Criminology of a Character: Autopsy of a Fairytale, Book 4

Autopsy of a Fairytale #4

by Nicole Scarano, Cassandra Campbell (narrator)

What on earth is a homicide detective supposed to do with two unexpected weeks off?

While on their first romantic vacation, Detective Isobel "Bel" Emerson and Eamon Stone accidentally uncover a black market operation. Agent Jameson Barry and the FBI rush to their aid, but during the raid, Bel finds an inconsequential piece of evidence that the FBI dismisses as trash. Yet she can't get it out of her mind. It lodges in her brain long after she returns home, driving her and her partner, Detective Olivia Gold, to launch an investigation of their own.

When evidence uncovered in a disturbing homicide case in Bajka bears striking similarities to the evidence found during the FBI raid, Bel is convinced the two vastly different crimes are somehow related. She throws herself into uncovering the truth as she hunts for the serial killer plaguing Bajka, but when tragedy strikes the small town, the police face a devastating question. Is the truth she's searching for worth the risk, especially when not even Eamon's beast is strong enough to help her?

Loosely inspired by "Bluebeard" and "The Little Match Girl," Criminology of a Character is book four in the Autopsy of a Fairytale series, a crime procedural romantic suspense perfect for those who like dark fairytales, murder mystery, crime procedurals, romance, found family, and a hint of fantasy. Each book will be based on a different fairytale, but Bel (and her Beast) will connect them all, her story ending on small cliffhangers in each book. This series must be listened to in order.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Nicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite out of the series. THAT CLIFF HANGER THOUGH

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series since I found it when there were only two books released, I'm always a sucker for fairytale retellings and these books are insanely easy to get stuck in

however, I'd like to lodge a formal complaint in regards to what the FUCK was that ending and how dare you leave us with that until march??

[Kevin Donato · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Criminology of a Character,” the fourth book in Nicole Scarano’s Autopsy of a Fairytale series, keeps building on the complex and twisted world she has crafted. Detective Isobel ‘Bel’ Emerson and Eamon Stone finally get a much-needed break, only for their quiet vacation to spiral into a dangerous black market investigation. The story wastes no time in pulling Bel—and the reader—back into a web of intrigue that only gets darker and more tangled as she connects this case to a gruesome serial killer in Bajka.

I was particularly intrigued by the fairytale inspirations behind this book—Bluebeard and The Little Matchstick Girl. These references are new, and I’m curious to dive into those stories. The way Scarano weaves these dark fairytale elements into a gritty, contemporary crime mystery is captivating. This installment hits all the right notes with suspense, romance, and fantasy, especially as Bel faces more personal and professional turmoil. Detective Olivia Gold plays a steady, grounding role for Bel, adding a refreshing dynamic to their investigation. And Agent Jameson Barry and Eamon’s fiercely protective side bring in the perfect touch of support and strength.

And the ending—THE ENDING! Scarano hits us with a cliffhanger that leaves me needing to know what happens next. She has a knack for leaving just enough unanswered questions to pull you to the next book, and this one has no shortage of twists. Overall, “Criminology of a Character” is a mesmerizing addition to the series that fans of dark fairytales and suspenseful mysteries will savor. It is my favorite part of the series so far.

[Charlotte Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I love these books so much. I was a bit unsure when I started the series, but I am hooked. And this one was just as good. I couldn't put it down at some points as needed to know the outcome. Massive clif hanger ending and can't wait for the next one. 👏🏼

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS GOING ON WITH THESE BOOKS I SWEAR TO GOD!

I'm really REALLY enjoying these stories, the blend of real live vs fairy tale is really keeping me invested, but GIVE BEL A BREAK MY FUCKING GOOOOOODDDDDD this woman needs to quit and do something else with her life, because if I find ONE MORE PSYCHO MAN obsessed with her who IS NOT Eamon I will climb through my phone, find the authors goodreads, climb OUT of her phone and FORCE her to write the happy ending Eamon and Bel deserve!

That cliffhanger was actually criminal. Fuck you, Nicole (in the nicest way I can say that) and give me the next book ASAP.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly my favorite of the series! The freezer is going to live rent free in my head. Very creepy.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series Should Definitely Be A Made Into A Movie or Netflix Series!!!

WHAT?? WHAT??!!!
THAT FREAKING ENDING!!! Good thing I have the next book or I’d be totally freaking out!!

As you’ve most likely guessed, I’m ABSOLUTELY CRAZY ABOUT THIS SERIES!! But this book had me yelling out loud and screaming “WHAT!” as my dog looked at me like, “Should I be worried?”
This one is definitely my favorite in the series so far, it had my blood pumping and my fingers flipping through the pages NEEDING TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN and being totally shocked by certain twists, oh and horrified by these evil characters!!

Of course, I’m totally obsessed with Eamon, Bel and Cerberus!! I love Bel’s father, boss, partner Olivia and Olivia’s man, Ewan also.

The whole suspense/thriller/mystery with a slight fairytale twist is SUPER COOL!! The romance is totally swoon worthy, but not real steamy. And Cerberus, the Pitbull is SUCH A LOVE!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES, you will LOVE IT!!!

[Yvette Boer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one. Criminology of a Character dives deep into mystery, emotion, and dark fairytale vibes—and trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop. Bel Emerson thought she was getting a break, but instead she finds herself chasing down a twisted killer in a town full of secrets and symbolic murders that echo Bluebeard and The Little Match Girl.

The story is intense, clever, and full of suspense. Bel’s emotional growth and the chemistry with Eamon and Olivia add so much depth to the mystery. Nicole Scarano knows how to write complex, fierce characters and a plot that pulls you deeper with every chapter.

And that ending? That cliffhanger?? You will need book five ready to go—because once you hit the last page, there’s no turning back.

[Michelle Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Scarano has truly outdone herself with Criminology of a Character, book four in the Autopsy of a Fairytale series. I’ve loved every book in this series for the Beauty and the Beast-like love story between the main characters and the way Scarano blends pieces of classic fairytales into her storytelling.

But Criminology of a Character takes it to another level. When you hit that 2/3 mark and realize what you thought was the main storyline is already wrapped up—you just know you’re in for a wild ride. I was not prepared. My jaw literally dropped at the ending, and that cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and could honestly say that I had no clue how this case was going to wrap up. There were so many twists and turns and I wasn't sure what was connected with what and how everything was going to come together the way it did but oh my gosh it was awesome.

The only complaint I have is that I now have to wait until March for the next book in the series because I'm obsessed and the cliff hanger ending has me asking so many questions. I cannot wait to see what's next in store for Detective Isobel and Eamon.

[Derin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

serinin en iyisi buydu ve YA BU KİTSP BÖYLE Mİ BİTİRİLİR 😭😭😭

kitabın ilk yarısında hani gerçekten gerildim devamı da öyleydi ama bi ara sakinlediğinden daha az gerildim başına kıyasla hala alpha predator diyoruz bayılıcsm yeto

buradan sonrası bir tık daha spoilersal


seride katilleri tahmin etmek kolaydı gerçekten bu kitaptaki bir tık daha arada bıraksada yine de bir tık belliydi bir de öbür katilin olayı çok bir anda bitti tak dedik adam öldü e hani karakterlerde duygusal olarak etkilenmedi

he ekstra kız her kitapta travma yaşıyor ama biz bu travmaların hayatına yansıdığını görmüyoruz sadece paragraf aralarında söyleniyo e diceksiniz kız psikologa gidiyor e tamam da gittiği psikologa hem her şeyi anlatamıyor hemde kitaplar kısa aralıklarla başlıyor o kadar kısa bir sürede büyük travmaları atlatma şansı yok

[Kaija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed! In love!

EXCUSE ME?! WHO ENDS A BOOK LIKE THAT?
OH MY GOD!
This was AMAZING and phenomenal and probably my favorite out of the series so far!
This was such a page turner and I had no idea what to expect it was that good!

Like I don’t know how to review this because I’m just left like OH MY GOD! I have so so so many questions I need answers STAT!

[Alicia Thistle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series!
The characters are great, each book has a vastly different plot, each story is suspenseful, the relationships between the characters are heart-felt and loyal. I found myself eager to turn each page.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was my favorite so far. The way I was shocked and gasped and run to my husband to tell him all about it. This author really got better with each book and I’m glad I stuck with the series after a little of hesitation.

[sarah_eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series!

[Krystin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was the best one in the series for sure!

I almost took a star away for the cliffhanger though bc I’m petty like that 🤣

[Meghan phethean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cliff hanger is going to kill me. What is he hiding?

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohh the ups and downs. The emotional rollercoaster in this one !!! Another excellent book in the series.

[Elinor · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one felt a little disjointed to me but I, as always, enjoyed the way that she's borrowed from fairytales and other stories thematically it's very fun

[Faith Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series! So many twist and turns. The way the original fairy tails are incorporated is wonderfully done. Just loved it

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jekyll and Hyde

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While taking a vacation to spend time together, a romantic getaway quickly becomes an investigation with dangerous implications into a black market operation in Criminology of a Character by Nicole Scarano.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

With vacation time to use, Bel joins Eamon for a charity event hosted on Dr. Hyde’s private island, which starts off as a romantic getaway for them, though while exploring the island, they accidentally uncover what appears to be a black market operation of surgically altering the faces of wanted criminals. When Bel finds a blue origami gum wrapper butterfly at the scene, the FBI dismisses it as a piece of inconsequential trash, but Bel noticed the wife of Dr. Blaubart, Anne, folding gum wrappers just like this and it sticks in her head as she and Eamon return home; however, it is quickly pushed to the backburner as a more pressing homicide case demands her attention and time, though the case does bear some strange similarities to the evidence found during the FBI raid that drives Bel to investigate further, and impulsively, placing her in danger that even Eamon might not be able to save her from.

Starting with an initial reprieve from the relentless string of daunting and gruesome cases and grinding work that built up into the first three books and left off in Kidnapping of a Myth, Bel and Eamon have a fleeting moment of relative normalcy and peace, giving them time to explore their developing romance before launching back into crime-related chaos with a one-two punch of investigations that draw inspiration from “Bluebeard” and “The Little Matchstick Girl.” Building more slowly in this installment, there are multiple storylines to incorporate with the two tales, which take a while to come together but are thoroughly and heavily foreshadowed throughout the text, and the lull from the romantic emphasis at the beginning marks this narrative as slightly different than the previous in the series that’s been much higher action and stakes. While ending on a note of suspense isn’t uncommon to pique interest in what’s to come, the substance of this ending is a rather unbearable and predictable trope, the handling of which will be revealed in the next book.

Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Disney & Fantasy Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminology of a character by Nicole scarano | book 4 in the Autopsy of a Fairytale Series

📚: ebook avalible on ku
📚: Fairytale Retelling ~ beauty and the beast × Bluebeard and the little match stick girl
📚: Murder mystery, small town, slow burn,

⭐️: 4.5
🌶: 1.5

~ Thoughts ~

Mcs: Eamon, Bel & Cerbus

I love reading the character development between Eamon & Bel and watching their charcters grow both individual and together. Which includes their banter and other things 😉😂

I dont know if anyone has watched the Rookie, but if you have seen John & Bailey's honeymoon episode, this has similar vibes ✨️
I've told you this about Nicole's books, but her writing is amazing and totally captivating—that's why I flew through them all weekend!  And I'm patiently (impatiently 😉😂) waiting for book 5 next month (the 21st).  Her world-building, plot (and twists!), and character development are so good, you're completely lost in her story.


📚: dates read ~ 9th of Feb to 9th of Feb

[Nicholle Utley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling ride! Kidnapping a Myth is yet another knockout entry in this extraordinary series. From the very first page, I was swept up in a whirlwind of suspense and dark enchantment—imagine Criminal Minds tangled with classic fairytales, and you’ll get a taste of what this book delivers.

The romance is absolutely swoon‑worthy, striking just the right balance between heat and heart without ever slowing down the pulse‑pounding action. Every twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to see how the investigators would piece together clues before the clock ran out.

This series just keeps getting better and better. If you crave razor‑sharp crime procedural elements wrapped in spellbinding fairytale lore—and topped off with a romance that will leave you smiling—you can’t miss Kidnapping a Myth. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!

[Marissa Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Scarano is an automatic buy for me! Especially this series. This is book 4 and I absolutely loved every minute of it. Bel and Eamon (as well as Cerberus) have got to be my favourite little trio. This series is definitely one of my top 3 for this year!
I absolutely love the criminal minds meets fairytale aspect of the books and the stories are always captivating and keep me hooked.

[Imani Gudger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. The tie was a bit od a stretch, but the action was good. There was some over the top things that I was questioning, but no spoilers from me.
It was a good read and the cliffhanger..chef kiss.
I do rate it a bit lower in the series because of the stretch to connect some things. All in a 3.5

[Bella Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

i know its bad but you’re going to have to rip this series out of my cold dead hands

[Designsk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice bokk

[Vania Nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bel urgently needs a vacation. This is imperative coming from the police chief, Griffin, who treats Bel as if she were his daughter.
Eamon immediately finds a way to convince her to go with him to a charity event on a private island owned by a famous plastic surgeon.
In fact, this annual event brings together several plastic surgeons and the donations are to help children who have suffered burns. It's all very beautiful and serious.

But for a detective, it seems that not even vacations are respected when, accidentally while hiking, Eamon and Bel discover a secret clinic on the island, and the purpose of this clinic was beyond bizarre.

While the FBI tries to find the whereabouts of a famous and dangerous criminal, Bel returns home after vacation to discover an even more bizarre crime: a storm causes a tree to fall on a house, revealing a body buried in the wall. And that's just the beginning.

When the case becomes popular in the media, Bel's investigation takes a turn that could link the two cases, and new victims may appear.

Based on two other short stories (Bluebeard and The Matchstick Girl), the author once again takes us on a journey through suspense - and a certain terror - throughout the story.

The crimes, in addition to being bizarre, show us the rotten side of human beings (remember that the series has touches of fantasy characters), and surprises may be just around the corner.

We cannot forget the romance between Eamon and Bel that finally reached its peak when Bel, mainly, admits that what she feels for Eamon is something deep and eternal. But we can never forget his true nature: a monster created to kill.

I don't know why I thought this would be the last book in the series, and I was happy to know that we will have another one next year.

Now we just have to wait.
4,5 stars