PJ Norris and the Village with the Gnome Dilemma

Firewing Investigations #2

by S. Usher Evans

PJ Norris continues his search for more dragon shifters and arrives in the town of Padstow, a town full of magic-mining gnomes and the humans who've built an economy around catering to them. So when the mine experiences magical surge that throws the town into a frenzy, Firewing Investigations is hired to look into it in hopes they'll discover a dragon shifter.

The prime suspects? A trio of miscreant kids who seem more keen to cause chaos than to help at the inn where they live. PJ and Grant will have their hands full trying to get through to them - while sifting through the other secrets buried with the magic.

PJ Norris and the Village with the Gnome Dilemma is the second book in the Firewing Investigations cozy fantasy series.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Mystery

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a "real job" as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit.

Reviews

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying the series and PJ's travel. I like the author's writing style- simple yet engrossing.

I am also glad to see character growth in both the main characters and looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sara Zandford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading this ARC (book 2 in an ongoing series) and I absolutely loved it! If you like cozy fantasy I definitely recommend adding these to@your TBR. They are quick reads and a real feel good time, I devoured the first book on a 6 hour flight.

In these books PJ, a dragon shifter, and his best friend Grant, a normie, travel from town to town searching for more of PJs kind. Along the way the come across magical mysteries and help those they find in need. I like reading about PJ slowly come into his own as he learns to deal with imposter syndrome and learning to trust his instincts.

I can’t wait to read more about PJ and Grants journey!

[Shannon H · Rating 4 out of 5]

PJ Norris and the Village with the Gnome Dilemma is another adorable and easy adventure in the Firewing Investigations series. I still love PJ and Grant’s dynamic, and their efforts to help the so called “troublesome” kids were especially sweet. The setting is charming, the mystery light but fun, and it’s the perfect cozy fantasy for when you just want something magical and heartwarming.

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own!

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun magical book I love the mystery here it doesn’t seem to be as straightforward and towards the end when you’re getting ready for the big reveal it’s like oh my gosh, why did I see that plus there are so many little gnomes so for anyone who likes little gnomes that have fun in the dirt and everything, this is definitely the cozy mystery for you as they are the ones that hire PJ and Grant to solve the mystery of why their minds keep collapsing.

[Lavada Haga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I enjoy reading S. Usher Evan's books so much. This one is great! PJ is still learning about the dragon side of himself while he and Grant search for other dragon shifters. Their search brings them to a town with Gnome magic miners. That's when things get real interesting!

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cozy story from Evans. PJ is adorably optimistic as usual, while it does seem like him and Grant may both be growing and changing. I also loved the nods to their old selves in Pig's End with showing the growth they've experienced since those days, while they still understand the kids in the town and do their best to help them. The ending is perfectly happy and cozy, which was my favorite part! As usual, the narrator does an incredible job!

[HRM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cozy mystery fantasy, and nice addition to PJ’s story. It almost could have been a story for Bev and the Weary Dragon Inn. Grant was just too obnoxious at times, but I gritted my teeth and kept on reading because I do love PJ.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful story set in this fantastic world! I really love reading every story set in this world, but these PJ Norris ones definitely feel more adventurous and fun (while still maintaining the cozy feel of the other series). A fun and relaxing read!

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

PJ is back in another adventure and we get to see him slowly grow into himself as well as getting to see the adventures he and Grant get into.

[CONNIE BALTHROP · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should start with, Drinks and Sinkholes. The first book , that starts the series. You will enjoy the stories so much better. Can’t wait for the next book or books to the series.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

[Lacey Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying PJ’s spinoff. This was a really fun installment. I enjoyed the town and its characters so much that along with PJ I was sad when it ended and he had to leave to continue his travels.