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Autopsy of a Fairytale #2

Forensics of a Fable

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Beauty cannot love a beast and emerge unscathed.

Still reeling from her last case, Detective Isobel ‘Bel’ Emerson finds comfort in both her dog and her newfound friendships, but when she and her new partner, Detective Gold, are called to the site of a bear attack, they discover something far more the body of a young woman posed inside a cabin where the furniture is all too big. And to make matters worse, the cabin is located on Eamon Stone’s property.

As the detectives race against the clock to find the killer before he murders another girl, Bel struggles with her growing attraction to Eamon. He’s once again a person of interest in her investigation, and while she knows she should stay away from him, she can’t fight the thread of fate knitting them together. She also needs Eamon’s beast to help with her case because as more evidence is revealed, the more Bel fears a new predator has come to Bajka. The question is this hunter man or monster?

Loosely inspired by Goldilocks & the Three Bears, Forensics of a Fable is book 2 in the Autopsy of a Fairytale series, a crime procedural romantic suspense perfect for those who like dark fairytales, murder mystery/crime procedurals (like AMC's The Killing, Netflix’s Lucifer, or NBC's Hannibal), romance, found family, and a hint of fantasy. Each book will be based on a different fairytale, but Bel (and her Beast) will connect them all, her story ending on small cliffhangers in each book.

322 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2023

402 people are currently reading
4063 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Scarano

22 books423 followers
Nicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.

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5 stars
1,115 (39%)
4 stars
1,237 (44%)
3 stars
417 (14%)
2 stars
29 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for kayleigh.
353 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2024
these books are so fun. i liked the first one a little more, and this one was slightly too predictable, but it was still really good. bel and olivia are great, and i think i like their dynamic more than i liked bel and garrett. i’m really enjoying the way nicole incorporates fairy tales into these books – it’s done really well. a fast paced and fun read, and i’m excited to see what she does with the next one, which is peter pan (this one was goldilocks and the three bears, the first one was beauty and the beast).

that being said, i don’t like the romance at all (i’m rooting for olivia and ewan though). i understand eamon is loosely based on the beast from beauty and the beast, but i’m not a fan of the way the author is writing him and his relationship with bel. it’s creepy and possessive and just doesn’t do it for me, which is unfortunate, because it does play a big role in the stories.

↠ 4 stars
Profile Image for Georgia Napier.
16 reviews
October 5, 2023
THIS IS SPOILER-FREE WITH AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW AND ESCAPISM REVIEW.

Series: Second book in what looks to be a trilogy.
Genre: Supernatural Crime Romance
Tropes: pining, magic crime
POV: third person, primarily the FMC but some passages in the MMC.
Spice Rating: 0, not even a kissing scene.
Triggers: murder, blood, gore, stalking

Bel has only had a couple of weeks off after solving who was behind the killing spree that nearly killed her. Now she’s back and her only worry is trying to resist the evil – but hot as hell – creature that is Eamon Stone. That is until someone starts killing people again, Goldilocks style. Bel, with a new partner, her dog in tow and a growly, protective Eamon by her side, really can’t seem to catch a break.

Analysis Review: 4 stars
While I can’t recommend this book enough for those who want to escape life, there were some parts of this book that needed work in terms of analysis. The writing style was good, but I think some parts needed a little bit more description. New characters like Bel’s father (Reese) and her new partner (Gold) are refreshing in amongst the familiar characters. However, the relationship between Bel and Eamon is a little quick, for lack of a better word. The book starts with her being wary around him because she’s scared of having feelings for him, and suddenly, she can’t get enough of him. We also don’t get a lot of background into Eamon as a supernatural creature - what he is and what his ‘powers’ are, which I really want to know. It had just enough world-building to make a fake town feel like a real place as well.

Escapism Review: 4.95 stars
I read the first novel, and I really enjoyed it, but I LOVED this book. I don’t know what it is about the crimes, but I’m trying to figure out whodunit every time I think about putting the book down. Like, is it supernatural, are the clues too obvious to be who I think it is, is Bel a specific target again? And then the romance between Bel and Eamon. I swear, there was no kissing or spice, but the tension and obvious pining and obsession Eamon has with her had me kicking and screaming at 1 a.m. Cannot recommend this book enough. Like, the first was good, but it was an introduction to how good this one was. The only thing that ruined it was the cliffhanger, which felt a little weak.
Profile Image for Marina.
40 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2024
Goldilocks & the three bears but make it a serial killer investigation.
Wow! I'm absolutely hooked on this series.
After the brilliance of the first book, I was worried the next book wouldn't measure up, but it was just as thrilling (even though the author may have foreshadowed the killer a bit too obviously). I'm completely invested in Bel's and Eamon's evolving relationship. If you're into slow-burn romances, this book takes it to a whole new level of sloooooooooooow-burn x100.

And that cliffhanger! Excuse me, but who is WENDY DARLING?! I'm literally dying of suspense waiting for the next book!

I still can’t believe i didn’t realize this was a fantasy until the end of the first book.
Profile Image for Kc.
36 reviews
November 18, 2024
Went into this book thinking I wouldn't be as engaged in this book as I was the first, boy was I wrong. Once again Bel and Eamon suck me into their story and kept me thoroughly entertained. The whole play on classic fairytales in these books is taken to a whole new murderous level by Nicole. It kept me guessing on the murderer right up until the reveal. The new host of characters as well are just as charming as the old. Bel is of course a certified badass all through this book, and Eamon is our dark brooding alpha, and together their chemistry is off the charts. Gold is a nice addition to the team it and was nice to see some old faces such as Violet. I am really starting to fall in love with this series and cant wait to continue to the next book.
Profile Image for Yvette Boer.
97 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2025
Forensics of a Fable puts a dark twist on Goldilocks in this gripping second book of the Autopsy of a Fairytale series. Detectives Bel and Olivia are drawn into a chilling murder case set in a strange cabin, with Eamon Stone once again tangled in the mystery.

I truly enjoyed every moment of this book—the mix of crime, fairytale elements, and slow-burn romance kept me completely hooked. Even if some twists are a bit easy to guess, the eerie vibe and strong characters make up for it.

It’s one of those series you just want to keep reading. Can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharon Elletson.
304 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
3.5 stars

I'm loving this series. Seamlessly continues from Autopsy of a Fairytale.

In this one,

Detective Bel Emerson gets a new partner, Olivia Gold.

There is a new beast in town and a new serial killer who won't stop until they get it "just right."

Aemon Stone is still smoldering for our Bel; this Hallmark romance has tension, but it remains PG. I'm hoping book three will give us, at least, some passionate kisses.

Though the killer is easily guessed, this storyline still had a few nice plot surprises.

I enjoyed the overall pace, but I felt the ending dragged a bit jn the wrap up.

Read it for the darkly different Fairytale retelling murder mystery.
Profile Image for Leanna.
139 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2024
This is a romantic suspense very loosely based on Goldilocks and the three bears. It's more suspense than romance, but I'm beginning to like Eamon more and I just wish him and Bel would get together already!
This book was a pretty quick read for me. The author did a good job keeping up the suspense, throwing in red herrings, and giving me all sorts of anxiety for different characters. I wish there was more between Bel and Eamon but maybe they'll progress things in the next book.
Profile Image for Michelle Patton.
226 reviews7 followers
July 27, 2025
Forensics of a Fable is a dark, twisty follow-up in Nicole Scarano’s Autopsy of a Fairytale series that did not disappoint.

Isobel “Bel” Emerson is trying to find peace in the quiet town of Bajka when two girls are found murdered—posed in a haunting Goldilocks-style scene—on the property of the mysterious and brooding Eamon Stone. Though all signs point to him, Bel’s gut says he’s not the killer—and despite her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him.

Scarano does a fantastic job expanding the world she built in book one, blending suspense with a clever fairytale retelling. New characters are introduced seamlessly, and familiar faces are developed even further. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
Profile Image for Alicia Thistle.
238 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book too! Oftentimes the books in a series after the first aren't as good, but I actually enjoyed the plot in this one more and I found it more suspenseful. The fairytale vibe and supernatural elements are a little stronger in this one, but it's woven well into the storyline. On to the third book!
Profile Image for ella ☆.
143 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2025
this one was good too, i did prefer the first one more, the plot was slightly disappointing in this one but was still magnificent. i think i didn't prefer it because in the end she technically didn't solve the murder and i ALSO happened to guess who it was.. so that's great.

romance was decent, i enjoyed the scenes between them and i do like eamon more now!

3.5 stars rounded down!
Profile Image for Ila Thompson.
18 reviews
March 31, 2025
Definitely much better than the first in my opinion! Made the mistake of starting right before bed and obviously had to finish.
And now to read the next one at midnight because they all end in damn cliff hangers and I have no self control.
Profile Image for Sammy BookWyrm.
60 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2025
Oh my goodness, what a cliff hanger!! Book 2 in this amazing series. I love the relationship between Bel and Eamon.

The flow of the story was very good, and I was hooked from the start.

I can't wait to start book 3.
Profile Image for Chrys Minter.
855 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2023
Great

This was a thriller of a read. I wasn't prepared for the story to go the way it did. Whoever reads this story I warn you to hold on to your seat. This author gives plot twists that leaves your mind reeling.
Profile Image for Valerie.
490 reviews
December 25, 2024
A fun spin on a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Ready for book 3
Profile Image for Theresa Berleth.
2 reviews
December 31, 2024
Finished the book in 4 hours!!! So good, kept me interested at the end of each chapter and I didn’t want to put it down!!
Profile Image for Becky (sirensongreads).
439 reviews70 followers
August 4, 2025
Liked this one WAY more than book 1.

That being said, like book 1 I figured out who the bad guy was way faster than our detective MC 😅🫣. Also, I get this is a slow burn but OMG kiss already.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,918 reviews28 followers
August 13, 2025
This series is so different but in a good way. Enjoyed book 2 and looking forward to book 3
Profile Image for Corey.
609 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2024
Dark romance is a little bit of an odd genre and I'm not entirely sure it's my jam. However, the trappings of the crime thriller crossed with fairy tale is still an interesting enough concept to keep me going.
Profile Image for Krystin.
667 reviews21 followers
October 28, 2024
Slightly better than the first but still a little lacking in execution. I had the ending of this one figured out by 30% in.
Profile Image for Samantha Erickson.
4 reviews
March 11, 2024
I can’t get over how great these books are! I cannot wait to get my hands on the third one this month! Once I start a book in the series, I just cannot put it down!
38 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
awesome

She did it again!!! Another awesome sequel. I can’t wait for book 3!!! I finished this book in one day. I could not put it down. Definitely recommend
Profile Image for Jade Long.
177 reviews
November 25, 2024
This was a lot better than the first book in my opinion, thought it was great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews

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