Investigation of a Quest

Autopsy of a Fairytale #7

by Nicole Scarano

After leaving the Bajka Police Department, former Homicide Detective Isobel ‘Bel’ Emerson spends her days planning the Halloween Haunted House competition for her new job on the town committee, despite the tension it causes with her friends and family. But when dead bodies start showing up as Halloween decorations, Bel is confronted with the reality that she and Eamon Stone might be the only ones for the job. She might have to rejoin the Bajka P.D., because something dangerous is on the hunt in her town—something far more terrifying than the lions and tigers and bears (oh my) Halloween costumes.

Loosely inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Investigation of a Quest is book 7 in the Autopsy of a Fairytale series, a crime thriller romantic suspense perfect for those who like dark fairytales, murder mystery/police procedurals (like AMC's The Killing, Netflix’s Lucifer, NCIS, Criminal Minds, or NBC's Hannibal), romance, found family, and a hint of fantasy. Each book will be based on a different fairytale, but Bel (and her Beast) will connect them all, her story ending on small cliffhangers in each book. *Series must be read in order

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2026

About the author

Nicole Scarano is a Multi Genre Author who writes Romantic Crime Thrillers/Police Procedurals with twists, Fantasy romances, and Sci-Fi romances because we're here for the same vibes/emotions not the same genres. She doesn't like to box herself into one genre, but no matter the book, they all have action, true love, found family, a dog when she can fit it into the plot, swoon-worthy men & absolutely feral females. *She occasionally writes steamy fantasy & sci-fi romances as N.R. Scarano*​

In her free time, Nicole is a dog mom to her rescued pitbull, a movie/tv show enthusiast, a film score lover, and sunshine obsessive. She loves to write outside, and she adores pole dancing fitness classes.

Reviews

[Sevi · Rating 5 out of 5]

lo de esta mujer es increíble

[Teagan Kropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Scarano is going to kill me one of these days with these freaking cliffhangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lizzy Jeane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole, te beso ese cerebro que tienes, reina 🙇🏼‍♀️👑

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Are Not in Kansas Anymore

Investigation of a Quest by Nicole Scarano
I love this series so much. It is such a fun retelling of the fairy tales we grew up with!

This was bananas! After the last book, I was nervous for this one- but boy, did Nicole deliver!

This was emotional, fast-paced, and had some fantastic twists. Our favorites are back, and this time, they're preparing for Halloween, which in this town can be deadly.

And this year is off to a terrifying start. With Bel finding herself in a new career, she expects things to be much smoother for her… until they aren’t.

Now, it’s a race against time to try and figure out who is creating deadly art, and why.

I was hooked from the start- and am yearning for the next book, because of the ending! Holy. Buckets. Nicole knows how to leave us wanting more!

Publication date: October 9, 2026
Publisher: Cerberus Publishing LLC

[Cheyenne Lopez-White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this as soon as it hit my kindle app… yes. Am I going to once again go through withdrawal until the next book in the series comes out… also yes. Was it worth it? Definitely!! I eat these books up like M&Ms they’re just so good and quick easy reads. I’m obsessed and the characters omg I love them I mean how can you not?!

[Brittney Lender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!!

I LOVED this book!! I love all of the books in this series but thr Wizard of Oz is my favorite of all times so I read enjoyed this book. The story was so well written and I loved how the elements of the wizard of oz were mixed into the story so subtly. I can not wait for the next book because this cliff hanger is killing me!!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ermm excuse me but absolutely NOT!!!!
This book had more ups and downs than all the roller coasters ever!! I love these books, but this one broke me a little bit and I NEED the next instalment RIGHT NOW 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Please and thank you. This is the second book I've read this year, where i feel the author should contribute to my therapy bill 😭😭😭😭

[Kellie Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and author

I love this series. If you are a fan of fairytales and true crime,
this is the series for you. I have loved every book in this series. I can't wait for the next one.

[Mnmsquared157 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this series ASAP

This series has me in a tight hold! Each book makes me wants more. I get so sad everytime I finish one of the books and have to wait for the next one 😭 The next one can’t come soon enough!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!

[Meghan phethean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading as soon as it was released and I finish and now I just need the next book.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

Really like this series. I like the way the author has taken different fairytales and made them a murder mystery. This book uses the Wizard of Oz as it’s theme murder mystery. I always like Bell and her beast.

[Mary Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait is over!

I have waited so long for this release and it’s finally here! I love this series, the characters the world building and everything in between is amazing!!

[Madison Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just amazing. I’m speechless and impatiently waiting to read the next book. I’ll be living in Bajka in my daydreams until then.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay after this book! 😭 I need to process what happened. So glad you announced book 8

[Noelle Becker · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

THE CLIFF HANGER!!!!! So glad there is going to be another one i thought this was the last one

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are on book 7 so I shouldn't be surprised by these cliffhangers anymore 😅 Also, not sure what it says about me that when I see a fairytale murder mystery I devour it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it ten stars I would! As always Nicole wrote an amazing book! I laughed, I cried, there were twists and turns and it was just absolutely amazing!

[Jessica · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Another cliff hanger? Really?!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!! What!!! Nicole. I can't believe you ended it like that. I am ready for the next one. Love these characters so much. It's an amazing series!