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Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator #3
Bloody Claws
Yule is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the light, but for Preternatural Private Investigator and Paranormal Huntress Kassandra Lyall, it’s about solving yet another series of crimes.
When a couple disappears from their quiet neighborhood home, Detective Arthur Kingfisher brings Kassandra in on the case. Faced with a bloody symbol painted on the couple’s bedroom wall, the cops are stumped. That is, until they find a body and their missing person’s report becomes a full-blown murder investigation. Kassandra realizes that someone is targeting the pagan community. The investigation brings up some heavy emotions, making it harder for her to play human in front of the law enforcement officers she works with.
In the midst of aiding the police, Kassandra finally finds herself at serious odds with Sheila Morris, the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female, when Sheila decides to abuse someone very dear to Kassandra. A certain Alpha has a bone to pick. The question Who’s going to pick it first?
The Third Book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series.
When a couple disappears from their quiet neighborhood home, Detective Arthur Kingfisher brings Kassandra in on the case. Faced with a bloody symbol painted on the couple’s bedroom wall, the cops are stumped. That is, until they find a body and their missing person’s report becomes a full-blown murder investigation. Kassandra realizes that someone is targeting the pagan community. The investigation brings up some heavy emotions, making it harder for her to play human in front of the law enforcement officers she works with.
In the midst of aiding the police, Kassandra finally finds herself at serious odds with Sheila Morris, the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female, when Sheila decides to abuse someone very dear to Kassandra. A certain Alpha has a bone to pick. The question Who’s going to pick it first?
The Third Book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
25 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Winter Pennington
13 books306 followersWinter Pennington is the author of the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. She is an avid practitioner of nature-based spirituality and enjoys spending her spare time studying mythology from around the world. The Celtic path is very close to her heart. She has an uncanny fascination with swords and daggers, and a fondness for feeding loud and obnoxious corvids. In the shadow of her writing, she has experience working with a plethora of animals as a pet care specialist and veterinary assistant. She currently resides in Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 27, 2025
Enjoyable read!
A little better storytelling -- it's well written but i'm still not connecting with 99% of the characters -- only Lenorre & Rosalin do this is saying alot about the main, Kassandra.
A little better storytelling -- it's well written but i'm still not connecting with 99% of the characters -- only Lenorre & Rosalin do this is saying alot about the main, Kassandra.
February 4, 2015
I really enjoy vampire/shapeshifter stories most of the time. I found myself a bit conflicted with this series though. The main character's main role is boasting about all her abilities and whining about everything else. She irritates and cracks me up at the same time. Everyone around her pretty much does her job for her, seeing as she's an investigator who doesn't really know much about her supposed area of expertise. She either stumbles upon things or asks someone else. I suppose she gets a few points for asking for help when she needs it.
Besides the fact that the rest of the characters make it interesting and sometimes funny, the one thing that I enjoyed was Lenorre. She's this strong, sexy and capable vampire leader who has an almost sublime personality, as well as a sweet spot for the main character. She kept me intrigued.
The fact that the author is really good at portraying deep, intimate relationships is what kept me reading. At times I felt like I was intruding. The best parts of the series were either Lenorre and Kassandra sharing a sweet moment or the interactions between the rest of the characters. I still want to know more about Eris, though, she has a lot of potential.
Overall 3.5
Besides the fact that the rest of the characters make it interesting and sometimes funny, the one thing that I enjoyed was Lenorre. She's this strong, sexy and capable vampire leader who has an almost sublime personality, as well as a sweet spot for the main character. She kept me intrigued.
The fact that the author is really good at portraying deep, intimate relationships is what kept me reading. At times I felt like I was intruding. The best parts of the series were either Lenorre and Kassandra sharing a sweet moment or the interactions between the rest of the characters. I still want to know more about Eris, though, she has a lot of potential.
Overall 3.5
September 18, 2014
I'm almost finished with this story. It has been somewhat enjoyable though disturbing at times. I don't know if I missed content warnings or what, but the various ménage relationships kind of turned me off of the story as I don't personally like to read stories with those types of relationships in them.
Other than that the story was interesting and originally had a very interesting central relationship before it was taken down a different path. I would recommend it if you enjoy non monogamous relationships in your strories (which I obviously do not heh)
Other than that the story was interesting and originally had a very interesting central relationship before it was taken down a different path. I would recommend it if you enjoy non monogamous relationships in your strories (which I obviously do not heh)
August 26, 2017
This is by far by my favourite lesfic series! I can't get enough of Kassandra and Lenorre's relationship! Each book is fast paced and has a great plot. The characters are flawed but likeable. Witnessing Kass struggle to let go of her control is fascinating to read especially when it comes to Lenorre. The only thing I thought was strange was that there was no Rupert in this book.
May 14, 2017
Oh know you don't!!!!?
Ok says this series has three books to it. The third I might add is the best. A little heavy at times and I had the need to read some parts twice, ok maybe three times. But it's just getting going and there's no more. NOT FAIR! Yes I'm now grumpy. You can't end a series on a cliff hanger, I want to know about later!!!? It's a great series, characters are excellent and the storyline is awesome. The series definitely needs a fourth and probably a fifth. Am I hinting enough. I want Kass to kick Shiela's pass and sort Availin. So message to Winter this great author, I need more please. Read it you'll agree with me. You'll want more.
Ok says this series has three books to it. The third I might add is the best. A little heavy at times and I had the need to read some parts twice, ok maybe three times. But it's just getting going and there's no more. NOT FAIR! Yes I'm now grumpy. You can't end a series on a cliff hanger, I want to know about later!!!? It's a great series, characters are excellent and the storyline is awesome. The series definitely needs a fourth and probably a fifth. Am I hinting enough. I want Kass to kick Shiela's pass and sort Availin. So message to Winter this great author, I need more please. Read it you'll agree with me. You'll want more.
September 12, 2014
Least favorite book of the series. So many sex scenes that I got bored of sex scenes. And I mean, that's not easy because these were lesbian sex scenes and I'm a lesbian. But yeah... just way too much focus on the sex and not enough plot. What plot there was seemed cool. I hope there is another book, but this was my least favorite.
Also the further in the series I go, the less I like Kassandra. I love the rest of the cast, and want to know more about Rupert. But Kassandra is just... eh.
Also the further in the series I go, the less I like Kassandra. I love the rest of the cast, and want to know more about Rupert. But Kassandra is just... eh.
November 30, 2019
Wow! Such a very well-written book on intimacy and desire! One rare book of mine that deserves 6-star.
May 27, 2019
A good, fun read.
Kassandra, werewolf, fae, witch and Preternatural Investigator PI, works with local police to investigate odd happenings. Her girlfriend is the top vampire in Oklahoma. Kass, her girlfriend, and their friends help Kass look for evil law breakers. Lots of pernatural sex fills in the rest of their time. I hope more books will come in the future. I’m going to hunt down the author and find out.
Kassandra, werewolf, fae, witch and Preternatural Investigator PI, works with local police to investigate odd happenings. Her girlfriend is the top vampire in Oklahoma. Kass, her girlfriend, and their friends help Kass look for evil law breakers. Lots of pernatural sex fills in the rest of their time. I hope more books will come in the future. I’m going to hunt down the author and find out.
July 21, 2014
I must say I've enjoyed this series. I spent the last four or so days reading the three currently available books, and I only wish there were more.
It's a fun, easy read, mostly centered on character development and relationships. There is some detective work and mystery stuff involved, but the main focus is on the relationships, romance, and soul-searching of the main character especially. If you've come here for action scenes, however, you've come to the wrong series; they are few and far between, like the previous books.
If I had any hesitance about the series so far, it would be this: there were more and varied sex scenes in this one than the last novel- which had more than the one previous to it. By itself that is fine, but I hope the trend does not continue- this one contained about the highest sex-scene-to-plot ratio I can take, even though I adore the characters. And boy do I enjoy the characters. Many of them resemble role-playing characters I've had or played along side over the years of pursuing the hobby. Tons of fun.
I'll add here that I noticed some of the reviews of this book noted the lack of male characters, and I'll have to agree that there are few. There are only a small handful, but the two main ones are really fun characters. To be honest, I actually like that the main cast is almost entirely female. There are too many books floating around that are comprised of a majority of male characters, so this was entirely refreshing in that area and I wouldn't change it a bit.
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that the main character, while capable, confident, and having a lot of potential, is generally weaker than her significant other or even many of the other characters in her inner circle. It gives her a lot of room to grow. The two budding nemesis in this book add a lot of tension, and I like the fact that neither of them are mustache-twirling villains. Both have real and legitimate reasons for what they do. I feel the series is slowly growing its depth of both characters and world building, and can't wait to see more.
It's a fun, easy read, mostly centered on character development and relationships. There is some detective work and mystery stuff involved, but the main focus is on the relationships, romance, and soul-searching of the main character especially. If you've come here for action scenes, however, you've come to the wrong series; they are few and far between, like the previous books.
If I had any hesitance about the series so far, it would be this: there were more and varied sex scenes in this one than the last novel- which had more than the one previous to it. By itself that is fine, but I hope the trend does not continue- this one contained about the highest sex-scene-to-plot ratio I can take, even though I adore the characters. And boy do I enjoy the characters. Many of them resemble role-playing characters I've had or played along side over the years of pursuing the hobby. Tons of fun.
I'll add here that I noticed some of the reviews of this book noted the lack of male characters, and I'll have to agree that there are few. There are only a small handful, but the two main ones are really fun characters. To be honest, I actually like that the main cast is almost entirely female. There are too many books floating around that are comprised of a majority of male characters, so this was entirely refreshing in that area and I wouldn't change it a bit.
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that the main character, while capable, confident, and having a lot of potential, is generally weaker than her significant other or even many of the other characters in her inner circle. It gives her a lot of room to grow. The two budding nemesis in this book add a lot of tension, and I like the fact that neither of them are mustache-twirling villains. Both have real and legitimate reasons for what they do. I feel the series is slowly growing its depth of both characters and world building, and can't wait to see more.
April 4, 2022
Kassandra is not the endearing reluctant heroine of her own story the way this book thinks she is. Her fleeting moments of character growth felt like pulling teeth. Lots of potential for her character growth, but were squandered. She is like the rich idiot with too much money that they don't know what to do with, but with unearned powers and faces little unmeaningful consequences. There were a couple of improvements in this book, but not enough to overlook the problems brought over from the first two books.
What I like:
- Pennington's writing style. It's casual, quick, and straightforward, which suits my impatient brain. Pennington writes imagery and sounds well when something magical happens in the book.
- There were more lore on fae and witch practices. I like learning about them. I'd like to know more, get into the nitty gritty of it all.
- The crime-mystery this time around is much more interesting that tie in side characters, together with the wolf subplot.
- There was some character background. We got to know Kass a little more for her lack of trust when it comes to relationships and her insecurities as a lover, but it's not enough to explain her other traits.
Problems:
Despite how I feel about this overall, it's sad to know there's no continuation as the ending suggests it's setting up for the next one. The main thing that's been pulling me along this series is Pennington's style of writing. So much potential. But oh well.
3.25
What I like:
- Pennington's writing style. It's casual, quick, and straightforward, which suits my impatient brain. Pennington writes imagery and sounds well when something magical happens in the book.
- There were more lore on fae and witch practices. I like learning about them. I'd like to know more, get into the nitty gritty of it all.
- The crime-mystery this time around is much more interesting that tie in side characters, together with the wolf subplot.
- There was some character background. We got to know Kass a little more for her lack of trust when it comes to relationships and her insecurities as a lover, but it's not enough to explain her other traits.
Problems:
Despite how I feel about this overall, it's sad to know there's no continuation as the ending suggests it's setting up for the next one. The main thing that's been pulling me along this series is Pennington's style of writing. So much potential. But oh well.
3.25
December 12, 2018
I'll start with this, it ends too abruptly and as of so far, there is no fourth book. Published in 2012 and now it 2018 {as of me posting this} and there no next in the series so is this the end of the series and that we no longer get to the part everything (as so it seems) Kassandra? I loved the first two books in the series and that made me seek out the third Heck, I was about to buy all three but with this, I have changed my mind.
Another thing to note is that the sex scenes jump up a notch. Romance book I expected this but it doesn't fit in completely with the other two books. Have some scenes but don't make it the whole book when the formula for crime and supernatural seem to influence the book on a greater edge. And I will say I am not against sex scenes in romance- it's something to expect but the way it is used in his book changes the flow of the book to not fit in with the first two.
Onto the rest of the content. When we get past the sex scenes, we come to some crime time solving, an inclusion of more than just and main characters, and something that really drew me into this book: werewolves. There was more on pack life an finally a come at what Kassandra will do against Sheila. but then nothing else happens with the standoff. It ends at a standoff and now if there is no new book how will we get the end of this battle that was supposed to be?
The detective work works with two main things. Hunter and the potential infidelity with her girlfriend and the witch hunt (literally). The witch hunt run is more fleshed out and explored than the first case that Kassdrana is apart of.
The majory pros of this book are that it reads well. It does keep you engaged and that probably why it is not rated lower than I would have if it lost this aspect.
Cons: total change up of book that does not reflect the power the first two books had and the concluding of this book is incomplete as compared to the first two books. Even though there was more going on in those two books that carried onto the third you felt a sense of a wrap up in this book, unlike this third installment.
Now all I do is hope that a fourth book breaks out in the mind of this author and then I will most likely read it because I really did enjoy this series it is that the third book faltered a little bit.
Another thing to note is that the sex scenes jump up a notch. Romance book I expected this but it doesn't fit in completely with the other two books. Have some scenes but don't make it the whole book when the formula for crime and supernatural seem to influence the book on a greater edge. And I will say I am not against sex scenes in romance- it's something to expect but the way it is used in his book changes the flow of the book to not fit in with the first two.
Onto the rest of the content. When we get past the sex scenes, we come to some crime time solving, an inclusion of more than just and main characters, and something that really drew me into this book: werewolves. There was more on pack life an finally a come at what Kassandra will do against Sheila. but then nothing else happens with the standoff. It ends at a standoff and now if there is no new book how will we get the end of this battle that was supposed to be?
The detective work works with two main things. Hunter and the potential infidelity with her girlfriend and the witch hunt (literally). The witch hunt run is more fleshed out and explored than the first case that Kassdrana is apart of.
The majory pros of this book are that it reads well. It does keep you engaged and that probably why it is not rated lower than I would have if it lost this aspect.
Cons: total change up of book that does not reflect the power the first two books had and the concluding of this book is incomplete as compared to the first two books. Even though there was more going on in those two books that carried onto the third you felt a sense of a wrap up in this book, unlike this third installment.
Now all I do is hope that a fourth book breaks out in the mind of this author and then I will most likely read it because I really did enjoy this series it is that the third book faltered a little bit.
May 16, 2020
Bloody Claws seemed to be the final installment for a trilogy. Seemed, because the ending was left so open it felt like it was going to have a continuation:
📝 The writting: Still quick paced and action packed, easy to follow and you don't get lost in the action, which is what I liked the most about Pennington's style. And it is what carried me through this series.
🐺 The characters: Utterly disappointed on the lack of growth of the protagonist. Rosaline (secondary) grew more than Kassandra did and that says something.
🌐 Worldbuilding: I am still BAFFLED at how consent culture can be important for some aspects of it and disregarded from the rest. I am now convinced the police and the DA's office would never get clear convinctions or we were robbed of any kind of clear preternatural proceedings in the law and politics of the world, which are basically not touched, and these series works closely to law enforcement.
💔 CW/Trigger Warning: Dubious Consent. The scenes felt like Kassandra was being raped not only by a third party but by the wolf in her head.
📝 The writting: Still quick paced and action packed, easy to follow and you don't get lost in the action, which is what I liked the most about Pennington's style. And it is what carried me through this series.
🐺 The characters: Utterly disappointed on the lack of growth of the protagonist. Rosaline (secondary) grew more than Kassandra did and that says something.
🌐 Worldbuilding: I am still BAFFLED at how consent culture can be important for some aspects of it and disregarded from the rest. I am now convinced the police and the DA's office would never get clear convinctions or we were robbed of any kind of clear preternatural proceedings in the law and politics of the world, which are basically not touched, and these series works closely to law enforcement.
💔 CW/Trigger Warning: Dubious Consent. The scenes felt like Kassandra was being raped not only by a third party but by the wolf in her head.
October 23, 2021
I listened to the audiobook this time around because I was doing a buddy listen with my wife. Neither of us enjoyed it much. The narrator has a bad habit of overacting the dialogue. This is my least favorite book in this series in spite of it having one of the sexiest menage scenes I've ever read. The build up to that scene and the story afterwards are marred by the anxiety Kassandra feels about her attraction for Eris and her need for mental self flagellation over it. There is a lot of weirdness between Kassandra and Roslyn this go around as well. Overall, I think I will skip this one next time I read the ebooks and I definitely don't see myself listening to the audiobook again.
Though this is not my favorite book in the series, I definitely enjoy the characters and hope some day the series is continued.
Though this is not my favorite book in the series, I definitely enjoy the characters and hope some day the series is continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
This book is a dichotomy, it is both a vast improvement in the writing of this series and a strong story yet it has introduced stumbling blocks. Allow me to explain with a brief reflection of the series as a whole: The first book in the series 'witch wolf' was like any introduction into a new series; a little slow to start but held enough intriguing elements to make you want to overlook the horridly simple plot and obvious plot twist. Thus I gave the Raven mask a chance and was pleased with the growth of the author. The story, universe and characters all developed on multiple levels and I was beginning to feel like we were preparing to settle into a long running series with characters that have some serious depth and an alternate world that will be imaginative and vivid.
Then came bloody claws:
The positives:
1)The characters are given a little more depth/history/development. We meet new characters who branch out from the core huddle of female characters whom we are used to seeing.
2)The world is expanded to include more varieties of supernatural creatures and we are given more details about them.
3)Celtic mythology and pagan ritual has obviously been researched well by the author and the explanations for practices and use of historical myth and language has been done with care. Being Irish and of alternate religious inclination I could appreciate both aspects.
4) The story is strong. There is a plot with the main murders and perhaps half a subplot with wolves and Kassandra investigating the possible adultery of one of her clients girlfriends. The mystery and crime elements of the story were still a bit light but are improving.
5) The crime and it's motivations/perpetrators were more complex than previous books.
6)There was more time spent interacting with Arthur and there were more scenes at crime scenes or in the police station, offering a more varied array of environments and characters for Kass to work in and with. This actually felt like more of an urban fantasy/crime novel which happened to have a lesbian lead rather than a lesbian protagonist and her dramatic life who just so happened to help the cops every now and then.
7)There are more glimpses of real emotion. Very cathartic and emotional scenes of pain and sadness, scenes of love and the occasional funny one liner are becoming more common adding to a healthier balance in the temperament of the story.
8)Kassandra as a main character is growing far more complex. Gaining new abilities, learning about her heritage and along the way gaining allies and new enemies.
8)Introduction of a new big bad who will be a recurring theme and who offers a larger back story.
Negative:
1) The number of sex scenes has gone up. Now I love a sex scene as much as the next girl but if I want to read erotica then I will get an erotic novel. This series reminds me of Laurel K. Hamilton's work. The series character development, story and world building are being set aside at times to have a few filler pages of sexy time. Which is disappointing. I'm not against menage et trois or the upping of sexuality in a series, sometimes it is a natural evolution of the character but here it felt forced and this book could have done without the extra sex scenes in place of more character and 'gum shoe' type scenes. Keep the sex scene sure, its needed but there was no need for one every few chapters. Less is more sometimes, it kind of felt repetitive after a while. Quality, not quantity.
2)Rupert! Yeah just more Rupert.
3) On that note, just more men in general. Now don't get me wrong, I love women as much as the next woman, and I adore the lesbian main characters but I felt like I was choking in estrogen at timess. Arthur was the only real male with much page time in this book, other than cameos by one or two other male side characters, the other police officers, detectives and the vampires who work at two points all seem to be faceless nobodies.
4) In fact, that was another problem, the few new characters that we did meet got very little page time in this book and the core characters seemed to take over, for chapter after chapter it seemed like I read the same four names over and over again. I was getting bored. Yes we need interactions with established characters for them to develop but some of the minor characters could have had more page time in order for characters to develop and open up through them too. For the interactions to diversify to a larger pool.
5) The world building still seems a bit light. Vampires are accepted in society. Other supes like fae and shifters are known about but not protected by law. Psychics and sensitives are hinted at and Kassandra talks about them and different forms of them but no details of how they fit or are recognized in this world are offered. The details of how this world works, its governed and how government and people react to these different supernatural groups still seems indistinct. A little bit more substance on how the police really deal with vampires and supernaturals would be good...they all can't call in Kassandra or a private preternatural investigator surely? Also, the police just letting a civilian vampire walk and sniff around a supernatural crime scene? That felt very unlikely.
In all the series does show some real promise and I will be holding out for the fourth book in the series before I give up on it. I love the strong lesbian lead and the mix of mythologies and pagan elements is done with such respect to their origins that I can't help but adore reading those scenes. Pennington is a solid writer and the books are an easy and entertaining read. I just hope Pennington sticks to plot, character and story substance rather than seeing another potential talent fizzle like Hamilton did.
Then came bloody claws:
The positives:
1)The characters are given a little more depth/history/development. We meet new characters who branch out from the core huddle of female characters whom we are used to seeing.
2)The world is expanded to include more varieties of supernatural creatures and we are given more details about them.
3)Celtic mythology and pagan ritual has obviously been researched well by the author and the explanations for practices and use of historical myth and language has been done with care. Being Irish and of alternate religious inclination I could appreciate both aspects.
4) The story is strong. There is a plot with the main murders and perhaps half a subplot with wolves and Kassandra investigating the possible adultery of one of her clients girlfriends. The mystery and crime elements of the story were still a bit light but are improving.
5) The crime and it's motivations/perpetrators were more complex than previous books.
6)There was more time spent interacting with Arthur and there were more scenes at crime scenes or in the police station, offering a more varied array of environments and characters for Kass to work in and with. This actually felt like more of an urban fantasy/crime novel which happened to have a lesbian lead rather than a lesbian protagonist and her dramatic life who just so happened to help the cops every now and then.
7)There are more glimpses of real emotion. Very cathartic and emotional scenes of pain and sadness, scenes of love and the occasional funny one liner are becoming more common adding to a healthier balance in the temperament of the story.
8)Kassandra as a main character is growing far more complex. Gaining new abilities, learning about her heritage and along the way gaining allies and new enemies.
8)Introduction of a new big bad who will be a recurring theme and who offers a larger back story.
Negative:
1) The number of sex scenes has gone up. Now I love a sex scene as much as the next girl but if I want to read erotica then I will get an erotic novel. This series reminds me of Laurel K. Hamilton's work. The series character development, story and world building are being set aside at times to have a few filler pages of sexy time. Which is disappointing. I'm not against menage et trois or the upping of sexuality in a series, sometimes it is a natural evolution of the character but here it felt forced and this book could have done without the extra sex scenes in place of more character and 'gum shoe' type scenes. Keep the sex scene sure, its needed but there was no need for one every few chapters. Less is more sometimes, it kind of felt repetitive after a while. Quality, not quantity.
2)Rupert! Yeah just more Rupert.
3) On that note, just more men in general. Now don't get me wrong, I love women as much as the next woman, and I adore the lesbian main characters but I felt like I was choking in estrogen at timess. Arthur was the only real male with much page time in this book, other than cameos by one or two other male side characters, the other police officers, detectives and the vampires who work at two points all seem to be faceless nobodies.
4) In fact, that was another problem, the few new characters that we did meet got very little page time in this book and the core characters seemed to take over, for chapter after chapter it seemed like I read the same four names over and over again. I was getting bored. Yes we need interactions with established characters for them to develop but some of the minor characters could have had more page time in order for characters to develop and open up through them too. For the interactions to diversify to a larger pool.
5) The world building still seems a bit light. Vampires are accepted in society. Other supes like fae and shifters are known about but not protected by law. Psychics and sensitives are hinted at and Kassandra talks about them and different forms of them but no details of how they fit or are recognized in this world are offered. The details of how this world works, its governed and how government and people react to these different supernatural groups still seems indistinct. A little bit more substance on how the police really deal with vampires and supernaturals would be good...they all can't call in Kassandra or a private preternatural investigator surely? Also, the police just letting a civilian vampire walk and sniff around a supernatural crime scene? That felt very unlikely.
In all the series does show some real promise and I will be holding out for the fourth book in the series before I give up on it. I love the strong lesbian lead and the mix of mythologies and pagan elements is done with such respect to their origins that I can't help but adore reading those scenes. Pennington is a solid writer and the books are an easy and entertaining read. I just hope Pennington sticks to plot, character and story substance rather than seeing another potential talent fizzle like Hamilton did.
June 30, 2022
I’m worried…
Kass and Lenorre did something I was bracing for but opened up for trouble in their relationship if this rears it’s head. I knew it was a bad idea before they did it. It was leading to this moment or something similar since the last book.
Alpha? Oy vey. Kass just doesn’t seem the type. It we will see. I hope that her and Rosalin can settle their relationship. It’s gotten pretty tense.
And unfortunately, I look for what happens next and the next book Night Bound isn’t available via ebook or paperback. I will never know how this all ends. It had already ended on a cliffhanger. Sigh. This is quite upsetting. It makes me feel as if I wasted time on an incomplete series with no indication of more are to come. But it should not have ended here.
Kass and Lenorre did something I was bracing for but opened up for trouble in their relationship if this rears it’s head. I knew it was a bad idea before they did it. It was leading to this moment or something similar since the last book.
Alpha? Oy vey. Kass just doesn’t seem the type. It we will see. I hope that her and Rosalin can settle their relationship. It’s gotten pretty tense.
And unfortunately, I look for what happens next and the next book Night Bound isn’t available via ebook or paperback. I will never know how this all ends. It had already ended on a cliffhanger. Sigh. This is quite upsetting. It makes me feel as if I wasted time on an incomplete series with no indication of more are to come. But it should not have ended here.
November 3, 2022
Now that was one complicated relationship and a bit of a mess. The voyeur was crazy. Talk about messed up relationships. There will probably be something new or not, I am not eager but I would see around if things get better.
That bitch Sheila needs to pay. I really don't care much for the rest of them all. Just Kassandra and Lenorre. If they could just get married and quick the whole menage a trois...wouldn't life be blissful...
That bitch Sheila needs to pay. I really don't care much for the rest of them all. Just Kassandra and Lenorre. If they could just get married and quick the whole menage a trois...wouldn't life be blissful...
October 15, 2023
Finally decided to get finished with the series since it's been out for a while now. I do wish that we'd have seen more of Winter's work. I don't know if she's planning on doing any more of this kind of paranormal stuff but the mystery elements of these 3 were exceedingly well done.
It would almost fit better in a more classical Gothic language environment. It feels modern but also pre-modern too. I wish there were more from her.
It would almost fit better in a more classical Gothic language environment. It feels modern but also pre-modern too. I wish there were more from her.
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November 28, 2024winter pennington i hope that wherever you are, you are living your best life and i also hope you know your power bcos you got a whole army of lesbians scouring the internet for any news on the fourth book you were writing before disappearing 6 years ago and we are about to start a coven and open a preternatural private investigation agency to track you down from the astral plane for more lenorre x kassandra content. you are a legend and an icon
October 19, 2022
This is by far the best book in the series. The characters have more personality. The action and suspense more believable. The conclusion more satisfying. Though, if I have one criticism of this book and those in the series is that the endings are a bit abrupt. Getting better as the series progresses, but still would be nice to have more flushed out endings.
October 6, 2019
Wherever will this lead...?
Honestly the obstacles so far in this story were unexpected. I didn’t expected fey and folklore but I’m glad for it. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about this series but I do enjoy reading the books and can’t wait to read what happens next.
Honestly the obstacles so far in this story were unexpected. I didn’t expected fey and folklore but I’m glad for it. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about this series but I do enjoy reading the books and can’t wait to read what happens next.
May 28, 2020
Found myself not really liking the main character by the end of it. She's alright, just not doing it for me. I enjoyed the storyline. Though I'm a bit disappointed there's no sequel? I'm left with so many questions about the fae, the pack.... ???
June 8, 2020
Another good continuation in the Kassandra Lyall series
Contiuing to deepen and expand upon established relationships of the characters
Contiuing to deepen and expand upon established relationships of the characters
September 11, 2025
can’t wait for the next book
This is a great series that entertained me during my vacation to a foreign speaking locale. It was actually better than watching the tele.
This is a great series that entertained me during my vacation to a foreign speaking locale. It was actually better than watching the tele.
April 16, 2012
We come back to Kassandra Lyall's world of shape-shifters, weres, vampires, witches, fey and other preternatural creatures. Bloody Claws is the third sojourn into Kass' life and things haven't gotten any easier. She's got a lot on her plate: a possible 'cheating lover' case, murders with strange symbols, confrontations with the local werewolf pack, nighttime attacks, and learning more about who she is and what she can do. Along with this, she's exploring the boundaries and permutations of her continuing relationship with Lenorre, the Countess vampire.
I was very excited to get back to Kass's world in Bloody Claws and I was not disappointed! The mystery of the bloody symbols was especially creepy and twisted, the showdown with the alpha of the werewolf pack was brutal, and the sex was sinfully wicked and tempestuous. Another plus for me - there was a lot of Eris! I was happy to see Kass get more comfortable in her own skin and in her relationships with those around her. I don't know if she always understands the impact her words and deeds have on others since she's lived so long trying to protect herself and her own secrets. It's good to see her truly letting others into her life and her heart more fully while still staying kick-arse against her enemies. I can't wait to see where life takes Kass next...
Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series: Witch Wolf (1), Raven Mask (2), Bloody Claws (3), 'Harvest Sins' (Short story in Breathless: Tales of Celebration), 'Eris' (Short story in Women of the Dark Streets)
I was very excited to get back to Kass's world in Bloody Claws and I was not disappointed! The mystery of the bloody symbols was especially creepy and twisted, the showdown with the alpha of the werewolf pack was brutal, and the sex was sinfully wicked and tempestuous. Another plus for me - there was a lot of Eris! I was happy to see Kass get more comfortable in her own skin and in her relationships with those around her. I don't know if she always understands the impact her words and deeds have on others since she's lived so long trying to protect herself and her own secrets. It's good to see her truly letting others into her life and her heart more fully while still staying kick-arse against her enemies. I can't wait to see where life takes Kass next...
Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series: Witch Wolf (1), Raven Mask (2), Bloody Claws (3), 'Harvest Sins' (Short story in Breathless: Tales of Celebration), 'Eris' (Short story in Women of the Dark Streets)
March 20, 2015
Sono lieta di poter affermare che Winter Pennington sta proprio migliorando: l'approfondimento psicologico dei suoi personaggi è stato davvero buono in Bloody Claws e la trama strutturata in modo più sapiente.
Il rapporto tra Kassadra e Lenorre va avanti, si consolida sempre di più e riserva anche delle sorprese... confesso che “l'intromissione” di Eris mi ha meravigliata. Non tanto per il modo, quanto per i gusti sessuali di Kassandra, che la Pennington ci aveva presentato come convenzionali. Vedi, vedi, le acque chete sono sempre le più pericolose!
Abbiamo anche diverse scenette con il detective Arthur Kingfisher, ex-collega di Kassadra – nonché grande spasso per il lettore. Leggere interagire Arthur e Kassandra è un vero spasso, ma non c'è solo questo: quando sarà il momento, Arthur si confermerà un ottimo amico.
Certo il personaggio che in Bloody Claws mi ha colpito di più è stata Rosalin. Lo spessore che raggiunge è spezzacuore, con il suo bisogno non solo di una donna al suo fianco, ma proprio di mostrare interesse verso qualcuno, di innamorarsi, di uscire dalla sua apatia sentimentale. Mi veniva davvero voglia di abbracciarla mentre leggevo...
Rupert è al momento disperso. Un vero peccato. Il suo testosterone mi è mancato e spero si decida presto a ricomparire nella vita di Kassandra (magari facendosi trovare a sorpresa nel suo appartamento, come solo lui sa fare).
Il rapporto tra Kassadra e Lenorre va avanti, si consolida sempre di più e riserva anche delle sorprese... confesso che “l'intromissione” di Eris mi ha meravigliata. Non tanto per il modo, quanto per i gusti sessuali di Kassandra, che la Pennington ci aveva presentato come convenzionali. Vedi, vedi, le acque chete sono sempre le più pericolose!
Abbiamo anche diverse scenette con il detective Arthur Kingfisher, ex-collega di Kassadra – nonché grande spasso per il lettore. Leggere interagire Arthur e Kassandra è un vero spasso, ma non c'è solo questo: quando sarà il momento, Arthur si confermerà un ottimo amico.
Certo il personaggio che in Bloody Claws mi ha colpito di più è stata Rosalin. Lo spessore che raggiunge è spezzacuore, con il suo bisogno non solo di una donna al suo fianco, ma proprio di mostrare interesse verso qualcuno, di innamorarsi, di uscire dalla sua apatia sentimentale. Mi veniva davvero voglia di abbracciarla mentre leggevo...
Rupert è al momento disperso. Un vero peccato. Il suo testosterone mi è mancato e spero si decida presto a ricomparire nella vita di Kassandra (magari facendosi trovare a sorpresa nel suo appartamento, come solo lui sa fare).
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August 15, 2012I really liked this, it's inventive, funny and hot. I must admit I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I didn't feel I was left in the dark. The author now and then inserted brief recaps of previous events that helped put things into perspective, but I absolutely have to go back to the previous installments to learn more about a few of the secondary characters, especially Rosalin.
Kassandra is interesting. She is fae, but she was also infected with lycanthropy and I found the interaction between her and her wolf very fascinating. Her girlfriend, Lenorre, is the quintessential vampire, but she shows now and then a softer side with a little insecurity. The story revolves around a case of disappearances and murders linked by a magical symbol and maybe a dark rite. The book was almost split in half between the investigation part and the more emotional part revolving around the still building relationship between Kass and Lenorre, but the romance part was in my opinion more convincing.
The banter between Kass and his former colleague Detective Kingfisher was irresistible, that's why I wished there were even more pages devoted to the investigation. The books also introduces new troubles for Kass, who still has to learn and accept what her new wolf status entails.
Very entertaining.
Kassandra is interesting. She is fae, but she was also infected with lycanthropy and I found the interaction between her and her wolf very fascinating. Her girlfriend, Lenorre, is the quintessential vampire, but she shows now and then a softer side with a little insecurity. The story revolves around a case of disappearances and murders linked by a magical symbol and maybe a dark rite. The book was almost split in half between the investigation part and the more emotional part revolving around the still building relationship between Kass and Lenorre, but the romance part was in my opinion more convincing.
The banter between Kass and his former colleague Detective Kingfisher was irresistible, that's why I wished there were even more pages devoted to the investigation. The books also introduces new troubles for Kass, who still has to learn and accept what her new wolf status entails.
Very entertaining.
July 27, 2015
A lot of stuffs are being added in this installment, regarding Kass's new power, new enemies, her chance to be an alpha (in which she hesitates to take), and trouble with love relationship in which Kassandra herself is at risk of being a cheater.
I don't like the threesome part, after she swore for an undying loyalty to Lenorre, to getting lure by lust is downright embarrassing. In fact, I noticed a lot of embarrassing moments for Kass in this entire series. Is it just me or Kass's personality in itself is at time frustrating? The way she talks, thinks, behaves, while her narrative is fun at time, but I feel like the author should make her personality a bit more likable, consider she is the protagonist and all. Reader supposed to like her, not hate her (I don't think that is the author's intention anyway).
There are a lot of unresolved issues with this book, my main concern is, of course, Kass's attraction to anyone other than Lenorre.
I will be looking forward to the fourth one, and hopefully Kass will have some shining spot to save face from this third installment.
I don't like the threesome part, after she swore for an undying loyalty to Lenorre, to getting lure by lust is downright embarrassing. In fact, I noticed a lot of embarrassing moments for Kass in this entire series. Is it just me or Kass's personality in itself is at time frustrating? The way she talks, thinks, behaves, while her narrative is fun at time, but I feel like the author should make her personality a bit more likable, consider she is the protagonist and all. Reader supposed to like her, not hate her (I don't think that is the author's intention anyway).
There are a lot of unresolved issues with this book, my main concern is, of course, Kass's attraction to anyone other than Lenorre.
I will be looking forward to the fourth one, and hopefully Kass will have some shining spot to save face from this third installment.
June 27, 2016
One of the rapey-est, most unhealthy and abusive romance I've heard in the lesbian PU genre. Seriously people stop writing your submissive bdsm fetishes in fiction if you can't deal with concepts like consent. Not everyone can see characters being pushed into sex that haven't consented to and think "oh it's just bdsm roleplay". Books are more powerful than that, you can't just write your fetishes down irresponsibly and think everything will be well.
May 25, 2015
Intrigue... Kassandra just gets thrown into more and more crap as she solves more and more cases. I hope the author hasn't dropped the series, because "poofing" on your readers is just not cool.
And can I request a love interest for Rosalin? she's a great character and I'm scared that she will be engulfed by loneliness.
And can I request a love interest for Rosalin? she's a great character and I'm scared that she will be engulfed by loneliness.
February 21, 2013
****!!
Perkembangan cerita, oke.
Yang saya kesal, kenapa, di saat saya mulai tenang bahwa ada kisah melibatkan vampire yang tidak norak, buku ini malah memberi saya 3P!? Melibatkan vampire, yeah!
Kenapa oh kenapa...!!!!
Perkembangan cerita, oke.
Yang saya kesal, kenapa, di saat saya mulai tenang bahwa ada kisah melibatkan vampire yang tidak norak, buku ini malah memberi saya 3P!? Melibatkan vampire, yeah!
Kenapa oh kenapa...!!!!
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