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Crawshanks Guide to the Occult #2
The Little Shop of Curiosities The Music Box Part 2
Harrison’s birth mother is murdered, he finds himself the sole beneficiary to a truly terrifying legacy. Suddenly he finds himself living in an old Victorian shop that has been passed down his bloodline for generations. But this is no ordinary shop, it's filled with spirits, supernatural entities and dark secrets.
With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam. A sexy, paranormal PI, with a wicked smile and secrets of his own.
As they uncover more of the bookshops secrets they realise their futures may be more entwined than they could ever imagine...
With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam. A sexy, paranormal PI, with a wicked smile and secrets of his own.
As they uncover more of the bookshops secrets they realise their futures may be more entwined than they could ever imagine...
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2026
About the author
Vawn Cassidy
24 books501 followersVawn Cassidy is the MM pen name of British author Wendy Saunders.
She writes MM Romance and Queer Fiction. She's created fantastical realities filled with sassy ghosts, witches and demons. She's also taken readers on a wild journey through the dangerous streets of Victorian London to the secret Molly houses and underground gay community. She also writes contemporary love stories.
She's known especially for her mad world building skills and for creating unforgettable characters you’ll fall forever in love with.
She writes MM Romance and Queer Fiction. She's created fantastical realities filled with sassy ghosts, witches and demons. She's also taken readers on a wild journey through the dangerous streets of Victorian London to the secret Molly houses and underground gay community. She also writes contemporary love stories.
She's known especially for her mad world building skills and for creating unforgettable characters you’ll fall forever in love with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2026
3.5 Stars
August 19, 2026
Another great story in this setting
Whisky still doesn't have an E, and the title of this duet of books is a bit misleading given the absence of anything directly related to the music box except in very minor ways until the very end of the second instalment.
Now, that's not to say this isn't an excellent story, because it is, but like part one, it's still mostly a rehashing of Crawshank's Guide to the Recently Departed, just from Sam and Harrison's perspectives.
It's in no way a standalone, not having read Tristan and Danny's books will leave the reader somewhat at a loss, even with the information given out here.
However, things definitely pick up for the final few chapters when there's a huge twist in the tale and a kinda cliffhanger, albeit not one that feels irritating, and yet another link to Vawn's Molly Boys series.
Not going to hide the fact I was a little disgruntled by this as I've had no interest in reading that series as it's not my cup of tea.
Now, however, I'm feeling like I'm going to have to just in case there's pertinent info relating to where our two characters end up at the end of this book.
So a few niggles but also lots to love in this narrative.
Whisky still doesn't have an E, and the title of this duet of books is a bit misleading given the absence of anything directly related to the music box except in very minor ways until the very end of the second instalment.
Now, that's not to say this isn't an excellent story, because it is, but like part one, it's still mostly a rehashing of Crawshank's Guide to the Recently Departed, just from Sam and Harrison's perspectives.
It's in no way a standalone, not having read Tristan and Danny's books will leave the reader somewhat at a loss, even with the information given out here.
However, things definitely pick up for the final few chapters when there's a huge twist in the tale and a kinda cliffhanger, albeit not one that feels irritating, and yet another link to Vawn's Molly Boys series.
Not going to hide the fact I was a little disgruntled by this as I've had no interest in reading that series as it's not my cup of tea.
Now, however, I'm feeling like I'm going to have to just in case there's pertinent info relating to where our two characters end up at the end of this book.
So a few niggles but also lots to love in this narrative.
September 8, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Little Shop of Curiosities: The Music Box, Part 2 continues the story started in Part 1. While this review doesn’t have major spoilers for the first story, you are going to want to read Part 1 before jumping in here.
I had wondered where Cassidy would take things now that the timeline for this series has caught up to the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed books. The shift of perspective has been really fun and I wasn’t sure how things would play out going forward. But Cassidy has set up some really interesting questions and challenges for the men to face, including leaving them in some pretty dire straits at the end of this book. I am definitely hooked and quite excited to see where things go next.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Little Shop of Curiosities: The Music Box, Part 2 continues the story started in Part 1. While this review doesn’t have major spoilers for the first story, you are going to want to read Part 1 before jumping in here.
I had wondered where Cassidy would take things now that the timeline for this series has caught up to the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed books. The shift of perspective has been really fun and I wasn’t sure how things would play out going forward. But Cassidy has set up some really interesting questions and challenges for the men to face, including leaving them in some pretty dire straits at the end of this book. I am definitely hooked and quite excited to see where things go next.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 25, 2026
It was fun seeing a different POV of everything we've already seen in the main series, and now we're finally getting to know more about the dreaded music box! I'm excited and scared, and I was really sad at some parts. Yeah, lying is not good, but I understood why Harrison did it. It didn't make it right because things could've been avoided, but I'm glad Grumps was there to make sure there was sane open communication and a promise to be truthful and trust the other. Newbies at relationships make mistakes; Harrison and Sam were super cute and I know they'll be the best team at solving whatever they come across.
August 20, 2026
'The Little Shop of Curiosities: The Music Box Part 2' (Crawshanks Guide to the Occult, series)
written by Vawn Cassidy (Bookfunnel, advanced copy), (Kindle)
August 2026
I recently received this in Book Funnel directly from the author, and it's creepily fabulous! (now also available in Kindle). Love it!
The storyline also follows more serious and darker magic, with an illusive trail of ancestral evil-doing going back centuries. Captivating plot featuring new characters, as well as some old favorites, woven skillfully together as younger magic faces off with ancient evil!
Cassidy is one of my favorite authors for a reason: her characters seem like real people, even with all that magic floating around looking for an outlet, plus her plots are so interesting and even amidst the chaos there is humor and love!
~~♠︎~~~《Spoilers & Trigger Warnings 》~~~♠︎~~
There are a few gruesome murder and torture scenes in here, in addition to abuse, including that of a boy child and a pregnant teenage girl (who gets her revenge).
Just wanted to give a "heads-up" about a few graphic gory scenes.
~~~~~~~~♠︎~~~♠︎~~~♠︎~~~~~~~~~
NOTE: This was a pre-order directly from the author's website so it was an early release and was not available anywhere else, but now it is. Worth it to go check out her website since she has lots of cool stuff on there, and extras that you can't get anywhere else!
(lol, nobody paid me to say that! She's one of my fave authors...so I haunt her website to get in on early deals!)
Anyway, I'm in haunted heaven at the moment and this book is just as good as the previous one... maybe even better! I love "Prickle's" (Harrison's) grandpa, "Grumps"; he's a hoot and a very powerful witch, to boot!
Oh, and...
Keep your eyes open for the red & black fox; is it a spirit? a witch's familiar? a time-traveler? something else...?
Ahh yeah, it ends with a cliff-hanger, but it was expected, since it's a 3-book series. Great tale of ancient and present-day magic, with witches, and mages, and demons, and sweet MM love stories.
Creepy & humorous: what a combination!
Cheers!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍👻
written by Vawn Cassidy (Bookfunnel, advanced copy), (Kindle)
August 2026
I recently received this in Book Funnel directly from the author, and it's creepily fabulous! (now also available in Kindle). Love it!
The storyline also follows more serious and darker magic, with an illusive trail of ancestral evil-doing going back centuries. Captivating plot featuring new characters, as well as some old favorites, woven skillfully together as younger magic faces off with ancient evil!
Cassidy is one of my favorite authors for a reason: her characters seem like real people, even with all that magic floating around looking for an outlet, plus her plots are so interesting and even amidst the chaos there is humor and love!
~~♠︎~~~《Spoilers & Trigger Warnings 》~~~♠︎~~
There are a few gruesome murder and torture scenes in here, in addition to abuse, including that of a boy child and a pregnant teenage girl (who gets her revenge).
Just wanted to give a "heads-up" about a few graphic gory scenes.
~~~~~~~~♠︎~~~♠︎~~~♠︎~~~~~~~~~
NOTE: This was a pre-order directly from the author's website so it was an early release and was not available anywhere else, but now it is. Worth it to go check out her website since she has lots of cool stuff on there, and extras that you can't get anywhere else!
(lol, nobody paid me to say that! She's one of my fave authors...so I haunt her website to get in on early deals!)
Anyway, I'm in haunted heaven at the moment and this book is just as good as the previous one... maybe even better! I love "Prickle's" (Harrison's) grandpa, "Grumps"; he's a hoot and a very powerful witch, to boot!
Oh, and...
Keep your eyes open for the red & black fox; is it a spirit? a witch's familiar? a time-traveler? something else...?
Ahh yeah, it ends with a cliff-hanger, but it was expected, since it's a 3-book series. Great tale of ancient and present-day magic, with witches, and mages, and demons, and sweet MM love stories.
Creepy & humorous: what a combination!
Cheers!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍👻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
Quite possibly Vawn’s best book yet. Still managing to provide interesting twists on a now very established series.
10/10 would recommend the whole series.
10/10 would recommend the whole series.
September 22, 2026
For the love of Vawn Cassidy
What is this book about? There is Harrison and Sam's love story, but any "getting to know you" stuff is cut out. I'm not sure why they like each other, other than physical attraction. They have sex a couple times, but it's so irrelevant to the plot I skimmed through it.
The music box is in the title, but other than mysteriously play a bit, Harrison ignores it and nothing happens with it until the end.
There's Vivienne's murder, an increase in psychic manifestations, and a demon lurking. Sam's investigating, and he figures out what, but not why or how.
This book is mostly Harrison hiding in his shell, and Sam off doing his own thing. They don't solve anything. We don't learn anything about the characters, other than Harrison is a coward and not actually very competent. Maybe Harrison learns he needs to trust Sam, or that he has friends.
With Tristan and Dusty sidelined, there's not much comic relief in this book. It's heavy with Cordelia's crimes and the crimes of the Demon club members.
There isn't even a solid ending to this book. We're left with Harrison and Sam in a new muddle. Maybe some questions will be answered in the next book.
What is this book about? There is Harrison and Sam's love story, but any "getting to know you" stuff is cut out. I'm not sure why they like each other, other than physical attraction. They have sex a couple times, but it's so irrelevant to the plot I skimmed through it.
The music box is in the title, but other than mysteriously play a bit, Harrison ignores it and nothing happens with it until the end.
There's Vivienne's murder, an increase in psychic manifestations, and a demon lurking. Sam's investigating, and he figures out what, but not why or how.
This book is mostly Harrison hiding in his shell, and Sam off doing his own thing. They don't solve anything. We don't learn anything about the characters, other than Harrison is a coward and not actually very competent. Maybe Harrison learns he needs to trust Sam, or that he has friends.
With Tristan and Dusty sidelined, there's not much comic relief in this book. It's heavy with Cordelia's crimes and the crimes of the Demon club members.
There isn't even a solid ending to this book. We're left with Harrison and Sam in a new muddle. Maybe some questions will be answered in the next book.
September 27, 2026
4.5 stars
Although we are left with many things unfinished, we are finally caught up to the end of Crawshank’s Guide to the Recently Departed series (which you MUST read first) and are ready to embark on purely Sam and Harrison.
We see them grow closer despite the secrets between them. We learn more about Harrison’s legacy and his struggles. I loved getting to know both characters better.
I highly recommend all the books in both series and look forward to more in this one.
Although we are left with many things unfinished, we are finally caught up to the end of Crawshank’s Guide to the Recently Departed series (which you MUST read first) and are ready to embark on purely Sam and Harrison.
We see them grow closer despite the secrets between them. We learn more about Harrison’s legacy and his struggles. I loved getting to know both characters better.
I highly recommend all the books in both series and look forward to more in this one.
August 27, 2026
3.5 rounded
For all that we learned, we also get a ton of new questions, which is fine enough for me to continue the series.
However, parts of it felt a little rushed & some parts had such build up with underwhelming conclusions. I didn’t love this one as much as I did book 1 but the characters are all great fun & I’m still invested in the overall mystery.
For all that we learned, we also get a ton of new questions, which is fine enough for me to continue the series.
However, parts of it felt a little rushed & some parts had such build up with underwhelming conclusions. I didn’t love this one as much as I did book 1 but the characters are all great fun & I’m still invested in the overall mystery.
September 11, 2026
Brilliant!
A totally brilliant and immersive story that I couldn't put down from the moment I started reading. It’s intriguing, suspenseful and emotional in the best way, and full of the wonderful characters from the author's previous series. Harrison and Sams’ story is fabulous and I highly recommend this book.
A totally brilliant and immersive story that I couldn't put down from the moment I started reading. It’s intriguing, suspenseful and emotional in the best way, and full of the wonderful characters from the author's previous series. Harrison and Sams’ story is fabulous and I highly recommend this book.
September 8, 2026
The Little Shop of Curiosities The Music Box Part 2
This is the kind of fantasy that you wish you’d written yourself. Vawn Cassidy has written a gripping thriller/fantasy and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.
This is the kind of fantasy that you wish you’d written yourself. Vawn Cassidy has written a gripping thriller/fantasy and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.
August 27, 2026
What a Brilliant Page Turner
I love this series. So entertaining, hair raising, amusing and with wonderful characters and ghosts who all band together to save the world well London, from demons and dark forces.
Harrison’s past and birthright come back to haunt him, literally, after the death of his mother Vivienne who was killed in a really awful way and her spirit bound so she could not pass on what she knew.
Harrison starts having dreams well nightmares every night all about his great great aunt Cordelia Crawshank detailing her horrors in a mental asylum, thrown in there by her father because she got pregnant following her brother getting her out and then her summoning a demon to get revenge on the wealthy influential people responsible for her and others torment.
As Harrison and Sam grow closer he tells him about the nightmares but he tells nobody about the fact that the child of Vivienne who they are all searching for is actually him. He can’t bring himself to reveal that he was the child she discarded at birth but then when events turn even darker he can’t tell Sam to protect him.
So much happening this is a real page turner and that ending 😱 it was awesome and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Definitely recommend.
I love this series. So entertaining, hair raising, amusing and with wonderful characters and ghosts who all band together to save the world well London, from demons and dark forces.
Harrison’s past and birthright come back to haunt him, literally, after the death of his mother Vivienne who was killed in a really awful way and her spirit bound so she could not pass on what she knew.
Harrison starts having dreams well nightmares every night all about his great great aunt Cordelia Crawshank detailing her horrors in a mental asylum, thrown in there by her father because she got pregnant following her brother getting her out and then her summoning a demon to get revenge on the wealthy influential people responsible for her and others torment.
As Harrison and Sam grow closer he tells him about the nightmares but he tells nobody about the fact that the child of Vivienne who they are all searching for is actually him. He can’t bring himself to reveal that he was the child she discarded at birth but then when events turn even darker he can’t tell Sam to protect him.
So much happening this is a real page turner and that ending 😱 it was awesome and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Definitely recommend.
September 7, 2026
Wow, this was so good! I haven't stayed up past my bedtime to finish a book in so long. Love Sam and Harrison.
September 1, 2026
Great second book in this series
I love Sam and Harrison's story. We learn a lot more about who Harrison is and it's great to see his personality starting to show itself more, he's really quite funny. This book has plenty of excitement, passion and humour and their predicament at the end of the book makes me really excited for the next installment. I'd love to have more books on Tris and the original team and more of the Molly boys series as they're all brilliant.
I love Sam and Harrison's story. We learn a lot more about who Harrison is and it's great to see his personality starting to show itself more, he's really quite funny. This book has plenty of excitement, passion and humour and their predicament at the end of the book makes me really excited for the next installment. I'd love to have more books on Tris and the original team and more of the Molly boys series as they're all brilliant.
September 5, 2026
I enjoyed it so much, but now I have to wait a long time for the continuation of the story! Why do I keep reading books that end with more questions than answers!
August 25, 2026
4.5 rounded up. Another addictive read in this weird little universe Vawn Cassidy has created!
I loved Dead Serious. That series was a delight to read, but as much as I adore Tristan and Danny, Sam and Harrison stole my heart even more. Their story is much angstier.
In part 1 of this spinoff series, I felt the book moved too quickly by trying to cover 4 of the Dead Serious books. There was the bickering/banter with Sam and Harrison, but it barely scratched the surface of their relationship developing. Since part 2 mostly aligns with book 5 (plus a little extra), the pacing is much better. It also shows Sam and Harrison at a point where their connection is much deeper, emotionally and physically. The intimate scenes in this book are out of this world.
I really enjoyed seeing Sam and Harrison's love bloom in this book and also getting much deeper into the magical lore/the history of the Crankshaws. This book ends somewhere I did not see it going. It makes me so curious about what's in store next for my favorite empathic witch and his psychic PI.
I loved Dead Serious. That series was a delight to read, but as much as I adore Tristan and Danny, Sam and Harrison stole my heart even more. Their story is much angstier.
In part 1 of this spinoff series, I felt the book moved too quickly by trying to cover 4 of the Dead Serious books. There was the bickering/banter with Sam and Harrison, but it barely scratched the surface of their relationship developing. Since part 2 mostly aligns with book 5 (plus a little extra), the pacing is much better. It also shows Sam and Harrison at a point where their connection is much deeper, emotionally and physically. The intimate scenes in this book are out of this world.
I really enjoyed seeing Sam and Harrison's love bloom in this book and also getting much deeper into the magical lore/the history of the Crankshaws. This book ends somewhere I did not see it going. It makes me so curious about what's in store next for my favorite empathic witch and his psychic PI.
August 26, 2026
Harrison and Sam
The Crawshanks are really in it! Poor Harrison and Sam are in the middle of figuring out about a demon, when Harrison gets kidnapped and almost killed by a distant cousin. When all is said and done, they’re transported to Victorian London where they have to figure how to get back home.
A wonderful story full of action and love. Definitely Recommend!
The Crawshanks are really in it! Poor Harrison and Sam are in the middle of figuring out about a demon, when Harrison gets kidnapped and almost killed by a distant cousin. When all is said and done, they’re transported to Victorian London where they have to figure how to get back home.
A wonderful story full of action and love. Definitely Recommend!
August 23, 2026
Harrison & Sam
I love this series. So many great characters, paranormal happenings and a continuous storyline. Harrison is tight lipped about his mother but it seems this time, that’s going to get him in trouble. Vivienne has been murdered and the Scooby doo gang needs to find the killer. Harrison’s dreams are so real, he shares them with Sam and they grow closer but not enough for Harrison to completely trust Sam. For Sam’s protection, he hides the truth and almost pays the price. The end is awesome, can’t wait to read what comes next.
I love this series. So many great characters, paranormal happenings and a continuous storyline. Harrison is tight lipped about his mother but it seems this time, that’s going to get him in trouble. Vivienne has been murdered and the Scooby doo gang needs to find the killer. Harrison’s dreams are so real, he shares them with Sam and they grow closer but not enough for Harrison to completely trust Sam. For Sam’s protection, he hides the truth and almost pays the price. The end is awesome, can’t wait to read what comes next.
August 26, 2026
disappointed, mostly because of Harrison’s character
Rating: 3🌈
I’m going to talk about some of the plot points so if you don’t want any spoilers, stop reading.
I will start with saying I love the origin series with Dusty and Tristan and that entire cast and journey. Thought it is fantastic, right down to the fabulous side stories with The Grim Adventures of Death and Chan. My favorites too.
So I was really excited for some of the other characters to get their stories as well. But while the story is pretty good, I just can’t with the character of Harrison. He’s everything that makes a DNF book for me.
Sam, the paranormal PI is well done. He’s a layered personality and a good reason for being connected to the storyline. However, he’s also plays a powerful role here along with the other members of the original group, to keep me from engaging with Harrison.
A major reason for me not to buy or read a book is for an author to have written a main character who has major communication issues. Someone who, like Harrison here, has a secret or knowledge about the main mystery/storyline that’s threatening him and everyone else and is knowingly lying about it or/or refusing to tell anyone about it.
His dads and grandfather know and tell Harrison to reveal it to those who need to know, his friends and boyfriend, Sam. At one point, he lies to his parents and says he has. But no, he doesn’t, endangering his “boyfriend” Sam and his friends by withholding his all “central to the case” knowledge. As well as himself.
And once you think he’s learned something, and it’s over. It’s not because, wait for it. There’s one more potentially dangerous secret and another awful event that Harrison is responsible for.
This happened for the entire book. FFS and SMH
If you think that got old fast, you’d be correct. And it ended up with a cliffhanger where at this point I really didn’t care what happened to him. That’s a what a TSTL character reads like. Too bad about Sam.
And for my final spoiler, the author brought in characters from an unrelated series to save the day. So if you’re not familiar with them, it’s a huh, who are these people moment.
So, no not continuing further with this side series. I just don’t care about the main character and Tristan is made out to be whiny and weak , a characterization different from the other series.
Disappointing.
Cover design by Natasha Snow
Crawshanks Guide to the Occult (2 book series):
The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box
The Little Shop of Curiosities The Music Box Part 2
Connected series:
The Dead Serious Universe,
Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)
Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)
The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)
D
Rating: 3🌈
I’m going to talk about some of the plot points so if you don’t want any spoilers, stop reading.
I will start with saying I love the origin series with Dusty and Tristan and that entire cast and journey. Thought it is fantastic, right down to the fabulous side stories with The Grim Adventures of Death and Chan. My favorites too.
So I was really excited for some of the other characters to get their stories as well. But while the story is pretty good, I just can’t with the character of Harrison. He’s everything that makes a DNF book for me.
Sam, the paranormal PI is well done. He’s a layered personality and a good reason for being connected to the storyline. However, he’s also plays a powerful role here along with the other members of the original group, to keep me from engaging with Harrison.
A major reason for me not to buy or read a book is for an author to have written a main character who has major communication issues. Someone who, like Harrison here, has a secret or knowledge about the main mystery/storyline that’s threatening him and everyone else and is knowingly lying about it or/or refusing to tell anyone about it.
His dads and grandfather know and tell Harrison to reveal it to those who need to know, his friends and boyfriend, Sam. At one point, he lies to his parents and says he has. But no, he doesn’t, endangering his “boyfriend” Sam and his friends by withholding his all “central to the case” knowledge. As well as himself.
And once you think he’s learned something, and it’s over. It’s not because, wait for it. There’s one more potentially dangerous secret and another awful event that Harrison is responsible for.
This happened for the entire book. FFS and SMH
If you think that got old fast, you’d be correct. And it ended up with a cliffhanger where at this point I really didn’t care what happened to him. That’s a what a TSTL character reads like. Too bad about Sam.
And for my final spoiler, the author brought in characters from an unrelated series to save the day. So if you’re not familiar with them, it’s a huh, who are these people moment.
So, no not continuing further with this side series. I just don’t care about the main character and Tristan is made out to be whiny and weak , a characterization different from the other series.
Disappointing.
Cover design by Natasha Snow
Crawshanks Guide to the Occult (2 book series):
The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box
The Little Shop of Curiosities The Music Box Part 2
Connected series:
The Dead Serious Universe,
Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)
Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)
The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)
D
September 22, 2026
As with the previous entry, this book interweaves with the books of the main series, and connects and fills in certain details pertaining to Dead Serious Case #5 Madame VivienneDead Serious Case #5 Madame Vivienne, and a touch beyond. How much beyond, I am not going to spoil that.
As usual, it's always a joy to revisit the gang from one of my most favourite series. The story, like the previous one, gives more insights to the 5th book of the main series, and details that might need context. We get to know a new character, Harrison's grandfather Grumps and I totally adore him. He's a grumpy old man whom you just know is soft on the inside. Although the cast of characters is already pretty much stacked, he is very much a welcome inclusion.
As for the story, truth be told we are no nearer to the mystery of the music box as I would have liked to be, though towards the end we do know what it was supposed to do. This entry actually to me feels more like a n opportunity to expand on Harrison's and Sam's romance more so than anything, and I have to be honest, it got a tad tiresome at times. I'm not going to believe I have to say this, but there were just too many sex scenes. It got to the point where I had to skim to get the story moving along.
Overall, I do still enjoy the story, as it expands on the wider world of Crawshanks as well as getting to visit the cast whom I just adore. And it kinda wraps up the 5th entry of the main series nicely, so I am still kinda excited to see where this series will go, and I am still waiting with bated breath for the mains series continuation.
As usual, it's always a joy to revisit the gang from one of my most favourite series. The story, like the previous one, gives more insights to the 5th book of the main series, and details that might need context. We get to know a new character, Harrison's grandfather Grumps and I totally adore him. He's a grumpy old man whom you just know is soft on the inside. Although the cast of characters is already pretty much stacked, he is very much a welcome inclusion.
As for the story, truth be told we are no nearer to the mystery of the music box as I would have liked to be, though towards the end we do know what it was supposed to do. This entry actually to me feels more like a n opportunity to expand on Harrison's and Sam's romance more so than anything, and I have to be honest, it got a tad tiresome at times. I'm not going to believe I have to say this, but there were just too many sex scenes. It got to the point where I had to skim to get the story moving along.
Overall, I do still enjoy the story, as it expands on the wider world of Crawshanks as well as getting to visit the cast whom I just adore. And it kinda wraps up the 5th entry of the main series nicely, so I am still kinda excited to see where this series will go, and I am still waiting with bated breath for the mains series continuation.
September 4, 2026
Worse than part 1. The music box is a footnote, the intersection with Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed is too plentiful with stuff repeated and the plot disjointed without knowledge of that series.
The characters are not in character. I love the Recently Departed series. This is .. too violent, too bloody, instead of cameos of characters of other series they have whole chapters and worst of all: end of the book and you have more questions than answers and a thoroughly unsatisfied feeling about his relationship with his mother, his dads, his (possibly kind of) boyfriend, his friends; also about the plot, the music box, and the ten million "look a cool magical thing" that is not further explained or even comes up again.
Like fanfiction from a writer that wants too many cool things in one story and all in all crafted a bad story.
If a scene does not show either plot advancement or character development it need not be in the book.
The characters are not in character. I love the Recently Departed series. This is .. too violent, too bloody, instead of cameos of characters of other series they have whole chapters and worst of all: end of the book and you have more questions than answers and a thoroughly unsatisfied feeling about his relationship with his mother, his dads, his (possibly kind of) boyfriend, his friends; also about the plot, the music box, and the ten million "look a cool magical thing" that is not further explained or even comes up again.
Like fanfiction from a writer that wants too many cool things in one story and all in all crafted a bad story.
If a scene does not show either plot advancement or character development it need not be in the book.
August 20, 2026
I have to say Harrison and Sam are my favorite characters from this series (Sorry Tristan and Dusty). I feel like we are just scratching the surface on the convoluted mess that is the Crawshanks family. Just when I thought we knew everything new things keep coming up. Just how many secrets are out there? I felt for Harrison having to make a really tough decision of not telling Sam of his heritage and the aftermath that came with it. I do see them growing closer and stronger together. This book ended on a cliff hanger, go figure but that just makes me glad there is so much more to this story. I hope that one day they share with their friends how they feel about each other. I'm sure the gang will be delited and maybe tease them a bit. I really enjoyed diving back into this world and I can't wait to see what mess they get into again and again. 5/5 stars
August 22, 2026
I just love these characters, so I’m an easy customer. Objectively, were some of the plot transitions a bit rough? Yes, they were. I appreciate the absence of dialogue rehashing, but I think some scenes could have been at least mentioned, like Tristan’s dad’s funeral. Because otherwise what you get is Harrison talking to Sam, then smash cut to he’s strung up in the Bookstore. I feel like the kidnap scene should have been inserted here. But what do I know? I love this author’s world building so. much. and I will read anything she writes guaranteed. I love where this series is going and the new scenes are excellent, so I feel like both the author and I can’t wait to get beyond the plot points of Tristan’s series and get this show on the road. I am seated!
September 27, 2026
They story certainly kept me turning the page! The mix of magical components and characters kept things very dynamic, a refreshing split from the “same magic, different style” set up a lot of romantasy books have. If you’re a vibe reader this is a great pick that mixes crime mystery with romantasy.
If you’re not just a vibe reader, the time transitions aren’t always clear and you have to pay attention to figure out how many days or months have gone by. The banter was also a little overdone and after a while seemed more like clutter to the dialogue.
I definitely enjoyed this book and the first one! The cliffhanger at the end has me hoping the author will write a third.
If you’re not just a vibe reader, the time transitions aren’t always clear and you have to pay attention to figure out how many days or months have gone by. The banter was also a little overdone and after a while seemed more like clutter to the dialogue.
I definitely enjoyed this book and the first one! The cliffhanger at the end has me hoping the author will write a third.
August 21, 2026
Okay, so now that I’m recovering from the migraine that almost ended me, I can say that this one had issues. Like, a lot of them. I still love the story, and I’m still invested in all of the characters, but this was messy. I’m wondering how the third book will go and am eager to get into it whenever it drops. I hope it’s more consistent, at the very least. Oh, and if you didn’t read the parent series you are for sure gonna wanna get on that first. The gaps… phew. The gaps.
September 7, 2026
Hmmm. This author tends to overlap the stories, so 30% of this book happened over in the other series, and there was a lot of repetition. The main plot of this book was resolved by a fairly literal deus ex machina, and then there was a call back to another book in the author's back list. I may read more upcoming work if it seems like new events, but some of the delightful fizz of the stories has, um, fizzled for me.
September 13, 2026
The problem with this book was that book 1 in this follow on series came out late and so alot of this book I felt had been covered with the last book from the first series. However, it was a good read.
Here we are investigating the death if Harrison's mom, Vivienne. Sam also learns who Harrison really is and they get their HEA.
Here we are investigating the death if Harrison's mom, Vivienne. Sam also learns who Harrison really is and they get their HEA.
August 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ this addition was a different perspective to that happened in the Dead Serious series. It was good to see Sam and Harrison’s relationship grow and more of Harrison’s dads and Grumps. Lots of unanswered questions and a cliffhanger just means I need book 3 asap!
September 2, 2026
Nothing new util the 60% mark and then it’s really just leading you to another book. A very tiny hint of “The Five” that was mentioned in book 1 then just steam rolls right along somewhere else. It’s too bad bc I really enjoyed book 1, this was just a waste of my time.
August 31, 2026
More rehash of old events from Harrison and Sam POV. But a lot more info regarding the history of the Crawshanks family.
Looking forward to #3!
Looking forward to #3!
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