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The Digital Detective Mystery #2
Fatal Error
Sometimes the rules can take a hike.
Tech mage Skye Sanders is a stickler for the truth—and for rules. That is, until her friend Fred is accused of murder.
Skye’s 98.5% sure Fred didn’t do it, though his public blowout with the victim doesn’t look great. With the only other suspect boasting an airtight alibi, the police seem all too eager to pin it on Fred.
Enter Seb, a vampire with beautiful brown eyes, and secrets of his own. Skye isn’t sure she can trust him, but with sparks flying and time running out, she may have to risk letting him get closer… even if it means diving into dangerous vampire politics.
Can Skye uncover the truth before she lands in the crosshairs herself?
While part of a series, this book is a standalone adventure — written in Australian English and set in the magic city of Sydney. Perfect for readers who love cosy urban fantasy murder mysteries with found family, dry humour, and a slow-burn, low-spice romance that simmers in the background.
Tech mage Skye Sanders is a stickler for the truth—and for rules. That is, until her friend Fred is accused of murder.
Skye’s 98.5% sure Fred didn’t do it, though his public blowout with the victim doesn’t look great. With the only other suspect boasting an airtight alibi, the police seem all too eager to pin it on Fred.
Enter Seb, a vampire with beautiful brown eyes, and secrets of his own. Skye isn’t sure she can trust him, but with sparks flying and time running out, she may have to risk letting him get closer… even if it means diving into dangerous vampire politics.
Can Skye uncover the truth before she lands in the crosshairs herself?
While part of a series, this book is a standalone adventure — written in Australian English and set in the magic city of Sydney. Perfect for readers who love cosy urban fantasy murder mysteries with found family, dry humour, and a slow-burn, low-spice romance that simmers in the background.
- GenresFantasy
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
90 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Matthews
9 books37 followersI love crafting stories that blend humour and romance, featuring strong and vibrant characters. Themes of family, friendship, and personal growth are at the heart of my writing. In my stories, I believe in embracing the light because life is too short for darkness.
When the waves are just right—warm and gentle—I fearlessly plunge into the ocean, catching waves like a pro surfer (lots of splashing anyway). Surfing is my sanctuary and my sweet escape.
The piano is my favourite instrument, but my persuasive husband encouraged me to pick up a guitar and learn to strum along (he needed someone to play the chorus). To my surprise, I now rock the guitar, (enthusiasm counts, right?) playing and singing along to my favourite tunes.
So, if you're ready for a spellbinding journey through the realms of urban fantasy and murder mysteries, buckle up and dive into my captivating stories. Prepare to be transported to a world where supernatural beings walk among us and the line between reality and fantasy blurs in the most mesmerising ways.
When the waves are just right—warm and gentle—I fearlessly plunge into the ocean, catching waves like a pro surfer (lots of splashing anyway). Surfing is my sanctuary and my sweet escape.
The piano is my favourite instrument, but my persuasive husband encouraged me to pick up a guitar and learn to strum along (he needed someone to play the chorus). To my surprise, I now rock the guitar, (enthusiasm counts, right?) playing and singing along to my favourite tunes.
So, if you're ready for a spellbinding journey through the realms of urban fantasy and murder mysteries, buckle up and dive into my captivating stories. Prepare to be transported to a world where supernatural beings walk among us and the line between reality and fantasy blurs in the most mesmerising ways.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 1, 2026
entertaining and I’m loving where the series is going
Rating: 4.25⭐️
Fatal Error, the second in The Digital Detective Mystery series about a neurodivergent fae tech mage and her magpie familiar, filled in more of Skye Sanders back history and her family dysfunction.
And how she and magpie Bob ended up together.
Fatal Error picks up after the cliffhanger of the first book, where it was announced that their friend,Fred, was in jail, suspected of murder.
This will bring the burgeoning “Scooby squad “ of new friends together to solve the mystery and clear Fred’s reputation.
Matthews lets the reader start to know each of the small group better, Luna the introverted werewolf, Dina the nurse and hiding the fact she’s a naiad, Josh the young street savvy intern from Seb’ Bellmont House, Jimmy the mechanic and metal mage,with Fred being the successful trader and only human of the group.
Most are still character outlines at best but each story fills in a little more detail on each of them.
The mystery created along with the suspense is excellent. Following the investigation right to the aha moment is highly satisfying.
Bob remains annoying and Fred is creeping up there as an irritating personality with his jealousy, and actions.
The rest are really entertaining and I’m loving where the series is going.
The Digital Detective Mystery:
Murder By Code #1
Fatal Error #2
Kill Switch #3
Storm Signal #4
Virtual Games #5
Rating: 4.25⭐️
Fatal Error, the second in The Digital Detective Mystery series about a neurodivergent fae tech mage and her magpie familiar, filled in more of Skye Sanders back history and her family dysfunction.
And how she and magpie Bob ended up together.
Fatal Error picks up after the cliffhanger of the first book, where it was announced that their friend,Fred, was in jail, suspected of murder.
This will bring the burgeoning “Scooby squad “ of new friends together to solve the mystery and clear Fred’s reputation.
Matthews lets the reader start to know each of the small group better, Luna the introverted werewolf, Dina the nurse and hiding the fact she’s a naiad, Josh the young street savvy intern from Seb’ Bellmont House, Jimmy the mechanic and metal mage,with Fred being the successful trader and only human of the group.
Most are still character outlines at best but each story fills in a little more detail on each of them.
The mystery created along with the suspense is excellent. Following the investigation right to the aha moment is highly satisfying.
Bob remains annoying and Fred is creeping up there as an irritating personality with his jealousy, and actions.
The rest are really entertaining and I’m loving where the series is going.
The Digital Detective Mystery:
Murder By Code #1
Fatal Error #2
Kill Switch #3
Storm Signal #4
Virtual Games #5
March 31, 2025
Good
Skye, the techmage sylph is back in this book, and back to investigating murders when one of her parkour friends is accused of killing his workmate.
Skye and her friends don’t believe Fred is capable, of the crime, but that doesn’t help him. Fortunately Skye has made some friends in high places, and is more than willing to use both them, and her techmage skills to help!
We get to see some old friends in this book, both from the first book in the Digital Detective series, and from the Green Witch Mystery series.
It’s a standalone story though, only mentioning the events from the first book (which I do recommend reading first even though I don’t think it’s strictly necessary), and ending on a book hook for the next book.
With plenty of action, and even a little romance, this is a fun fantasy mystery to read. There are some very interesting insights into Skye’s past in this one, which is more than worth the read by itself!
If you enjoy a little mystery in your urban fantasy (or urban fantasy in your mystery), and want a series that’s lighthearted, enjoyable and with a solveable mystery (more or less, Skye does like to keep her observations to herself, annoyingly), then this unique, fresh take on the genre is a great read for you.
Skye, the techmage sylph is back in this book, and back to investigating murders when one of her parkour friends is accused of killing his workmate.
Skye and her friends don’t believe Fred is capable, of the crime, but that doesn’t help him. Fortunately Skye has made some friends in high places, and is more than willing to use both them, and her techmage skills to help!
We get to see some old friends in this book, both from the first book in the Digital Detective series, and from the Green Witch Mystery series.
It’s a standalone story though, only mentioning the events from the first book (which I do recommend reading first even though I don’t think it’s strictly necessary), and ending on a book hook for the next book.
With plenty of action, and even a little romance, this is a fun fantasy mystery to read. There are some very interesting insights into Skye’s past in this one, which is more than worth the read by itself!
If you enjoy a little mystery in your urban fantasy (or urban fantasy in your mystery), and want a series that’s lighthearted, enjoyable and with a solveable mystery (more or less, Skye does like to keep her observations to herself, annoyingly), then this unique, fresh take on the genre is a great read for you.
February 25, 2026
Really enjoyable book
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series. It is well written and keeps you guessing right to the end. I would term it a light hearted suspense with a touch of romance and comedy. Everything required to keep your interest and make you want to read the next book. Each book is a complete story so there are no cliffhangers - but each time I finish one of the books and read a sample of the next one, I want the next one. As mentioned in previous reviews, I am not a fan of series as I like the story to be complete at the end of the book. These books could be read as standalones if you so wished but, so far, I am working my way through them chronologically.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series. It is well written and keeps you guessing right to the end. I would term it a light hearted suspense with a touch of romance and comedy. Everything required to keep your interest and make you want to read the next book. Each book is a complete story so there are no cliffhangers - but each time I finish one of the books and read a sample of the next one, I want the next one. As mentioned in previous reviews, I am not a fan of series as I like the story to be complete at the end of the book. These books could be read as standalones if you so wished but, so far, I am working my way through them chronologically.
January 21, 2026
Can be more descriptive
This was another cosy murder book. And we got to know more about Fred as he was a mystery in the previous book. But I was assuming this book would explain more about the world and how Skye's powers. But that hasn't happened which makes it hard to see how it all works. And usually a good murder book would always have endings where everyone cane together etc. But I feel this book glossed over those details and also the other friends Jimmy and Luna seems to be missing a lot even though they were there on the beginning of the book.
This was another cosy murder book. And we got to know more about Fred as he was a mystery in the previous book. But I was assuming this book would explain more about the world and how Skye's powers. But that hasn't happened which makes it hard to see how it all works. And usually a good murder book would always have endings where everyone cane together etc. But I feel this book glossed over those details and also the other friends Jimmy and Luna seems to be missing a lot even though they were there on the beginning of the book.
March 22, 2025
Good who done it.
Like the first novel this one was well done. Good writing, complete story with no cliffhanger. Just an epilogue teaser to the next book. Light on the romance. I wouldn’t mind a bit deeper to the growing romance in the next novel.
Like the first novel this one was well done. Good writing, complete story with no cliffhanger. Just an epilogue teaser to the next book. Light on the romance. I wouldn’t mind a bit deeper to the growing romance in the next novel.
May 11, 2025
inspired writing!!! absolutely, positively enamored with both series of this writer!!! totally engaged, hard to put down stories and characters, can't hardly wait for more books!!!!!!!
December 25, 2025
A fun cozy read with a tech mage and her little gang of helpers in Sydney. I enjoyed the mystery, and the little wrap up. Recommended if you like sidekicks that can't keep their beaks closed.
February 19, 2026
This one really seesawed for me. Parts were decent and it seemed like Skye really had her act together. Then, she'd do something tremendously childish and dumb. Big scenes weren't followed up on. Her "I can't let anyone know what HUGE thing just happened to me because it might make me look bad" was over the top ridiculous. There was a ton of descriptive information that really didn't add much to the story. I was doing a lot of skimming. The final "reveal" was another TSTL moment also. There is a bit of romance more toward the end for those that need that. I enjoyed the Green Detective series, but this one is just not for me. I think I'll pass on the remaining books.
April 25, 2025
Une bonne série, avec une enquête bien menée, de l’humour, de l’amour slow burn et romantique et, des amis sincères.
Une bonne dynamique.
Une bonne dynamique.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews