Kidnapping of a Myth

Autopsy of a Fairytale #3

by Nicole Scarano

“Wendy Darling, I have your brothers. You’ll never see them again. They’re in Neverland now.”

Isobel ‘Bel’ Emerson finds her life disrupted once again when Eamon Stone receives a disturbing phone call from an old friend’s daughter. Her family is in danger, but she can’t call the police. Eamon is the only person she can turn to, and he agrees to help under one condition. Bel comes with him.

Working undercover with only Eamon for backup, Bel arrives at Wendy Darling’s expansive estate where she learns both of Wendy’s younger brothers have been kidnapped. Bel expects the kidnappings to be about the Darling’s famous wealth, but what starts as a straightforward case turns deadly when a man known only as The Tinker turns the kidnapping into a dangerous game of Cat & Mouse. A game he forces them to play to the brutal end. No one is safe. Not even Eamon’s beast, and as they race against the clock to find the lost boys, Bel’s own kidnapping comes back to haunt her. She refuses to allow her past trauma to keep her from rescuing the missing kids, but when even the FBI fails to beat The Tinker’s traps, Bel and Eamon are confronted with a terrifying reality. Saving the brothers might mean sacrificing their own lives. How far are they willing to go to save children from death? And are they brave enough to answer the question hanging thick between them before it’s too late? Has Beauty fallen for the Beast?

Loosely inspired by Peter Pan, Kidnapping of a Myth is book 3 in the Autopsy of a Fairytale series, a crime procedural romantic suspense perfect for those who like dark fairytales, murder mystery/crime procedurals (like AMC's The Killing, Netflix’s Lucifer, NBC's Hannibal, and Criminal Minds), romance, found family, and a hint of fantasy. Each book will be based on a different fairytale, but Bel (and her Beast) will connect them all, her story ending on small cliffhangers in each book/

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Retellings, Fiction

346 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2024

About the author

Nicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.

Reviews

[McKenna Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I guess the killer? Yes. Did I love the entire thing and want the next one immediately? Also yes.

[Rebecca :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little series! It is such a fast and fun read

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I figured out the killer early on but thought how it all played out was still pretty twisted. & while this was favorite of the series, it was still a great read and I love Bel and Eamon so much 😍

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured out who it was almost immediately but still a good read

[Belen Oaxaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series. Yes it’s predictable but the characters are lovable and the concept is wonderful.

[Kaija · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Oh my god! I’m obsessed with all the Peter Pan/Finding Neverland references!

But man I’m more obsessed with Bel than I was in book 1!
How does each book keep getting better and better? Like I need more it’s so addictive!

This series is an absolute amazing page turner! (Though I called Hook I figured out who he was and I’m so proud of myself)

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I guessed the culprit early on there were soooo many twists and turns and red herring in this book, you just have to read another page, and another. Eminem and Bel’s relationship is progressing as the hunt for Peter Pan and Hook.

[ella ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THEY FINALLY KISSED OMG.

AND DID NOT EXPECT THAT. kinda wish in these stories they found out by actual investigating rather then luck and her dog. idk.

[Cristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 Books in and I Can’t Get Enough

I am not one to read past a series’ first book unless I am really hooked-and I am really hooked on Isobel, Eamon, and Cerberus. Actually, I like all of the characters and their weave together a strong cast in the town of Bajka. The sliver of supernatural mixed with crime fighting is just what I like. Eamon’s love for Isobel makes him a perfectly dark menacing book boyfriend as well. Can hardly wait for Criminology of a Character!

[Mady Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took me a bit longer...it dragged a little in the middle but I enjoyed the ride. Of course, I figured out the ending in some form; however, I never would have guessed the connection. I am definitely looking forward to book four because I need more information about this world of magic.

[Sammy BookWyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triggers - v*olence, de@th, kidnapping, and some spicy scene (PG 13).

This is the third book in this amazing fairytale series, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Bel and Eamon's relationship deepens, and together, they help Wendy Darling, who needs help to find her brothers when they've been kidnapped by Peter Pann.

It's a race against time when the brothers desperately need help. Someone is after the family and their wealth.

Will Bel and Eamon rescue the brothers and help reunite the family?

This book had me from the start. It had a very good flow, and I really liked the fairytale theme of the book (Peter Pan).
I really like the characters in this book, and some scenes were very thrilling.

If you like fairytale themed books and likeable characters, then this book is for you.

This book does contain v*olent scenes and de@th. If this triggers you, then this book is not for you.

There are some spicy scenes in this book (I would say spice level 1, maybe 2).

[Kristi Arends · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better with every book!

The banter between the FMC & MMC is amazing, and I love it.
This is such a s l o w burn 🔥 - Top tier romance. The things Eamon says to Isobel are just *chefs kiss* ❤️❤️❤️
I loved the found family trope that Wendy and the darling boys found with Bel.
Once again, Cerberus shows us that he is just the goodest of boys. 🐶🖤
But Isobel, sweetie, please for the love of everything tell him (with- your- words) how you truly feel because this is frustrating to read. 😅
I did suspect who the real villain of this story was and pretty early on, I should say, however - the way that the story was written and the twists that played out, it was very interesting to read and thoroughly enjoyable.

I can't wait to continue this series.

[Sarah Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, another gripping story by this author. When you think the book is ending it takes another turn to another gripping part to the story, full of love, friendship, thriller, who done it, well worth a read, a page turner on a cold night. Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommend to anyone who likes a fast-paced story. Great, how she combines fairy tales and a story together. The references to the fairy tale in this one were subtle and perfectly used.

[Yvette Boer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kidnapping of a Myth by Nicole Scarano
In this gripping third book of the Autopsy of a Fairytale series, Nicole Scarano reimagines Peter Pan with a dark, modern twist. Bel and Eamon face their most chilling case yet—the kidnapping of Wendy Darling’s brothers by a sinister figure known as The Tinker. With high stakes, emotional depth, and clever fairytale callbacks, this book blends crime, fantasy, and psychological drama in a way that keeps you hooked. A must-read for fans of dark retellings and character-driven thrillers.

[Catherine Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How exciting to pick up a book and know there's part of the story you already know! It is even more thrilling to be in suspense over what is to come! The tricky take on fairy tales is fun and connects you to the characters quicker! I can't wait to read the next book!

[Julie Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the original characters of the series, I’m not sure why Peter Pan and the Darlings became part of the story. The story itself was good, I just didn’t care for the names used for the victims.

[Eryn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. This one was so tense! I loved it. It was action packed from the very start!
Nicole Scarano does not waste any time getting you right into the mix of the story. Love that!

[Krystin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok soo we are now continuing for the vibes and the fun twist on childhood stories NOT for the mystery lol

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

There was a few times I felt like I was reading on repeat. But these books are a fun play on fairy tales.

[Lizzy Jeane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo que estoy disfrutando estos libros no es ni medio normal, vaya tensión todo el rato. Qué descubrimiento OMG

[Alicia Thistle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story! I found it slightly predictable, but still good. Great characters, suspenseful, elements of fantasy/supernatural. Starting the fourth book today.

[Nicole McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

If you like Lucifer on Netflix you should read this series 🔥

[Jaide Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 I think one is my favorite so far I think the found family aspect for Belle and the darling kids just made it so wholesome and it was definitely action packed

[Shawnerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate that Wendy was reduced to a whiney ninny, but that’s because Nikki St Crowe spoiled me. Iykyk. Not my fav but still a good Peter Pan and Hook retelling. 3.75

[Elinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one was very tense even though I knew whodunnit for agessss I still didn't know if everyone was gonna be safe

[Traci Rosal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot itself was fun with familiar myth or storybook characters. The slow burn romance is now full blown and while I don’t mind that part, the comparison between the beauty and the beast and their inner dialogue was too much like Edward and Bella in the Twilight series.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welcome to the start of the downhill slide for this series.

Things get tired and repetitive...fast.

By book 3 we're already 2 for 2 on correct guesses of the killers, and we've got a pretty good idea who the killer is within minutes of meeting them. Spoiler: we're right.

Bel is still being Bel, inexplicably pushing away a man who is certifiably crazy for her, and her him, for reasons that not even the greatest of psychoanalysts a la FREUD could decipher.

We go round the merry-go-round several times, with Bel being insulted/called Eamon's last night's leftovers, him getting upset, her talking him down. This just feels like an excuse to allow Eamon to play the overly possessive book-boyfriend that is obscenely popular in romantic fiction at the moment - and could have been succinctly nipped in the bud with a "She's my everything" comment, but no, we're forced to read it at least 3 times (yes, seriously).

There is also this weird thing after Eamon almost dies because of a land mine (they call it an IED, but I like to call a spade a spade), and and they talk about it like Bel was the target?

"Someone almost blew me up,” Bel sobbed into his chest.
"This Tinker person tried to kill me"

Like the IED (insert eye roll) was planted there specifically for her, and not for...ya know, Wendy...the heiress to bazillions of dollars and sister to the kidnapped children.
It's very pick-me and main-character-energy from Bel tbh.

And it feels like returning to regularly scheduled programing when I say this but this book needed an editor. Phew, for a moment there I was seriously questioning my sanity, but never fear, all is right with the world again.
For real though, there's a lot of back and forth about The Tinkers motives and MO and every new development leads to yet another passage (some with dialogue, some without) rehashing what we do and don't know about this pyschopath who has stolen children for no obvious reason.
Spare me.

There's also some romance stuff that happens, four letter words beginning with L are thrown around and everyone who started reading romantasy in the last 5 years is sorely disappointed because ladies this is CLOSED DOOR...and honestly the last thing I want to read at this point is these two getting it on in detail. Their relationship has reached unbearable even without it.

And so we sigh and click Read For Free on Book 4* ...onwards & upwards?

*omg I just looked at goodreads, there's a fifth book, and a sixth yet to be released...kill me now

[Valerie Fischer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is twilight fanfic and you can't convince me otherwise but I'm still gonna read the next one.

[Kaela Batson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I LOVED the first book, but the second was a disappointment. I though surely it will get better with the third. I was so very wrong. It got worse.

The breakfast scene???? What the heck was that? Quite possibly the most uncomfortable way to eat breakfast ever written. Also, hello?? A CHILD IS MISSING. But sure, let’s focus on her “heart throbbing within her breast.” Priorities.

The number of times we had to hear some version of:
“You saw the bad part of me and I hate myself for it. I’ll spend forever trying to repay you.”
Enough. Please. We get it.

Then we have the cage, the moving cage, hanging in front of motion detectors that trigger GUNS. Somehow that doesn’t set anything off, but helicopters do. And miraculously, the bullets hit everything except the child. Sure.

And the car??? “Driving faster than her human senses could comprehend”? Being inhuman does not magically transform a vehicle into the Millennium Falcon.

Then there’s the scene where she’s leaning on his chest, he’s kissing her neck… while they’re driving. And he’s holding her by the waist “to keep her safe.” Seatbelts apparently do not exist in this universe.

Also: who on EARTH thinks the last name “Knight” is spelled with just an N? Or at least doesn't question that maybe it starts with a k instead???

She suspects someone because his watch ticks. You know… the normal thing watches do. And NOT the FIANCÉ???? Girl, you’re a terrible detective.

Peter Pan hiding a tattoo with makeup while in prison?? What kind of cops are these?? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

And finally: there is a limit to how many times you can put the main character’s life in danger before it becomes annoying. This book crossed that line within the first ten chapters.

An absolute circus of bad choices.

[Maryse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the series and this one was so fast paced and jam-packed that I felt I needed a little bit of a breather every now and then. I enjoyed it but not as much as the other 2 books. At times this felt a tab chaotic and where Bel was a very strong character in the other books, here she is a damsel in distress in many situations. Thank goodness for Eamon and his super strength.

Nicola Scarano has definitely written Eamon as the absolute dream man. An Alpha male, top of the food chain predator but who is totally devoted to Bel. He will do anything and risk anything for her but not in a blinded way. He knows her inside and out and anticipates all that she needs without smothering her or belittling her strength and independence.
The chaos and predictability of the storyline and mystery is overshadowed by how amazing this couple is together and finally they kiss!! Talk about slooow burn. Honestly, I found this slow burn more exciting than a lot of insta-love books I've read. So well done for that!