Death Is Delayed

Outside the Circle #7

by Shereen Vedam

A family secret. A timeless connection. A child awakens.EMT Abbie Grimshaw reluctantly agrees to help hunt a dangerous mage hundreds of years in the past where she makes a shocking discovery.

Every mystery she's ever solved could be connected.

She also meets a special child in imminent danger.

If Abbie fails to keep this girl safe, there might not be a future to return to.

If you enjoy time-travel mysteries with a fairy tale flavor, you'll love discovering this new face on the Grimm scene.

Pick up this magical adventurous mystery today!

Genres: Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Once upon a time, USA Today bestselling author Shereen Vedam read fantasy and romance novels to entertain herself. Now she writes heartwarming tales braided with threads of magic and love and mystery elements woven in for good measure.

Shereen's a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.

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Reviews

[Rebel]

Death Is Delayed (Book 7 of the Outside the Circle Mystery series) by Shereen Vedam masterfully combines time travel, family secrets, and an edge-of-your-seat magical adventure. EMT Abbie Grimshaw takes center stage as she reluctantly agrees to travel back hundreds of years to help apprehend a dangerous mage. What begins as a mission quickly becomes a deeply personal journey as Abbie uncovers shocking connections that tie her present-day life to this distant past.

The story shines in its balance of high-stakes danger and heartfelt emotion. Abbie’s encounter with a mysterious child in dire peril tugs at the heartstrings and adds layers of urgency to her quest. Vedam’s ability to weave in fairy-tale elements alongside the complex mechanics of time travel is nothing short of enchanting, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and wonder.

Fans of magical mysteries and tenacious heroines will find themselves captivated by Abbie’s journey. Her determination to protect the child and solve the interconnected mysteries makes her a relatable and admirable protagonist. The story’s twists and revelations are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

With its compelling blend of danger, magic, and the timeless power of family ties, Death Is Delayed is a must-read for anyone who loves stories where the past and present collide in unpredictable and thrilling ways. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to Vedam’s work, this installment is an unforgettable addition to the Outside the Circle Mystery series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprise visit from Abbie’s grandmother, Ruby, propels her into a trip to the past to track the enemy that’s been hunting the Grimms. Ruby reveals that she was able to injure the enemy in the past and believes she can dispatch him with Abbie’s help. Abbie’s mom, Margaret doesn’t trust Ruby and insists on going with them. But instead of returning to the time Ruby came from, they instead travel to the 1800s and arrive as another Grimm child is endangered. A daring rescue and escape from the enemy leaves them searching for a safe haven for Claire. They meet Abbie’s ghostly champion, Robert, at the time of his arrest and he sends them to his wife, Pauline. With the enemy dogging their steps, will they be able to get Pauline & Claire to safety and return to the present before time runs out? Help comes from an unexpected source and Ruby makes a startling decision.

A thoroughly engaging adventure for Abbie and company. The rest of the Standard Bearers play a smaller part this time as foretold by Kali at the end of book 6. The repercussions of Ruby abandoning Margaret as a baby are explored as they work with Abbie to rescue Claire and get her to safety. We learn more about Robert’s story and his role in foiling the enemy’s plan to open the demon gate, and the tragic consequences that followed. Some truly heart wrenching moments as his part wraps up. The true identity of the enemy is revealed and Abbie makes a plan for the final showdown. I absolutely can’t wait for the final installment although it will be sad to say goodbye to Abbie & the Standard Bearers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answers so many questions and yet there’s so much we still need to uncover. The enemy is discovered in a trip to the past as well as much more about Robert and his family. This is like if Lost was a fairytale in book form. So awesome! No spoilers but you absolutely have to read this book asap! If you haven’t started the series this will hook you no doubt! Cannot wait to see what unfolds in the next book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this one Abbie must travel into the past to hunt down a mage but of course things are never quite what they seem and some truths are revealed that lead to some interesting ideas of what has been going on this whole time. Had me holding my breath that everyone would be able to complete their mission and return back to their normal time. Enjoyed the suspense and hints of questions and danger. Had me guessing and wondering at times. Good story and characters and a story that fits in with the series.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, I thought this was the last book in the series, but it’s the one before that, thank goodness (I really hate to let Abbie and her family go). In this latest, Abbie and her mother, and her grandmother must travel to the past, but they end up somewhere they weren’t expecting. We learn some new information about the Roman, about Abbie’s past, and about Robert’s past…and one other’s past. This book is bittersweet since things are starting to wrap up, but this is so well-written, engaging, and so fun, you enjoy every minute of it. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book. Loved all the new characters and information. Family is the main message, with lots of paranormal.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your stethoscopes! EMT Abbie Grimshaw is back for Book 7, trading her ambulance for a time machine in Shereen Vedam's most bonkers adventure yet.

The real showstoppers? The actual Grimm Brothers make an appearance okay maybe only in mention but still they were there!

The time travel reads like someone using medieval GPS - lots of wrong turns and creative cursing. Abbie remains the most relatable protagonist in urban fantasy, basically all of us faced with supernatural nonsense: "I don't have time for this" meets "well, I guess this is my life now."

Vedam's been playing the long game, and revelations here will make you want to reread the entire series. The mystery elements are tight, the historical character interactions are comedy gold, and everything you thought you knew gets delightfully turned upside down.

Bottom line: Death might be delayed, but your enjoyment won't be. Sometimes the best way to honor literary legends is to throw them into completely bonkers situations. Bravo, Vedam - truly Grimm-tastic!

Side effects may include uncontrollable giggling and sudden urge to become a supernatural-fighting EMT.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbie's latest adventure is just as dangerous and exciting as any of her others. When her grandmother suddenly appears insisting that they travel to the past in order to save a child, Abbie along with her mother agree to the journey. She will discover not only the identity of the child, but also that the mage hunting the young girl is someone she has also encountered. Most shocking is that if they don't succeed in their mission there may not be a future to return to, or one that they will not recognize.
This book is filled with wonderfully written and unique characters. I adore Abbie, her family, and friends. This is a paranormal mystery with some action, a little bit of romance, unexpected twists and magic. I loved this must-read book and I recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many threads which had been left hanging previously in this series are being pulled in this novel, but despite the revelations, I think that the focus of this volume is on family - who is family, why relatives hurt each other, how relationships can change. I learned so much about who the Grimm women are. I also learned that despite what Ruby says, Abigail is still bad***. She's just not as bloodthirsty as Ruby. The author ended this novel with so many hints - I am looking forward to the conclusion of this series just to find out what happens!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.