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Samantha Reece Mystery #1
Shifters
When shredded remains turn up in hotel bathtubs all over Birmingham, FBI Agent Samantha Reece and her partner, Quinn O'Reilly, are assigned to investigate.Luckily, Sam has an ace up her sleeve in her ability to shift into a werepanther, enhancing her senses when she's on the hunt.As she tracks down the terrifying killer, dubbed Grisly Adams because the near-liquefied remains look like an animal mauling, only worse, she must also contend with the reappearance of her sire, the unknown jaguar who infected her with the shifter virus.Everything is turned upside down when he decides to come sauntering back into her life in his human form. To make matters worse, an anti-shifter hate group sets their sights on Sam.It makes her could there be a reason her sire is back, other than the apology he’s offering? Sam is a seasoned investigator, but is she is up to the task of stopping Grisly, shutting down Americans for a Were-Free America, and coming to terms with the bizarre pull her sire seems to have over her?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2012
170 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Johnesee
41 books84 followersJaime Johnesee lives in Michigan with her husband and two sons. She spent fourteen years as a zookeeper before shifting her focus to writing full time. Known for her bestselling horror comedy series, Bob the Zombie, she is also currently coauthoring the paranormal horror series, Revelations, for Devil Dog Press as well as her Samantha Reece series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 28, 2016
A decent foundation seems the story is really going to be taking off in book 2 "sabotage". I'm interested enough to give book 2 a try.
August 21, 2016
I don't understand the four and five star ratings for this novel. Shifters was one of the longest reads of my life. Very, very (agonizingly) slow pacing. The action scenes are interrupted by lengthy backstory and introspective narration (much of it repeating what we already know-- readers aren't dumb, we usually get it the first time-- the third mention of ladling the remains from the bathtub was two times more than necessary in that first chapter).
The writing was somewhat clean and error-free, so what made this a difficult book was the author gave her protagonist too much inner dialog, at inappropriate moments -- during crime scenes, in the middle of meetings, answering the door (okay, maybe an exaggeration this time), and I never thought we'd get through a breakfast in which so much unrelated detail was given, it completely obliterated the point of the characters meeting for a meal. Lots of potential in the author's ability to turn a phrase, but an excellent plot could not save this plodding story. Sam's brutal, abusive background seemed gratuitous rather than adding to the angst and conflict of her life choices. Mix in the strange hate-love relationship between Sam and Ben (who I found to be a passive-aggressive ass who changed Sam without permission then explained it off as soulmates). Ben struck me as weak, and stalkerishly creepy -- I never understood the attraction.
While the last 25 percent of the book picked up the pace, the author skimmed some action (recapping, rather than writing out what happened), making strange leaps of logic which were more convenient than realistic. Obviously some readers enjoyed the story, but people who follow my reviews will find this a trial to get through. I don't say this often, but a total waste of a dollar and five hours of my time.
The writing was somewhat clean and error-free, so what made this a difficult book was the author gave her protagonist too much inner dialog, at inappropriate moments -- during crime scenes, in the middle of meetings, answering the door (okay, maybe an exaggeration this time), and I never thought we'd get through a breakfast in which so much unrelated detail was given, it completely obliterated the point of the characters meeting for a meal. Lots of potential in the author's ability to turn a phrase, but an excellent plot could not save this plodding story. Sam's brutal, abusive background seemed gratuitous rather than adding to the angst and conflict of her life choices. Mix in the strange hate-love relationship between Sam and Ben (who I found to be a passive-aggressive ass who changed Sam without permission then explained it off as soulmates). Ben struck me as weak, and stalkerishly creepy -- I never understood the attraction.
While the last 25 percent of the book picked up the pace, the author skimmed some action (recapping, rather than writing out what happened), making strange leaps of logic which were more convenient than realistic. Obviously some readers enjoyed the story, but people who follow my reviews will find this a trial to get through. I don't say this often, but a total waste of a dollar and five hours of my time.
September 21, 2020
First read of the day.
This was a fun, fast paced read that kept me entertained for the few hours I spent reading it. I liked Sam and her quirky snarky attitude. Her partner, Quinn, was a great sidekick who was a great foil for her shenanigans. Then there was Ben. I’m not sure what I think of him. He seems to overly emotional and weak, yet his arrival on the scene really throws Sam for a loop (reasons). The case Sam is investigating lead into something more that hits a bit too close to home and puts another guy in her path. I like the betrayal angels that come into play, and yet they don’t overwhelm the story.
Ends with a hint at the next book, but no major cliffhanger moments which I really appreciated.
3.5 stars ⭐️
This was a fun, fast paced read that kept me entertained for the few hours I spent reading it. I liked Sam and her quirky snarky attitude. Her partner, Quinn, was a great sidekick who was a great foil for her shenanigans. Then there was Ben. I’m not sure what I think of him. He seems to overly emotional and weak, yet his arrival on the scene really throws Sam for a loop (reasons). The case Sam is investigating lead into something more that hits a bit too close to home and puts another guy in her path. I like the betrayal angels that come into play, and yet they don’t overwhelm the story.
Ends with a hint at the next book, but no major cliffhanger moments which I really appreciated.
3.5 stars ⭐️
March 16, 2016
Samantha Reece is an FBI agent turned Jaguar shifter. This book truly has her involved in murder, mystery, and mayhem from the beginning. We see how she was turned, then we find out the story about 'why' she was turned. How does she feel about being turned into a Jaguar shifter? How does it make her life more interesting, easier, and tougher? Yes, being a shifter makes her life all of those and more. I can only imagine if my life were suddenly turned upside down like hers was and how it might affect me. Four deaths in less than as many days makes one twitchy. Who is behind all these murders? What is it that Samantha is trying to find out and who is trying to stop her? One pair of deaths was a complete surprise to me. But when you find out 'why' two of those deaths had to happen, it makes a little sense. I really cannot wait for the next chapter of this series to come out. This was a rally fun read.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
August 21, 2016
Terrible! Save your money. A plot that went no where, and weak characters with zero chemistry. I flipped dozens of pages and didn't miss anything. I am really surprised at the reviews I've read here.
June 19, 2016
review coming soon!
April 18, 2016
Welcome to Samantha Reece's world , she is a detective with the FBI and also a jaguar shifter . She is on the hunt for a serial killer , who is making soup out of shifters . Not that she has enough on her plate with her jaguar and the serial killer . Her maker shows up and puts her jaguar in a constant state of arousal . There also is the anti sup league that wants all shifters dead . Will she survive the serial killer and will she give into what she wants with her jaguar.
We first meet Sam in Bob the Zombie , where they are great friends and help each other out . Now she has her own spin off book. She is a tough as nails FBI agent with special abilities . She is a jaguar shifter which helps her out in her job. She is cocky and I love her, we see her be the kick ass detective and then we see her come undo a bit when she is getting attacked by all sides . Its nice to see her fight feeling for the man who bit her . She keeps trying to say that it is sire bond and tries to rationalize everything . There are some really great moments in the book that had me laughing out loud . Especially when her jaguar is acting all slutty and she wants nothing to do with that , it always seems to pop up at the wrong time We also have some great supporting characters in the book that make you laugh and a couple that you kind of really want to climb like a spider monkey, they are hot shifters I will tell you that much.
Now some people say that this book was slow moving, I didn't find that at all . I got so engrossed in the book that I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and how the author started out and developed the characters . She takes us on a great fun ride full of twists and turns . One minute you think you have it figured out and bam nope wrong person. There is also quite a bit of funny scenes that will make you laugh and some scenes that will make you shed a tear . So if you want a good book that will make you laugh and have a good time check it out . I can't wait for book t
September 27, 2020
Samantha Reece is an FBI agent and shifter. A werejaguar to be more accurate. I was first introduced to Sam in the novella “Bob Meets Sam”, where she worked with Bob the Zombie. The world in general doesn't know about shifters, or vampires, zombies and other paranormal folks although the government and others in health care etc. do. Very little of Special Agent Reece's background was presented in that short work, but in this novel, we are treated to her background, her thought processes, and her interactions with her friends and enemies which make the character much more dimensional .
Someone is killing prostitutes, but not just any prostitutes, shifter prostitutes. The shredded remains could only have been left by another shifter and a large one at that. In addition to this serial killer there is a fringe group AWFA (Americans for a Were-Free America) that is aware of shifters and would like to kill them all.
Samantha, and her partner Quinn need to solve these serial killings. They are using all their resources when she discovers there is a plot to personally destroy her career, friends and ultimately herself. This story is a fast moving tale told well that pulls the reader along till the last page where you want more. Excellent story telling.
Someone is killing prostitutes, but not just any prostitutes, shifter prostitutes. The shredded remains could only have been left by another shifter and a large one at that. In addition to this serial killer there is a fringe group AWFA (Americans for a Were-Free America) that is aware of shifters and would like to kill them all.
Samantha, and her partner Quinn need to solve these serial killings. They are using all their resources when she discovers there is a plot to personally destroy her career, friends and ultimately herself. This story is a fast moving tale told well that pulls the reader along till the last page where you want more. Excellent story telling.
January 15, 2017
Ok read interesting
It was an ok read. The beginning really through me off. It seemed like I should know more in the first few pages than what it was saying. As I got farther in the book it did get better and more interesting. Did not like the end. I assume be more storyline in the next book if it starts were this one ends should be fine . I will likely purchase the next book when I get through more that I have already bought.
It was an ok read. The beginning really through me off. It seemed like I should know more in the first few pages than what it was saying. As I got farther in the book it did get better and more interesting. Did not like the end. I assume be more storyline in the next book if it starts were this one ends should be fine . I will likely purchase the next book when I get through more that I have already bought.
December 16, 2023
Samantha Reese is an FBI agent and also an unwilling shifter. Sam was bitten without her consent by a were jaguar called Ben who then promptley ran away and left Sam to deal with the after effects by herself.
All this on top of hunting a serial killer who is obliterating other shifters.
I enjoyed this book. There is a lot of building for the series that it becomes so lots of information and backstory to sink my teeth into like Ben did to Sam except I'm staying with Sam.
All this on top of hunting a serial killer who is obliterating other shifters.
I enjoyed this book. There is a lot of building for the series that it becomes so lots of information and backstory to sink my teeth into like Ben did to Sam except I'm staying with Sam.
May 31, 2024
Some FBI agents find hunting serial killers to be hard work, Sam Reece isn't one of them. Hunting comes easy for her, then again she's not like other agents.
This is actually a novelette, but in this short form Ms Johnesee manages to create not only a good story but complete & interesting characters.
This is actually a novelette, but in this short form Ms Johnesee manages to create not only a good story but complete & interesting characters.
September 4, 2019
Good Beginning
The world building world well and the characters are interesting. The reader gets invested in what's going on and what will happen. A few twists along the way make it worth plunging in.
The world building world well and the characters are interesting. The reader gets invested in what's going on and what will happen. A few twists along the way make it worth plunging in.
September 19, 2019
Repetative
Maybe not a four star book but I've done what I swore I never would, review and book I haven't finished.
And that is pretty much the review. So boringly repetitive I couldn't finish it.
Maybe not a four star book but I've done what I swore I never would, review and book I haven't finished.
And that is pretty much the review. So boringly repetitive I couldn't finish it.
April 19, 2024
Not too good on dialogue
The protagonist spent a lot of time on introspection. Even though there were 2 guys involved, she just didn't interact much and you didn't really get to know her or the men. Much of the interaction was repetitive. I couldn't wait for the book to be done.
The protagonist spent a lot of time on introspection. Even though there were 2 guys involved, she just didn't interact much and you didn't really get to know her or the men. Much of the interaction was repetitive. I couldn't wait for the book to be done.
August 26, 2025
Panther FBI?
Being an FBI agent and a panther has its quirks but it also makes Sam wonder who she can trust. It can be a lonely place without knowing you have someone to cover your back.
Being an FBI agent and a panther has its quirks but it also makes Sam wonder who she can trust. It can be a lonely place without knowing you have someone to cover your back.
November 18, 2018
Interesting Characters
Liked the way she presented shifters. It was different than any other I have read. The characters were real and had fun personalities.
Liked the way she presented shifters. It was different than any other I have read. The characters were real and had fun personalities.
October 2, 2020
Great book
Fast, action packed. Love the way she handles the point of view.
New take on her paranormals, they're infected with a virus. I love the backstory of her MC
Fast, action packed. Love the way she handles the point of view.
New take on her paranormals, they're infected with a virus. I love the backstory of her MC
May 9, 2024
urban
An integrated paranormal community with a cluster of haters. Romance ish but no sex. This is 3 letter agencies with extra
An integrated paranormal community with a cluster of haters. Romance ish but no sex. This is 3 letter agencies with extra
September 5, 2025
Wonderfully done
An excellent start to an interesting sounding series. I loved Bob the Zombie and am looking forward to what adventures this new series will bring.
An excellent start to an interesting sounding series. I loved Bob the Zombie and am looking forward to what adventures this new series will bring.
August 14, 2016
*Copy received in exchange for honest review*
4 paranormal stars
The story starts with Samantha, an FBI agent, who is on the hunt for a serial killer. In addition to being an FBI agent, she also happens to be a reluctant were-jaguar. Bitten and consequently turned into a shifter, by a man who claims to be her soulmate, she is still in the process of trying to understand her new-found abilities.
As a heroine I found her to be smart, strong-willed and extremely likable. I loved her internal monologues, though I felt like I never got a proper description of the heroine’s appearance.
In the world the author has created, some humans know that shifters and other supernatural beings exist, but there are factions of humanity who despise their existence.
There is a fun and interesting group of secondary characters in this book, who add to the story without taking focus away from the main character. The banter and dialogue between them was great. The mystery element of the story was also brilliantly written.
I found the pacing of the story slowed a little towards the middle of the book, but it picked up again towards the end.
There wasn’t a main romantic interest for the heroine until the end of the story, in the form of a friend who owns a security company. However, the heroine also begins a tense platonic relationship with her ’sire’, Ben, the were-jaguar who changed her. I’m hoping that as the series goes on we learn more about Ben and his story as the relationship between the two of them develops.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable paranormal mystery that had a good helping of humour and a dash of romance.
***Reviewed on behalf of Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner***
4 paranormal stars
The story starts with Samantha, an FBI agent, who is on the hunt for a serial killer. In addition to being an FBI agent, she also happens to be a reluctant were-jaguar. Bitten and consequently turned into a shifter, by a man who claims to be her soulmate, she is still in the process of trying to understand her new-found abilities.
As a heroine I found her to be smart, strong-willed and extremely likable. I loved her internal monologues, though I felt like I never got a proper description of the heroine’s appearance.
In the world the author has created, some humans know that shifters and other supernatural beings exist, but there are factions of humanity who despise their existence.
There is a fun and interesting group of secondary characters in this book, who add to the story without taking focus away from the main character. The banter and dialogue between them was great. The mystery element of the story was also brilliantly written.
I found the pacing of the story slowed a little towards the middle of the book, but it picked up again towards the end.
There wasn’t a main romantic interest for the heroine until the end of the story, in the form of a friend who owns a security company. However, the heroine also begins a tense platonic relationship with her ’sire’, Ben, the were-jaguar who changed her. I’m hoping that as the series goes on we learn more about Ben and his story as the relationship between the two of them develops.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable paranormal mystery that had a good helping of humour and a dash of romance.
***Reviewed on behalf of Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner***
March 25, 2016
Shifters: A Samantha Reece Mystery Book 1 by Jaime Johnesee
### 3.5 Hashtags ###
Firsty, I love the cover !
I'm a huge paranormal fan and although I did enjoy this book especially the second half, I did find the story as a whole was quite slow going throughout and in places too drawn out.
Sam is a detective and a jaguar shifter, whilst investigating a gruesome serial killer she meets her maker. Sam is struggling with the fact she is attracted to her maker and also hates him for not giving her the choice. Can Sam find the serial killer and stay safe ?
Personally, for me there was too much going on in Sam's mind and I really didn't feel the need to know most of it! Unlike most paranormal shifter books I felt this one was more of a detective mystery book, with the shifters thrown in for good measure. I didn't feel the paranormal connection I usually have and therefore this is reflected in my rating.
Having said this, it was an enjoyable read and if edited down a little would make a really great YA novel.
December 3, 2023
I first met Samantha through one of my favorite zombies…Bob and have loved her ever since! I was so excited to see that Sam had her own series now that I did a little dance and scooped up her story right away! Samantha is not only a kickass FBI agent but it is also a badass were panther who was brought into this life of a shifter by a sire who bit and ran leaving Sam to fend for herself and learn what it meant to be a shifter all on her own in a world that doesn’t know about the “other worldly creatures”. In this story, Samantha investigates a serial killer hell bound on killing shifters in very gruesome ways. Can Sam and her team stop this maniac before he or she kills again? You will have to read this amazing mystery for yourself to find out. Do yourself a favor and enter the world of Samantha Reece and enjoy a well written and very entertaining story. I know you won’t be disappointed…I sure wasn’t!
November 8, 2016
Good book
I really enjoyed this book except for a few issues. Some of the characters I will not name names so I don't spoil some of the plot are complete babies. I have never read a book where a male character cried for such stupid reasons. Which by the way is a major turn off. Most people like to read about alpha males when it comes to shifter's; so that part bugged me a lot. This was a very fast read and I feel like some of the background characters need more development and the ending felt very rushed. But due to me already knowing there is a second book that was a total issue. I have read other books with rushed time jumping endings but they are not normally the last chapter and labeled epilogue. So all in all the mystery was good and engaging. Characters need better development which is why I gave this book 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book except for a few issues. Some of the characters I will not name names so I don't spoil some of the plot are complete babies. I have never read a book where a male character cried for such stupid reasons. Which by the way is a major turn off. Most people like to read about alpha males when it comes to shifter's; so that part bugged me a lot. This was a very fast read and I feel like some of the background characters need more development and the ending felt very rushed. But due to me already knowing there is a second book that was a total issue. I have read other books with rushed time jumping endings but they are not normally the last chapter and labeled epilogue. So all in all the mystery was good and engaging. Characters need better development which is why I gave this book 4 stars.
April 18, 2016
Sam is an FBI agent and a shifter. General society does not know about shifters but there are anti-shifter groups that want to out them and cause them harm. She is assigned to investigate the killings of prostitutes that are shifters and the killer may be a shifter as well. Her past is also coming back to haunt her.
I like strong female characters who can fight for themselves and others. Sam is just the kind of character I enjoy reading about. I liked the storyline and it definitely kept my interest. There is a lot in the mix but the author balances it well. There are plenty of surprises to keep it interesting and make you eager for the next book.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
I like strong female characters who can fight for themselves and others. Sam is just the kind of character I enjoy reading about. I liked the storyline and it definitely kept my interest. There is a lot in the mix but the author balances it well. There are plenty of surprises to keep it interesting and make you eager for the next book.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
May 2, 2016
Sometimes you read the first page of a book and you're hooked. You just know it's going to be amazing. When a book starts off with a dark joke about meat soup, and an evidence retrieval team uses a ladle to collect pieces of bodies, well, this book was right up my alley.
Samantha Reece is an amazing character, a woman who's overcome so much pain and adversity to rise up like a phoenix from the ashes. Er, so to speak. From crooning descriptions of her very sexy car, to veiled references to the infamous Dead Parrot sketch from Monty Python, this book kept me thoroughly entertained.
If you enjoy a strong female character and a bit of dark humor (okay, a lot of dark humor!) check out this first installment today. I highly recommend it, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Samantha Reece is an amazing character, a woman who's overcome so much pain and adversity to rise up like a phoenix from the ashes. Er, so to speak. From crooning descriptions of her very sexy car, to veiled references to the infamous Dead Parrot sketch from Monty Python, this book kept me thoroughly entertained.
If you enjoy a strong female character and a bit of dark humor (okay, a lot of dark humor!) check out this first installment today. I highly recommend it, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.
March 28, 2016
Solid book
A pretty good urban fantasy effort. It's a different take on the shifter mythos. I did feel like there were too many storylines, as the plot was not as neat as other books I've read. I thought the ending came up a bit short, but I'm definitely going to pick up the next book in the series. Johnesee is an author to watch as with practice and skill this author will rank up there with authors like Hamilton, Harris, and Mayer.
A pretty good urban fantasy effort. It's a different take on the shifter mythos. I did feel like there were too many storylines, as the plot was not as neat as other books I've read. I thought the ending came up a bit short, but I'm definitely going to pick up the next book in the series. Johnesee is an author to watch as with practice and skill this author will rank up there with authors like Hamilton, Harris, and Mayer.
April 16, 2016
The plot of this murder mystery was amazing and I loved all the twists given to shifters. It was refreshing to say the least. Their was humor throughout which added a nice release of what could have been too serious. This book and author is a great change from my normal book, yet had all the wonderful elements a mystery book has. Fantastic page turner. Provided by Raven Booktours in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2016
Sam finally gets her own book
I loved Sam's full length debut. The case she's on is horrifying, and her maker is back. Because her life's not at all complicated. This is a fantastic read, I highly recommend it.
I loved Sam's full length debut. The case she's on is horrifying, and her maker is back. Because her life's not at all complicated. This is a fantastic read, I highly recommend it.
June 5, 2016
Liking this book and look forward to number two!
Has some good comedy and good character development. Good plot and story line for several books to come. Looking forward to book two!
Has some good comedy and good character development. Good plot and story line for several books to come. Looking forward to book two!
April 13, 2016
Must read
Really enjoyed reading this book can't wait for the next one. Kept intrigued from start to finish a must read book
Really enjoyed reading this book can't wait for the next one. Kept intrigued from start to finish a must read book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews