The Reanimator's Remains: The Reanimator Mysteries, Book 3

The Reanimator Mysteries #3

by Kara Jorgensen, Jack R.R. Evans (Narrator)

An autistic necromancer, his undead love, and a covenant that must be broken.

Oliver Barlow never knew what happened to his parents. With a note from his mother as his only lead, Oliver had given up hope of ever learning the truth. But when the dead start rising in the town of Aldorhaven, Oliver jumps at the chance to take the case if it means he can investigate the last place his parents were seen alive.

Felipe Galvan would like to be anywhere but Aldorhaven. Between protecting Oliver and Gwen, dealing with distrustful townsfolk, and an unexpected letter from his estranged parents, Felipe is already stretched thin. But when he is suddenly plagued by whispers from the woods and nightmares from his past, Felipe fears he is only one misstep away from becoming the monster he was meant to be.

Far more sinister things than the dead lurk in Aldorhaven’s woods. A centuries old bargain has been broken, and the only thing that can satisfy it is Oliver’s blood. Together, Oliver, Felipe, and Gwen must finish what Oliver’s parents started, or they too will be ensnared by their devil’s bargain.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery, Historical, LGBT, Queer

Audible Audio

First published October 29, 2024

About the author

Kara Jorgensen (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary oddball with a penchant for all things antiquated, morbid, or just plain strange. While in college, they realized they no longer wanted to be Victor Frankenstein but instead wanted to write like Mary Shelley and thus abandoned their future career in science for writing. Kara melds their passions through their books and graduated with an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing in 2016. When not writing, they can be found hanging out with their dogs watching period dramas or trying to convince their students to cite their sources.

To find out more about their books go to https://karajorgensen.com
Sign-up for their newsletter and get a free sapphic novella: eepurl.com/bfJTW9

Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels
The Ingenious Mechanical Devices:
The Earl of Brass (IMD #1)
The Winter Garden (IMD #2)
"An Oxford Holiday" (short story)
The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3)
"The Errant Earl" (short story)
Dead Magic (IMD #4)
Selkie Cove (IMD #5)
The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)

The Reanimator Mysteries
The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1)
"An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5)
The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2)
"An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5)
The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)

A Paranormal Society Romance
Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1)
Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING)
Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING)
Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)

Reviews

[Ms. Smartarse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver, Felipe and Gwen are sent to investigate a so-called Murdertown, i.e. a place where magical accidents have gone out of control. There have been a number of unexplained resurrections, where the dead have taken to attacking the townspeople, so Oliver's necromancy and Gwen's (academic) interest in vampires, not to mention Felipe's all-around genius self are best suited for the mission... or so the head of the New York Paranormal Society claims.

Felipe is determined to refuse the assignment at first, but relents when Oliver reveals that he had in fact been born in Aldorhaven.



This was right up my spooky alley. There's a remote village where people have started dying in "unnatural" ways: an intriguing mix of undead attacks and sudden illnesses, plus the local doctor's all-around reticence to consider the supernatural. There's the obligatory powerful family controlling the town, and all the untouchable consequences that come with it. This reminded me of the first two seasons of Supernatural, all about the creepy magic, before the plot turned toward biblical lore.

And we can't forget the ample backstory we get for both protagonists: Oliver through "regular" socializing, and Felipe through rather unpleasant dreams and hallucinations. Had I been asked about the convenience of it all before reading, I would've definitely rolled my eyes at the sheer amount of cheesiness. But it ended up working in here. I am definitely still hooked and can't wait for the last two installments of the series.



There was one aspect that really annoyed me, though. Well... maybe more than one, but I'm willing to give all those snagging gazes a pass. So Gwen's presence in the investigation is seriously questionable. Don't get me wrong: I love that Oliver has a BFF who stands by him at all times, and how handy her telekinetic powers turn out to be, but beyond that she is basically the equivalent of a "magical comfort familiar". Yes, one that is part of an ethnic minority and who can occasionally fulfill the role of a therapist.

Score: 4/5 stars

Plot-wise, this was the most exciting book yet, and I can't wait to see where things go from here. I just wish that the diverse cast of characters didn't (mostly) exist to check a box.

-------------------------
Review of book 1: The Reanimator's Heart
Review of book 2: The Reanimator's Soul

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Okay I have really enjoyed The Reanimator Mysteries from the start, but this third instalment really took me by surprise and is now easily my fave in the series. It strikes the perfect balance between the dangerous mystery and cosy romance, and it just got so much heart and hurt, I love it.

Even though it'd been a while since I read book 2, I had zero issues getting reimmersed, be that because of the standalone-ish nature of each instalment or just the sheer fact that this world and these characters feel like home at this point. Oliver an Felipe just have my entire heart, and I loved that we got to dig so deeply into both of their (painful and tragic) backstories in this third instalment. Like, cue all the complicated familial relationships and messy feelings, I eat that up.

Then add to that an investigation in a Murdertown, surrounded by creepy (sentient?) woods, that is plagued by unexplained resurrections of the dead. Why yes, I absolutely loved this setting. And the way that Jorgensen balanced and interwove the core mystery of this instalment with the backstory of our beloved Supernatural Investigators was just masterfully done. I mean, the stakes have always been quite high in this series despite its cosy quality, but this time my anxiety was actually through the roof because the emotional weight was so much heavier, and I loved that.

Needless to say, I had a blast with The Reanimator's Remains, and the ending has me SO excited for the upcoming finale. But then I also kinda dread it because I don't want this story to be over! Can't recommend this series enough if you like the sound of a cozy historical mystery with a dash of horror, a tender queer romance, and a whole lot of heart. What a delight!

[Kara Jorgensen]

Content warnings: suicidal ideation, self-harm, blood, gore, violence, death, descriptions of dead bodies, autopsies, on page sexual content, anxiety attack, historical period typical homophobia, remembered.mentioned child abuse, ableism, saneism, medical procedures, insects

[kir ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to find a book in this series that I’d love so much I’d give it 5 stars, but this one definitely took me by surprise. By the time I finished the second book, I already had a strong attachment to these characters, despite some initial frustrations. This book sealed the deal for me. With its epic mystery plot, it stands out as the best in the series, and I truly can't find anything to complain about anymore🫡

Let me start by saying that I love Oliver and Felipe. I can't believe I ever doubted them. They're not perfect; they still have their flaws, and they'll probably always have them. But I truly believe they’re so much better together. Despite their imperfections, they’ve become incredibly endearing to me as the series progresses.

The mystery had two sides: Oliver trying to find his birth family and the strange resurrections in Aldorhaven. I really liked the premise of this odd town filled with too much magic, where anything could happen. And then there was the part with the lady in the woods. It’s a concept that’s been done before, but it worked here, and I found it really compelling. In the end, everything came together in a way that just felt right.

I'm really hoping the next book won’t be the final one because, honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready for it to end 🥹.

"𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧."

[R.J. Sorrento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This series is one of my favorites, and I adore reading about Felipe and Oliver’s thrilling adventures. The opening chapter pulled me in immediately, and left me with so many questions! I love all the little details in this series and how historically accurate it feels. It’s always a joy to revisit this world. Perfect read for spooky season or for when you want to feel spooky. 👻

Note: I received an e-ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Oblivionsdream · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this entire series so it should be no surprise that I love this one just as much. Oliver and Felipe never fail to warm my heart and I adore seeing how far they and their relationship has come. I’m giggling and kicking my feet over them constantly. Jorgensen also really put the hurt in hurt/comfort in this book. This book really dived into the depths of both of their painful pasts and it HURTS. I have personal beef with Felipe’s entire family. I loved getting more context for both of their pasts and it really added more depth to both of their characters. On top of that this book was so wonderfully atmospheric (you can never go wrong with an eerie magical sentient forest). If you’ve read this series before this is a must read sequel and if you haven’t then this is your sign to go pick up the first book!

[Terrible Timy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum!

I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 4.5👑

The Reanimator’s Mysteries is one of those series that I got obsessed with in 2024. I pre-ordered book 3 as soon as I was finished with book 2, and wasn’t expecting to be able to write an early review, but as it happens, I also got an eARC from the author, and so here we are. Absolutely no complaints on my part.

A bit of housekeeping: While it’s not necessary, but it’s highly recommended to read The Reanimator Mysteries #2.5 short story that’s available from Kara Jorgensen‘s website, for free. It’s not important for the main plot in The Reanimator’s Remains, but it gives context to a side plot, and also gives you a glimpse how well Oliver handles traveling of any sort, even if for a vacation… Plus, who doesn’t want to read more about Oliver and Felipe?! I’ll try my best not to spoil what’s in that story. Speaking of spoilers, this is a third book in a series, and even though every book revolves around a different case, it still might have some mild spoilers regarding the overall story arc, but I’ll be very careful.

In The Reanimator’s Remains, both Oliver and Felipe are forced to face their families, although in very different ways. While Oliver never knew his parents, nor knew what happened to them, Felipe grew up on his family’s compound and was trained in the Galvan way, honed to be a weapon and forced to hide his real self. When a case takes them to Aldorhaven – what many consider to be a murder town (a place where magic is strong and causes weird deaths and a lot of violence in general) – Felipe is less than happy. Especially as they are taking Gwen with them (yay!). But Oliver wants to take the case and visit the secluded little town, because that’s where his parents were from, based on a note he found in his late grandmother’s home. And he wants the answers he was denied in all his life.

Aldorhaven turns out to be a weird little town, surrounded by the Dysterwood everyone fears, and in which only one family can enter and leave harmlessly. A family that’s tightly connected with the Mayor, and who runs the whole town (they also founded it). And while to the Jarnsgren family death wasn’t an unfamiliar occurrence, their number greatly dwindled in recent years. But that’s not why Lewis Allen decided to involve the Paranormal Society – as it happens, the dead don't always stay dead, and they even attack people. Tension is high, and people are afraid and angry due to the Mayor doing fuck all. They are also suspicious about the people coming from the Society, which doesn’t make Felipe, Oliver and Gwen’s job any easier.

And if that wasn’t enough, not only things start to get out of hand, but Felipe starts having dreams about his childhood that are pretty traumatic. Lack of sleep and lack of sufficient food take a toll on him for sure. And Felipe being Felipe, he keeps his struggles from Oliver, not wanting to worry him, when he already has enough to deal with already. Which of course comes back to bite him in the ass.

Since this is the third book, I’m not going to sing praises about Felipe and Oliver again, let’s just say I still love them. They are great together. I was glad to see Gwen getting more spotlight, but I still could have done with more (sorry not sorry, I love Gwen). As with every book, there are also a couple of new characters. Jorgensen‘s real strength are the characters, they just come alive on the pages, whether you like them or not.

As for the plot, some of the reveals I saw coming, although most were well executed. My only minor complaint is regarding the deaths in the Jarngren family – I would have liked a bit more depth to how Felipe came to the conclusion he did, because that felt like it came out of the blue a bit. But overall, I didn’t really care about these issues, because at this point I just want read about these characters. I don’t even care if they don’t do anything. I finished reading in a weekend – could have finished in a day, but wanted to make it last a little bit longer. The good news is, there is one more book coming in the series, but the bad news is that I need to wait a year. Whatever am I going to do with myself until then?!

The Reanimator���s Remains is another excellent addition to the series, in which both the stakes and the emotions get higher than before. We get a deeper look into Felipe and Oliver’s past and we watch them getting way out of their comfort zones, while still hanging on to each other. I just can’t enough of these characters and Jorgensen‘s writing.

[Menoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY 💛🥳
You know what : at this point if you didn’t pick the serie yet I DONT KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING.

Thanks Kara for the arc once again 🫶. All thoughts are mine. To be honest it’s mostly me yelling about how much I adore the serie. It literally helped me to get out of my reading slump. ANYWAY.

This is the third book. And I’m still not bored of Oliver and Felipe. Give me MORE of them.

I don’t want to spoil anything but I think this one was the most gruesome yet. Like the fucking bugs. I almost threw up, but in a good way ?? It fitted the mood sooooo well. Fucking creepy town, creepy woods and creepy families. I swear, leave me alone with Felipe’s family, I need to fight their ass.

I loved how we got glimpses of their past, it helped to understand them better. I love established relationships, like their casual intimacy, their tenderness??? The way they care for each other. I COULD DIE FOR THEEEEM.

Special shoutout to Gwen. Please marry me. Please let her find vampire next time.

My brain is a mess right now, but this serie means so much to me. It feels like coming home, it became a comfort serie, and I honestly can’t wait to reread this one.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable continuation of the series! Much in the same vein as the previous vibe-wise, and though I wish I'd had time to reread the first two books right before I read this one since it's been over a year, I was able to pick things up again pretty quickly. I'd be under the (mistaken) impression this would be the final book, but there will thankfully be at least one more, which is great because there are some big threads laid out in this one that I'm very curious to see resolved.

[Luther Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book of the series, I think, and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Eagerly anticipating the fourth book next fall. Full review here:

https://infinitefreetime.com/2024/12/...

[Mio · Rating 4 out of 5]

”[…] How can I forget? I can’t un-know things are going wrong.”

In a nutshell..!

The third in the Reanimators Mysteries, I have really enjoyed its predecessors and am happy to report, that I enjoyed this one as well! There is a lot I could say, but first things first: we need Lewis Allens Story. Very well done, and I was sad not to see more of him in the latter parts of the story!

All in all a very good read. I emotionally connect a lot with Oliver especially, and feel definitely invested in these characters. Some of the new faces I hope we will see more of (jokes on me that has aphantasia), Lewis Allen as mentioned, but also Will, the apothecaries etc.. trying to keep this spoiler free.

My only gripe: the ending wrapped up too quickly for my liking. Maybe that’s just me, but the transition from showdown to epilogue was too jarring for me. That is something that is subject to personal taste obviously, and since I struggle with transitions anyway.. anyway! I loved this nonetheless and am excited for the next instalment.

Evidence of a life together could always be used against them, but he wanted to leave evidence behind. One day they would be gone, and that photograph of them would be all that remained of their life together. Maybe in the future, the right people would stumble across it, and they would see the rings on their fingers or the tilt of their bodies and know. They would know they were more than roommates or friends. They would know they had lived their lives together and how much they meant to each other.

PS Felipe infuriated me somewhat in this one. If we don’t get to see him confiding in Oliver fully on page in the future I will be a bit disappointed :(
I don’t know why emotional dysharmonie like this is so much harder for me to read than gorey descriptions of insect infested corpses.. which, TW, there is a lot of that and a little bit of everything in this series.

[S.C. Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my favourite series by this author, so far.

Oliver and Felipe have great chemistry and the story flows well, revealing the twists and turns as it goes along. I only wish it had been longer, just to get more out of the story, the world and the great characters. I don't read a lot of LGBTQ+ books, mostly because I'm a fussy reader anyway and usually stick to heroic style Fantasy books. However, Kara Jorgensen is a great writer with a vivid imagination and a unique style that has a tendency to grip my attention with her ability to weave a really good yarn.

Would highly recommend if you like an alternative to historical fiction and the odd bit of paranormal romance thrown in for good measure.

[Teresa (blewballoon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication at the beginning of this book and the way the cover was designed had me starting it with gripped knuckles and dread. I love these characters and I do not want anything to come between them!

It was a treat to get to dig into the family history of the main characters, I hadn't really thought about how much of that we'd been missing. The setting of the weird town and ominous woods created tension throughout, but the author also manages to include soft and gentle moments that demonstrate how much is at stake.

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Violence, Medical content, Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is more about Oliver learning about his family - rather than investigating a mystery, since I thought the author kept the answer to the mystery very close to her chest.

As a reader, I felt like I didn't know anything, and learned only at the same time as Oliver/Felipe/Gwen did. But I enjoyed knowing more about Oliver's root, who his parents were, and what they sacrificed for Oliver. Even if I still had questions (what did Oliver's parents learn about the Lady? what kind of plan that they concocted to beat the Lady on her own game?? also, did Mercy transitioned into Mr. Allen? Like, THAT was never explored

I was annoyed with Felipe though. Felipe kept Oliver at arm's length about his own family. Kept insisting that he was okay. Felipe, YOU ARE NOT FINE! And it annoyed me because it felt like Felipe didn't trust Oliver in that front. Urgh.

[Yuli Atta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to finally learn more about the characters' families 🤩

[Jayden Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a balm to the soul

Despite the harrowing tension of the mystery and the emotional realities of loss, love, greed, hatred, and fear that pack a hard punch, this story is so soft to read. All the little moments of softness and tenderness between both Oliver and Felipe but also even the other characters like Gwen, Mr. Allen, and Will, between them, were so perfectly timed. I appreciated the combinations of smells and textures that really felt tangible in the environment but also small things like Felipe's bug bite itching. It really made it feel real, although I'm lucky enough not to actually know what it's like to be in a swamp that close up thankfully!! It's clear that the author put so much work to bring the entire town to life. And the other characters were great, of course! The whole time was so full of interesting people and interactions without feeling bogged down or like they took over either.

I really loved the story about Oliver's parents too and the inclusion of the relationship with the Hughes and Allens felt like kinship of marginalized people coming together across space and time. A little nod of *we've always been here and we always are even if no one is watching* that feels so important, especially when Mr Hughes also kept his father's memory alive with the trunk and Mr. Allen was the one who kept his mother's (and saved Oliver himself ofc). Even his grandmother's blanket gave so much richness to their history as people.

Felipe's background and pain is so relatable and I definitely did skip the main self harm stuff for my own health but it was still poignant to skim through and find familiarity there, while also knowing that everything would be okay because he already lived through it. He already survived and fought tooth and nail to make his own life.

Also, I really hated when the villain showed up finally lmao so I was so happy that they got to remake the picnic! It was cool that she was a sort of shadow hanging over the corners of the plot for most of it though and we didn't see her as a full character throughout most of it. It felt like she was part of or also the creeping Dysterwoods herself, in a sense, especially with how she affected the family.

Okay one last thing....are we getting more of Mr. Allen's story????? I absolutely loved him and definitely not just because I'm disabled with a limp and cane myself but because I wanna know more of him! Especially since he came back and cared about the town so much. The fact that he was a vet and his history working with soldiers is such a great addition too, as a fellow social service worker/peer in the field although not a veteran myself. A glimpse of the ways we help each other, uplift each other, and give our own community a safe place like the inn or a ride in a horse to safety that no one suspects means more than a teenage rebellion, really is such a great reflection of how such little acts of solidarity can make such a different to others but also ourselves.

I don't remember if they'll be more (havent caught up on the newsletters) but if this IS the last one? Thank you. It felt like coming home to me just as much as it seemed to be for them.

[Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ✨

TLDR:

Atmospheric, shiver-inducing, and downright spooky, The Reanimator's Remains rose onto my favorite reads of the year before I even turned the last page. I was riveted from start to finish. If you're looking for a historical mystery for spooky season that also explores generational trauma and queer love with a folkloric twist, look no further.

Full review (light spoilers below):

There are so many things I love about the Reanimator Mysteries series and this book exemplifies many of them. It manages to be both a fantastic example of a mystery novel and to use that format to explore themes of queerness, recovery, and generational trauma at the same time.

Aldorhaven as a setting was deeply unsettling. Like most spooky settings, the visible issues of the risen dead were cloaking a far deeper rot within the town. The Dysterwood and its Lady sent literal shivers down my spine.

Thematically, TRR is so consistent and beautifully composed that it had me reading with my jaw dropped in appreciation. Everywhere we look in Aldorhaven, the past is present—literally, figuratively, emotionally— and it is choking out the future it birthed. It's up to Felipe, Oliver, and Gwen to sort out the past's secrets and come to terms with their own before someone else dies.

Much of the meat of this book is wrapped around Oliver's birth family and circumstances. I want to avoid too many spoilers, so I'll limit comments on that aspect of the book, but suffice it to say, TRR explores intergenerational trauma, power, and queerness in a way that I found deeply compelling.

Although a lot of this book has to do with Oliver's family and his past, there was a satisfying amount of complexity for Felipe as well. In previous books, Felipe forgiving himself for his past has been touched on, but I have been STARVING for a stronger sense of his past and why he is the way he is. This book gave us that. I left with a better understanding of his family dynamic, his personal history, and his relationship with Luisa.

The only element of the book that felt to me like it didn't live up to its potential was Gwen's presence on the trip and her vampire obsession. I LOVED seeing more of her this book, but felt like her presence wasn't as narratively significant as the beginning made me think it would be. I kept hoping her vampire knowledge would come in handy or her presence would fundamentally alter the climax of the book. I shall simply wish for more of her next time, and hold her in my heart until then.

As much as I can't wait for the final book next year, I will be so sad to see the last of these fellas. TRR felt like the strongest book of the series so far— like Mx Jorgensen at their most mysterious, unsettling, and heartfelt. I look forward to seeing where the Reanimator Mysteries takes us next.

(I was given an eARC in exchange for an honest review of the book)

[Megaera Lorenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! As usual, I’m late to the party. But I’ve finally finished my ARC of The Reanimator’s Remains (thank you, Kara!!), the third full-length installment in the exquisitely tender and spooky Reanimator Mysteries series.

Felipe Galvan is semi-retired after the events of the previous two books—partly for the sake of his family, with whom his relationship had become sorely strained after years of dangerous adventuring. But it’s also because death is changing Felipe in ways he doesn’t yet fully understand. He does know he’s no longer the unstoppable force he once was, and that fact cuts to the very core of the identity that he’s built up around himself all his life like an iron shield.

So, when the head inspector of the Paranormal Society recruits Felipe and Oliver for a mission to Aldorhaven, an eerie “murder town” in New Jersey with a serious restless dead problem, Felipe is less than thrilled. To make matters even more complicated, Oliver actually wants the job. He’s certain that he has a connection with Aldorhaven; the town might just be the home of the mysterious parents Oliver never knew.

As with the previous books in the series, TRR delivers in so many ways. The relationship between Oliver and Felipe continues to be achingly sweet and endearing, a gentle remedy for the skin-crawling supernatural and all-too-human horrors taking place around them. We also get to see more of their friendship with the bright, brave, and ever so relatably nerdy Gwen (I was so happy that she got to join in on the mission this time!).

The uncanny sentient woods surrounding Aldorhaven are a terrifying delight, as are their effects on the townspeople and our benighted protagonists. One particularly interesting and eerie touch is the bland, resigned acceptance with which many of the townsfolk react to the weird goings on. It’s a chilling commentary on how quickly and easily people acclimatize to horrific conditions and accept them as their new normal. Aldorhaven is a town full of slowly boiling frogs (SORRY, OLIVER).

On top of all the sinister paranormal happenings, Oliver and Felipe must both grapple with deep-seated familial trauma bubbling suddenly to the surface. And while their trauma takes very different forms, it has an equally profound effect on both men and their understanding of themselves and each other. The dangers of untangling their respective pasts are all too tangible, and they’re going to have to get through it the same way they get through everything—together.

Like its predecessors, this was a delicious and deeply satisfying read. I can’t wait to see what lies in wait for Oliver and Felipe during the final steps of their journey.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had told me a year and a half ago that I'd be so invested in a horror-infused romance series centering on necromancy and supernatural magic, I would have been very dubious. But man, do I adore Oliver and Felipe and their macabre world so much. This series has been such an unexpected delight, getting stronger with every entry.

This one goes beyond the walls of Paranormal Society and into a creepy, secluded town with a million secrets and a lot of zombies. It felt a lot more plot heavy than the first two books, which are more straightforward mysteries versus this which had several mysteries rolled into one. We get more insight into both MCs' pasts and despite the amount of time they spend steeped in gore, it's so deeply romantic in the ways in which Oliver and Felipe rely on and care for each other. They remain one of my favorite book couples for how open and supportive they are with each other. There is a little more secret keeping between them in this book than I normally like, but considering it never veers into full blown plot points that derail their relationship or the mystery, I can forgive it.

There is a lot of past trauma on Felipe's end here that is so difficult to read about because you just care so much for him and what a good man he is, but it helps give a lot of context to his actions and his life before Oliver. I kind of hope we see more of that in the next book, as book two had Oliver opening up about his past trauma and the two of them working through it together, and they didn't have a ton of time to do so here with the more pressing mystery plot looming.

This book feels so much bigger than the first two, and it pulls it off nearly perfectly. If I had one gripe, it was that the final big scene felt a bit quick to resolve, and with some big feelings going on I would have liked to see a little more time taken to unveil the scene and take in a few moments. That said, this was just so excellent and engaging and I'm so glad I decided to keep going with the series after an initial lukewarm reaction to book one. I would absolutely read twenty more books in this series. I cried three times reading this and while yes, I'm emotional and cry at a lot of books, this one just had so many moments that really hit. Another step up in an already excellent series.

[avis03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM, Historical (1890s), PNR, 3rd Dual POV

Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict - External

Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top

Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change

Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), 40 Yrs Old, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom, Able to See in the Dark

ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive, Overfull Pockets, Past Self-harm

Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Investing a Murder Town, Intergenerational Trauma

Sex Notes: Handjob, Blowjob, Thigh Fucking

CWs: Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm (Cutting), Blood, Gore, Violence, Death, Descriptions of Dead Bodies, Autopsies, Anxiety Attack, Historical Period Typical Homophobia, Remembered/Mentioned Child Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Mental), Ableism, Saneism, Medical Procedures, Insects, Mention of Munchausen by Proxy, Nightmares, Sleepwalking, Estrangement from Prejudiced Family

Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved

[Y.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kara Jorgensen for the eARC !

What a pleasure to meet Oliver and Felipe again in this third book ! It is lovely to see them evolve and get to know each other better, to see them as they learn to deeply trust each other. Especially when family business comes and seeds trouble in their life.

In this book, we follow Oliver and Felipe as they travel to a murder town, a town Oliver knows he comes from, or at least his parents did. He wanted to visit for a long time but always postponed, but when a case presents itself, it is the perfect occasion to learn more about his origins, despite Felipe's reservations.

In fact, Felipe has a lot going on on his side too, also family related stuff. He got a letter from his mother, which prompted an umpleasant reminder of where he comes from and what he had to endure. His memories only get worse when he gets into the murder town.

I won't say much more about the plot, it's better to let it be discovered, but let me say both men have a lot going on, between their past, their families, and the events unfurling around them. Thankfully for them, Gwen is with them and helps a great deal (even though there aren't any vampires).

I loved how much nature there is in this book, despite it being less than friendly. The feel of the town and the various characters added a great sense of atmosphere, and even though the bones of the story are easy to guess and predict, it is well done and entertaining.

Felipe and Oliver's relationship is still as strong and cute as ever, growing steadily into something very solid, put under pressure but only strengthening as events happen.

All in all, a solid read, with minutious historical research !

[Lindsay Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about The Reanimator's Remains! This series has been such a joy, and I was beyond excited to dive into this latest installment—this one had a spot on my Oct TBR the second it was announced, I knew I'd devour it the second it released. Oliver and Felipe’s romance is such a cozy, slow-burn delight, and this time the spooky vibes hit even harder! It edges closer to horror while still keeping that lovely, wholesome feel, which is just magic.

One of my favorite things is how real their relationship feels. It doesn’t give you the instant “I know everything about you” trope but instead, an unfolding bond where each learns more of the other’s past and quirks, making them so multidimensional. This book even felt a bit longer than the previous ones, which was perfect since I never want my time in this world to end. Gwen, as always, is a fantastic sidekick, and honestly, we might need a Gwen spin-off at this rate! Huge thanks to Kara Jorgensen for shooting me an eARC, not waiting even a second longer to get my hands on this book was a delight, and as soon as it was available I also bought the paperback to complete my collection. If I could request 20 more books of Oliver and Felipe solving mysteries, I would. 💀🖤

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back with Oliver and Felipe. This time around they find themselves journeying to a town where the dead are rising and attacking townspeople, a magical forest is encroaching, and might be connected to Oliver's long dead parents.

Finally we get to see more about Felipe's past and Oliver's origins. This creates some great tension in their relationship but of course only ends up making it stronger. Which I think is a strength of this series. I love getting to see a relationship that started in book one only develop and get stronger. And to watch the characters grow as they adapt to being in a serious relationship, essentially for the first time ever.

This installment also introduces a bunch of new side characters that I hope to see again. I loved them. (Side note: I would read an entire book about Will just... doing anything.)

It feels a little weird to say about a book that has lots of dead bodies and blood, but it's almost cozy.

I think my only (minor) complaint is that with the prologue, not much felt surprising. I expected most of what happened. HOWEVER, I enjoyed the ride.

Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series and this book is a great example of why. The plot is excellent: well done and interesting. There are scary parts that had my toes curling, the poignant scenes had me smiling, and the depiction of cruelty had me fuming.

The characters were interesting and I loved the three main ones. They were intelligent and creative. Their skills, abilities, and personalities were unique to each one. They were kind and modest, brave and protective. The woman allowed them to be a little over-protective despite her powers but at least there was a woman in their small group, something that is too uncommon in M/M.

The solution of the mystery and resolution of the horrors were well done and not what I expected. Part of it was a little pat but that didn’t bother me much. The epilogue was very sweet.

I am eager to read the next one when it is published. This book promised late 2025 so hopefully soon.

The narrator was fine. Everyone once in a while he kind of lisped, and the voices were kind of similar but his reading was pleasant enough.

[Helen Whistberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another entertaining entry in this series that combines horror, fantasy, the supernatural, mystery, and romance with excellent autism and disability rep. It was fun seeing Oliver taken out of his comfort zone of the lab and forced to face not only new places and people but also startling revelations about his past and the parents he never knew. He's not the only one struggling as Felipe begins experiencing nightmares from his own traumatic family issues. Add in a mysterious town surrounded by an eldritch forest and boasting a cemetery where the dead have begun to rise and you have all the elements for another creepy adventure. Felipe and Oliver's loving and supportive partnership is certainly relationship goals, and I'm always glad to spend more time with best friend Gwen (would love to see even more of this intriguing character). If you've read the first two (and assorted short stories) and enjoyed them, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this outing.

[A.P. Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Reanimator's Remains
Author: Kara Jorgenson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jorgenson delivers another enchanting tale.

Everything in this book is so well done.
The relationships between all the characters are masterful, and the romance between the two MMCs is perfection.

Playing between the genres of romantasy and detective cases, the group is sent off on another case with more at stake than ever. Though that is frequently said, this one is personal to one of the main leads, and you can FEEL the intensity and tension that breeds at every turn.

I won't spoil anything but this series is a series that deserves to be read. I firmly believe it's one of the best paranormal indie series out there. An easy 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[readingmyreality · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series, and each book just keeps getting better! The seamless blend of mystery and the paranormal, combined with meticulously researched historical elements, creates a world rich in depth.

At the heart of the story are the well-developed characters that I’ve genuinely come to care about. Oliver and Felipe feel wonderfully human, each with their own flaws and struggles. Even when they get frustrated with each other, they always look out for one another’s safety and well-being. Their relationship is both realistic and endearing, adding warmth even as things take a darker, stranger turn.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reanimator’s Remains is the third book in the gay fantasy noir series The Reanimator Mysteries. When a case brings necromancer Oliver and his undead partner Felipe to the hometown of Oliver’s parents that he knows nothing about, the encounter a town trapped within menacing woods, a family curse plaguing Oliver’s bloodline, secrets waiting to be uncovered from both their pasts.

This was the best and most personal book in the series so far. I loved it. The mystery is intriguing and full of interesting characters, but it’s their connections to the past that really elevate this story. We delve deep into the tragic histories of both Oliver and Felipe, and my heart broke for both of them. In Oliver’s, we see the powerful love of his parents and their willingness to sacrifice for the child they bore. In Felipe’s, we see crushing weight of familial expectations and the conditions set upon love that should have been unconditional. And together, they have found a love and family of their own (but I’m guessing the next book will likely involve Felipe’s family).

The Reanimator’s Remains is the best entry in the series as it shares the personal histories of Oliver and Felipe.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sobbing!!!

Don’t let how long it took me to finish this fool you: I love this series with all my heart. (I just get really freaked out over what could go wrong and have to slow down or stop for a bit so that I can handle the angst and whatnot. Like Joey, I occasionally want to put books in the freezer. 😂)

Oliver and Felipe are too precious for words, and I adore them! 🥹🥰 Just. Gah! It’s so freaking good!!! The romance, the mystery, the magic… all excellent.

Please read this series. It deserves all the love. ♥️♥️♥️

(The CWs are listed at the front of the book and on Kara’s website, and you should definitely check them before picking this one up because it deals with some pretty heavy topics.)

[MasterpieceofTurkeyCleverness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and this book is another excellent addition to it. Spooky and a little gory, but not so much as to make me stop reading. The main couple are adorable as well as hot together, a combination I love, and they're supported by an amazing asexual character as well as a new (and amazing) trans character. If you were wondering about Felipe's and Oliver's respective backstories, well, this book gives us most of the answers we were missing in the first book.

Highly recommend! If you haven't read the first two, what are you waiting for? Go read them!