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Silent Witness meets shifters in this steamy, high stakes omegaverse detective novel.

Pember McArthur’s life is falling apart, one horribly unhinged mother at a time. With no pack, few friends and even fewer family, he must learn to survive as a lone omega in a town that’s still reeling from a recent sex trafficking scandal. Landing a job as a Crime Scene Investigator, he gets thrust into a world of violence, murder and one smoking hot Detective Sergeant who is hell bent on being the most miserable fucker around.

When alphas start turning up dead in a string of bizarre and seemingly unrelated attacks, Pember and DS Blake Smith must work together to catch the person responsible. However, when the number of bodies starts to grow, it becomes clear that dead men tell no tales, and the police have no leads. As the case unfolds, both come to learn that death is not the end, but the beginning of something altogether unexpected.

This is an omegaverse novel, set in an alternative version of England where humans are also wolves, men can get pregnant and everyone has a secondary sex. Contains M/M, open door smut, mpreg (although not featured heavily in this book), alternative human biology, shifting, Brit-cop humour, found family, sarcasm, two traumatised protagonists, serious sexual assault (implied but never described), suicide (described on page), graphic violence and, most importantly, copious amounts of kick-assery. Mature audiences only (18+).

Part of a series, but each book follows a different pairing. Book three coming soon!

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2025

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About the author

C.T. Whistle

3 books193 followers
C.T. Whistle is a UK indie author, who is currently running on hopes, dreams and very little sleep. When she isn't typing up a storm and ruining her characters lives, she aspires to take a nap but fails miserably at every turn.

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5 stars
506 (48%)
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385 (36%)
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136 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,352 reviews741 followers
November 2, 2025
4.5**** stars


“Idiot,” he said, pulling Pember into a tight embrace. “You fucking idiot.”

Pember smiled against his chest. “I love you too.”



I really enjoyed Hammer & Gavel but Night Call I absolutely loved! Despite it being a slow burn once again.


We met Blake and Pember in book one already (tho I think you can totally read this as a standalone) and I was looking forward to their story soooo much!

This book follows Pember, a fiercely determined but emotionally scarred omega and newly employed with forensics, and Blake, the stoic alpha detective whose quiet strength hides a damaged heart, literally and figuratively. They both not only end up working the same murder case but also as neighbors with an old-lady alpha living between them who not only makes their lives harder but also brings them together privately when they look after her.

And while I loved Pember with all my heart, Blake was the truly surprising character with more to him and a side I didn’t expect that made him hella intriguing.

“Can you walk?”
An impish grin spread across Pember’s face. “You know… I don’t think I can. You’d better carry me.” He bit his lip. “Al-pha.” Blake growled, and before Pember could comprehend what was happening, he found himself being flung over Blake’s shoulder. “I-I-I meant like a princess!”




Their relationship buildup is so tender but bursting with chemistry (and pheromones and longing) that when they finally come together it’s so rewarding and so damn hot.

He gripped Blake’s chin, holding his gaze. He looked different. There was something primal in his eyes. Something wild, something sensual, something wholly… omega. It was his wolf, staring at him through the haze of pleasure. He didn’t dare breathe, didn’t dare speak should it displease his mate. He could only nod like an idiot.




Rounding down for I feel like the author botched the end a little again when tying up the loose ends. Imo this could’ve been done more gradually with starting the process earlier. It felt rushed and a bit messy, but thankfully not as bad as I experienced it in book one.


Tho, with this being my only complaint I still one hundred percent recommend this series. We don’t see slow burn romances often in omegaverse and with the added, pretty decent mysteries this series could definitely attract readers who previously weren’t sold on the genre.


*************
Omegaverse Case Files

Book 1 - Hammer & Gavel - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Night Call - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - tbd


Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,584 reviews244 followers
November 13, 2025
Dnf 91% that's 434 pages and too many hours I'll never get back...

I'm disappointed. Why?
I couldn't connect with the characters in this book for the longest time.
The writing was all over the place, interactions didn't always make sense.
People were snapping, irritated beyond reason, not respecting boundaries.
This story read very different from the first installment, that one had been intriguing and captivating from the start, and had subtleties that sadly this installment missed in my opinion.

Aside the fact that the criminal case was hardly a mistery from (at the latest) the half point, I felt the author in this installment really gave their all with the gory descriptions of the crime scenes and corpses. Pages and pages of torn apart bodies.

The storyline wasn't smooth, the assumptions the MCs and secondary characters had and the conclusions they drew in their discussions about the criminal case were erratic and whimsical. It seemed to me the author couldn't focus on a line to follow.
The characters declared irrevocably how they would act, then acted differently, again and again. It was tiresome.

I enjoyed the times Blake and Pember were together, once they cared for each other.
Most of their sex fests felt anticlimactic, though, on their elderly neighbour's couch, or between showering and having to report back urgently with their inspector.

I don't even want to talk about everything regarding Tracy and the fact that Pember asked her near the end if she loved him. I'm sorry? Didn't the author remember everything they had already written about Tracy? No?

With how long the book was you'd expect the author to take care with their characters and how they build the criminal case and investigation, but these all took a backseat to detailled corpse descriptions and superfluous interactions with the too many and not necessary secondary characters.

Very disappointing. Especially because I loved the first installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mirian.
204 reviews36 followers
August 29, 2025
TENS ACROSS THE BOARD

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really loved Night Call. From the start, Pember felt like such a real, layered character—lonely and vulnerable, but stronger than he gives himself credit for. His dynamic with Blake had me hooked; I loved how their relationship slowly built from guarded tension into something tender and trusting.

That said, the “villain” was a little too obvious, and I also don’t think Pember’s mother got the punishment she really deserved. Neither of those things took away from my enjoyment, though—they just left me wishing for a bit more payoff in those areas.

Overall, this book balanced suspense, emotion, and romance beautifully. It’s dark at times, but never loses sight of the heart at the center. C.T. Whistle has definitely become an auto-buy author for me.
Profile Image for Sully (sulliedjedi).
917 reviews264 followers
March 26, 2026
I enjoyed book two as much as book one, even though there wasn't a sigma MC.

I really like the British omegaverse criminal investigation combo, it's just different enough to feel like I'm not reading the same old omegaverse story.

Cute banter, nice side characters (Oliver, book 1's MC, shows up a bit), abusive family member, found family/pack, and lots of pets! A corgi, a black lab, a ginger guinea pig, and an obnoxious African Grey parrot.

For each of Blake’s massive steps, Pember had to take three more. Amusement tremored along the bond, and Pember realised Blake was huffing with wolfish amusement.
“Slower,” Pember growled, nipping Blake’s ribs.
Blake skittered to the side before using one of his paws to flick soil into Pember’s fur. “Little legs.”


Longer RTC w/tags.



Author's helpful CWs: parental abuse (described on page), adult sexual abuse (implied but never described), graphic gore, suicide (described on page), childhood illness, death of a family member, trauma, graphic depictions of the aftermath of violence.
Profile Image for Hanna Oks.
52 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
Я просто в захваті від цієї серії.

І перша книга, і ця, обидві по-своєму дуже класні.
Персонажі максимально симпатичні, приємні, їх легко полюбити.
Любовна лінія трохи слоубьорна і дещо меланхолійна, але така чудова.
Детективна складова теж дуже цікава, в якийсь момент вже все зрозуміло стає, але всі рівно хочеться дізнатися, як вони це розрулять в кінці.

Я рекомендую прям 100%
Profile Image for Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads.
722 reviews232 followers
April 14, 2026
OMG I LOVED THIS SO MUCH 😱 y’all this series has everything I love and MORE - it’s detective mürder mystery AND omegaverse with shifters AND it’s an emotional, swoony romance. PERFECTION.

I think I loved Night Call even more than Hammer & Gavel? Both of the MMCs here are introduced in that book, and I absolutely LOVE them. Pember is an omega crime scene investigator, trying to escape from an abusive home life. He’s an absolute sweetheart, but he’s constantly proving how incredibly strong and independent he is. Blake is an alpha and a grumpy detective, but for a good reason - he’s not only been through a brutal divorce, but breaking his mating bond made him ill and depressed. Pember and Blake end up living in the same building, and they kind of dance around each other because they are in clear denial that they are mate material (of course 🙄😂), but they end up bonding while caring for the elderly alpha who lives in the house between them.

This side plot with their neighbor Val made me cry - the found family/pack aspect is SO SWEET. The case they are working on is WILD and I had no clue what was going on for the longest time. And their whirlwind romance was EVERYTHING I want from both a detective story and an omegaverse. Intense workplace yearning? CHECK. Getting turned on by each others’ competence? CHECK. Scenting and nesting and protective/possessive alphas and omega whines and OBVIOUS MAYE VIBES EVERYONE SEES BUT THEM? CHECK. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but it works (and it’s 🥵 when they finally figure things out). There’s also TWO cute dogs, a guinea pig, AND a parrot.

Everything about this book is a delight!! I’ve heard the audio is amazing too, so I’m sure I’ll be back for a reread someday. And OMFG book 3 is out later this week so I will be HERE for that, I can’t wait!!
Profile Image for Evelyn220.
711 reviews42 followers
April 13, 2026
4⭐️ I didn’t connect with this one as much as the first book. The mystery was too drawn out and slow going. But parts of the romance were very good. This author is great at writing spice.
Profile Image for Grace.
3,400 reviews221 followers
April 18, 2026
Really enjoyable follow-up to the first book in the series! I'm enjoying this world and the characters, and I appreciated that the MCs here felt very distinct from the MCs in book 1, which is often not in the case in my experience. The dynamic here was different and equally lovely, and I really enjoyed the build between them. The case aspect was a bit more prevalent here, though fairly obvious from the jump, and it's clear this series is definitely meant to be more relationship driven, which I am fine with. Lovely read, and I'm very much looking forward to book 3!
Profile Image for rebecca.
651 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2026
(4.25/5) It took a little while for the plot to get going. At least in my opinion. The same goes for the characters and their relationship. But the moment the two of them started to understand each other, joke around and discover they had so much in common, things really took off.

I really enjoyed the book, even though there are a lot of loose ends in the plot, which only bothered me because it affected the relationship. The ending felt rushed. The mating bond was no longer the focus, and I didn’t like that. I would have liked a more rounded ending for the relationship between Blake and Pember.
Profile Image for Tare.
384 reviews32 followers
September 25, 2025
Rating - 4.5 Stars rounded up

I am eating this series up.

This one was a lot slower and had a quieter, tender feel to it and I loved it just as much as book 1. Possibly more?! Hard to pick favorites. Pember and Blake were sooooo sweet and their friendship started out so pure and lovely (even though Blake is a grump). Watching them slowly care more and more about each other and take care of one another?! 👌 I even love that the physical aspects of their relationship was a slow progression but once we finally got there?! 🔥 I swear I almost passed out just at the first kiss lol.

Both of these main characters were dealing with their own traumas and it was lovely to see them help heal the others' soul.

This book still was similar to the first in that there is lovely banter, side characters to adore, the setting and the investigative plotline, etc.

I really need the next book ASAP - it is going to be so good and once again such a different dynamic and vibe than either book so far. 👀
Profile Image for Abigail | mooretoread |.
190 reviews17 followers
October 13, 2025
I laughed and I cried. I loved it so much. The way I love Pember and Blake. This was such a unique story, with mystery and romance and all the trauma bonding.

I was really curious how Blake’s story would evolve after meeting him in book one. And I really enjoyed his storyline. He was a fully fleshed out character and even though he started out as grouchy, you quickly wanted a happy ending for him.

Oh sweet Pember. Talk about trauma bonding. I just wanted to give him a hug. I love that he was sassy and sweet but also strong willed and crazy smart. The way he and Blake evolved was beautiful.

Oh and Val. What a beautiful side character. Her presence allowed us to see so many sides of Pember and Blake. I cried when they all said “pack.” I also really appreciated that everything wasn’t tied up in a nice little bow for her, it made it much more real.

I have so many thoughts about the cases they were working and the final outcome. Without giving anything away- at the end of the day, this was a story about omega suppression and their rights. And the differences between their secondary sexes. A very poignant and relevant story to tell.

And can’t forget Oliver and Lucas and their kids. Loved seeing them make an appearance. And knowing Oliver still had Pember’s back. So many nuances to this world and story. I didn’t want it to end.

And I cannot wait for the next book. I am anticipating a fun ride!
Profile Image for Jane (whatjanereads).
825 reviews263 followers
April 13, 2026
Didn’t think I could love this as much as the first book, but I did!
Pember deserves everything and Blake gave it to him. I love them both and especially Blake being such a sweet Disney princess with his million pets was so funny. I loved how respectful he was towards Pember and his wishes, a stark contrast to some of the alphas portrayed.
The case made me so stressed out, I read this in three days! I loved the patriarchy analogy with the omegas representing how woman are treated in society. Kinda loved the self justice but 🤫
Profile Image for Bekka.
1,297 reviews172 followers
September 21, 2025
Good fun. I feel like the series would have been a same couple series imo but I still enjoyed this albeit not as much as the first

Tags: 24 and 31 year old, neighbours, dick piercing, intercrural, primal play
Profile Image for Berry's Books.
384 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2026
Second book was just as good as the first!

I love this book, the series and the characters. The world in which this book takes place is so interesting. I just love it. If you love, MM romances and the omega verse and crime this is the perfect combo. I’m so thankful I found this series!! I can’t recommend it enough and I can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Cabert A.
313 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2025
4.5 stars

It's tough to think of what could be better here. I loved the character growth, which starts at "poor sad omega" and grows quite a bit from there. I also like how this series subverts some omegaverse expectations. The first book featured a Sigma. This one doesn't quite give you what's expected out of heats and ruts. There is a lovely found family, and the sex is smoking hot.

I do think the mystery was pretty easy to figure out, but still made an interesting point.

I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Ally.
411 reviews44 followers
October 23, 2025
Okay, this is my favorite book of the series so far. I loved the progression of their relationship and watching them slowly build trust and find love in each other. The slower burn of this book had me levitating when they finally kissed. UGH THEY OWN MY HEART. I will never grow tired of an alpha's possessiveness & protective nature. It fuels me. There is also something about an omega being like BACK OFF HE'S MINE that I just adore. Pember & Blake are just the perfect couple.

-hurt/comfort
-alpha/omega
-size difference
-coworkers
-neighbors
-protective/possessive mcs
Profile Image for Brianna.
517 reviews22 followers
October 26, 2025
Reread #1: I love this book. I love the characters. I love the story and the plot. It’s such a well written book. Man. I just love it a lot.

———

Pembie hurt my heart. Blake hurt my heart. RU hurt my heart. This book was just plain excellent.
Profile Image for Danny_reads.
571 reviews321 followers
April 15, 2026
I absolutely ADORED Hammer & Gavel, so I was extremely eager to get to this second installment. I don't think this hit me quite as hard as the first book, but it was still good.

One problem I had with this book was that I felt that there were multiple things introduced by the author that were never followed up on, or that had less than satisfactory conclusions.

I want to reiterate that this series deals with some pretty dark and heavy topics, so please check trigger warnings!

I'd still like to read the next book in this series, though.
Profile Image for peoniesandmm.
313 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2026
so you’re telling me i have to wait until April for the next story?😭😭

this was so freaking good & blake? stop it, i just love him.
the perfect mix of mystery type & romance, i just devour these books.
Profile Image for Chase Coe.
1,088 reviews48 followers
February 3, 2026
just phenomenal.

I can’t even begin to describe the perfection that is this book. Filled with love and sex and terror, you will absolutely be begging for more. I know I am!
Profile Image for M.
1,234 reviews176 followers
October 21, 2025
Definitely enjoyed this book more than book 1 now that I have adjusted my expectations and understand the vibe a bit better. Still disappointed that the story and the cover don't match though, because the cover art for this series is incredible, but gives off these noir vibes that are completely absent in the book.

Anyway, this story is about Pember, the vulnerable omega from book 1 - but here we see his feisty side, working as a forensic tech in the West Newton lab. He finds out his neighbour is Blake, a detective sergeant we also met in book 1. Blake is grumpy and overworked, Pember is a sweetheart - it's my favourite couple trope. They work together on a series of murders that leave the police force baffled, all while exploring their chemistry and dealing with their traumatic pasts. It was a pretty slow-burn situation, but worth the build up.

Overall an enjoyable read, with likeable characters and a mystery to get invested in. Looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Jenni.
431 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2026
If you like omegaverse, this is such a good series; so wholesome and a good mix of murder mystery, romance, spice, interesting characters, and friendships. I did enjoy the book a lot but overall my feelings about this were more lukewarm than with the first one, and the main characters in this book weren’t as compelling as in the first one.

This didn’t necessarily need to be 452 pages —at some point I started wondering how much longer... But that's not to say it was boring, maybe overall it was just a tad monotonous? (for lack of a better word). What I did like a lot was that this has more shifting 🐺

I really liked Pember. He's a little timid at first, but really strong and determined on the inside, and very warm-hearted. There was nothing wrong with Blake either, but he was somehow more bland. Pember and Blake were a cute couple and they went well together. I liked all the supporting characters again, Val was such a good addition and I was moved at the end. Both characters have their own traumas, the book is more focused on Pember and his loss and a difficult relationship with his mother, but overall the book has a light touch—well, despite all the murders ofc.

I will definitely read the next book as well. There is certainly much more to Taylor and Johnny than what we saw of them in this book.

_______

Pember blinked and worried his lip between his teeth. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Val gave him a gentle smile, patting the back of his hand. “Poppet, if anyone gets through life with their heart intact, they didn’t do it right.”
Pember’s bottom lip began to quiver. “You think so?”
”I do.”


”But there’s no lonelier place than in a house where two people are falling out of love.”


“Idiot,” he said, pulling Pember into a tight embrace. “You fucking idiot.”
Pember smiled against his chest. “I love you too.”


“You will give me the bite when you can’t think of anything else,” Pember said through gritted teeth. “You will crawl to me on your hands and knees, Blake Smith. You will beg me for my throat, and you will be grateful when I give it to you.”
”Yes,” Blake whispered. “Yes, I will kiss the fucking ground you walk on, Pem.”
Profile Image for Ash.
601 reviews111 followers
April 19, 2026
Even thought most of this book was perfect for me, I feel a bit weird after the last chapters. It’s like suddenly this slightly more sinister and dystopian side of the world appeared?

The info drop that the alpha has to agree to an omegas abortion, or they have to agree to the bite removal, it was a shock and I wonder why it wasn’t something mentioned from the beginning. Yeah we have the typical omega’s suffering from the same misogyny as real world women, but no mention of how alpha’s have legal control over omegas bodies.

And the fact that Maya dropped all this stuff and suddenly I understand exactly why she did what she did? That was also an uncomfortable feeling because until then I really despised her, and it’s not like I’m suddenly her no.1 fan but in a world where the love of your life is physically tied to another man who forced a bite on her, I get her motivations.

Idk it just feels like the story became something so suddenly different at the end and it kinda ruined the vibe for me. I loved everything up until then and still think it deserves 5 stars, but I just wish these parts of the world building had been explored earlier.

Also ngl the suddenly appearance of Taylor and Johnny kinda ruined my vibe too 😭 they haven’t made the best first impression on me and I’m not exactly dying to read their book, but I will anyway since I want to see how the story continues and what happens to Ru
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
323 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2026
C.T. Whistle has done it again, made me fall in love with new characters 😍 Pember surprised me with his snark and Blake was adorable with his grumpiness. I kinda knew who the bad guys were halfway through the book, but it didn't deterred me from loving this. The audiobook was amazing like the first book. And I can't wait for the next book, because it's about Taylor and Johnny - two alphas in a romantic relationship is always interesting to read about.

Also, now I can say to anyone who hasn't showered for a few days that they don't stink, they just smells like gorgonzola cheese 😂
Profile Image for leisce ᓚᘏᗢ.
228 reviews
November 24, 2025
Whistle's done it again. Police investigations, omega x alpha, hurt x comfort, action, suspense, romance... we've got it all.

I couldn't stand Pember in the first novel, but I loved him in this one. Pember and Blake are perfect for each other, and their chemistry was palpable. This will definitely be another omegaverse comfort series for me. Love the author's writing style so much already.
Profile Image for Jessica Frances.
Author 29 books403 followers
January 27, 2026
4.5*
I love this authors writing. Even though these are long books, I get sucked in so easily. Definitely would recommend this series to those who are looking for omegaverse books with interesting characters and enjoy a good procedural mystery on the side.
Profile Image for Liza Broadaway.
1,064 reviews20 followers
April 9, 2026
I loved this one just as much as the first. I adored Blake and Pember. Their story felt calmer then the first but I loved how we had a new case to follow and we got to see Pember truly grow into himself. And Blake…that sweet growly ma and his sweet gooey insides! Loved! Can’t wait for book 3! And hopeful more cameos from book one and two!
Profile Image for Hannah Fox.
Author 2 books10 followers
February 27, 2026
These boys. OMG. The way I want to protect Pember with everything I am and the give Blake a wake up call. I loved EVERYTHING about this. Devoured in day. I love how these books have a legitimate investigative plot that doesn't pull any punches but runs seamlessly with the Romance. Adore!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews