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Druid Detective Agency #4

Midsummer Monsters

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The solstice sun strikes the circle of stone...... and the veil between worlds is changed. New monsters now walk the earth. They're immune to my magic. It's a new threat for a new season. Is there anything I can use to stop them from feeding on the local population?The answer comes in a Bard's tale...

To meet the threat I need to embrace another side of my power. I need to journey to the otherworld.

I can get there. That's not a problem.

But will I be able to return in time to stop these beasts before they destroy the city? Or, the world? Midsummer Monsters is the fourth book in the new Druid Detective Agency urban fantasy series. Elijah and Emilie already went through one adventure. Now, ten years after The Druid Legacy, they are facing a new challenge, one that will test their limits. The real threat isn't the otherworldly magic, the magic that once birthed life itself in Eden/Annwn. There was a reason why humanity was cast from the garden groves. When the magic of that place comes home, it won't take long to find out why. The real threat was here all along, hidden in human hearts, now made manifest by the power of creation itself.



Harry Potter meets Harry Dresden in Druid Detective Agency.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2024

6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Theophilus Monroe

158 books294 followers
Theophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,091 reviews131 followers
June 28, 2024
Midsummer Monsters is the fourth book in the Druid Detective Agency by Theophilus Monroe. I truly enjoyed reading Midsummer Monsters just as much or better than the three books that came before it. Midsummer Monsters was an adventure for sure.

I loved all the characters. I loved the funny things they would say. I love the people they are. I love all the Druid Detective Agency characters. The mystery that surrounds them is mystifying.

Midsummer Monsters grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. I was hanging on to every word as I raced to the end I needed to know what was happening next with the many twists that kept coming my way.

Druid Detective Agency guys have finally gotten their hands on the holy grail. They are not the only ones who want it. Oh, yeah, there are plenty of others who want it. They are being chased by all sorts of evilness that is trying very hard to get their hands on the holy grail.

They must find a safe place for the holy grail but where? They decide that sending the holy grail to another realm is ideal. They must open a portal to another realm. They must find the things they need to open the portal.

In the meantime, monsters are making their way through an open portal and now they must find a way to send the monsters back where they belong before they hurt anyone else.

Can they send the monsters back before it is too late? Can they find everything they need to open the portal to send the holy grail to another realm where it will hopefully be safe?

I can’t wait to read the next book Stones and Bones in the Druid Detective Agency, especially after that ending. That was one shockingly surprising ending of all time. I never saw it coming. I would never have guessed but I love it and can’t wait to see what that one entails.

I highly recommend that you grab a copy of Midsummer Monsters today for another great adventure in the world of the Druid Detective Agency with all of its monsters, magic, and the many battles they have to face!
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,588 reviews116 followers
June 27, 2024
What I love about this authors work is the fun he infuses into a book. The topics are all serious, well, as serious as a fantasy novel can be, but he winds his own brand of magic around his words, around the plot and the pacing, always with a humourous undertone, to create an action packed fun read. There's a flow from one book to the next and often we are privileged to see characters from other series appear, they're not interlinked, they've just met at some stage, cool right? We enter into this magical world with another

Elijah's brand of magic is different. Although he's a Druid, his mom was a nymph, so yeah, unique magic comes with his DNA. Oh lordie are the characters fab! Not only the awesome Elijah, Emilie and Merlin; Elijah who's doing everything he can to prevent disasters, while allowing his son Merlin to grow, both in years as into the role he's destined for, Emilie, a caring, loving wife and person, who's also a bard, Merlin, all of 10 years and already the weight of the world is on his shoulders and takes it all in his stride. He's so much fun! I love the young Merlin as much as I do the older one, yeah, portals, travel between time....there's also the hilarious Ned who everyone is quick to discount as an oddball, well yes, he IS odd but comes up with the most profound insights when one least expects it. Percival, you know the one from king Arthur's time? Yep he's instrumental in all things Holy Grail! A laugh a minute with him and his antics! They all face a dilemma, they're not sure what to do with the Holy Grail and Elijah comes up with a solution, a solution involving a ritual. What could go wrong? Well....a tonne !!!! I absolutely loved the going back in time, in Percival's memory, not in real life, and the events surrounding the hunt for the Holy Grail.

With Midsummer's night approaching, Elijah deems it the perfect time, the barrier between realms is at it's thinnest to open a portal and send it back where it belongs. But first, he has to consult with his dad and things don't appear kosher with either dad or Annie. Oh, Annie is a young girl, her body returned to her with the vanishing of Morgana but is acting very weird.... and whoa, what emerged, I really wasn't prepared for! There was little I could prepare for as the story was beautifully fast paced, I clung onto the rollercoaster, through the monsters, deceipt, lies and subterfuge, gateways, dragons, reveling every minute!

I was pleasantly surprised at the multiple POV'S, not something the author generally does but I love multiple POV'S, I love "hearing" and "seeing" the other person's thoughts and actions. And that's just the thing I adore, Mr Munroe's ability to surprise me. The twists to his plot sends me in a completely different direction from where I thought I'd go, his ability propel me from one event to the other AND for it all to make sense, well, I'd call it a major feat, excellent penmanship and outstanding storytelling. Theo has never disappointed, always delivered a fast paced, brilliantly woven tale that's highly compelling, highly humourous, with characters that are dinkum exceptionally unique. The most awesome magic make up his repertoire of superb storytelling skills. Add the action, add the evolving plot, add the different realms together with characters who feel so real, and it's a winner, time after time. A winner that entertains me from start to end.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
June 30, 2024
In "Midsummer Monsters", the fourth installment of Theophilus Monroe's Druid Detective Agency series, we're thrust into a new, thrilling adventure with Elijah and Emilie, who are now facing the repercussions of a disrupted solstice. As monsters from another realm cross into our world, the duo must navigate the chaos that ensues, all while grappling with a new mystery that even their seasoned skills struggle to unravel.

What I loved about this book is the seamless blend of urban fantasy and detective work. Monroe's writing immerses you in a world where ancient druidic magic meets modern-day detective challenges. Elijah and Emilie's dynamic is as compelling as ever, and their growth over the ten years since "The Druid Legacy" adds depth to their characters. Their bond is tested as they confront not only external threats but also the internal struggles that these new monsters bring to light.

The introduction of new, enigmatic monsters adds a fresh layer of intrigue and danger. Monroe's ability to craft these otherworldly beings is impressive, making them both terrifying and fascinating. The subplot involving half the team’s addiction to hunting one particular monster is a gripping twist that keeps you turning pages, eager to understand its implications.

Monroe doesn't just rely on magical threats; he explores the darker aspects of human nature, now magnified by the returning magic from Eden/Annwn. This exploration of humanity's latent darkness, made manifest by ancient powers, adds a philosophical layer to the story, making it more than just a battle against supernatural creatures.

The pacing is spot-on, with action-packed sequences balanced by moments of introspection and character development. The descriptions of the solstice rituals and the stone circle are vivid, bringing the mystical elements to life. As always, Monroe's world-building is rich and detailed, creating a setting that feels both fantastical and grounded.

"Harry Potter meets Harry Dresden" is an apt comparison. Like those beloved series, "Midsummer Monsters" combines magic, mystery, and a touch of the dark and gritty. It's a perfect read for fans of urban fantasy who enjoy a well-crafted, magical detective story.

Overall, "Midsummer Monsters" is a captivating addition to the Druid Detective Agency series. It's a story of magic, mystery, and the human heart's hidden depths. If you've followed Elijah and Emilie's journey this far, you won't want to miss this latest adventure. And if you're new to the series, this book offers a compelling reason to dive into Monroe's enchanting world.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Manuela Molteni.
613 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2024
Leave it to Theophilus Monroe to hit the right spot with every book and every series his peculiar mind can create. With his scholarly background, you might expect him to be a serious, even boring author. But oh, how wrong you'd be! Monroe's mind has a way of creating fantasy worlds and characters that blend his passions and knowledge into stories that are anything but dull. Midsummer Monsters, the fourth book in the Druid Detective Agency series, is a prime example of his hilarious and unique style.

This book is an adventure from start to finish. As with all his series, Monroe’s characters stand out from the background, each one with their personal shine, mystery, sass, and antics. Midsummer Monsters grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. I was hanging on to every word, racing to the end, needing to know what would happen next with all the twists that kept coming my way.

The Holy Grail is in the hands of the Druid Detective Agency at last, but the quest is far from over. All sorts of evil forces are out to grab it, so the team must find a more permanent solution to their “problem” while battling the endless stream of monsters trying to invade their world.

And the final cliffhanger? It may be the craziest ending of all the crazy endings Monroe has thrown at us throughout his books. Be prepared because you’ll be left hanging, desperate for more. I'll be right there waiting for the next installment, Stones and Bones, because I simply cannot be left like this.

Monroe's storytelling is a wild, exhilarating ride that leaves you breathless and eager for more. If you haven’t picked up the Druid Detective Agency series yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into Midsummer Monsters and join the fun—it's a journey you won’t regret!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,790 reviews60 followers
June 30, 2024
So in the last book our group of the detective agency had killed Morgan le Fey the witch, and saved the holy grail, now they needed to keep this from falling into the wrong hands and to keep it from corrupting them. Elijah asks his father's opinion, and he is told he has to open a portal to the grail realm, on midsummer night, when the veil is thinner than usual, to return the grail there. This involved a lot of preparation including searching and acquiring a number of ingredients so Elijah and Emilie had to portal to Ireland to get these, and he had to shift into a dragon, which is awesome. However as all good plans tend to do, things went awry, the portal failed to stay open long enough to return the grail, however many monsters out of myth and fantasy erupted into their world. Panic arose and it was up to the team to send these monsters back where they belonged. I love this funny, adventure story, I love how Merlin is growing into his powers, as well as the banter that goes on amongst the characters, but I most particularly loved the very surprising ending which really makes me want to read book 5 right now! Some people just will not remain dead it seems!
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,219 reviews25 followers
July 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in this series. Elijah and Emilie finally have hold of the Holy Grail, but they know that sooner or later everyone and his dog will come after it, so they need to hide it somewhere safe!

After getting the advice they need, they set up the necessary ritual, but the grail refuses to move into this safe place! And then all hell breaks loose...Everyone is seeing monsters of all sorts, the Chupacabra, the spaghetti monster, the questing beast and all other various creatures, all of whom want the grail themselves.

The Druid Detective Agency do what they can, but it is just not enough until help arrives in a very unexpected form! I loved the little twist with this character - totally unexpected!

I also loved the big surprise at the end and cannot wait to see how this bit turns out! I don't want to spoil it all for you, but you have to read this book to find out!

A great read as always from this author, full of action, humour and surprises galore! I received an ARC copy of this book, but this review is my own, honest one.
6,029 reviews41 followers
July 30, 2024
With the changing of the season comes an entirely new monstrous threat. This one has our hero and heroine baffled, which won't do at all. If they can't figure it out quickly, they just might be out of business for good.

This is book four of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is required to enjoy this book.

This is an urban fantasy story featuring a druid detective agency in the modern world. The story is well written and fairly easy to read. The setup is excellent, but takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around the first time. The characters are well developed and quite skilled, which is good as they have their work cut out for them. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep this interesting. Overall, I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
90 reviews
June 30, 2024
Finally, the Druid Detective Agency has a lull in monster activity but instead of enjoying the peace and quiet, everyone is expecting the ‘boot to drop’ because they are in possession of the Holy Grail- which is like a beacon to the supernatural. Their anxiety becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy because in attempting to return the Grail to its realm, they unleash a sea of monsters that were trapped there (searching for the Grail) into our world. Once again, they are “run ragged” trying their best to rid our world of these invasive and deadly monsters.
The phrase “sometimes we are our worst enemy” shines like beacon in this book. Nevertheless, the Druid Detective Agency always rises to the occasion whenever our world needs defending from any supernatural entities. It is a great book, and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,537 reviews
July 8, 2024
OMG! This book was absolutely equal parts hilarious, scary and fun. Emilie has to use a new violin as her old one was destroyed and snow she has to practice to make her bardic magic in a different way. Merlin is outrageous and that darn cat, Sir Percival is just as hilarious. Elijah being Merlin’s dad is a tough job as he has to ready the kid to become the greatest magician of all time, to go into the past and just do everything that we know to be the Arthurian legend and then some. I just adore this concept. Corvus Blackwood is of course in the book again and things just go haywire. A lot of reveals happen in the book that just makes my stomach hurt and make me shake my head in both terror and wonder. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
320 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2024
Elijah and Emilie are on another adventure to save the city. It’s a new season with a new threat new monsters are here and for some reason half of the team wants to go after one particular.
It’s not other whirly magic they have to worry about the threat is in the heart of humans and it’s always been there. There’s a reason why we were cast out of the garden, but can they find out what they need to in order to save their city
read to find out find out. This is another great book to this series by a very talented author. I have read many of his books and books series and I highly recommend them. They are definite page turners, and they will keep you reading to the very end and still wanting more
thanks for the great wreath Theo.
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,754 reviews13 followers
July 14, 2024
Midsummer magical read

Another fun read from Theophillus Monroe; full of fast paced adventure, drama, action, myth and magic. With plenty of humor, twists and turns this is a great read and one I would recommend.

Having got the Holy Grail the DDA need to find somewhere safe to send it. This sounds easier than it ends up being with a portal to another realm opening and new monsters coming through. With others trying to get the Grail, can they send the monsters back to where they belong before someone gets hurt as well as keeping it safe?

I really enjoyed this one and with that epilogue look forwards to the next book as well.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
333 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
Well the DDA is back at it again dealing with monsters including the human type too. I guess you would have to assume that everything works out some type of way since they don’t get any warnings from future Merlin. But that doesn’t make getting through all the dangers easier. They tried to do good without fully knowing what they are dealing with. I just wonder if there is someone who could even possibly change things cause that would be the scariest fight. Can’t wait to see how this battle of the minds between Merlin and Morgana plays out. This was a great book that will make you laugh and think you didn’t see that coming.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
865 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2024
They still have the holy grail and need to get it back to the Grail realm. To do this Merlin must open a torus and Elijah, Emilie, Soane, Ned and Sir Percival need to help with the runes and the circle. Anna who had been Morgana told Elijah to get a sprig of Rowan from the Rowan trees, bile from a dragon and bloodroot. Since Elijah is a Druid he has magic that allow s him to travel to different realms. But instead of getting the holy grail to the Grail realm other things come out instead. They are chasing a question beast instead of thinking about the grail.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lili.
848 reviews48 followers
July 1, 2024
I think when people agree that evil is genius it seems true, because such cases go down in history - I hope evil is not smarter than good, but I must admit it seems to have a higher success rate. What are the odds that a plan made centuries prior will work? Would you have the wherewithal to execute such a plan?

I think you have to be really obsessed with power to conceive and succeed in such an endeavor... It does make a good action story, filled with surprises and suspense, I really wait to see how it gets resolved in this plan within plan within plan challenge.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristin .
553 reviews
July 3, 2024
So what happens when you try to put the Holy Grail back in its rightful place? All hell breaks loose of course.
The gang at the DDA have a lull in all the drama that always comes their way but peace never lasts. Not even for a moment. While attempting to put the Grail in its portal, otherworldly monsters come through to our world. Plus, a big baddie just won't stay dead. Can Elijah and the crew take all the monsters out? Will the world ever be safe? Will the dead ever stay dead?
There's twists, turns, humor and plenty of action to keep you entertained and turning the pages. I couldn't put it down and neither would you I'd wager.
Excited to read the next book! Well worth the purchase!
373 reviews7 followers
July 20, 2024
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Witty and full of action packed suspense, the problem caused from a great idea, causes lots of havoc for the Druid Detectives. Unexpected help has Elijah questioning motives, but he agrees. The plan is put in motion, and hopefully successful. But what they don’t know is that they unknowingly opened the door to a more sinister plot. The humor between Elijah and everyone involved will have you laughing as you are biting your nails waiting for everything to go back to normal, until the ending, which will have you wanting to know what happens next!
54 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2024
Yet another gripping adventure for the DDA. They now have the Holy Grail in their possession but need to send it to somewhere it will be safe....sounds easy, not so as things go wrong and new monster appear. Chaos ensues in the streets and the Police Chief asks for the DDA's help. Somehow they have to figure out how to send all the monsters to another realm, but how ?
Yet another well written book from Theophilus Monroe that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I am an ARC reader, but this review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,683 reviews22 followers
July 3, 2024
Moobs Like Jagger

This series will blow your mind, now in the forth book a realm of monsters are converging towards the grail. Can the characters of the Druid Detective Agency keep it safe before their own home is overwhelmed by evil? This installment was full of adventure, danger, suspense and absolute magic. The funny moments between Merlin and his family really made the dark moments brighten. I could not put this one down and I am excited for what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,705 reviews12 followers
July 3, 2024
The veil is shattered!

Days are quiet at the Druid Detective Agency. Elijah has a new plan to protect the Grail that centers around the midsummer solstice but plans can go awry. When this one does it’s monstrously. The DDA and the police are overwhelmed with calls but it’s up to the DDA to put the monsters back in the bottle, if it’s even possible.

This series just keeps getting better. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. And what an ending! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
93 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2025
3.75 stars
Probably the best of the Elijah Wadsworth books so far. We get to see what happens with the Grail and all sorts of monsters take the stage, plus Morgana and Corvus Blackwood play pivotal roles as the mess gets messier. Emilie and Merlin get more to do, as do Sloane and their friendly neighbourhood hillbilly, Ned. So, characters developing quite nicely now. Plus there's Monroe's trademark silly wit and wisdom at play. All in all, the series is getting stronger as it goes along, as the author gets more invested in the characters and the shenanigans going on.
Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,676 reviews28 followers
June 26, 2024
Midsummer Monsters (Druid Detective Agency Book 4), my sixty-sixth read from author Theophilus Monroe. Another well written & enjoyable read, the fourth in his 5-book Druid Detective Agency series. I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Stones and Bones (Druid Detective Agency Book 5) when it's published on July 25, it's already on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
4,504 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2024
It is that special time, the solstice is here and the Druid Detective Agency team has a plan. But of course things never go quite right and things go a bit wild. But it made for a great read. I laughed and enjoyed watching it all play out. They story and characters were a riot as always. A few surprises and twists add to all the fun. And cannot forget the trouble the holy grail causes for the team. Just all round fun to read.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews24 followers
September 19, 2024
Full of fast paced adventure, drama, action, myth and magic, Midsummer Monsters is everything we know and love by Monroe. Elijah and Emilie are back after ten years. While trying to protect the Holy Grail, Elijah accidentally opens a portal. As more monsters pile through it can the Druid Detective Agency put them back where they belong? Another seamless blend of urban fantasy and detective work.
Profile Image for Johanna.
1,782 reviews40 followers
November 5, 2025
Thisbis book 4 of Druid Detective Agency series and it just gets better and better.

The characters were so very well developed and totally likeable. Plot was outstanding, exciting and action packed. World building continues to be exemplary and very nicely done. Cannot wait for more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
311 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
DDA is back. After securing the Holy Grail, now they need to put it away somewhere safe. Should be easy, right? What’s the worst that could happen?
Elijah and Emilie are a great pair. Good married couple and parents, but also true partners. Rest of the characters are quirky but fun (I don’t like cats, but Percy is a blast).
Great mix of ancient myths and modern craziness.
Profile Image for Donna.
824 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2024
Midsummer Monsters (Druid Detective Agency #4) by Theophilus Monroe is another well written book by this writer that I definitely recommend. In this book the solstice sun strikes the circle of stone and the veil between the worlds is changed. They are stumped. Will they figure out how to stop these beasts before it is too late?
6,035 reviews45 followers
July 1, 2024
Such a juicy series, it keeps rewriting possible new beginnings and new apocalypses again and again.

This time, deadly secrets that might ride the edges of madness are buried in human hearts.

Arthurian elements meet sorta Sherlock stuff, clever conundrums, and other quirky characters.

Awesome and bizarrely lethal adventures, once again.

Keeps you hooked reading.

Profile Image for Sherlene.
263 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2024
Oh goodness!! This is an epic read.. I was instantly captivated from the start and drawn into the story, I sometimes wonder how the author got such a fantastic imagination and a great gift to turn it into such a wonderful story. I'm hooked. If you haven't read this book or series of books then you definitely need to. I highly recommend it.
292 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading Midsummer Monsters. The characters are fun and interesting, and the story was engaging. It did feel a little more predictable than previous books in the series, especially the ending. If you're a fan of the Druid Detective Agaency series, I think you'll enjoy Midsummer Monsters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
42 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2024
Great next book in the series. I love how the story unfolds from start to finish. The author keeps you guessing all the way to the end of the story. Even the antagonist helps the heroes in this storyline. We get to meet both the young and older version of Merlin. There is a twist at the end of the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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