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Daggers & Steele #2
Cold Hard Steele
Detective Jake Daggers hates three things - mornings, walking, and naked guys.
So when he and his sexy half-elf partner, Shay Steele, get called to a murder scene featuring a bare-bottomed doughy dude with an icy dagger sticking out of his chest, he's not amused.
Who is even less happy? The Captain, when the lone murder turns into a cold-bladed epidemic.
In a case featuring frost mages, enchanted weaponry, and a jaded mystery writer, Daggers and Steele must race against the clock to discover who's delivering deadly doses of Cold Hard Steele.
So when he and his sexy half-elf partner, Shay Steele, get called to a murder scene featuring a bare-bottomed doughy dude with an icy dagger sticking out of his chest, he's not amused.
Who is even less happy? The Captain, when the lone murder turns into a cold-bladed epidemic.
In a case featuring frost mages, enchanted weaponry, and a jaded mystery writer, Daggers and Steele must race against the clock to discover who's delivering deadly doses of Cold Hard Steele.
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2015
49 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Alex P. Berg
32 books99 followersHi! I'm mystery, fantasy, and science fiction author Alex P. Berg. Be sure to check out my bestselling Daggers & Steele series, a fun, fast-paced fantasy/noir mystery hybrid! I've also written urban fantasy, epic sci-fi, and more.
My review rating system is as follows:
5 = Amazing, I absolutely loved it! (Fantastic!)
4 = A very good book, although I had a few quibbles with it. (Great!)
3 = A book I liked, but either it had a few more serious problems or I didn't connect well with it. (Good!)
2 = I had major issues with this book. (Not good...)
1 = I hated or DNF'ed this book. (Real bad!)
Connect with me at: www.alexpberg.com
My review rating system is as follows:
5 = Amazing, I absolutely loved it! (Fantastic!)
4 = A very good book, although I had a few quibbles with it. (Great!)
3 = A book I liked, but either it had a few more serious problems or I didn't connect well with it. (Good!)
2 = I had major issues with this book. (Not good...)
1 = I hated or DNF'ed this book. (Real bad!)
Connect with me at: www.alexpberg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 25, 2017
Cold Hard Steele (Daggers & Steele #2) by Alex P. Berg is a book you could read without reading the first book and not get lost. I liked this one even better than the first and I loved the first book. I also listened to the audio version with this one. I love the snarky, witty, clever dialogue or behaviors between the characters. The mystery is very good too but the craziness between the players is so funny. I smile a lot in these books! I really enjoy them and can't wait to read more!
June 16, 2015
Loving this series. It mixes urban fantasy with an almost old world style (no cars, no trains, but rickshaws!) along with the wise-cracking detective who isn't God's gift to all women, and some great side characters. Mix in a great mystery and it's perfect for curling up in bed with an awesome 'whodunnit'!
April 3, 2015
This is the second book in the series but could serve as an entry point if the reader wanted. As Detective Daggers grows more accustomed to his new partner a case comes up featuring his favorite author. It has the witty patter of Hammett if not the brevity of Chandler but is a fun read. The only thing I could question is the way the inevitable romance seems to be playing out. Fans of Glen Cook’s Garret or Jim Butcher’s Dresden will enjoy this fantasy detective series.
February 15, 2016
It was a good read . I thought that Jake had a lot of fun and games with the story of his life in the precinct .The roller coaster of the job created some good and interesting dynamics , especially Shay .She brought some good light and wit just to keep Daggers in check. Obviously there's going to be more to the romance between Steel and Daggers further on , but Daggers will figure something out I am sure.
February 22, 2016
Good story! Daggers wasn't obnoxious, just dumb as a fox!
October 18, 2016
3.5 Not as well put together as the first book but it was a fun read.
February 11, 2018
Daggers and Steele are two homicide detectives with Shay Steele being a half elf. They go to investigate a murder but the crime scene is a little more unusual than most - the apartment is trashed beyond belief and the dagger used is stone cold, covered with icicles. When a similar second murder occurs the pair are convinced that there is a serial killer on the streets and they have to find out who, what and why the murders are happening before a third one turns up.
Unfortunately they have little to go on other than the two victims somehow know each other. When a third murder happens, they meet a slightly strange character watching the crime scene, who claims he knows who the victims really are and what they do together. He doesn't appear to be a "typical" serial killer (Is there a typical type?), but he has some secrets of his own, so maybe he does know more than he is letting on.
I have to admit I was baffled with who the murderer really was and loved how Daggers worked it out. I liked the vague connections between the victims until all was revealed and then it made sense as to why they were being killed.
I like the two main characters - their playful banter works well between them, but I do wonder if there may be a hint of romance on the horizon too?! I would love to find out more about Steele's powers as we didn't see much of them this time.
Unfortunately they have little to go on other than the two victims somehow know each other. When a third murder happens, they meet a slightly strange character watching the crime scene, who claims he knows who the victims really are and what they do together. He doesn't appear to be a "typical" serial killer (Is there a typical type?), but he has some secrets of his own, so maybe he does know more than he is letting on.
I have to admit I was baffled with who the murderer really was and loved how Daggers worked it out. I liked the vague connections between the victims until all was revealed and then it made sense as to why they were being killed.
I like the two main characters - their playful banter works well between them, but I do wonder if there may be a hint of romance on the horizon too?! I would love to find out more about Steele's powers as we didn't see much of them this time.
January 3, 2024
Publishers have been known to predict the death of one novel form or another – police procedurals, for example – and recommend that such novels require a twist in order to sell.
For all I know “Cold Hard Steele” could be a case in point because, underneath the limited paranormal content, it's a solid police procedural.
Even Detective Steele, whose ability to magically 'see' at least some of the crime being investigated got her employed in the first instance, is actually just far more observant than those around her.
And, while the plot revolves around the dramatic killing of werewolves it could just as easily been because they were in a book club together.
However, the above are just quibbles.
The three things that lifts this book are (a) a superior plot, (b) the inclusion of Jake's favourite author as a suspect and (c) the way in which the banter between Jake and Steele has settled down – he's not trying to put her down all the time.
It's a better read than “Daggers & Steele” by a long shot.
4 Stars.
For all I know “Cold Hard Steele” could be a case in point because, underneath the limited paranormal content, it's a solid police procedural.
Even Detective Steele, whose ability to magically 'see' at least some of the crime being investigated got her employed in the first instance, is actually just far more observant than those around her.
And, while the plot revolves around the dramatic killing of werewolves it could just as easily been because they were in a book club together.
However, the above are just quibbles.
The three things that lifts this book are (a) a superior plot, (b) the inclusion of Jake's favourite author as a suspect and (c) the way in which the banter between Jake and Steele has settled down – he's not trying to put her down all the time.
It's a better read than “Daggers & Steele” by a long shot.
4 Stars.
July 13, 2020
The first corpse was naked, male, in the middle of a completely trashed room, and stabbed in the heart with a mysterious ice-cold bladed weapon. That was curious enough, but when two more bodies were found murdered in the same manner -- one clothed, male, in a neat room; the other nude, female, in another demolished room -- Detectives Daggers and Steele suspect that a serial killer is in their midst...
The world that Detectives Daggers and Steele inhabit is very similar to Victorian-era Earth, before the invention of electricity or the combustion engine. There are some significant differences, though; humans share the planet with such species as elves, trolls, werewolves, and vampires. The detectives never know what is going to turn up in the course of their investigations, but they have learned to expect almost anything.
The world that Detectives Daggers and Steele inhabit is very similar to Victorian-era Earth, before the invention of electricity or the combustion engine. There are some significant differences, though; humans share the planet with such species as elves, trolls, werewolves, and vampires. The detectives never know what is going to turn up in the course of their investigations, but they have learned to expect almost anything.
May 25, 2017
There is something great about this series that I can't put my finger on, but it all works. It is familiar but new, funny and still touching. This second installment sees the detectives on a mind boggling case, which is the reason for the story, but the best part is the deepening understanding the readers get for the characters in the story, not just Daggers and Steele but Quinto, Rodgers and Cairny too. You can see the family developing and it works.
I knew who the murderer was the moment the character was introduced, but that didn't diminish the story for me at all. In a way it allowed me to focus more on the character development since I knew where it was ultimately heading. On to #3
I knew who the murderer was the moment the character was introduced, but that didn't diminish the story for me at all. In a way it allowed me to focus more on the character development since I knew where it was ultimately heading. On to #3
September 12, 2017
Let's be honest. If you read the first one you knew to expect a campy pulp noir detective novel. Is that genre for everyone? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy the heck out of it. Yes. It's not a perfect story but the setting and excellent audio narration make it an easy 5 star for me. If you liked the first one you are going to enjoy this one. Berg delivers more of what you loved about the first book while expanding the world and developing the characters.
January 13, 2018
Easy read for a long plane journey. The characters are well written and this book builds on the relationship of the detective squad not just the two partners. Humour and intrigue and a dose of the farcical all wrapped up in a murder mystery. I will be following Daggers and Steele for many more investigations.
May 31, 2017
A low 3 stars -- maybe more like 2.75. It seems like the author is trying too hard to be witty, and falls short. The mysteries are okay, though I've found that it's obvious who did it. Adding in the romance storylines is unnecessary. I'll give the next one a go, because I already have it, but won't pursue the series any further.
November 18, 2018
Enjoyable reading
Like the humorous squabbling between Daggers and Steele. The plot kept you guessing until the end about the killer. The characters of Rogers and Quinton add to the mix of the story
Like the humorous squabbling between Daggers and Steele. The plot kept you guessing until the end about the killer. The characters of Rogers and Quinton add to the mix of the story
July 12, 2017
Fun, fast paced, right balance of emotional and character development with the mystery. Yep, definitely becoming a favored series. On to the next!
August 21, 2017
3.5 stars.
April 15, 2018
Lots of fun!
Some pretty nice twists and quips and the characters are starting to round themselves out nicely. Still telegraphing a couple of clues, but a fun ride for sure!
Some pretty nice twists and quips and the characters are starting to round themselves out nicely. Still telegraphing a couple of clues, but a fun ride for sure!
May 11, 2018
I am liking the series more this book. although there are a few standard revision of the story before diving in that's always annoying when you read them back to back.
July 19, 2018
A bit convoluted and odd but it was entertaining.
September 15, 2018
This waa another fun entry in the Daggers and Steele series. The relationship between Jake and Shady has developed nicely, and the story was nicely written, with a rapid pace of action.
November 28, 2018
I could not connect with the characters this time. I really loved the first name book, tho!!!
November 22, 2019
The humor and snark continues with a plot well suited to supporting it. The characters are coming into their own and starting to grow in complexity.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
August 16, 2016
In a lot of ways, Cold Hard Steele is a worthy follow-up to Red Hot Steele, taking what worked so well in the first installment of Alex P. Berg's supernatural mystery series and building upon it.
For one thing, Cold Hard Steele places a brighter spotlight on the supernatural aspect of the world Daggers and Steele inhabit. What was background dressing in the first novel takes the spotlight with aplomb in this edition, and though it featured possibly my least favorite supernatural creature in werewolves, the mystery is crafted well enough that it hardly mattered.
I enjoyed watching the further development of the partnership between Daggers and Steele -- though I can certainly tell where it's going. But it almost has a Castle season 2/3 feel to it, and the lighthearted nature of so much of this book is a strong counterbalance against the mayhem and the murder surrounding everyone.
There's even a fictitious novel that features prominently in the book.
The only thing that keeps this book from receiving five stars is the ending. Not the solving of the mystery itself, but the fact that it's revealed in a big info-dump conversation between Daggers, Steele, and the other detectives (Rodgers and Quinto) -- instead of unfolding through the interrogation of the character who ultimately wound up being the murderer. I would've loved to have read that scene, rather than have everything recited to me after the fact.
Still, Cold Hard Steele is a fun read, a fantastic supernatural mystery, and a worthy follow-up to Red Hot Steele. As of now, there are four other novels available in this series, and I can't wait to devour them as well.
For one thing, Cold Hard Steele places a brighter spotlight on the supernatural aspect of the world Daggers and Steele inhabit. What was background dressing in the first novel takes the spotlight with aplomb in this edition, and though it featured possibly my least favorite supernatural creature in werewolves, the mystery is crafted well enough that it hardly mattered.
I enjoyed watching the further development of the partnership between Daggers and Steele -- though I can certainly tell where it's going. But it almost has a Castle season 2/3 feel to it, and the lighthearted nature of so much of this book is a strong counterbalance against the mayhem and the murder surrounding everyone.
There's even a fictitious novel that features prominently in the book.
The only thing that keeps this book from receiving five stars is the ending. Not the solving of the mystery itself, but the fact that it's revealed in a big info-dump conversation between Daggers, Steele, and the other detectives (Rodgers and Quinto) -- instead of unfolding through the interrogation of the character who ultimately wound up being the murderer. I would've loved to have read that scene, rather than have everything recited to me after the fact.
Still, Cold Hard Steele is a fun read, a fantastic supernatural mystery, and a worthy follow-up to Red Hot Steele. As of now, there are four other novels available in this series, and I can't wait to devour them as well.
January 27, 2016
Disclaimer - received an e-copy in exchange for a review.
This is the second in the "Daggers and Steele" series.
While the stories are set in a police milieux (Det. Daggers and Det. Steele) - the world is one of magic (fire and ice mages, goblins and ogres, Steele is a rookie detective [female no less] half-elf), the mysteries are solid with enough hidden clues, twists and turns suitable for a Sherlockian and with a noir background suitable for MacDonald.
This time the author gives us a glimpse into Daggers' life and explores the developing professional (?) relationship between him and his partner.
My one regret (and minor at that) is that I would like to have more background on the world setting.
Still want to read more in this series and see how the characters and world develops.
Recommended reading!
This is the second in the "Daggers and Steele" series.
While the stories are set in a police milieux (Det. Daggers and Det. Steele) - the world is one of magic (fire and ice mages, goblins and ogres, Steele is a rookie detective [female no less] half-elf), the mysteries are solid with enough hidden clues, twists and turns suitable for a Sherlockian and with a noir background suitable for MacDonald.
This time the author gives us a glimpse into Daggers' life and explores the developing professional (?) relationship between him and his partner.
My one regret (and minor at that) is that I would like to have more background on the world setting.
Still want to read more in this series and see how the characters and world develops.
Recommended reading!
January 13, 2015
Second in the series, this book took the world building up another notch by giving the reader more views of the city of New Welwic and it's citizens. Our characters for the most part are still developing at a nice pace and the partnership of D & S is beginning to take a more solid hold. The plot takes a lot of twists and turns. While the plot kept my interests, it was little overdone in some areas. The humor and dialogue was well done and I really enjoyed the insights into Det. Daggers life. An enjoyable read for sure.
August 11, 2016
This second novel is better than the first Quite frankly I do not know if it is the story line or if the characters are growing on me.
After reading the first book in this series I was not entirely convinced that I wished to commit more of my free time to this author. However there was something about the parallel world they had created and the characters within that called me back. If you are looking for a fantasy/mystery/love story that keeps you wondering what is coming next then you will enjoy this second installment.
After reading the first book in this series I was not entirely convinced that I wished to commit more of my free time to this author. However there was something about the parallel world they had created and the characters within that called me back. If you are looking for a fantasy/mystery/love story that keeps you wondering what is coming next then you will enjoy this second installment.
March 15, 2015
This series is going places.
This book was very good and as expected better than the first. The characters are growing well together. This was a tad more predictable in terms of conclusion from the first, but no less enjoyable. My hope is the author allows a relationship to flesh out, rather than relying on the unrequited love trope that fills similar storytelling of this nature. Be brave Alex, let them really grow.
This book was very good and as expected better than the first. The characters are growing well together. This was a tad more predictable in terms of conclusion from the first, but no less enjoyable. My hope is the author allows a relationship to flesh out, rather than relying on the unrequited love trope that fills similar storytelling of this nature. Be brave Alex, let them really grow.
February 6, 2016
its a should've,would've, could've world and once past that you are onto a winner....
really enjoyed these two books in the daggers and steele collection and cant wait to see how the author progresses with the others...
will daggers ever get over his hang ups
and will steele ever convince daggers of her special powers
needless to say these pair work well together and bring in the baddies, i am loving all the characters in the book
really enjoyed these two books in the daggers and steele collection and cant wait to see how the author progresses with the others...
will daggers ever get over his hang ups
and will steele ever convince daggers of her special powers
needless to say these pair work well together and bring in the baddies, i am loving all the characters in the book
June 22, 2016
Just to see
I picked up book one of this series to just see if I could get into the science-fiction part of the story.
I really enjoyed the first book so I got the second book in the series and it did not disappoint. I think I'm going to be reading the rest of the series as the science fiction is not so far-fetched that it's unbelievable. The story lines are interesting and I'm thinking that the series will grow.
I picked up book one of this series to just see if I could get into the science-fiction part of the story.
I really enjoyed the first book so I got the second book in the series and it did not disappoint. I think I'm going to be reading the rest of the series as the science fiction is not so far-fetched that it's unbelievable. The story lines are interesting and I'm thinking that the series will grow.
April 3, 2015
definitely has greet potential and almost five stars
As I've said in my review of the last book, definitely film noir meets fantasy cum Dresden Files. This one a lot less corny as he gets a new female partner. Great potential to be a truly brilliant series on a par with Dresden but in its own genre completely.
As I've said in my review of the last book, definitely film noir meets fantasy cum Dresden Files. This one a lot less corny as he gets a new female partner. Great potential to be a truly brilliant series on a par with Dresden but in its own genre completely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews