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Doomed Cases #1
Demonic Triangle
A missing royal. A love triangle. Can Maxine crack the case before her heart is ripped in two?
Maxine Brodeur has spent the past year recovering from a devastating breakup with Prince Arthur — the realm’s future king. She’s kept a low profile as a half-human/half-demon, spending her days running “Doomed Cases,” a private supernatural agency. After illegally revealing her powers to save a human girl from attack, she gets an ominous letter bearing the royal seal.
Rather than being punished, Maxine is hired to find the young, kidnapped Prince George. Back in the secretive life of the royals, she must learn to work alongside sexy detective Zachary Quinton. Her new partner has no respect for the rules, and her ex-lover Arthur is doing everything he can to win her back.
Will Maxine find the missing prince quickly or will she cause another royal scandal in the process?
Maxine Brodeur has spent the past year recovering from a devastating breakup with Prince Arthur — the realm’s future king. She’s kept a low profile as a half-human/half-demon, spending her days running “Doomed Cases,” a private supernatural agency. After illegally revealing her powers to save a human girl from attack, she gets an ominous letter bearing the royal seal.
Rather than being punished, Maxine is hired to find the young, kidnapped Prince George. Back in the secretive life of the royals, she must learn to work alongside sexy detective Zachary Quinton. Her new partner has no respect for the rules, and her ex-lover Arthur is doing everything he can to win her back.
Will Maxine find the missing prince quickly or will she cause another royal scandal in the process?
434 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2016
190 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Mazurkiewicz
106 books781 followersJoanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English.
The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.
The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 23, 2016
There were so many things wrong with this book. The world-building was shaky at best. Editing issues, from wrong word choices to incoherent sentences to sloppy mistakes, were sprinkled throughout the story. (For example, the Queen Mother is the dowager queen, the mother of the current ruler, not the ruler herself.)
The most annoying aspect, though, was Maxine herself. I have little patience for stupid characters, and Max tried my patience well past its limits. She was self-destructive, a "magic tequila" addict who gambled away all her money, all because the prince, with whom she'd been having an affair, didn't stick up for her when his grandmother fired her from her security guard position and kicked her out of the palace. There are innumerable hints that there was more to it, some deep, dark secret, but frankly, nothing could excuse her ridiculous behavior and make her an admirable protagonist. The fact that she melted into a puddle of lust-filled goo whenever Prince Albert or the alphahole police detective Zach tried to force themselves on her just solidified my dislike.
The story left many questions unanswered, but I have no interest in checking out the second book in the series to find out more.
The most annoying aspect, though, was Maxine herself. I have little patience for stupid characters, and Max tried my patience well past its limits. She was self-destructive, a "magic tequila" addict who gambled away all her money, all because the prince, with whom she'd been having an affair, didn't stick up for her when his grandmother fired her from her security guard position and kicked her out of the palace. There are innumerable hints that there was more to it, some deep, dark secret, but frankly, nothing could excuse her ridiculous behavior and make her an admirable protagonist. The fact that she melted into a puddle of lust-filled goo whenever Prince Albert or the alphahole police detective Zach tried to force themselves on her just solidified my dislike.
The story left many questions unanswered, but I have no interest in checking out the second book in the series to find out more.
February 13, 2017
4.5 series on Kindle Unlimited
July 28, 2016
Fun read!
I enjoyed this story. It has magic, romance, and just enough snark to make it a good read. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I enjoyed this story. It has magic, romance, and just enough snark to make it a good read. I'm looking forward to the next book!
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August 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2020)! 🎁
February 12, 2017
I downloaded Demonic Triangle as a free book from Amazon. I'm slightly on the fence about this one, a 3.5 star read. I liked the story line and the English setting (with British slang). The characters never really grabbed me, in fact, 30 min after finishing the story, I don't remember their names for this review (Zach, Maxine, and Prince Arthur-- yeah, I looked them up). Max was a great protagonist, but I don't understand why drinking and gambling became her normal nightly activity (although there were hints-- her actions seem excessive for a mere break up, and the plot thread is not resolved in this book, leaving the character to appear weak because we are not given a reason to empathize). The two male protagonists weren't interesting enough to enhance her. Arthur was a whiny, lust-filled jerk-- always begging for another chance. I have no idea what Maxine saw in him, except physical attraction, which is not enough to cause a strong woman to fall into such a decline a year after a break up. Zach is an arrogant jerk-- again, I don't understand the attraction. With many subplots left unresolved in the end, the whole story seems too drawn out because we don't get closure-- sure, the reader's pretty sure what the secret is, but it's still not revealed in this book.
March 21, 2017
Should have been 5 stars :(
Not sure what happened here - The story started out strong and minus a few editing mistakes I was thinking this was going to be a great read.
Then literally with the flip of a page it just became confusing and Maxine, who I originally was telling my son was a strong kick @ss heroine, turned out to be a drug-addicted, irresponsible, confused lead character (yeah I had to do a double-take on that one myself).
As readers we are given a handful of "suggestions" but nothing is ever defined or revealed.
The basis for this series has such great possibilities.
I know most authors after a first book will make changes in their writing style or editing for the second - I am hoping that is the case here because I truly believe this could be a great read and a series I could get into.
Not sure what happened here - The story started out strong and minus a few editing mistakes I was thinking this was going to be a great read.
Then literally with the flip of a page it just became confusing and Maxine, who I originally was telling my son was a strong kick @ss heroine, turned out to be a drug-addicted, irresponsible, confused lead character (yeah I had to do a double-take on that one myself).
As readers we are given a handful of "suggestions" but nothing is ever defined or revealed.
The basis for this series has such great possibilities.
I know most authors after a first book will make changes in their writing style or editing for the second - I am hoping that is the case here because I truly believe this could be a great read and a series I could get into.
November 19, 2016
I have been really blessed to find authors that are taking on the "old tried and true" paranormal creatures and handling them in ways I've never seen before. The world Maxine lives in manages to be at once familiar and yet the demons that inhabit it aren't quite what we're used to seeing. I really enjoyed watching Max grow and try to get a handle on her out-of-control life. I'm not really a fan of love triangles but the will-they/won't-they chemistry between Max and Arthur and Max and Zach was entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
January 12, 2019
Cautiously optimistic
Okay, this book seemed like it was just repeating all the typical tropes. Spurned lovers, a protagonist who indulges in drinking and gambling to escape pain, can’t make rent, and is having some seriously hot flashes. Toss in a demonic business partner, an ex-fiancé who just happens to be a prince with a capital P, and an arrogant (but sexy) cop who is now your new partner - oh, and did I mention that she’s also a half-demon mongrel?
Sound interesting, well if it does, then pick up Demonic Triangle.
Okay, this book seemed like it was just repeating all the typical tropes. Spurned lovers, a protagonist who indulges in drinking and gambling to escape pain, can’t make rent, and is having some seriously hot flashes. Toss in a demonic business partner, an ex-fiancé who just happens to be a prince with a capital P, and an arrogant (but sexy) cop who is now your new partner - oh, and did I mention that she’s also a half-demon mongrel?
Sound interesting, well if it does, then pick up Demonic Triangle.
August 6, 2017
What did I read?
Poor editing- so many mistakes. Poor dialogue. More wrong with this book than right. Would not recommend on to anyone.
Poor editing- so many mistakes. Poor dialogue. More wrong with this book than right. Would not recommend on to anyone.
September 25, 2017
Parnormal
I have to say I enjoyed this story a lot,very gritty and well developed characters along with a good storyline
I have to say I enjoyed this story a lot,very gritty and well developed characters along with a good storyline
December 22, 2017
Similar to a UK version of Darynda Jones and Kim Harrison mixed
August 1, 2018
Great opener for a great series
Great read
Looking forward to reading the next book .
Keep them coming really good start.
Will look at your other series
Great read
Looking forward to reading the next book .
Keep them coming really good start.
Will look at your other series
February 4, 2019
1.5 stars
I managed to finish reading it, it wasn’t bad but I am not going to continue the series.
I managed to finish reading it, it wasn’t bad but I am not going to continue the series.
February 5, 2019
Loved this novel
I know you will also be happy with the storyline and characters who have brought this world to life with love
I know you will also be happy with the storyline and characters who have brought this world to life with love
September 18, 2020
was good.
January 27, 2025
A little hard to get into a first, but I really enjoyed it by the end.
March 8, 2017
This is the first book that i have read by this author so of course i didnt know what to expect with this book but i loved it from word go. This is a very compelling and action filled book which causes you to obsessively turn the page of this book to find out what surprises are around the next corner.
I love this author's writing style and can't wait to read more of her work. The way that she writes blends a world of magic and reality, i have never seen a book written in this way, from the perspective of demons. I really liked that it was written in this manner, it made the story something new and unique. The storyline is brilliant and I loved all the twists and turns, I also loved that this was a book based in London as most of the books I read are based in America.
The characters are brilliant in this book, I would love to know more about each character that you meet in this book. I adored Maxine! She has so much pain from her past and things she can't control but she still wants to be a better person. This is a very human things and I think that this makes her character so much more approachable to the readers mind.
I am not going to mention any more of the details as I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises but needless to say that this is an awesome book that is most definitely deserving of five stars!!!
I love this author's writing style and can't wait to read more of her work. The way that she writes blends a world of magic and reality, i have never seen a book written in this way, from the perspective of demons. I really liked that it was written in this manner, it made the story something new and unique. The storyline is brilliant and I loved all the twists and turns, I also loved that this was a book based in London as most of the books I read are based in America.
The characters are brilliant in this book, I would love to know more about each character that you meet in this book. I adored Maxine! She has so much pain from her past and things she can't control but she still wants to be a better person. This is a very human things and I think that this makes her character so much more approachable to the readers mind.
I am not going to mention any more of the details as I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises but needless to say that this is an awesome book that is most definitely deserving of five stars!!!
March 2, 2017
My second read from author Joanne Mazurkiewicz in the Doomed Cases series was well written and enjoyable. The longer work gave the author time to develop the characters more and opens the door to further books, which I will read as time and finances permit.
February 14, 2017
A Bad-ass Half Demon
This is the first I have read from this author.
This looks to be a great series. I really enjoyed the storyline and being from the UK loved the royal family angle.
Max runs a private agency working more on supernatural cases, she and her partner Ricky get called in to find a missing V.I.P. This case brings up things from Maxine's past that she would much rather leave there.
I love the faction governing angle of the story but like all governments there are always them that get through the cracks. There are some good characters, looking forward to seeing if they are kept in the series. It was a bit of a slow starter but then took off running. I thought we heard more than enough the she was a gambler and alcoholic but other than that a great read.
There is some sexual content.
This is the first I have read from this author.
This looks to be a great series. I really enjoyed the storyline and being from the UK loved the royal family angle.
Max runs a private agency working more on supernatural cases, she and her partner Ricky get called in to find a missing V.I.P. This case brings up things from Maxine's past that she would much rather leave there.
I love the faction governing angle of the story but like all governments there are always them that get through the cracks. There are some good characters, looking forward to seeing if they are kept in the series. It was a bit of a slow starter but then took off running. I thought we heard more than enough the she was a gambler and alcoholic but other than that a great read.
There is some sexual content.
November 19, 2016
Maxine was running late for work at Doomed Cases, the rain started pouring down on her, and her phone was ringing for the 10th time! Ricky, her partner, told her 3 candidates for the full-time assistant position had already left because she had not shown up. He was upset with her being irresponsible. She hurried on, taking a shortcut, but heard a scream and felt terror. She was half-demon and could feel emotions. Two demons were preparing to drain a terrified young woman of her lust and innocence to sell for profit. She rescued the woman and took her to the office to dry off. Ricky promptly hired her – she was their 5 o’clock interview!
The next day, Maxine made it to work on time. She went to her office and saw the royal seal on a thick brown envelope. All her pain came back, remembering the agony she went through the year before that made her the broken wreck she now was! What could the royals want from her now? Why would they ever approach her again?
I love mysteries, and I love paranormal books even more. So I was very eager to read this book! I think it was good enough to keep me reading. The character development (aside from the repetition mentioned already) was well done. One minor distraction for me was that the author seemed to beat the reader over the head with the point being made that Maxine was broken and miserable, a drinker and gambler who could not pull herself together. We got that message early on, and rehashing it over and over did not make the story move along better. But despite that, the overall story was good. I would recommend it to others.
The next day, Maxine made it to work on time. She went to her office and saw the royal seal on a thick brown envelope. All her pain came back, remembering the agony she went through the year before that made her the broken wreck she now was! What could the royals want from her now? Why would they ever approach her again?
I love mysteries, and I love paranormal books even more. So I was very eager to read this book! I think it was good enough to keep me reading. The character development (aside from the repetition mentioned already) was well done. One minor distraction for me was that the author seemed to beat the reader over the head with the point being made that Maxine was broken and miserable, a drinker and gambler who could not pull herself together. We got that message early on, and rehashing it over and over did not make the story move along better. But despite that, the overall story was good. I would recommend it to others.
July 11, 2016
I received this eARC free from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I read the copy it still needed quite a bit of editing (ie...mispelled and misused words, sentence structure errors, etc ...) Hopefully these things have been corrected in this released copy.
This is the first book I've read by this author, Joanna Mazurkiewicz. Grammatical errors aside, I really did enjoy the story line and thought it to be original. Who would've thought to include Royals with a female protagonist sleuthing half demon?! Along with other mongrels, full demons of different factions, Lucifer; complete with an actual Hell that can be opened up from different doorways, and other types of interesting creatures living among us humans on earth!
There was mystery as we try to uncover what is Maxines secret and, also, who kidnapped Prince George. There was humor, some self evaluation, lost love angst, a bit of fighting action and a couple steamy scenes ;)
There were a couple things that I didn't like:
1)I found that the build up to Maxines secret was a little drawn out and anticlimactic. (No spoilers here)
2)The ending seemed a bit rushed. But it was full of action!
With that being said, I would read more books by this author.
This is the first book I've read by this author, Joanna Mazurkiewicz. Grammatical errors aside, I really did enjoy the story line and thought it to be original. Who would've thought to include Royals with a female protagonist sleuthing half demon?! Along with other mongrels, full demons of different factions, Lucifer; complete with an actual Hell that can be opened up from different doorways, and other types of interesting creatures living among us humans on earth!
There was mystery as we try to uncover what is Maxines secret and, also, who kidnapped Prince George. There was humor, some self evaluation, lost love angst, a bit of fighting action and a couple steamy scenes ;)
There were a couple things that I didn't like:
1)I found that the build up to Maxines secret was a little drawn out and anticlimactic. (No spoilers here)
2)The ending seemed a bit rushed. But it was full of action!
With that being said, I would read more books by this author.
February 4, 2017
Oh Maxine, when will you realize magical tequila and cards are not the answer ...
Maxine Brodeur is laying low in London. Still reeling from her breakup with Prince Arthur, Maxine spends her days running Doomed Cases with partner Ricky and her nights drinking/playing cards to forget the pain. But how can she forget when Maxine and Ricky are summoned to the palace to help find Prince Arthur’s missing brother.
Doomed Cases book 1 introduces us to the world of demons and mongrels; add in sexy detective Zach Quinton, heartbreaking Prince Arthur and magical tequila. So far this is the longest book in the series, but it beautifully lays the groundwork for the entire series. As Maxine works through her missing prince case I was struck with wanting to learn more about Maxine and her past; learn more about the world of demons and its factions. Although the book does not end in a cliff hanger I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.
I love that Maxine is flawed, struggling with day-to-day issues and heartbreak. Does she repeat the past and go back to the prince for another torrid love affair? Or does she let go of the past and move forward with Zach? If you are looking to start a new series I recommend starting this one.
Maxine Brodeur is laying low in London. Still reeling from her breakup with Prince Arthur, Maxine spends her days running Doomed Cases with partner Ricky and her nights drinking/playing cards to forget the pain. But how can she forget when Maxine and Ricky are summoned to the palace to help find Prince Arthur’s missing brother.
Doomed Cases book 1 introduces us to the world of demons and mongrels; add in sexy detective Zach Quinton, heartbreaking Prince Arthur and magical tequila. So far this is the longest book in the series, but it beautifully lays the groundwork for the entire series. As Maxine works through her missing prince case I was struck with wanting to learn more about Maxine and her past; learn more about the world of demons and its factions. Although the book does not end in a cliff hanger I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.
I love that Maxine is flawed, struggling with day-to-day issues and heartbreak. Does she repeat the past and go back to the prince for another torrid love affair? Or does she let go of the past and move forward with Zach? If you are looking to start a new series I recommend starting this one.
February 14, 2017
Pretty addictive
Wow well written and kinda hard to put down. I already got the next book i hope it's as good as the first!
Wow well written and kinda hard to put down. I already got the next book i hope it's as good as the first!
February 7, 2017
This was an okay book. One I found hard to follow at times. But I don't like books on demons in any sense. But for its genre it was ok and interesting enough to keep your attention. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
November 6, 2016
Joanna never disappoints!
I've read most of her books, but I recently ran across this series. I'm so happy I did! It reminds me a lot of Paranormal Personnel, but with a demonic twist. I love the characters and how the Royal Family was protected by demons. It's completely original, as expected with all of Joanna's books.
She brings all of her characters to life and you feel as if you've stepped right into the world she's created with her brilliant mind!
You will absolutely love this book! The story revolves around a half human, half demon working as a private investigator...fighting her innermost emotional demons, while trying to solve a case that's mysteriously being sabotaged.
This is an absolute must-read! You won't be disappointed!
I've read most of her books, but I recently ran across this series. I'm so happy I did! It reminds me a lot of Paranormal Personnel, but with a demonic twist. I love the characters and how the Royal Family was protected by demons. It's completely original, as expected with all of Joanna's books.
She brings all of her characters to life and you feel as if you've stepped right into the world she's created with her brilliant mind!
You will absolutely love this book! The story revolves around a half human, half demon working as a private investigator...fighting her innermost emotional demons, while trying to solve a case that's mysteriously being sabotaged.
This is an absolute must-read! You won't be disappointed!
January 7, 2017
Wow! I get through a lot of books and review a lot of books for authors and I could kick myself for not leaving a review sooner on this book/series - yes I have a lot of favourite authors within the paranormal genre including Keri Arthur, Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kresley Cole, Yasmine Galenorn, Kim Harrison etc etc and although I may give 5 stars for some of the books I review, it is because they do deserve it, but there are other books, that I would give a higher star rating to and this series is definitely one of them! if you enjoy the authors I have listed above then you really need to give this author/series a chance as I am sure you will enjoy it.
November 17, 2016
This book was the first that i read by this author. This type of book was different then what i normally read. WIth that being said I did enjoy reading this book. It had me on the edge of my seat with surprise after surprise. It was difficult to tell what was going to happen next. There was strong characters in this book especially Maxine. I would love to read more by this author. If you like suspense twists and turns this is the book for you . I do recommend this book as it was enjoyable to read
November 30, 2016
I normally don't read dark urban fantasy but this fast-paced, action-packed book hooked me immediately and kept me glued to my Kindle from beginning to end with dynamic characters, mystery, suspense, twists, turns, humor, and an interesting love triangle. I loved strong but flawed heroine Maxine Brodeur and her dynamic with the other characters, especially Prince Arthur, Detective Zachary Quinton, her business partner Ricky and assistant Emma. This is a wonderful beginning to the Doomed Cases series and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
December 18, 2016
Well, good news is that I finished this. Bad news is that it left me more frustrated than intrigued.
A girl can only handle so much angst. I mean, night after night Max drinks herself stupid. At some point we stop commiserating in her woes and just want to spin kick her in the head. Then there are the numerous questions left unanswered that should have been resolved when the case closed.
Book two? Yeah.... I tried, but no thank you.
A girl can only handle so much angst. I mean, night after night Max drinks herself stupid. At some point we stop commiserating in her woes and just want to spin kick her in the head. Then there are the numerous questions left unanswered that should have been resolved when the case closed.
Book two? Yeah.... I tried, but no thank you.
June 20, 2016
I have read books by this author and enjoyed them. However, this book did not drag me into it. I found it too easy to put it down and do daily chores.
The author does have a great imagination and knows how to tell a story. Just because I did not enjoy this particular book dies not mean that you won't.
I will continue to give this author a chance and you should too.
The author does have a great imagination and knows how to tell a story. Just because I did not enjoy this particular book dies not mean that you won't.
I will continue to give this author a chance and you should too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews