What do you think?
Nightshade Detective Agency Cozy Mystery #2
Survival of the Witchiest
Life is going smoothly for Freya Holmes for a change. She has new partners—from the Legacy Foundation, no less—and the most pressing problem she’s facing is an infestation of ghouls in the Garden District. Hardly something to worry about.
Then the unthinkable happens, and a couple is killed in their home. Right before their terrible deaths, somebody called on the phone and told them to play jazz if they didn’t want to die. The couple blew off the call, and paid the ultimate price.
It seems there’s a copycat in the Big Easy, only this killer is reenacting something that happened more than a century before. It’s not the original killer, of course, or is it? Freya is determined to find out, even as the murders start piling up.
Between stories from the past and fears from the present, she has her hands full. Especially when local bounty hunter Knox Cullen joins the investigative team.
The one thing Knox doesn’t want is to get too close to Freya.
The one thing Freya doesn’t want is an unnecessary romantic entanglement.
Unfortunately for both, the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that they might not have a choice in the matter.
Murder is afoot in New Orleans. Will Freya become a victim or the victor at the end?
Then the unthinkable happens, and a couple is killed in their home. Right before their terrible deaths, somebody called on the phone and told them to play jazz if they didn’t want to die. The couple blew off the call, and paid the ultimate price.
It seems there’s a copycat in the Big Easy, only this killer is reenacting something that happened more than a century before. It’s not the original killer, of course, or is it? Freya is determined to find out, even as the murders start piling up.
Between stories from the past and fears from the present, she has her hands full. Especially when local bounty hunter Knox Cullen joins the investigative team.
The one thing Knox doesn’t want is to get too close to Freya.
The one thing Freya doesn’t want is an unnecessary romantic entanglement.
Unfortunately for both, the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that they might not have a choice in the matter.
Murder is afoot in New Orleans. Will Freya become a victim or the victor at the end?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
507 books2,998 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 18, 2026
Did anyone else read the first book?
Because I'm confused.
I normally don't write book reviews, but since no one else seems to have picked up on this, I feel like I have to say something.
There are A LOT of inconsistencies between this book and the first one.
Spoilers ahead!
For one, Marie was NOT a ghost in the first book. Yes, she died, but Papa Legba brought her back to life. Now, in this book, she's a full-fledged ghost who's transparent and passing through solid objects. What happened?
Secondly, the personalities of the parents have completely changed. If you've read the first book and then read this one, you have to know what I mean.
Even the reason given for why the mother was turned into a vampire is different. In the first book, she was reluctant to be turned because she loved the sun so much. She eventually decided to do it when she realized she was growing older than her husband and would eventually die.
In this book, we're told she wanted to be turned much younger, out of vanity, but they decided to wait because they needed at least one parent who could go out in the sun and take care of things while the kids were in school.
Those are two completely different stories!
Then there's Margie(the mean which that did both seances in both books) and Knox. Compare their interaction at the séance in the first book to their interaction at the séance in this one. You would think the interaction in the first book never happened, in the second book they acted like they never met each other before.
And why are Knox and Freya talking about Charlie as if they've never seen her in action when they literally fought side by side with her in the first book?
Even Knox's personality has changed!
And these inconsistencies go on and on and on. These are just the ones that stood out to me the most.
Did the author forget what happened in the first book? Because I'm genuinely confused about how so many things could change between two books.
Am I the only one who noticed this?
Because I'm confused.
I normally don't write book reviews, but since no one else seems to have picked up on this, I feel like I have to say something.
There are A LOT of inconsistencies between this book and the first one.
Spoilers ahead!
For one, Marie was NOT a ghost in the first book. Yes, she died, but Papa Legba brought her back to life. Now, in this book, she's a full-fledged ghost who's transparent and passing through solid objects. What happened?
Secondly, the personalities of the parents have completely changed. If you've read the first book and then read this one, you have to know what I mean.
Even the reason given for why the mother was turned into a vampire is different. In the first book, she was reluctant to be turned because she loved the sun so much. She eventually decided to do it when she realized she was growing older than her husband and would eventually die.
In this book, we're told she wanted to be turned much younger, out of vanity, but they decided to wait because they needed at least one parent who could go out in the sun and take care of things while the kids were in school.
Those are two completely different stories!
Then there's Margie(the mean which that did both seances in both books) and Knox. Compare their interaction at the séance in the first book to their interaction at the séance in this one. You would think the interaction in the first book never happened, in the second book they acted like they never met each other before.
And why are Knox and Freya talking about Charlie as if they've never seen her in action when they literally fought side by side with her in the first book?
Even Knox's personality has changed!
And these inconsistencies go on and on and on. These are just the ones that stood out to me the most.
Did the author forget what happened in the first book? Because I'm genuinely confused about how so many things could change between two books.
Am I the only one who noticed this?
August 10, 2026
Freya and her best friend Lex live in New Orleans and are working with a new supernatural team from Legacy Foundation, Jack and his sweet wife Charlie. Knox, the shifter bounty hunter is around, but not firmly within their orbit, until a murder occurs that may be linked to a magical folktale. A dangerous one - dangerous enough for the loss to come visit.
Clues slip through their fingers and don’t make sense, so unhappily, Freya agrees to work with Knox. They are both dominant, prickly and bossy personalities so a fight or dozen may soon be involved, for dominance.
More deaths occur in the same gruesome manner, and Freya begins piecing together the puzzle and it snaps together at last. They know the killer and go hunting - all of them are in on this manhunt since it takes a supernatural village to take this vicious villain out.
The action is fast paced, the characters energetic and engaged and there is a ghoulish charm with the loas engaged and assisting Freya and Knox. The loas are centuries old, world weary and hilarious.
Love the cameo mention of Mystic Caravan, one of my all time fav series and some crossover references to them. It’s a fun and enjoyable novel, delightful when the vicious villain is ended (hurray!) and an absolutely worthwhile read
Clues slip through their fingers and don’t make sense, so unhappily, Freya agrees to work with Knox. They are both dominant, prickly and bossy personalities so a fight or dozen may soon be involved, for dominance.
More deaths occur in the same gruesome manner, and Freya begins piecing together the puzzle and it snaps together at last. They know the killer and go hunting - all of them are in on this manhunt since it takes a supernatural village to take this vicious villain out.
The action is fast paced, the characters energetic and engaged and there is a ghoulish charm with the loas engaged and assisting Freya and Knox. The loas are centuries old, world weary and hilarious.
Love the cameo mention of Mystic Caravan, one of my all time fav series and some crossover references to them. It’s a fun and enjoyable novel, delightful when the vicious villain is ended (hurray!) and an absolutely worthwhile read
August 17, 2026
Why? Just why? Don’t these serious have enough FMCs who act like petulant, pouty, tantrum throwing children? Evidently not. Let’s throw one more annoying FMC into the mix and let the reader suffer through, my guess is, another two books in this series before she inevitably gives up and falls for her soulmate. Ug, just why?
The three stars came from the basic plot of the story which was very good. If it wasn’t for all the tantrums and the whining, this book could have been a 4.5. The beginning was a bit slow and I’m not sure why all the rehashing of characters. Maybe because it’s a new series in the group. The other issue that kinda struck odd to me is a bit of a personality change in the Charlie character. She seemed to be a bit weaker.
I’m not sure, as a female author, why Amanda M Lee had her female characters act so immature and whiny. There comes a point where it crosses over from entertaining banter to just idiotic and annoying.
The three stars came from the basic plot of the story which was very good. If it wasn’t for all the tantrums and the whining, this book could have been a 4.5. The beginning was a bit slow and I’m not sure why all the rehashing of characters. Maybe because it’s a new series in the group. The other issue that kinda struck odd to me is a bit of a personality change in the Charlie character. She seemed to be a bit weaker.
I’m not sure, as a female author, why Amanda M Lee had her female characters act so immature and whiny. There comes a point where it crosses over from entertaining banter to just idiotic and annoying.
August 20, 2026
This is the second offering, and I found that although I wasn't that into this books mystery, I am rather attached to the characters, especially when Jack and Charlie have chosen to make NO home. The mystery was interesting, and although fairly predictable at times, it was entertaining with sassy characters and a will they/won't they dynamic between Freya and Knox (love his momma too). We also get to see more between Freya and her parents. I'm still not completely sold on them. They seem to be more interested in how they are perceived, outward appearances, and don't mind lording it over others (much to Freya's disgust). We also get more of the Baron and Papa, Brigette and Erulie. Love those Loas, and how they always seem to pop up in the various series just when things are going to hit the fan. Anyway, the mystery was interesting, and I zoomed through this in one sitting.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
September 2, 2026
I am struggling to become engaged with this latest saga from Amanda M Lee. These stories, as with many others by this author (in my view), are dwelling far too much on relationships and feelings, and far too little on magic and adventure. The premise of a hybrid witch/vampire who is a Private Detective is promising. Involvement of the Legacy Foundation (Charlie & Jack) has potential. A shift from psychoanalyses, obsession with unrealistic amounts of food and romantic relationships would be welcome. Food and romance are an integral part of these types of books but not to the detriment of magic, mystery, research, discovery and action.
August 11, 2026
Really like Freya
I've been reading Amanda for 6 years. I had stopped reading after getting sick and realized I missed cozy mysteries. The first one I read had a pic of a lighthouse and I love lighthouses. I have read all the series and they keep getting better with crossovers. I love keeping characters alive. I also have never been to New Orleans but bought a vacation package to go to New orleans and see all the places Amanda writes about.
I've been reading Amanda for 6 years. I had stopped reading after getting sick and realized I missed cozy mysteries. The first one I read had a pic of a lighthouse and I love lighthouses. I have read all the series and they keep getting better with crossovers. I love keeping characters alive. I also have never been to New Orleans but bought a vacation package to go to New orleans and see all the places Amanda writes about.
August 12, 2026
Vintage Amanda
Always interesting, I really enjoyed the budding attraction between Freya and Knox despite me not being a fan of hetero. However, i what I enjoy most about AML's books are the strong women. That was missing, c'mon a common immobility spell and that's it at the end. Ending the zombies at the start wss the power highlight. Jack and Charlie add nothing. Commitment made though that Freya will grow stronger.
Always interesting, I really enjoyed the budding attraction between Freya and Knox despite me not being a fan of hetero. However, i what I enjoy most about AML's books are the strong women. That was missing, c'mon a common immobility spell and that's it at the end. Ending the zombies at the start wss the power highlight. Jack and Charlie add nothing. Commitment made though that Freya will grow stronger.
August 7, 2026
Superb
This is an amazing series. Before it came along Mystic Caravan was my absolute favorite, but this one is bumping it out of the top spot. I read a LOT and for me to find a series so good that I anxiously await the next book it's rare. But this one and Mystic Caravan fit the bill. I can't wait to see what comes next!
This is an amazing series. Before it came along Mystic Caravan was my absolute favorite, but this one is bumping it out of the top spot. I read a LOT and for me to find a series so good that I anxiously await the next book it's rare. But this one and Mystic Caravan fit the bill. I can't wait to see what comes next!
August 7, 2026
Excellent Read!
I loved this book and this new series. Due Ms. Lee's character development being stellar, I feel as if I already know the main characters. I love that Charlie and Jack are in this series. I have missed them.
The storyline was fun especially when guests in this book popped in. This book waz fun to read and funny because of the sarcasm and snarkiness. A must read!
I loved this book and this new series. Due Ms. Lee's character development being stellar, I feel as if I already know the main characters. I love that Charlie and Jack are in this series. I have missed them.
The storyline was fun especially when guests in this book popped in. This book waz fun to read and funny because of the sarcasm and snarkiness. A must read!
August 8, 2026
New series…!
I’m leaving be this series. I’m excited to see the development between Knox and Freya and love that we get to revisit Charlie and Jack, while getting to spend time with our New Orleans friends. So happy that Harley has been brought up multiple times… hoping that is some foreshadowing. I miss her character. Can’t wait for the next book. :)
I’m leaving be this series. I’m excited to see the development between Knox and Freya and love that we get to revisit Charlie and Jack, while getting to spend time with our New Orleans friends. So happy that Harley has been brought up multiple times… hoping that is some foreshadowing. I miss her character. Can’t wait for the next book. :)
August 10, 2026
Love the new series but
You have made Charlie to sweet and Jack to much of a wuss. I know Freya and Knox are the new heros in this series but diminishing Charlie and Jack is not fair and I'm not sure why you even included them. I have read Charlie Rhodes series 4 times. I'll give book 3 of this series a chance to see if it has the same value.
You have made Charlie to sweet and Jack to much of a wuss. I know Freya and Knox are the new heros in this series but diminishing Charlie and Jack is not fair and I'm not sure why you even included them. I have read Charlie Rhodes series 4 times. I'll give book 3 of this series a chance to see if it has the same value.
August 12, 2026
Addictive Series
Characters that grab a reader's attention and doesn't let go. Freya is a strong, brash vampire/witch hybrid who hasn't learned to trust anyone completely. Lex is a gator shifter sowing his wild oats. Knox is a lover in waiting. Boy, I hate to wait, but this series is worth it. Please write faster Amanda. Happy reading!
Characters that grab a reader's attention and doesn't let go. Freya is a strong, brash vampire/witch hybrid who hasn't learned to trust anyone completely. Lex is a gator shifter sowing his wild oats. Knox is a lover in waiting. Boy, I hate to wait, but this series is worth it. Please write faster Amanda. Happy reading!
August 16, 2026
Fun new,series some old familiar and new characters
Fun new series set in new Orleans bit of crossover as in Charlie and Jack have moved there. New charcters are great .got shifters gator wolf witches vampires and half breeds PI slow rivals to not let but it happen lovers slow burn romance adventure mystery
Fun new series set in new Orleans bit of crossover as in Charlie and Jack have moved there. New charcters are great .got shifters gator wolf witches vampires and half breeds PI slow rivals to not let but it happen lovers slow burn romance adventure mystery
August 16, 2026
Good.
I liked this better than the first book. Sometimes it takes me a couple of a new series' books to get into new characters. Should have the rhythm done by the next. I liked the storyline and it was familiar to me. Definitely makes me miss New Orleans (even though I was raised in Baton Rouge. )
I liked this better than the first book. Sometimes it takes me a couple of a new series' books to get into new characters. Should have the rhythm done by the next. I liked the storyline and it was familiar to me. Definitely makes me miss New Orleans (even though I was raised in Baton Rouge. )
August 17, 2026
I have to admit that Freya and Lex are growing on me. The brotherly way he protects her and wants to make sure that her heart is not broken beyond repair makes me smile. As for the story, my gut had me pegging the "culprit" the moment we were introduced to him, but I just couldn't put the book down. Love the ending - was clean and quiet. Off to the next adventure.
August 5, 2026
Sweet!
Looking forward to book three! Its such a great storyline and the characters are a hoot! Good to see other characters from other series in this one. New Orleans is the perfect setting for paranormal highjenks!
Looking forward to book three! Its such a great storyline and the characters are a hoot! Good to see other characters from other series in this one. New Orleans is the perfect setting for paranormal highjenks!
August 7, 2026
Great book 2
I’m loving Freya and Knox as they dance around each other. Lex makes a great best friend. Interesting story. Once explained it makes sense but I didn’t see it. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
I’m loving Freya and Knox as they dance around each other. Lex makes a great best friend. Interesting story. Once explained it makes sense but I didn’t see it. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
August 7, 2026
awesome new series
I’m in love with Freya! Charlie is in this one now too and I love the continuing story. I love the budding romance. Amanda has done it again. Just when I thought her world build couldn’t get much better.
I’m in love with Freya! Charlie is in this one now too and I love the continuing story. I love the budding romance. Amanda has done it again. Just when I thought her world build couldn’t get much better.
August 7, 2026
onward
This was a really good read, it moves the series forward in a good way. I was disappointed the Poet did not make an appearance to witness the end of Margarita’s line as an observer. But 5 stars anyway.
This was a really good read, it moves the series forward in a good way. I was disappointed the Poet did not make an appearance to witness the end of Margarita’s line as an observer. But 5 stars anyway.
August 8, 2026
Love the new series
Love the new series! Freya, Knox , Toni & Lex great characters! Throw in Charlie and Jack too! Can't wait to see what happens with Freya and Knox! So how long do we have to wait for book 3? I want to mark my calendar!
Love the new series! Freya, Knox , Toni & Lex great characters! Throw in Charlie and Jack too! Can't wait to see what happens with Freya and Knox! So how long do we have to wait for book 3? I want to mark my calendar!
August 8, 2026
and so it begins…
Second book in a new series and that ending surly smells of romance lol
Freya and Knox, is it destiny throwing them together or hormones lol I love the first few books in a new series when they’re still figuring everything out.
Second book in a new series and that ending surly smells of romance lol
Freya and Knox, is it destiny throwing them together or hormones lol I love the first few books in a new series when they’re still figuring everything out.
August 9, 2026
Ready for the next one
I'm ready to go right into the next book. Full of suspense as I didn't figure out who did it until they did and never thought of the why. Along with something still unsolved the relationship. ❤️
I'm ready to go right into the next book. Full of suspense as I didn't figure out who did it until they did and never thought of the why. Along with something still unsolved the relationship. ❤️
August 11, 2026
Oh so good!
Oh my goodness this series is going to be one of my favorites. I love everything about it and it includes characters from other books without them taking over. I can’t wait to see what happens between Freya and Knox. Loved it
Oh my goodness this series is going to be one of my favorites. I love everything about it and it includes characters from other books without them taking over. I can’t wait to see what happens between Freya and Knox. Loved it
August 16, 2026
More loas
Awesome read, all kinds of paranormal in New Orleans and the axeman's back and the detective must solve it before someone else dies and add in the loas and who knows what will happen. Great characters and storyline and who doesn't like the snark.
Awesome read, all kinds of paranormal in New Orleans and the axeman's back and the detective must solve it before someone else dies and add in the loas and who knows what will happen. Great characters and storyline and who doesn't like the snark.
August 24, 2026
I didn't like the main character.
Freya is immature, selfish, rude and annoying. She treats people like crap and is very abrasive in speech and conversations. I won't continue to read this series.
Freya is immature, selfish, rude and annoying. She treats people like crap and is very abrasive in speech and conversations. I won't continue to read this series.
August 25, 2026
great story
The twists and turns in this story are great to read. I was kind of surprised by the ending. Love the slow burn between Freya and Knox. They are soooo socially awkward. Liked watching the chemistry take them by surprise
The twists and turns in this story are great to read. I was kind of surprised by the ending. Love the slow burn between Freya and Knox. They are soooo socially awkward. Liked watching the chemistry take them by surprise
September 7, 2026
Wonderful story
Great read. Wonderful characters. Amanda M Lee is an excellent writer and storyteller. Knox and Freya are too stubborn for their own good. Can't wait to see where the search for Freyas sister goes.
Great read. Wonderful characters. Amanda M Lee is an excellent writer and storyteller. Knox and Freya are too stubborn for their own good. Can't wait to see where the search for Freyas sister goes.
August 5, 2026
This is a great start to a new series.
This is a great start to a new series and I love that it is set in New Orleans.I also like that that other char
This is a great start to a new series and I love that it is set in New Orleans.I also like that that other char
August 7, 2026
Interesting story
The plot lines evolve and are fun, yet suspenseful. The characters continue to develop. It's an interesting mixture adding Charlie and Jack to the mix.
The plot lines evolve and are fun, yet suspenseful. The characters continue to develop. It's an interesting mixture adding Charlie and Jack to the mix.
August 7, 2026
I'm loving this new series, especially the interactions between Freya and Knox!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews