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Shadows Fall
A gift-or curse-gives Titus McGinty the unwanted ability to talk to ghosts. When he starts seeing the same few apparitions repeatedly, appearing with similar gruesome injuries, he begins to wonder what they want from him. Detective Charlie Hale has a serial killer on his hands. On the loose for weeks, the Queen City Slayer has left the police nothing to go on, no forensic evidence other than what he wants found. The city is running out of time. The crisis brings Titus and Charlie together-Titus stumbles upon a body and finds himself a suspect. Their budding romance is tested as they are sucked into a web of underground laboratories, restive spirits, and religious fanaticism. They'll have to work together to find the identity of the killer before he takes his next victim...Titus.
378 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2015
9 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Hogan
21 books298 followersJ.K. Hogan is a pan/demi nerd living in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and their pets. She’s been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing character lists and storylines for her toys growing up. In addition to being an author, J.K. is an autist, an artist, and an activist, with a special place in her heart for Star Trek. When she isn’t writing, J.K. can be found designing book covers at Wicked Pixel Designs, creating fiber art and supplies at Earthbound Fiber Arts, watching Hurricanes Hockey and, of course, reading!
For more information, visit www.jkhogan.com
For more information, visit www.jkhogan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 30, 2022
ARC of Shadows Fall provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
4.5 Stars
Shadows Fall is the first book by J.K. Hogan that I've read - and I loved it! This is my kind of paranormal story. We've got 2 hot men (one of whom is a cop), some mystery involving ghosts, some romance, some smokin' hot sexy times... Yeah, sign me up! And Shadows Fall did not disappoint.
Titus McGinty sees dead people. All around him, all the time and he does his best to drown them out, but for a few of the spirits, he is having more and more of a difficult time blocking them. He has no idea who they are, but it is unusual for ghosts to actually follow him, so he knows he needs help learning to control his "gift". He contacts his grandmother, asking for help. Being a ghost talker runs in his family, and the ones with the gift are both feared and revered. But Titus was cast out because he's gay and refused to marry a woman. And because of that, he's never learned to control his gift, at all.
Charlie Hale is a closeted detective working a serial killer investigation, and it's starting to get to him. They've got no leads and the killer isn't leaving any evidence of himself behind. With the bodies piling up, Charlie is at his wits end and desperate to find the killer before he strikes again. He met Titus at the coffee shop that Titus owns, and when Titus calls Charlie one night after he stumbled upon another dead body, things get sticky.
Titus can't exactly tell the cops how he really found the body and everything he manages to come up with just makes him look more and more like a suspect. What's a ghost talker to do?
Charlie and Titus are amazing together. Their chemistry runs hot and they make a really good team. Charlie knows he's gay, but he never acted on it before meeting Titus. And he cannot resist Titus. Charlie also finds that he can really let himself go with Titus. Titus loves Charlie's dominant nature. And, truth be told, so did I. It was hot!
Though the mystery does overtake the romance a bit, I was fine with that, since I was enjoying the story so much. I did have to suspend my disbelief, not only with the ghosts and paranormal, but also with the more every day activities, like the police work and things like them breaking into a secure medical research facility without getting caught. I didn't buy that for a New York minute. But I was still entertained, so I let it slide.
All in all, I found Shadows Fall to be an excellent read and it was left open enough for continuing the story line, which I am happy about. But don't worry, we're not left with a cliffhanger here.
4.5 Stars
Shadows Fall is the first book by J.K. Hogan that I've read - and I loved it! This is my kind of paranormal story. We've got 2 hot men (one of whom is a cop), some mystery involving ghosts, some romance, some smokin' hot sexy times... Yeah, sign me up! And Shadows Fall did not disappoint.
Titus McGinty sees dead people. All around him, all the time and he does his best to drown them out, but for a few of the spirits, he is having more and more of a difficult time blocking them. He has no idea who they are, but it is unusual for ghosts to actually follow him, so he knows he needs help learning to control his "gift". He contacts his grandmother, asking for help. Being a ghost talker runs in his family, and the ones with the gift are both feared and revered. But Titus was cast out because he's gay and refused to marry a woman. And because of that, he's never learned to control his gift, at all.
Charlie Hale is a closeted detective working a serial killer investigation, and it's starting to get to him. They've got no leads and the killer isn't leaving any evidence of himself behind. With the bodies piling up, Charlie is at his wits end and desperate to find the killer before he strikes again. He met Titus at the coffee shop that Titus owns, and when Titus calls Charlie one night after he stumbled upon another dead body, things get sticky.
Titus can't exactly tell the cops how he really found the body and everything he manages to come up with just makes him look more and more like a suspect. What's a ghost talker to do?
Charlie and Titus are amazing together. Their chemistry runs hot and they make a really good team. Charlie knows he's gay, but he never acted on it before meeting Titus. And he cannot resist Titus. Charlie also finds that he can really let himself go with Titus. Titus loves Charlie's dominant nature. And, truth be told, so did I. It was hot!
Though the mystery does overtake the romance a bit, I was fine with that, since I was enjoying the story so much. I did have to suspend my disbelief, not only with the ghosts and paranormal, but also with the more every day activities, like the police work and things like them breaking into a secure medical research facility without getting caught. I didn't buy that for a New York minute. But I was still entertained, so I let it slide.
All in all, I found Shadows Fall to be an excellent read and it was left open enough for continuing the story line, which I am happy about. But don't worry, we're not left with a cliffhanger here.
May 8, 2016
This fic didn't work for me. The premise really appealed and I was excited to read it, the result was disappointing and frustrating - therefore this could get bitchy, leave now if allergic!
It got to the point of reading bits aloud to my forbearing hubby and asking him why WHY the characters would be so stupid. He was almost tempted to read it and offered a second-hand reader rating of -1*.
There are so many inconsistencies, the characterisation doesn't make sense meaning they never seemed real to me. And the plot too, minus-zero detecting or even basic intelligence, if the ghosts hadn't decided to helpfully haunt our hero (for no obvious reason) and to do all the solving of their own deaths then there'd be no chance of solving whodunnit. This is more paranormal than mystery with the relationship inserted along the way.
I had it solved at 12%
Despite three victims dying the same way and being marked the same way the detective calls it a 'hunch' that they're connected. Despite no media involvement and no community concern it's suggested that there could be a copycat rather than a serial killer. But the body count rises to five and all are assigned the same two detectives who can't communicate, don't work together, don't have the experience, don't call in the FBI, don't request more people, can't add 1+1, and couldn't find their arse with GPS and a map Detective Sonny basically appears to growl on occasion then go away again.
It takes the main detective Charlie until past 70% with psychic intervention to see what connects the victims, with still no clue as to why or any suspects I repeat - I had it solved at 12% - Could tell you why them, who did it and why they did it - at 12% And - I was right! Knowing who did it isn't a deal breaker if you can follow detectives de-tangle it, here a written confession would have needed translating. I was imagining the ghost lined up screaming 'he's behind you' I think the only reason they didn't was it would be a shorter book.
We even get the evil villain giving a wicked chuckle from the shadows.
Bwah hahaha ha
Rest under spoilers - probably more ranty than spoilery:
In an effort to be positive - the Romany aspect had potential to be interesting, a little more time with granny maybe. There was potential here, it's a premise I enjoy - which is why I found it so frustrating, but it needed more work, some honest input from a mystery reader would not have gone amiss.
Lastly some battle quotes:
before:
at which understandably:
bet he saw stars too!
And sanguine with anger it's not wrong exactly, I know sanguine can mean blood-red colour BUT it also means melancholy - perhaps that's a culture difference? I had to read that twice for it to make sense.
It got to the point of reading bits aloud to my forbearing hubby and asking him why WHY the characters would be so stupid. He was almost tempted to read it and offered a second-hand reader rating of -1*.
There are so many inconsistencies, the characterisation doesn't make sense meaning they never seemed real to me. And the plot too, minus-zero detecting or even basic intelligence, if the ghosts hadn't decided to helpfully haunt our hero (for no obvious reason) and to do all the solving of their own deaths then there'd be no chance of solving whodunnit. This is more paranormal than mystery with the relationship inserted along the way.
I had it solved at 12%
Despite three victims dying the same way and being marked the same way the detective calls it a 'hunch' that they're connected. Despite no media involvement and no community concern it's suggested that there could be a copycat rather than a serial killer. But the body count rises to five and all are assigned the same two detectives who can't communicate, don't work together, don't have the experience, don't call in the FBI, don't request more people, can't add 1+1, and couldn't find their arse with GPS and a map Detective Sonny basically appears to growl on occasion then go away again.
It takes the main detective Charlie until past 70% with psychic intervention to see what connects the victims, with still no clue as to why or any suspects I repeat - I had it solved at 12% - Could tell you why them, who did it and why they did it - at 12% And - I was right! Knowing who did it isn't a deal breaker if you can follow detectives de-tangle it, here a written confession would have needed translating. I was imagining the ghost lined up screaming 'he's behind you' I think the only reason they didn't was it would be a shorter book.
We even get the evil villain giving a wicked chuckle from the shadows.
Bwah hahaha ha
Rest under spoilers - probably more ranty than spoilery:
In an effort to be positive - the Romany aspect had potential to be interesting, a little more time with granny maybe. There was potential here, it's a premise I enjoy - which is why I found it so frustrating, but it needed more work, some honest input from a mystery reader would not have gone amiss.
Lastly some battle quotes:
momentarily stunned as his skull broke his fall
before:
[redacted] brought his bony knee up and clipped Charlie hard in the dangly bits
at which understandably:
Chaos descended, and the world lost its light
bet he saw stars too!
And sanguine with anger it's not wrong exactly, I know sanguine can mean blood-red colour BUT it also means melancholy - perhaps that's a culture difference? I had to read that twice for it to make sense.
September 12, 2019
Okay, first off: Why isn't this a series? There were so many loose plot threads there at the end that another one needs to address. () Also, the writing was really good! I immediately fell into the story and loved almost everything about it.
In my reading experience, characters with gifts like Titus has either work with the police, are police or PIs or use their ability in some way. In this story, Titus goes to extreme lengths to keep the ghosts at bay, ignoring them completely and blocking them from accessing him when he can. At least, until he absolutely can't anymore. And not for lack of trying. I loved that aspect as I think a lot of us, even while knowing we might have a family history of such talents, would freak out a bit - if not push it aside to not get involved. After all, who do the police question first when someone comes forward with seemingly impossible information? Who wants to go through that?
Luckily, Titus is spared a huge chunk of suspicion due to his involvement with Charlie. (Well, other than what comes from Charlie's partner.) Charlie has spooky experiences of his own that make him more susceptible toward believing Titus. Which - YAY! for acceptance. But also felt a little contrived, convenient.
Also, that bit where he and his partner take things into their own hands? Yeah, that's why cases go south IRL and criminals get off...so it rubbed me wrong considering how much was at stake. (But I liked the "ride or die" partners mentality of going big and risking their careers if for no other reason than it showed how close they were.)
So, lots to love...a little to nitpick over because the rest of it was so good, so engaging, that I wanted it to be perfect. It almost was.
In my reading experience, characters with gifts like Titus has either work with the police, are police or PIs or use their ability in some way. In this story, Titus goes to extreme lengths to keep the ghosts at bay, ignoring them completely and blocking them from accessing him when he can. At least, until he absolutely can't anymore. And not for lack of trying. I loved that aspect as I think a lot of us, even while knowing we might have a family history of such talents, would freak out a bit - if not push it aside to not get involved. After all, who do the police question first when someone comes forward with seemingly impossible information? Who wants to go through that?
Luckily, Titus is spared a huge chunk of suspicion due to his involvement with Charlie. (Well, other than what comes from Charlie's partner.) Charlie has spooky experiences of his own that make him more susceptible toward believing Titus. Which - YAY! for acceptance. But also felt a little contrived, convenient.
Also, that bit where he and his partner take things into their own hands? Yeah, that's why cases go south IRL and criminals get off...so it rubbed me wrong considering how much was at stake. (But I liked the "ride or die" partners mentality of going big and risking their careers if for no other reason than it showed how close they were.)
So, lots to love...a little to nitpick over because the rest of it was so good, so engaging, that I wanted it to be perfect. It almost was.
December 27, 2015
Wow, I read this book months ago but forgot to rate. I don't remember all the details, but I did love it. At some point I was scared shitless because ghosts, but the paranormal aspect was just right.
I think I 've become a fan of this author, for the complex but fleshed out characters, the amazing chemistry between the MCs and the interesting storylines.
Please read Jewel's review for more.
October 5, 2015
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I figured out who the killer was halfway through and felt the characters were all a bit dense not figuring it out sooner. Hogan's writing has the occasional hiccup, as well;
"Hester nodded as if it were all part of the course,"
I think she maybe meant 'par for the course'. Little issues like that pop up here and there in Hogan's books. Ultimately, it was a fun book to read while I was in it, even if it was a bit too long, but it's not a book I'd bother listing as a favorite, recommending to someone, or perusing again.
Removed from Kindle
"Hester nodded as if it were all part of the course,"
I think she maybe meant 'par for the course'. Little issues like that pop up here and there in Hogan's books. Ultimately, it was a fun book to read while I was in it, even if it was a bit too long, but it's not a book I'd bother listing as a favorite, recommending to someone, or perusing again.
Removed from Kindle
July 24, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
This is my first J K Hogan book and will certainly not be my last. From page 1 Titus and his odd group of friends pulled me into a fascinating story. I read a lot of paranormal but it usually involves shifters so the ghosts were also a new thing for me.
Poor Titus is a mass of contradictions. All he wants is a peaceful life but every time he goes outside he is followed by ghosts, or mule as he knows them. His solution to silencing their voices in his head is to go everywhere with his earphones plugged in but this doesn’t make it easy to form friendships so Titus is quite a solitary character outside of his work and home. He has worked hard on the back of the rejection he faced from his family to build up his business, he is calm and gentle but overly fierce when it comes to his small group of friends.
Charlie is a deeply closeted detective who has taken to visiting a particular coffee shop frequently as the owner there has caught his eye. Too afraid to act on his attraction he is happy to sit there and pretend to work. His current case is wearing him down as it seems he has a serial killer in his sights and watching Titus is often the only time he relaxes during his long days.
There is more mystery than romance in Shadows Fall but the mystery pulls these two men together and the romance becomes almost inevitable. They are both pulled strongly towards each other and Charlie’s inexperience alongside Titus’s lust makes their relationship explosive.
The arrival of Titus’s grandmother gives us much more background to his upbringing and subsequent shunning and she is quite the character. This could be any other closeted cop romance if not for the fact that Charlie’s victims seem to be following Titus around town with cryptic messages. They have both unwittingly become involved with the same case and that can only spell danger as the killer starts to take more risks.
The tricky part of this story is how can Titus be honest about who he is and what he sees and what affect that will have on their relationship. Everything now relies on Charlie’s reaction. That could have gone either way for them but when the truth is out there it incites the killer to make his next move and that could spell disaster for either one of them.
I really enjoyed the whole world J K Hogan built up alongside the friendships and the new relationship for Titus and Charlie and I hope we see more of them soon. I may be a little bit biased but Titus is one of my new favourite characters
4.5 Stars
This is my first J K Hogan book and will certainly not be my last. From page 1 Titus and his odd group of friends pulled me into a fascinating story. I read a lot of paranormal but it usually involves shifters so the ghosts were also a new thing for me.
Poor Titus is a mass of contradictions. All he wants is a peaceful life but every time he goes outside he is followed by ghosts, or mule as he knows them. His solution to silencing their voices in his head is to go everywhere with his earphones plugged in but this doesn’t make it easy to form friendships so Titus is quite a solitary character outside of his work and home. He has worked hard on the back of the rejection he faced from his family to build up his business, he is calm and gentle but overly fierce when it comes to his small group of friends.
Charlie is a deeply closeted detective who has taken to visiting a particular coffee shop frequently as the owner there has caught his eye. Too afraid to act on his attraction he is happy to sit there and pretend to work. His current case is wearing him down as it seems he has a serial killer in his sights and watching Titus is often the only time he relaxes during his long days.
There is more mystery than romance in Shadows Fall but the mystery pulls these two men together and the romance becomes almost inevitable. They are both pulled strongly towards each other and Charlie’s inexperience alongside Titus’s lust makes their relationship explosive.
The arrival of Titus’s grandmother gives us much more background to his upbringing and subsequent shunning and she is quite the character. This could be any other closeted cop romance if not for the fact that Charlie’s victims seem to be following Titus around town with cryptic messages. They have both unwittingly become involved with the same case and that can only spell danger as the killer starts to take more risks.
The tricky part of this story is how can Titus be honest about who he is and what he sees and what affect that will have on their relationship. Everything now relies on Charlie’s reaction. That could have gone either way for them but when the truth is out there it incites the killer to make his next move and that could spell disaster for either one of them.
I really enjoyed the whole world J K Hogan built up alongside the friendships and the new relationship for Titus and Charlie and I hope we see more of them soon. I may be a little bit biased but Titus is one of my new favourite characters
February 9, 2017
I loved every minute of Shadows Fall. It got swept up in the writing, the characters, the supernatural, and the mystery. Great cast of characters and setting. Even had me looking over my shoulder when I read it at night a couple of times. LOVED it!!!!!
July 16, 2015
So much fun! Recommended :)
August 17, 2015
4 STARS
This was a really good book! It kind of reminded me of PsyCop series and The Plumber's Mate series in a way. And that was very good but I loved both of those series. Anyway, this got me so hooked that it lifted my mood after the book I read before this. The story itself was well rounded. I loved the composition of it. The setting, the plot, the characters, and everything else.
The story had a dual POV. Titus had a first person POV while Charlie had his in third person. I was not used to that but I finally got into the groove of it. So Titus could see dead people. And Charlie's a detective. And then there was a mystery. I mean, that was an obvious thing, right? But even so, it was exciting! I loved this kind of plots.
Titus was just so hot and stunning. I loved how his background and story was told. Also, the mechanics of power, tribe, and whatever else. I loved the way he handled the ghost. His personality was really amazing. Charlie was so hot and stunning too. I loved him. And I have this thing where I loved guys that are closeted and when he experiences the first time being gay/coming out of the closet, they don't have a massive angst-y performance. And Charlie didn't have one. I loved how he handled himself accepting the situation.
I also loved how their relationship started and how it continued on to progress. It was slow and believable. And speaking of relationship, the sex? It was fucking hot. Their chemistry and sexual tension was UNFF.
The minor characters were amazing as well. Riot was a great friend. The mystery behind Chelsea and her fucked up boyfriend was still unsolve although I think that will be tackled on the next book too but still as a minor plot? The Dr. I forgot her name was a good addition. Sonny, Charlie's partner, was okay. Annoying at times but that was his role. Hester, Titus'grandma, was the star of the minor characters. She just slayed!
My small problems about this book: I need more explanation about the Romany's powers. I got the gist of it but I don't know the limits Titus has. Also, I wanted to know if Sonny and Charlie were okay.
Other than those it was an amazing read. Looking forward to the next book!
This was a really good book! It kind of reminded me of PsyCop series and The Plumber's Mate series in a way. And that was very good but I loved both of those series. Anyway, this got me so hooked that it lifted my mood after the book I read before this. The story itself was well rounded. I loved the composition of it. The setting, the plot, the characters, and everything else.
The story had a dual POV. Titus had a first person POV while Charlie had his in third person. I was not used to that but I finally got into the groove of it. So Titus could see dead people. And Charlie's a detective. And then there was a mystery. I mean, that was an obvious thing, right? But even so, it was exciting! I loved this kind of plots.
Titus was just so hot and stunning. I loved how his background and story was told. Also, the mechanics of power, tribe, and whatever else. I loved the way he handled the ghost. His personality was really amazing. Charlie was so hot and stunning too. I loved him. And I have this thing where I loved guys that are closeted and when he experiences the first time being gay/coming out of the closet, they don't have a massive angst-y performance. And Charlie didn't have one. I loved how he handled himself accepting the situation.
I also loved how their relationship started and how it continued on to progress. It was slow and believable. And speaking of relationship, the sex? It was fucking hot. Their chemistry and sexual tension was UNFF.
The minor characters were amazing as well. Riot was a great friend. The mystery behind Chelsea and her fucked up boyfriend was still unsolve although I think that will be tackled on the next book too but still as a minor plot? The Dr. I forgot her name was a good addition. Sonny, Charlie's partner, was okay. Annoying at times but that was his role. Hester, Titus'grandma, was the star of the minor characters. She just slayed!
My small problems about this book: I need more explanation about the Romany's powers. I got the gist of it but I don't know the limits Titus has. Also, I wanted to know if Sonny and Charlie were okay.
Other than those it was an amazing read. Looking forward to the next book!
July 6, 2015
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Shadows Fall by J.K. Hogan
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars) 5
(The Multiplier Rating Takes Effect)
Gold!
It seems like a lifetime since I got so engrossed in a story. It's been a while since I got to enjoy a story to the extent I caved and gave this the multiplier rating. This is better than good. This was fan-freaking-tasy-tastic!
I love supernatural stories especially when written well. I love mysteries when done to the extent where it keeps me guessing until the last page. This is a combination of both. A supernatural mystery thriller that deals with a serial killing of women and girls in the most gruesome manner and the hunt for the elusive killer.
Titus is a coffee shop proprietor whose barristas and staff keep him entertained enough to drop his iPod. He needs the distraction the music using it to block off the sometimes annoying and bothersome ghosts who pop in and out of his vision. Seeing the dead walk through a veil may sound thrilling and exciting for moviegoers but living it is not.
Charlie goes to buy coffee from the Uptown Java and is fast becoming a regular. The spark of attraction is there but Titus felt it one sided. Charlie does feel it but does not show it. He is so deep into the closet as his job as a Detective may get affected should his sexual affiliation be discovered. How he can resist Titus is a tale all by itself. How he and Titus find themselves in the middle of a mystery and romance is irresistible to us readers. As for the elusive killer, this one is a great cross between Dexter and Nameless (a favorite serial killer of mine from another book).
For those who think the blurb may spell a deep mysterious read with no sign of romance in it, think again. This has all the elements right in their respective places. The character and plot developments were quite fast paced and complicated without sounding too technical. As for Titus himself, he remains a mystery to me but it only makes me love him even more.
One of the best reads I've had for this year, Shadows Fall by JK Hogan is a must read. Be ready. Be vigilant. You won't know what comes next until the very end.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars) 5
(The Multiplier Rating Takes Effect)
Gold!
It seems like a lifetime since I got so engrossed in a story. It's been a while since I got to enjoy a story to the extent I caved and gave this the multiplier rating. This is better than good. This was fan-freaking-tasy-tastic!
I love supernatural stories especially when written well. I love mysteries when done to the extent where it keeps me guessing until the last page. This is a combination of both. A supernatural mystery thriller that deals with a serial killing of women and girls in the most gruesome manner and the hunt for the elusive killer.
Titus is a coffee shop proprietor whose barristas and staff keep him entertained enough to drop his iPod. He needs the distraction the music using it to block off the sometimes annoying and bothersome ghosts who pop in and out of his vision. Seeing the dead walk through a veil may sound thrilling and exciting for moviegoers but living it is not.
Charlie goes to buy coffee from the Uptown Java and is fast becoming a regular. The spark of attraction is there but Titus felt it one sided. Charlie does feel it but does not show it. He is so deep into the closet as his job as a Detective may get affected should his sexual affiliation be discovered. How he can resist Titus is a tale all by itself. How he and Titus find themselves in the middle of a mystery and romance is irresistible to us readers. As for the elusive killer, this one is a great cross between Dexter and Nameless (a favorite serial killer of mine from another book).
For those who think the blurb may spell a deep mysterious read with no sign of romance in it, think again. This has all the elements right in their respective places. The character and plot developments were quite fast paced and complicated without sounding too technical. As for Titus himself, he remains a mystery to me but it only makes me love him even more.
One of the best reads I've had for this year, Shadows Fall by JK Hogan is a must read. Be ready. Be vigilant. You won't know what comes next until the very end.
February 7, 2019
This was very different that the other JK Hogan books I've read before but it was really good. Fast paced murder mystery with a little paranormal thrown in.
Titus and Charlie worked well as a couple and I loved how their relationship progressed - Charlie was in the closet but mainly due to being a cop in the south, he was out to himself and his family but had never acted on being gay and I found Titus' gypsy background fascinating. Some of the Roma terms and descriptions were confusing and I had to re-read a couple of times to understand the meanings. There were some great supporting characters that I would liked a little more of, mainly Granny, Riot and Charlie's cop partner Sonny (maybe we get more in another book??)
Overall a great read and it looked like there could be more to come from these guy - hope so!
Recommended!
Titus and Charlie worked well as a couple and I loved how their relationship progressed - Charlie was in the closet but mainly due to being a cop in the south, he was out to himself and his family but had never acted on being gay and I found Titus' gypsy background fascinating. Some of the Roma terms and descriptions were confusing and I had to re-read a couple of times to understand the meanings. There were some great supporting characters that I would liked a little more of, mainly Granny, Riot and Charlie's cop partner Sonny (maybe we get more in another book??)
Overall a great read and it looked like there could be more to come from these guy - hope so!
Recommended!
July 20, 2015
I'm giving this one a rating of 3.5 stars. I loved Titus and Charlie together but find them lacking that extra oopmh factor when it comes to their chemistry - I feel like the author should have explored that area more.
The one who turned out to be the culprit was conspicuous but NOWHERE near shocking. I’d love for the next book in the series (?) to explore more about the romany, charlie’s background, titus’ powers, the lovely riot and even the a-hole(y) partner of Charlie, Sonny.
Read my full review at Paddylast Inc
The one who turned out to be the culprit was conspicuous but NOWHERE near shocking. I’d love for the next book in the series (?) to explore more about the romany, charlie’s background, titus’ powers, the lovely riot and even the a-hole(y) partner of Charlie, Sonny.
Read my full review at Paddylast Inc
August 1, 2022
I liked this one. The story was engaging and fast paced with likable characters. The author did a decent job with the investigation and the initial murder mystery. I liked how everything was resolved. There were things not mentioned in the blurb such as one MC being a Romany which was cool, the other MC being in the closet. I normally do not like this particular trope but here it worked. The MCs end up smitten at the end, so this story is open for at least a sequel. There is some humor and the seeing the dead PNR bit that were rather good. I enjoyed it.
October 30, 2020
This is my 2nd read of this book and I still love it! I get so giddy when I re-read a book that I initially loved and it’s been awhile so I can revisit it almost as if I’m reading it for the first time.
I love Titus and Charlie! The author hints at the end that there possibly may be more and I would love that! I see all kinds of possibilities to make this a series! Or even just one more book.
I love Titus and Charlie! The author hints at the end that there possibly may be more and I would love that! I see all kinds of possibilities to make this a series! Or even just one more book.
September 8, 2015
Reviewed for Hearts on Fire,
With its mix of mystery and romance and mediums and ghosts this story had a lot of the elements that I enjoyed.
I liked the premise which consisted of a character who’s haunted by the fact that he can see dead people but not necessarily control how and when they appear.
Titus McGinty is a coffee shop owner living in North Carolina. He’s a Romany which is a type of gypsy and he was born with the paranormal ability to see ghosts. However his family had kicked him out when he was 17 for being gay and he’s never fully learned to control his gift and often feels overwhelmed and bombarded by the spirits. Titus tunes them out by listening to loud music when he’s out in free spaces and spiritually cleansing the areas where he lives and works. This has worked out fairly well for him even though it’s kept him isolated and unable to form long lasting relationships.
Things start looking up however, when handsome detective Charlie Hale walks into his coffee shop and into his life. But Titus has trouble getting the romance started as he’s bedeviled by 5 very persistent ghosts. What’s worse is they appear to have a connection to a serial killer case Charlie Hale’s working on.
All this threatens to derail Titus’s love life before it even gets started so he decides to call in the big guns, an estranged relative, Titus's granny Hester who may be the key to getting him to get control of his life once and for all. The bad news is that Hester is also a formidable hellish spitfire who may or may not dislike her grandson but absolutely dislikes people who are gay, police officers and aren’t Romany which means three strikes for Charlie.
While trying to deal with quirky friends, annoying relatives and not to mention a murder mystery, Titus and Charlie try to find the time and space for a romance. They’re sweet together even if they occasionally seem to veer into juvenile territory.
I really didn’t see a 36 year police officer playing truth or dare no matter how sexy or getting into True Blood like teenagers. Added to that, I never did buy into Charlie’s supposed sexual inexperience even years after he discovered his interest in men. A confident guy like that would have at least tried something. Nevertheless, while they may not leave you hot and bothered, the two of them manage to pull off a warm and gentle chemistry.
This is a fairly long story for one of this genre and there’s a lot going on. The mystery isn’t that difficult to solve once it gets going and you wonder why neither Charlie nor Titus pick up on the obvious clues. But the storyline made sense and even the technical parts were engrossing all leading to an intense and suspenseful climax.
The story turns out to have a nice blend of romance and suspense even with the creepy dead people running around. I’d say the romance sometimes took a back seat to the serial killer storyline but that was fine by me since I’m a mystery lover.
There’s a darkness to the story but also humor and besides the leads there are a couple of interesting side characters like Charlie’s partner Sonny and Titus’s roommate Riot that we end up wanting to learn more about. I suspect we may get a chance as there were a couple of situations that were left open. Overall this was a good reading experience and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
With its mix of mystery and romance and mediums and ghosts this story had a lot of the elements that I enjoyed.
I liked the premise which consisted of a character who’s haunted by the fact that he can see dead people but not necessarily control how and when they appear.
Titus McGinty is a coffee shop owner living in North Carolina. He’s a Romany which is a type of gypsy and he was born with the paranormal ability to see ghosts. However his family had kicked him out when he was 17 for being gay and he’s never fully learned to control his gift and often feels overwhelmed and bombarded by the spirits. Titus tunes them out by listening to loud music when he’s out in free spaces and spiritually cleansing the areas where he lives and works. This has worked out fairly well for him even though it’s kept him isolated and unable to form long lasting relationships.
Things start looking up however, when handsome detective Charlie Hale walks into his coffee shop and into his life. But Titus has trouble getting the romance started as he’s bedeviled by 5 very persistent ghosts. What’s worse is they appear to have a connection to a serial killer case Charlie Hale’s working on.
All this threatens to derail Titus’s love life before it even gets started so he decides to call in the big guns, an estranged relative, Titus's granny Hester who may be the key to getting him to get control of his life once and for all. The bad news is that Hester is also a formidable hellish spitfire who may or may not dislike her grandson but absolutely dislikes people who are gay, police officers and aren’t Romany which means three strikes for Charlie.
While trying to deal with quirky friends, annoying relatives and not to mention a murder mystery, Titus and Charlie try to find the time and space for a romance. They’re sweet together even if they occasionally seem to veer into juvenile territory.
I really didn’t see a 36 year police officer playing truth or dare no matter how sexy or getting into True Blood like teenagers. Added to that, I never did buy into Charlie’s supposed sexual inexperience even years after he discovered his interest in men. A confident guy like that would have at least tried something. Nevertheless, while they may not leave you hot and bothered, the two of them manage to pull off a warm and gentle chemistry.
This is a fairly long story for one of this genre and there’s a lot going on. The mystery isn’t that difficult to solve once it gets going and you wonder why neither Charlie nor Titus pick up on the obvious clues. But the storyline made sense and even the technical parts were engrossing all leading to an intense and suspenseful climax.
The story turns out to have a nice blend of romance and suspense even with the creepy dead people running around. I’d say the romance sometimes took a back seat to the serial killer storyline but that was fine by me since I’m a mystery lover.
There’s a darkness to the story but also humor and besides the leads there are a couple of interesting side characters like Charlie’s partner Sonny and Titus’s roommate Riot that we end up wanting to learn more about. I suspect we may get a chance as there were a couple of situations that were left open. Overall this was a good reading experience and I look forward to the inevitable sequel.
June 21, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
Detective Charlie Hale is investigating a string of murders, that he thinks have been committed by a serial killer. He meets Titus when he visits the coffee shop Titus owns. Titus is a chovihano, he sees the dead. Outcast from his family, of gypsy's at 17, when it was discovered he was gay, he has never learned how to properly use or control his abilities. He tries to ignore the spirits, but there are a few that have been hanging around that really want his attention. They are insistent he pay attention to them.
Charlie and Titus are attracted to one another, but Charlie is deep in the closet. After becoming a regular customer they eventually take the relationship further, but when a spirit leads Titus to stumble upon one of Charlie's victims, will he quickly become a suspect.
I loved this story. It moved at a good pace and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. It contained all the things I love in a book. It had a mystery to solve, some sitting on the edge of your seat action and suspense, some laugh out loud moments, some sweetness and even some smoking hot sex scenes. The main characters had a good chemistry and the secondary characters were all well developed. Riot and Hester especially felt like a part of the story, and not just an afterthought or part of the background.
I honestly had a hard time putting this book down. This isn't a short book and I sped through in less than 24 hours. My only complaints are, some of the terminology for Titus' ability was hard to comprehend, and at times I felt lost. But I understood enough to know what was happening.
We get a HFN, ending, and some things are left unresolved, but the end has a question mark, so I am not removing any stars. I'm giving the author the benefit of the doubt, that things will be more properly wrapped up in a sequel. I look forward to more of Charlie and Titus in the future. This is my first book by this author, but I'll definitely be checking out more in the future!
August 13, 2015
Reviewed by Jay Chase for QUEERcentric Books
Shadows Fall by J.K. Hogan is a delightful but intense supernatural experience.
The book features an extremely hot but in-the-closet police detective named Charlie Hale and Titus McGinty, an out and proud coffee shop owner. These two join forces to solve the case of the Queen City Slayer, but at what cost?
Charlie frequents Uptown Java because the owner has caught his eye. However, he is too afraid to act upon his attraction so he pretends to work on the Queen City Slayer case.
The time Charlie spends at Uptown Java working on the case is often his only break from his day job, but the time stirs emotions in him that have been suppressed for years...
Read Jay's full review at Click QUEERcentric Books
Shadows Fall by J.K. Hogan is a delightful but intense supernatural experience.
The book features an extremely hot but in-the-closet police detective named Charlie Hale and Titus McGinty, an out and proud coffee shop owner. These two join forces to solve the case of the Queen City Slayer, but at what cost?
Charlie frequents Uptown Java because the owner has caught his eye. However, he is too afraid to act upon his attraction so he pretends to work on the Queen City Slayer case.
The time Charlie spends at Uptown Java working on the case is often his only break from his day job, but the time stirs emotions in him that have been suppressed for years...
Read Jay's full review at Click QUEERcentric Books
January 18, 2017
Titus and Charlie...
This book was everything! Loved every single bit of it. I want more!
This book was everything! Loved every single bit of it. I want more!
June 28, 2015
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed this one. I'm hoping the author continues with the series. :)
March 2, 2018
Creepy
This book was all kinds of creepy. The ghost were scary and yet heartbreaking. The mystery was okay. I did know who the killer was as soon as he showed up which was disappointing. I liked the action as it got started. Overall a good book.
This book was all kinds of creepy. The ghost were scary and yet heartbreaking. The mystery was okay. I did know who the killer was as soon as he showed up which was disappointing. I liked the action as it got started. Overall a good book.
November 7, 2015
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Titus McGinty is a natural-born chovihano, medium, witch, Shaman—a Romany who has the gift of seeing dead people everywhere he looks. To most people that may sound intriguing, but to Titus it’s a curse. Spirts don’t just hover, they reach out to him, speaking, calling or making eerie noises. Together, at any given moment, the cacophony is enough to drive him crazy, so he never leaves his home or his coffee shop, both warded to keep the spirits out, without his earbuds firmly in place as he listens to whatever music queues up next on his iPod.
Most spirits hover in the area where they lived or died, never leaving one place, but recently a quartet of females, all grotesquely maimed, are following him around, trying to get him to help them, and he knows there’s nothing he can do.
Homicide Detective Charlie Hale, closeted, handsome, and the type of guy Titus has a hard time resisting, shows up at the coffee shop Titus owns and slowly wins Titus over. The attraction is mutual, but it’s soon evident that Charlie has never acted on his desire for men until Titus rocks his world. The two act on their attraction, but Charlie is shocked when he finds out that Titus might be more than a material witness to a murder he’s recently discovered.
It’s not Titus’s fault that the spirit of a newly dead man leads him into the building where his body is lying shortly after he’s been murdered. The biggest issue is that he has the same markings as the four female spirits who have been haunting Titus and has now joined the others in their pursuit. Titus wants to help, but he also wants peace and quiet so he sends for his grandmother, the Shaman of their gypsy tribe and the only person who might be willing to help him figure out how to keep out the spirits he doesn’t want but communicate with those he does.
Between his grandmother showing up, and Titus’s discovery of that body, his life goes into chaos. Charlie is pressuring him to reveal how he found the body, Charlie’s cop partner is pressuring both of them by threatening to arrest Titus, and the spirits are threatening his sanity by continually trying to get him to understand something. By the time, the chaos is sorted, Titus is on the radar of the serial killer and may become the next victim before he can help Charlie solve the crime.
This is just a very brief summary of a story that was shockingly good. Shocking to me because I’ve never read this author’s work, and I’m not a huge fan of gruesome murder stories. However, this was very well-written, with rich detail and an intricate plotline that piqued my interest.
Both the primary and secondary characters were well-developed and captured my attention right from the beginning of the book. I like a story which engages me immediately, and this certainly did that. Titus was feisty and independent, yet so emotionally needy for close contact with another human being that when Charlie walked into his life, he soaked up the attention like a sponge. And Charlie, tough guy detective and closeted gay man, was so hard shell on the outside with a soft chewy center, i.e. tenderness on the inside, I found myself rooting for him to win Titus’s heart. Grandma Hester Faa was a hoot—picture Ester from the Golden Girls of yesteryear. She too was feisty and took no backtalk from anyone, particularly from some gaje cop who was sleeping in her grandson’s bed. Other support characters could easily constitute a recurring cast for future spinoffs from this story, and judging by the way the author ended the book, I’d say it’s highly likely there will be some.
Actually, the one thing that kept my rating from being five stars was the ending of the story. It felt rushed, with a few subplots left outstanding, including the fate of Titus’s missing employee, Titus’s own future standing with his family and grandmother—will it be closer now or go back to being estranged?—and Charlie’s relationship with his partner—a partner who was very on again-off again. I’m sure much of the reason things stand the way they are at the end of the story are to tie into a future book, however the transition wasn’t smooth and simply felt too rushed and incomplete.
I would recommend this to those who like a creepy mystery with a paranormal element along with some blood and gore all mixed in with their M/M romance. Throw in a little feisty granny and some mighty hawt sex scenes with a virginal cop, and you’ll likely really enjoy this one as much as I did.
4.5 stars
Titus McGinty is a natural-born chovihano, medium, witch, Shaman—a Romany who has the gift of seeing dead people everywhere he looks. To most people that may sound intriguing, but to Titus it’s a curse. Spirts don’t just hover, they reach out to him, speaking, calling or making eerie noises. Together, at any given moment, the cacophony is enough to drive him crazy, so he never leaves his home or his coffee shop, both warded to keep the spirits out, without his earbuds firmly in place as he listens to whatever music queues up next on his iPod.
Most spirits hover in the area where they lived or died, never leaving one place, but recently a quartet of females, all grotesquely maimed, are following him around, trying to get him to help them, and he knows there’s nothing he can do.
Homicide Detective Charlie Hale, closeted, handsome, and the type of guy Titus has a hard time resisting, shows up at the coffee shop Titus owns and slowly wins Titus over. The attraction is mutual, but it’s soon evident that Charlie has never acted on his desire for men until Titus rocks his world. The two act on their attraction, but Charlie is shocked when he finds out that Titus might be more than a material witness to a murder he’s recently discovered.
It’s not Titus’s fault that the spirit of a newly dead man leads him into the building where his body is lying shortly after he’s been murdered. The biggest issue is that he has the same markings as the four female spirits who have been haunting Titus and has now joined the others in their pursuit. Titus wants to help, but he also wants peace and quiet so he sends for his grandmother, the Shaman of their gypsy tribe and the only person who might be willing to help him figure out how to keep out the spirits he doesn’t want but communicate with those he does.
Between his grandmother showing up, and Titus’s discovery of that body, his life goes into chaos. Charlie is pressuring him to reveal how he found the body, Charlie’s cop partner is pressuring both of them by threatening to arrest Titus, and the spirits are threatening his sanity by continually trying to get him to understand something. By the time, the chaos is sorted, Titus is on the radar of the serial killer and may become the next victim before he can help Charlie solve the crime.
This is just a very brief summary of a story that was shockingly good. Shocking to me because I’ve never read this author’s work, and I’m not a huge fan of gruesome murder stories. However, this was very well-written, with rich detail and an intricate plotline that piqued my interest.
Both the primary and secondary characters were well-developed and captured my attention right from the beginning of the book. I like a story which engages me immediately, and this certainly did that. Titus was feisty and independent, yet so emotionally needy for close contact with another human being that when Charlie walked into his life, he soaked up the attention like a sponge. And Charlie, tough guy detective and closeted gay man, was so hard shell on the outside with a soft chewy center, i.e. tenderness on the inside, I found myself rooting for him to win Titus’s heart. Grandma Hester Faa was a hoot—picture Ester from the Golden Girls of yesteryear. She too was feisty and took no backtalk from anyone, particularly from some gaje cop who was sleeping in her grandson’s bed. Other support characters could easily constitute a recurring cast for future spinoffs from this story, and judging by the way the author ended the book, I’d say it’s highly likely there will be some.
Actually, the one thing that kept my rating from being five stars was the ending of the story. It felt rushed, with a few subplots left outstanding, including the fate of Titus’s missing employee, Titus’s own future standing with his family and grandmother—will it be closer now or go back to being estranged?—and Charlie’s relationship with his partner—a partner who was very on again-off again. I’m sure much of the reason things stand the way they are at the end of the story are to tie into a future book, however the transition wasn’t smooth and simply felt too rushed and incomplete.
I would recommend this to those who like a creepy mystery with a paranormal element along with some blood and gore all mixed in with their M/M romance. Throw in a little feisty granny and some mighty hawt sex scenes with a virginal cop, and you’ll likely really enjoy this one as much as I did.
4.5 stars
November 20, 2015
When I read the blurb I was like OMG this is totally like my favorite TV Shows. For example: Ghost Whisperer. I adored that show and I still watch it sometimes on Netflix and I have watched it so many times that I know some of the lines now lol.
Anyways back to the review, when the book started I laughed at the beginning because that was totally what all the people who can see ghost say. Nothing exciting happens till you get to 50% of the book. There is a kind of flirtation between the protagonist and the other protagonist. We also see some kind of things Titus goes through to avoid the ghost and everything but there is mystery that I feel like starts getting more exciting when the book hit 50% mark.
I will also talk about the character but first I would talk about the book. You see it was good thing that J.K. Hogan started the mystery in the beginning of the book because if Hogan would have not done that I would have not read it till 50% to get to the exciting part. I also am very interested reading kind of these books so that could also be the reason that I read it this far to get to 50% because before that the book makes you want to know what will happen which makes you stay reading. It gets hyped at the 50% mark like I said. Also there was one part where the Hogan said mp3 Players and than turned it into an iPod in the next chapter so I was confused why didn't the Hogan just said iPod in the beginning.
Now that is not the reason I gave it 4 starts. I gave it 4 stars because some things that I wanted clarity on. The book is based on both the main characters POV but I would say it is more based on Titus POV than Charlie's POV.
Titus in this book was my favorite. Now we see that Titus has gone through a lot. He had to work hard to where he was. I admire that about the character and I loved how Titus did not let that affect him at all as personality wise. I hate it sometimes when a character goes through something big like that and they become affected and broken. I loved the courage Titus had to help people although he wasn't like that in the beginning. Titus was also bold so that is also what I love about him. I loved how he knew Charlie was in closet and he did not wanted to be with the man who would be in the closet
Now coming to Charlie you see I loved him. He had that Alpha Male tendency that all the Detectives, Police Officers, and all the FBI agents do. That is one of the reason I read the books that have the Alpha Male in the book. Anyways Charlie was that sweet person who blushes at something dirty or some flirtation that Titus always did with him but when it comes to sex he becomes the Alpha Male and man, does he become one. Whoo!! *Fanning myself right now* but I was disappointed in him at one point and I wanted to so bad say something to him or get inside the book and hit him on the head to make him say the truth instead of lying.
I talked about that there was a reason that I gave it 4 stars and one of those was that I was disappointed in Charlie as I said before and author never showed him being in guilt for saying that. I did not liked that at all. Also something happened between Charlie and his partner that author did not clarify what happened after that. It was like loose end that was never covered at all. Also one of Titus employee disappeared and I wanted to know what happened to her perfectly. Although it does say what happened to her but it doesn't clarify it that good. It is really vague. That were the things that made me give the author 4 stars.
What I think Titus and Charlie look like
Titus McGinty
Charlie Hale
Anyways back to the review, when the book started I laughed at the beginning because that was totally what all the people who can see ghost say. Nothing exciting happens till you get to 50% of the book. There is a kind of flirtation between the protagonist and the other protagonist. We also see some kind of things Titus goes through to avoid the ghost and everything but there is mystery that I feel like starts getting more exciting when the book hit 50% mark.
I will also talk about the character but first I would talk about the book. You see it was good thing that J.K. Hogan started the mystery in the beginning of the book because if Hogan would have not done that I would have not read it till 50% to get to the exciting part. I also am very interested reading kind of these books so that could also be the reason that I read it this far to get to 50% because before that the book makes you want to know what will happen which makes you stay reading. It gets hyped at the 50% mark like I said. Also there was one part where the Hogan said mp3 Players and than turned it into an iPod in the next chapter so I was confused why didn't the Hogan just said iPod in the beginning.
Now that is not the reason I gave it 4 starts. I gave it 4 stars because some things that I wanted clarity on. The book is based on both the main characters POV but I would say it is more based on Titus POV than Charlie's POV.
Titus in this book was my favorite. Now we see that Titus has gone through a lot. He had to work hard to where he was. I admire that about the character and I loved how Titus did not let that affect him at all as personality wise. I hate it sometimes when a character goes through something big like that and they become affected and broken. I loved the courage Titus had to help people although he wasn't like that in the beginning. Titus was also bold so that is also what I love about him. I loved how he knew Charlie was in closet and he did not wanted to be with the man who would be in the closet
Now coming to Charlie you see I loved him. He had that Alpha Male tendency that all the Detectives, Police Officers, and all the FBI agents do. That is one of the reason I read the books that have the Alpha Male in the book. Anyways Charlie was that sweet person who blushes at something dirty or some flirtation that Titus always did with him but when it comes to sex he becomes the Alpha Male and man, does he become one. Whoo!! *Fanning myself right now* but I was disappointed in him at one point and I wanted to so bad say something to him or get inside the book and hit him on the head to make him say the truth instead of lying.
I talked about that there was a reason that I gave it 4 stars and one of those was that I was disappointed in Charlie as I said before and author never showed him being in guilt for saying that. I did not liked that at all. Also something happened between Charlie and his partner that author did not clarify what happened after that. It was like loose end that was never covered at all. Also one of Titus employee disappeared and I wanted to know what happened to her perfectly. Although it does say what happened to her but it doesn't clarify it that good. It is really vague. That were the things that made me give the author 4 stars.
What I think Titus and Charlie look like
Titus McGinty
Charlie Hale
January 3, 2018
This was an unexpected good Read. This author is new to me and the writing style was interesting. It took some Time to get into that as one MC is written in first Person pov and the Second in third person POV
The Story was good although I suspected the murderer early on. Nevertheless it was the right combination of suspense, Mystery and romance (which was hot)
The fifth star is missing due to some open questions and some Minor details.
I really hope that we get more from Titus and Charlie. I enjoyed their story
The Story was good although I suspected the murderer early on. Nevertheless it was the right combination of suspense, Mystery and romance (which was hot)
The fifth star is missing due to some open questions and some Minor details.
I really hope that we get more from Titus and Charlie. I enjoyed their story
July 16, 2015
FourandHalfStars
I really enjoyed this story. It was a pleasant surprise, because I find that I typically shy away from reading supernatural stories. However, I loved this one.
Titus is such a gentle soul. His character is the caretaker of his friends, the fierce protector of his business and the one who helps those who cannot speak, be heard. I also really loved his grandma. I thought she added to the depth of Titus in a way that had she not been in the story - we would have lost a lot of his background.
I also really liked Charlie. Superhero from the very beginning, his fierce protectiveness, loyalty and love/compassion that he shows Titus is something to be admired throughout the story.
The mystery part was awesome. Despite the fact that I figured out the ending before it's actual reveal, I was still happy when it finally came to light. I love a good story with mystery and a "who did it" concept and this story did not disappoint.
I would definitely read more of Hogan in the future.I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
FourStars
I really enjoyed this police procedural with a supernatural twist. The seemingly innocuous owner of a coffee shop, Titus’ gypsy heritage has given him the ability to see dead people. As Titus starts to fall for Charlie, a handsome cop and regular patron, he is able to use his supernatural abilities to aid Charlie’s hunt for a serial killer.
This story has all the quirky Southern charm of the early Charlaine Harris stories, and Titus has a good deal in common with Harris’ Harper Connolly. Hogan’s take on Southern Gothic is modern, but her characters are colourful and her murders are grizzly.
Both Titus and Charlie’s angst about being gay didn’t feel as modern as the rest of the story. I did like the way Hogan’s characters reacted as Charlie outed himself, and I enjoyed the way Titus’ grandmother developed over the course of the book. The relationship between Titus and Charlie was sweet - and pretty hot at times!
Hogan has set up a new series beautifully - I think Charlie and Titus will make a great team as they investigate more murders and I’d love to see more books in the series.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
I really enjoyed this story. It was a pleasant surprise, because I find that I typically shy away from reading supernatural stories. However, I loved this one.
Titus is such a gentle soul. His character is the caretaker of his friends, the fierce protector of his business and the one who helps those who cannot speak, be heard. I also really loved his grandma. I thought she added to the depth of Titus in a way that had she not been in the story - we would have lost a lot of his background.
I also really liked Charlie. Superhero from the very beginning, his fierce protectiveness, loyalty and love/compassion that he shows Titus is something to be admired throughout the story.
The mystery part was awesome. Despite the fact that I figured out the ending before it's actual reveal, I was still happy when it finally came to light. I love a good story with mystery and a "who did it" concept and this story did not disappoint.
I would definitely read more of Hogan in the future.I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
FourStars
I really enjoyed this police procedural with a supernatural twist. The seemingly innocuous owner of a coffee shop, Titus’ gypsy heritage has given him the ability to see dead people. As Titus starts to fall for Charlie, a handsome cop and regular patron, he is able to use his supernatural abilities to aid Charlie’s hunt for a serial killer.
This story has all the quirky Southern charm of the early Charlaine Harris stories, and Titus has a good deal in common with Harris’ Harper Connolly. Hogan’s take on Southern Gothic is modern, but her characters are colourful and her murders are grizzly.
Both Titus and Charlie’s angst about being gay didn’t feel as modern as the rest of the story. I did like the way Hogan’s characters reacted as Charlie outed himself, and I enjoyed the way Titus’ grandmother developed over the course of the book. The relationship between Titus and Charlie was sweet - and pretty hot at times!
Hogan has set up a new series beautifully - I think Charlie and Titus will make a great team as they investigate more murders and I’d love to see more books in the series.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
June 10, 2015
Rating 3.5/5
* I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
This was a really fun read from start to finish, although it definitely has its ups and downs.
Titus' ability to see and speak with ghosts is something that he's never accepted, and he goes out of his way to avoid the spirits trying to speak with him. But when the ghosts become more insistent, he realizes that they're all victims of the same killer. On the 'normal' side of the case is Detective Charlie Hale. He's gay, but deep in the closet. His attraction to Titus leads him to give a gay relationship a try, but he quickly realizes that Titus is hiding something about the case.
I love crime dramas, and I love novels with a fun cast of characters. Every character in Shadows Fall is quirky in the best of ways; everyone knows someone like the unreliable Riot, or has a grumpy relative like Hester, so the characters were easy to relate to.
That said, the character of Titus was a difficult one to accept, because a lot of things seemed glossed-over and hand-waved to make the plot flow more smoothly: he's a rags-to-riches story, going from being outcast to owning his own coffee shop; his grandmother suddenly agrees to help him, after refusing to acknowledge his presence for years; and he's remarkably in touch with his Romany heritage in many ways, but has conveniently forgotten about the aspects that relate to his supernatural gifts.
Read the rest of my review on Just Love @ Wordpress!
* I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. *
This was a really fun read from start to finish, although it definitely has its ups and downs.
Titus' ability to see and speak with ghosts is something that he's never accepted, and he goes out of his way to avoid the spirits trying to speak with him. But when the ghosts become more insistent, he realizes that they're all victims of the same killer. On the 'normal' side of the case is Detective Charlie Hale. He's gay, but deep in the closet. His attraction to Titus leads him to give a gay relationship a try, but he quickly realizes that Titus is hiding something about the case.
I love crime dramas, and I love novels with a fun cast of characters. Every character in Shadows Fall is quirky in the best of ways; everyone knows someone like the unreliable Riot, or has a grumpy relative like Hester, so the characters were easy to relate to.
That said, the character of Titus was a difficult one to accept, because a lot of things seemed glossed-over and hand-waved to make the plot flow more smoothly: he's a rags-to-riches story, going from being outcast to owning his own coffee shop; his grandmother suddenly agrees to help him, after refusing to acknowledge his presence for years; and he's remarkably in touch with his Romany heritage in many ways, but has conveniently forgotten about the aspects that relate to his supernatural gifts.
Read the rest of my review on Just Love @ Wordpress!
November 13, 2015
So when I first saw that this novel was around three and thirty pages I was nervous, I haven’t read many ghost supernatural books and the one’s I have left me wanting….
But before I knew it the first 100 pages were down and I was eager for the rest.
The story is a wonderful mix of modern tale of two guys meeting, becoming friends and then more. One openly gay but having huge restrictions on his life because of his special abilities. The other, also gay but only out to his family for the normal reasons, work not accepting, unsure if he’s work partner will accept him.
The other side is a mixture of old worldly beliefs and supernatural told in such a way that you can only believe that its true and something to live by.
When Titus ghosts become too much to bare and he calls in reinforcements. This is when the old meets the new.
Charlie knows Titus is hiding something but can’t understand what, he just he wants to help.
I loved how Titus kept nudging Charlie closer and closer to a relationship, getting him out of his shell. And how Charlie was so open and accepting with Titus’s upbringing and beliefs.
The secondary cast play an important role during this story, but none more important than the room mate and best friend Riot. With out his help and support some of the clues would not have been understood. Hoping to see more of him in book two.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystal many review
But before I knew it the first 100 pages were down and I was eager for the rest.
The story is a wonderful mix of modern tale of two guys meeting, becoming friends and then more. One openly gay but having huge restrictions on his life because of his special abilities. The other, also gay but only out to his family for the normal reasons, work not accepting, unsure if he’s work partner will accept him.
The other side is a mixture of old worldly beliefs and supernatural told in such a way that you can only believe that its true and something to live by.
When Titus ghosts become too much to bare and he calls in reinforcements. This is when the old meets the new.
Charlie knows Titus is hiding something but can’t understand what, he just he wants to help.
I loved how Titus kept nudging Charlie closer and closer to a relationship, getting him out of his shell. And how Charlie was so open and accepting with Titus’s upbringing and beliefs.
The secondary cast play an important role during this story, but none more important than the room mate and best friend Riot. With out his help and support some of the clues would not have been understood. Hoping to see more of him in book two.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystal many review
July 28, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I love this author. Have since I fell for the Coming About series. This book is nothing like those, yet it’s wonderful in its own right.
Here’s what I loved so much about this one.
The ghost story. A real, honest-to-gods ghost story with spirits that haunt and scare the crap out of you and have horrible ends to their lives. At times it’s both creepy and terrifying—and completely wonderful.
The mystery. In this book, we have a homicide detective, a gifted man (who hates his gift), and a serial killer on the loose. Throughout the story, no matter what’s going on, the mystery never loses its power and intrigue.
The romance. I loved the progression between Titus and Charlie. It was natural and fun. Not to mention tense at times, but warm. Charlie especially found himself with Titus’s help.
The guys. Because… yeah. I loved their attraction and heat. Titus with his secrets and spunk, and Charlie with his closet and protectiveness. They fit so well together.
This lady is a pill! Stuck in the old ways but still drops it all to help the grandson she supposedly despises. She says exactly what she thinks without regret. She’s kind of my hero in that way.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I love this author. Have since I fell for the Coming About series. This book is nothing like those, yet it’s wonderful in its own right.
Here’s what I loved so much about this one.
The ghost story. A real, honest-to-gods ghost story with spirits that haunt and scare the crap out of you and have horrible ends to their lives. At times it’s both creepy and terrifying—and completely wonderful.
The mystery. In this book, we have a homicide detective, a gifted man (who hates his gift), and a serial killer on the loose. Throughout the story, no matter what’s going on, the mystery never loses its power and intrigue.
The romance. I loved the progression between Titus and Charlie. It was natural and fun. Not to mention tense at times, but warm. Charlie especially found himself with Titus’s help.
The guys. Because… yeah. I loved their attraction and heat. Titus with his secrets and spunk, and Charlie with his closet and protectiveness. They fit so well together.
This lady is a pill! Stuck in the old ways but still drops it all to help the grandson she supposedly despises. She says exactly what she thinks without regret. She’s kind of my hero in that way.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
June 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this police procedural with a supernatural twist. The seemingly innocuous owner of a coffee shop, Titus’ gypsy heritage has given him the ability to see dead people. As Titus starts to fall for Charlie, a handsome cop and regular patron, he is able to use his supernatural abilities to aid Charlie’s hunt for a serial killer.
This story has all the quirky Southern charm of the early Charlaine Harris stories, and Titus has a good deal in common with Harris’ Harper Connolly. Hogan’s take on Southern Gothic is modern, but her characters are colourful and her murders are grizzly.
Both Titus and Charlie’s angst about being gay didn’t feel as modern as the rest of the story. I did like the way Hogan’s characters reacted as Charlie outed himself, and I enjoyed the way Titus’ grandmother developed over the course of the book. The relationship between Titus and Charlie was sweet - and pretty hot at times!
Hogan has set up a new series beautifully - I think Charlie and Titus will make a great team as they investigate more murders and I’d love to see more books in the series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
This story has all the quirky Southern charm of the early Charlaine Harris stories, and Titus has a good deal in common with Harris’ Harper Connolly. Hogan’s take on Southern Gothic is modern, but her characters are colourful and her murders are grizzly.
Both Titus and Charlie’s angst about being gay didn’t feel as modern as the rest of the story. I did like the way Hogan’s characters reacted as Charlie outed himself, and I enjoyed the way Titus’ grandmother developed over the course of the book. The relationship between Titus and Charlie was sweet - and pretty hot at times!
Hogan has set up a new series beautifully - I think Charlie and Titus will make a great team as they investigate more murders and I’d love to see more books in the series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
May 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
Review also posted on http://www.wodfreview.com
Shadows Fall is a supernatural story with a very hot, in the closet police detective, Charlie Hale and an out and proud Coffee shop owner named Titus McGinty, oh and Titus sees dead people. There’s a serial killer on the loose and Charlie is determined to catch him with Titus’s help. Unfortunately for Titus in order to help Charlie he’s going to have to let his guard down and allow the victims to talk to him. He asks his gypsy grandmother to show him how to focus and not get bombarded or overwhelmed with all the voices.
I really loved reading this story. The main characters are great, the mystery is suspenseful and well-paced and I thought the chemistry between Titus and Charlie was good – not great but really good – I would have liked for there to have been more to the romance. Hopefully if there is a sequel – and I’m hoping there will be – that a bit more time is spent on Charlie and Titus’s relationship.
Even though I’d solved who the serial killer was fairly early on I thought Shadow Falls was a really great read, one that I couldn’t put down and would love to see more of.
I highly recommend it to anyone that loves to read a good paranormal mystery/suspense story with great characters.
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