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Necromancer Tales #3
Deadly Avarice
Sane and loved, Erasmus Boone is a unicorn among necromancers. Others aren’t nearly so fortunate. Necromancers need help, and since no one else is applying for the job, Erasmus feels it’s his responsibility. The hurdles are many, not the least of which is locating off the grid necromancers. When the Warlock Council stubbornly refuses even the barest of aid, Erasmus makes a call he fears he’ll regret. Help doesn’t come free, and Erasmus wonders if he’ll be able to pay the price when the bill finally comes due.
Detective Franklin O’Hare is a human hopelessly in love and helplessly out of his depth when it comes to keeping Erasmus alive. Erasmus’s need to locate and aid other necromancers is an emotional ticking time bomb. Add this newest quest to Erasmus’s penchant for digging up dead and buried secrets, and Franklin is left wondering how he can ensure Erasmus not only lives his best life but remains alive at all.
Erasmus’s quest is derailed when a simple soul retrieval turns out to be anything but. Erasmus has retrieved numerous souls over the years, but he’s never had a case where the soul attached to the remains didn’t match the name written on their grave marker. Something stinks, and it’s not the burnt remains Erasmus is working with.
Avarice is rarely satisfied and is the root of far too many evils to count. Erasmus and Franklin know that fact all too well. Avarice hides behind murder, but it can also shadow covetous intentions. While one form of avarice strives to end Erasmus’s life, another desires to enslave it. One form is far more dangerous than the other, and it’s not the version attempting to kill Erasmus Boone.
Deadly Avarice is the third book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Avarice is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer boyfriend alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, murderously greedy humans, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn, an innocent hamster who just wants roll around in its ball, a cool Mississippi winter, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls brought back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
Detective Franklin O’Hare is a human hopelessly in love and helplessly out of his depth when it comes to keeping Erasmus alive. Erasmus’s need to locate and aid other necromancers is an emotional ticking time bomb. Add this newest quest to Erasmus’s penchant for digging up dead and buried secrets, and Franklin is left wondering how he can ensure Erasmus not only lives his best life but remains alive at all.
Erasmus’s quest is derailed when a simple soul retrieval turns out to be anything but. Erasmus has retrieved numerous souls over the years, but he’s never had a case where the soul attached to the remains didn’t match the name written on their grave marker. Something stinks, and it’s not the burnt remains Erasmus is working with.
Avarice is rarely satisfied and is the root of far too many evils to count. Erasmus and Franklin know that fact all too well. Avarice hides behind murder, but it can also shadow covetous intentions. While one form of avarice strives to end Erasmus’s life, another desires to enslave it. One form is far more dangerous than the other, and it’s not the version attempting to kill Erasmus Boone.
Deadly Avarice is the third book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Avarice is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer boyfriend alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, murderously greedy humans, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn, an innocent hamster who just wants roll around in its ball, a cool Mississippi winter, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls brought back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2025
About the author
M.J. May
23 books298 followersI've been a veterinarian for almost twenty years and have recently added published author to my resume. I've been writing for over fifteen years, most of those stories languishing on my computer. A couple of years ago my fear of never trying to publish my stories overcame my fear of failure. The result is my first book, "Sow What You Reap". It is the first in the Reaping Covetous series. The next book, "Dead Women Tell Tales" should be out by the end of October 2021.
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.
Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.
MJ May
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 8, 2025
Another cozy-adjacent installment in a series I enjoy. Excited to see where the extended storylines are going, and want to protect Boone as much as his mama and daddy do.
May 4, 2025
An OK follow up
I've read the series since the pixie beginning and so far this one sadly is my least favorite. I feel like it dragged on and was very wordy unnecessarily. There was almost no point to me of this book except to introduce a new threat of the magical council as well as Franklin leading up to finally deciding to propose. I feel all the chapters seemed like fillers and then I love a sudden you got your answers within the last two chapters. Just my opinion and definitely won't keep me from reading the next one.
I've read the series since the pixie beginning and so far this one sadly is my least favorite. I feel like it dragged on and was very wordy unnecessarily. There was almost no point to me of this book except to introduce a new threat of the magical council as well as Franklin leading up to finally deciding to propose. I feel all the chapters seemed like fillers and then I love a sudden you got your answers within the last two chapters. Just my opinion and definitely won't keep me from reading the next one.
April 25, 2026
The fact that I have to wait for God knows how long for the audiobook for book 4 to come is diabolical. This got so much interesting 👀 I liked how the relationship between Arasmus and Franklin developed during the course of the book. The banter between Franklin and Nicodemus were hilarious to witness 🤣
April 19, 2026
“We can’t talk about death without freaking out, then there’s no hope for us”.
Tercera parte de la saga de Erasmus Boone. Me ha encantado. No siento que puedas leerla sin haber leído antes la saga anterior porque te pierdes menciones así como aparición de personajes.
El punto fuerte de esta saga no es el argumento, ya que al final son casos de policía sino la relación de los personajes así como los personajes secundarios. Estos últimos son los que dan vida al argumento.
Totalmente recomendable.
“Dead had taught me how to live”.
Tercera parte de la saga de Erasmus Boone. Me ha encantado. No siento que puedas leerla sin haber leído antes la saga anterior porque te pierdes menciones así como aparición de personajes.
El punto fuerte de esta saga no es el argumento, ya que al final son casos de policía sino la relación de los personajes así como los personajes secundarios. Estos últimos son los que dan vida al argumento.
Totalmente recomendable.
“Dead had taught me how to live”.
June 6, 2026
Hmmm... still enjoying this series, although after how little actually happened in this installment I feel a bit anxious about the author being able to wrap everything up in a satisfactory way in book 4 🙏
The mystery was once again pretty clearly telegraphed before the "big" confrontation, so there was nothing here that really jumped out and surprised me... but the slow slice-of-life progression to their relationship was still super enjoyable, and I continue to like both Boone and Franklin a lot, as well as really loving them together as a couple.
I think I might have said it in a previous review in this series, but it definitely feels like a much more gritty version of the pixie-series world.The story isn't quite as magical and fun as those books, in my personal opinion, but is still very much worth reading! I'm both anxious to see them finally bring everything to a close in book 4, and also know I'll miss this series when it's done. 🤣
The mystery was once again pretty clearly telegraphed before the "big" confrontation, so there was nothing here that really jumped out and surprised me... but the slow slice-of-life progression to their relationship was still super enjoyable, and I continue to like both Boone and Franklin a lot, as well as really loving them together as a couple.
I think I might have said it in a previous review in this series, but it definitely feels like a much more gritty version of the pixie-series world.The story isn't quite as magical and fun as those books, in my personal opinion, but is still very much worth reading! I'm both anxious to see them finally bring everything to a close in book 4, and also know I'll miss this series when it's done. 🤣
June 22, 2025
Another solid entry into this series. While one threat was wrapped up, another is brewing along nicely. I can't wait to see what the future holds for our favourite necromancer and detective. Loving this series!
May 20, 2025
Another solid update to the series. Less of a central mystery in this one, as it seems like the build was more on some bigger moves, which I enjoyed.
April 30, 2025
Easy enough read although it did drag a bit in places and could have done with a good edit to get rid of some repetition but otherwise another steady instalment is n the series.
May 19, 2025
half a book
One star off for major cliffhanger. Nothing really moves ahead in this book as far as overarching ‘save the necromancers’ plot.
One star off for major cliffhanger. Nothing really moves ahead in this book as far as overarching ‘save the necromancers’ plot.
December 31, 2025
Rating: 5⭐️
Narration: 5⭐️
Audiobook Review: Declan Winters and Curtis Michael Holland continue as narrators in the third installment of this series. They've done a phenomenal job in this series with their narration, and I just seem to feel more attached to these characters because of it. Please do check out the audiobook for this series.
This is the third book in the series, and I was itching to dive into this one, especially with how the previous book ended.
After how things ended with Navarre, Erasmus knows he can no longer turn a blind eye to the situation regarding necromancers and decides to find others of his kind. But after exhausting every possible avenue, he is left with no choice but to make a call that he feels he might regret. On the other hand, he takes up a case that seems normal enough to begin with but soon turns messy when the remains of the corpse don't match the person it should belong to.
Franklin is just as dedicated to the cause of finding other necromancers and getting the help they desperately need, but Erasmus's quest also manages to put Franklin on edge regarding Erasmus's safety. His worry for Erasmus only manages to amp up when the Director of the Magical Usage Council decides to take a personal interest in Erasmus and, more so, in his unique necromancer abilities.
The romance between Franklin and Erasmus has been beautiful to witness throughout this series, and it only continues to grow stronger. Franklin has all but moved in with Erasmus, and it invokes some other serious thoughts and plans in his mind regarding his life with Erasmus. I loved how these two looked out for each other and knew what needed to be done. The kind of love they share just feels so pure and heartwarming, and the emotional connection they share just makes you root for them. The romance doesn't take away from the plot, nor does it feel like it's absent. It's just right. This is a closed-door/fade-to-black romance.
This book unraveled slower than the last two books and was also setting up the plot for the next book, which has been laid out very well and has me extremely invested. I also loved the smaller cases and subplots that took place in this book, which all tied together perfectly and helped all the events align. The case Erasmus was working on regarding the misidentified corpse was really interesting, especially given the chain of events. I did manage to guess what was going on with his newer client appointment and was happy to know I was right. As usual, things got pretty intense on multiple occasions, and I'm grateful to Warlock Nikodemus Holland for all the charms he comes up with.
The side characters feel like family at this point, and I wish I could witness all that madness in person. Every single character is so different from the other, and yet, they work together so well. I've really liked Captain Cicely from book one, but her involvement in this book made me like her even more. I also have to mention Detective Ebony Becks, who has been present from book one, is an absolute computer genius and also a character I really like. I've come to enjoy Nikodemus and Franklin's conversations and dynamics immensely, even when they majorly revolve around Erasmus's safety. They've come a long way, and the ending of this book shows just how much.
I'm always excited when Aurelia pops up, and she's such a delight. I loved how Lydia included her so easily and her reaction to jello of all things. Watching Aurelia interact with anyone is always entertaining, including her new pet.
That ending has me really invested, and I like how all the characters seem to be getting involved. There's a slow buildup towards bringing in all these characters together, and I'm waiting to find out how it will all play out.
Narration: 5⭐️
Audiobook Review: Declan Winters and Curtis Michael Holland continue as narrators in the third installment of this series. They've done a phenomenal job in this series with their narration, and I just seem to feel more attached to these characters because of it. Please do check out the audiobook for this series.
This is the third book in the series, and I was itching to dive into this one, especially with how the previous book ended.
After how things ended with Navarre, Erasmus knows he can no longer turn a blind eye to the situation regarding necromancers and decides to find others of his kind. But after exhausting every possible avenue, he is left with no choice but to make a call that he feels he might regret. On the other hand, he takes up a case that seems normal enough to begin with but soon turns messy when the remains of the corpse don't match the person it should belong to.
Franklin is just as dedicated to the cause of finding other necromancers and getting the help they desperately need, but Erasmus's quest also manages to put Franklin on edge regarding Erasmus's safety. His worry for Erasmus only manages to amp up when the Director of the Magical Usage Council decides to take a personal interest in Erasmus and, more so, in his unique necromancer abilities.
The romance between Franklin and Erasmus has been beautiful to witness throughout this series, and it only continues to grow stronger. Franklin has all but moved in with Erasmus, and it invokes some other serious thoughts and plans in his mind regarding his life with Erasmus. I loved how these two looked out for each other and knew what needed to be done. The kind of love they share just feels so pure and heartwarming, and the emotional connection they share just makes you root for them. The romance doesn't take away from the plot, nor does it feel like it's absent. It's just right. This is a closed-door/fade-to-black romance.
This book unraveled slower than the last two books and was also setting up the plot for the next book, which has been laid out very well and has me extremely invested. I also loved the smaller cases and subplots that took place in this book, which all tied together perfectly and helped all the events align. The case Erasmus was working on regarding the misidentified corpse was really interesting, especially given the chain of events. I did manage to guess what was going on with his newer client appointment and was happy to know I was right. As usual, things got pretty intense on multiple occasions, and I'm grateful to Warlock Nikodemus Holland for all the charms he comes up with.
The side characters feel like family at this point, and I wish I could witness all that madness in person. Every single character is so different from the other, and yet, they work together so well. I've really liked Captain Cicely from book one, but her involvement in this book made me like her even more. I also have to mention Detective Ebony Becks, who has been present from book one, is an absolute computer genius and also a character I really like. I've come to enjoy Nikodemus and Franklin's conversations and dynamics immensely, even when they majorly revolve around Erasmus's safety. They've come a long way, and the ending of this book shows just how much.
I'm always excited when Aurelia pops up, and she's such a delight. I loved how Lydia included her so easily and her reaction to jello of all things. Watching Aurelia interact with anyone is always entertaining, including her new pet.
That ending has me really invested, and I like how all the characters seem to be getting involved. There's a slow buildup towards bringing in all these characters together, and I'm waiting to find out how it will all play out.
December 17, 2025
Series is getting better
I first discovered M.J. May through her Pixie series and absolutely loved it. When the audiobooks were released, I picked them up so I could listen as well. In my opinion, this newer series is even better. With each release, her writing continues to improve and grow stronger.
These books are not smut-heavy—which isn’t a criticism at all—but readers looking specifically for a low-plot, high-spice M/M romance may want to look elsewhere. This series focuses far more on story, mystery, and with romance that leans closer to fade-to-black.
Erasmus Boone was introduced toward the end of the previous series, but this series centers fully on him and his partner. There is consistent mystery and intrigue throughout, balanced nicely with romantic development. This is a strong urban fantasy/paranormal romance that leaves you with a satisfying HFN for the relationship, while also making you eager for the next installment to uncover more of the overarching plot mystery.
I highly recommend giving this series a try.
I first discovered M.J. May through her Pixie series and absolutely loved it. When the audiobooks were released, I picked them up so I could listen as well. In my opinion, this newer series is even better. With each release, her writing continues to improve and grow stronger.
These books are not smut-heavy—which isn’t a criticism at all—but readers looking specifically for a low-plot, high-spice M/M romance may want to look elsewhere. This series focuses far more on story, mystery, and with romance that leans closer to fade-to-black.
Erasmus Boone was introduced toward the end of the previous series, but this series centers fully on him and his partner. There is consistent mystery and intrigue throughout, balanced nicely with romantic development. This is a strong urban fantasy/paranormal romance that leaves you with a satisfying HFN for the relationship, while also making you eager for the next installment to uncover more of the overarching plot mystery.
I highly recommend giving this series a try.
August 10, 2025
While still an enjoyable read, this was my least favorite of this series, and it's Pixie predecessor. There was nothing particularly wrong with the book, it was just slow, although not so slow that I wasn't able to binge it in a day. We get a lot of build up and groundwork being laid for the next book and the new Big Bad, which promises an interesting future, but also means none of that of that built up anticipation and intrigue is satisfied within this book. This book felt like a plot builder and lacked a bit of the humor and general coziness that I enjoy in this series. I am, however, excited for the next book, and I hope we get a release date soon.
May 4, 2025
Deadly Avarice
Another wonderful installment in the Necromancer Tales series. Poor Boone really does attract trouble and the attention of unsavory characters. And Franlin, being a cop as well as Boone's mate, doesn't fare much better. Our boys have a new set of baddies to take down, and some big baddies become more of an issue. Our mysterious Djinn is much less present, and they have to handle things on their own for a bit. I am looking forward to meeting more of the Necromancers in the future.
Highly recommend the series.
Another wonderful installment in the Necromancer Tales series. Poor Boone really does attract trouble and the attention of unsavory characters. And Franlin, being a cop as well as Boone's mate, doesn't fare much better. Our boys have a new set of baddies to take down, and some big baddies become more of an issue. Our mysterious Djinn is much less present, and they have to handle things on their own for a bit. I am looking forward to meeting more of the Necromancers in the future.
Highly recommend the series.
May 18, 2026
book 3 - threats, gunshots, offers with consequences
Necromancer Boone is living happily with his partner, homicide detective, Franklin. They’re working out the balancing act, recovering from the damage done by having an evil Necromancer coroner, and moving forward with Boone’s plans to try to find other Necromancers.
Along the way they will be reminded of their love for each other, the friends they have, the acquaintances of uncertain leanings and the new potential allies / enemies
Necromancer Boone is living happily with his partner, homicide detective, Franklin. They’re working out the balancing act, recovering from the damage done by having an evil Necromancer coroner, and moving forward with Boone’s plans to try to find other Necromancers.
Along the way they will be reminded of their love for each other, the friends they have, the acquaintances of uncertain leanings and the new potential allies / enemies
October 11, 2025
This was great. I have really been enjoying this series. Erasmus is such a unique and delightful character and I honestly ant get enough of whatever he does. Franklin is a good match for him, even if he is just a boring human. I also like any appearances by Nicodemus or Aurelia. They are both interesting and unusual characters themselves. I am excited to see how the series develops now that there is a new big bad in the mix.
May 3, 2025
Enjoyable
If your into gay romance with a supernatural spin then this the author for you. This another, in a long line of books, that I’ve enjoyed by Author May. All books so for have the right amount of laughter, suspense, excitement, sadness and romance to make a great read. Please enjoy.
If your into gay romance with a supernatural spin then this the author for you. This another, in a long line of books, that I’ve enjoyed by Author May. All books so for have the right amount of laughter, suspense, excitement, sadness and romance to make a great read. Please enjoy.
May 7, 2025
Deadly Avarice
Wow! Erasmus and Franklin are really getting into it this time. The council head has decided that Boone needs to be better protected and is going to be the one to do it. Although he has an ulterior motive! I loved reading this book. I highly recommend reading this series.
Wow! Erasmus and Franklin are really getting into it this time. The council head has decided that Boone needs to be better protected and is going to be the one to do it. Although he has an ulterior motive! I loved reading this book. I highly recommend reading this series.
June 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book and am eagerly waiting for the next one in the series! MJ Maj writes well and vividly, and I’m looking forward to following the characters further in the next book. I also like that we return to previous characters and get to hear how things are going for them. I recommend this book and the author’s other works as well.
October 21, 2025
3.25 ⭐️s
I'm not sure why, but I expected more from the book.
The way they constantly brought up Franklin's mortality and general humanness, I thought they were going to turn him into a vampire or something. Something that gave him a longer life span. But alas, the climax was only the normal progression of a human relationship. Marriage.... Or, an engagement, rather.
I'm not sure why, but I expected more from the book.
The way they constantly brought up Franklin's mortality and general humanness, I thought they were going to turn him into a vampire or something. Something that gave him a longer life span. But alas, the climax was only the normal progression of a human relationship. Marriage.... Or, an engagement, rather.
January 14, 2026
Romantic, exciting and terrifying!
I'm amused to note that Boone did not get kidnapped in this book. I kept expecting it because it seemed to be part of the Necromancer Tales formula, but all attacks on Boone this time around were intended to kill him, not kidnap.
Damn, that might have been a spoiler? Is telling people about something that's not in a book a spoiler?
I'm amused to note that Boone did not get kidnapped in this book. I kept expecting it because it seemed to be part of the Necromancer Tales formula, but all attacks on Boone this time around were intended to kill him, not kidnap.
Damn, that might have been a spoiler? Is telling people about something that's not in a book a spoiler?
April 29, 2025
Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales
I loved this book. It was a continuation of the other two and tied in nicely. Shadow borne, the Mage council, all leading up to a, hopefully fourth book. And the fairies, shifters, vampires, djinn, humans, necromancer? Can’t wait.
I loved this book. It was a continuation of the other two and tied in nicely. Shadow borne, the Mage council, all leading up to a, hopefully fourth book. And the fairies, shifters, vampires, djinn, humans, necromancer? Can’t wait.
May 9, 2025
Lovely Series, Well Written and Loved
I absolutely love all the books set in this realm! They’re wholesome, comforting, lovely, and just fun to read!! They have some dark twists but nothing that is nerve wracking. Absolutely enjoyable reads, I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I absolutely love all the books set in this realm! They’re wholesome, comforting, lovely, and just fun to read!! They have some dark twists but nothing that is nerve wracking. Absolutely enjoyable reads, I can’t wait to see what comes next!
May 12, 2025
Love this series!
Hey, these characters are totally my top picks in this awesome series! Franklin and Ermus are just awesome, and I'm really into all the cool stuff happening between Holland and Loretta.. Can't wait for the next one!
Hey, these characters are totally my top picks in this awesome series! Franklin and Ermus are just awesome, and I'm really into all the cool stuff happening between Holland and Loretta.. Can't wait for the next one!
May 12, 2025
Loved reading this book
I hate the way the book ended but am highly anticipating the next book. Boone and O’Hare has a battle coming and I hope the end leaves everyone still with us.
I hate the way the book ended but am highly anticipating the next book. Boone and O’Hare has a battle coming and I hope the end leaves everyone still with us.
June 23, 2025
Mild general spoiler for this book and past books ahead:
You would think that after having seen the same shit a few times already that they would learn not to go somewhere alone while an ongoing dangerous situation is happening.
I binged this series in the last days and this one was a bit lackluster, repetitive and basically just a prepatation for future stories in this world and/or series.
You would think that after having seen the same shit a few times already that they would learn not to go somewhere alone while an ongoing dangerous situation is happening.
I binged this series in the last days and this one was a bit lackluster, repetitive and basically just a prepatation for future stories in this world and/or series.
July 6, 2025
Entertaining Series
Erasmus is an interesting protagonist. And while the pacing can be a little slow, the characters, plot, and action see us through it. Enjoyed this book and series so far.
Erasmus is an interesting protagonist. And while the pacing can be a little slow, the characters, plot, and action see us through it. Enjoyed this book and series so far.
October 6, 2025
continues Erasmus and Franklin
Erasmus is still the only working necromancer in the world.
Franklin solves a case.
the director of MUC is dangerous leading to a reconnect with the Pixies group in an epilogue and hopefully upcoming book
Erasmus is still the only working necromancer in the world.
Franklin solves a case.
the director of MUC is dangerous leading to a reconnect with the Pixies group in an epilogue and hopefully upcoming book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
This was the best book so far out of the series the way this book ended. I wanted to immediately go into the next book. This plot is getting deeper and deeper and better and better. Can’t wait for the next release.
October 25, 2025
Good addition to the series. I think this one a bit of a builder book. I look forward to see where it leads next book. Not quite as good of a flow as the first 2 books, but I still enjoyed this one. I'm loving the series. Of course I want more of Erasmus's parents.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews