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Harbinger P.I. #4
Dead Ground
When my old friend Jim Walker asks me to fly up to Canada and take a look at a strange murder case, it sounds like a good excuse for barbecue and brewskis.
But the party gets crashed by a pit-load of demons and things take a turn for the worse. Throw a faerie queen and a couple of ancient vampires into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Time to sharpen the stakes and start slaying the undead.
Because if you gaze long into a vampire’s eyes, the vampire gazes also into you.
Then it glamors you. And kills you.
But the party gets crashed by a pit-load of demons and things take a turn for the worse. Throw a faerie queen and a couple of ancient vampires into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Time to sharpen the stakes and start slaying the undead.
Because if you gaze long into a vampire’s eyes, the vampire gazes also into you.
Then it glamors you. And kills you.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2016
240 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 2, 2018
Dead Ground
Harbinger P.I., Book 4
By: Adam J. Wright
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
This continues this great supernatural series! I have loved everyone! Each one is full of witty dialogue, great plots, wonderful characters, twists, turns, action, suspense, and they are all fun to listen to or read. This one is no different. This book adds the fae to the mix. Just can't have a day off. Oh, and the witches help with travel arrangements.
The narrator continues the wonderful performance! Thanks!
Harbinger P.I., Book 4
By: Adam J. Wright
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
This continues this great supernatural series! I have loved everyone! Each one is full of witty dialogue, great plots, wonderful characters, twists, turns, action, suspense, and they are all fun to listen to or read. This one is no different. This book adds the fae to the mix. Just can't have a day off. Oh, and the witches help with travel arrangements.
The narrator continues the wonderful performance! Thanks!
October 28, 2016
It took me a few days to finish this one, but I still thought it was another good addition to the series. My inability to read it in one sitting have something to do with my mood of reading more romance-y read. Because the pace itself was pretty fast, and it was quite action-y.
Felicity's on-time screen is a little less here (she's in England), so I was actually VERY happy to see more Leon helping out Alec this time. They go to Canada to help Alec's old mentor, to deal with murders and end up having to protect Lady of the Forest from vampires. It's not that I don't like Felicity, I just don't want Alec to be involved in some sort of relationship with her just yet.
I thought there was a great twist in regards to Midnight Cabal, in terms of . And that ending, with ; that should give Alec a chance to fight Midnight Cabal, right?
Felicity's on-time screen is a little less here (she's in England), so I was actually VERY happy to see more Leon helping out Alec this time. They go to Canada to help Alec's old mentor, to deal with murders and end up having to protect Lady of the Forest from vampires. It's not that I don't like Felicity, I just don't want Alec to be involved in some sort of relationship with her just yet.
I thought there was a great twist in regards to Midnight Cabal, in terms of . And that ending, with ; that should give Alec a chance to fight Midnight Cabal, right?
October 5, 2020
Fast paced and enjoyable! There wasn't more about the Midnight Cabal which I was looking forward to. The ending though left me in shock. Always thought there was something fishy about how Alec's mother died. On to the next one.
March 21, 2019
By: Adam Wright
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Dead Ground is the 4th installment to the Harbinger P I. series. It's been a few weeks since events of the last book and Alex is a bit bored with his lack of work. Felicity takes a background role in this story and Leon (the black batman) steps up to fill the side kick role.
This book steers the series in a more serious direction than the previous three. It lacks the small bits of humor that were sprinkled into the other stories. Where the past books had a bit of a Sci-Fi feel, the book comes across as more Supernatural for me.
One issue I have with Alex is his openingness with private information. Why is he telling everybody his secrets and what his dad did to him??? He immediately told Felicity and Maggie. Then he told the towns old P.I. whom he had known less than a day and the previous week was a murder suspect. He tells his dad's secretary and in this book he tells his old mentor the moment it comes to mind. As he doesn't know exactly why or what they do, it would seem smarter to keep the markings on his bones and his suspicions close to the heart. It doesn't seem that being a chatter box is part of his personality but for reason that's exactly what he is doing.
This book also gives us our first serious death. It was covered in a small amount of lines, but as this was one of my favorite characters, I was still hurt badly. It seems a death of that nature should be given more "screen" time than it did.
The story delves into more mythology than the previous as it takes us on a journey with characters from Camelot and Ancient Eygpt. These parts of the story fit well. The parts that seem contorted just so they fit are around The Society storylines. In a story of magic and mystical creatures, their storyline seems the unreal parts that are forged to fill gaps.
The narrator does well.
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟- Good Book. I like the overall concept and it was delivered well. Most common ranking for a book I enjoyed and look forward to the next.
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Dead Ground is the 4th installment to the Harbinger P I. series. It's been a few weeks since events of the last book and Alex is a bit bored with his lack of work. Felicity takes a background role in this story and Leon (the black batman) steps up to fill the side kick role.
This book steers the series in a more serious direction than the previous three. It lacks the small bits of humor that were sprinkled into the other stories. Where the past books had a bit of a Sci-Fi feel, the book comes across as more Supernatural for me.
One issue I have with Alex is his openingness with private information. Why is he telling everybody his secrets and what his dad did to him??? He immediately told Felicity and Maggie. Then he told the towns old P.I. whom he had known less than a day and the previous week was a murder suspect. He tells his dad's secretary and in this book he tells his old mentor the moment it comes to mind. As he doesn't know exactly why or what they do, it would seem smarter to keep the markings on his bones and his suspicions close to the heart. It doesn't seem that being a chatter box is part of his personality but for reason that's exactly what he is doing.
This book also gives us our first serious death. It was covered in a small amount of lines, but as this was one of my favorite characters, I was still hurt badly. It seems a death of that nature should be given more "screen" time than it did.
The story delves into more mythology than the previous as it takes us on a journey with characters from Camelot and Ancient Eygpt. These parts of the story fit well. The parts that seem contorted just so they fit are around The Society storylines. In a story of magic and mystical creatures, their storyline seems the unreal parts that are forged to fill gaps.
The narrator does well.
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟- Good Book. I like the overall concept and it was delivered well. Most common ranking for a book I enjoyed and look forward to the next.
October 27, 2018
Another instalment in the Harbinger P.I. series sees great twists at the end which redeemed this book in my eyes despite some issues I had in developing the plot and secondary characters. We get a heavy dose of paranormal happenings – witches, fairies, vampires, magical swords and spells.
There’s still more of the machismo that urks mein the narrative, but I am beginning to enjoy this series like b-grade 80’s horror films... there is something camp about it, and find it entertaining despite its faults. There is something addictive and compelling about the Harbinger series.
I wish there was more character development to help me care more about the characters. I’m starting to fall into a speed reading mentality just to find out what is going on because I’m not forming any attachments. This distinct lack of development of characters pulled in to aid protagonist Alex Harbinger in his quest, or in their relationships – they simply came to his aid without question whenever he asked. Even if it meant they could lose their lives. To this end it felt like they were merely a plot device, like Adam Wright couldn’t be bothered taking to time to grow a back story and help the reader develop an emotional attachment to the characters. Overall this was the biggest issue I had with the story.
To this end, while full of action and fast paced, I felt a little despondent at times. It was feeling a little repetitive. Again not enough is resolved and only little seeds of clues are mentioned for an overarching plot for the series. Much of what stood out to me about the prequels.
The books feel like they’ve been rushed to publish and not given the benefit of a good editor. Nonetheless, I’m becoming a fan and will continue to support the author. I am noticing improvements in his writing with each book in the series. It is starting to become a guilty pleasure with me. I have issues with the writing, but the concept, and potential of Adam Wright keeps me intrigued and coming back for more.
Really interested to see what his next release ‘Midnight Blood’ brings. I know Adam Wright has stated that its publication date has been pushed back because he’s moving house before the final edits, so maybe a fresh set of eyes and experience so far will push this sequel even further.
As much as I enjoy this series, I would only recommend it sparingly, but they are quick, adventurous, fun reads.
There’s still more of the machismo that urks mein the narrative, but I am beginning to enjoy this series like b-grade 80’s horror films... there is something camp about it, and find it entertaining despite its faults. There is something addictive and compelling about the Harbinger series.
I wish there was more character development to help me care more about the characters. I’m starting to fall into a speed reading mentality just to find out what is going on because I’m not forming any attachments. This distinct lack of development of characters pulled in to aid protagonist Alex Harbinger in his quest, or in their relationships – they simply came to his aid without question whenever he asked. Even if it meant they could lose their lives. To this end it felt like they were merely a plot device, like Adam Wright couldn’t be bothered taking to time to grow a back story and help the reader develop an emotional attachment to the characters. Overall this was the biggest issue I had with the story.
To this end, while full of action and fast paced, I felt a little despondent at times. It was feeling a little repetitive. Again not enough is resolved and only little seeds of clues are mentioned for an overarching plot for the series. Much of what stood out to me about the prequels.
The books feel like they’ve been rushed to publish and not given the benefit of a good editor. Nonetheless, I’m becoming a fan and will continue to support the author. I am noticing improvements in his writing with each book in the series. It is starting to become a guilty pleasure with me. I have issues with the writing, but the concept, and potential of Adam Wright keeps me intrigued and coming back for more.
Really interested to see what his next release ‘Midnight Blood’ brings. I know Adam Wright has stated that its publication date has been pushed back because he’s moving house before the final edits, so maybe a fresh set of eyes and experience so far will push this sequel even further.
As much as I enjoy this series, I would only recommend it sparingly, but they are quick, adventurous, fun reads.
January 18, 2021
Tissues required
If you’re that way inclined. Fast pace as the story progressed kept me on the edge of my seat. Food, sleep and family times were the only ways I had put the book down. On to the next I go.
If you’re that way inclined. Fast pace as the story progressed kept me on the edge of my seat. Food, sleep and family times were the only ways I had put the book down. On to the next I go.
March 11, 2017
Dead Ground felt a bit all over the place compared to the first three books. The addition of Felicity's POV added to the discombobulated feel. Still, the story was good and the overarching theme has been solidified. I look forward to the next book.
January 16, 2017
This series gets more and more intriguing. The series unfolds with plenty of secrets and surprises. Can't wait for Book 5.
May 26, 2020
I first got hooked on this series because it was available to read free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. This was the method I used reading this book.
One of the more notable things about this particular book was the fact that there was a significant decrease in screen time for Felicity. I do find Felicity to be an interesting character, bringing a good amount of humor and lightheartedness to the story. However, I do hope the author tones down the heavy romance brewing between her and Alec, as the poor lass just got out of practically getting married only to semi-rushing lips first into the arms of another man. Her boss, no less!
Nevertheless, I quite liked the fact that while she didn't get as much action in the field as she typically does in the Harbinger P.I. series, there are chapters of her that flesh out other story arcs. Perhaps, given what developed and caused her to not be working at Alec's side, we will see more of this method of writing in future books. It might help by providing an excuse for the author to fizzle out the romance for a while.
I was thrilled to see more of Leon and get to finally meet Jim. We've seen Leon and his butler, Michael, in previous books helping to fend off from baddies, especially towards the tail end of the books. However, this one opens up with Leon and Alec working together in the middle of a case.
The book did feel way more serious than previous books, lacking comedic relief and witty, humorous comebacks in grim situations. That said, it wasn't necessarily a put off -- although I'm a sucker for comedic situations -- as it gave the book are more mature feel. Kind of like the Supernatural TV show minus all the sarcastic and funny remarks that the Winchesters throw at one another.
I'm growing increasingly concerned with how loose lipped Alec tends to be with information he's gathered (both about himself and cases he's working). He seems to just blab about everything that happens without any regard to who he's blabbing to. Granted, if it were *just* to his trusted friends, such as Leon or Felicity, that would be a different story. However, he seems woefully content to rope everyone into the fold of whatever he learns. Sooner or later that's going to backfire, major. From a reader's standpoint, it's also major eye-roll every time he opens his mouth about uncovered gems to folks not in the trusted circle.
The very end of the book had an EXTREMELY interesting twist with the Midnight Cabal arc that I wouldn't have theorized in a million years. That said, I really can't wait to see how that unfolds and affects Alec and his band of merry men/women.
Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
One of the more notable things about this particular book was the fact that there was a significant decrease in screen time for Felicity. I do find Felicity to be an interesting character, bringing a good amount of humor and lightheartedness to the story. However, I do hope the author tones down the heavy romance brewing between her and Alec, as the poor lass just got out of practically getting married only to semi-rushing lips first into the arms of another man. Her boss, no less!
Nevertheless, I quite liked the fact that while she didn't get as much action in the field as she typically does in the Harbinger P.I. series, there are chapters of her that flesh out other story arcs. Perhaps, given what developed and caused her to not be working at Alec's side, we will see more of this method of writing in future books. It might help by providing an excuse for the author to fizzle out the romance for a while.
I was thrilled to see more of Leon and get to finally meet Jim. We've seen Leon and his butler, Michael, in previous books helping to fend off from baddies, especially towards the tail end of the books. However, this one opens up with Leon and Alec working together in the middle of a case.
The book did feel way more serious than previous books, lacking comedic relief and witty, humorous comebacks in grim situations. That said, it wasn't necessarily a put off -- although I'm a sucker for comedic situations -- as it gave the book are more mature feel. Kind of like the Supernatural TV show minus all the sarcastic and funny remarks that the Winchesters throw at one another.
I'm growing increasingly concerned with how loose lipped Alec tends to be with information he's gathered (both about himself and cases he's working). He seems to just blab about everything that happens without any regard to who he's blabbing to. Granted, if it were *just* to his trusted friends, such as Leon or Felicity, that would be a different story. However, he seems woefully content to rope everyone into the fold of whatever he learns. Sooner or later that's going to backfire, major. From a reader's standpoint, it's also major eye-roll every time he opens his mouth about uncovered gems to folks not in the trusted circle.
The very end of the book had an EXTREMELY interesting twist with the Midnight Cabal arc that I wouldn't have theorized in a million years. That said, I really can't wait to see how that unfolds and affects Alec and his band of merry men/women.
Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
October 21, 2016
Dead Ground, a Harbinger P.I. novel (Book 4)
by Adam J. Wright
SOME SPOILERS
Again, a very short book, very quick read. I like the characters in this series, and that single "like," in all probability, will keep me reading any future installments.
In this episode, Felicity has gone home to England to help care for her ailing father. Mallory is off, who knows where, evidently still searching for Mr. Scary. But Alec and Leon, plus Leon's butler, Michael, and the Blackwell Sisters are back and joined by Alec's friend and early mentor, Jim, and two Canadian policemen, Frasier and Girard. The initial story is that Jim, who lives in Canada, has been called in to consult with the local police on their investigation of four murders, all which bear the suggestion of preternatural involvement. Leon is feeling extremely bored, and Alec agrees to take him along on this case. Once they arrive in Canada and locate Jim, they also meet the two local police officers who are investigating these cases, Frasier, who is open to the idea of supernatural, and Girard, who is adamantly not open to the same.
While solving what entity is behind the killings, they also need to discover why the creature, one of many referred to as a 'nightwing,' which is usually very reluctant to draw attention to itself, has suddenly become so aggressive. The answer to that seems to lie in the fact that demons are using a portal to travel to our world, and that portal is located in the original territory hunted by the nightwing. By eating the demons, the nightwing absorbs their aggressive, destructive urges, which caused it to wander closer to human populations when hunting and thereby catch the attention of law enforcement. But why are so many demons coming into this world? When Jim, Alec and Leon find the portal, The Lady of the Forest, a Faerie to whom Alec owes a debt, appears and asks that Alec repay the debt by protecting her for 3 days and taking her to her torc -- or magical tiara -- from its hiding place. Alec agrees, wishing to clear his debt to her, and, of course, Jim and Leon refuse to be left out of the action. Only after they agree to do this do they discover that her need for protection stems from a war in Faerie, where three ancient vampires are working with the Midnight Cabal.
From here our heros are pursued constantly by demons, travel to Faerie to escape them, and are captured by one of the vampires and his demon forces. Alec is thrown into Shadowland -- a dark realm of nightmares, and Leon accidently ends up there too. They are attacked by some Shadowland denizens, escape, and figure out that they can find a portal to return to our world by thinking of a nightmare site from our world which would have a counterpart in Shadowland, and using that as a portal to return. This works, and they then turn to the Blackwell sisters for a way to travel to England in an attempt to retrieve the torc before the vampires manage to torture the hiding place out of The Lady of the Forest. While all this is happening, Felicity has found a possible lead in her father's current research to helping Mallory end her Heart Curse. She is also contacted by the acting head of the Society of Shadows, who is searching for Alec's father, who has mysteriously disappeared.
Can they save their friends and The Lady of the Forest?
The novel is fast-paced and full of action. The plot is interesting, as are all the side-plots Pacing is hurried, but okay. Decent editing (I have some issues...) and good proofreading, although I did find two mistakes: (2100 on my Kindle) "Perhaps he has not put Alec may be able to throw some light on what..." That probably should have read "Perhaps he has not but..." and at 2683, "...You just tell me when you want them taking down and I'll do it..." should probably read "...You just tell me when you want them taken down..." So, not bad on the proofing.
But here's what I didn't like, and I didn't like these things so much that I rated this novel 3 rather than 4 stars.
First, I was disappointed in Shadowland. It was touted as the place of all human nightmares. The place where the monsters we fear come from, and a place where all the horror that happens in our world has a twin site. There was only one encounter with the natives of Shadowland, and it wasn't that horrifying and the escape was just too easy (although I admit that I liked seeing a wizard who could actually get himself and his companion out of a situation without help!). I did like the idea of the twin sites, one in our world and one in Shadowland, and the use of that idea to get Alec and Leon back into our world. This might have been a nice spot to spend a bit more time and have the characters challenged a bit more.
Second I was disappointed that Vivian, The Lady of the Lake from the Arthurian legends, and the sister of The Lady of the Forest in this lore, didn't have a larger role in the section where Alec, Leon and Felicity go to retrieve the torc. There was sufficient action there, what with the giant, Tregeagle, who guards the Lake, and the arrival of one of the vampires and his demon followers, but the involvement of Vivian is pretty trite -- as in the Arthur legend, her hand and arm jut up from the surface of the lake, holding the torc and Alec jumps in a row boat to retrieve it. Please. Again, the description of the battle was too short (but again I was pleased to see that Alec was strong enough to help himself here, rather than needing to be saved. Yay for strong wizards.) and given the disproportionate numbers (even with Tregeagle fighting on Alec's side once the demons arrived), they, once again, escaped too easily.
Third, when Alec, Felicity, Leon, Michael, and Victoria Blackwell arrive at the home of the ancient vampires in Greece, there is really very little action, and what there is seems just too easy for our heros to get out of. Sigh. I was very disappointed.
And lastly, yes, Alec did fulfill his debt to The Lady of the Forest, by returning and "rescuing" her -- however, he was supposed to return her to her realm. He did not do that. I put "rescuing" in quotes, because I'm not sure it's a rescue when the rescued dies. The author did put in that he believed her portion of Faerie would whither and die when she did, so that's why he returned her and her torc to The Lady of the Lake. But, I was unimpressed. It just doesn't cue up with Alec's worldview to rid himself of a debt to The Lady by her death.
Anyway, I enjoyed the novel, obviously, as I was able to complete it in two sittings. However, I felt this was the author's opportunity to produce an Epic, and instead, it was a letdown. I'm hoping not only for more books in the series, but for books with more depth and more meat on the bones.
by Adam J. Wright
SOME SPOILERS
Again, a very short book, very quick read. I like the characters in this series, and that single "like," in all probability, will keep me reading any future installments.
In this episode, Felicity has gone home to England to help care for her ailing father. Mallory is off, who knows where, evidently still searching for Mr. Scary. But Alec and Leon, plus Leon's butler, Michael, and the Blackwell Sisters are back and joined by Alec's friend and early mentor, Jim, and two Canadian policemen, Frasier and Girard. The initial story is that Jim, who lives in Canada, has been called in to consult with the local police on their investigation of four murders, all which bear the suggestion of preternatural involvement. Leon is feeling extremely bored, and Alec agrees to take him along on this case. Once they arrive in Canada and locate Jim, they also meet the two local police officers who are investigating these cases, Frasier, who is open to the idea of supernatural, and Girard, who is adamantly not open to the same.
While solving what entity is behind the killings, they also need to discover why the creature, one of many referred to as a 'nightwing,' which is usually very reluctant to draw attention to itself, has suddenly become so aggressive. The answer to that seems to lie in the fact that demons are using a portal to travel to our world, and that portal is located in the original territory hunted by the nightwing. By eating the demons, the nightwing absorbs their aggressive, destructive urges, which caused it to wander closer to human populations when hunting and thereby catch the attention of law enforcement. But why are so many demons coming into this world? When Jim, Alec and Leon find the portal, The Lady of the Forest, a Faerie to whom Alec owes a debt, appears and asks that Alec repay the debt by protecting her for 3 days and taking her to her torc -- or magical tiara -- from its hiding place. Alec agrees, wishing to clear his debt to her, and, of course, Jim and Leon refuse to be left out of the action. Only after they agree to do this do they discover that her need for protection stems from a war in Faerie, where three ancient vampires are working with the Midnight Cabal.
From here our heros are pursued constantly by demons, travel to Faerie to escape them, and are captured by one of the vampires and his demon forces. Alec is thrown into Shadowland -- a dark realm of nightmares, and Leon accidently ends up there too. They are attacked by some Shadowland denizens, escape, and figure out that they can find a portal to return to our world by thinking of a nightmare site from our world which would have a counterpart in Shadowland, and using that as a portal to return. This works, and they then turn to the Blackwell sisters for a way to travel to England in an attempt to retrieve the torc before the vampires manage to torture the hiding place out of The Lady of the Forest. While all this is happening, Felicity has found a possible lead in her father's current research to helping Mallory end her Heart Curse. She is also contacted by the acting head of the Society of Shadows, who is searching for Alec's father, who has mysteriously disappeared.
Can they save their friends and The Lady of the Forest?
The novel is fast-paced and full of action. The plot is interesting, as are all the side-plots Pacing is hurried, but okay. Decent editing (I have some issues...) and good proofreading, although I did find two mistakes: (2100 on my Kindle) "Perhaps he has not put Alec may be able to throw some light on what..." That probably should have read "Perhaps he has not but..." and at 2683, "...You just tell me when you want them taking down and I'll do it..." should probably read "...You just tell me when you want them taken down..." So, not bad on the proofing.
But here's what I didn't like, and I didn't like these things so much that I rated this novel 3 rather than 4 stars.
First, I was disappointed in Shadowland. It was touted as the place of all human nightmares. The place where the monsters we fear come from, and a place where all the horror that happens in our world has a twin site. There was only one encounter with the natives of Shadowland, and it wasn't that horrifying and the escape was just too easy (although I admit that I liked seeing a wizard who could actually get himself and his companion out of a situation without help!). I did like the idea of the twin sites, one in our world and one in Shadowland, and the use of that idea to get Alec and Leon back into our world. This might have been a nice spot to spend a bit more time and have the characters challenged a bit more.
Second I was disappointed that Vivian, The Lady of the Lake from the Arthurian legends, and the sister of The Lady of the Forest in this lore, didn't have a larger role in the section where Alec, Leon and Felicity go to retrieve the torc. There was sufficient action there, what with the giant, Tregeagle, who guards the Lake, and the arrival of one of the vampires and his demon followers, but the involvement of Vivian is pretty trite -- as in the Arthur legend, her hand and arm jut up from the surface of the lake, holding the torc and Alec jumps in a row boat to retrieve it. Please. Again, the description of the battle was too short (but again I was pleased to see that Alec was strong enough to help himself here, rather than needing to be saved. Yay for strong wizards.) and given the disproportionate numbers (even with Tregeagle fighting on Alec's side once the demons arrived), they, once again, escaped too easily.
Third, when Alec, Felicity, Leon, Michael, and Victoria Blackwell arrive at the home of the ancient vampires in Greece, there is really very little action, and what there is seems just too easy for our heros to get out of. Sigh. I was very disappointed.
And lastly, yes, Alec did fulfill his debt to The Lady of the Forest, by returning and "rescuing" her -- however, he was supposed to return her to her realm. He did not do that. I put "rescuing" in quotes, because I'm not sure it's a rescue when the rescued dies. The author did put in that he believed her portion of Faerie would whither and die when she did, so that's why he returned her and her torc to The Lady of the Lake. But, I was unimpressed. It just doesn't cue up with Alec's worldview to rid himself of a debt to The Lady by her death.
Anyway, I enjoyed the novel, obviously, as I was able to complete it in two sittings. However, I felt this was the author's opportunity to produce an Epic, and instead, it was a letdown. I'm hoping not only for more books in the series, but for books with more depth and more meat on the bones.
August 27, 2019
I'm going to cheat here and review all 7 books of the series up to this date as one. I read all 7 books in a wonderful and enjoyable binge read of about 5 days and what a fabulous time I had. This cheeky little urban fantasy series crept up on me out of the blue and grabbed my attention. It has all the things that I love most about this genre. A strong but not perfect hero, who has a newly discovered mysterious past and possible developing powers and history. A team of people around him who form a scooby gang :-), wonderful characters who start to feel like friends, with real life drama and situations. There is a hidden world of magic with secret societies, shady motives, and an increasing feeling of not knowing who the good or bad guys are. The books interweave constantly and whilst each book has a start and a finish, there is an interweaving and increasingly complex over reaching plot that had me hooked and reaching for the next. The wait for the next book is agony! Definitely now a fan of this author.
September 22, 2025
“Dead Ground”, fourth in the 'Harbinger P.I.' series, sees Alec helping his old mentor, Leon, in deepest Canada.
Felicity, his go to sidekick, is AWOL in Britain looking after her father, so Leon (and his butler Michael) step in to replace her.
It's more linear than the previous books and the author has cut back on the humour (not a bad thing!)
It is essentially a lead up to two things, a revelation and a gift, both of which are sure to feature largely in the series for a while.
3 Stars.
Felicity, his go to sidekick, is AWOL in Britain looking after her father, so Leon (and his butler Michael) step in to replace her.
It's more linear than the previous books and the author has cut back on the humour (not a bad thing!)
It is essentially a lead up to two things, a revelation and a gift, both of which are sure to feature largely in the series for a while.
3 Stars.
January 28, 2017
Rushed with to many maguffins
I like this series. I do, but the more I read it the harder it is for me to ignore the sheer amount of maguffins. Impossible circumstance where the protagonist is gonna die? Let's unleash a mysterious power that he doesn't understand or control to get out of trouble. Every. Freaking. Time. The investigations part of the character is almost completely ignored, and when it is utilized the breadcrumbs magically appear in his lap.
I like this series. I do, but the more I read it the harder it is for me to ignore the sheer amount of maguffins. Impossible circumstance where the protagonist is gonna die? Let's unleash a mysterious power that he doesn't understand or control to get out of trouble. Every. Freaking. Time. The investigations part of the character is almost completely ignored, and when it is utilized the breadcrumbs magically appear in his lap.
June 18, 2017
I liked that this one was a bit longer then the first three. That way the story didn't feel rushed at the end. Other then a few spelling errors, I wish there was more action during the action parts. They seem a bit short. But still good. Great series. Will definitely keep reading them. Can't wait for the next book to come out
April 27, 2019
This books starts in one direction and then takes you in another direction completely. Canada, England, Greece, the fae world are just the beginning. Plus, the witches get to try out a new form of travel on our hapless adventurers. The surprises keep on coming as does the action. I had a tear in my eye at the end but don't miss it because there is a whopper coming.
February 22, 2020
So this one didn’t quite capture me as the first three. I can’t put my finger on exactly what the issue was. Maybe that this book focused totally on the overarching plot. Not sure. But it’s to be expected that there’s one book in the series not quite as good. Still a good chapter in the series. Now onto book 5!
November 26, 2016
Dead ground
Just like the previous books in the series, this one is a page turner like the others. There I'd always something going on to keep your attention and keep you wanting more!!
Just like the previous books in the series, this one is a page turner like the others. There I'd always something going on to keep your attention and keep you wanting more!!
October 19, 2017
Where’s the next one?
My reviews went from a 5 to a 3 and back up to 5. I hope the next one is due soon. I think the character, or our knowledge and familiarity of him, has deepened. The other characters have come into themselves.
My reviews went from a 5 to a 3 and back up to 5. I hope the next one is due soon. I think the character, or our knowledge and familiarity of him, has deepened. The other characters have come into themselves.
December 8, 2017
Very good supernatural story
It was never boring. Very enjoyable. Anyone who enjoys reading about the paranormal. Would certainly enjoy these stories. I like stories an Detective hunting supernatural beings.
It was never boring. Very enjoyable. Anyone who enjoys reading about the paranormal. Would certainly enjoy these stories. I like stories an Detective hunting supernatural beings.
October 21, 2018
That is one of the books I will always read the first time it comes out. Why? Because the main character doesn't complicate stuff and the writing stile is not to dramatically to be annoying.
Story plot on its own is full, the case pulling and we get a good ending.
Story plot on its own is full, the case pulling and we get a good ending.
February 14, 2019
My heart goes out to Harbinger. He fought a good hard fight and these mystic powers are awesome at least to some degree. Although I read the books out of order they still made sense. Now I have to wait for the next installment. While grieving for him and how he feels.
February 21, 2019
Loved this book
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Alec and his friends kept me turning the pages and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I am ready to start the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Alec and his friends kept me turning the pages and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I am ready to start the next book in the series.
September 6, 2021
Be a great movie!
The saga continues as Alex & friends search for the faerie queen who has been captured and tortured by vampires. These novels are reading like a movie. Can't wait to read the next book.
The saga continues as Alex & friends search for the faerie queen who has been captured and tortured by vampires. These novels are reading like a movie. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 28, 2022
faerie awesome...
alec is growing up some and finding his truths, all the while chasing shadows. as his friends move in and through his life alec has to face new challenges and revelations.
alec is growing up some and finding his truths, all the while chasing shadows. as his friends move in and through his life alec has to face new challenges and revelations.
November 11, 2016
Really enjoyed this story. As our main character is realizing he has a new family/group of people he can count on. Can't wait for more.
March 7, 2017
4.5 (4.0) stars
Lots of interesting plot developments. Can't wait for book 5!
Lots of interesting plot developments. Can't wait for book 5!
May 30, 2017
Excellent! Kept me glued to the story throughout and it feels like each book is better than the last. Can't wait to read more.
May 31, 2017
Very enjoyable read
I love this series and cannot wait for the next installment. If you are a fan of supernatural or mystery read these books
I love this series and cannot wait for the next installment. If you are a fan of supernatural or mystery read these books
July 10, 2017
Ripping good yarn! When numbers next?
Best in years. Near breathless for the next. Hope Harbinger goes on many many more and he soon finds himself and Felicity.
Best in years. Near breathless for the next. Hope Harbinger goes on many many more and he soon finds himself and Felicity.
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