The Man Who Dealt in Death

The Colton Fen Series

by Marlena Frank

Deep beneath the desert town of Peridot, something evil lurks.

Werewolf detective Colton Fen is used to strange mysteries, but when he arrives in Peridot on his latest assignment, he’s less than pleased to be assigned a partner. Rennick Dalton is a blood-drinking, illusion-wielding card shark who doesn’t have the best reputation. The two unlikely partners will have to put aside their differences if they hope to stop the horrible acts taking place beneath the streets of Peridot.

Together with the help of sharp-shooting actress Mary Silva, they’ll track the demonic creature that slithers beneath the desert. But the demon is waiting for them. It wants to turn them into one of its many disturbing minions — or add them to its grotesque collection.

Step into a dangerous and fantastic world set in the old west of 1893, where supernatural creatures and unexplainables live alongside cowboys and gunslingers. THE MAN WHO DEALT IN DEATH is book one of the COLTON FEN series.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Marlena Frank is the author of young adult fantasy and horror novels, short stories, novellas, and book series. Many of her books have hit the bestseller charts, including her debut novel, Stolen. Her work has been praised by Readers’ Favorite with several books receiving five star reviews. Her stories have appeared in anthologies such as Emporium of Superstition, The Darkest Lullaby, Heroic Fantasy Quarterly, Georgia Gothic, and The Sirens Call ezine.

Although born in Tennessee, Marlena has spent most of her life in Georgia. She lives with her sister and two spoiled adopted cats. She is an active member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Horror Writers Association and an active member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. She is also an avid member of the Atlanta cosplay community.

She is also an INFJ, a tea drinker, and a wildlife enthusiast.

Reviews

[Candace Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and freaking addicting read! And one of my favorites by Marlena Frank! I say this about each book I read by her, but the keep getting better and better! A truly unique and wild paranormal ride! Loved it!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I recently heard a lot of good things about this author and decided to see for myself. I'm glad I did, because she is a great storyteller. "The Man Who Dealt in Death" is the first book in the paranormal series "The Colton Fen series." It's set in 1893 in the wild west town of Peridot, which is hiding a dangerous secret. The book is a unique blend of genres, and Marlena has done a fantastic job weaving them all together. The world she has created is fascinating. I enjoyed the three main characters and their adventures as they come together to stop the creature beneath the town. If you're a fan of paranormal stories with werewolves, demons, cowboys, sharp-shooting actresses, and a touch of horror, danger, adventure, and suspense, then this book is for you. If her other books are as good as this one, then count me in!

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! THIS BOOK!!
This was such a fun, adventurous, western, exciting, suspenseful, mystery filled with friends, growing romance and a fair amount of danger!!

Colton Fen is a character unlike any I’ve come across before, and I’m half in love with him!! A werewolf shifter dressed in his duster coat and Stetson hat, he is hired by the Agency for the Betterment of Supernatural Creatures to go out to the town of Peridot and find out why people are going missing. But the Agency insists he has a partner this time. Rennick, who is a half vampire/half human agent. After a bumpy start they begin working together. Things get pretty bad quickly. By the skin of their teeth they make it to town in really rough shape. That’s where they run into Mary, a human, who helps them. She is really something.

These three characters are easy to fall into, and I came to like them more and more as the story progresses. Colton is definitely my favorite. If you read the prequel NIGHT FEEDERS, you will get an introduction in to the kind of man Colton is. I recommend checking that short read out before this book is released. And let me say that whether you like thrillers, suspense, mystery, paranormal, adventure, westerns or a bit of a growing romance and growing friendships…YOU WILL LOVE THIS!! It has a bit of everything and is such a fun, hard to put down read, not unlike everything Frank writes, but I’m thinking this is definitely a favorite!!!

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one as the Colton Fen series. This book keeps you intrigued. It is a lot different than a lot of the other books so I have read. The characters are fun and relatable and the story keeps you intrigued. I like how searching for missing humans but what was that? I actually have not seen in any of the other stories or books that I have read. I look forward to reading more, vampire with investigators or detectives .

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

[Marlena Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer that I'm the author, so I'm a little biased.

This was such a fun world to create. These characters demanded to have their story told. I'm so happy that The Man Who Dealt in Death is now out in the world in all its horror adventure weird western genre-mashing glory. I can't wait to dive back in for the second book in this series!

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton Fen is an investigator for a government department and is sent on assignments, normally he works alone, which is unusual for a werewolf, but he has never really gotten on with others, however, this assignment will be different, he has to work with a partner, so when he goes to the small town of Peridot, his partner is not what he expected. As he arrives in the small dusty town, the first thing he notices is the bold and bright theater and next is the shanties surrounding it, it is such a blazing contrast that Colton wonders what else is hiding in the warren like streets, so as enters the theater to meet Rennick Dalton, his partner, who also happens to be the owner, all he sees as a first impression is a card shark who is surrounded by women and someone not easily scared.

This all changes when they go somewhere more private to discuss business, however, being attacked and thrown to the floor was not his plan, never mind being held there with barely enough air to say he is from the agency. Apparently, the letter to Rennick hasn't arrived and he has no idea that Colton was even on his way, but apologies are made and a fresh start made, this time with no violence included and more speaking, especially when outlining the investigation and what little information they have to go on, then they formulate a basic plan before retiring for the night.

The next day the dynamic duo head out to the only clue they have, but what they find along the way is just trouble, werewolves, corpses and an abandoned farm, but that isn't where the weirdness ends, the two get split up and Colton realises that now he has to find Rennick, continue the investigation and confront some things which make him extremely uncomfortable as he heads underground and into a darkness which seems thicker than normal. What Colton finds in this underground cavern is the smell of death and decay as well as a demon, so Colton knows that in order to stop it, he has to escape from this pit of despair and call in the reinforcements.

Turning to the only other person he has spoken to in the small town, he grudgingly accepts help from Mary Silva, a sharp shooting actress with sass, but will this unusual trio be able to get past their differences to stop the fiend who lives below Peridot and save the innocents above while also staying alive? This is a supernatural, historical western where the lines between good and evil are blurred in this past paced fantasy adventure.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marlena Frank’s The Man Who Dealt in Death is a dark, thrilling mix of supernatural horror and gritty Old West adventure. Set in the shadowy 1893 desert town of Peridot, the story introduces Colton Fen, a werewolf detective with a knack for handling strange cases, who is assigned a reluctant, questionable partner: Rennick Dalton, a blood-drinking card shark with illusionist tricks up his sleeve. Together, they form an unlikely duo tasked with investigating something monstrous lurking beneath Peridot’s dusty streets.

Frank’s world-building is magnetic, capturing both the charm and harshness of the Old West with a supernatural twist. Her Peridot is no ordinary western town; instead, it’s a place where werewolves, demons, and gunslingers coexist, yet danger looms everywhere. This atmospheric setting immerses readers in a world where grit and gothic horror blend seamlessly, making Peridot as eerie and enticing as the demon they’re hunting.

The dynamic between Colton and Rennick is compelling and sets the tone for the book. Frank does a wonderful job contrasting Colton’s straightforward, by-the-book personality with Rennick’s more roguish, morally flexible approach. Their partnership is reluctant but believable, as they slowly learn to trust each other’s instincts. Mary Silva, a fierce sharpshooter and actress, rounds out the team, bringing sharp wit and a fast draw that make her an invaluable ally. Together, they form a team that is as unconventional as it is capable, navigating each horrifying twist with grit and resourcefulness.

Frank also excels in creating a truly terrifying antagonist. The demon lurking beneath Peridot is more than a generic monster; it’s a creature with an agenda, manipulating its victims into grotesque minions in ways that heighten the horror. The stakes are high, and Frank doesn’t hold back, making the characters’ confrontation with the creature as terrifying as it is thrilling.

At its heart, The Man Who Dealt in Death captures the best of supernatural westerns, blending horror with action, humor, and a compelling cast of characters. With a fresh setting, rich atmosphere, and memorable characters, Frank has created a standout opening to the Colton Fen series, perfect for fans of supernatural horror, gritty westerns, and dark fantasy. This is a gripping start that leaves readers eager for the next adventure.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Man Who Dealt in Death is the first book in the Colton Fen series by Marlena Frank. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Frank, so I really didn’t know what I should expect from one of her stories, but to be honest I was hooked the moment I read ‘werewolf detective’. I couldn’t one-click the book quick enough, diving in the moment it landed on my Kindle.
This proved to be a cleverly woven paranormal mystery which is set in the ‘wild west’- melding several genres, flawlessly, into a captivating read. With supernatural elements, danger, dramatic developments, tension, intrigue, suspense, cowboys, gunslingers, vampires, werewolves, demons, action, adventure, investigation, politics, agendas, and more- made this a fantastic introduction to Ms. Frank’s work.
Colton Fen is a werewolf detective who is assigned a complex case to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of numerous humans in the small, western town of Peridot. He is used to working alone, but his new boss deems it necessary to assign him a partner, who turns out to be a vampire. Um, yeah- vampires and werewolves are natural enemies…. so you guessed it, things get off to a bit of an awkward start, and it’s not long before danger comes calling, as something evil has its own agenda.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Marlena Frank!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Colton Fen series. This is a really interesting and gripping paranormal read. This story is really cleverly woven with mystery and danger as well as paranormal beings.
Colton is a werewolf and Rennick Dalton is a vampire and both are enemies so what happens when they have to work together to solve the mystery of Peridot.
This story has so many elements, dangers ,paranormal, demons, wild west, mystery, suspense and intrigue that I was hooked from the beginning.
I also enjoyed how the author wrote a story where mortal enemies werewolf and Vampire have to put their differences aside and work together if they are going to be able to complete their assignment by the agency. Colton has always worked alone and doesn't really like the idea of a partner especially one of the vampire breed but after a rough meeting and introduction he realises that this case is going to need both their silks to be able to solve the mystery of disappearing people from Peridot.

I was really gripped by this story and I couldn't put it down. The author took me on a rollercoaster of a ride filled with twists and turns that I couldn't see coming. This was a very unique read and I can't wait to read more from The Colton Fen Series.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt in Death is the first book in th Colton Fen series. It is not the typical story that I have come to enjoy from this author. The characters, Colton Fen, Rennick, and Mary Silva are an interesting mix of supernaturals and human who come together to save a town from a very ominous being. There are a lot of personal lessons learned in the fight for the town, and an unwavering, albeit unlikely, partnership formed.

Where I struggled is with the storyline. It did not flow as seamlessly as I am accustomed to in Marlena Frank's writing. It was nice to see the mix of different cultures' mythology as the trio tried to figure out what they were up against. However, the storyline did drag. It took me two days to read a book I typically would have read in one. Also, there was no explanation about what happened to the second horse. That bothered me as even a vague explanation would have sufficed, especially when Tahoe made an appearance. The book is still worth reading as the premise of the Agency for the Betterment of Supernatural Creatures and the work that it does is interesting. I will read the next book in the series before I say that this is not the series for me.

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

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first venture into this author’s work, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover looked intriguing, so I took a shot and picked it up. It was absolutely marvelous! It is the first book in the Colten Fen series, and it really started off incredibly strong. I enjoy everything paranormal which made this werewolf detective story perfect for me! It felt like the author kept closer to the werewolf lore as well which gained quite the brownie points. The story flows flawlessly as the characters develop at a very natural pace. The setting is richly crafted as the author skillfully merges the eerie allure of the supernatural with the rugged reality of 1893. The descriptions are vivid, pulling readers into the strange world where the mundane collides with the magical in unsettling ways. The trio consist of Mary, Colten, and Rennick who complement each other well with their witty bantering and entertaining bickering. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a world that is both familiar and astonishingly new. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you pair a werewolf and a half human/half vampire together? Nothing like we read in Twilight, but we do get some cooperation. Colton Fen, werewolf detective, has been sent to the town of Peridot to see if he find out why people are disappearing at an alarming rate. He is partnered with Rennick Dalton, half human/half vampire, and they couldn't be more opposite. For the sake of Peridot though they put their differences aside in hopes to figure out who or what is causing so much chaos. Along the way they team up with local named Mary Silva, who just so happens to be human, and they form somewhat of a team to defeat the demon that is praying on the town. The entity they are after is ready for them though so they must be clever in how they go about capturing the creature. Will they be able to stop it or will they become one of it's minions? I enjoyed the world building and the characters. It was an easy read and the twists and turns, some expected and some not, will keep you turning the pages. I am looking forward to seeing what this author has in store for the second book in the series.

[Naomi Valkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my current recollection, this is the first book I’ve read by this author, so I went in with no expectations. Let me just tell you, I was sucked in from the beginning.

I loved that the werewolves in the story are closer to the actual werewolf lore, not just shifters. It’s rare to come across a book that follows more traditional lore with all the shifter/fated mates type stories that are out there. (Don’t get me wrong, I love a good shifter story, too).

In contrast to the more traditional werewolf, the vampire in the story had different vibes than you would expect. It took me a minute to adjust to the character. But all the characters were so well-written that you can’t help but appreciate them.

There’s a splash of romance that I hope develops a specific way as the series continues because the set up at the end of this book is perfect for it to go that direction. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Great story – suspense, action, danger, drama… it’s got everything to keep you turning the pages.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author, Marlena Frank. The cover is what pulled me in and when I saw that it was about a werewolf I was even more intrigued to give it a try. This is the gripping first book to the Colton Fen series that combines suspense, mystery, danger and budding romances with rich character development. The story follows Colton, a complex protagonist navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity and dark choices, and his new partner hybrid, Rennick Dalton. Frank's writing is intriguing, drawing readers into a haunting atmosphere that captures the essence of both the characters. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of tense suspense you love.The supporting characters also add depth, each bringing their own motivations and histories that enrich the narrative.The plot is intriguing, and keeps it engaging throughout. I can not wait to read more from this Colton Fen Series.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlena Frank is such an amazing author; she brings this book to life with her dynamic characters. I loved following along with the unlikely pairing of Colton and Rennick along with the fieriness of Mary. This book does a great job of bringing out a fantastic world full of fantasy and western gunslinging fun. Who would have thought that a loner werewolf, Colton, pair well with a bloodsucking card shark like Rennick, yet it takes the partners to need one another to survive the evil happenings in Peridot. This book will have you on the edge of your seat at the action-packed, thrill ride this book takes you on. I am so excited to continue the Colton Fen series and to see what new adventures await our werewolf detective, as well as what kind of trouble awaits around the corner.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2024

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt in Death is book 1 in the Colton Fen series by Marlena Frank. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I wasn't really sure what to expect going into it. I can honestly say, I loved this book. There's really a little bit of everything. Mystery, suspense, drama, paranormal, thriller, romance. In this book we meet Colton Fen, a werewolf detective who is put onto a case to investigate why people are going missing. Unfortunately for Colton, his new boss makes him go with a partner, Rinnick Dalton, who is half human and half vampire. We all know how well werewolves and vampires get along, am I right? After a not so smooth start, they make it to the town of Peridot where they meet the human Mary and begin investigating why people have gone missing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't wait for the next in the series!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt in Death (The Colton Fen Series) by Marlena Frank. This is the first book I believe I've read by this author but will not be my last. I really enjoyed it. It's the story of Colten who is a werewolf shifter dressed like a cowboy and he's been hired by the Agency of Betterment of Supernatural Creatures. He's ready to start to work but they insist he has a partner and he is totally against that. Rennick is half human, half vampire and after a rough start they begin to work together. They are sent out to investigate a missing persons and along the way they meet Mary. Mary is a very independent lady who decides to join in on the investigation. This book sucked me in and I totally lost track of time while reading. I can't wait for the next book to read more about these incredible characters!

[Ella Gleason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Man who dealt in death by Marlena Frank. This is the first book in the Colten Fen series. This book is a roller coaster and that’s an under statement. There are two very prominent main characters Colton and Rennick. We are introduced to the duo when Colton and Rennick are out on an assignment together. The pair are sent out to investigate a disappearance. This story is action packed and has a lot of amazing detailed fight scenes. We are also introduced to Mary who is a strong willed, independent woman, who can very much hold her own. Mary begins in on the investigation as well and is a great addition to the story. I would absolutely recommend this book again and again. Beautiful details and cohesive ideas.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton Fen is a werewolf detective that is tasked with the disappearance of people in the small desert town of Peridot. What he didn't know was that his assigned partner, Rennick Dalton, is a vampire. Will these two unlikely partners be able to work together to take down the evil that is waiting for them?

I highly enjoyed this first book in the series. It was set back in the Old West time period full of cowboys and some unlawfulness. Colt and Ren are both fantastic man characters that have great development with one another. Colton's backstory of how he became a werewolf is fully explained. I cannot wait for the next book in the series 'The Woman Who Sang to Monsters'.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt in Death (The Colton Fen Series) by Marlena Frank - Review by Britney Humphreys

5 stars

This book. This book surprised me in the best way. Westerns are NOT my favorite genre…whether it’s movies or books-they typically move slow and are boring to me. Not this one, though. This book grabbed me at the beginning and the intrigue just kept building. The tension underground-I felt the claustrophobia right along with Colton. Maybe because this mixed vampires, werewolves, demons, and a whole host of other creatures? I’m definitely interested to read more about Colton and Rennick’s adventures!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I was expecting it to be quite a dark and intense fantasy story. And yet, what I got was much more entertaining and really pulled me in right from the word go. The characters are what this book is all about. The dynamic between the three of them was brilliant, but I also connected with each of them individually.
The story is jam packed full of intrigue, adventure and fantastic writing! It really did take me by surprise in the best possible way, which for me is worth 5 stars! I would highly recommend this book.

[Crystal Brehant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems to have so much wrapped into one story. You've got suspense, westerns, romance, mystery, paranormal and so much more. It has a little bit of intrigue for everyone. Colton, the main character, is such a likeable character. He is quite easy to love. The book keeps you entertained the whole way through. I don't think I have read any books by this author before. I enjoyed this book enough to look out for future books!

[Felicia Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt in Death kicks it back to "Wild-West" vibes, trains and horses and no modern technology! A werewolf, a half-vampire, and a human coming together to save an unsuspecting small town from something sinister.

A half-vampire that can create illusions so real, they even bleed! Rennick has been on "leave" from the agency for a year and under attack from a local werewolf pack and mistakes his new partner for one of them and almost ends him before finding out.

[Cindy Rushin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting. I really like books about werewolves and vampires so when I picked it out I felt it was going to be something I would enjoy and I was right. The story had some twists and turns that I found interesting and I really enjoyed the characters. The author created a vibrant world and characters that draw you into the story. I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Susan Ratchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I absolutely adored this rabbit hole of a book and I can’t wait for the rest of the series. I can’t believe how wonderfully werewolves and vampires fit into the old west! The Man Who Dealt In Death by Marlena Frank was such an amazingly fun and refreshing book to read! Colton Fen and Rennick Dalton are such a unique and unlikely detective duo who play off each other so well! Truly one of my favorite reads this year! I hope there are a hundred more books in this series!

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you on a wild adventure. I loved who it was both intriguing and also very engaging. I was riveted right from the start. What an awesome story. I love the supe stories and this a new twist for me. The characters were fascinating and relatable. It was a totally entertaining story. I would love to see some more.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Dealt In Death by Marlena Frank is book one in The Colton Fen series. I absolutely adored the unique genres Marlena entwined within this book. This isnt my usual read, its very different and it really stand outs. Exciting and suspenseful, this read will keep you turning pages! I loved this first experience with this author, and can't wait to see more from Marlena!

[R.J. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my Kindle for a while, so glad I found the time to read it. Marlena Frank is exceptionally skilled at creating a believable world that is remarkably similar to ours, yet creepily different. This one takes us back to an Old West alive with werewolves and vampires. It is smartly plotted with memorable characters that make it a fun ride! I loved it!

[Terri McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story that kept me reading to the end. With a vampire and a werewolf paired to work together to solve an even deadlier case of evil. A paranormal story without a lot of romance, I have not read anything like this before, but recommend it for the intrigue.

[Heather Harmon *Wilcox* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read this author, but wow, what a good read! It had me turning the pages. If you are looking for a series that will draw you in and keep a hold of you, look no further.
I look forward to reading more from this author.