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Necromancer Tales #1
Deadly Lineage
Shunned by most species and abandoned by their warlock fathers, necromancers are marginalized, feared, and reclusive. Erasmus Boone is different. His warlock father chose love instead of abandonment. Unusually powerful and talented, Boone’s embraced his necromantic abilities and managed to carve out an existence within a world that would rather he not exist at all.
Humans aren’t the most respected species. Hell, they’re just a step above termites in the eyes of most. Detective Franklin O’Hare has never taken derision towards his humanity to heart. Determined to do the best given his human limitations, Detective O’Hare does whatever it takes to right the wrongs of the world—no matter the species concerned—even if that means working with a necromancer. Besides, Erasmus Boone isn’t so bad. In fact, he’s temptingly perfect.
Seeking solace after a difficult case, Boone walks the typically peaceful gravesites of Trinity’s Holy Cross Cemetery. The gentle hum of contented, long-dead souls ease Boone’s mind—until he’s hit with an unearthly cry unlike any he’s heard before. Unfortunately, that first soulful cry isn’t Boone’s last, each wail revealing a disconcerting pattern. There’s a serial killer in the wind, and their murders are resulting in souls with painful, missing pieces, leaving their voices incoherent and
indecipherable.
Boone and O’Hare must work closely together if they’re going to stop the killings. O’Hare learns quickly that keeping Boone safe from disgruntled clients and serial killers is a never-ending and nearly impossible task.
As O’Hare and Boone grow closer, so does the killer. They need to figure out who’s indiscriminately murdering seemingly unrelated species, and why the victims’ souls are devastated beyond repair, before Boone becomes another victim on the ominous list.
Deadly Lineage is the first book in the Necromancer Tales series. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone. Deadly Lineage is a M/M romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to ignore his attraction to the aforementioned necromancer, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a twisted serial killer, a questionably agreeable all-powerful djinn, damaged souls, humans-some redeemable and some not, a steamy Mississippi summer, and far too much sweet tea. Deadly Lineage has a HFN ending.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls bruoght back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
Humans aren’t the most respected species. Hell, they’re just a step above termites in the eyes of most. Detective Franklin O’Hare has never taken derision towards his humanity to heart. Determined to do the best given his human limitations, Detective O’Hare does whatever it takes to right the wrongs of the world—no matter the species concerned—even if that means working with a necromancer. Besides, Erasmus Boone isn’t so bad. In fact, he’s temptingly perfect.
Seeking solace after a difficult case, Boone walks the typically peaceful gravesites of Trinity’s Holy Cross Cemetery. The gentle hum of contented, long-dead souls ease Boone’s mind—until he’s hit with an unearthly cry unlike any he’s heard before. Unfortunately, that first soulful cry isn’t Boone’s last, each wail revealing a disconcerting pattern. There’s a serial killer in the wind, and their murders are resulting in souls with painful, missing pieces, leaving their voices incoherent and
indecipherable.
Boone and O’Hare must work closely together if they’re going to stop the killings. O’Hare learns quickly that keeping Boone safe from disgruntled clients and serial killers is a never-ending and nearly impossible task.
As O’Hare and Boone grow closer, so does the killer. They need to figure out who’s indiscriminately murdering seemingly unrelated species, and why the victims’ souls are devastated beyond repair, before Boone becomes another victim on the ominous list.
Deadly Lineage is the first book in the Necromancer Tales series. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone. Deadly Lineage is a M/M romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to ignore his attraction to the aforementioned necromancer, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a twisted serial killer, a questionably agreeable all-powerful djinn, damaged souls, humans-some redeemable and some not, a steamy Mississippi summer, and far too much sweet tea. Deadly Lineage has a HFN ending.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls bruoght back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
264 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
M.J. May
21 books273 followersI've been a veterinarian for almost twenty years and have recently added published author to my resume. I've been writing for over fifteen years, most of those stories languishing on my computer. A couple of years ago my fear of never trying to publish my stories overcame my fear of failure. The result is my first book, "Sow What You Reap". It is the first in the Reaping Covetous series. The next book, "Dead Women Tell Tales" should be out by the end of October 2021.
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 5, 2024
I love the new darker shared world MJ May has created, I loved the original perfect Pixie series. Even with the heavy subject matter, Erasmus and Franklin’s relationship is just so warm and stable even before any relationship titles happen. They just understand each other and take care of each other and I always love that foundation for relationships.
There’s not a lot of spice in this book which I’m usually not interested in but the story was really interesting and starkly different from the previous series, definitely darker and I liked it. Erasmus and his meaningful relationships with his parents, Franklin and Aurelia really drove the story and grounded it for me. The character work was really well done and the world building was as always very unique and well fleshed out
There’s not a lot of spice in this book which I’m usually not interested in but the story was really interesting and starkly different from the previous series, definitely darker and I liked it. Erasmus and his meaningful relationships with his parents, Franklin and Aurelia really drove the story and grounded it for me. The character work was really well done and the world building was as always very unique and well fleshed out
August 14, 2024
Overly long and a bit boring, little to no romance and no chemistry between the main characters. This is a magical adventure & mystery book, not a romance.
February 9, 2025
“My beautiful talented boy. The world can be a cruel place.”
Primera parte del spin off de Perfect Pixie.
No recomiendo leer esta saga sin haber leído la otra serie porque se te destripa el argumento de la otra saga, así como las posibles parejas que han surgido, por no hablar que no entiendes la relación de los protagonistas con ciertos secundarios.
No ha estado mal. Ha sido un comienzo interesante y me ha gustado mucho conocer de más a Erasmus. No siento que haya sido la mejor novela de la autora hasta la fecha, pero tengo fe en los siguientes libros y que no que no ensanche demasiado este spin-off.
Siento que estoy ante la punta del iceberg y este libro se quedó a mitad de todo.
Primera parte del spin off de Perfect Pixie.
No recomiendo leer esta saga sin haber leído la otra serie porque se te destripa el argumento de la otra saga, así como las posibles parejas que han surgido, por no hablar que no entiendes la relación de los protagonistas con ciertos secundarios.
No ha estado mal. Ha sido un comienzo interesante y me ha gustado mucho conocer de más a Erasmus. No siento que haya sido la mejor novela de la autora hasta la fecha, pero tengo fe en los siguientes libros y que no que no ensanche demasiado este spin-off.
Siento que estoy ante la punta del iceberg y este libro se quedó a mitad de todo.
May 18, 2025
This is a spin-off from the author's Perfectly Pixie series and while you can allegedly read this as a standalone, I just don't see how it would be particularly clear/enjoyable if you do, as a lot of characters/events from that series are referenced here.
I did enjoy the two MCs, but the build is slooow and there is zero steam. I'm hoping that will change in the next books since they're following the same couple. The writing here felt a little sloppy/unsophisticated at times, and DEAR LORD was the "mystery" terrible. I can tell it's not the author's strong suit, because they may it waaaay too obvious who the bad guy was from essentially the first scene--not in a way that I expected the MCs to know, but in that very amateur writing way of making sure the audience knew that the character was Suspicious.
It does sort of feel like I'm enjoying this author's books less as we get to the ones they've written more recently, a trend that's actually been pretty consistent across the genre. Why does it feel like romance authors are actually writing worse books the longer they're in the genre? Is there a talent-sucking curse? A damn shame.
I did enjoy the two MCs, but the build is slooow and there is zero steam. I'm hoping that will change in the next books since they're following the same couple. The writing here felt a little sloppy/unsophisticated at times, and DEAR LORD was the "mystery" terrible. I can tell it's not the author's strong suit, because they may it waaaay too obvious who the bad guy was from essentially the first scene--not in a way that I expected the MCs to know, but in that very amateur writing way of making sure the audience knew that the character was Suspicious.
It does sort of feel like I'm enjoying this author's books less as we get to the ones they've written more recently, a trend that's actually been pretty consistent across the genre. Why does it feel like romance authors are actually writing worse books the longer they're in the genre? Is there a talent-sucking curse? A damn shame.
July 31, 2024
4.5 Aurelia gets more and more interesting as this series progresses. I do wonder what book 2 could possibly be about
August 15, 2024
Note: This is the first book I've read by this author and I did not know officially it was a spin-off until I read the end notes, though I did have my suspicions.
I enjoyed the novelty of the world in this book. The magical system is already very developed and it served as a lovely background to this high-stakes but low-intensity urban fantasy. For a dual 1st-person POV, Erasmus is a refreshing character to read, especially in the face of the speciesism he faces. But I appreciate how wonderfully good-natured and sweet he is, which could be at odds with a stereotypical "necromancer" character and was refreshing to read here! He also doesn't hide his emotions from those who care about him and I very much appreciated seeing that as well. The world is fascinating, the characters are lovely: my one disappointment is that I knew who the killer was by the second victim. I'm not sure if the author meant it to be so easy, but it left me slightly annoyed by the characters because it gave them an air of idiocy that I didn't want them to have. Overall though, an enjoyable read.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Sure. Why not?
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As mentioned, Erasmus is a lovely warmth that goes well with the sweltering Mississippi setting that permeates this story. He's refreshing, different, complex enough given what could appear to be opposing forces between his magic and his character. I appreciated the relationship between the MMCs too. It didn't feel forced and during the course of this story they didn't even progress far enough in their relationship to merit closed or open door scenes. I'm assuming their relationship will continue to evolve in the next books?
PLOT: Moderately-paced, the plot centers quite literally around a murder mystery, one that is specifically geared towards Erasmus's particular area of expertise. Unfortunately, most of the plot was spoiled for me because the killer was too obvious from the beginning so I spent a majority of the book wondering why the characters were so obtuse when in order for the 'clues' to be given to me, the characters had to be the ones to notice them. The plot also remained even-keel throughout, even during the climactic events, possibly because it wasn't a big reveal to me? I found I kept reading more based on the strength of the characters and the setting more than the mystery.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1/5: low. Surprisingly. But also, I think that's really quite fascinating. We're dealing with murders and necromancy and dead people and cemeteries, but perhaps it's because of just how warm Erasmus is, but the whole book reads a little like a beach read to me. That's impressive to pull off!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. While everything wrapped up nicely, because I wasn't surprised by the climax and big reveal, I didn't have any cathartic moment to sail over. But I wasn't left frustrated and everything was wrapped up concerning the events in this book. I didn't feel anything was left hanging. The first word that comes to mind is 'sweet'. It was just... sweet. Warm, gentle, sweet, even-keeled.
I enjoyed the novelty of the world in this book. The magical system is already very developed and it served as a lovely background to this high-stakes but low-intensity urban fantasy. For a dual 1st-person POV, Erasmus is a refreshing character to read, especially in the face of the speciesism he faces. But I appreciate how wonderfully good-natured and sweet he is, which could be at odds with a stereotypical "necromancer" character and was refreshing to read here! He also doesn't hide his emotions from those who care about him and I very much appreciated seeing that as well. The world is fascinating, the characters are lovely: my one disappointment is that I knew who the killer was by the second victim. I'm not sure if the author meant it to be so easy, but it left me slightly annoyed by the characters because it gave them an air of idiocy that I didn't want them to have. Overall though, an enjoyable read.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Sure. Why not?
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As mentioned, Erasmus is a lovely warmth that goes well with the sweltering Mississippi setting that permeates this story. He's refreshing, different, complex enough given what could appear to be opposing forces between his magic and his character. I appreciated the relationship between the MMCs too. It didn't feel forced and during the course of this story they didn't even progress far enough in their relationship to merit closed or open door scenes. I'm assuming their relationship will continue to evolve in the next books?
PLOT: Moderately-paced, the plot centers quite literally around a murder mystery, one that is specifically geared towards Erasmus's particular area of expertise. Unfortunately, most of the plot was spoiled for me because the killer was too obvious from the beginning so I spent a majority of the book wondering why the characters were so obtuse when in order for the 'clues' to be given to me, the characters had to be the ones to notice them. The plot also remained even-keel throughout, even during the climactic events, possibly because it wasn't a big reveal to me? I found I kept reading more based on the strength of the characters and the setting more than the mystery.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1/5: low. Surprisingly. But also, I think that's really quite fascinating. We're dealing with murders and necromancy and dead people and cemeteries, but perhaps it's because of just how warm Erasmus is, but the whole book reads a little like a beach read to me. That's impressive to pull off!
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. While everything wrapped up nicely, because I wasn't surprised by the climax and big reveal, I didn't have any cathartic moment to sail over. But I wasn't left frustrated and everything was wrapped up concerning the events in this book. I didn't feel anything was left hanging. The first word that comes to mind is 'sweet'. It was just... sweet. Warm, gentle, sweet, even-keeled.
May 19, 2025
Eh….
This was an alright story. Immediately picked out the villain and “why” they were the villain. Zero spice…. Zero romance outside of some kisses, teasing and light feelings and fluff. Side characters are all pretty cool though…
This was an alright story. Immediately picked out the villain and “why” they were the villain. Zero spice…. Zero romance outside of some kisses, teasing and light feelings and fluff. Side characters are all pretty cool though…
December 31, 2025
Rating: 5⭐️
Narration: 5⭐️
Audiobook Review: Declan Winters and Curtis Michael Holland were new to me, and I really enjoyed this book, which was a dual narration. They totally did justice to all the characters and kept me invested with their narration. Would most definitely recommend the audiobook.
Erasmus Boone was a necromancer—a species that was looked down upon by other species and even abandoned by their fathers. However, Erasmus was one of the lucky ones, whose father had chosen to stay and raise him. Despite the challenges of being in a society that shunned necromancers, he'd honed the very same abilities to build a life for himself, had an eclectic group of friends, the interest of an all-powerful djinn, and parents who loved him.
Franklin O'Hare was a detective who was tasked with the investigation of the corpse Erasmus had stumbled upon and had to work closely with him to solve the case. I loved how Franklin's serious personality contrasted with Erasmus's laid-back one. He was one of the few people who didn't feel the need to treat Erasmus differently just because he was a necromancer, and his protective instincts for him only grew the closer he got to him. It was touching to see how he was always defending Erasmus against any discrimination.
When it came to the mystery, I was hooked. I loved how the plot unfolded, how we were eased into the case, and the characters. I had my suspicions very early on into the book, and they continued to grow as the story progressed, and I was right. Things do get intense and dangerous with time, and I loved how it all came to that ending, which had me at the edge of my seat.
The romance was just so very sweet between Franklin and Erasmus and took its time to develop. It didn't take away from the murder mystery but grew alongside it. It is a closed-door/fade-to-black romance, and I loved the focus on the emotional connection that grew between the two. Erasmus had his doubts about his feelings ever being reciprocated since he was a necromancer, and they were generally treated or seen as despicable beings, so to see Franklin slowly easing away his concerns and giving him hope was just so wholesome.
Like Erasmus said, "Aurelia was one big ball of what the fuck," and I agree wholeheartedly. She was an amazing character, and I couldn't get enough of her. I'm not sure what a series dedicated to her would be like, but I know that I would very much love to read it because I'm absolutely intrigued by the djinn.
The side characters in this book honestly add so much depth to the story and feel involved without overshadowing the plot or the MCs. The characters were really diverse, in the sense of the kind of being they were and their personality, but this eclectic group somehow just fit so perfectly.
Warlock Nikodemus Holland was an interesting character, to say the least, and his conversations with Franklin were definitely entertaining. I loved the kind of bond he had with Erasmus and how fiercely he loved his son. I also loved the kind of partnership he had with Erasmus's mother, Lydia, when it came to the safety and well-being of their son.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series already.
Narration: 5⭐️
Audiobook Review: Declan Winters and Curtis Michael Holland were new to me, and I really enjoyed this book, which was a dual narration. They totally did justice to all the characters and kept me invested with their narration. Would most definitely recommend the audiobook.
Erasmus Boone was a necromancer—a species that was looked down upon by other species and even abandoned by their fathers. However, Erasmus was one of the lucky ones, whose father had chosen to stay and raise him. Despite the challenges of being in a society that shunned necromancers, he'd honed the very same abilities to build a life for himself, had an eclectic group of friends, the interest of an all-powerful djinn, and parents who loved him.
Franklin O'Hare was a detective who was tasked with the investigation of the corpse Erasmus had stumbled upon and had to work closely with him to solve the case. I loved how Franklin's serious personality contrasted with Erasmus's laid-back one. He was one of the few people who didn't feel the need to treat Erasmus differently just because he was a necromancer, and his protective instincts for him only grew the closer he got to him. It was touching to see how he was always defending Erasmus against any discrimination.
When it came to the mystery, I was hooked. I loved how the plot unfolded, how we were eased into the case, and the characters. I had my suspicions very early on into the book, and they continued to grow as the story progressed, and I was right. Things do get intense and dangerous with time, and I loved how it all came to that ending, which had me at the edge of my seat.
The romance was just so very sweet between Franklin and Erasmus and took its time to develop. It didn't take away from the murder mystery but grew alongside it. It is a closed-door/fade-to-black romance, and I loved the focus on the emotional connection that grew between the two. Erasmus had his doubts about his feelings ever being reciprocated since he was a necromancer, and they were generally treated or seen as despicable beings, so to see Franklin slowly easing away his concerns and giving him hope was just so wholesome.
Like Erasmus said, "Aurelia was one big ball of what the fuck," and I agree wholeheartedly. She was an amazing character, and I couldn't get enough of her. I'm not sure what a series dedicated to her would be like, but I know that I would very much love to read it because I'm absolutely intrigued by the djinn.
The side characters in this book honestly add so much depth to the story and feel involved without overshadowing the plot or the MCs. The characters were really diverse, in the sense of the kind of being they were and their personality, but this eclectic group somehow just fit so perfectly.
Warlock Nikodemus Holland was an interesting character, to say the least, and his conversations with Franklin were definitely entertaining. I loved the kind of bond he had with Erasmus and how fiercely he loved his son. I also loved the kind of partnership he had with Erasmus's mother, Lydia, when it came to the safety and well-being of their son.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series already.
March 16, 2025
Something missing
Something was missing but I'm not sure what. I liked the world building, I have not read the original series that this spins off from, but that didn't stop my understanding. The main two characters were likable enough and the mystery was just about paced enough to keep me reading, but only just. There were many times I felt there was not enough depth to the description yet too many bits that just didn't need to be there. The climax was not really there because Erasmus wasn't really the heroic protagonist and neither was Franklin which meant we didn't really get a front row seat to the action at the end. It's possible that's why this series doesn't really work because we're lead to believe that necromancers are not that powerful, or much use at all really and the storyline paints Erasmus as pretty weak.
I wanted to love this but I struggled...the whole thing felt thin and could have been far more than it was. I thought it was going to be more in line with other necromancer books of this genre such as the Beacon Hill sorcerer but unfortunately this pales compared to that because the necromancer just isn't a convincing hero or strong enough character for me which is a shame.
Something was missing but I'm not sure what. I liked the world building, I have not read the original series that this spins off from, but that didn't stop my understanding. The main two characters were likable enough and the mystery was just about paced enough to keep me reading, but only just. There were many times I felt there was not enough depth to the description yet too many bits that just didn't need to be there. The climax was not really there because Erasmus wasn't really the heroic protagonist and neither was Franklin which meant we didn't really get a front row seat to the action at the end. It's possible that's why this series doesn't really work because we're lead to believe that necromancers are not that powerful, or much use at all really and the storyline paints Erasmus as pretty weak.
I wanted to love this but I struggled...the whole thing felt thin and could have been far more than it was. I thought it was going to be more in line with other necromancer books of this genre such as the Beacon Hill sorcerer but unfortunately this pales compared to that because the necromancer just isn't a convincing hero or strong enough character for me which is a shame.
May 6, 2025
The audiobook was a nice addition
December 6, 2024
Interesting new series
With tie ins to the pixie series. The pixie series doesn't have to be read before all this, but as the main character, a main side character, and many names of characters from that series are mentioned, it would probably help. The main evildoer is pretty easy to spot, so the mystery angle of this isn't that. In fact, the mystery isn't the evildoer but how they did what they did. And that part is never really explained. But as this is the 1st of a series, and that person's actions have far reaching repercussions for our main character, I'm hoping that it will be delved into further in future books. I thought the book was interesting. I liked that this is a slow building series without changing focuses like the pixie series did with each book. Although I do hope we get to revisit some of the previous characters, they were adorable and entertaining. A good book has world building, character development, and a gripping plot. This book builds on a previous series, so the world building only applies if you've read that series. Otherwise you're a bit lost. The characters are sweet and interesting. They aren't fully fleshed out yet, but that may change as the series progresses. The plot isn't exactly gripping but it is interesting- it just never delved into the part that really interested me lol. Those reasons and several errors are why the lower stars. Otherwise there'd be 4. It's hard to turn from 1 series and start another. It's really hard to base it on a character from that series without all the emotional attachments of all the other characters that could bog it down if not careful. Phlox's story was a bit overwhelmed by the other characters so I was leary going in. But this one did a good job of just name dropping without them running in and overtaking it. I'm hopefully curious to see where the story goes in the next book.
With tie ins to the pixie series. The pixie series doesn't have to be read before all this, but as the main character, a main side character, and many names of characters from that series are mentioned, it would probably help. The main evildoer is pretty easy to spot, so the mystery angle of this isn't that. In fact, the mystery isn't the evildoer but how they did what they did. And that part is never really explained. But as this is the 1st of a series, and that person's actions have far reaching repercussions for our main character, I'm hoping that it will be delved into further in future books. I thought the book was interesting. I liked that this is a slow building series without changing focuses like the pixie series did with each book. Although I do hope we get to revisit some of the previous characters, they were adorable and entertaining. A good book has world building, character development, and a gripping plot. This book builds on a previous series, so the world building only applies if you've read that series. Otherwise you're a bit lost. The characters are sweet and interesting. They aren't fully fleshed out yet, but that may change as the series progresses. The plot isn't exactly gripping but it is interesting- it just never delved into the part that really interested me lol. Those reasons and several errors are why the lower stars. Otherwise there'd be 4. It's hard to turn from 1 series and start another. It's really hard to base it on a character from that series without all the emotional attachments of all the other characters that could bog it down if not careful. Phlox's story was a bit overwhelmed by the other characters so I was leary going in. But this one did a good job of just name dropping without them running in and overtaking it. I'm hopefully curious to see where the story goes in the next book.
December 29, 2024
I love Erasmus and Franklin and ahh... I love necromancer. The story was exciting. I rarely say no to a good psychic murder mystery.
But: I really knew from the 1st scene, in which the perpetrator appeared, that it was him/her. It was SO obvious and really up to 70% they just don't make any progress at all in the case. Erasmus other clients kept me happy, but the case was boring af (actually a pity, because the topic is so cool, cool creepy) and I thought it was a bit strange that they didn't come up with the solution faster or at least something seemed a bit strange to them, because I always listened attentively and had question marks in my head when certain things were described. SO obvious 😂🤷🏻♀️
But I still had fun and I will also read a 2nd volume if it should be released... 😂🥰🤷🏻♀️
🇩🇪
Ich liebe Erasmus und Franklin und ahh... ich liebe Necromancer. Die Story war spannend. Zu einer guten psychic murder mystery sage ich selten nein. Aber: ich wusste wirklich ab der 1. Szene, in der der Täter vorkam, dass er es war. Es war SO offensichtlich und wirklich bis 70% machen sie einfach gar keine Fortschritte im Fall. Zwar haben mich Erasmus andere Klienten bei Laune gehalten, aber der Fall war langweilig af (eigentlich schade, denn die Thematik ist so cool, cool gruselig) und ich fand es ein bisschen seltsam, dass sie nicht schneller auf die Lösung gekommen sind oder ihnen wenigstens etwas komisch vorgekommen ist, denn ich habe immer Aufgehorcht und Fragezeichen im Kopf gehabt, wenn bestimmte Sachen beschrieben wurden. SO offensichtlich 😂🤷🏻♀️
Aber ich hatte trotzdem Spaß und werde auch einen 2. Band lesen, wenn dieser kommen sollte 😂🥰🤷🏻♀️
But: I really knew from the 1st scene, in which the perpetrator appeared, that it was him/her. It was SO obvious and really up to 70% they just don't make any progress at all in the case. Erasmus other clients kept me happy, but the case was boring af (actually a pity, because the topic is so cool, cool creepy) and I thought it was a bit strange that they didn't come up with the solution faster or at least something seemed a bit strange to them, because I always listened attentively and had question marks in my head when certain things were described. SO obvious 😂🤷🏻♀️
But I still had fun and I will also read a 2nd volume if it should be released... 😂🥰🤷🏻♀️
🇩🇪
Ich liebe Erasmus und Franklin und ahh... ich liebe Necromancer. Die Story war spannend. Zu einer guten psychic murder mystery sage ich selten nein. Aber: ich wusste wirklich ab der 1. Szene, in der der Täter vorkam, dass er es war. Es war SO offensichtlich und wirklich bis 70% machen sie einfach gar keine Fortschritte im Fall. Zwar haben mich Erasmus andere Klienten bei Laune gehalten, aber der Fall war langweilig af (eigentlich schade, denn die Thematik ist so cool, cool gruselig) und ich fand es ein bisschen seltsam, dass sie nicht schneller auf die Lösung gekommen sind oder ihnen wenigstens etwas komisch vorgekommen ist, denn ich habe immer Aufgehorcht und Fragezeichen im Kopf gehabt, wenn bestimmte Sachen beschrieben wurden. SO offensichtlich 😂🤷🏻♀️
Aber ich hatte trotzdem Spaß und werde auch einen 2. Band lesen, wenn dieser kommen sollte 😂🥰🤷🏻♀️
January 28, 2026
One star for good enough plot, one for good characters. Minus the rest because this is a terrible book from a supposedly experienced author. I did so, so much skimming. There's tons of unnecessary words. I've highlighted some of the grammatically unsound sentences and gawky prose for your viewing 'pleasure.'
Had she shed some terrible habits, this could've been a significantly shorter, much better book. It's interesting enough. I like the MC enough, and the other POV enough. But, man, she should've hired a competent editor.
Had she shed some terrible habits, this could've been a significantly shorter, much better book. It's interesting enough. I like the MC enough, and the other POV enough. But, man, she should've hired a competent editor.
August 2, 2024
outstanding storytelling, superb new series
Rating: 5🌈
I’ve been desperately waiting for this book since Erasmus Boone , the Necromancer, and Aurelia, the djinn made their first appearances in the fabulous Perfectly Pixie series. Now, tied by past events , and magical connections, Erasmus and Aurelia have their own unique series, along with Erasmus’ human mate/romantic partner, Detective Franklin O’Hare.
Deadly Lineage is a superb introduction to Erasmus and Aurelia if you’re not already familiar with them from the previous series. May beautifully develops the storyline around Boone’s family, Boone’s neighbors and location, the necromancer history, and gives us new well defined characters in terms of the local MS police force where Detective Franklin O’Hare works and the investigations that come into play.
Boone’s complicated family just happens to include Nikodemus Holland , the feared, powerful warlock, father to Erasmus and his mother, Lydia Boone. May’s characterizations are well developed, vividly described and layered with personality. It’s doesn’t matter whether they’re human or paranormal, they’re believable in their love and concern for their son.
The Mississippi location is steeped in Southern sweet tea, wrap around porches with light blue ceilings, fans constantly swirling amidst the summer sweltering heat. The paranormal crimes committed are horrifying. The intense murder investigations are suspense filled and terrifying, and the romance between Erasmus and Franklin slowly burning.
Aurelia is an absolute gem of a character. A djinn who doesn’t act or even speak as anything other than what she is, an immensely powerful being, ones who has lived through the worst of origin stories and centuries of ownership. Each appearance sees more unexpected moments with her. More development, more revelations.
There’s so many great elements in this story. Whether it’s the side cases that Erasmus takes, his incredible neighbor, Mrs. Hart, and her tiny dog, Miss Pattycakes, each are a narrative treasure.
I was ready for book two as soon as this one was over. I love the universe, the characters and crossovers with the Pixies, and everything new May is creating here for Erasmus, Franklin as well as Aurelia.
This is a must read, as it the series before it. Highly recommended!
Another excellent cover design by cheriefox
Rating: 5🌈
I’ve been desperately waiting for this book since Erasmus Boone , the Necromancer, and Aurelia, the djinn made their first appearances in the fabulous Perfectly Pixie series. Now, tied by past events , and magical connections, Erasmus and Aurelia have their own unique series, along with Erasmus’ human mate/romantic partner, Detective Franklin O’Hare.
Deadly Lineage is a superb introduction to Erasmus and Aurelia if you’re not already familiar with them from the previous series. May beautifully develops the storyline around Boone’s family, Boone’s neighbors and location, the necromancer history, and gives us new well defined characters in terms of the local MS police force where Detective Franklin O’Hare works and the investigations that come into play.
Boone’s complicated family just happens to include Nikodemus Holland , the feared, powerful warlock, father to Erasmus and his mother, Lydia Boone. May’s characterizations are well developed, vividly described and layered with personality. It’s doesn’t matter whether they’re human or paranormal, they’re believable in their love and concern for their son.
The Mississippi location is steeped in Southern sweet tea, wrap around porches with light blue ceilings, fans constantly swirling amidst the summer sweltering heat. The paranormal crimes committed are horrifying. The intense murder investigations are suspense filled and terrifying, and the romance between Erasmus and Franklin slowly burning.
Aurelia is an absolute gem of a character. A djinn who doesn’t act or even speak as anything other than what she is, an immensely powerful being, ones who has lived through the worst of origin stories and centuries of ownership. Each appearance sees more unexpected moments with her. More development, more revelations.
There’s so many great elements in this story. Whether it’s the side cases that Erasmus takes, his incredible neighbor, Mrs. Hart, and her tiny dog, Miss Pattycakes, each are a narrative treasure.
I was ready for book two as soon as this one was over. I love the universe, the characters and crossovers with the Pixies, and everything new May is creating here for Erasmus, Franklin as well as Aurelia.
This is a must read, as it the series before it. Highly recommended!
Another excellent cover design by cheriefox
August 3, 2024
This was exactly what I needed today. An easy romance with a simple police procedural.
Necromancers in a contemporary setting are an underrecognized delight.
Necromancers in a contemporary setting are an underrecognized delight.
January 12, 2026
Rating 3.75
For me there was something missing in this one. I feel like the plot dragged a bit and the characters randomly developed feelings for each other. I feel like they didn't spend enough time in each other's company for their feelings to make sense, at least not to me
This is probably due to them already knowing and being attracted to each other before the book began
For me there was something missing in this one. I feel like the plot dragged a bit and the characters randomly developed feelings for each other. I feel like they didn't spend enough time in each other's company for their feelings to make sense, at least not to me
This is probably due to them already knowing and being attracted to each other before the book began
April 15, 2025
Stand-alone maybe but I had to go back and finish the earlier series, I enjoyed this far more knowing the characters and events that were referred to.
July 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was a lot more plot heavy, yet the romance and the relationship building was sweet. I loved both characters and I was really immersed in the worldbuilding. I didn't get the itch to immediately read the second book, and that's the only reason why it didn't get rated higher.
p 4/5
e 5/5
a 3/5
c 5/5
h 3/5
20/5
p 4/5
e 5/5
a 3/5
c 5/5
h 3/5
20/5
June 23, 2025
Great idea, terribly executed.
This could have been brilliant. I liked the relationship and the idea of the crimes, but the execution was horrible. It's as if the writer thought that the readers are dumb as a box of rocks. I usually can't figure out the villain, but within 1 chapter, I knew who it was based on the description given. Everything pointed to this person, and the way the brilliant detectives couldn't suspect anything was utterly infuriating. Also, I really liked Boone until the last 20%. It's as if he adopted a bag of stupid with a sack of uselessness.
I would prefer a story with his father because, while I don't want a Mary Sue or whatever, the MC needs to offer a bit more than being a damsel in distress FFS.
This could have been brilliant. I liked the relationship and the idea of the crimes, but the execution was horrible. It's as if the writer thought that the readers are dumb as a box of rocks. I usually can't figure out the villain, but within 1 chapter, I knew who it was based on the description given. Everything pointed to this person, and the way the brilliant detectives couldn't suspect anything was utterly infuriating. Also, I really liked Boone until the last 20%. It's as if he adopted a bag of stupid with a sack of uselessness.
I would prefer a story with his father because, while I don't want a Mary Sue or whatever, the MC needs to offer a bit more than being a damsel in distress FFS.
April 2, 2025
Well I finished it
The good: the story was a good one which is why I finished it. The bad: the author is bad at writing conversations or romance. And villains. The fix: a good substantive editor. As I doubt one will be engaged since the author has plenty of readers. Which is sad because if the author improved them I would read them again. However, as it stands, I will not.
The good: the story was a good one which is why I finished it. The bad: the author is bad at writing conversations or romance. And villains. The fix: a good substantive editor. As I doubt one will be engaged since the author has plenty of readers. Which is sad because if the author improved them I would read them again. However, as it stands, I will not.
February 20, 2025
The first part of the book was ok.....last 25% AWFUL. Incredibly predictable and lame conclusion. I mean, you have all these supposedly powerful people, and a total idiot can take them down? PLZ!!! Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!!!
November 15, 2024
How is every character in this book so smart yet so incompetent?
June 20, 2025
update: wow, 3 months later I even couldn't remember if I read this one or not...so, yeah, not memorable at all.
That was disappointing and, quite frankly, boring.
That was disappointing and, quite frankly, boring.
Read
May 2, 2025DNF @ 37%
January 11, 2026
I love this universe that MJ May has created. If you’re looking for a closed door PNR with found family vibes & all the species - I mean ALL of them, Brownies & Faeries, Vamps & Zombies, Warlocks & Witches - all - check this out.
I started my journey in this universe a little over a year ago with Perfectly Imperfect Pixie, the first book in an MM PNR series called Perfect Pixie and promptly gobbled them all up. That lead me here, to the Necromancer series 😍 which picks up where the Perfect Pixie series left off, though it’s not required to read first.
Now, to this book, Deadly Lineage. MC Erasmus Boone, a necromancer, is trying to figure out who’s destroying souls, it’s a murder mystery and kind of a work romance, etc etc etc BUT!!!!
My FAVORITE part of this book, was the relationship between Erasmus and his warlock father. In this universe warlocks are super powerful, arrogant, immortal, living half a millennia on average. They are the sire of Necromancers & known to NOT acknowledge those offspring - completely renounce them. It’s a stigma.
Nikodemus Holland, Erasmus’s father, one of the most feared warlocks in the country, is the exception to this rule and he is an overprotective, overbearing, and extremely loving and proud father. 🥹 It was the cutest. It’s through their relationship we learn the main reason warlocks renounce and cut off Necromancer off spring is bc they are mortal, therefore a weakness that can be exploited, if not something that will lead to heartbreak at most 80 years down the road from birth. This is why Nikodemus is so protective.
He is constantly reminding Erasmus he loves him and their time together is short & they just do everything they can to make sure Erasmus does not greet death even more prematurely than an average mortal would
MY HEART WAS JUST 🥹😭🥹😭
Ya this was a romance, cute. But the father son story here was just so frigin cute. I cannot.
I started my journey in this universe a little over a year ago with Perfectly Imperfect Pixie, the first book in an MM PNR series called Perfect Pixie and promptly gobbled them all up. That lead me here, to the Necromancer series 😍 which picks up where the Perfect Pixie series left off, though it’s not required to read first.
Now, to this book, Deadly Lineage. MC Erasmus Boone, a necromancer, is trying to figure out who’s destroying souls, it’s a murder mystery and kind of a work romance, etc etc etc BUT!!!!
My FAVORITE part of this book, was the relationship between Erasmus and his warlock father. In this universe warlocks are super powerful, arrogant, immortal, living half a millennia on average. They are the sire of Necromancers & known to NOT acknowledge those offspring - completely renounce them. It’s a stigma.
Nikodemus Holland, Erasmus’s father, one of the most feared warlocks in the country, is the exception to this rule and he is an overprotective, overbearing, and extremely loving and proud father. 🥹 It was the cutest. It’s through their relationship we learn the main reason warlocks renounce and cut off Necromancer off spring is bc they are mortal, therefore a weakness that can be exploited, if not something that will lead to heartbreak at most 80 years down the road from birth. This is why Nikodemus is so protective.
He hid it well, or more to the point, he simply didn’t talk about his fears. Despite keeping his feelings on lockdown, I was well aware I was his biggest, most threatening fear.
For his own good, Pops should have abandoned me like nearly every other warlock did their necromancer children. I’d always counted myself lucky that he hadn’t. I still counted myself lucky.
What I was also beginning to count myself as was selfish. I wouldn’t be the one left behind. Pops would be.
He is constantly reminding Erasmus he loves him and their time together is short & they just do everything they can to make sure Erasmus does not greet death even more prematurely than an average mortal would
“I love you. Our time together is far too short. Do not hasten death’s arrival.”
MY HEART WAS JUST 🥹😭🥹😭
Ya this was a romance, cute. But the father son story here was just so frigin cute. I cannot.
May 28, 2025
Great Fantasy Novel Featuring a Necromancer
I’ll start with that I really enjoy this book and have read it twice. It pretty much has it all. Good characters, good plot (although I had the bad guy figured out pretty early on), and solid world building. It is well written and reads well. I read it all in one sitting both times.
I find the world May has set up pretty interesting. These books are set up in the same world as her pixie books but you don’t have to have read those to read this one (I’ve read a couple of them but not all of them). She has got all sorts of fantasy characters existing in the modern world including Fae, vampires, Djinn, necromancers, warlocks, witches and shapeshifters. It’s a very interesting and layered world. She also seems to have a lot of traditional knowledge about the creatures she is using in her novels which I appreciate.
I find Necromancer books fascinating and have read quite a few over the years and this book remains a favorite. I always find it interesting that universally in these books necromancers are always shunned. Erasmus, our necromancer, is a kind soul even though the world shuns him to the point that most won’t even shake his hand. I love him as a character as he is the very opposite of the dark character you usually see for necromancers.
The book begins with Erasmus discovering an extra body in a grave in the cemetery. Since he often helps out the police by bringing back the souls of the dead to help solve crimes, he tries do the same with this one. However the soul is torn and therefore cannot help them find the killer.
Erasmus and the handsome detective, that he may or may not have a crush on, have no clue as to why the witch was killed. They need to figure it out quick because the body count keeps getting higher. But with no motive and no connection between the victims the case is proving hard to crack. What will give them the lead they need to crack the case? Read and find out.
I’ve read this one twice and I am very happy to see that the series has continued. I’ll definitely be reading the next one in this series. I highly recommend this book.
I’ll start with that I really enjoy this book and have read it twice. It pretty much has it all. Good characters, good plot (although I had the bad guy figured out pretty early on), and solid world building. It is well written and reads well. I read it all in one sitting both times.
I find the world May has set up pretty interesting. These books are set up in the same world as her pixie books but you don’t have to have read those to read this one (I’ve read a couple of them but not all of them). She has got all sorts of fantasy characters existing in the modern world including Fae, vampires, Djinn, necromancers, warlocks, witches and shapeshifters. It’s a very interesting and layered world. She also seems to have a lot of traditional knowledge about the creatures she is using in her novels which I appreciate.
I find Necromancer books fascinating and have read quite a few over the years and this book remains a favorite. I always find it interesting that universally in these books necromancers are always shunned. Erasmus, our necromancer, is a kind soul even though the world shuns him to the point that most won’t even shake his hand. I love him as a character as he is the very opposite of the dark character you usually see for necromancers.
The book begins with Erasmus discovering an extra body in a grave in the cemetery. Since he often helps out the police by bringing back the souls of the dead to help solve crimes, he tries do the same with this one. However the soul is torn and therefore cannot help them find the killer.
Erasmus and the handsome detective, that he may or may not have a crush on, have no clue as to why the witch was killed. They need to figure it out quick because the body count keeps getting higher. But with no motive and no connection between the victims the case is proving hard to crack. What will give them the lead they need to crack the case? Read and find out.
I’ve read this one twice and I am very happy to see that the series has continued. I’ll definitely be reading the next one in this series. I highly recommend this book.
April 28, 2025
3.75 stars
I actually really enjoyed this. It was dark a gritty but still clean in some ways.
The only thing I didn't like was the constant bringing up of other characters from another series. You have to read the Perfect Pixie series to get a handle on the characters and their significance, and that part was annoying because I only read the first book in that series and called it quits. I'm not really interested in pixies. In terms of a paranormal story, they are the least interesting, IMO. So I didn't read past the first book.
Regardless of my confusion, I pushed on, and it was quite entertaining.
I kinda figured out who the bad guy was the moment he entered the scene. That, too, was because of the writing. The author spent too much time describing this character's quirks and standoffishness, which kinda gave away his importance to the story.
I also didn't like that the main characters weren’t the ones to 'fight' him in the end. The build up was leading to a proper showdown, and I feel like I was robbed of it because a secondary character was the one to play the hero.
Other than that, this was a good read.
The narrators did an excellent job, and I honestly don't think I would have finished it if it wasn’t for the audiobook.
I actually really enjoyed this. It was dark a gritty but still clean in some ways.
The only thing I didn't like was the constant bringing up of other characters from another series. You have to read the Perfect Pixie series to get a handle on the characters and their significance, and that part was annoying because I only read the first book in that series and called it quits. I'm not really interested in pixies. In terms of a paranormal story, they are the least interesting, IMO. So I didn't read past the first book.
Regardless of my confusion, I pushed on, and it was quite entertaining.
I kinda figured out who the bad guy was the moment he entered the scene. That, too, was because of the writing. The author spent too much time describing this character's quirks and standoffishness, which kinda gave away his importance to the story.
I also didn't like that the main characters weren’t the ones to 'fight' him in the end. The build up was leading to a proper showdown, and I feel like I was robbed of it because a secondary character was the one to play the hero.
Other than that, this was a good read.
The narrators did an excellent job, and I honestly don't think I would have finished it if it wasn’t for the audiobook.
October 9, 2024
A fantasy all star
Are you looking for a little fantasy world brought to modern day? Add in a little mystery, crime, interesting new take on the world we live in, budding romance, and a line up of interesting characters and this is your book. The two main leads Erasmus and Franklin are everything. I absolutely loved their character development and partnership as they worked together to solve the mystery that was a particularly good plot. Erasmus has a most endearing sense of humor and view on life. The romance is there but definitely spread out through the book as almost an extra prize to the mystery being solved. Being that it says book one I can hope it was only a set up for it evolving. While you get to read some salitious thoughts they have toward each other and a few kisses, don’t come expecting and rated r scenes to be happening. Even despite that, I loved it and was very happy with it. It’s more than worth the read, and will definitely be added to a favorite list.
Are you looking for a little fantasy world brought to modern day? Add in a little mystery, crime, interesting new take on the world we live in, budding romance, and a line up of interesting characters and this is your book. The two main leads Erasmus and Franklin are everything. I absolutely loved their character development and partnership as they worked together to solve the mystery that was a particularly good plot. Erasmus has a most endearing sense of humor and view on life. The romance is there but definitely spread out through the book as almost an extra prize to the mystery being solved. Being that it says book one I can hope it was only a set up for it evolving. While you get to read some salitious thoughts they have toward each other and a few kisses, don’t come expecting and rated r scenes to be happening. Even despite that, I loved it and was very happy with it. It’s more than worth the read, and will definitely be added to a favorite list.
July 12, 2025
"For Boone, death wasn’t the end of the conversation; it was the beginning."
This is book 1 of a new series called Necromancer Tales by MJ May. This book was narrated by Declan Winters and a new to me narrator, Curtis Michael Holland. They both did amazing jobs with their narration. This new series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series which consists of five books.
To my way of thinking this is not a standalone series, even though the book blurb says it can be read as a standalone. We are introduced to both the necromancer Erasmus Boone and the powerful djinn Aurelia in the Perfect Pixie series plus there are references to some of the characters from the original series. Why not enjoy that series first before starting this new spin-off series, I promise you'll get more enjoyment listening to the Perfect Pixie series first.
Not only is there a mystery to solve but there's a killer on the loose, having the interest of a djinn is not always a good thing, having a powerful mage as father is
This is book 1 of a new series called Necromancer Tales by MJ May. This book was narrated by Declan Winters and a new to me narrator, Curtis Michael Holland. They both did amazing jobs with their narration. This new series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series which consists of five books.
To my way of thinking this is not a standalone series, even though the book blurb says it can be read as a standalone. We are introduced to both the necromancer Erasmus Boone and the powerful djinn Aurelia in the Perfect Pixie series plus there are references to some of the characters from the original series. Why not enjoy that series first before starting this new spin-off series, I promise you'll get more enjoyment listening to the Perfect Pixie series first.
Not only is there a mystery to solve but there's a killer on the loose, having the interest of a djinn is not always a good thing, having a powerful mage as father is
July 30, 2024
Lineage
I will give this book a 4/5. Erasmus is a necromancer who sometimes works for the police department. He also works with people when they have questions about dead relatives. Necromancers are not liked very much because of what they can do. Franklin is a police officer that works a lot with Erasmus. The two men really start working together when bodies are found and their souls are shredded. Franklin wants Erasmus to be careful because he could be next but Erasmus is stubborn. Both men are scared to admit how they feel about each other. They will have to work together if they are going to survive. I feel like this would make a great series.
I will give this book a 4/5. Erasmus is a necromancer who sometimes works for the police department. He also works with people when they have questions about dead relatives. Necromancers are not liked very much because of what they can do. Franklin is a police officer that works a lot with Erasmus. The two men really start working together when bodies are found and their souls are shredded. Franklin wants Erasmus to be careful because he could be next but Erasmus is stubborn. Both men are scared to admit how they feel about each other. They will have to work together if they are going to survive. I feel like this would make a great series.
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