cooper felt the discomfort that had been prickling at the base of his skull since the market bloom across his skin. You […]
The Wolf at Bay (2018) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #2) I love the opening of this book so very much. But I have quoted it every review I’ve done, so I’ll skip this time. But really, it’s the best. Ever since (learning of Cooper’s injuries) Park had been hyper-vigilant that Cooper was getting enough […]
The Wolf at the Door (2018) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf #1) Ava being Ava. He didn’t understand why she always sent a thousand little texts rather than put all the information in one long message. She didn’t understand why he used commas. “It’s a standing joke around the Trust that the real reason behind […]
Stone and Sky (2025) Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London #10) Of course I loved it. And I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out. This story is split between Peter and Abigail, and I wonder how many people are going to take issue with that. Personally, not only did I like it, but I […]
Rivers of London: Here Be Dragons (2024) Ben Aaronovitch, James Swallow and Andrew Cartmel I give up. I thought it was the story lines about Bev’s sisters I didn’t care for. That wasn’t it. Or the rendings of Peter and Nightingale that made them look anorexic and over-muscled at the same time. OK, that was […]
Grilled Cheese and Goblins: Adventures of a Supernatural Food Inspector (2018) Nicole Kimberling Lulu’s Flapjack Shack inhabited a space that had certainly been continuously used as a hospitality venue since linoleum had been invented. “Mass media doesn’t cover actual vampire deaths,” Keith remarked before he realized how callous his statement sounded. “Have you seen a […]
A Fatal Grace, Audiobook (2006) Louise Penny narrated by Ralph Cosham (Chief Inspector Gamache #2) No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter—and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her […]
Still Life, Audiobook (2005) Louise Penny narrated by Ralph Cosham (Chief Inspector Gamache #1) Characters: Frederica Potter, Peter Morrow, Jane Neal, Jean Guy Beauvoir, Clara Morrow, Philippe Croft, Matthew Croft, Suzanne Belanger-Croft, Gabriel Dubeau, Olivier Brulé, Ruth Zardo, Ben Hadley, Myrna Landers, Yvette Nichol, Dr. Sharon Harris, Yolande Fontaine, Andre Malenfant, Bernard Malenfant, Isabelle Lacoste, […]
The Masquerades of Spring (2024) Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London) Set in New York City in 1926 This novella is everything. It’s NYC during the jazz age. Prohibition, that bizarre aberration of the American spirit, could be dashed confusing to someone raised in the free and easy metrop of old London. And Nightingale has come […]
And Nothing But The Truth (2024) Charlie Cochrane (Lindenshaw Mysteries) The body of a man is discovered by a woman out for a run, but he has no identification and he doesn’t match any missing persons reports. This mystery has an unknown man (who is eventually named) and dead wife who doesn’t seem to be […]
Lock, Stock and Peril (2022) Charlie Cochrane (Lindenshaw Mysteries) Thia ia set during the second year of the pandemic. Campbell had never been so fit and healthy as over the past year. They’d walked miles with him, singly or together, and when they’d been able to form a bubble with Adam’s mum, she’d volunteered to […]
Cry Wolf (2021) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf) Any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental. Though if you do know of a criminal plot involving werewolves that has taken place at any of these locales, that is a coincidence I would love to know about. I love that Cayla–and Coopers interactions with her […]