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The Soul Summoner #0.5
The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story
An alternate cover edition can be found here and here.
With eleven missing women to find and six high-profile burglary cases to solve, the last thing Detective Nathan McNamara needs in his life is one more complication. And that’s exactly what his recent one-night stand is becoming—complicated. With his heinous lieutenant breathing down his neck for answers and his accidental girlfriend dropping hints for a commitment, Nathan is realizing that his career and his bachelor status are both on the line.
When the burglary cases suddenly escalate to homicide, Nathan must put everything else aside to stop the killer. But this is easier said than done when the blonde from the bar repeatedly shows up at his doorstep and enlists his own mother against him. Now he’s more convinced than ever that his job hangs in the balance and that the Surgeon General’s warning on the whiskey bottle should include something about women.
With eleven missing women to find and six high-profile burglary cases to solve, the last thing Detective Nathan McNamara needs in his life is one more complication. And that’s exactly what his recent one-night stand is becoming—complicated. With his heinous lieutenant breathing down his neck for answers and his accidental girlfriend dropping hints for a commitment, Nathan is realizing that his career and his bachelor status are both on the line.
When the burglary cases suddenly escalate to homicide, Nathan must put everything else aside to stop the killer. But this is easier said than done when the blonde from the bar repeatedly shows up at his doorstep and enlists his own mother against him. Now he’s more convinced than ever that his job hangs in the balance and that the Surgeon General’s warning on the whiskey bottle should include something about women.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2015
288 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Elicia Hyder
29 books1,123 followersElicia Hyder is a bestselling author of paranormal suspense and contemporary romance. You can get a FREE eBOOK by clicking this link: Get The Detective for FREE.
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
When I'm not writing, I can be found sipping craft beer in my blow-up swimming pool or beating my children at Harry Potter ⚡ trivia. I am married to a superhero and have two dogs with severe separation anxiety. I suck at CAPTCHA puzzles and firmly believe that heaven will have heavy metal music. ✌
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 13, 2022
While being related to the series, this short story is not necessary to understand The Soul Summoner. This novella is about Nathan’s life before he moved to Asheville, and it shows us how he encountered and then got into a more or less serious relationship with Shanon. There is also a police case to solve about a string of burglaries, but it was not that interesting honestly, it felt more like a filler just so Nathan would have something to do in between his meetings with Shanon and with the serial killer’s victims’ families.
On a side note, I love how drunk Nate left himself a message on his voicemail reminding himself of the girl’s name just so he could listen to it in the morning and don’t look like an ass.
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On a side note, I love how drunk Nate left himself a message on his voicemail reminding himself of the girl’s name just so he could listen to it in the morning and don’t look like an ass.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
October 15, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from author for a fair and honest review
A not-so-thrilling thriller
The novel was interesting and well-written. But for me it lacked "the thrill" I anticipated for.
The characters were interesting. Detective McNamara is cocky and funny. Shannon is a clingy chick who somehow manages to gain a spot in detective's heart.
Now about the case.... Ah !
The progress on the case was too slow. It was more like a light romantic novel rather than a fast paced thriller. (Thats how a thriller should be: fast paced)
Detective solved one of the two cases and novel ended with a cliffhanger. Even though I enjoyed reading it but I don't see myself wanting to know what happens next. (Another minus point)
Cheers!
A not-so-thrilling thriller
The novel was interesting and well-written. But for me it lacked "the thrill" I anticipated for.
The characters were interesting. Detective McNamara is cocky and funny. Shannon is a clingy chick who somehow manages to gain a spot in detective's heart.
Now about the case.... Ah !
The progress on the case was too slow. It was more like a light romantic novel rather than a fast paced thriller. (Thats how a thriller should be: fast paced)
Detective solved one of the two cases and novel ended with a cliffhanger. Even though I enjoyed reading it but I don't see myself wanting to know what happens next. (Another minus point)
Cheers!
February 5, 2017
This is the prequel (novella) to THE SOUL SUMMONER series. Although a part of a series, this is a stand alone.
Detective Nathan McNamara has his hands full. His latest one night stand is becoming anything but. Just his luck, he picked up on Shannon .. who works for a news station.
While trying to dodge her attentions, he's working a string of burglary cases. But when the robbers find a young girl in their latest target, they don't hesitate to kill her.
With his lieutenant screaming for the cases to be solved and with nothing that links the houses, he's beside himself. Having a 'girlfriend' who's wanting a commitment and a mother who's already planning a wedding and he thinks a whiskey bottle might be a very good idea.
In his off time, he's linked 11 missing women to a single perpetrator. And he has a special link to one of them.
McNamara is a great character. He's funny, serious, dedicated, and undeniably a player. I love how he interacts with Shannon, and his mother is a hoot!
The first book in this series is THE SOUL SUMMONER. It is a full length novel that continues with his hunt for a possible serial killer.
I am so looking forward to reading the entire series.
March 21, 2018
The Detective by Elicia Hyder
A prequel for the Soul Summoner series, this book is a bit of background on Detective Nathan McNamara. A typical single male cop. Dedicated to the job and easily swayed by a hot female and also listens to his mother.
A good intro to Nathan and his background but definitely read this novella within the series. By itself, it’s incomplete. I enjoyed it because I’m reading the Soul Summoner series and it’s always fun to get more character depth.
A prequel for the Soul Summoner series, this book is a bit of background on Detective Nathan McNamara. A typical single male cop. Dedicated to the job and easily swayed by a hot female and also listens to his mother.
A good intro to Nathan and his background but definitely read this novella within the series. By itself, it’s incomplete. I enjoyed it because I’m reading the Soul Summoner series and it’s always fun to get more character depth.
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February 10, 2016I always hesitate about writing a review about the contents of the book because I don't want to give anything away. The back cover of the book covers that!
I really liked this book...it was a good read and a quick read. I liked that I read it AFTER reading the first Soul Summoner book. I would definitely recommend that. It was cool to get a little insight into Nathan McNamara and how he got to where he did.
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out. March 2016 can't come quick enough!!
I really liked this book...it was a good read and a quick read. I liked that I read it AFTER reading the first Soul Summoner book. I would definitely recommend that. It was cool to get a little insight into Nathan McNamara and how he got to where he did.
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out. March 2016 can't come quick enough!!
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June 10, 2020Wow, so that is how you get a girlfriend by accident. Reading this after reading the 1st three books had me screaming at Nathan. Too no avail. He still ended up with the wrong girl. Excellent read though and the perfect backstory to let us get to know Nathan McNamara. P.S. I feel you my dude about your mom, my family used to be like that. *shudders*
March 18, 2017
This short story on one of The Soul Summoner series main characters gives a good insight into Detective McNamara.
December 30, 2024
2024 Reads #733/250
August 25, 2020
This was a good introduction to the series. I was able to get some background on Nathan. It was an interesting ending. It makes me want to start the first book in the series.
October 16, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
August 5, 2017
My rating 4.25. I met the very attractive (okay, -- "yummy" is a better description) Detective Nathan McNamara in The Soul Summoner. This short story fills in his history and how he got involved with Shannon, his stalking girlfriend in the next book.
Nate is ducking his unpleasant superior while pursuing the investigation of a rash of robberies. The criminals left a victim at one of the scenes, turning the case into a homicide investigation. Nate is relentless in his efforts despite the negative attitude of his lieutenant. In his spare time Nate is working on a case with eleven missing women. This case is a special burden for him.
I enjoyed Nate’s family background and input. I didn’t enjoy his ‘accidental’ relationship with Shannon. He initially picks her up at a bar and then takes advantage of the open invitation. Shannon follows him to his town, calls his mother to make connections and repeatedly calls him even as he makes it clear he has work to do. Instead of putting a halt to the eager chase he lets her carry on, and I didn’t like that.
I did like how Nate worked the case and I like the direct writing style. Written in first person from Nate’s view gives it a hands-on approach. I think I would have liked to have read this before The Soul Summoner but I still liked it well enough. This does not have the paranormal elements that show up in the rest of the series. I want to continue with book 2, The Siren, and I recommend these be read in order.
Nate is ducking his unpleasant superior while pursuing the investigation of a rash of robberies. The criminals left a victim at one of the scenes, turning the case into a homicide investigation. Nate is relentless in his efforts despite the negative attitude of his lieutenant. In his spare time Nate is working on a case with eleven missing women. This case is a special burden for him.
I enjoyed Nate’s family background and input. I didn’t enjoy his ‘accidental’ relationship with Shannon. He initially picks her up at a bar and then takes advantage of the open invitation. Shannon follows him to his town, calls his mother to make connections and repeatedly calls him even as he makes it clear he has work to do. Instead of putting a halt to the eager chase he lets her carry on, and I didn’t like that.
I did like how Nate worked the case and I like the direct writing style. Written in first person from Nate’s view gives it a hands-on approach. I think I would have liked to have read this before The Soul Summoner but I still liked it well enough. This does not have the paranormal elements that show up in the rest of the series. I want to continue with book 2, The Siren, and I recommend these be read in order.
May 4, 2017
Some are saying it is a prequel to The Soul Summoner, the read is so short ... to me it is a look into Elicia Hyder ... I have yet to read anything from her before ... I am I will be checking more into her work ... from what I can see I need to keep reading and pick up The Soul Summoner, to keep up the storyline ... That this book is a bit of each tidbits to it all. We will see ... after I read that one. I enjoyed it. ( ;
March 19, 2018
This series had been waiting on my kindle to be read for some time now, and I dove in last night. The Detective is the prequel to the series with just a sneak peak at Nathan McNamara and a brief view into what drives him. I like him.
This was a quick read, it took me a couple of hours and then I jumped right into the first book in the Soul Summoner series...I'm very anxious to see what happens next.
This was a quick read, it took me a couple of hours and then I jumped right into the first book in the Soul Summoner series...I'm very anxious to see what happens next.
October 17, 2017
This was a quick read and gave us some of Nathan’s backstory. I do have to admit, if I had read this first, I probably wouldn’t have liked Nathan as much as I did throughout the series. His character has definitely evolved from this story, in such a good way. But I still enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
February 1, 2018
Audiobook review: The Detective is a short story regarding Nathan’s story prior to relocating to Ashville. The story was interesting and entertaining but it didn’t really add to the overall series. It would be nice to have his POV for the beginning of the series. The narrator did an awesome job!
October 10, 2018
I enjoyed this introduction very much. Not sure about Shannon, she seemed a little desperate to land Nathan! LOL But then I guess when you meet a man you’re interested in, what’s wrong with being a little more upfront about it? Nothing! Characters were interesting. I’ll definitely check out the next in the series.
February 10, 2020
This is a new author to me. I like Nate. I like his humor, his friends and his family, because this is a man that loves his mama. Mama is a hoot as she wants Nate married with babies and Nate wants no part of that. My only issue with this quick fun read is Shannon, who is pursuing Nate. I'm not sure if she really is a girlfriend or a temporary side piece. I don't know if she continues in the other stories or if she in involved in any paranormal activities. Nate is interesting enough that I am curious to see what happens with him next.
March 12, 2019
Good Prequel story. Great narration (audible review)
This was a good prequel to Nathan's book. Got to know him better and how he ended up with Shannon. I like him even more now than I did before.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and totally recommend it.
The narration was great. Carson Beck did a great job. The women sounded like women and he has a nice reading voice.
This was a good prequel to Nathan's book. Got to know him better and how he ended up with Shannon. I like him even more now than I did before.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and totally recommend it.
The narration was great. Carson Beck did a great job. The women sounded like women and he has a nice reading voice.
August 8, 2018
I love this series so when I saw this book on instafreebie I had to get it and read more of this series. I really enjoyed Nathan. He is one of the great characters in this series! This book of course is all about him and maybe finding a girlfriend. I think Nate "noot noot" is a great guy. Great book, if you are wondering about this series you should try this book!
October 10, 2016
This short prequel to The Soul Summoner series fills in a lot of background information on Detective Nathan McNamara in an entertaining story.
I have to say, at first, even knowing the character from the other books, I didn’t find myself warming to him because of his attitude to his one night stand. It might be realistic, but I was not impressed by him until he actually started to look at Shannon as a human being, rather than an intrusive irritation. Once he did, the story rolled along really nicely, and Nathan became an ever more sympathetic character.
The plot, which includes the thread leading into the rest of the series, works well as a police procedural, with none of the supernatural elements of later books. The robbery and murder thread is tied up well, and we see Nate’s natural heroism at work.
My only other issue was that the book is written for an American audience (I’m British), and the section about a certain sporting event (I’m not even sure which sport it was) left me clueless. It didn’t spoil my understanding of the characters attitudes and reactions, I just didn’t know what it was all about.
I listened to the audio book and I would happily give a 5* rating for the narrator – his ability to produce a variation of voices of both sexes was awesome, so I was never left in any doubt as to who was speaking. There were a couple of phrases near the beginning where he sounded slightly uncomfortable, but that could have been me, not him.
If you are already a fan of this series, I highly recommend this as either a book or an audio book, and if you haven’t read the series, you could do well to start with this one, on the understanding that weird stuff will start to happen as you get beyond this volume.
I have to say, at first, even knowing the character from the other books, I didn’t find myself warming to him because of his attitude to his one night stand. It might be realistic, but I was not impressed by him until he actually started to look at Shannon as a human being, rather than an intrusive irritation. Once he did, the story rolled along really nicely, and Nathan became an ever more sympathetic character.
The plot, which includes the thread leading into the rest of the series, works well as a police procedural, with none of the supernatural elements of later books. The robbery and murder thread is tied up well, and we see Nate’s natural heroism at work.
My only other issue was that the book is written for an American audience (I’m British), and the section about a certain sporting event (I’m not even sure which sport it was) left me clueless. It didn’t spoil my understanding of the characters attitudes and reactions, I just didn’t know what it was all about.
I listened to the audio book and I would happily give a 5* rating for the narrator – his ability to produce a variation of voices of both sexes was awesome, so I was never left in any doubt as to who was speaking. There were a couple of phrases near the beginning where he sounded slightly uncomfortable, but that could have been me, not him.
If you are already a fan of this series, I highly recommend this as either a book or an audio book, and if you haven’t read the series, you could do well to start with this one, on the understanding that weird stuff will start to happen as you get beyond this volume.
May 6, 2016
OK, I only gave it a four star but that's not bad. I think this must have been the first, or a pre-cursor to the Soul Summoner series. It is about Nate and gives the background that got him to Asheville and ends with him meeting Sloan, or rather brushing by her and wanting to follow her. It was funny and good and I love Nate's character in the series books 1 and 2. I started liking him really well in this one. It also gives Shannon a stage, but I think book 2 may have her exit? Not sure. All I know is that I read this as #3 and realized it should have been read as #1 I think. I really liked it but really enjoy watching Elicia Hyder grow as an author, it's really obvious from this book to #2. I'm looking forward to book #3 and future books. Way to go and please, please keep it up! I love your characters !!
February 6, 2017
Wow!! What a gripping read this was, and humorous as well. It is another of the novellas I have downloaded from InstaFreebie and it was an excellent choice given that deep down at the bottom of my Kindle I found Soul Summoner, the first of the series.
This story is a prequel to the Soul Summoner series and introduces Nathan McNamara with a small peek at the end of the novella for our female protagonist of the series.
The Detective was a mix of gritty crime procedural with a sprinkling of humour surrounding Nate's bachelorhood and his Mother's plan to remedy the situation.
An engaging & entertaining read, I now can't wait to start the first in the series.
This story is a prequel to the Soul Summoner series and introduces Nathan McNamara with a small peek at the end of the novella for our female protagonist of the series.
The Detective was a mix of gritty crime procedural with a sprinkling of humour surrounding Nate's bachelorhood and his Mother's plan to remedy the situation.
An engaging & entertaining read, I now can't wait to start the first in the series.
July 29, 2016
Clean cut story. Actually, this is the type of book I started with. No need for erotic detail. When it reads, he woke up with a beautiful blonde on his shoulder I know what happened.
This was a simple story about boys and girls. Boy is 29, out of town one night stands turns into what appeared as girl getting the boy.
This was a quick free read with a cliffhanger that only promised a role for Nathan, so I don't know if he ended up with the girl or not. I liked the story okay, just not enough to want to see what's next.
This was a simple story about boys and girls. Boy is 29, out of town one night stands turns into what appeared as girl getting the boy.
This was a quick free read with a cliffhanger that only promised a role for Nathan, so I don't know if he ended up with the girl or not. I liked the story okay, just not enough to want to see what's next.
March 17, 2016
First let me say this is my first book by Elicia Hyder and I really liked it a lot..
When Detective Nathan McNamara the single bachelor gets himself involved with Shannon Green a reporter he isn't sure what to do. He has lot on his plate right now at work. His boss breathing down his neck to solve the cases ASAP!!!! She might be able to help him on a case he's working on..a kidnapping that is personal for him. She's his in to talk to one of the families.
Must read!!!!!
When Detective Nathan McNamara the single bachelor gets himself involved with Shannon Green a reporter he isn't sure what to do. He has lot on his plate right now at work. His boss breathing down his neck to solve the cases ASAP!!!! She might be able to help him on a case he's working on..a kidnapping that is personal for him. She's his in to talk to one of the families.
Must read!!!!!
December 31, 2016
A good prequel novella to The Soul Summoner series (I've read and loved the first 2 books in this pnr series) giving us a bit more background on the gorgeous detective Nathan McNamara. This is a contemporary crime story explaining how he met Shannon. The ending is probably the reason that tips the scales on his decision to move to Asheville. I've really enjoyed this whole series so far, looking forward to part 3.
August 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella. I got it for free from the end of the the Soul Summoners book set, and it was awesome to see Nathan from this point of view before he met Sloan. It was nice to get to know Noot-Noot better in this quick glimpse into his life pre Soul Summoners chaos. I still can't decide who I love more, Nate or Warren. (This is honestly the only love triangle where I'm rooting for BOTH MEN to end up with the heroine lol).
May 3, 2016
A good quick read. Less than 100 pages.This had a little romance but it was focused more on solving the 11 missing women case and the burglary case. This was a good introduction to the thinking of Nathan (the main charcter of the series). This was a good writing style and I look forward to more by this author.
September 27, 2016
I picked up this book when I signed up to the author's newsletter. I love the Soul Summoner series. This prequel isn't as good as the main books, but it does provide some background to one of the main characters, so it's definitely worth reading. The series itself is awesome.
March 28, 2016
Good, solid short story. I liked the writing style.
November 6, 2016
Great story. Interesting storyline. Intriguing characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews