The fourth and final book in the Reanimator Mysteries series.
An autistic necromancer, his undead love, and a future in peril
The Paranormal Society has been Oliver’s home for over a decade, yet he still isn’t sure where he fits. At Gwen’s suggestion, Oliver joins the mutual aid committee, but between misunderstandings, sabotage, and a life-changing proposition, Oliver once again fears he is out of his depth. At least there’s one thing he can count on: Felipe and the cases they solve together.
Felipe has always been the one everyone can depend on, but after years of bloodshed, fighting, and death, the cracks are beginning to show. The gruesome cases that once sustained him, now fill him with dread to the point that he questions how long he can keep going before he breaks. But if he isn’t a weapon, then what good is he to anyone?
A sinister plot against magical folks is unfolding, one that threatens to destroy the Paranormal Society from the inside. Can Oliver and Felipe grow into the men they were always meant to be, or will their doubt spell their doom?
The Reanimator Mysteries Series: The Reanimator's Heart (#1) "An Unexpected Valentine" (#1.5) The Reanimator's Soul (#2) "An Unexpected Question" (#2.5) The Reanimator's Remains (#3) "An Unexpected Evening" (#3.5) The Reanimator's Fate (#4) "An Unexpected Christmas" (#4.5) The Reanimatory's Memory (#5, collected short stories)
Kara Jorgensen (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary oddball with a penchant for all things antiquated, morbid, or just plain strange. While in college, they realized they no longer wanted to be Victor Frankenstein but instead wanted to write like Mary Shelley and thus abandoned their future career in science for writing. Kara melds their passions through their books and graduated with an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing in 2016. When not writing, they can be found hanging out with their dogs watching period dramas or trying to convince their students to cite their sources.
Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels The Ingenious Mechanical Devices: The Earl of Brass (IMD #1) The Winter Garden (IMD #2) "An Oxford Holiday" (short story) The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3) "The Errant Earl" (short story) Dead Magic (IMD #4) Selkie Cove (IMD #5) The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)
The Reanimator Mysteries The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1) "An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5) The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2) "An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5) The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)
A Paranormal Society Romance Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1) Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING) Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING) Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)
Content warnings: Murder, descriptions of corpses/autopsies, on page sexual content, ableism against autistic people, brief period-typical homophobia, suicidal ideation, violence, blood, gore, anxiety attack, medical peril, self-harm and ideation
Well, it's officially over and I am bereft but also so glad Oliver & Felipe, one of my favorite romance couples of all time, got such a great ending. The mystery plot of this one is, as always, very well done, but the emotional work is really the centerpiece here, particularly where Felipe is concerned. We got a taste of it in the previous book, but it's really driven home here to great effect. I didn't cry on a crowded train this time but I did definitely cry my way through several chapters. The character work is so wonderfully rich and the way Oliver and Felipe support each other through various situations and their individual traumas and quirks is so refreshing. I really can't think of a more attuned couple who balances each other so perfectly.
If I had one critique, similar to the previous book, the final action scene went by rather quickly and ended abruptly, and I would have liked seeing a little more of the aftermath of that as well as some of the other big plot points that occurred in this book. Without spoiling, there's a rather big decision that needs to be made and I expected a little more from it, both during and at the end. I would have gladly welcomed another chapter or two to fully resolve those threads, but as it stands the conclusion was satisfying. I am sad to say goodbye to this series that has surprised me so much since I began reading it a few years back, but I know many rereads are in my future. One of the best series for a supportive central romance, excellent diverse representation, and engaging mysteries that keep you guessing until the end.
For the past three books, I've had the sense that Felipe has been holding something back. Perhaps it stems from his unnatural circumstances - - or perhaps it's simply his moral compass. In this installment, though, we finally understand him better.
Felipe was shaped by a specific upbringing and expectation, and it's clear he struggles to reconcile who he used to be with who he is now - let alone imagine who he might become. The gap between past-Felipe and present-Felipe feels heavy, and the idea of a future-Felipe seems even harder for him to grasp.
A prophecy sets Felipe to confront that hesitation somewhat (at least that what I believe), and in doing so, he finally steps forward. In many ways, this feels more like Felipe's book than Oliver's. Oliver had his reckoning in the previous installment; this one belongs to Felipe.
There is a theme of fate that weaves through the story - binding Oliver, Felipe, and, to some extent, Gwen - if we remember the prophecy that Felipe carries in the beginning of the book. Meanwhile, a threat looms in the form of someone targeting magic users, driven by the belief that not all are equally worthy of power. By the end, their paths are set as they prepare to enter a new century in a couple of years: . The villain is dealt with, and a new balance will be established.
There's a quiet finality to this ending. A sense of hopeful acceptance. I found myself wishing them well as they step into whatever comes next.
I already miss Felipe and Oliver so much!!! This series is an absolute delight and I'm so sad to see it finish up.
I loved seeing more of the folks from the Institute, and getting a better sense of how the institute itself works. I was fascinated by the book magic and everything we got to learn about shifters. This is definitely Felipe's book, and I LOVED seeing him enter his "dgaf" era. The man has sacrificed so much for so long, it was satisfying to see him make choices for himself, and work towards a life that feels more survivable for him.
Some parts of this book felt a little undercooked. The pacing of the final scenes and revelation of the murderer felt abrupt. The ending didn't feel like it landed quite as intended.
Previous books in the series were so impactful to me because they harness both the mystery and romance formats to explore themes central to the characters. As Reanimator's Fate is Felipe's book, I came hoping for a mystery that would give his character more complex rendering—similar to what TRR did for Oliver. Although we got some of that, most of Felipe's depth and development happens kind of independent of the actual mystery— which felt more disjointed and less compelling overall.
That said, TRF was still a fabulous book that I enjoyed from start to finish. If you, like me, are a Felipe-enjoyer, you will have a great time.
As I've said in my review for every book, I adore Gwen, and am hoping to see more of her in the extras haha. I'm so glad she got the ending she did!
I'm genuinely so sad to see this series end, but I'm also looking forward to what Jorgensen starts cooking next.
more like a 4.5 star read?? i spent several minutes thinking about it, and while it wasn't an immediate 5-star read this was a really good ending to the series and i loved that this was really more felipe's book than oliver's as far as personal crossroads go. i'm excited to see what the next short story will be after this
Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict -
Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top
Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change, Mention of Co-Regulation, Rumination
Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), 40 Yrs Old, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom,
ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive, Overfull Pockets,
Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Community and Mutual Aid, Healing from Trauma,
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved.
Unfortunately the ending felt quite rushed and I would have liked a look at our MCs' future (I know we'll get that in the HEA novella but still).
This book was so much more character oriented than case- and mystery driven. The Reanimator's Fate finally sees Felipe crack open. During the series the readers have seen snippets, and in the third volume, greater things were discovered - And now everything that is Felipe collides. He has so much more trauma, guilt and past plaguing him - and this book focuses so much on his very identity - who he is, who he was, who he think he is, how he perceived and who he wants to be.
Behind him stands Oliver - now it is truly his turn to be as supportive and to taking care of Felipe, as Felipe have been and done to him. And he is shining in this role.
The mystery and investigation part of the story didn't get as much attention and was a bit side-stepped to make room for character growth and epiphany. And while I am a character-lover and always love a character driven plot and raw characters, I liked the other books, and their story balances, better. Nearing the end the book started to feel a bit rushed and I must admit, that I feel left with questions about the direction and fate of Oliver, Felipe and Gwen. However, I adored the emotions, vulnerability and danger the story provided throughout and will greatly miss these characters 💜
Although this volume might be my least favourite in the series, that doesn't mean it is bad and this series is still one of my absolute favourite series! 💜 It just means Jorgensen simply wrote 3 other books in this series, that I think was better 😉 💜
I will look much forward to The Reanimator's Memories and the spin-off with Ansley and Joe (though they will never be Oliver and Felipe - But I'll take what I can get 😆)
I received an ARC of TRF. I had a hard time finishing because I didn't want the *series itself* to be finished, but it was an excellent end to an excellent series. I'll do a non-spoiler review below.
I love Oliver and Felipe, who will always be my babies (metaphorically, of course). The end of the series did a great job in tying all four books together with a villain who was...honestly quite relatable, and thus even scarier. We finally get to find out Who/What Turpin Is, so that was a huge bonus. And boy, did that Death card from the short story before TRF turn out to be accurate... The ending is very satisfying, I think I can say without spoilers.
I have a few minor quibbles that would make this a 4.5 out of 5 if there were half-stars. The final climax seemed a little rushed if I'm completely honest, and there were a few random POV switches between Oliver and Felipe...but all in all, I'm still recommending the series to everyone who loves queer indie books, especially queer indie historical fiction and/or horror.
I binge read this and now I'm sad because it's over.
Thank's Kara for the arc (I still bought it on every format available because SUPPORT INDIE AUTHORS) All thoughts are mine.
Oliver and Felipe are so dear to me. They're just comfort characters and I love coming back to them. The Reanimator's Fate was one of my most anticipated book of the year and it delivered on every aspect I needed.
The mystery was super intriguing and even if I caught up with the murderer quickly, I still wanted to understand why. And I wanted to punch the culprit sooooo badly.
As for Oliver and Felipe's relationship, they deserve the world and i will die on this hill. Seeing both of them trying their best for each other was beautiful and inspiring.
Felipe coming to terms with ALL of his traumas was somewhat rewarding because it's the culmination of all the books. Since the beginning we saw the glimpses of Felipe's trauma and now in this book it's coming to kick his ass. I love how patient Oliver was with him.
I just love the space they create for each other to be their true self, even if it's not always easy.
I enjoyed having Theo and Bennett here, and im sooo glad they're friends with Oliver & co.
GWEN DESERVES ALL THE FLOWERS TOO. WE LOVE HER.
(I,honestly, am super sad it's the last book, I will deeply miss them, but we still have the Reanimator's stories to look forward AND THAT'S A GREAT NEWS)
Anyway. Read this serie and come join my Ansley hate/love club 😔 (I kind of miss him tho)
This is easily one of my favorite series. While I’m sad to see it end, this final book was absolutely fantastic. What makes this story so special isn't just the blend of paranormal mystery and rich historical details, it’s the characters.
Oliver and Felipe are just...everything. They are written with so much care, flaws and all, and watching them grow individually and as a couple has been truly lovely. Their devotion to each other is the soul of this story. But it’s not just them, I was just as invested in Gwen, Louisa, Agatha, and Teresa. They’re all written with such heart that you can’t help but care for them!
I adore this series so much and this one is no exception. It's an obvious must read for anyone who is a fan of the series. I loved getting to join Oliver and Felipe for one more mystery and I couldn't help but get emotional over seeing how far they have come over the time frame of these books in both their relationship but also their own personal growth. Amidst the grisly murder it managed to be so sweet and so hopeful. Honestly just a great ending to the series.
I am so sad I'm saying goodbye to this story and these characters. I know there will be a short/novella after this but we won't have another full length novel. I feel a few things were left unresolved and, while it's obvious not everything can get closure or a resolution, I would've love one, or at least a hint about them. Maybe in the novella?
4.5⭐ I’ve loved every book in this series, and this one is no different. I just love the relationship between these two, and add in the best-friendship between Oliver and Gwen, just *chefs kiss*
The actual mystery this time around did feel a little bit rushed, particularly the resolution, but getting a satisfying happily ever after for Oliver and Felipe more than made up that.
I still adore Oliver and Felipe as MCs, but the plot for this one felt like it was all over the place, and their relationship didn't seem to advance, either. The rushed ending and poor wrap up was a letdown.
It was such a pleasure to come back to Oliver and Felipe with this fourth and final book, at least with the main story.
This one has such amazing and emotional scenes between these two I screamed a few times for sure. There was some new elements too that makes everything so interesting and I am very satisfied with the way it ended.
Will gladly read everything the author has in store tho, they're just too precious to not always ask for more.