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Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed #4
Dead Serious Case #4: Professor Prometheus Plume
Inspector Danny Hayes has something very important to ask his boyfriend Tristan Everett. Over the past six months they’ve survived reapers, chaos monsters, and biblical storms, not to mention averting an apocalypse. So, what’s left to do but pop the big question?
Tristan is ready for a break from world-saving, spectral crises, and most definitely from ghosts. He wants some one-on-one time with his boyfriend, preferably horizontally. So when the incredibly thoughtful aforementioned boyfriend books a romantic New Year’s getaway at a quiet little hotel in the wilds of the north Yorkshire moors and away from London, Tristan can’t wait.
But as usual nothing ever goes according to plan. Snowed in during an unexpected murder mystery weekend at what turns out to be one of the most haunted hotels in Northern England is not what they had in mind, but when one of the actors turns up really dead not just fake dead, they once again find themselves caught up in another investigation.
With only one night to figure out who the killer is while wrangling a multitude of overly helpful ghosts, Tristan begins to wonder if romance really is dead…
8 hrs. 30 min.
Tristan is ready for a break from world-saving, spectral crises, and most definitely from ghosts. He wants some one-on-one time with his boyfriend, preferably horizontally. So when the incredibly thoughtful aforementioned boyfriend books a romantic New Year’s getaway at a quiet little hotel in the wilds of the north Yorkshire moors and away from London, Tristan can’t wait.
But as usual nothing ever goes according to plan. Snowed in during an unexpected murder mystery weekend at what turns out to be one of the most haunted hotels in Northern England is not what they had in mind, but when one of the actors turns up really dead not just fake dead, they once again find themselves caught up in another investigation.
With only one night to figure out who the killer is while wrangling a multitude of overly helpful ghosts, Tristan begins to wonder if romance really is dead…
8 hrs. 30 min.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 31, 2023
141 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Vawn Cassidy
26 books466 followersVawn Cassidy is the MM pen name of British author Wendy Saunders.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
April 25, 2024
OMG!!
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! Such a wonderful cast of characters! And the mix of comedy, drama, and intense supernatural horror is awesome! Five star book, five star series! I can’t wait for book five!
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! Such a wonderful cast of characters! And the mix of comedy, drama, and intense supernatural horror is awesome! Five star book, five star series! I can’t wait for book five!
December 31, 2023
They just get better and better
This book had me crying with laughter, tearing up with emotions and puzzling out the 'whodunit' in turn, and what a classic it was.
While I did actually guess the basic premise, I don't think I'd have ever reached the actual details of the murder mystery itself because it's so completely out of left field and it's absolutely hilarious. If that's the kind of thing you can say about a death!
Either way, this case file was a welcome change of pace from the race to prevent the apocalyptic events of book three.
Danny and Tris are up in my neck of the woods, taking a festive break in Yorkshire and, on the way, dealing with some of Danny's unresolved family issues.
Speaking of family, my heart was breaking for Tris as it starts to become clear there won't be a lot of time left for his dad. The scenes between him and Martin have always been some of the most poignant in this series, and here is no exception.
The romantic break to a hotel on the moors doesn't quite go according to plan, though, and the more ridiculous things get, the more I was howling with laughter.
There'll be no spoilers here, but let me just say, I don't think I've laughed as hard while reading a murder mystery case for ages.
Danny and Tris are still as loved up as ever, even more so as Danny's trying to put a ring on it but each time he tries, some bizarre situation occurs and they just get dafter the more the story unfolds.
One thing I will say though, I really, really want a series of books set at the hotel they visit! It's an absolute riot.
As things hot up in all ways, Vawn skillfully, and amusingly, pulls multiple threads back together to create a satisfying conclusion.
I'm also now waiting desperately for book five to come out next spring!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book had me crying with laughter, tearing up with emotions and puzzling out the 'whodunit' in turn, and what a classic it was.
While I did actually guess the basic premise, I don't think I'd have ever reached the actual details of the murder mystery itself because it's so completely out of left field and it's absolutely hilarious. If that's the kind of thing you can say about a death!
Either way, this case file was a welcome change of pace from the race to prevent the apocalyptic events of book three.
Danny and Tris are up in my neck of the woods, taking a festive break in Yorkshire and, on the way, dealing with some of Danny's unresolved family issues.
Speaking of family, my heart was breaking for Tris as it starts to become clear there won't be a lot of time left for his dad. The scenes between him and Martin have always been some of the most poignant in this series, and here is no exception.
The romantic break to a hotel on the moors doesn't quite go according to plan, though, and the more ridiculous things get, the more I was howling with laughter.
There'll be no spoilers here, but let me just say, I don't think I've laughed as hard while reading a murder mystery case for ages.
Danny and Tris are still as loved up as ever, even more so as Danny's trying to put a ring on it but each time he tries, some bizarre situation occurs and they just get dafter the more the story unfolds.
One thing I will say though, I really, really want a series of books set at the hotel they visit! It's an absolute riot.
As things hot up in all ways, Vawn skillfully, and amusingly, pulls multiple threads back together to create a satisfying conclusion.
I'm also now waiting desperately for book five to come out next spring!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
April 24, 2024
Another great addition to the series! So many fun characters but my old(er) brain was still able to keep up. 👴🏼
October 9, 2024
I love these books. I love Danny and Tristan. They’re funny and sometimes a little suspenseful. I love Danny and Tristan, and especially Dusty.
This book is more concerned with Danny and Tristan than the mystery of Professor Plum, but it’s still wildly entertaining. Although, I’m sure each book could be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading them in order.
This book is more concerned with Danny and Tristan than the mystery of Professor Plum, but it’s still wildly entertaining. Although, I’m sure each book could be read as a stand alone I highly recommend reading them in order.
October 20, 2025
An Agatha-Christie-like murder mystery with A TON of ghosts. And Danny’s carefully planned proposals getting thwarted for almost the entire book 😆
Mystery-wise, this instalment wasn’t the scariest, especially since the actual murder happens relatively late in the book.
Tristan is more or less forced to take a few days off during Christmas, and for the first part of the book, the focus is for once on his and Danny’s relationship. We get to see them with Tristan’s father at the care home, and we get to meet Danny’s family. I loved that part, and I loved that it felt real - it’s not all fun and games, and especially one of Danny’s brothers is a real piece of shit. But seeing his mum stand up for him (and his sister) felt healing, and I’m really looking forward to see his nephew join them in London.
Also: Tristan’s take on blowjobs was refreshingly honest 😂
I keep my hand loosely fisted around him to stop him from pushing too deep and making me gag. Some people might enjoy it, but I have a sensitive gag reflex and trust me, there is nothing sexy about that.
The part at the spooky hotel with the murder dinner (where - ofc - one person dies for real) was hilarious, even though not everything felt conclusive (what’s with the drafty secret corridors? Or the elusive owner?).
I very nearly rated it with 3.5 stars, but then, Danny made me swoon with his proposal 🥰
I mean… how can you NOT melt to a puddle during this:
“Every moment is the right moment with you,” he says softly. “I’m so in love with you, Tris. I can’t even remember what my life was like before you. All I know is, when I look ahead, I only see you. I want to grow old with you.
(…)
I can’t promise things will always be easy. I don’t know what’s going to happen and we do lead very strange lives, but I can promise you that I’ll love you like no one else, I’ll protect you with my last breath, and I’ll hold you up when the world tries to drive you to your knees. Because there is no me without you.”
🫠🫠🫠
So yes. 4.25 stars it is, not quite enough to give it 5, but I’m REALLY looking to the finale now with Madame Viv’s death.
Mystery-wise, this instalment wasn’t the scariest, especially since the actual murder happens relatively late in the book.
Tristan is more or less forced to take a few days off during Christmas, and for the first part of the book, the focus is for once on his and Danny’s relationship. We get to see them with Tristan’s father at the care home, and we get to meet Danny’s family. I loved that part, and I loved that it felt real - it’s not all fun and games, and especially one of Danny’s brothers is a real piece of shit. But seeing his mum stand up for him (and his sister) felt healing, and I’m really looking forward to see his nephew join them in London.
Also: Tristan’s take on blowjobs was refreshingly honest 😂
I keep my hand loosely fisted around him to stop him from pushing too deep and making me gag. Some people might enjoy it, but I have a sensitive gag reflex and trust me, there is nothing sexy about that.
The part at the spooky hotel with the murder dinner (where - ofc - one person dies for real) was hilarious, even though not everything felt conclusive (what’s with the drafty secret corridors? Or the elusive owner?).
I very nearly rated it with 3.5 stars, but then, Danny made me swoon with his proposal 🥰
I mean… how can you NOT melt to a puddle during this:
“Every moment is the right moment with you,” he says softly. “I’m so in love with you, Tris. I can’t even remember what my life was like before you. All I know is, when I look ahead, I only see you. I want to grow old with you.
(…)
I can’t promise things will always be easy. I don’t know what’s going to happen and we do lead very strange lives, but I can promise you that I’ll love you like no one else, I’ll protect you with my last breath, and I’ll hold you up when the world tries to drive you to your knees. Because there is no me without you.”
🫠🫠🫠
So yes. 4.25 stars it is, not quite enough to give it 5, but I’m REALLY looking to the finale now with Madame Viv’s death.
May 22, 2025
3.5 STARS rounded up
I absolutely love this series following the crazy lives of Tristan and Danny and their “found family”. Even though I did enjoy this story, I missed the old gang. There were waaaayyy too many characters being thrown at you with Danny and Tristan off on a little romantic getaway. They find themselves trapped in an old and unique hotel that is hosting a murder mystery night. Let’s just say things are not what they seem making their romantic getaway very interesting.
Of course, I laughed as well as a few teary eyes moments. Like I said, I adore these two and cannot wait until I get to the next one.
I absolutely love this series following the crazy lives of Tristan and Danny and their “found family”. Even though I did enjoy this story, I missed the old gang. There were waaaayyy too many characters being thrown at you with Danny and Tristan off on a little romantic getaway. They find themselves trapped in an old and unique hotel that is hosting a murder mystery night. Let’s just say things are not what they seem making their romantic getaway very interesting.
Of course, I laughed as well as a few teary eyes moments. Like I said, I adore these two and cannot wait until I get to the next one.
January 14, 2026
This addition to this series was just brilliant. There were so many moments I loved. I can't wait for book 5 and reading more about these characters.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
Thanks to GRR for the ARC.
February 3, 2024
Oh my goodness...
Ok, so I do recommend reading the first three books of the series before jumping into this one. Only so you will know the backstory of what's being told.
Can you just dive in though? Yep, this title is pretty much separate from the others except for the ending. You may be lost if you don't know what happens beforehand.
So Tristan and Danny of course are back. This time they are on a weekend getaway in a haunted hotel.
Side note, I hope the hotel and the people (alive and dead) get a spin off.
So this one is not as deep as the whole saving the world storyline of the previous ones, but it does show how great these two are together. This one has less cameos of the other found family, which to be honest, I really enjoyed. I did not like how Dusty kept wanting to celebrate the question that did not come until the end.
Speaking of and spoilers for the obvious to everyone except Tristan proposal, the way and where it happened was perfect. I applaud the way it was written.
I'm still wondering why the Dad cannot be saved, this is a supernatural story and it should be done as he is a major part of the story.
Anyways, I loved this and cannot wait until the audio.
Even if I have to join the kick starter again to have it made.
Ok, so I do recommend reading the first three books of the series before jumping into this one. Only so you will know the backstory of what's being told.
Can you just dive in though? Yep, this title is pretty much separate from the others except for the ending. You may be lost if you don't know what happens beforehand.
So Tristan and Danny of course are back. This time they are on a weekend getaway in a haunted hotel.
Side note, I hope the hotel and the people (alive and dead) get a spin off.
So this one is not as deep as the whole saving the world storyline of the previous ones, but it does show how great these two are together. This one has less cameos of the other found family, which to be honest, I really enjoyed. I did not like how Dusty kept wanting to celebrate the question that did not come until the end.
Speaking of and spoilers for the obvious to everyone except Tristan proposal, the way and where it happened was perfect. I applaud the way it was written.
I'm still wondering why the Dad cannot be saved, this is a supernatural story and it should be done as he is a major part of the story.
Anyways, I loved this and cannot wait until the audio.
Even if I have to join the kick starter again to have it made.
January 7, 2024
Kolejny tom przygód Tristana i Danny'ego sprawił, że pokochałam całą tę wesołą rodzinkę jeszcze bardziej. I choć momentami można zarzucić serii, że jest za bardzo OTT, to i tak miałam ogromną przyjemność czytając o zmaganiach Danny'ego z TYM pytaniem.
I chcę więcej... Mam wrażenie, że autorka trochę za szybko chciała zakończyć ten tom, bo pewne kwestie się rozmyły, a wymagałyby jednak jakiegoś słowa komentarza. Choć może zostanie to wspomniane w kolejnej części.
I chcę więcej... Mam wrażenie, że autorka trochę za szybko chciała zakończyć ten tom, bo pewne kwestie się rozmyły, a wymagałyby jednak jakiegoś słowa komentarza. Choć może zostanie to wspomniane w kolejnej części.
February 10, 2024
W tej części autorka wyraźnie daje czytelnikowi chwilę oddechu pomiędzy dwiema apokalipsami. ;) Dobrze się bawiłam, zwłaszcza w drugiej połowie, kiedy MC docierają na swój wymarzony urlop "bez morderstw i duchów".
Wolałabym, żeby nie było w tej serii tak natrętnej publicystyki, z jaką mieliśmy do czynienia w scenach w domu rodzinnym Danny'ego, ale na szczęście potem o tym zapomniałam. Oczywiście czekam na kolejny tom.
Wolałabym, żeby nie było w tej serii tak natrętnej publicystyki, z jaką mieliśmy do czynienia w scenach w domu rodzinnym Danny'ego, ale na szczęście potem o tym zapomniałam. Oczywiście czekam na kolejny tom.
March 19, 2024
A murder mystery unlike any other, and that is what makes Vawn Cassidy the unique and amazing author that they are.
We are back with Tris, Danny, and the rest of this motley crew of a perfectly imperfect found family that makes you smile, laugh, cry, and be in suspense at times as well. Each cast member is just as important as the last to make this story the true brilliance that it is.
It's time for the holiday season once again, and all Danny wants is that perfect moment, to yeah. Guess what? With this group, good luck in that front. That is what makes the book work. The chaos is just beautiful, and the love these characters share in their found family is everything you could hope for.
Cannot wait to see what Vawn brings us next from this world and hopefully some fun spin-offs!
We are back with Tris, Danny, and the rest of this motley crew of a perfectly imperfect found family that makes you smile, laugh, cry, and be in suspense at times as well. Each cast member is just as important as the last to make this story the true brilliance that it is.
It's time for the holiday season once again, and all Danny wants is that perfect moment, to yeah. Guess what? With this group, good luck in that front. That is what makes the book work. The chaos is just beautiful, and the love these characters share in their found family is everything you could hope for.
Cannot wait to see what Vawn brings us next from this world and hopefully some fun spin-offs!
December 29, 2023
Dead Serious Case #4 is the fourth book in the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series. This book is not a standalone and should be read in series order. This is about an established couple, Danny a detective and Tristan who can see ghosts. The guys just want some time alone without being interrupted. You know chaos is going to find them. I love the way Vawn Cassidy brings the characters to life. This is another amazing story in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
January 19, 2025
4.5 stars. Lovely, light whodunit series with a mystery in each book that resolves as well as a bigger plot going through the multi-book series, medium drama, mild angst. Delightful cast of characters, friends and drag queens with a paranormal element that’s entertaining and heartwarming. Lots of feels as we follow this couple through a couple years of courtship and relationship.
Book one is a wonderful start and it’s clear that we’re at the beginning of a series. We meet the main characters, setting up the paranormal element while weaving a nicely paced murder mystery into a budding romance. The bedroom scene in book one is epically entertaining as Tristan’s penchant for chaos rises to an all-time high. Very cute couple, extremely likable.
I ADORE that we leave book one with a handful of huge secrets yet to be revealed and I have an immense desire to keep reading to see how everything unfolds. Series must be read in order, none of the books would stand alone very well and each book ends with something new happening as a way to introduce the next book, a bit cliffy.
A fair portion of the books are dedicated to the plot and mystery, with the romantic page count significant but secondary. The romance ranges from funny chaotic moments, sexy full bedroom scenes, playful lusty fade to black and delightful moments of connection and adoration. Full scope of feels and very satisfying writing and story development. Tristan’s adoration of Danny and his internal dialogue when he appreciates him and their life are so lovely to read.
As a testament to this series’ charm, I read all 5 books back to back, which is rare for me as I usually get bored after book 2/3. They are binge-reading certified, congruency is perfect and there is very little recapping. There are quite a few characters by the end, so it is advisable to read the installments close together so you don’t forget who is who for the final mystery.
BOOK 5/6: new characters pop onto the scene in the last main book and appear again in the Halloween novella. They are from another series, THE GUARDIAN SERIES by pseudonym WENDY SAUNDERS. You don’t really need to know these god/goddesses/guardians/protectors to enjoy the Dead Serious/Crawshanks series, just FYI since GR does not reference the books from Wendy Saunders as being connected to the books from Vaughn Cassidy.
Murder mystery, detective, forensic pathologist, ghost, paranormal, drag artists, contemporary, UK/British, HEA, series, m/m, t/b roles.
Book one is a wonderful start and it’s clear that we’re at the beginning of a series. We meet the main characters, setting up the paranormal element while weaving a nicely paced murder mystery into a budding romance. The bedroom scene in book one is epically entertaining as Tristan’s penchant for chaos rises to an all-time high. Very cute couple, extremely likable.
I ADORE that we leave book one with a handful of huge secrets yet to be revealed and I have an immense desire to keep reading to see how everything unfolds. Series must be read in order, none of the books would stand alone very well and each book ends with something new happening as a way to introduce the next book, a bit cliffy.
A fair portion of the books are dedicated to the plot and mystery, with the romantic page count significant but secondary. The romance ranges from funny chaotic moments, sexy full bedroom scenes, playful lusty fade to black and delightful moments of connection and adoration. Full scope of feels and very satisfying writing and story development. Tristan’s adoration of Danny and his internal dialogue when he appreciates him and their life are so lovely to read.
As a testament to this series’ charm, I read all 5 books back to back, which is rare for me as I usually get bored after book 2/3. They are binge-reading certified, congruency is perfect and there is very little recapping. There are quite a few characters by the end, so it is advisable to read the installments close together so you don’t forget who is who for the final mystery.
BOOK 5/6: new characters pop onto the scene in the last main book and appear again in the Halloween novella. They are from another series, THE GUARDIAN SERIES by pseudonym WENDY SAUNDERS. You don’t really need to know these god/goddesses/guardians/protectors to enjoy the Dead Serious/Crawshanks series, just FYI since GR does not reference the books from Wendy Saunders as being connected to the books from Vaughn Cassidy.
Murder mystery, detective, forensic pathologist, ghost, paranormal, drag artists, contemporary, UK/British, HEA, series, m/m, t/b roles.
March 17, 2024
Danny, Tristan and the gang are back in the fourth installment, Professor Prometheus Plume. They decide to getaway, to a haunted hotel! Of course they didn’t know it was haunted. They just want to relax and enjoy themselves, but soon ghosts start visiting them. A murder soon happens and they have to work to solve it. Super fun to read! Engaging, will keep you flipping the pages.
January 9, 2024
Coming back to the Dead Serious books is like coming home, and this book just fit my mood perfectly - I needed something fun and familiar. A bit of found family shenanigans start us off, reacquainting me with everyone in this world and reminding me how much I love ALL these characters.
Then it’s off to a little holiday free off ghosts (only of course it isn’t). Throw in a Murder Mystery Weekend, Danny trying to pop the question, and Dusty being Dusty, and you’ve got a getaway that’s over-the-top hilarious in all the best ways.
I loved it. It was lighthearted (no great evil chaos trying to take over the world), fun, full of laughs, and had me smiling constantly. It was the perfect book to cheer me up, and I hesitated to finish it because I didn’t want to leave the characters in the world behind.
Fair warning - it does end with a teaser scene for the next book, which IS going to be a save-the-world king of endeavor, I’m sure, so it doesn’t take a very serious turn in the last few pages.
Then it’s off to a little holiday free off ghosts (only of course it isn’t). Throw in a Murder Mystery Weekend, Danny trying to pop the question, and Dusty being Dusty, and you’ve got a getaway that’s over-the-top hilarious in all the best ways.
I loved it. It was lighthearted (no great evil chaos trying to take over the world), fun, full of laughs, and had me smiling constantly. It was the perfect book to cheer me up, and I hesitated to finish it because I didn’t want to leave the characters in the world behind.
Fair warning - it does end with a teaser scene for the next book, which IS going to be a save-the-world king of endeavor, I’m sure, so it doesn’t take a very serious turn in the last few pages.
January 24, 2024
After a few too many drinks, Danny books a weekend away in Yorkshire. After Death promises to warn them that if anything happens to Tristan's dad, they decide to go. On the way, they stopped off at Danny's parents' home, and I really wanted to slap so many people around the back of the head. I'm just glad he had Tristan with him and wasn't there alone.
There is a Murder Mystery Night where they are staying, and poor Tristan has the suprise of the place being haunted. The ghosts were hilarious and couldn't help meddling in things, especially after the murder happened. The result of the murder investigation was a new one on me, and it solved why the guys' ghost wasn't helpful.
I felt so sorry for Danny; he was trying so hard to pop the question, but so many things kept getting in his way. I just love them, and especially I love how they are always there for each other. We could all do with a sexy detective in our lives!
There is a Murder Mystery Night where they are staying, and poor Tristan has the suprise of the place being haunted. The ghosts were hilarious and couldn't help meddling in things, especially after the murder happened. The result of the murder investigation was a new one on me, and it solved why the guys' ghost wasn't helpful.
I felt so sorry for Danny; he was trying so hard to pop the question, but so many things kept getting in his way. I just love them, and especially I love how they are always there for each other. We could all do with a sexy detective in our lives!
January 8, 2024
Tristan and Danny are at it again. Tristan and Danny are ready for a break from all the murder and mystery going on in their lives so they take an impromptu vacation. Danny decides that this is the perfect time to have an important conversation with Tristan. Unfortunately for the duo their lives can't be that simple. Lots of ghosts and a dead body interrupt their planned retreat and hi-jinks ensue. I was cracking up at the ghosts in this one. Dusty is always a fun time but the hotel ghosts, gotta love Bertie and Roger, were hilarious. The ending also nicely sets up the mystery for the next book, I Can't wait for the next in the series.
January 1, 2024
Well that was quite the wacky ride!! I loved catching up with Danny and Tristan. Those two are always a good time and there never seems to be a dull moment in their lives, even when that is exactly what they are aiming for. Those poor guys. All they wanted was a romantic weekend away from ghosts and murder so of course they end up staying at one of the most haunted hotels in driving distance. Not to mention, said hotel is hosting their first annual Murder Mystery weekend event. I sure bet they didn't bargain for it to end up as realistic as it did!
I loved Ellis the sweet and sunshiney host at the hotel. He was just an energetic ball of light and you couldn't help but adore him. I really hope he somehow makes his way into more books. Then we have all the crazy AF ghosts who haunt the hotel. They are quite the mischevious lot I'll tell you that. We also meet the nephew of a certain Inspector and like Tristan, I am wondering if we are going to be seeing sparks fly in the future with the newest member of their motley crew.
The ending of this one is both hilarious at one point and then shocking the next. This next case is definitely going to be a tough one, in more ways than one. We're headed back to London and I'm already on the edge of my seat wondering what in the heck is going to happen next!
I loved Ellis the sweet and sunshiney host at the hotel. He was just an energetic ball of light and you couldn't help but adore him. I really hope he somehow makes his way into more books. Then we have all the crazy AF ghosts who haunt the hotel. They are quite the mischevious lot I'll tell you that. We also meet the nephew of a certain Inspector and like Tristan, I am wondering if we are going to be seeing sparks fly in the future with the newest member of their motley crew.
The ending of this one is both hilarious at one point and then shocking the next. This next case is definitely going to be a tough one, in more ways than one. We're headed back to London and I'm already on the edge of my seat wondering what in the heck is going to happen next!
January 2, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is the fourth installment of Vawn Cassidy’s Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series. As with the rest of the books, this one has a murder mystery at its focus, this time one of the actors participating in the event at Danny and Tristan’s hotel. I think Cassidy makes a wise choice here shifting the location and the tone of the story after the big, world-almost-ended events of the previous book. This one sort of takes a step back into a lighter, more mundane sort of mystery and gives us a breather from the intensity of the last story (though it does give us the first glimpse of some serious events to come at the end of the book). The set up here is fun, as Tristan and Danny go away to escape ghosts and murder and end up right in the middle of a murder mystery weekend — then compound it by finding themselves facing a real murder mystery.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is the fourth installment of Vawn Cassidy’s Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series. As with the rest of the books, this one has a murder mystery at its focus, this time one of the actors participating in the event at Danny and Tristan’s hotel. I think Cassidy makes a wise choice here shifting the location and the tone of the story after the big, world-almost-ended events of the previous book. This one sort of takes a step back into a lighter, more mundane sort of mystery and gives us a breather from the intensity of the last story (though it does give us the first glimpse of some serious events to come at the end of the book). The set up here is fun, as Tristan and Danny go away to escape ghosts and murder and end up right in the middle of a murder mystery weekend — then compound it by finding themselves facing a real murder mystery.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 13, 2025
Loved this. So much fun. A little different in some ways to the previous books; this book is mostly set in an old stately home turned hotel ~ Danny & Tristan traipse into the wilds of Yorkshire for a holiday, and end up doing what they do best ;) Along the way Danny finally meets up with his estranged family, there are plenty of Dusty appearances to keep us endlessly entertained and some heartfelt and inopportune moments as Danny tries to I'm wondering if we have an expanded the cast of characters that make random reappearances in future books?
Bring on book 5!
Narrated by Joel Leslie. So good I didn't even notice it was Joel narrating!! I was too immersed.
Bring on book 5!
Narrated by Joel Leslie. So good I didn't even notice it was Joel narrating!! I was too immersed.
January 1, 2024
Unfortunately, the series continues its downward spiral of nonsense supporting characters and only mildly interesting plots. The mystery is easily solved in advance of the reveal, and it is just disappointing.
It does have a touch of the Terry Pratchett love of the absurd, so if that is your thing, you might enjoy it.
It does have a touch of the Terry Pratchett love of the absurd, so if that is your thing, you might enjoy it.
January 13, 2024
At this point, if Vawn Cassidy writes it, I will love it. Especially if it is a part of the Dead Serious universe.
Tristan, Danny, and Dusty and all their little found family has a special place in my heart. Their unwinding story of paranormal chaos is precious. Not only is this whole series full of wonderful and loveable characters, but it also brings humour and mystery to the table. I can't help but enjoy myself whenever I pick up a new book in the series.
Dead Serious Case #4 felt like a love letter to all that happened so far.
We get to glimpse into all aspects of Tristan and Danny's lives and go on a romantic getaway with them, which turns into another chaotic and ghostly adventure in true Dead Serious fashion.
In the beginning of the book, there is a lot of talk about how their life is going after the drama of book three. And I loved it. We also finally get a little closer look at Danny's past, which I am so grateful for.
The whole book is built around one question (the big one). Danny wants to ask Tristan, but they always get interrupted. Either by their friends, family, murder or ghosts. Even on the perfect romantic getaway.
The mystery in this one is probably the funniest one. It sums up all the chaos that this whole series has been in the best way. I ate it up.
A murder mystery weekend turned real murder? With hilarious side characters and bored ghosts in a snowed in hotel? What can go wrong?
The book did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and I shrieked with excitement. It was just so good. I can only say that I found everything perfect in this story.
This universe is going places, and I'd happily read all the side character's own stories, and I really hope the author is going in that direction because I want more. More of everybody. Can't wait to see what comes.
Tristan, Danny, and Dusty and all their little found family has a special place in my heart. Their unwinding story of paranormal chaos is precious. Not only is this whole series full of wonderful and loveable characters, but it also brings humour and mystery to the table. I can't help but enjoy myself whenever I pick up a new book in the series.
Dead Serious Case #4 felt like a love letter to all that happened so far.
We get to glimpse into all aspects of Tristan and Danny's lives and go on a romantic getaway with them, which turns into another chaotic and ghostly adventure in true Dead Serious fashion.
In the beginning of the book, there is a lot of talk about how their life is going after the drama of book three. And I loved it. We also finally get a little closer look at Danny's past, which I am so grateful for.
The whole book is built around one question (the big one). Danny wants to ask Tristan, but they always get interrupted. Either by their friends, family, murder or ghosts. Even on the perfect romantic getaway.
The mystery in this one is probably the funniest one. It sums up all the chaos that this whole series has been in the best way. I ate it up.
A murder mystery weekend turned real murder? With hilarious side characters and bored ghosts in a snowed in hotel? What can go wrong?
The book did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and I shrieked with excitement. It was just so good. I can only say that I found everything perfect in this story.
This universe is going places, and I'd happily read all the side character's own stories, and I really hope the author is going in that direction because I want more. More of everybody. Can't wait to see what comes.
December 31, 2023
This is the fourth outing for Tristan and Danny, and this really is best read as part of the series - there's an established relationship and threads reaching through the series, it would be best enjoyed in order.
A new adventure for Tristan, Danny and Dusty is always something I really look forward to and I wasn't disappointed here. This one is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, to be honest. It made me both happy and sad, weepy and laughing, yet always entertaining. There's the ongoing thread of Tristan and his Dad, plus Danny with his family and then trying to propose to Tristan all through the book, (that's not a spoiler as we find this out very early on), with Tris being gloriously oblivious to that fact. Add in a drunkenly booked holiday to the most haunted hotel in the middle of Yorkshire with a band of the nuttiest ghosts and guests, an inadvertent murder mystery weekend and you have the recipe for a gloriously nutty romp with an outrageous cast of characters, which honestly is all I'd expect and want from a Dead Serious story.
I loved the whole thing, and while the ending made me a little sad, it also served to make me more than a little curious, and as ever I want more from this found family of eccentric characters. Simply wonderful.
A new adventure for Tristan, Danny and Dusty is always something I really look forward to and I wasn't disappointed here. This one is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, to be honest. It made me both happy and sad, weepy and laughing, yet always entertaining. There's the ongoing thread of Tristan and his Dad, plus Danny with his family and then trying to propose to Tristan all through the book, (that's not a spoiler as we find this out very early on), with Tris being gloriously oblivious to that fact. Add in a drunkenly booked holiday to the most haunted hotel in the middle of Yorkshire with a band of the nuttiest ghosts and guests, an inadvertent murder mystery weekend and you have the recipe for a gloriously nutty romp with an outrageous cast of characters, which honestly is all I'd expect and want from a Dead Serious story.
I loved the whole thing, and while the ending made me a little sad, it also served to make me more than a little curious, and as ever I want more from this found family of eccentric characters. Simply wonderful.
January 8, 2024
This was a little lighter in tone compared to the previous one, but the mystery aspect also felt, sadly, a tad lighter as well. Though I wished for more of the mystery, the overall balance and feel was still plenty good.
This spans the week between the Christmas and the New Year holidays, and we got to see Tristan and Danny finally getting a much needed break and holiday, though that soon becomes a huge hilarious hot mess. The holiday trip to hell was a hoot and a half, and the funny and interesting ghosts and characters at the murder mystery weekend really worked. Just that for me, I wished that the mystery was a tad more. Also, it was a little apparent who the culprit was, maybe just for me. Would have liked to have more time at Ashton-Drake Manor, but maybe we mght get a revisit in future.
Unpopular opinion : the bit about visiting Danny's family felt a little like filler material and a tad forced, though I am still on the fence it was necessary or not. We got to know Danny's nephew though, who will be joining the expanding found family in London, and actually I am not mad about it. I just hope that the author will be able to maintain a good balance on all the characters and keep them distinct.
Overall it was still very much enjoyable, and judging from the epilogue, I understood why this entry was needed. I am still in love with thies series and it's characters and am very much looking forward to the next entry.
This spans the week between the Christmas and the New Year holidays, and we got to see Tristan and Danny finally getting a much needed break and holiday, though that soon becomes a huge hilarious hot mess. The holiday trip to hell was a hoot and a half, and the funny and interesting ghosts and characters at the murder mystery weekend really worked. Just that for me, I wished that the mystery was a tad more. Also, it was a little apparent who the culprit was, maybe just for me. Would have liked to have more time at Ashton-Drake Manor, but maybe we mght get a revisit in future.
Unpopular opinion : the bit about visiting Danny's family felt a little like filler material and a tad forced, though I am still on the fence it was necessary or not. We got to know Danny's nephew though, who will be joining the expanding found family in London, and actually I am not mad about it. I just hope that the author will be able to maintain a good balance on all the characters and keep them distinct.
Overall it was still very much enjoyable, and judging from the epilogue, I understood why this entry was needed. I am still in love with thies series and it's characters and am very much looking forward to the next entry.
December 28, 2023
Danny and Tristan are desperate to have some quality time together after both being extremely busy with work. They finally get time off together and after an hilarious drunken evening find themselves booked into a northern getaway. Once again chaos ensures as they find themselves investigating a real murder on the night of a murder mystery dinner. Chaos being the fellow guests and the resident hotel ghosts endeavouring to assist Danny and Tristan as much as possible and Danny’s attempts at proposing to Tristan being constantly thwarted.
Of course there’s plenty of hilarity, an intriguing whodunnit, some family angst for Danny and Tristan, sweet and steamy times, the worlds most sunshiny side character in Ellis and, after many failed attempts, a proposal!
We are also given a glimpse of what’s next in store for Danny, Tristan and the quirky characters that make up their found family and that had definitely got me intrigued.
Of course there’s plenty of hilarity, an intriguing whodunnit, some family angst for Danny and Tristan, sweet and steamy times, the worlds most sunshiny side character in Ellis and, after many failed attempts, a proposal!
We are also given a glimpse of what’s next in store for Danny, Tristan and the quirky characters that make up their found family and that had definitely got me intrigued.
January 17, 2024
Super fun!
This episode of Dead Serious is fun and yet it does include the family issues from both Tristan and Danny.
Danny books a hotel stay for them both at an out of the way hotel for a nice vacation whee they can relax and be together. Yeah, thay never works out the way it's planned.
The staff at the hotel is too funny. I love Ellis. Dilys cracks me up. Of course there are pesky ghosts and a death involved in their stay.
I loved the story and the nod to Clue. Tristan and Danny are great characters and of course there is Dusty who keeps popping in. Really liked this story. It's a bit of ridiculous and a smattering of realness with families and relationships.
This episode of Dead Serious is fun and yet it does include the family issues from both Tristan and Danny.
Danny books a hotel stay for them both at an out of the way hotel for a nice vacation whee they can relax and be together. Yeah, thay never works out the way it's planned.
The staff at the hotel is too funny. I love Ellis. Dilys cracks me up. Of course there are pesky ghosts and a death involved in their stay.
I loved the story and the nod to Clue. Tristan and Danny are great characters and of course there is Dusty who keeps popping in. Really liked this story. It's a bit of ridiculous and a smattering of realness with families and relationships.
April 28, 2024
Danny and Tristan go on a much deserved vacation over the winter holidays. Of course there's murder and mayhem a the county mansion getaway they've booked. Danny has in important question to ask Tristan, which he has trouble getting to right away. And there's an awkward reunion with Danny's estranged family.
This was meh IMO compared to the other books. There's no murder until nearly 50% into the book. Alot of it is Danny gnashing his teeth over his estranged family and Tristan talking about how he needs a break from ghosts (which of course he doesn't get). It was fine. Just really really slow.
This was meh IMO compared to the other books. There's no murder until nearly 50% into the book. Alot of it is Danny gnashing his teeth over his estranged family and Tristan talking about how he needs a break from ghosts (which of course he doesn't get). It was fine. Just really really slow.
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December 30, 2023I absolutely adore Tristan and Danny. These two are seriously #couplegoals. Their crazy and chaotic found family of characters will never leave them or let them down. I loved these guys! These two can’t seem to get any time alone though so it figures that a quiet weekend in the country would turn into another adventure. I get strong slapstick vibes in places. Think the movies Clue and High Spirits! There are some serious bits to this but there is always humor in all the right places. Wonderful addition to the series and I hope we get many more! So worth a read.
January 3, 2024
Hilarious
This mystery is most definitely a comedy of… ghosts! I mean you really need to read it to believe it, even as you won’t believe what you read, and because it’s uproariously funny. The events that happened kept me in stitches, and in swoons.
“This man. I give a really embarrassing sigh, sounding like a lovesick teenager. My whole world begins and ends with this funny, kind man… and hot, did I mention incredibly hot?”
Gah, Tristan and his Danny really are couple goals and I love seeing how these two have changed and grown from the first book. And the hotel, I really want to visit because a. I need to see the ghosties with my own eyes and b. they’re a 24/7 entertainment bonus. But that ending, I have a feeling our next adventure is going to be quite thrilling.
This mystery is most definitely a comedy of… ghosts! I mean you really need to read it to believe it, even as you won’t believe what you read, and because it’s uproariously funny. The events that happened kept me in stitches, and in swoons.
“This man. I give a really embarrassing sigh, sounding like a lovesick teenager. My whole world begins and ends with this funny, kind man… and hot, did I mention incredibly hot?”
Gah, Tristan and his Danny really are couple goals and I love seeing how these two have changed and grown from the first book. And the hotel, I really want to visit because a. I need to see the ghosties with my own eyes and b. they’re a 24/7 entertainment bonus. But that ending, I have a feeling our next adventure is going to be quite thrilling.
December 28, 2023
Tristan has been run off his feet and it's Christmas so luckily he gets vacation. As his Dad is declining, Danny and he decide to go to a hotel out of London for just a long weekend. All wrapped up in their holiday is a family reunion, a fantasy murder mystery and a real murder. Throw in new ghosts, found family and more Dusty and you have another chapter in our favorite couple's chaotic lives. I love these two who always raise my spirits ( pun intended) every time I read more of them. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
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