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The Oddities #1
Murder Once Seen
In the city of Nis, things often aren't what they seem.
Derwin is a bounty hunter gifted with the Oddity of superhuman strength and agility--perfect for hunting down fugitives and demons who roam the streets. One killed his boyfriend two years ago, and Derwin won't stop until he finds out who. Police suspect it was someone he sent to prison, but he can't shake the idea that they're missing something.
Elliot is a rentboy who's been living on the streets since his parents disowned him. He mistrusts everyone and, given his uncontrolled ability to Read Objects and a client list that includes a major gang boss, despairs of ever having a normal life.
Derwin and Elliot meet in a storm of lust. Derwin's Oddity is fed by the pain of others, but he only wants what's freely given. Elliot loves pain, but needs safety and a way off the streets before he can allow it. They may be able to solve each other's problems . . . if they can survive long enough to work together.
Derwin is a bounty hunter gifted with the Oddity of superhuman strength and agility--perfect for hunting down fugitives and demons who roam the streets. One killed his boyfriend two years ago, and Derwin won't stop until he finds out who. Police suspect it was someone he sent to prison, but he can't shake the idea that they're missing something.
Elliot is a rentboy who's been living on the streets since his parents disowned him. He mistrusts everyone and, given his uncontrolled ability to Read Objects and a client list that includes a major gang boss, despairs of ever having a normal life.
Derwin and Elliot meet in a storm of lust. Derwin's Oddity is fed by the pain of others, but he only wants what's freely given. Elliot loves pain, but needs safety and a way off the streets before he can allow it. They may be able to solve each other's problems . . . if they can survive long enough to work together.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2016
4 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Hall
12 books51 followersJ.T. Hall is a Riptide author of the Oddities series (Murder Once Seen, Fraud Twice Felt, etc.) and has been a writer for over twenty years. Her LGBT titles include gay and lesbian romance, paranormal suspense, and femdom. Outside of writing fiction, J.T. works as a technical writer in healthcare and has volunteered with the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for LGBT causes and fundraising. J.T. is also a member of the local leather scene.
Check out J.T.'s latest projects, reviews of LGBT titles, and musings at her blog here: http://jthallwriting.wordpress.com
Sign up for her newsletter with previews, special announcements and more: http://eepurl.com/4TQCn
Check out J.T.'s latest projects, reviews of LGBT titles, and musings at her blog here: http://jthallwriting.wordpress.com
Sign up for her newsletter with previews, special announcements and more: http://eepurl.com/4TQCn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 17, 2016
Sometimes you just gotta' take a chance...
That's what I did with this one. 'Murder Once Seen' is a new to me author writing in what is a new to her genre...paranormal/gay/mystery/suspense, I have to admit for me it felt more like a M/m Urban Fantasy with a definite dystopian flavor and a dash of mystery/suspense thrown in, but however you want to categorize it I liked it a lot...a whole lot!
Elliot's a rent boy in the city of Nis, he's been on the streets since the age of 14 when his parents tossed him out not for his oddity but because he's gay. Life's not easy living on the streets and having the uncontrolled ability to read objects along with being gay and the fact that he likes...no loves pain and the chances of getting off the streets and having a safe, normal life seems like a bit of a pipe dream for Elliot. He never intended for this to be his life but then there's a lot he never intended to happen, but sometimes life just is what it is.
Derwin's got his own oddity one that he tries hard to keep off of the radar of the powers that be. He feeds off of other people's pain but the pain he craves is the pain that's freely given between a Dom and his sub. His oddity also gives him superhuman strength and agility...helpful skills if you're a bounty hunter. He's been alone for a while now because it's been 2 years since his boyfriend was murdered. A murder that still remains unsolved and that eats away at Derwin with the need to know what happened.
What started out as a job for Elliot and a way to feed and get a little sexual relief for Derwin quickly turns into a case of really strong mutual attraction when both men realize that their personal kinks are very mutually agreeable, but it's more than that as they each feel the stirrings of an underlying attraction that draws them towards one another. I wouldn't call this a case of insta-love necessarily, it's close but for me it didn't quite have that feel and it was tempered by the fact that while both men were aware of their mutual attraction, they were also resistant to how fast and strong their attraction was developing.
I liked that their relationship was a far cry from boy-meets-boy, fall into bed and they all lived happily ever after. It so did not happen this way. There were obstacles...lots of them on both sides.
My only issue with this story and honestly for me it was a small one and didn't really detract from my overall enjoyment of the story was at the very beginning we're given Derwin's background regarding his boyfriends death through a flashback and basically we get Elliot's background the same way and some of the general information about the overall setting is filtered in between the main character's flashbacks. So my issue and I have to say this may very well be a me thing but for some reason I found the flashbacks a little confusing and more so Elliot's than Derwin's. Ultimately for me it's was a minor glitch.
I loved the mystery/suspense part of this story and the way it balanced with the development of Derwin and Elliot's relationship. Now, I don't really think I say this often and I know my friends will correct me if I'm wrong here, but i seriously would have been good with these guys having more up close and personal time than they did. Arguably the storyline didn't really facilitate this happening but it didn't stop me from wanting it. Derwin and Elliot were seriously hot together...very, very hot...ok, I may have read some parts twice but it was just for clarity...honest, purely in the interest of clarifying details.
I honestly can't wait for the next book in this series and I am so all over this one, but a word of warning to those who may choose to read this story...please keep in mind what Elliot does for a living...he's a rentboy, no there's not tons of him and other people sex happening honestly there's one scene and the sex is really more off page but again he's a rentboy. Also the ending is a bit cliff-hangerish and our guys have more of an HFN at this point but really excellent story and so worth going back for book 2, Fraud Twice Felt (coming soon) according to the book...sign me up, I'm all over this one.
********************
An ARC of 'Murder Once Seen' was graciously provided by the publisher through Net Galley.
That's what I did with this one. 'Murder Once Seen' is a new to me author writing in what is a new to her genre...paranormal/gay/mystery/suspense, I have to admit for me it felt more like a M/m Urban Fantasy with a definite dystopian flavor and a dash of mystery/suspense thrown in, but however you want to categorize it I liked it a lot...a whole lot!
Elliot's a rent boy in the city of Nis, he's been on the streets since the age of 14 when his parents tossed him out not for his oddity but because he's gay. Life's not easy living on the streets and having the uncontrolled ability to read objects along with being gay and the fact that he likes...no loves pain and the chances of getting off the streets and having a safe, normal life seems like a bit of a pipe dream for Elliot. He never intended for this to be his life but then there's a lot he never intended to happen, but sometimes life just is what it is.
Derwin's got his own oddity one that he tries hard to keep off of the radar of the powers that be. He feeds off of other people's pain but the pain he craves is the pain that's freely given between a Dom and his sub. His oddity also gives him superhuman strength and agility...helpful skills if you're a bounty hunter. He's been alone for a while now because it's been 2 years since his boyfriend was murdered. A murder that still remains unsolved and that eats away at Derwin with the need to know what happened.
What started out as a job for Elliot and a way to feed and get a little sexual relief for Derwin quickly turns into a case of really strong mutual attraction when both men realize that their personal kinks are very mutually agreeable, but it's more than that as they each feel the stirrings of an underlying attraction that draws them towards one another. I wouldn't call this a case of insta-love necessarily, it's close but for me it didn't quite have that feel and it was tempered by the fact that while both men were aware of their mutual attraction, they were also resistant to how fast and strong their attraction was developing.
I liked that their relationship was a far cry from boy-meets-boy, fall into bed and they all lived happily ever after. It so did not happen this way. There were obstacles...lots of them on both sides.
My only issue with this story and honestly for me it was a small one and didn't really detract from my overall enjoyment of the story was at the very beginning we're given Derwin's background regarding his boyfriends death through a flashback and basically we get Elliot's background the same way and some of the general information about the overall setting is filtered in between the main character's flashbacks. So my issue and I have to say this may very well be a me thing but for some reason I found the flashbacks a little confusing and more so Elliot's than Derwin's. Ultimately for me it's was a minor glitch.
I loved the mystery/suspense part of this story and the way it balanced with the development of Derwin and Elliot's relationship. Now, I don't really think I say this often and I know my friends will correct me if I'm wrong here, but i seriously would have been good with these guys having more up close and personal time than they did. Arguably the storyline didn't really facilitate this happening but it didn't stop me from wanting it. Derwin and Elliot were seriously hot together...very, very hot...ok, I may have read some parts twice but it was just for clarity...honest, purely in the interest of clarifying details.
I honestly can't wait for the next book in this series and I am so all over this one, but a word of warning to those who may choose to read this story...please keep in mind what Elliot does for a living...he's a rentboy, no there's not tons of him and other people sex happening honestly there's one scene and the sex is really more off page but again he's a rentboy. Also the ending is a bit cliff-hangerish and our guys have more of an HFN at this point but really excellent story and so worth going back for book 2, Fraud Twice Felt (coming soon) according to the book...sign me up, I'm all over this one.
********************
An ARC of 'Murder Once Seen' was graciously provided by the publisher through Net Galley.
May 31, 2018
I am wavering between 2 and 3 stars on this one, but am gonna leave it at 3 for now, since it was quite inventive and could have been a masterpiece if not for the following reasons:
1. Elliot's 'job' as a whore had me scratching my head and giving me whiplash at times.
Elliot wants to get out, but not really. He wants to leave the job, but first he wants to save up for a motorcycle........
I get that he was conditioned and manipulated into the 'job' (that Theresa-woman is a WHOLE other discussion!) and at times he read like a nymphomaniac, but then he'd turn around and say something like: "I really don't want to be a whore anymore."
It just... It gave me whiplash and I had a really hard time pinning Elliot down as a character. Seriously: Derwin asks him more than once if he wants another job, and how he can help, and still Elliot is dragging his feet. It read weird and sort of disconnected.
2. We have a rape! And it happens while Elliot and Derwin are emotionally connected, as well as sleeping together.
But Elliot brushes that off in the time it takes me to inhale a Gin and Tonic (Unicorn Tears and mediterranean tonic is da BOMB) and then have sex with Derwin later that same day....
And it was rape! Yes, Elliot went there of his 'own free will' (again that Theresa-woman...); he went there to help the other YOUNGER whores and thieves (we're talking 8-9 years old and up), but then things go pear shaped, the scene quickly deteriorates and yeah...
3. The timeline where everything happens over a few days and Elliot is beaten black and blue but still manages to be functional...
The not quite finished ending. It wasn't a cliffy, but this story is definitely not done and there are so many things up in the air.
And the mystery: the murder of Grady and Derwin's feelings for Grady that were definitely still present, also had me not quite believing the romance between Elliot and Derwin.
Because there are so many things still up in the air and some of the science talk (in regards to oddities) that went way over my head, I don't feel that the ending was that great to be honest, it was just... A wee bit messy and confusing.
Now for the good stuff, and there was definitely good stuff!
The world building was quite amazing, and I liked the premise of oddities and their capabilities.
I loved Derwin's parents, and I'm happy that (so far) people are still able to hide when they are an oddity.
I liked the 'fight' that both Elliot and Derwin had in them. They were definite survivors, and even though Elliot had me scratching my head at times, he read like a STRONG person with grit, which I prefer in my MCs.
All in all I actually want Derwin and Elliot to take in ALL of Theresa's children and help them out of that bitch's claws and then I want them to fight demons, instead of this plot the ending is hinting at.
I thought this could read like an amazing 'Supernatural (the TV show)' kind of story, because I am afraid that things are getting too convoluted for me...
I'm still not sure if I wanna give book 2 a go.
1. Elliot's 'job' as a whore had me scratching my head and giving me whiplash at times.
Elliot wants to get out, but not really. He wants to leave the job, but first he wants to save up for a motorcycle........
I get that he was conditioned and manipulated into the 'job' (that Theresa-woman is a WHOLE other discussion!) and at times he read like a nymphomaniac, but then he'd turn around and say something like: "I really don't want to be a whore anymore."
It just... It gave me whiplash and I had a really hard time pinning Elliot down as a character. Seriously: Derwin asks him more than once if he wants another job, and how he can help, and still Elliot is dragging his feet. It read weird and sort of disconnected.
2. We have a rape! And it happens while Elliot and Derwin are emotionally connected, as well as sleeping together.
But Elliot brushes that off in the time it takes me to inhale a Gin and Tonic (Unicorn Tears and mediterranean tonic is da BOMB) and then have sex with Derwin later that same day....
And it was rape! Yes, Elliot went there of his 'own free will' (again that Theresa-woman...); he went there to help the other YOUNGER whores and thieves (we're talking 8-9 years old and up), but then things go pear shaped, the scene quickly deteriorates and yeah...
3. The timeline where everything happens over a few days and Elliot is beaten black and blue but still manages to be functional...
The not quite finished ending. It wasn't a cliffy, but this story is definitely not done and there are so many things up in the air.
And the mystery: the murder of Grady and Derwin's feelings for Grady that were definitely still present, also had me not quite believing the romance between Elliot and Derwin.
Because there are so many things still up in the air and some of the science talk (in regards to oddities) that went way over my head, I don't feel that the ending was that great to be honest, it was just... A wee bit messy and confusing.
Now for the good stuff, and there was definitely good stuff!
The world building was quite amazing, and I liked the premise of oddities and their capabilities.
I loved Derwin's parents, and I'm happy that (so far) people are still able to hide when they are an oddity.
I liked the 'fight' that both Elliot and Derwin had in them. They were definite survivors, and even though Elliot had me scratching my head at times, he read like a STRONG person with grit, which I prefer in my MCs.
All in all I actually want Derwin and Elliot to take in ALL of Theresa's children and help them out of that bitch's claws and then I want them to fight demons, instead of this plot the ending is hinting at.
I thought this could read like an amazing 'Supernatural (the TV show)' kind of story, because I am afraid that things are getting too convoluted for me...
I'm still not sure if I wanna give book 2 a go.
February 8, 2017
Rating: 4.75 stars
My View: I'm not an urban fantasy/dystopian fan, but this story won me over; it was really hard to put down. I wanted to slow down to enjoy the story, but at the same time, I wanted to read faster to know what would happen next. The author did an excellent job making sure all the plot arcs were interesting and well-fleshed.
The world built worked with the story and all foreign concepts and fantasy terms were easy to understand throughout the book. It is a nice setup to start the series and introduces many human-liked oddities that are fresh and interesting. The way Derwin's and Elliot's oddities worked together is another example of how good this story is.
Even when the main arc of the story is the mystery, the romance, and BDSM elements are balanced. We get enough of an answer for every aspect, and what's not resolved completely is explained sufficiently until the next book in the series arrives. Hopefully, pretty soon.
Overall, Murder Once Seen has a satisfying HFN in a world different from ours, but with enough similarities to be easily navigated. It has enough smexy times, as well as, gritty moments. The main characters love isn't pretty, but it's filled with the hopes for a brighter future.
What I liked the most: The way Derwin feds from Elliot.
I wanted more/less: Probably a more defined DS relationship between Derwin and Elliot.
Who should read it: Fans of mysteries and BDSM stories.
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
My View: I'm not an urban fantasy/dystopian fan, but this story won me over; it was really hard to put down. I wanted to slow down to enjoy the story, but at the same time, I wanted to read faster to know what would happen next. The author did an excellent job making sure all the plot arcs were interesting and well-fleshed.
The world built worked with the story and all foreign concepts and fantasy terms were easy to understand throughout the book. It is a nice setup to start the series and introduces many human-liked oddities that are fresh and interesting. The way Derwin's and Elliot's oddities worked together is another example of how good this story is.
Even when the main arc of the story is the mystery, the romance, and BDSM elements are balanced. We get enough of an answer for every aspect, and what's not resolved completely is explained sufficiently until the next book in the series arrives. Hopefully, pretty soon.
Overall, Murder Once Seen has a satisfying HFN in a world different from ours, but with enough similarities to be easily navigated. It has enough smexy times, as well as, gritty moments. The main characters love isn't pretty, but it's filled with the hopes for a brighter future.
What I liked the most: The way Derwin feds from Elliot.
I wanted more/less: Probably a more defined DS relationship between Derwin and Elliot.
Who should read it: Fans of mysteries and BDSM stories.
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2016
Derwin is a bounty hunter and an incubus who feeds upon pain. Two years ago his boyfriend was killed and since then, Derwin's been desperately searching for a murderer with little to no success.
Elliot is a 19-year-old rent boy, who has the ability to see people's past by touching their personal items.
After spending a night together, Derwin convinces Elliot to help him find his boyfriend's murderer.
Murder Once Seen had a great premise, but the execution is somewhat lacking.
I have to admit that I requested it because there was a promise of BDSM, but in reality there is only one short flogging scene early on, and after that it's all about the murder investigation.
This book is part mystery, part urban fantasy, part romance, with some kink, mafia and prostitution thrown in for good measure. I think because the author tried to mix so many things, it fell short in those areas. The romance is insta-love, the mystery is easily solved well before it's revealed who the murderer is, the world building and character development are superficial.
But, despite that, I liked it well enough. This book sucked me in and held my attention the entire time.
⁓⁓⁓⁓⁓
***ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Elliot is a 19-year-old rent boy, who has the ability to see people's past by touching their personal items.
After spending a night together, Derwin convinces Elliot to help him find his boyfriend's murderer.
Murder Once Seen had a great premise, but the execution is somewhat lacking.
I have to admit that I requested it because there was a promise of BDSM, but in reality there is only one short flogging scene early on, and after that it's all about the murder investigation.
This book is part mystery, part urban fantasy, part romance, with some kink, mafia and prostitution thrown in for good measure. I think because the author tried to mix so many things, it fell short in those areas. The romance is insta-love, the mystery is easily solved well before it's revealed who the murderer is, the world building and character development are superficial.
But, despite that, I liked it well enough. This book sucked me in and held my attention the entire time.
⁓⁓⁓⁓⁓
***ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
June 28, 2019
Why doesn't this book have more ratings?
I loved it.
Yes it's dystopia, but it's well done, and not complicated.
The world was well built, and has a lot of potential for future stories.
Personally I hope the next book has the same MC's.
There is so much going on...but it's all kept relevant, and interesting.
The book never lulled for me. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the mystery. Elliot using his oddity to help Derwin find the killer or his late boyfriend.
The reasons for hiding their oddities, makes me curious on how the story will develop in the future.
This series is going onto my auto buy list.
~~~~~~~~~~
Huh, I rated it high the first time, but I didn't remember a single detail about this book.
I had a feeling, like I liked it the first time, but even while reading it, it never sounded familiar....but then again, it has been more than 5 years.
Loved it, I have a soft spot for dystopia, and I'll be getting to the second book this time.
I loved it.
Yes it's dystopia, but it's well done, and not complicated.
The world was well built, and has a lot of potential for future stories.
Personally I hope the next book has the same MC's.
There is so much going on...but it's all kept relevant, and interesting.
The book never lulled for me. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the mystery. Elliot using his oddity to help Derwin find the killer or his late boyfriend.
The reasons for hiding their oddities, makes me curious on how the story will develop in the future.
This series is going onto my auto buy list.
~~~~~~~~~~
Huh, I rated it high the first time, but I didn't remember a single detail about this book.
I had a feeling, like I liked it the first time, but even while reading it, it never sounded familiar....but then again, it has been more than 5 years.
Loved it, I have a soft spot for dystopia, and I'll be getting to the second book this time.
July 24, 2019
** 3.75 stars **
This was a curious mix of paranormal and mythological. People who hide their abilities and demons who freely roam the earth made for unusual read. I liked both Elliot and Derwin. Despite this book describing only a short period of time, both men go through a myriad of emotions ranging from immediate lust that morphs into genuine affection to feelings of doubt and insecurity due to them being from different worlds and different social standings.
I wish there was more detailed history as to how this particular world came to be, how the oddities occurred and why people were hiding some of them. I feel like the author only skimmed the surface where this questions were concerned. I was curious to know more but at the end of the book I had more questions than answers. Plus the dead partner trope dampened my excitement of the book. Too many times Derwin's dead partner intruded into his present relationship with Elliot.
I enjoyed the investigation itself and how both men conducted themselves while doing it. It was slightly amateurish since neither men were professional investigators. But their discoveries made for interesting times nonetheless. Both men's oddities was partly explained and made their intimate encounters way hotter than if without them. Overall, this was a decent read that with a bit of tweaking could be great!
This was a curious mix of paranormal and mythological. People who hide their abilities and demons who freely roam the earth made for unusual read. I liked both Elliot and Derwin. Despite this book describing only a short period of time, both men go through a myriad of emotions ranging from immediate lust that morphs into genuine affection to feelings of doubt and insecurity due to them being from different worlds and different social standings.
I wish there was more detailed history as to how this particular world came to be, how the oddities occurred and why people were hiding some of them. I feel like the author only skimmed the surface where this questions were concerned. I was curious to know more but at the end of the book I had more questions than answers. Plus the dead partner trope dampened my excitement of the book. Too many times Derwin's dead partner intruded into his present relationship with Elliot.
I enjoyed the investigation itself and how both men conducted themselves while doing it. It was slightly amateurish since neither men were professional investigators. But their discoveries made for interesting times nonetheless. Both men's oddities was partly explained and made their intimate encounters way hotter than if without them. Overall, this was a decent read that with a bit of tweaking could be great!
February 14, 2017
*** 3,5 stars ***
J.T Hall is a new author to me. The blurb for Murder Once Seen caught my interest, promising a mix of urban fantasy, dystopia, paranormal, mystery, and suspense, with a dash of (light) BDSM. The author managed to wield this melting pot of genres quite nicely, and I felt the book delivered on its promise. It did feel a bit uneven, but overall I enjoyed it.
Derwin, the bounty hunter, hooks up with Elliot, the rent boy, to get his pain fix for his Oddity (see blurb). Derwin discovers Elliot’s ability to see scenes from people’s past by touching their personal items with his palms. Derwin convinces Elliot to help him search for his boyfriend’s killer, since Elliot is able to uncover new clues with the help of his Oddity.
Derwin and Elliot made for some interesting characters. Their attraction to each other was instant and explosive. Their wariness and distrust, that seems to infuse this world, morphed into trust and something deeper. They were really sweet together. Two lost souls slowly mending each other’s different wounds.
I really enjoyed the world build and the look I got into this urban/dystopian future. While I enjoyed it, I felt it wasn’t fully explored. I hope the author will show me more of this world in the sequels, there is a lot of potential here.
The mystery and suspense were the somewhat weak parts. The bad guy was pretty obvious, so the mystery wasn’t much of a mystery, more like following big flashing signs. The way Elliot used his abilities underway was cool, even though it made him see some unpleasant things.
There was a scene in the book that took me totally off guard. It had to do with the publisher’s warning of sexual assault and dubious consent that I didn’t know about until writing this review (I’ve included the warning in the blurb above). It involved Elliot and one of his clients (he is a rentboy by profession after all in this book), who is the leader of the gang controlling the section of the city where Elliot, his Madame and her stable of prostitutes operate. Elliot had to do the session with the sadistic gang leader to keep Elliot and the others working the street safe from the gang.
The scene was graphic with violence and dub con/non con sex. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and found it very unpleasant. I’m not strictly opposed to reading a scene like that, but I really want to know beforehand, so I know to expect it. I’m giving Riptide an annoyed side eye here, since they really ought to include the warning in the blurb, and not just have it on a separate section under the book on their website. The warning is not listed on Amazon or Goodreads, so an unsuspecting reader might pick up this book getting more than they bargained for.
This explicit scene notwithstanding, I enjoyed reading Murder Once Seen since I’m a sucker for urban fantasy, dystopian, paranormal, and mystery and murder. I do feel like the author tried to include or mix together too many genres and plot points, that it fell short in some areas, like the mystery. It might have been a tighter story focusing on fewer plot points, but exploring those few more. However, the world build was intriguing with its demons and Oddites. I liked Elliot and Derwin, and they were perfect for each other. I liked that they had to work to develop their relationship, even though they initially were insta-love/lust.
The story has a HEA, or more like HFN since turn of events set the stage for a sequel. I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading the next installment wanting to see more of Derwin and Elliot in their world.
Reviewed at Love Bytes.
J.T Hall is a new author to me. The blurb for Murder Once Seen caught my interest, promising a mix of urban fantasy, dystopia, paranormal, mystery, and suspense, with a dash of (light) BDSM. The author managed to wield this melting pot of genres quite nicely, and I felt the book delivered on its promise. It did feel a bit uneven, but overall I enjoyed it.
Derwin, the bounty hunter, hooks up with Elliot, the rent boy, to get his pain fix for his Oddity (see blurb). Derwin discovers Elliot’s ability to see scenes from people’s past by touching their personal items with his palms. Derwin convinces Elliot to help him search for his boyfriend’s killer, since Elliot is able to uncover new clues with the help of his Oddity.
Derwin and Elliot made for some interesting characters. Their attraction to each other was instant and explosive. Their wariness and distrust, that seems to infuse this world, morphed into trust and something deeper. They were really sweet together. Two lost souls slowly mending each other’s different wounds.
I really enjoyed the world build and the look I got into this urban/dystopian future. While I enjoyed it, I felt it wasn’t fully explored. I hope the author will show me more of this world in the sequels, there is a lot of potential here.
The mystery and suspense were the somewhat weak parts. The bad guy was pretty obvious, so the mystery wasn’t much of a mystery, more like following big flashing signs. The way Elliot used his abilities underway was cool, even though it made him see some unpleasant things.
There was a scene in the book that took me totally off guard. It had to do with the publisher’s warning of sexual assault and dubious consent that I didn’t know about until writing this review (I’ve included the warning in the blurb above). It involved Elliot and one of his clients (he is a rentboy by profession after all in this book), who is the leader of the gang controlling the section of the city where Elliot, his Madame and her stable of prostitutes operate. Elliot had to do the session with the sadistic gang leader to keep Elliot and the others working the street safe from the gang.
The scene was graphic with violence and dub con/non con sex. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and found it very unpleasant. I’m not strictly opposed to reading a scene like that, but I really want to know beforehand, so I know to expect it. I’m giving Riptide an annoyed side eye here, since they really ought to include the warning in the blurb, and not just have it on a separate section under the book on their website. The warning is not listed on Amazon or Goodreads, so an unsuspecting reader might pick up this book getting more than they bargained for.
This explicit scene notwithstanding, I enjoyed reading Murder Once Seen since I’m a sucker for urban fantasy, dystopian, paranormal, and mystery and murder. I do feel like the author tried to include or mix together too many genres and plot points, that it fell short in some areas, like the mystery. It might have been a tighter story focusing on fewer plot points, but exploring those few more. However, the world build was intriguing with its demons and Oddites. I liked Elliot and Derwin, and they were perfect for each other. I liked that they had to work to develop their relationship, even though they initially were insta-love/lust.
The story has a HEA, or more like HFN since turn of events set the stage for a sequel. I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading the next installment wanting to see more of Derwin and Elliot in their world.
Reviewed at Love Bytes.
September 29, 2019
3.5 Stars.
There were some things I really liked in this book and then some things that I really wish had been better/different.
The book is actually a dystopian universe but there is no real background/information on the how or why other than there was a war when demons appeared and that some people have abilities that are called oddities. There are some little facts dropped like the government/military using/abusing people with oddities and people with abilities trying to hide/make sure no one knows they have them. Some talk about most of the world being destroyed and I think the cities are surrounded by walls but the demons are still able to get in? What was there as far as world building was actually fascinating I just wanted a bit more so that I could understand/picture the world a bit more.
I liked both the characters although Elliot confused me at times. There were times when it seemed like he really wanted to stop being a rentboy but for the most part didn't mind it (it just wasn't a good life for the long haul), other times when he seemed to want out more but at the same time other than saving up money for a motorcycle (what that has to do with getting out of the life I have no idea) he took no active steps to get out of the life of a rentboy. He was a strong character though and I did like him even if I didn't always understand his motivations.
I also liked Derwin although he had a few irritating quirks as well. He really had NO sympathy for Elliot when he had one of his visions which were very tough on him. He didn't care about how they effected Elliot as long as he could use them to find out who had killed his partner. I was okay about this because I understand where his character was coming from but it made the romance especially hard to believe. Derwin was obviously still hung up on his dead partner and didn't seem to be in a place to move on and never acted as if Elliot was a priority until the very end.
I admit I didn't like the scene with Elliot and the gang leader but I wasn't surprised - it was easy to see coming so even though I was prepared it just isn't something I like to read. I also thought that he bounced back awfully fast both physically and emotionally. In fact, Elliot took so much damage and seemed to be able to function quite well throughout the book.
I wish the timeline for this book had been longer because everything seems to happen over a very short period of time which made the romance even more unbelievable. And yet I was rooting for them.
There is a mystery in this book but the author doesn't really give you many clues and I wasn't all that drawn into who killed Grady. I was more drawn into the world they lived in and the fight against demons and the use of the oddities. The concept is unusual and very interesting. Another thing I really loved were a few of the secondary characters - especially Derwin's parents.
The overall plot that is hinted at in the end of the book sounds interesting and although the characters have a HFN the book is definitely open ended with a lot of unanswered questions and lose threads. Will I read another book in this series - honestly I'm just not sure.
There were some things I really liked in this book and then some things that I really wish had been better/different.
The book is actually a dystopian universe but there is no real background/information on the how or why other than there was a war when demons appeared and that some people have abilities that are called oddities. There are some little facts dropped like the government/military using/abusing people with oddities and people with abilities trying to hide/make sure no one knows they have them. Some talk about most of the world being destroyed and I think the cities are surrounded by walls but the demons are still able to get in? What was there as far as world building was actually fascinating I just wanted a bit more so that I could understand/picture the world a bit more.
I liked both the characters although Elliot confused me at times. There were times when it seemed like he really wanted to stop being a rentboy but for the most part didn't mind it (it just wasn't a good life for the long haul), other times when he seemed to want out more but at the same time other than saving up money for a motorcycle (what that has to do with getting out of the life I have no idea) he took no active steps to get out of the life of a rentboy. He was a strong character though and I did like him even if I didn't always understand his motivations.
I also liked Derwin although he had a few irritating quirks as well. He really had NO sympathy for Elliot when he had one of his visions which were very tough on him. He didn't care about how they effected Elliot as long as he could use them to find out who had killed his partner. I was okay about this because I understand where his character was coming from but it made the romance especially hard to believe. Derwin was obviously still hung up on his dead partner and didn't seem to be in a place to move on and never acted as if Elliot was a priority until the very end.
I admit I didn't like the scene with Elliot and the gang leader but I wasn't surprised - it was easy to see coming so even though I was prepared it just isn't something I like to read. I also thought that he bounced back awfully fast both physically and emotionally. In fact, Elliot took so much damage and seemed to be able to function quite well throughout the book.
I wish the timeline for this book had been longer because everything seems to happen over a very short period of time which made the romance even more unbelievable. And yet I was rooting for them.
There is a mystery in this book but the author doesn't really give you many clues and I wasn't all that drawn into who killed Grady. I was more drawn into the world they lived in and the fight against demons and the use of the oddities. The concept is unusual and very interesting. Another thing I really loved were a few of the secondary characters - especially Derwin's parents.
The overall plot that is hinted at in the end of the book sounds interesting and although the characters have a HFN the book is definitely open ended with a lot of unanswered questions and lose threads. Will I read another book in this series - honestly I'm just not sure.
August 4, 2019
I am kinda puzzled by the reviews that are upset with Riptide withholding tags and warnings. The scene in question is predictable. Every action by our MCs leads to it, it’s inevitable. One of the MC’s is a rent boy, who likes pain with his sex. There is a crime lord who knows about that kink. We know (in general) that crime lords don’t like to share. What do you think is going to happen when a mark is discovered on Elliot? Coddling, love and care? The scene with punishment (caning) is intense, but short, so is the dub/non-con. Elliot knows what to expect. Doesn’t make the whole thing right, but we all, including the MCs, know what to expect. Why surprise, then?
Actually, it took me a minute to recall that particular scene, to the point that I thought it was edited out in my edition.
But we are all different and have different triggers, so I get it. Here is the warning:
WARNING: This book contains torture, non- and/or dub-con. Graphic murder scene.
My personal impression: I loved the story, I loved how contained the sex was, not every other page or even chapter, I loved that there was so much more going on here, there was no “tunnel vision”. The relationship between the MCs is rather a D/S than BDSM. However, the huge minus for me is an obvious suspect, and lack of attention to the clues on the MCs behalf. Full star off for that :/
Moving onto book two.
Actually, it took me a minute to recall that particular scene, to the point that I thought it was edited out in my edition.
But we are all different and have different triggers, so I get it. Here is the warning:
WARNING: This book contains torture, non- and/or dub-con. Graphic murder scene.
My personal impression: I loved the story, I loved how contained the sex was, not every other page or even chapter, I loved that there was so much more going on here, there was no “tunnel vision”. The relationship between the MCs is rather a D/S than BDSM. However, the huge minus for me is an obvious suspect, and lack of attention to the clues on the MCs behalf. Full star off for that :/
Moving onto book two.
December 13, 2016
Murder Once Seen is a mystery with a paranormal element. Derwin is a Bounty Hunter with special abilities. In this story, in this time, he’s called an Oddity. Anyone who has a special ability other than just being a human is an oddity. When Derwin meets Elliot, a rentboy and also an oddity, so much happens.
My heart was all sorts of sore for Derwin. You know right off the bat he’s grieving the loss of his boyfriend Grady who was murdered. We spend the entirety of the book tracking down who killed Grady two years prior. With Elliot’s help they are able to solve it.
We also have the element of Elliot and his issues. A gang boss who sees him as his property and a madam who cares, but not enough for Elliot’s well being. So they have two fights happening through this story.
Now, this is book one of a series and there is absolutely closure to this book, but we are also left with a bit of a mystery. I have no doubt it will be one of those mysteries that will grow and grow and then blow!
I wasn’t completely shocked by who the guilty party was and though it was entertaining, getting there was a little anticlimactic.
This is an exciting story and there was good suspense happening, especially toward the end. It dragged only slightly in the middle but picked right back up. I wasn’t at all bored and it will keep you turning the page for more.
My heart was all sorts of sore for Derwin. You know right off the bat he’s grieving the loss of his boyfriend Grady who was murdered. We spend the entirety of the book tracking down who killed Grady two years prior. With Elliot’s help they are able to solve it.
We also have the element of Elliot and his issues. A gang boss who sees him as his property and a madam who cares, but not enough for Elliot’s well being. So they have two fights happening through this story.
Now, this is book one of a series and there is absolutely closure to this book, but we are also left with a bit of a mystery. I have no doubt it will be one of those mysteries that will grow and grow and then blow!
I wasn’t completely shocked by who the guilty party was and though it was entertaining, getting there was a little anticlimactic.
This is an exciting story and there was good suspense happening, especially toward the end. It dragged only slightly in the middle but picked right back up. I wasn’t at all bored and it will keep you turning the page for more.
December 9, 2016
3.5 rounded up!
Intriguing new world with great possibilities for future stories. I liked both of the main characters but felt sorry for Elliott who was left to feel that he would always come second to Derwin's first love for much of the book.
The solution to the mystery didn't come as much of a surprise and the ending is definitely more HFN than HEA given the foreshadowing for future problems. Overall, I enjoyed it and plan on reading more in the series.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Intriguing new world with great possibilities for future stories. I liked both of the main characters but felt sorry for Elliott who was left to feel that he would always come second to Derwin's first love for much of the book.
The solution to the mystery didn't come as much of a surprise and the ending is definitely more HFN than HEA given the foreshadowing for future problems. Overall, I enjoyed it and plan on reading more in the series.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 2, 2017
4.5 stars- Something a bit different
This spring I read my first book by Miss Hall and I knew then it wouldn’t be the last. When I saw the blurb for the second book in the Oddities series, my interest was piqued. Months later, I finally got around to reading the first book in the series- Murder Once Seen- and it was definitely worth the wait.
I found the characters in Murder Once Seen incredibly interesting with a good amount of depth and room to grow as individuals. I liked that while Elliot is certainly in a bad position as a rent boy struggling to earn enough to stay clothed, protected, and fed, he wasn’t dependent on Derwin. Even better, as much as there was a lot of room for Elliot to improve his personal situation, there was also plenty of opportunity for Derwin to face his own underlying problems. So often in these hurt/comfort plots, the character growth feels lopsided. I was happy both Elliot and Derwin got an equal amount of concentration in the plotline and that their individual journeys and emotions weren’t glazed over. Including both characters’ sides and experiences invested me in the characters and left me eager to see how their relationship progressed. The physical chemistry between Elliot and Derwin was also fantastic. Both parties are involved in the BDSM scene before meeting, and while that is an important aspect of their connection considering how it correlates to Derwin’s abilities, it wasn’t a main focus of the book or romance. Instead, the emotional connection drove the romance, and with it being new and tentative for a good part of the book, I can’t wait to see what the next book will have in store for these two.
While the romance aspect of the book was fantastic, the suspense and action scenes were what really caught my attention. Between the action and mystery undercurrent, I was engaged throughout the book, wondering what Elliot and Derwin would uncover next. I don’t read a ton of urban fantasy, but Miss Hall’s City of Nis and its extraordinary inhabitants were easy to get lost in. Although there wasn’t a ton of world building, especially regarding the demonic creatures the city tries to protect its inhabitants against, I never felt like the plot, suspense, or action scenes were lacking in detail. Rather, the idea of the city and beasts combined with the oddities’ powers kept things very interesting without losing me in the details. I think fans of romantic suspense looking for something a bit different will really love this book. I know I’m eager to start the next one.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
This spring I read my first book by Miss Hall and I knew then it wouldn’t be the last. When I saw the blurb for the second book in the Oddities series, my interest was piqued. Months later, I finally got around to reading the first book in the series- Murder Once Seen- and it was definitely worth the wait.
I found the characters in Murder Once Seen incredibly interesting with a good amount of depth and room to grow as individuals. I liked that while Elliot is certainly in a bad position as a rent boy struggling to earn enough to stay clothed, protected, and fed, he wasn’t dependent on Derwin. Even better, as much as there was a lot of room for Elliot to improve his personal situation, there was also plenty of opportunity for Derwin to face his own underlying problems. So often in these hurt/comfort plots, the character growth feels lopsided. I was happy both Elliot and Derwin got an equal amount of concentration in the plotline and that their individual journeys and emotions weren’t glazed over. Including both characters’ sides and experiences invested me in the characters and left me eager to see how their relationship progressed. The physical chemistry between Elliot and Derwin was also fantastic. Both parties are involved in the BDSM scene before meeting, and while that is an important aspect of their connection considering how it correlates to Derwin’s abilities, it wasn’t a main focus of the book or romance. Instead, the emotional connection drove the romance, and with it being new and tentative for a good part of the book, I can’t wait to see what the next book will have in store for these two.
While the romance aspect of the book was fantastic, the suspense and action scenes were what really caught my attention. Between the action and mystery undercurrent, I was engaged throughout the book, wondering what Elliot and Derwin would uncover next. I don’t read a ton of urban fantasy, but Miss Hall’s City of Nis and its extraordinary inhabitants were easy to get lost in. Although there wasn’t a ton of world building, especially regarding the demonic creatures the city tries to protect its inhabitants against, I never felt like the plot, suspense, or action scenes were lacking in detail. Rather, the idea of the city and beasts combined with the oddities’ powers kept things very interesting without losing me in the details. I think fans of romantic suspense looking for something a bit different will really love this book. I know I’m eager to start the next one.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
March 12, 2017
Derwin is a bounty hunter. He spends his time hunting fugitives wanted by the police and hunting for demons. Derwin lives in the city of Nis and demons exist in this world, but the real challenge for Dermot is not the demons or the fugitives, but the loss of his boyfriend Grady.
Grady was killed two years ago in an attack at their home and Derwin has not come to terms with finding his boyfriend on the floor of the apartment. The police investigation has yielded nothing and Derwin still is just left with questions and grief.
So Derwin uses his hunting to help him deal with the pain of his loss and he explores BDSM clubs to help him deal with his pain and to replenish his energy for the hunt. Derwin is an oddity. He is able to run at high speeds and he feeds on the pain of others and so he gets energy from BDSM. He finds solace in these clubs and one night he finds Elliott.
Elliott is also an oddity. He is able to see the past by touching objects. He hides these powers, fearful of what the government will do to him if he is ever discovered.
These powers have cost him his family and his dreams and he lives beneath the radar of the authorities, selling sex and finding support from his Madam. When he meets Derwin he is deeply attracted to him and when Derwin rescues him he realises there is something good but impossible between them.
When Derwin realised that Elliott is also an oddity he asks him to help him find Grady's murderer. As they work together they find that there might be something between them, but only if both men can overcome the difficulties of their pasts and the challenges of the present, but first the two of them must work together to solve Grady's murder
This is the first time that I'm reading anything by this author and I thought that this was a good story with an interesting world.
The story has characters which drew me into their lives and their world. I particularly enjoyed the different powers and a world that is dangerous and different. I really like urban fancy and paranormal stories and this draws on both those genres.
I thought the pace of the story was good and held my attention through out. I did think the sex scenes were a bit boring and so so. They felt obligatory and I don't think they really add much to the story. I think when you have been reading this genre as long as I have, sex scenes have been done to death. Having said that some readers might enjoy them and they didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story.
I enjoyed the way the story portrays the emotions of the characters and weaves this into the interesting world. Although I didn't think the mystery was strong enough this is the opening book for a series. Every aspect of the book comes together and makes this a really solid story with good writing. Definitely an author I will be following.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased
March 14, 2017
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley*
This was definitely better than I expected.
The murder mystery part didn't seem *too* predictable, and I really enjoyed the dystopian/paranormal elements! I wasn't so sure at first how well they would fit in with the other aspects of the story (the mystery and the romance) but it was rather nicely balanced.
The story seemed a bit too ambitious at times, and I feel like I could have appreciated it much, much better if it had been longer (also the romance- while nice and HOT and evrything- felt a bit too much/too fast).
But in the general aspect, it was a rather nice book.
This was definitely better than I expected.
The murder mystery part didn't seem *too* predictable, and I really enjoyed the dystopian/paranormal elements! I wasn't so sure at first how well they would fit in with the other aspects of the story (the mystery and the romance) but it was rather nicely balanced.
The story seemed a bit too ambitious at times, and I feel like I could have appreciated it much, much better if it had been longer (also the romance- while nice and HOT and evrything- felt a bit too much/too fast).
But in the general aspect, it was a rather nice book.
June 22, 2017
Interesting paranormal romance. I liked the world-building of having modern times, but with demons wandering around and "oddities"/people with special abilities.
My one down point is a personal pet-peeve.
A nice HFN ending, and book 2 is already out, so will check that out. If you like mixing paranormal with mystery/crime-solving, this may be up your alley.
My one down point is a personal pet-peeve.
A nice HFN ending, and book 2 is already out, so will check that out. If you like mixing paranormal with mystery/crime-solving, this may be up your alley.
June 27, 2019
I have a new series to fall in love with! Sizzling chemistry, murder mystery, lots of action, and creative world building. Here is a world where those with hidden mutant talents are called Oddities. And here is a world that contains not just criminals for our bounty hunter Derwin to hunt, but demons as well.
June 5, 2017
OMG I loved this book - when does the next one come out??? I need it now. I love the world that this story is set in. I love the "oddities". My heart broke for Derwin as he is still grieving the loss of his boyfriend Grady who was murdered in their home. Elliot and his issues especially his dealings with a gang boss who sees him as his property and a madam who seems to care for his "boys" & "girls", but not sure if she really cares that much for Elliot’s but for what he can do to keep her & her prostitutes safe. The story is about solving Grady's murder and watching Derwin & Elliot grow close. There are still plenty of issues still open at the end of the book & I can't wait until the next book to see where we go from here.
ARC rec'd from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC rec'd from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. Don't let the dystopia tag turn you away. Yes, it's the setting of the story but it doesn't play a major role in the storyline.
Basically, there are people in the world with certain abilities, and they are called Oddity. Having an Oddity is not a good thing. Most often the government comes in and forces you to work for them. Many people with an Oddity tries to hide it.
Derwin has an Oddity that has been passed down generation to generation. His family hides it to the outside world, but he uses his ability of super strength to help him in his job as a bounty hunter. In order to energize/charge his ability, he needs to feel someone's pain. His preferred method is sexual pain. One night while on a hunt he gets a cryptic message from his partner/lover to come home quickly. When he gets home his partner is found murdered and the killer is never caught.
Elliot was kicked out of his home at 14 for being gay and having an Oddity. He can read objects that he touches with his bare hands. Left on the streets, he is taken in by Theresa who gives him options to earn money: steal, join a gang or sell your body. He decides to sell his body and has been doing it for the past 5 years.
Derwin and Elliot meet at a BDSM club. Derwin is looking to recharge his power and Elliot is trying to earn money. There is an instant spark between the two. When another person tries to force Elliot to leave with him, Derwin steps in and saves him. They eventually go back to Derwin's place. After their mind blowing encounter, Elliot has an unexpected vision of Derwin's previous lover. Now that Derwin knows what Elliot can do, he wants Elliot to help him catch his lover's killer.
The rest of the story is these two characters connecting. Elliot is trying to leave the life of prostitution behind, while Derwin is trying to move on with his life. The story is exciting, sweet and interesting.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I felt the "mystery" behind who killed Derwin's lover was a little too obvious. I wish I couldn't have figured out so soon.
The book does leave room for it to turn into a series. Some things are left in the air but you do get a definite HEA feel instead of a HFN. I really hope the author chooses this route. I would love to read more about these two.
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. Don't let the dystopia tag turn you away. Yes, it's the setting of the story but it doesn't play a major role in the storyline.
Basically, there are people in the world with certain abilities, and they are called Oddity. Having an Oddity is not a good thing. Most often the government comes in and forces you to work for them. Many people with an Oddity tries to hide it.
Derwin has an Oddity that has been passed down generation to generation. His family hides it to the outside world, but he uses his ability of super strength to help him in his job as a bounty hunter. In order to energize/charge his ability, he needs to feel someone's pain. His preferred method is sexual pain. One night while on a hunt he gets a cryptic message from his partner/lover to come home quickly. When he gets home his partner is found murdered and the killer is never caught.
Elliot was kicked out of his home at 14 for being gay and having an Oddity. He can read objects that he touches with his bare hands. Left on the streets, he is taken in by Theresa who gives him options to earn money: steal, join a gang or sell your body. He decides to sell his body and has been doing it for the past 5 years.
Derwin and Elliot meet at a BDSM club. Derwin is looking to recharge his power and Elliot is trying to earn money. There is an instant spark between the two. When another person tries to force Elliot to leave with him, Derwin steps in and saves him. They eventually go back to Derwin's place. After their mind blowing encounter, Elliot has an unexpected vision of Derwin's previous lover. Now that Derwin knows what Elliot can do, he wants Elliot to help him catch his lover's killer.
The rest of the story is these two characters connecting. Elliot is trying to leave the life of prostitution behind, while Derwin is trying to move on with his life. The story is exciting, sweet and interesting.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I felt the "mystery" behind who killed Derwin's lover was a little too obvious. I wish I couldn't have figured out so soon.
The book does leave room for it to turn into a series. Some things are left in the air but you do get a definite HEA feel instead of a HFN. I really hope the author chooses this route. I would love to read more about these two.
June 7, 2017
Read this in pretty much one sitting, so I definitely liked it. There were just a few issues that had me decreasing it a star. One was that I felt that the world-building was lacking. We find out about Oddities, but not much more. I don't know if that is coming up in future books, but it would've been nice to have some more info about it. Second was a scene in the middle of the book, which I was not expecting. Yes, I expect that a rent boy would have several clients, but
May 4, 2017
Review by The Blogger Girls.
I love being pulled into a new world with interesting characters and adventures. This one grabbed me from the start. Here, there are people with “Oddities” or super human abilities, but most people try to hide them for fear of the government recruiting them to use their “skills” in somewhat evil ways, such as interrogation and torture, or experiment on them. Derwin and Elliot are two guys who have managed to keep theirs hidden.
Derwin has not gotten over the loss of his boyfriend and even though the police labeled it a random break in gone wrong, he believes it was more personal. Unfortunately, he has run out of leads. He spends his time bounty hunting bail jumpers and demons. His oddity requires him to feed off of pain, which would make him an ideal interrogator. However, he prefers his pain to come willingly and with pleasure. When he is out one night looking for a hookup, he runs into Elliot.
Elliot is a sweet boy who was kicked out by his parents at the age of 14 for being gay and because of his oddity, which allows him to see visions through touch. To survive, he has been a rentboy, and though he has plans to a better life, for the time being, he is beholden to his Madame and must continue with his profession.
Derwin and Elliot hook up but things quickly become more than that when Derwin realizes the connection they have. Elliot is perfect for him. He enjoys being dominated and a little pain with his play, which works out perfectly for Derwin and his needs. While there is definitely a D/S aspect to their relationship, it is by no means the same old, same old.
Things heat up as they end up finding and looking for more clues into the murder. Derwin thinks he can help Elliot, but Elliot is in a bit of a pickle with the resident gang leader. Elliot struggles with the way his life has turned out but sees little hope of it changing for the better. When they realize they have actual feelings towards each other, there is hope on both sides that things will work out for both of them.
A lot happens in this story, but it is easy to follow, with plenty of action and interesting aspects that kept me turning pages. I loved the paranormal aspects of it with the different abilities and how they affected each of the characters’ lives. I ended this wanting to jump right into the next installment, which I hope is just as emotional and exciting as this was.
December 6, 2016
3.5 stars rounded UP
Warnings: the story contains dub-con/non-con, drug abuse, emotional abuse, explicit violence, and sexual assault
There is potential in this series. For something that I - rather casually - trivialized as an easy and steamy read, the story actually packed more than that. Set in dystopian United Federation of America (formerly USA) era at the city of Nis, Murder Once Seen told the story of two Oddities - people with special abilities - trying to solve a two year old murder case while dodging and fighting monsters (in human and non human forms) and demons.
This is the first J.T. Hall's book for me and conveniently the start of a new series. As an opening entry, I like that there was no complicated world building in this book. The little detail of the world unfurled here and there; it left plenty for the author to explore or divulge in the next installments of the series.
The main characters of the book, who are the two voices in the story, were Derwin Bryant - a bounty hunter - and Elliot Leed - a rentboy. Derwin's oddity fed from other's pain and Elliot relished from it, so when the two met it was sort of match of heaven! But the ghost of Derwin's old boyfriend and his unsolved murder stood between them; making the budding romance between our two heroes more complicated.
I loved the developing attachment between Derwin and Elliot; the struggle to protect or seek assurances, yet acknowledged themselves to face fact. This was severely tested when Elliot had to service a powerful client while already got close to Derwin. That was not a pretty scene. In fact, a lot of emotional turmoil I experienced reading this book had to do with what Elliot went through.
As for Derwin, as much as I liked him, I rather begrudged him his carelessness in handling the investigation. I mean, considering his occupation and oddity, I expected more from him. One could argue the case was too personal and thus affect his judgement. But, still! The whodunnit aspect was almost glaring there.
The way things folded, I consider this a HFN story. Or a happy beginning. It doesn't necessarily have cliff-hanging ending, but the last chapter presenting aspects that could jeopardize our MCs in the long run.
To find out, perhaps we shall find out on the next entry to the series. I - for one - can't wait!
Advanced copy of the book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Warnings: the story contains dub-con/non-con, drug abuse, emotional abuse, explicit violence, and sexual assault
There is potential in this series. For something that I - rather casually - trivialized as an easy and steamy read, the story actually packed more than that. Set in dystopian United Federation of America (formerly USA) era at the city of Nis, Murder Once Seen told the story of two Oddities - people with special abilities - trying to solve a two year old murder case while dodging and fighting monsters (in human and non human forms) and demons.
This is the first J.T. Hall's book for me and conveniently the start of a new series. As an opening entry, I like that there was no complicated world building in this book. The little detail of the world unfurled here and there; it left plenty for the author to explore or divulge in the next installments of the series.
The main characters of the book, who are the two voices in the story, were Derwin Bryant - a bounty hunter - and Elliot Leed - a rentboy. Derwin's oddity fed from other's pain and Elliot relished from it, so when the two met it was sort of match of heaven! But the ghost of Derwin's old boyfriend and his unsolved murder stood between them; making the budding romance between our two heroes more complicated.
I loved the developing attachment between Derwin and Elliot; the struggle to protect or seek assurances, yet acknowledged themselves to face fact. This was severely tested when Elliot had to service a powerful client while already got close to Derwin. That was not a pretty scene. In fact, a lot of emotional turmoil I experienced reading this book had to do with what Elliot went through.
As for Derwin, as much as I liked him, I rather begrudged him his carelessness in handling the investigation. I mean, considering his occupation and oddity, I expected more from him. One could argue the case was too personal and thus affect his judgement. But, still! The whodunnit aspect was almost glaring there.
The way things folded, I consider this a HFN story. Or a happy beginning. It doesn't necessarily have cliff-hanging ending, but the last chapter presenting aspects that could jeopardize our MCs in the long run.
To find out, perhaps we shall find out on the next entry to the series. I - for one - can't wait!
Advanced copy of the book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2016
2.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The dark, dystopian feel to this series is eerie but I waited in vain for the world building that was needed to fully explain Derwin and Elliot’s lives. Without detailed or original explanations, this ended up feeling like a piecemeal compilation of ideas from several well known books and films.
A murder mystery runs through this story. Derwin, a bounty hunter, is trying to find his boyfriend’s murderer. He is an oddity - someone with secret special powers who is strong enough to hunt demons. When Derwin meets Elliott, he realises that Elliott’s oddity can help him solve the crime.
As much as I wanted more clear world building in this story, I also wanted more character development. I understood each man’s situation, but I didn’t feel like either character ever came alive or felt real to me. I’m not sure either character developed through the story - Derwin and Elliott just took turns being abused, battered and beaten up. And while I was still trying to get to know Elliott and Derwin, an enormous cast of supporting characters was thrown at me. So I spent the rest of the book flipping back and forth through my Kindle trying to keep names straight and characters clear.
The instalove between the bounty hunter and the prostitute is really difficult to believe in. Two hardened characters immediately letting their defences down and falling in love? Hmm. While some of the sex scenes were very hot, there was never anything offered to help me understand the emotional connection between these two very different men.
I ran out of patience near the end. This is the first in a series and it really doesn’t stand alone. After struggling through too much of this story to give up, my heart finally sank at 85% when I realised that my efforts weren’t going to be rewarded with a satisfying conclusion. No - this is the first in the series and the end of the story is even more convoluted than the start. Urgh.
The dark, dystopian feel to this series is eerie but I waited in vain for the world building that was needed to fully explain Derwin and Elliot’s lives. Without detailed or original explanations, this ended up feeling like a piecemeal compilation of ideas from several well known books and films.
A murder mystery runs through this story. Derwin, a bounty hunter, is trying to find his boyfriend’s murderer. He is an oddity - someone with secret special powers who is strong enough to hunt demons. When Derwin meets Elliott, he realises that Elliott’s oddity can help him solve the crime.
As much as I wanted more clear world building in this story, I also wanted more character development. I understood each man’s situation, but I didn’t feel like either character ever came alive or felt real to me. I’m not sure either character developed through the story - Derwin and Elliott just took turns being abused, battered and beaten up. And while I was still trying to get to know Elliott and Derwin, an enormous cast of supporting characters was thrown at me. So I spent the rest of the book flipping back and forth through my Kindle trying to keep names straight and characters clear.
The instalove between the bounty hunter and the prostitute is really difficult to believe in. Two hardened characters immediately letting their defences down and falling in love? Hmm. While some of the sex scenes were very hot, there was never anything offered to help me understand the emotional connection between these two very different men.
I ran out of patience near the end. This is the first in a series and it really doesn’t stand alone. After struggling through too much of this story to give up, my heart finally sank at 85% when I realised that my efforts weren’t going to be rewarded with a satisfying conclusion. No - this is the first in the series and the end of the story is even more convoluted than the start. Urgh.
February 14, 2017
3.5ish stars.
I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story, but the beginning of the book was a lot better than the middle and end. I WILL be reading the next book in the series because overall, the book was good (if predictable).
I think this series will shape up into a nice paranormal collection. JT Hall built a very interesting world, one that is nothing like ours. There are demons of all varieties and shapes, there are those with extra "powers" known as Oddities, and their abilities vary. Derwin is a bounty hunter who is an Oddity (super speed and strength); he recharges his batteries you could say by feeding on the pain of others. It certainly makes for an interesting dynamic because he likes pain freely given, which leads to BDSM. The sexual torture/pain of BDSM really gets Derwin going. I was so excited to read this and thought it would be a big part of the story.
When Derwin meets Elliot, sparks are immediate for both of them. Elliot is a rentboy and he wants out of that world but fears he can never get away, especially since he too is an Oddity (he can get visions off objects) and most people don't react well if they find out. Elliot likes pain - up to a point - but he's into the scene and those types of clients usually pay more for pain anyway. Derwin and Elliot's first time together is very hot and torturous; Derwin gets a real energy boost from their session. It has been a long time since Derwin has felt anything for another person; since his boyfriend (Grady) was killed 2 years ago, he's really kept to himself in that way.
When Elliot has a vision unexpectedly, Derwin learns that Elliot can help him find Grady's killer. What follows is a lot of action packed, demon hunting, investigating, vision getting, turf warring, kidnapping, insta-loving in less than a week, happy for nowing story. (I never claimed to be a poet.)
I did have issues with how some of the story played out (predictable and contrived). I wish the story could have lived up to the potential of the beginning. The story ends with a Happy For Now, and there is another book being released, Fraud Twice Felt, no blurb yet. I look forward to reading it because despite the faults I found in this story (insta love), I liked the world Hall created here and I want to see what else happens with these two.
I recommend this story but with the warning that the plot has problems. Still, I look forward to book 2.
P.S. Review writing is not always fun because I have so much I want to tell you but it would be so wordy and convoluted you probably wouldn't read it anyway so what would be the point? And since this isn't high school, I didn't takes notes for a book report. Sometimes I think I should, though.
I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story, but the beginning of the book was a lot better than the middle and end. I WILL be reading the next book in the series because overall, the book was good (if predictable).
I think this series will shape up into a nice paranormal collection. JT Hall built a very interesting world, one that is nothing like ours. There are demons of all varieties and shapes, there are those with extra "powers" known as Oddities, and their abilities vary. Derwin is a bounty hunter who is an Oddity (super speed and strength); he recharges his batteries you could say by feeding on the pain of others. It certainly makes for an interesting dynamic because he likes pain freely given, which leads to BDSM. The sexual torture/pain of BDSM really gets Derwin going. I was so excited to read this and thought it would be a big part of the story.
When Derwin meets Elliot, sparks are immediate for both of them. Elliot is a rentboy and he wants out of that world but fears he can never get away, especially since he too is an Oddity (he can get visions off objects) and most people don't react well if they find out. Elliot likes pain - up to a point - but he's into the scene and those types of clients usually pay more for pain anyway. Derwin and Elliot's first time together is very hot and torturous; Derwin gets a real energy boost from their session. It has been a long time since Derwin has felt anything for another person; since his boyfriend (Grady) was killed 2 years ago, he's really kept to himself in that way.
When Elliot has a vision unexpectedly, Derwin learns that Elliot can help him find Grady's killer. What follows is a lot of action packed, demon hunting, investigating, vision getting, turf warring, kidnapping, insta-loving in less than a week, happy for nowing story. (I never claimed to be a poet.)
I did have issues with how some of the story played out (predictable and contrived). I wish the story could have lived up to the potential of the beginning. The story ends with a Happy For Now, and there is another book being released, Fraud Twice Felt, no blurb yet. I look forward to reading it because despite the faults I found in this story (insta love), I liked the world Hall created here and I want to see what else happens with these two.
I recommend this story but with the warning that the plot has problems. Still, I look forward to book 2.
P.S. Review writing is not always fun because I have so much I want to tell you but it would be so wordy and convoluted you probably wouldn't read it anyway so what would be the point? And since this isn't high school, I didn't takes notes for a book report. Sometimes I think I should, though.
February 4, 2023
I'm between a 3 and a 4 on this one, but I think I have to stop at three. I liked this book, read it fast, but it was not perfect. Stupidly I didn't expect the entire book to be about the dead boyfriend's murder, I assumed there would be more other stuff going on...
I liked the Oddity world, it was all an interesting premise and the worldbuilding was sparse but said what it needed to. I think if the next book featured a new couple, I would read on. But I think I've had my fill of these boys.
I liked Derwin, his power was cool and the way it was handled was neat. I didn't understand why his power needed to charge though, while Elliot's didn't. That was never really made clear.
There was a surprising amount of whump in the story, the layers and layers of hurt being put on Elliot was a little too much to believe, but I think I would have liked it better had I liked *him* better. As some other reviews have mentioned, he was a bit hard to follow as one minute he wanted out of sex work and the next wasn't willing to consider leaving. He went back and forth a little too much for too long.
Also if you're looking for BDSM scenes, there is only one between our boys--the rest are just sex. Elliot was too injured from everything else to do that again. I assume more would come in the next book, but maybe not, if he gets attacked twice a day like in this one lol.
I liked the Oddity world, it was all an interesting premise and the worldbuilding was sparse but said what it needed to. I think if the next book featured a new couple, I would read on. But I think I've had my fill of these boys.
I liked Derwin, his power was cool and the way it was handled was neat. I didn't understand why his power needed to charge though, while Elliot's didn't. That was never really made clear.
There was a surprising amount of whump in the story, the layers and layers of hurt being put on Elliot was a little too much to believe, but I think I would have liked it better had I liked *him* better. As some other reviews have mentioned, he was a bit hard to follow as one minute he wanted out of sex work and the next wasn't willing to consider leaving. He went back and forth a little too much for too long.
Also if you're looking for BDSM scenes, there is only one between our boys--the rest are just sex. Elliot was too injured from everything else to do that again. I assume more would come in the next book, but maybe not, if he gets attacked twice a day like in this one lol.
August 31, 2018
Derwin has been gifted with an Oddity, Elliot is a rentboy on the streets, when the two meet for the first time, lust over powers them both. Derwin and Elliot both need to learn to trust each other and themselves if they are going to stay alive long enough to fall in love.
This was a good dystopian book, that had a pretty normal world except for those with an Oddity, the author did a great job of building up the world and the characters, I'll be interested to keep readying this series.
This was a good dystopian book, that had a pretty normal world except for those with an Oddity, the author did a great job of building up the world and the characters, I'll be interested to keep readying this series.
January 3, 2023
Murder Once Seen is one of the best mystery/suspense/thriller I've read in a long time. I felt I was solving the murder along with the main characters, Derwin and Elliot. The incredible and riveting plot kept me guessing. It was so well-written and so unpredictable. The story was also so moving and so emotional. I felt for Elliot and his situation. And I felt for Derwin and his loss. I'm definitely going to read another book by JT Hall.
August 23, 2023
I enjoyed the book a lot, the writing style is engaging and the characters likeable. The book is set in a future where demonic creatures have overrun cities, but the worldbuilding is minimal. I liked Elliot and Derwin's romance, it was insta-passion, but their relationship grew as they investigated Derwin's previous partner's murder. All in all, an enjoyable book, and I am set to read the next book in the series.
May 25, 2017
I enjoyed this but had to look at the blurb to remember what the book was about after only a week. It just didn't stick with me. So...enjoyable but not memorable.
January 14, 2019
3.75 stars
February 11, 2019
Exceptional work takes you to world that you want to return again and again.
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