What do you think?
Rate this book
Dorianne Grey: Don't Fear Death Novella
A bitter betrayal. A reluctant ally. An undeniable attraction.
When Dorianne Grey is betrayed by her old coven and her sister, she makes a deal with the devil... or something like it. If she hosts a horde of demons, she gets to return to the land of the living. Using her powers for good, she helps solve horrifying sacrificial murders committed by those craving more power. Content in her solitary existence, her quiet world is shaken by the entrance of Investigator Theo Slater.
Dissatisfied with a relationship of passing notes through a door with his witch consultant, Theo takes things a step further by breaking Dorianne's wards and entering her home. His interest in her continues to grow even with her demons nearly killing him.
Will Dorianne let Theo in and truly rejoin the land of the living, or will she continue to ward herself against his advances as
danger arrives on her doorstep?
Trigger explicit sex scenes, gory depictions of murder/crime, profanity, self-harm
When Dorianne Grey is betrayed by her old coven and her sister, she makes a deal with the devil... or something like it. If she hosts a horde of demons, she gets to return to the land of the living. Using her powers for good, she helps solve horrifying sacrificial murders committed by those craving more power. Content in her solitary existence, her quiet world is shaken by the entrance of Investigator Theo Slater.
Dissatisfied with a relationship of passing notes through a door with his witch consultant, Theo takes things a step further by breaking Dorianne's wards and entering her home. His interest in her continues to grow even with her demons nearly killing him.
Will Dorianne let Theo in and truly rejoin the land of the living, or will she continue to ward herself against his advances as
danger arrives on her doorstep?
Trigger explicit sex scenes, gory depictions of murder/crime, profanity, self-harm
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 1, 2024
Dorianne Grey is a dark fantasy/fantasy romance.
The world we know has changed and magic is the new norm. After experiencing a traumatic event that changes her forever, Dorianne enjoys her life of solitude that is until Theodore steps into her life, working with his team to team to solve a murder mystery, Dorianne has piqued his interest.
The story takes a unique twist on paranormal murder mystery, which I found interesting.
It was a good, quick read, Murphy did a good job with world building, storyline and characters.
Definitely for those that enjoy paranormal/witchy/magic, murder mystery reads.
The world we know has changed and magic is the new norm. After experiencing a traumatic event that changes her forever, Dorianne enjoys her life of solitude that is until Theodore steps into her life, working with his team to team to solve a murder mystery, Dorianne has piqued his interest.
The story takes a unique twist on paranormal murder mystery, which I found interesting.
It was a good, quick read, Murphy did a good job with world building, storyline and characters.
Definitely for those that enjoy paranormal/witchy/magic, murder mystery reads.
May 20, 2024
For the fans of paranormal and witchy books.
I enjoyed this book very much, Dorianne Grey and Theo Slater, an odd couple. Theo a detective of sorts solving crimes with the help of Dorianne, a witch sold out by her own coven, now residing on her own in an old house. Notes are being passed through doors between the two ,until Theo decides he had enough, he wants to see the witch he is talking to. I can’t wait to find out if those two develop their relationship and if Dorianne rejoins the living and gets her old life back, without spoilers… there are strings attached before this can happen.
I enjoyed this book very much, Dorianne Grey and Theo Slater, an odd couple. Theo a detective of sorts solving crimes with the help of Dorianne, a witch sold out by her own coven, now residing on her own in an old house. Notes are being passed through doors between the two ,until Theo decides he had enough, he wants to see the witch he is talking to. I can’t wait to find out if those two develop their relationship and if Dorianne rejoins the living and gets her old life back, without spoilers… there are strings attached before this can happen.
May 6, 2024
A post apocalyptic world where humans develop magic and a paranormal police force is developed to keep the natural balance. Dorianne is their mysterious consultant who keeps to the shadows after a major betrayal completely changes her. Her path crosses with an agent of the SIA named Theo and their worlds collide.
A dark and macabre story that proves to be as entertaining as it is suspenseful. I truly enjoyed the characters and this magical but dark world. It was sometimes difficult to follow with the shifting POV and there were a few questions left hanging but overall a great read. I finished it in a day!
A dark and macabre story that proves to be as entertaining as it is suspenseful. I truly enjoyed the characters and this magical but dark world. It was sometimes difficult to follow with the shifting POV and there were a few questions left hanging but overall a great read. I finished it in a day!
May 8, 2024
I was fourtunate to recieve this as an arc read.
We follow the red string theory with our 2 main characters. The world as we know it had ended and magic is the new norm. Jump right into the action and fit all the little peices together as you read on. Very quick and absolutely loveable read!
I will be checking out more of J.C Murphey books from reading this one!
We follow the red string theory with our 2 main characters. The world as we know it had ended and magic is the new norm. Jump right into the action and fit all the little peices together as you read on. Very quick and absolutely loveable read!
I will be checking out more of J.C Murphey books from reading this one!
June 13, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC.
Dorianne is isolated in her house haunted by demons that dwell within her shadows, working with the SIA to help track down power-hungry covens with her incredible tracking abilities.
Theo is a detective working for the SIA to replace Rebecca. With questions surrounding events of his past, he seeks out the help of Dorianne, as he is now her handler.
His curiosity is peaked during conversations through her door. He has to meet her, speak to her face to face.
Dorianne is reluctant yet yearns for experiences from when she was once human.
This is a quick and easy read, very interesting premise and magic. Will they find love, or will her shadow demons kill him for his interest in her?
Dorianne is isolated in her house haunted by demons that dwell within her shadows, working with the SIA to help track down power-hungry covens with her incredible tracking abilities.
Theo is a detective working for the SIA to replace Rebecca. With questions surrounding events of his past, he seeks out the help of Dorianne, as he is now her handler.
His curiosity is peaked during conversations through her door. He has to meet her, speak to her face to face.
Dorianne is reluctant yet yearns for experiences from when she was once human.
This is a quick and easy read, very interesting premise and magic. Will they find love, or will her shadow demons kill him for his interest in her?
May 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed diving into the pages of this book featuring the intriguing duo of Dorianne Grey and Theo Slater. Theo, a detective with a unique approach, partners with Dorianne, a witch ostracized by her own coven, now residing in solitude within an ancient house. Their clandestine communication unfolds through notes exchanged between doors, until Theo resolves to meet Dorianne face-to-face. I'm eagerly awaiting the evolution of their relationship and Dorianne's potential journey back to her former life, although I'll steer clear of spoilers, as there are undoubtedly obstacles to overcome.
Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop where humanity wields magic, a paranormal police force works to maintain equilibrium. Dorianne, now a shadowy consultant, grapples with the aftermath of a profound betrayal that reshaped her existence. It's within this turbulent landscape that Theo, an agent of the SIA, intersects with her path, sparking a collision of worlds.
The narrative is steeped in darkness and mystery, providing both thrills and suspense. I found myself deeply invested in the characters and the eerie yet captivating world they inhabit. Although the shifting perspectives and lingering questions posed occasional challenges, I couldn't put the book down, finishing it in a single day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop where humanity wields magic, a paranormal police force works to maintain equilibrium. Dorianne, now a shadowy consultant, grapples with the aftermath of a profound betrayal that reshaped her existence. It's within this turbulent landscape that Theo, an agent of the SIA, intersects with her path, sparking a collision of worlds.
The narrative is steeped in darkness and mystery, providing both thrills and suspense. I found myself deeply invested in the characters and the eerie yet captivating world they inhabit. Although the shifting perspectives and lingering questions posed occasional challenges, I couldn't put the book down, finishing it in a single day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2024
I gave it 2 stars, but it is a 2.5
The plot was very promising. The worldbuilding was done well, although it did leave some curiosity as to what exactly happened to get to this point.
The story started off with a pretty good scene, although it was unclear what exactly became of Dorianne and what was happening. After that we get to the present time. The story develops slowly, but not too slow. We get to know the mmc, I really liked his personality and his partner.
After having been close to Dorianne, it suddenly takes a turn. It starts becoming rushed and messy. Especially when it comes to character development. As I do not wish to share spoilers, I can't say a lot about it. But the main characters become reckless and shallow. They go through some traumatic experiences, yet there is barely a reaction to it.
The events happening also become a mess. It's hard to keep up with what's happening, because of this it didn't leave much of an impression.
Overall, I had hoped to see a bit more in-depth character development and a longer story so it wouldn't have needed to be this rushed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot was very promising. The worldbuilding was done well, although it did leave some curiosity as to what exactly happened to get to this point.
The story started off with a pretty good scene, although it was unclear what exactly became of Dorianne and what was happening. After that we get to the present time. The story develops slowly, but not too slow. We get to know the mmc, I really liked his personality and his partner.
After having been close to Dorianne, it suddenly takes a turn. It starts becoming rushed and messy. Especially when it comes to character development. As I do not wish to share spoilers, I can't say a lot about it. But the main characters become reckless and shallow. They go through some traumatic experiences, yet there is barely a reaction to it.
The events happening also become a mess. It's hard to keep up with what's happening, because of this it didn't leave much of an impression.
Overall, I had hoped to see a bit more in-depth character development and a longer story so it wouldn't have needed to be this rushed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2025
A unique genre mashing of dark fantasy and crime meet in this novel. After an evil witch betrays her powerful sister witch, Dorianne Grey, sentencing her to an unnaturally prolonged life as the Mother of Shadows, we find ourselves in a new world where even mortal humans have magic. Enter detectives Theo and Rebecca, who are on the case to discover who’s behind the heinous mutilations of humans in the Black Staff Coven rituals. Rebecca has been working with a consultant for decades through a closed door, but Theo wants to open the door to find out if this Dorianne Grey can help him with another, more personal matter.
I thought it was an interesting mashup and liked the characters and how magic was woven into even the technology the detectives used to communicate. (Modern detective story but with olde fantasy magical elements.) I wasn’t expecting a certain romantic element to happen and thought it felt a bit rushed, but there’s another book to follow, so maybe I’ll find out more when I read that one!
The violence is a bit graphic, so just a head’s up there. Vivid storytelling though! If you like crime and fantasy, give this one a try!
I thought it was an interesting mashup and liked the characters and how magic was woven into even the technology the detectives used to communicate. (Modern detective story but with olde fantasy magical elements.) I wasn’t expecting a certain romantic element to happen and thought it felt a bit rushed, but there’s another book to follow, so maybe I’ll find out more when I read that one!
The violence is a bit graphic, so just a head’s up there. Vivid storytelling though! If you like crime and fantasy, give this one a try!
May 30, 2024
Dorianne Grey by J.C. Murphey is a gripping and intense read that pulls no punches from the very beginning. The opening is quite graphic, so I strongly recommend heeding any and all trigger warnings associated with this book.
However, if you can handle the dark themes, you'll find a story that intriguingly scratches a dark itch.
Murphey expertly crafts a story that combines dark fantasy and crime-solving elements. Dorianne is a complex protagonist, grappling with her own inner demons—both literal and metaphorical—while striving to do good.
Enter Theo Slater...or technically breaking and enter. He breaks through her wards and into her home, determined to engage with her directly.
Her dynamic with Theo is compelling, providing a blend of tension, intrigue, and reluctant attraction. Theo's persistent interest in Dorianne, even after her demons nearly kill him, adds depth to his character and their relationship.
If you're looking for a read that delves into the darker side of magic and human nature, this book is a must-read.
However, if you can handle the dark themes, you'll find a story that intriguingly scratches a dark itch.
Murphey expertly crafts a story that combines dark fantasy and crime-solving elements. Dorianne is a complex protagonist, grappling with her own inner demons—both literal and metaphorical—while striving to do good.
Enter Theo Slater...or technically breaking and enter. He breaks through her wards and into her home, determined to engage with her directly.
Her dynamic with Theo is compelling, providing a blend of tension, intrigue, and reluctant attraction. Theo's persistent interest in Dorianne, even after her demons nearly kill him, adds depth to his character and their relationship.
If you're looking for a read that delves into the darker side of magic and human nature, this book is a must-read.
May 10, 2024
This novel offers a fascinating play on words of the classic Dorian Gray tale. I was thoroughly engrossed until the tea party scene.
The author excels in crafting a rich, immersive world and characters whose everyday lives are vividly portrayed and engaging. The initial chapters set a compelling stage; however, Chapter 12 marks the shocking departure from the established narrative. It seems very out of character of an introvert who has remained distant from others for over two centuries to just do that. This chapter feels out of place, almost as if an entire separate narrative could bridge the gap between Chapters 11 and 12.
Overall the book was great, and I would love to see a more in depth book about this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author excels in crafting a rich, immersive world and characters whose everyday lives are vividly portrayed and engaging. The initial chapters set a compelling stage; however, Chapter 12 marks the shocking departure from the established narrative. It seems very out of character of an introvert who has remained distant from others for over two centuries to just do that. This chapter feels out of place, almost as if an entire separate narrative could bridge the gap between Chapters 11 and 12.
Overall the book was great, and I would love to see a more in depth book about this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
Dorianne Grey is a fantasy romance with witches and other magic. The world building is done very well, and the plot was fantastic.
Dorianne is a witch who goes through a very traumatic event that changes her forever. She is from a powerful coven and is an extremely powerful witch. Dorianne lives a life of quiet solitude that she treasures. That is until she meats Theadore.
Theadore is part of a society that upholds laws on magic. He is working with his team to solve a murder when he meets Dorianne. She is mysterious and strange, and he finds that to be very intriguing.
There is one spicy scene in the book, but it is done well. If you’re looking for a fantasy, mystery, romance, this is perfect for you. I enjoyed every chapter!
Dorianne is a witch who goes through a very traumatic event that changes her forever. She is from a powerful coven and is an extremely powerful witch. Dorianne lives a life of quiet solitude that she treasures. That is until she meats Theadore.
Theadore is part of a society that upholds laws on magic. He is working with his team to solve a murder when he meets Dorianne. She is mysterious and strange, and he finds that to be very intriguing.
There is one spicy scene in the book, but it is done well. If you’re looking for a fantasy, mystery, romance, this is perfect for you. I enjoyed every chapter!
May 28, 2024
*ARC Review*
Dorianne is the star of the show and we don't get much of her :(
Theo annoys me, but I get it. He's almost Bruce Wayne without being a billionaire and therefore is a broody man, but his persistence and possessiveness were major red flags. Although, that probably isn't an issue for Dorianne because she's an all-powerful witch...
However, the overall plot points and the setting were fantastic - humans evolving into witches with different types of magic in a dystopian modern society - so fun! I do hope the characters get hashed out to match their world better.
Dorianne is the star of the show and we don't get much of her :(
Theo annoys me, but I get it. He's almost Bruce Wayne without being a billionaire and therefore is a broody man, but his persistence and possessiveness were major red flags. Although, that probably isn't an issue for Dorianne because she's an all-powerful witch...
However, the overall plot points and the setting were fantastic - humans evolving into witches with different types of magic in a dystopian modern society - so fun! I do hope the characters get hashed out to match their world better.
May 31, 2024
I always love a good dark and witchy read. The beginning of the book really piqued my interest. Then the book kind of lagged at times before picking up and then lagging again. Maybe it’s the length of the book, but I felt like I needed more backstory and some parts needed to be flushed out. The writing was ok. At times it was overly descriptive. I did appreciate the gory scenes. If gore bothers you, beware.
I do want to reread it because there is something magnetic about the book. Maybe the witchy vibes got to me lol
3.5/5 stars
I do want to reread it because there is something magnetic about the book. Maybe the witchy vibes got to me lol
3.5/5 stars
May 31, 2024
This was my first J. C. Murphey book and I received it courtesy of Booksirens.
I loved this book. What started off slow, ended with a bang! Dorianne Grey, former leader of a witch coven, was ostracized by her own sister. In a post apocalyptic world, where humans now have magic, Dorianne helps the SIA (basically the Feds) determine who the killers are behind cold cases. When Theo enters the picture, Dorianne becomes fascinated with him and he with her.
This book was filled with action, spice, witches, and shadow magic. Would definitely recommend!
I loved this book. What started off slow, ended with a bang! Dorianne Grey, former leader of a witch coven, was ostracized by her own sister. In a post apocalyptic world, where humans now have magic, Dorianne helps the SIA (basically the Feds) determine who the killers are behind cold cases. When Theo enters the picture, Dorianne becomes fascinated with him and he with her.
This book was filled with action, spice, witches, and shadow magic. Would definitely recommend!
October 24, 2025
The pacing - yikes! Once it got to “present day” it was pretty solid, but then, the reunion of D and Theo sent my mind spinning, in a disastrously kind of way.
May 31, 2024
Dark romantasy. A bit graphic in some parts so read the trigger warnings before jumping in. A great witchy read and an interesting take on the original. Well written and immersive. Great worldbuilding and great characters!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews