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The Sleuth Apparent
In Aeromorea, a cube-shaped world, where every bloodline has a magical blessing and a curse, Detective Merlonoit Alondere yearns to sail to another surface to find the cure for his ailing lover. The price, however, is too high.
Yet everything changes when a powerful political figure approaches Merl to investigate the mysterious death of Kyster Kinstone, an invincible man. If he solves the case, Merl will be given voyage to the cure. Merl instantly accepts, using his blessing of heightened senses to find clues others cannot.
But he has competition; his hateful uncle, conniving brother-in-law, and twin brother are joining the investigation, and some have their own reasons for wanting Merl to fail.
As Merl battles his own family for the prize, he faces similar chaos from shady a cruel mother, a joyful chef, an unruly bride, a bitter farmer, and a 500-year-old man who can harvest the time of others and keep it for himself. Each one has their own secrets . . . secrets worth killing for.
Yet everything changes when a powerful political figure approaches Merl to investigate the mysterious death of Kyster Kinstone, an invincible man. If he solves the case, Merl will be given voyage to the cure. Merl instantly accepts, using his blessing of heightened senses to find clues others cannot.
But he has competition; his hateful uncle, conniving brother-in-law, and twin brother are joining the investigation, and some have their own reasons for wanting Merl to fail.
As Merl battles his own family for the prize, he faces similar chaos from shady a cruel mother, a joyful chef, an unruly bride, a bitter farmer, and a 500-year-old man who can harvest the time of others and keep it for himself. Each one has their own secrets . . . secrets worth killing for.
513 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 8, 2026
This is an adult murder mystery set on a fantasy cube shaped planet where people have superpowers that run in families. There's gothic vibes, a magical owl and some good cooks I wish were real and worked for me. It is the start of a series.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved the fantasy elements. They had that wonderful quality of making me hungry to learn more. (TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS CUBE BUSINESS!) The plot was full of so many things that it kept things exciting while also making it harder to guess some of the twists. While I worked a few things out, I loved being surprised at how other things came together. I liked following Merl and Ocard, characters that challenge themselves and try to do the right thing.
Unfortunately there was one romance stotyline that jangled several of my pet peeves and it soured the book for me. One aspect is that sweet, sensible relationships are portrayed as not worth anything, as if you need something/someone exciting, unpredictable, crazy attractive, etc. Another is acting like it's a-okay to pursue a relationship with someone else when you are already taken and not even telling the new interest of your current relationship status. It wasn't so much what happened, more how it was spoken about and dealt with. I wish this whole storyline wasn't there at all.
Content wise it's pretty tame for an adult book. Mild language and references to premarital relations and/or infidelity is the most. Details I can remember are below.
CONTENT:
Language: One B word (as an insult). A couple of 'damned' and 'hell'.
Romance: On page: Non-descriptive kissing. Attraction, admiring her figure through a nightgown. Off page: References to premarital relations (e.g. a character pregnant before her wedding) and infidelity, inc. by main characters.
Faith: In world faith that seems monotheistic. Holy figures generally respected though no solid faith or practice in the characters themselves. Powers are called blessings. Existence of demons.
Other: Drinking. Deception.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved the fantasy elements. They had that wonderful quality of making me hungry to learn more. (TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS CUBE BUSINESS!) The plot was full of so many things that it kept things exciting while also making it harder to guess some of the twists. While I worked a few things out, I loved being surprised at how other things came together. I liked following Merl and Ocard, characters that challenge themselves and try to do the right thing.
Unfortunately there was one romance stotyline that jangled several of my pet peeves and it soured the book for me. One aspect is that sweet, sensible relationships are portrayed as not worth anything, as if you need something/someone exciting, unpredictable, crazy attractive, etc. Another is acting like it's a-okay to pursue a relationship with someone else when you are already taken and not even telling the new interest of your current relationship status. It wasn't so much what happened, more how it was spoken about and dealt with. I wish this whole storyline wasn't there at all.
Content wise it's pretty tame for an adult book. Mild language and references to premarital relations and/or infidelity is the most. Details I can remember are below.
CONTENT:
Language: One B word (as an insult). A couple of 'damned' and 'hell'.
Romance: On page: Non-descriptive kissing. Attraction, admiring her figure through a nightgown. Off page: References to premarital relations (e.g. a character pregnant before her wedding) and infidelity, inc. by main characters.
Faith: In world faith that seems monotheistic. Holy figures generally respected though no solid faith or practice in the characters themselves. Powers are called blessings. Existence of demons.
Other: Drinking. Deception.
October 28, 2025
I loved this! Such unique fantasy world building- and the mystery was well thought out. All my favorite things wrapped into one. I really enjoyed the different povs. Bummed it ended on a cliff hanger but definitely excited for the next book!
September 10, 2026
Just stayed up past my bedtime on a Wednesday to finish it. I found this book on TikTok, and read it on Kindle. I was looking for videos of new murder mystery recs when I was scrolling through and found a video with just a single one instead of a compilation list like I usually do. I’d never heard of it, and stopped to listen. The story sounded intriguing and mixing a little fantasy into my typical murder mystery on planet Earth binge felt really inviting all of a sudden. I then realized the creator of the video and the one who was recommending it was the author, and I thought “Okay, I’m pretty locked in, let’s solve a murder on a cube-shaped planet with a guy who has a gifted set of skills.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I became invested in the hero characters, and their motivations. The world was new and interesting. The magic system, though a little undefined at times, had rules, (though some I still didn’t understand completely, and sometimes appeared a little ambiguous to me), boundaries, and balance. And the mystery was intricate, and went way deeper than just a murder. The story dove into some layers, and really turned some corners, and overall concluded pretty satisfactorily. I didn’t guess the outcome, which I always appreciate because I do try to keep track of the clues, and there were a lot to decipher.
My only sore spot. There was a mutual breakup that was significant enough to be needed by the plot that I felt was unearned by the time we got to it, if that makes sense. I wasn’t disappointed by the outcome of it for either party, if that’s truly how they BOTH felt, but the way it played out felt more like a convenience, especially for the POV party, that wasn’t worth the supposed cognitive dissonance felt by said POV party to get there in the end. I feel like making this mutual, even in ignorance by one the parties of prior events by the other, is what ended up making those prior events that happened before it “okay,” and as I was reading the particular storyline that eventually led up to this, the storyline just never felt “okay” to me, even though the plot was engineered to eventually make it okay. This is the only plot reason I didn’t give the book a 5.
I do appreciate that this book very much stayed open for a second adventure on the heels of the first. I feel there is a lot more to explore with this world, and with the continued lives of these characters. I will keep my eye out for book 2, I want to see what else this world has in store.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I became invested in the hero characters, and their motivations. The world was new and interesting. The magic system, though a little undefined at times, had rules, (though some I still didn’t understand completely, and sometimes appeared a little ambiguous to me), boundaries, and balance. And the mystery was intricate, and went way deeper than just a murder. The story dove into some layers, and really turned some corners, and overall concluded pretty satisfactorily. I didn’t guess the outcome, which I always appreciate because I do try to keep track of the clues, and there were a lot to decipher.
My only sore spot. There was a mutual breakup that was significant enough to be needed by the plot that I felt was unearned by the time we got to it, if that makes sense. I wasn’t disappointed by the outcome of it for either party, if that’s truly how they BOTH felt, but the way it played out felt more like a convenience, especially for the POV party, that wasn’t worth the supposed cognitive dissonance felt by said POV party to get there in the end. I feel like making this mutual, even in ignorance by one the parties of prior events by the other, is what ended up making those prior events that happened before it “okay,” and as I was reading the particular storyline that eventually led up to this, the storyline just never felt “okay” to me, even though the plot was engineered to eventually make it okay. This is the only plot reason I didn’t give the book a 5.
I do appreciate that this book very much stayed open for a second adventure on the heels of the first. I feel there is a lot more to explore with this world, and with the continued lives of these characters. I will keep my eye out for book 2, I want to see what else this world has in store.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for the eARC
The Sleuth Apparent is a fantastic blend of fantasy and mystery, with a well-crafted world, and a slew of interesting characters who have blessings and curses.
The plot centers around a family of detectives blessed with heightened senses charged with finding out how an invincible man was murdered. While the tale is well-written and the world expertly built, it requires a smattering of exposition which slows down the overall pacing of the story. The clues are scattered across the narrative, with the resolution typical of a mystery.
There are a multitude of relational subplots that distract from the main narrative, and the character names stray more towards fantasy than to mystery, and need not have been so whimsical.
It's a good start to a mystery series, and I look forward to reading more about this world and its characters.
The Sleuth Apparent is a fantastic blend of fantasy and mystery, with a well-crafted world, and a slew of interesting characters who have blessings and curses.
The plot centers around a family of detectives blessed with heightened senses charged with finding out how an invincible man was murdered. While the tale is well-written and the world expertly built, it requires a smattering of exposition which slows down the overall pacing of the story. The clues are scattered across the narrative, with the resolution typical of a mystery.
There are a multitude of relational subplots that distract from the main narrative, and the character names stray more towards fantasy than to mystery, and need not have been so whimsical.
It's a good start to a mystery series, and I look forward to reading more about this world and its characters.
November 5, 2024
The perfect blend of fantasy and mystery. The characters are alive and the dysfunctional family dynamic is beyond entertaining. The world-building is top-notch, and it’s been a long time since I’ve read a magic system so unique. Lots of twists and turns throughout. This book is just plain fun.
The Sleuth Apparent is truly special and I can’t wait for the next one.
The Sleuth Apparent is truly special and I can’t wait for the next one.
February 26, 2025
I started this book after reading many ‘romantasy’ books and it was a nice switch up. The magic system is very intriguing and that was honestly my favorite part about it. I’m a very impatient reader and have to be hooked by chapter 3 and honestly HATE world building (not a great combination as a fantasy reader 😅) For me, once I got through about 20% of the book it took off. I’m excited to learn more about this world in future books and more about these characters (although I’ll be sad to move away from the family you come to love). When I thought the book was over that’s when it became a wild ride and it was amazing. Jackson did a phenomenal job tying things up while leaving the hunger alive, this was an unpredictable mystery that was exciting.
November 17, 2024
I have nothing but good things to say about this book! The world of Aeromorea is so creative and well thought out - like no other fantasy I’ve read before. The story flowed and was easy to follow, but was not predictable, which made for a great ending! There’s a few unanswered questions at the end, which has left me needing the next in the series yesterday. I can’t wait to read more and follow Merl on his next adventures!!
July 20, 2026
I started this when it first came out and life just got in the way. But I put all my other books aside to finish this and I’m really glad I did. This realistic fantasy mystery book kept the pages turning as I tried to figure it out. The characters are intriguing and captivating. Porter has a great style and I enjoyed the dialog. Totally recommend for those who love a great mystery with a hint of fantastical realism (is that a thing).
November 27, 2024
Loved it!!
This book had be intrigued from the beginning. I didn't ever fall into a lull where I wasn't captivated, or didn't want to keep reading. I loved the intricacies of the world it takes place in, and the characters are wonderfully their own. I absolutely loved the book and can't wait for the second!
This book had be intrigued from the beginning. I didn't ever fall into a lull where I wasn't captivated, or didn't want to keep reading. I loved the intricacies of the world it takes place in, and the characters are wonderfully their own. I absolutely loved the book and can't wait for the second!
July 8, 2026
For me, a challenging but absolutely delightful read. WOW. Slightly outside of what I’d normally pick up- the world building was just a lot more than I’m used to. Like, first chapter felt like a firehose of information while I’m trying to even get my footing. But then the next chapter starts making sense, and then only a little further in I realize why he started the book that way. It was his way of staying true to the main character’s spunk and a fun draw into the world.
Anyway. I really loved how each character was so unique, and really really meant something to the story. It was fun how somethings seemed unimportant at the time, but then everything came together so well in the end (like SO well), that I couldn’t not give 5 stars. Man, the ending.. unexpected and so satisfying, but had me wanting more at the same time. So good.
Anyway. I really loved how each character was so unique, and really really meant something to the story. It was fun how somethings seemed unimportant at the time, but then everything came together so well in the end (like SO well), that I couldn’t not give 5 stars. Man, the ending.. unexpected and so satisfying, but had me wanting more at the same time. So good.
March 10, 2025
This was absolutely thrilling all the way through. Porter has created an entire world for us to discover along the way as we dive into the mysterious death and fascinating dynamics at play. There was so much to unpack and reveal. Nothing was predictable, yet it all made sense in the end. Even with the resolved murder at the end, I was surprised to find the end - I just wanted it to keep going! I did not consider the implications of reading a first novel like this, now I must wait for the next installment. So freaking excited to see what lies ahead for Merl and Shameer. Well done, Porter. Thank you for persisting and sharing your gift with us all.
January 5, 2025
Fantasy 🤝 Murder Mystery
This book reminded me how much I love to read! I’m invested in all of the main characters and their subplots- I felt these weren’t a distraction to the main plot and helped me get to know each character and understand how they operate. Each character is also finding their own clues, as there are multiple detectives on the case. The story moves along at the perfect pace. I found myself trying to solve the mystery even while I wasn’t reading the book! I definitely appreciated the map at the beginning of the book. While the characters aren’t traveling to too many places here and there, it was a helpful reference. The book has everything you need; a new world to explore, murder, a dysfunctional family’s juicy secrets, and romance (very appropriate, no smut here). The ending is surprising, but not out of the blue AND satisfying but also left me excited for the next book!
This book reminded me how much I love to read! I’m invested in all of the main characters and their subplots- I felt these weren’t a distraction to the main plot and helped me get to know each character and understand how they operate. Each character is also finding their own clues, as there are multiple detectives on the case. The story moves along at the perfect pace. I found myself trying to solve the mystery even while I wasn’t reading the book! I definitely appreciated the map at the beginning of the book. While the characters aren’t traveling to too many places here and there, it was a helpful reference. The book has everything you need; a new world to explore, murder, a dysfunctional family’s juicy secrets, and romance (very appropriate, no smut here). The ending is surprising, but not out of the blue AND satisfying but also left me excited for the next book!
September 4, 2025
Such a fun a delightsome book, especially as a debut novel. “R” is my favorite character. I loved the combination of mystery and magic. This felt somewhere between a middle grade and YA novel, a transitional genre often overlooked and misrepresented.
I am looking forward to reading the second book when it comes out.
I am looking forward to reading the second book when it comes out.
December 3, 2024
good first start.
3.5 stars. Really interesting concept and world building. But there are a lot of tropes in this book. Would have been better if the author would have stuck to a few and focused on doing them well.
Overall it was a quick and fun read. Looking forward to book 2
3.5 stars. Really interesting concept and world building. But there are a lot of tropes in this book. Would have been better if the author would have stuck to a few and focused on doing them well.
Overall it was a quick and fun read. Looking forward to book 2
April 11, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I think it was creative, engaging, and interesting. I was invested in the outcome. However, I wish it had had better character development, refined the storyline, polished up some details, and fixed some of the holes. Overall I think it has good potential!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews