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The Portlock Paranormal Detective #2
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren
Sex, drugs and siren songs.
Ok, so not much sex is going on. The closest I’ve gotten to some action is a date with Stan which ended in disaster. But with all the eye-candy walking around this small town, including the sexy vampire leader, Connor, I’m definitely re-thinking my ‘no dating’ rule. I don’t get the chance to do much about it though because some ruffians think it’s funny to break into the Grimes’ moonshine shop.
It doesn’t take too long to identify the shifters responsible, but it opens up a whole can of worms. Inebriated worms, like the ones you find in tequila. The kids weren’t just drunk, they were high. High on a new kind of drug that’s washing into Portlock. Literally. We found bags of the stuff floating in the harbour and it quickly becomes clear that this drug is anything but recreational. It can make you high, or it can shut down your organs quicker than you can say ‘shotgun funeral’.
We need to find the dealers and shut them down, before any more of our town gets hoodwinked by this powerful stuff.
Oh, and there’s a small problem with the barrier. The barrier that keeps us all safe from the cryptid monster that lurks beyond its confines. That barrier. Rips have been appearing in it, and if it falls, we’re all doomed.
An average day in Portlock then.
Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family and a slow-burn romance.
Don't miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee>/i>
Ok, so not much sex is going on. The closest I’ve gotten to some action is a date with Stan which ended in disaster. But with all the eye-candy walking around this small town, including the sexy vampire leader, Connor, I’m definitely re-thinking my ‘no dating’ rule. I don’t get the chance to do much about it though because some ruffians think it’s funny to break into the Grimes’ moonshine shop.
It doesn’t take too long to identify the shifters responsible, but it opens up a whole can of worms. Inebriated worms, like the ones you find in tequila. The kids weren’t just drunk, they were high. High on a new kind of drug that’s washing into Portlock. Literally. We found bags of the stuff floating in the harbour and it quickly becomes clear that this drug is anything but recreational. It can make you high, or it can shut down your organs quicker than you can say ‘shotgun funeral’.
We need to find the dealers and shut them down, before any more of our town gets hoodwinked by this powerful stuff.
Oh, and there’s a small problem with the barrier. The barrier that keeps us all safe from the cryptid monster that lurks beyond its confines. That barrier. Rips have been appearing in it, and if it falls, we’re all doomed.
An average day in Portlock then.
Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family and a slow-burn romance.
Don't miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee>/i>
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2024
1722 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
March 27, 2024
“I finally loved my life. Whether it was undead, or not.” Bunny
What a ride! So far this one is my favorite in the series. The amount of tension and mystery is just right for me. I’ve been on an urban fantasy and paranormal romance kick for a while but this book makes me want to get back to my first book love…mystery thrillers. The story arc, with its crime of the week feel, is satisfying and I don’t immediately figure out the culprit but the clues are there.
The series arc is satisfying too. We see progress on the slow burn romance front but it’s really Bunny’s growth as an officer in the Nomo’s office and as a person (or should that be as a supernat). We still don’t get an answer about what makes her special or why she was even turned in the first place. However, we do see her discover things about herself. I can’t wait to see how her special skills develop. We also don’t know about the entity outside the barrier but we get a glimpse of it. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Needless to say there is a cliffhanger but luckily this team of writers works fast. If you haven’t started this series I do recommend you start with the prequel. It would be less enjoyable without that background knowledge.
April 20, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, and am looking forward to more in the series. I do wish there were more progression in both the relationship area and in learning about Bunnie’s powers etc. Those areas are completely stalled…still, and really need some depth and understanding going forward. The rest is just pure UF, mystery fun!
June 14, 2024
*3.5*
If I'm being honest, I'm over-rating these books a little. I like the stories, but I'm honestly not a huge fan of the FMC (Bunny). And I'm a little surprised at how little the overall plot has moved forward - we still don't know anything about why she was turned, much less who did it, and why she's unique.
If I'm being honest, I'm over-rating these books a little. I like the stories, but I'm honestly not a huge fan of the FMC (Bunny). And I'm a little surprised at how little the overall plot has moved forward - we still don't know anything about why she was turned, much less who did it, and why she's unique.
April 20, 2024
The second book is out! The second book is out!! (At least in audiobook!) Our FMC vampire gets to go out on her own, and to say I was excited is an understatement! I enjoyed the story line, learned more about Bunny and the Secrets she holds! Loved this book, and I can wait for more!
July 3, 2025
And right after the prequel and book one, I jumped straight into the next adventure of my favorite Portlock Paranormal Detective. What can I say? I was on a roll. Another 450 pages—gone in a day!
That said, I have to admit I enjoyed this one just a bit less. Maybe I overdid it? After three books in a row, some descriptions and phrases started to feel a little repetitive. So I’ve decided it’s time for a short break.
(Not a long break, of course. Let’s not get dramatic. 😄)
Rating: Still a solid 4 stars. This series continues to be comfort food for my urban fantasy cravings.
That said, I have to admit I enjoyed this one just a bit less. Maybe I overdid it? After three books in a row, some descriptions and phrases started to feel a little repetitive. So I’ve decided it’s time for a short break.
(Not a long break, of course. Let’s not get dramatic. 😄)
Rating: Still a solid 4 stars. This series continues to be comfort food for my urban fantasy cravings.
April 13, 2024
A Fishy Affair
The Vampire and the Secretive Siren (Bunny 2): The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series, is even juicier than the first book. Elizabeth Octavia Barrington, aka Bunny, has become such a an integral part of the Nomo’s office that Gunnar gives her her very own detective shield.
Portlock needs new crime fighters as there has been a rash of incidents needing intervention. Lenny and Larry Grimes’ Moonshine shop is broken into for the first time. Evidence at the scene points to three young werewolf shifters who show up on the owner's antiquated security system.
All hell breaks loose when Gunnar and Bunny begin investigating. The werewolf shifters boys are using a new drug called Fisheye, a magical drug of small, pink pebbles that are cold to the touch, only it's touch is deadly to some people. Gunnar is rushed to the hospital, barely breathing.
The search is on to find the person(s) responsible for bringingll in this deadly drug. The Siren clan is high on the list because a stash is found underwater in an island cave. Rumours abound and townspeople are getting violent. Will Gunnar survive? Will Portlock find the source of the deadly drugs?
The ending is a shocker, the very survival of Portlock is at stake. Jilleen Dolbeare and Heather Harris have outdone themselves in the second book of the Portlock Paranormal Detective Series. You'll love this book.
The Vampire and the Secretive Siren (Bunny 2): The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series, is even juicier than the first book. Elizabeth Octavia Barrington, aka Bunny, has become such a an integral part of the Nomo’s office that Gunnar gives her her very own detective shield.
Portlock needs new crime fighters as there has been a rash of incidents needing intervention. Lenny and Larry Grimes’ Moonshine shop is broken into for the first time. Evidence at the scene points to three young werewolf shifters who show up on the owner's antiquated security system.
All hell breaks loose when Gunnar and Bunny begin investigating. The werewolf shifters boys are using a new drug called Fisheye, a magical drug of small, pink pebbles that are cold to the touch, only it's touch is deadly to some people. Gunnar is rushed to the hospital, barely breathing.
The search is on to find the person(s) responsible for bringingll in this deadly drug. The Siren clan is high on the list because a stash is found underwater in an island cave. Rumours abound and townspeople are getting violent. Will Gunnar survive? Will Portlock find the source of the deadly drugs?
The ending is a shocker, the very survival of Portlock is at stake. Jilleen Dolbeare and Heather Harris have outdone themselves in the second book of the Portlock Paranormal Detective Series. You'll love this book.
April 10, 2024
I love this series! It’s a series that you can pick up and read over and over again!! The characters and world-building is off the charts! Bunny is settling into her new Alaskan life and thriving as an officer with the Nomo’s office! This story is just so much fun, with twists and turns galore. There is a lot going down in Portlock in the latest installment. Drugs, shadow beasts, murder, and a “whodunnit” that I did not see coming!! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
July 28, 2025
Another quick and fun read in this series. I predicted these would be like eating popcorn or chips -- and it so.
Bunny is learning more about police work. And through Bunny (who is a tried and true literary staple as the character who is the stand in for the audience in some ways) we are learning more about the supernatural world. We learn more about the different characters in town. They are still pretty cool and awesome and the town is still quirky.
A character I rather liked turned out to be a bit of a bastard.
The writer gets teenagers right.
The humor is still in fine form. Bunny sets up a hot line for tips through the newspaper and the nickname the newspaper gives her (and the town runs with it) is pretty funny.
On to the next one..
Bunny is learning more about police work. And through Bunny (who is a tried and true literary staple as the character who is the stand in for the audience in some ways) we are learning more about the supernatural world. We learn more about the different characters in town. They are still pretty cool and awesome and the town is still quirky.
A character I rather liked turned out to be a bit of a bastard.
The writer gets teenagers right.
The humor is still in fine form. Bunny sets up a hot line for tips through the newspaper and the nickname the newspaper gives her (and the town runs with it) is pretty funny.
On to the next one..
April 13, 2024
3.5!! a very good series BUT
The plot did not move on from the first book. None of the big questions are answered, no new information about the FMC, romance hasn’t been settled…I honestly am left confused what the point of this book was in the series.
Still it was very fun to read and I’m eagerly looking forward to the answers! What is Bunny for example? The beast? What is the spark btw bunny and Connor?
The plot did not move on from the first book. None of the big questions are answered, no new information about the FMC, romance hasn’t been settled…I honestly am left confused what the point of this book was in the series.
Still it was very fun to read and I’m eagerly looking forward to the answers! What is Bunny for example? The beast? What is the spark btw bunny and Connor?
April 15, 2024
Loved it.
I picked up the first book in the series about a month ago and enjoyed it immensely. Love Bunny, and how she deals with her current situation as a ‘vampire in a strange land’. Fluffy is adorable, and I’m enjoying her interactions with the other characters. Enjoyed this investigation, and especially the information revealed at the end that just might explain why she was targeted. Can’t wait to read the next book.
I picked up the first book in the series about a month ago and enjoyed it immensely. Love Bunny, and how she deals with her current situation as a ‘vampire in a strange land’. Fluffy is adorable, and I’m enjoying her interactions with the other characters. Enjoyed this investigation, and especially the information revealed at the end that just might explain why she was targeted. Can’t wait to read the next book.
April 2, 2024
I really love how Bunny is coming into her own the longer she's in Portlock. Not only is she making friends, but her job is becoming her career, and she's developing the necessary skills to solve the town's mysteries. This book kept me guessing throughout, and I can't wait to find out what awaits Bunny in the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2024
Listened October 4, 2024.
Audiobook narrated by
Alyse Gibbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kindle.
Entertaining!
I love this series and will definitely continue reading.
I'll have to admit that Jinx is still my favourite character from Harris, but Bunny is fighting her way up there, too.
Audiobook narrated by
Alyse Gibbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kindle.
Entertaining!
I love this series and will definitely continue reading.
I'll have to admit that Jinx is still my favourite character from Harris, but Bunny is fighting her way up there, too.
May 2, 2024
The best of both authors just keeps getting better
I love how you can see by the second or third story when an author has gotten in the groove and is listening to their characters tell the story. It’s so true for this series, and I’m here for it! If you loved book 1, I guarantee you’ll love this book as well. If you haven’t read book 1 yet, what the heck are you waiting for?
Our favorite duo is back! Which duo? Bunny and Gunnar? Well, yes, they’re in this, but not our favorite. The Connor and Stan frenemy bromance? Again, present but not our number one faves. No, silly, the favorite duo I’m talking about is Bunny and Fluffy, the most fearsome buddy cops in the entire genre!
And Portlock has a supernatural drug problem, so it’s gonna take all of Bunny and Fluffy’s detective powers to figure out how to solve it. At the same time, because Bunny never does anything halfway, she’s dealing with her strange new power, someone’s trying to bring the barrier down, a young witness goes missing, and her mom decides she’s going to visit Bunny in Alaska.
Poor Bunny. There’s never any rest for the wicked.
Also, if you liked book 1 of this series, once you read this book, you should check into Jilleen Dolbeare’s Shadow Winged series. You’ll see how she makes Alaska one of the main characters in that story, and how she brings that same energy to this series.
I love how you can see by the second or third story when an author has gotten in the groove and is listening to their characters tell the story. It’s so true for this series, and I’m here for it! If you loved book 1, I guarantee you’ll love this book as well. If you haven’t read book 1 yet, what the heck are you waiting for?
Our favorite duo is back! Which duo? Bunny and Gunnar? Well, yes, they’re in this, but not our favorite. The Connor and Stan frenemy bromance? Again, present but not our number one faves. No, silly, the favorite duo I’m talking about is Bunny and Fluffy, the most fearsome buddy cops in the entire genre!
And Portlock has a supernatural drug problem, so it’s gonna take all of Bunny and Fluffy’s detective powers to figure out how to solve it. At the same time, because Bunny never does anything halfway, she’s dealing with her strange new power, someone’s trying to bring the barrier down, a young witness goes missing, and her mom decides she’s going to visit Bunny in Alaska.
Poor Bunny. There’s never any rest for the wicked.
Also, if you liked book 1 of this series, once you read this book, you should check into Jilleen Dolbeare’s Shadow Winged series. You’ll see how she makes Alaska one of the main characters in that story, and how she brings that same energy to this series.
September 8, 2025
Bunny gives you a really good perspective being a newly made vampire.
Bunny has only been a vampire for two months so she knows absolutely nothing about how to exist as one.........apart that is from what she's seen in films and read in books. So, in order to escape from her maker and his father who expected her to be their servant for one hundred years,Bunny has ran as far from England as she can. Alaska is her new home, working for the Portluck police department along with the Nomo sheriff Gunner and receptionist Sydnee. Bunny is surprised by how well she fits into her new home which is.made up.entirely of supernaturals with the odd human resident. Crime is not much of a problem in Portluck the supernatural groups tend to handle their own disciplinary problems. That is until Bunny turns up her arrival is not responsible for the outbreak of crime in Portluck and Gunner is grateful she is here to help. This story sees a designer drug being introduced into the town targeting the shifter teens and it causes dangerous side effects so Gunner and Buddy need to find and stop the distributors as quickly as possible...............
Bunny has only been a vampire for two months so she knows absolutely nothing about how to exist as one.........apart that is from what she's seen in films and read in books. So, in order to escape from her maker and his father who expected her to be their servant for one hundred years,Bunny has ran as far from England as she can. Alaska is her new home, working for the Portluck police department along with the Nomo sheriff Gunner and receptionist Sydnee. Bunny is surprised by how well she fits into her new home which is.made up.entirely of supernaturals with the odd human resident. Crime is not much of a problem in Portluck the supernatural groups tend to handle their own disciplinary problems. That is until Bunny turns up her arrival is not responsible for the outbreak of crime in Portluck and Gunner is grateful she is here to help. This story sees a designer drug being introduced into the town targeting the shifter teens and it causes dangerous side effects so Gunner and Buddy need to find and stop the distributors as quickly as possible...............
April 25, 2024
Book 1 grabbed my attention, book 2 hooked me thoroughly and got me out of my blues as the humor woven in had me in laughing fits. There's a lot of growth in The Fanged Floppy aka Bunny, the previously naive rich city girl from London, character. Oblivious to the protocol in supernat world she asks questions that raise eyebrows and tempers, does not act like other vamps, but I find her hilarious. Can't wait to see where or rather when the zing between her and Connor will spark. In between the laughs there's action and death to keep the flow going with the interesting mix of supernats. Just love this writing style.
August 1, 2024
This is another series that gets better by the book.
This time Bunny has to look into a drug that makes shifters changes unreliable and is deadly to other supernatural beings. To make matters worse the barrier that protects the town is in trouble, failing in some areas.
Aided by her boss Gunner, her faithful German Shepherd Fluffy and current love interest (albeit a slow romantic attraction), Bunny is in the thick of things again.
There are multiple new aspects to the town and more growth in Bunny’s attitudes.
A very enjoyable, quick read, paranormal cozy (but violent at times) mystery romance with some action and some laughs.
I’m really enjoying this series.
This time Bunny has to look into a drug that makes shifters changes unreliable and is deadly to other supernatural beings. To make matters worse the barrier that protects the town is in trouble, failing in some areas.
Aided by her boss Gunner, her faithful German Shepherd Fluffy and current love interest (albeit a slow romantic attraction), Bunny is in the thick of things again.
There are multiple new aspects to the town and more growth in Bunny’s attitudes.
A very enjoyable, quick read, paranormal cozy (but violent at times) mystery romance with some action and some laughs.
I’m really enjoying this series.
April 19, 2024
Great series
Just finished book 2 and am anxiously awaiting the next book at the end of May would really love to give this series 10 stars 🌟 and yes I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES
Just finished book 2 and am anxiously awaiting the next book at the end of May would really love to give this series 10 stars 🌟 and yes I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES
June 15, 2025
Fun
Bunny is sweet funny and coming into her own as a deputy in a supernatural town in Alaska. Mysteries keep landing in her lap and she jumps in to figure them out.
Bunny is sweet funny and coming into her own as a deputy in a supernatural town in Alaska. Mysteries keep landing in her lap and she jumps in to figure them out.
October 23, 2024
Love this series
It's funny, fast paced, and unputdownable. The characters are so well developed I feel like I know them. Bunny Isa kick butt heroine. can't wait for more.
It's funny, fast paced, and unputdownable. The characters are so well developed I feel like I know them. Bunny Isa kick butt heroine. can't wait for more.
April 26, 2024
In short, I'm really enjoying this series. I'm still waiting for the final punchline on a few names (because...damn) but I love the way Bunny is growing into her new iteration and becoming more confidence. (No idea what her thing about false lashes is about but then we all have our quirks.)
The world building is also really cool. It's a different scene to the usual cityscape urban fantasy being set in Alaska in a town that quite literally has it's own rules. The authors have done a good job thinking out a plausible society which is still very relatable whilst also being supernatural.
I'm going to skip over romantic rumblings because 9 times out of 10, the romantic subplot doesn't affect me either way but I see other reviewers are rooting for this slow burn to come to a boil, so clearly it's landing well. I do love the friendships here, though and the mystery is always fun (well based on the last three books).
Overall this is the perfect blend of sweet warmth and gritty action. A must read for UF fans everywhere.
The world building is also really cool. It's a different scene to the usual cityscape urban fantasy being set in Alaska in a town that quite literally has it's own rules. The authors have done a good job thinking out a plausible society which is still very relatable whilst also being supernatural.
I'm going to skip over romantic rumblings because 9 times out of 10, the romantic subplot doesn't affect me either way but I see other reviewers are rooting for this slow burn to come to a boil, so clearly it's landing well. I do love the friendships here, though and the mystery is always fun (well based on the last three books).
Overall this is the perfect blend of sweet warmth and gritty action. A must read for UF fans everywhere.
June 5, 2024
Definitely Not an Improvement Over Book One.
This book picked up right where the first book left off and Bunny is faced with solving another mystery. That aspect of the story was actually interesting until the authors decided to go with the (Spoiler ahead) overused “Secret Government Agency conducting dangerous and unethical experiments on supernaturals” angle. This particular plot point has been used in this genre ad nauseam. It is old. It is dull. It is uninspired. There was also very little character development and absolutely no romance. Forget slow burn, there was not even a hint of smoke between Bunny and Connor. Add in numerous editorial errors including problems with continuity and we are left with a rather boring, unimaginative book.
This book picked up right where the first book left off and Bunny is faced with solving another mystery. That aspect of the story was actually interesting until the authors decided to go with the (Spoiler ahead) overused “Secret Government Agency conducting dangerous and unethical experiments on supernaturals” angle. This particular plot point has been used in this genre ad nauseam. It is old. It is dull. It is uninspired. There was also very little character development and absolutely no romance. Forget slow burn, there was not even a hint of smoke between Bunny and Connor. Add in numerous editorial errors including problems with continuity and we are left with a rather boring, unimaginative book.
April 14, 2024
Loved it. The town of Portlock drew me in in the previous book and I enjoyed learning more about its varied residents. Bunny is coming into her own and discovering hidden depths - I would like this series to run for a long time! Plus - I want to know more about Fluffy, Gunnar, the water dragon, the moonshiners, what lies beyond the barrier - all of it!!
March 29, 2024
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC copy & as always Heather and Jill bring the goods with the mystery and slow burn romance, but now I'm waiting patiently the Vampire and the Baleful Banshee. Dying to find out if they find Chris and see if he is worthy of redemption. Also can't wait to see more of the romance brewing between Bunny and Connor & see where and what other powers Bunny has found accidentally and that ending omg I need to know what's next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book - it delivers another great mystery with plenty of hints for future installments! Fluffy remains an adorable canine companion, and Connor is dropping hints that he might become an endearing companion as well! 😂 Overall, it’s a delightful and easy read!
April 4, 2024
This book was the most intense one in the series for me, catapulting me into a world I didn't want to relinquish! An emergency call out to a break in sets off a chain of events that even Bunny couldn't have anticipated! Here she was, bemoaning the fact that she needed something to really sink her teeth into (yeah, pun intended..)after a spell of boring mundane police work, and this was definitely a case of 'be careful what you wish for!' What initially looked like some rebellious teens wanting to get drunk and stealing some moonshine, quickly turned into a life and death situation. For real.... no one was safe with fisheye taking hold in Portlock, Gunner and Bunny's investigation takes a turn, so dramatic that my heart dropped! It was a very loud NOOOOOO! And that wasn't the only nooooooo, in one of them I cried, I shed genuine tears....And it gets more and more dramatically tense from here.... with the most brilliant array of characters, I was enveloped in the warm bosom of this tale, carried safely through all the pulse bursting moments, in the tender arms of these spectacular authors!
Bunny is one of my all time favourite characters, her growth throughout the series is heartening, her progress in EVERYTHING is a joy to observe. I know I have amassed quite a few but she's unique in every way. A Vampire who didn't want to be a vamp, a vamp who gags whenever she has take her sustenance, a vamp who has no control over WHEN her fangs come out, a vamp who's had her entire life turned topsy turvy who's assimilating in a new town, on a whole new to her continent, a vamp who's powers of deduction are really impressive AND a vamp who's more than just a vamp....so yeah, LOVE her! Oh and she has Fluffy to add to the mix, the coolest most protective dog, who I just can't shrug off the feeling that he's MORE too! It's so great to see how well Bunny is adjusting to her new life, love interests and all! Her new found 'family' surpasses her biological family in caring and protecting, notably Gunnar and Sigrid and Sidnee. And, of course Connor....The relationships she's forged with Gunnar and Sidnee are warm and real, gotta love both of them. I too adore Stan, Bunny sure has her work cut out for her, so much to try solve, like, WHAT is that substance, WHO the perpetrator is, WHY her parents want to see her, WHO and WHY was she turned. Yep, a whole lot on her plate! I love her methodical reasoning, her taking up the torch no matter how afraid she is, and let me tell you, she DID have cause to be afraid! But she's tough, she overcomes everything that's thrust into her path, although, there were some obstacles she faced that my jaw dropped from the twists, looking at YOU Chris.... she was challenged to the extreme that I was sitting on the edge of my seat!
With so much happening, with all the mindboggling crises, my nerves were stretched taut! My emotions went into overdrive, my breath came out ragged and my joy threatened to overwhelm me! Yeah , to see WHAT I mean, you really REALLY should read this series! This is one of those books that holds you firmly in it's grasp, not allowing your breathing to fully regulate before the next dramatic event assaults your senses, ALL of them! A fast paced and exceptionally captivating story that had me reeling in some places, events I COULDN'T believe were happening, but good golly, THEY WERE! These two authors are amongst my favourite of all time and TOGETHER, as a team, hands down my favourite collaboration. They capture and present a tale with such precision, such panache, drawing one into the likeability of the AWESOME characters, all of whom are stand outs. The attention to detail, the fast tracking plot, the outstanding storytelling, just leaves me drooling for more! And talking about drooling...well... Connor is THE most drool worthy character! I do try contain my....ummm... enthusiasm for him but I fail dismally! With each read these talented authors grace me with, they turn up the dial, they set my heart pounding, they evoke smiles from me, they have me squarely in the palms of their hands. Heck, they can do with me what they please, I'm 100% on board with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they produce! Mystery, betrayal, gooey romantic overtures that I wanted to dip my fingers into, characters to die for, not literally..., and action galore, THAT is the norm Ms Harris and Ms Dolbeare product, as the song says, 'time after time'!!!!
November 28, 2024
I liked this just slightly better than the first book, but only because I know the characters better now? I’m not entirely sure that’s it, but it was entertaining. I still wish we had more world building and understood the barrier a bit more. Did I miss how Bunny got through it upon her arrival?
I already thought the dancing around what the other characters supernatural alter ego was not fully working for me. I get you don’t want to have everyone know all of your secrets, but even the Nomo doesn’t know? It’s rather confusing why the type of supernatural one is has to be hidden I get hiding what their abilities are, but you’re starting an investigation and you have huge pieces of information about a suspect and victim missing and it’s impolite to ask. Especially in this scenario where you have a drug being distributed that can have fatal outcomes, or take down one of the seemingly strongest amongst them, a supposed demigod. That certainly doesn’t behoove any of them to hid their otherness when your otherness could kill you or others if they don’t figure out the drug is more lethal to one supernatural group than the other.
The love triangle with Stan, Bunny and Connor came to a conclusion quickly which I appreciated since I wasn’t too cracked up about Bunny giving a pushy Stan a date. I wish she would have been more forthright with him before the date. I realize she tried to tell him she wasn’t ready to date but then we’re told he kept coming around to bring her chai lattes and she started to feel like he was a friend. That’s great, but you don’t owe him a date. Even if that may be the only way to get him to stop coming after you is for him to see that even a date won’t make her like Stan! Anyway, my point in blathering on about this is that I didn’t like how the authors did this. Women do NOT need to placate a man and go out on a date, no is a complete sentence. Stan’s delicate disposition and unwillingness to take no for an answer is not Bunny’s responsibility. If he’s not taking no for an answer when you turn down a date, what makes he’ll take no for an answer during the date or expect some sort of reciprocal ’gift’ once the date concludes? We didn’t need Stan’s shenanigans introduced to us to illustrate or accentuate Connor’s opposing approach to trying to date Bunny. There was already a character in Franklin the bastard who turned her against her will. Use that piece of trash as the litmus test.
Which leads me to another reason why I would like to understand this world or magic system because people are reproducing kids, so can they reproduce with other supernaturals? How does that affect the child’s abilities?
I already thought the dancing around what the other characters supernatural alter ego was not fully working for me. I get you don’t want to have everyone know all of your secrets, but even the Nomo doesn’t know? It’s rather confusing why the type of supernatural one is has to be hidden I get hiding what their abilities are, but you’re starting an investigation and you have huge pieces of information about a suspect and victim missing and it’s impolite to ask. Especially in this scenario where you have a drug being distributed that can have fatal outcomes, or take down one of the seemingly strongest amongst them, a supposed demigod. That certainly doesn’t behoove any of them to hid their otherness when your otherness could kill you or others if they don’t figure out the drug is more lethal to one supernatural group than the other.
The love triangle with Stan, Bunny and Connor came to a conclusion quickly which I appreciated since I wasn’t too cracked up about Bunny giving a pushy Stan a date. I wish she would have been more forthright with him before the date. I realize she tried to tell him she wasn’t ready to date but then we’re told he kept coming around to bring her chai lattes and she started to feel like he was a friend. That’s great, but you don’t owe him a date. Even if that may be the only way to get him to stop coming after you is for him to see that even a date won’t make her like Stan! Anyway, my point in blathering on about this is that I didn’t like how the authors did this. Women do NOT need to placate a man and go out on a date, no is a complete sentence. Stan’s delicate disposition and unwillingness to take no for an answer is not Bunny’s responsibility. If he’s not taking no for an answer when you turn down a date, what makes he’ll take no for an answer during the date or expect some sort of reciprocal ’gift’ once the date concludes? We didn’t need Stan’s shenanigans introduced to us to illustrate or accentuate Connor’s opposing approach to trying to date Bunny. There was already a character in Franklin the bastard who turned her against her will. Use that piece of trash as the litmus test.
Which leads me to another reason why I would like to understand this world or magic system because people are reproducing kids, so can they reproduce with other supernaturals? How does that affect the child’s abilities?
March 27, 2024
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily please note there may be spoilers!
Bunny has a new home after her previous one burnt down due to her unexpected new ability. She and her dog Fluffy are thriving in the supernatural town of Portlock and her night starts off investigating a break in at a trading post but finishes with Gunner offering to make Bunny an official investigator.
Bunny’s high is lowered slightly the next night when the Vampire leader informs her that he has heard some news about her turning from England, what sends her into panic mode is that her mother wants her to get in touch! Luckily for Bunny she’s able to ignore that problem when she gets to work.
What starts out as teenage hi-jinx’s develops into something more serious when Gunnar and Bunny get called out to something floating in North Harbour, which turns out to be a drug capable of putting Gunnar in the hospital and leaves Bunny juggling the investigation, dealing with the uncooperative teens, warning the townsfolk about the drug and it’s devastating effect on some of Portlock's residents if they come into skin contact with it all while manning the office in Gunnar’s absence.
It’s not long before the boss is back however and they get back to work still trying to solve the case but they still have their job to do and when two hunters don’t return from their trip, Bunny and Gunnar go to find out what happened which has them heading through the barrier, which protects the town from some mysterious beast, although some of the townsfolk believe it’s not required, Bunny can testify that the danger is real and comes back with a new addition to her home thanks to Fluffy!
It’s not long before the drug dealers escalate their attempts in retrieving their product and one of the Nomo's team is kidnapped.
Heather and Jilleen effortlessly draw you into a world full of fun, danger and believable fantasy that has you wishing to move to Portlock, despite the general climate conditions, lack of sunlight, no pubs (although alcohol can be ordered and there’s the enterprising Grimes brother’s moonshine) and numerous dead bodies turning up.
But the main reason? Well for me personally, it’s the mysterious reason of any Bunny was turned in the first place and just why isn’t she a ‘normal' vampire, read the book you’ll find out what makes her just that little bit different! I have theories, they may be wrong but I’m already waiting for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily please note there may be spoilers!
Bunny has a new home after her previous one burnt down due to her unexpected new ability. She and her dog Fluffy are thriving in the supernatural town of Portlock and her night starts off investigating a break in at a trading post but finishes with Gunner offering to make Bunny an official investigator.
Bunny’s high is lowered slightly the next night when the Vampire leader informs her that he has heard some news about her turning from England, what sends her into panic mode is that her mother wants her to get in touch! Luckily for Bunny she’s able to ignore that problem when she gets to work.
What starts out as teenage hi-jinx’s develops into something more serious when Gunnar and Bunny get called out to something floating in North Harbour, which turns out to be a drug capable of putting Gunnar in the hospital and leaves Bunny juggling the investigation, dealing with the uncooperative teens, warning the townsfolk about the drug and it’s devastating effect on some of Portlock's residents if they come into skin contact with it all while manning the office in Gunnar’s absence.
It’s not long before the boss is back however and they get back to work still trying to solve the case but they still have their job to do and when two hunters don’t return from their trip, Bunny and Gunnar go to find out what happened which has them heading through the barrier, which protects the town from some mysterious beast, although some of the townsfolk believe it’s not required, Bunny can testify that the danger is real and comes back with a new addition to her home thanks to Fluffy!
It’s not long before the drug dealers escalate their attempts in retrieving their product and one of the Nomo's team is kidnapped.
Heather and Jilleen effortlessly draw you into a world full of fun, danger and believable fantasy that has you wishing to move to Portlock, despite the general climate conditions, lack of sunlight, no pubs (although alcohol can be ordered and there’s the enterprising Grimes brother’s moonshine) and numerous dead bodies turning up.
But the main reason? Well for me personally, it’s the mysterious reason of any Bunny was turned in the first place and just why isn’t she a ‘normal' vampire, read the book you’ll find out what makes her just that little bit different! I have theories, they may be wrong but I’m already waiting for the next book.
August 11, 2024
Very enjoyable - well written with an incredible protagonist/heroine. But then, I'm a sucker for vampire detectives/women detectives. This is number 2 in the series (not including a nifty little prologue book called "The Vampire and the Case of Her Dastardly Death") The heroine is "Bunny" (which I consider kind of an unfortunate nick name for the lead character - funny at first but, by book three, the joke wears a little thin -personally, I like her actual name: Elizabeth Octavia Barrington - and, yeah, I know she dislikes it as well as her parents' values in general but, still, Elizabeth Barrington is a great name but that's just the type of over elegant character name I like) - a Londoner in her mid 20s who leaves her home in London, England when she's turned into a vampire against her will and has to flee, else she'll have to serve the head vampires in servitude for 100 years. She goes as far away as she can so she moves to Portlock Alaska. Harris does a good job of world building in creating this town and the paranormal characters who live there. She becomes a member of Portlock's very small law enforcement department. Each book in the series has working on and solving a number of mysteries, all supernatural. Bunny is the best thing about these books and her view of this strange new world she finds herself in (she's already a fish out of water - a Londoner now living in a small town in Alaska) is fascinating and seems very real. My one quibble is that, in this particular world, it seems as if every supernatural and mythical being ever created is real. For me, personally, this fact takes the world out of the realm of the possible (and, yeah year, I know - vampires and werewolves don't exist but having so many different kinds of supernatural beings existing in the same world makes things a little less... "grounded" for me. At this point, if a bunch of of unicorns suddenly stampeded through the town, it wouldn't surprise me. But, again, that's just me. It does make me wonder, what is actually fictional or mythological in the Bunny's world - that would be interesting to find out. In any event, I just ordered the third book in the series and will no doubt continue to read about Bunny and the supernatural mysteries she solves. For those of you who like strong women characters along with supernatural mysteries, this series is definitely one you'll enjoy.
April 26, 2025
What a fabulous book and series. Read them all in the order written. A must read!
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Another great story, investigative case and overall excellent work that explores the town’s citizens, the issues that have become a major factor and the deepening role that Bunny’s playing in the Sheriff’s Department and in her private life in town.
Authors Harris and Dolbeare take a real issue from our society, that of the influx of drugs into the streets and high schools and uses it expertly for their story. A known horrifying element becomes even more terrifying and the suspense is heightened by the fact that it’s teenagers who are involved in the case.
It’s hard to call any character here a supporting personality as they become so important to the reader, to Bunny in a variety of ways, and in their variety of roles in the Portlock town. The more we learn about them, as the authors explore their own lives and species here the better we invest in them too.
As with the first book, it’s written using British English, with that spelling and phrases, which here makes sense for a Londoner who has moved to Alaska.
With each story, Bunny is more a part of Portlock, and less a transplant. I’m here for every step of her journey.
What a fabulous book and series. Read them all in the order written. A must read!
Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.
The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book 5.5.
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 - July 3,2025
Rating: 4.75⭐️
Another great story, investigative case and overall excellent work that explores the town’s citizens, the issues that have become a major factor and the deepening role that Bunny’s playing in the Sheriff’s Department and in her private life in town.
Authors Harris and Dolbeare take a real issue from our society, that of the influx of drugs into the streets and high schools and uses it expertly for their story. A known horrifying element becomes even more terrifying and the suspense is heightened by the fact that it’s teenagers who are involved in the case.
It’s hard to call any character here a supporting personality as they become so important to the reader, to Bunny in a variety of ways, and in their variety of roles in the Portlock town. The more we learn about them, as the authors explore their own lives and species here the better we invest in them too.
As with the first book, it’s written using British English, with that spelling and phrases, which here makes sense for a Londoner who has moved to Alaska.
With each story, Bunny is more a part of Portlock, and less a transplant. I’m here for every step of her journey.
What a fabulous book and series. Read them all in the order written. A must read!
Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.
The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book 5.5.
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 - July 3,2025
April 3, 2024
WHEW! This was another crazy Portlock Paranormal book! It has been a little while since the previous case and Bunny is getting anxious for a new mystery to solve. And ask and she shall receive!! After a few teenagers break into the Grime's brothers place and steal some moonshine, they find out a bigger conspiracy is at play. A new drug is discovered that can kill supernaturals just by touching it - which puts Gunnar in the hospital nearly dead! With Gunnar out of the picture, Bunny must step up to the plate. She is now in charge of the investigation into who is dealing and bringing in the drugs. And once Gunnar is out of the hospital they also must find 2 missing residents who have gone outside the border - and get a look at what is really out there. There is so much packed into this book!
Bunny is really finding her niche in this new life in the wilderness and she is slowly figuring out more about herself - but of course it is leaving her with more questions than answers! I love that she is really diving into her new official role and becoming more confident. And Fluffy, I just know there is more to that dog than meets the eye. And now they have a new furry friend as well and I can't wait to see what shenanigans that brings! And Connor, I definitely can't wait to see where this goes!
The book wraps up the main plot wonderfully while again still leaving the question of what is really out beyond the border and can it get inside? And I can't wait to find out what is really going on with Bunny and whether her family can shed any light or just make her miserable!
Bunny is really finding her niche in this new life in the wilderness and she is slowly figuring out more about herself - but of course it is leaving her with more questions than answers! I love that she is really diving into her new official role and becoming more confident. And Fluffy, I just know there is more to that dog than meets the eye. And now they have a new furry friend as well and I can't wait to see what shenanigans that brings! And Connor, I definitely can't wait to see where this goes!
The book wraps up the main plot wonderfully while again still leaving the question of what is really out beyond the border and can it get inside? And I can't wait to find out what is really going on with Bunny and whether her family can shed any light or just make her miserable!
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