What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unlikely Tale #1
An Unlikely Partnership: A Lesbian Paranormal Mystery
Rue Lovelace was not accustomed to change. She enjoyed her mundane life. So, when her mentor abruptly skips town leaving her in his place as Head Custos witch and new owner of a mystery ring, she doesn’t handle it the best, especially when she finds out part of her new role is to assist the police with Other-world issues. If it got out that she was working with the cops, her family business would be ruined.
An uptick in Other-world crime has workaholic Detective Niko Moscato running on empty, or at least that’s what she’s telling herself. When a man is murdered, her whole world flips upside down upon meeting the sassy witch currently in the Head Custos position. She’s met with a wall of ice that doesn’t help the case. And neither do the new feelings fluttering in her chest.
Both women struggle to navigate the new partnership while keeping a few secrets hidden away. But when the murders start getting a little too close to home, they have to begin doing something neither is good at- relying on each other. The pressure is on to solve the case quickly before anyone else is killed. Or their partnership implodes. Either way, it’s going to get messy before it’s all over.
An uptick in Other-world crime has workaholic Detective Niko Moscato running on empty, or at least that’s what she’s telling herself. When a man is murdered, her whole world flips upside down upon meeting the sassy witch currently in the Head Custos position. She’s met with a wall of ice that doesn’t help the case. And neither do the new feelings fluttering in her chest.
Both women struggle to navigate the new partnership while keeping a few secrets hidden away. But when the murders start getting a little too close to home, they have to begin doing something neither is good at- relying on each other. The pressure is on to solve the case quickly before anyone else is killed. Or their partnership implodes. Either way, it’s going to get messy before it’s all over.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
56 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Katie Trapp
11 books59 followersKatie Trapp is an indie author from a small town in southern Middle Tennessee who currently resides with her wife, two dogs, and two cats in Kentucky. In 2021, she published her debut novel, An Unexpected Partnership, and has been writing ever since.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 4, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did. That isn't to say it's bad in any way, I just had a few slight issues with the way the two women here go about things, and didn't feel the true emotional pull that was supposed to be there.
Look at that awesome cover, I love being able to picture the characters and having a larger butch woman lesbian character made me want to swoon already. Niko is a cop, assigned to the supernatural side of things in town. She's a shifter of some-type but I'll leave it up to you to read and find out what. (Probably not what you're thinking.)
Our other character is a talented witch in town, Rue, with her own store inherited from her grandmother, and has a lot of family history to contend with. She also has her own myriad of paranormal gifts, and has been left a special and unique ring by her former mentor and a strange new position of helping the hot butch cop investigate the startling murders happening in the supernatural side of town. But this all puts her on edge. She has her insecurities, and issues with the town and it's attitudes. She's heavily guarded.
Niko literally climbs over her walls at one point, but I did sometimes find it a little odd - it balanced that line of being a bit pushy, but still cute. But still weird if you think about it too much. That weird instance that happens in rom-coms where a love interest plays with a boundary, in an almost stalkery way - but its somehow OK because its a love interest, whereas if it wasn't, it could be perceived as creepy. Yknow? I hope that made any sort of sense.
I just felt a few more cuter moments or them getting to know each other, without Niko having to push through a boundary would have been better. I would have liked to see Rue open herself up more. Both still happen, but just in a weird sort of way. I'm not explaining this very well lol.
There are moments of connection and honesty, which I loved. Also the investigations into some gruesome murders, and then larger ramifications happening for Rue and her powers and responsibilities to the town, and supernatural community at large.
So if you're a fan of mystery and supernatural/paranormal crime, with two badass babes, you're sure to love this.
I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did. That isn't to say it's bad in any way, I just had a few slight issues with the way the two women here go about things, and didn't feel the true emotional pull that was supposed to be there.
Look at that awesome cover, I love being able to picture the characters and having a larger butch woman lesbian character made me want to swoon already. Niko is a cop, assigned to the supernatural side of things in town. She's a shifter of some-type but I'll leave it up to you to read and find out what. (Probably not what you're thinking.)
Our other character is a talented witch in town, Rue, with her own store inherited from her grandmother, and has a lot of family history to contend with. She also has her own myriad of paranormal gifts, and has been left a special and unique ring by her former mentor and a strange new position of helping the hot butch cop investigate the startling murders happening in the supernatural side of town. But this all puts her on edge. She has her insecurities, and issues with the town and it's attitudes. She's heavily guarded.
Niko literally climbs over her walls at one point, but I did sometimes find it a little odd - it balanced that line of being a bit pushy, but still cute. But still weird if you think about it too much. That weird instance that happens in rom-coms where a love interest plays with a boundary, in an almost stalkery way - but its somehow OK because its a love interest, whereas if it wasn't, it could be perceived as creepy. Yknow? I hope that made any sort of sense.
I just felt a few more cuter moments or them getting to know each other, without Niko having to push through a boundary would have been better. I would have liked to see Rue open herself up more. Both still happen, but just in a weird sort of way. I'm not explaining this very well lol.
There are moments of connection and honesty, which I loved. Also the investigations into some gruesome murders, and then larger ramifications happening for Rue and her powers and responsibilities to the town, and supernatural community at large.
So if you're a fan of mystery and supernatural/paranormal crime, with two badass babes, you're sure to love this.
December 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this mix of paranormal and romance. The characters were delightful and the action kept rolling.
November 7, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔮🕯🐻🍀🌈
I was really lucky to be a part of the Beta team for this debut novel. I was excited about the premise of the book, considering I love witches, mystery and wlw plotlines. I was NOT disappointed at all.
There were twists and turns, and an unpredictable ending, and I absolutely loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic of Rue and Niko.
Rue is a witch and a shopkeeper and is asked to help Niko who is a police detective in the other-world crimes when she takes over as the Head Custos. Rue and most members of the magical world hate cops, so at first, she is very snarky and mean towards Niko who is literally a cuddling bear in comparison.
I loved the way the mystery unfolded, and the two got closer. It is a well-written book, as it was very easy to read and very engaging. I can't wait to see what else Katie comes up with. Congratulations on your first book.
🔮🕯🐻🍀🌈
I was really lucky to be a part of the Beta team for this debut novel. I was excited about the premise of the book, considering I love witches, mystery and wlw plotlines. I was NOT disappointed at all.
There were twists and turns, and an unpredictable ending, and I absolutely loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic of Rue and Niko.
Rue is a witch and a shopkeeper and is asked to help Niko who is a police detective in the other-world crimes when she takes over as the Head Custos. Rue and most members of the magical world hate cops, so at first, she is very snarky and mean towards Niko who is literally a cuddling bear in comparison.
I loved the way the mystery unfolded, and the two got closer. It is a well-written book, as it was very easy to read and very engaging. I can't wait to see what else Katie comes up with. Congratulations on your first book.
January 26, 2024
Highly Entertaining!
Witchy shop owner Rue and shapeshifter detective Nikko’s lives collide when Rue’s mentor leaves her with a massive responsibility at the same time as a spree of violent crime hits her beloved town’s magical community. Despite their differences and Rue’s initial reluctance to work with the police, she and Nikko have great sleuthing chemistry…and maybe even more.
An Unlikely Partnership is an entertaining and cunning mystery with colorful supernatural characters that draw the reader in right away. Rue and Nikko are particularly engaging as they challenge each other, work together, and eventually uncover one another’s hidden depths of compassion and determination.
If you enjoy great whodunnits with a magical flare, you’ll be enchanted by An Unlikely Partnership.
Witchy shop owner Rue and shapeshifter detective Nikko’s lives collide when Rue’s mentor leaves her with a massive responsibility at the same time as a spree of violent crime hits her beloved town’s magical community. Despite their differences and Rue’s initial reluctance to work with the police, she and Nikko have great sleuthing chemistry…and maybe even more.
An Unlikely Partnership is an entertaining and cunning mystery with colorful supernatural characters that draw the reader in right away. Rue and Nikko are particularly engaging as they challenge each other, work together, and eventually uncover one another’s hidden depths of compassion and determination.
If you enjoy great whodunnits with a magical flare, you’ll be enchanted by An Unlikely Partnership.
November 10, 2022
Nefarious Activity in an Other-world of Magic
Business owner head custos witch Rue as well as detective Niko are not only dubious about working together, they both have secrets they're afraid could jeopardize their professional lives. But neither realizes how much they'll need to risk nor what's at stake until the nefarious criminal activity threatens the survival of the whole town and the betrayal endangers their lives.
Suspense, intrigue and romance abound in this well written lesbian paranormal cozy mystery peopled with colorful complex characters in a well crafted other-world of magic. And the author draws you in capturing your interest while the twists and turns along with the surprises keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Business owner head custos witch Rue as well as detective Niko are not only dubious about working together, they both have secrets they're afraid could jeopardize their professional lives. But neither realizes how much they'll need to risk nor what's at stake until the nefarious criminal activity threatens the survival of the whole town and the betrayal endangers their lives.
Suspense, intrigue and romance abound in this well written lesbian paranormal cozy mystery peopled with colorful complex characters in a well crafted other-world of magic. And the author draws you in capturing your interest while the twists and turns along with the surprises keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
November 2, 2022
I loved this book. The story was compelling, and the interaction between the two main characters kept me wanting their interactions to continue. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
November 15, 2022
I liked the relationship between the two main characters. The magic in the book was also something different which I enjoyed. I would recommend it.
October 16, 2025
Murder, Mystery and Magic
Nothing like a little sapphic love in the middle of a magical murder investigation. Rue and Niko must work together to solve a series of murders involving paranormal citizens of their town. Throw in a little bit falling in love and you got a great story! 5 🌟
Nothing like a little sapphic love in the middle of a magical murder investigation. Rue and Niko must work together to solve a series of murders involving paranormal citizens of their town. Throw in a little bit falling in love and you got a great story! 5 🌟
June 24, 2024
written on a phone with autocorrect and not proofed?
This was sort of like reading a text from my grandparents where they’ve used speech-to-text and then not bothered to read through and edit the text. The mistakes weren’t even homonyms (like there/their/they’re) but like “laminated” to describe how a character spoke (I think it should have been “lamented” but I can’t be sure). The story was decent and the characters were interesting and multi-dimensional; my plea to the author is to respect her work, her characters, and the reader enough take some pride in a well-written story. This work shows promise but it feels sloppy.
This was sort of like reading a text from my grandparents where they’ve used speech-to-text and then not bothered to read through and edit the text. The mistakes weren’t even homonyms (like there/their/they’re) but like “laminated” to describe how a character spoke (I think it should have been “lamented” but I can’t be sure). The story was decent and the characters were interesting and multi-dimensional; my plea to the author is to respect her work, her characters, and the reader enough take some pride in a well-written story. This work shows promise but it feels sloppy.
November 4, 2023
Unlikely to to put it down!
I have to say I was not expecting to so thoroughly enjoy this book. I don't know why, but it caught me by surprise just how good it was. The characters are wonderful and I love the development of the relationship between Rue and Niko. An entertaining read filled with paranormal events and characters, a mystery, and a happy ending, you are Unlikely to put down Katie Trapp's story until the last page.
I have to say I was not expecting to so thoroughly enjoy this book. I don't know why, but it caught me by surprise just how good it was. The characters are wonderful and I love the development of the relationship between Rue and Niko. An entertaining read filled with paranormal events and characters, a mystery, and a happy ending, you are Unlikely to put down Katie Trapp's story until the last page.
January 21, 2023
This has quickly become one of my favorite books. The dynamic between Rue and Niko is so cute. I love the other worldly aspect too. Anyone looking for a great read that also lets you explore a unique twist to the enemies to lovers story should check this one out!
October 18, 2023
wonderful read
This book was such fun to read. I loved the crazy mix of characters and the romance between Niko and Rue was delightful. The mystery was a real surprise but well done and lead to a great ending.
This book was such fun to read. I loved the crazy mix of characters and the romance between Niko and Rue was delightful. The mystery was a real surprise but well done and lead to a great ending.
April 27, 2024
sweet!
This is a sweet little paranormal romance with a little mystery thrown in for your reading pleasure. The two seemingly ill-suited main characters develop into a charming couple. This is a fast and fun read.
This is a sweet little paranormal romance with a little mystery thrown in for your reading pleasure. The two seemingly ill-suited main characters develop into a charming couple. This is a fast and fun read.
June 18, 2024
Wow what a fantastic storyline
Wow what a fantastic storyline I loved the main characters their journey was terrifying but they didn't stop believing that together they could get through anything it's got so much depth it keeps you hooked definitely worth reading congratulations
Wow what a fantastic storyline I loved the main characters their journey was terrifying but they didn't stop believing that together they could get through anything it's got so much depth it keeps you hooked definitely worth reading congratulations
July 12, 2024
great story
This is a wonderful paranormal romance,mystery, comedy… all those things. The characters are engaging- the kind you want as friends. The story keeps the pages turning. Just a great read
This is a wonderful paranormal romance,mystery, comedy… all those things. The characters are engaging- the kind you want as friends. The story keeps the pages turning. Just a great read
November 12, 2024
This was a fun story. I liked Rue’s magic focus, which isn’t one I’ve heard of before, so it was nicely unique. I liked that the seemingly-normal detective had abilities of her own. Their dynamic was nice, with Rue starting out pretty hostile but coming around nicely over the course of the book. I liked the setting as well, a small town with some memorable features.
I guess the main reason this wasn’t a five star read for me was that neither Rue nor Niko used their principal powers in the main conflict of the story; instead they needed to use their brains and kind of incidental abilities. Which, fine, it all played out well… it just left me wondering, why bother having one of them do this and the other be that if it they could have been anything else instead and still reached the same conclusion? I was kind of keen to see them let their abilities loose and they never really got that opportunity.
Still, I enjoyed it, and it was a great debut. I’ll be interested to read another by Katie Trapp.
I guess the main reason this wasn’t a five star read for me was that neither Rue nor Niko used their principal powers in the main conflict of the story; instead they needed to use their brains and kind of incidental abilities. Which, fine, it all played out well… it just left me wondering, why bother having one of them do this and the other be that if it they could have been anything else instead and still reached the same conclusion? I was kind of keen to see them let their abilities loose and they never really got that opportunity.
Still, I enjoyed it, and it was a great debut. I’ll be interested to read another by Katie Trapp.
April 24, 2025
I wanted to give a chance to a book with a shapeshifting character, but I came to the conclusion that it's just not for me, unless they're werewolves.
I didn't get hooked on the story and I thought what happend in the end was very predictable.
I didn't like how the story was narrated. I'm not used to reading books when I can get both points of view in the same paragraph. I wasn't understanding what was going on in the beggining. Even though, I learned how to read it and understand it, I still didn't like it.
I didn't get hooked on the story and I thought what happend in the end was very predictable.
I didn't like how the story was narrated. I'm not used to reading books when I can get both points of view in the same paragraph. I wasn't understanding what was going on in the beggining. Even though, I learned how to read it and understand it, I still didn't like it.
August 10, 2025
A witch and her irrational Police detective bear!
What more can go wrong when the town gossip decides to tell everyone that the witch with a business is also helping the local police! OMG! And now there were two murders, one is neighbor book store owner and the other a leprechaun who left Rue with a Calderon of gold to hide for him. Not again! Solving becomes hazardous because Rue is somehow having feelings toward the butch Detective. Rue thought she happy being alone and the butch Nicolas thought she was happy being alone! Nope! Enjoy!
What more can go wrong when the town gossip decides to tell everyone that the witch with a business is also helping the local police! OMG! And now there were two murders, one is neighbor book store owner and the other a leprechaun who left Rue with a Calderon of gold to hide for him. Not again! Solving becomes hazardous because Rue is somehow having feelings toward the butch Detective. Rue thought she happy being alone and the butch Nicolas thought she was happy being alone! Nope! Enjoy!
November 18, 2024
Intriguing worthwhile read
This was a different kind of supernatural read for me. I found it intriguing and very worthwhile. It isn't long but it really packs a wallop! I figured out the villain about 2/3 the way through but still needed the why and how. It was good to the last sentence.
If you like paranormal at all, please give this quick read a try. It's great.
This was a different kind of supernatural read for me. I found it intriguing and very worthwhile. It isn't long but it really packs a wallop! I figured out the villain about 2/3 the way through but still needed the why and how. It was good to the last sentence.
If you like paranormal at all, please give this quick read a try. It's great.
April 11, 2025
what sweet sapphic paranormal dreams are made of
I was able to get this book as part of Book Bingo promotion and I am so glad I did! Truly a sweet slow burn romance with an actual interesting and engaging plot line that did not solely focus on the MC’s romance. I can’t wait to read what this author has in store for us next!
I was able to get this book as part of Book Bingo promotion and I am so glad I did! Truly a sweet slow burn romance with an actual interesting and engaging plot line that did not solely focus on the MC’s romance. I can’t wait to read what this author has in store for us next!
April 28, 2025
Witches and Bears, what a combination
I’m starting to like Paranormal stories.
Katie Trapp has written a lovely Paranormal love tale that I enjoyed immensely.
The description of the scene’s were vivid in my minds eye, I could see all that was described.
Thank you Katie. I recommend this story to anyone that likes something different to read.
I’m starting to like Paranormal stories.
Katie Trapp has written a lovely Paranormal love tale that I enjoyed immensely.
The description of the scene’s were vivid in my minds eye, I could see all that was described.
Thank you Katie. I recommend this story to anyone that likes something different to read.
June 15, 2025
Very readable 3.5 thus the round up
This was a pleasant read and I really liked both MCs. The base storyline is solid and one mc’s magic is a cool concept. My neurospicy brain did lose immersion every time moscato was used as a last name. It also felt like there was some story left on the bone throughout the read. Overall though I say grab yourself a nice quick read here.
This was a pleasant read and I really liked both MCs. The base storyline is solid and one mc’s magic is a cool concept. My neurospicy brain did lose immersion every time moscato was used as a last name. It also felt like there was some story left on the bone throughout the read. Overall though I say grab yourself a nice quick read here.
March 27, 2023
A charming and smart story. It kept my interest up. I'm disappointed in the lack of intimacy between Rue and Niko. Sex is important to me where romance is concerned. I was also thrown by the head hopping.
3.5
3.5
May 3, 2025
Plot seemed interesting
Short and workmanlike prose that fell pretty firmly on the telling instead of showing side of the spectrum. The plot seemed interesting enough, but too many niggling issues with the writing and pacing piled up for me to want to finish the book.
Short and workmanlike prose that fell pretty firmly on the telling instead of showing side of the spectrum. The plot seemed interesting enough, but too many niggling issues with the writing and pacing piled up for me to want to finish the book.
May 17, 2023
A story I did not know I needed to read but am so glad I did ... shape shifter, witches, demons, law enforcement, friends, family and of course LOVE!
October 21, 2024
Unexpected twists and turns.
The book had me questioning who the bad guy was. Well written and I love the chemistry between Rue and Niko.
The book had me questioning who the bad guy was. Well written and I love the chemistry between Rue and Niko.
July 6, 2025
cute read
August 6, 2025
Beary cute
Cute, quick and light read. Entertaining with a hint of romance and a murder mystery. I would recommend and will read this author again.
Cute, quick and light read. Entertaining with a hint of romance and a murder mystery. I would recommend and will read this author again.
Read
August 6, 2025DNF
September 17, 2025
Loved this book! I hope we get a full-length part 2. Would like more spice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews