Murder by Magic

by Catherine Vale

As the youngest detective—and only—woman in the homicide unit, Jessica Sharpe quickly discovers that being promoted to lead Detective isn’t all that she thought it would be. When a series of gruesome murders takes place, she is the one responsible for finding the killer, before they strike again.

Crime reporter by day, and Gatekeeper to a world of magic by night, Euros Desard thinks he’s seen it all. That’s all about to change when he discovers that dark magic is behind a series of brutal murders, and that the portal between the two worlds is about to be blown wide open.

Despite a history of bad blood and broken hearts, the two of them must come together if they stand a chance of protecting their worlds from the darkness that threatens to invade. Time is running out, and if they don’t learn to work together, not even magic will be able to save them.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Vale writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a departure for this author whom I usually associate with paranormal romance but her attempt at urban fantasy was something I was keen to try. It's an idea I've seen other authors try with a female police detective trying her hardest to convince her colleagues that she really does deserve her position . The twist here is that not only are some of her fellow officers reluctant to have faith in her but her ex just happens to be the journalist who criticised her role on a recent case. Let's face it if your partner wrote a somewhat scathing article you would question the relationship and Jessica is no slouch so no matter how much it hurts Euros was most definitely kicked into touch!
So being made the lead on a murder should perhaps ease Jessica's pain and also perhaps convince others that her previous work wasn't a fluke? Well that's not going to be easy as it's the Mayor who has died in mysterious circumstances and it turns out he won't be the last victim. So why does Euros keep turning up? Is he just angling for a story or is it something a lot more complicated then that? Turns out Euros isn't exactly what he seems and he's about to open Jessicas eyes to a whole new world of possibilities !
I have to reluctantly start my review by saying that unfortunately I did notice quite a few errors that hopefully will get looked at again by an editor. It didn't stop me reading this story and I was interested to see how the mortal world and that of the gatekeepers connected. The book synopsis does give away the fact that there are plans afoot to bring down what separates the two worlds but the ending left me with questions. I know many enjoy second chance romances and clearly this couple are destined for more. The magic exhibited in these pages was very interesting and I'm curious as to just what could happen next
A copy of this was provided for me which I have voluntarily read and these comments are my own honest opinion

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts – 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!!

The cover is very magical, and I definitely like it!

I’m not sure if this book is going to be a series. So at this time, it is a standalone book that is romantic suspense.

I like the world created in this book though there were times when it was slow. Of course, this is just my opinion and happens in books where is it the first one and building the world. I’m an action girl, so take my opinion accordingly. I love Catherine’s creativity and wish I had even a smidgen of it. This is the reason why I love to read and escape into new worlds. In this one, you have magic and magical creatures.

Jessica is a strong and amazing person, so I really liked her character. Her boss and a couple detectives were jerks, but it is unfortunately to be expected in a boys club. I think I hated Euros in the beginning, and I don’t know that I completely understand him. You will have to read the book to see what I mean in regards to Jessica. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a series or not.

I recommend this book to paranormal fans who love dimensional romantic suspense!

[Dee Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic detective murder mystery. Jessica has just been promoted to lead detective to the murder case of the mayor. But there is a strange element just out of reach of her understanding. This is where Eros, her friend, steps in to help. Black magic is involved and Eros proceeds to educate her on the subject, opening up a whole new perspective of her reality. It is interesting learning of this dimension and as they dig for clues, connect the dots, it grows more intense and suspenseful, especially when a second murder takes place. Mesmerizing is the word. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.

[Melanie Cesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When detective Jessica Sharpe is forced into working with her ex, Euros, to solve some high profile murders, she is forced to open her mind and see things for what they really are. Euros not only shows her things she never thought possible, but takes her to another world. Danger ensues, and not only are they trying to solve the murders and prevent more from happening, but they also have to save both worlds.

What an exciting story! Murder, magic, saving the world. Euros made a mistake and it cost him his relationship with Jessica. Will working together rekindle Jessica and Euros' love? Great plot and I really enjoyed the writing and how everything unfolded. When everything came to a head and we reach the climax of the story, it wasn't rushed and was so detailed I felt like I was watching everything unfold.

Murder, mystery, and second chance romance all wrapped up in one! Great story that kept me captive until the end.

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I am a big fan of this author's work so was really excited to read this book and the fact it is an urban fantasy and i believe this was the first one that she has written and i would love to more of this genre in her books. I loved loved loved this book, totally not what i expected and i loved that about this book. Surprises around every corner, you really don't know what is going to happen next which just makes you want to read more and more and that is one of the reasons that this is such an addictive and compelling page turner. The storyline to this book honestly hooks you from the first page, it is extremely imaginative, the description are extremely vivid, especially of the other world. The way certain situations are described you feel every part of this story, i would love to read more from this world!

Jessica really makes this story, i loved reading about her, she is an extremely strong woman who knows her own mind. She has a determination about her, especially when she is wronged or is following something that she believes in. She is kind with a large heart that can leave her in pain bu these two sides of her meld perfectly. Euros is a brilliant character and one of the things that i loved most in this book was not only did we get to know him in the here and now but we also see part of his long past, you see why he is a certain way...and their connection….wow...I loved that most of all!

This is a must read whether you have read this author's books before or not, it is definitely worth 5* and i can't recommend it highly enough!!!

[Julia Handley · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so this was book you got hooked into, trying to figure out the connections and who or what could be the killer.

Jessica has to deal with crap for her job, not only is she a young detective but she is a woman and has had bad press. It doesn't matter that she is a very good detective, she still has to deal with idiots. So when she gets put in charge of a high publicity case her job is tested.  With a weird sense of things on the crime scenes and an ex turning up and her boss on her case, this is not an easy case.  But no matter what obstacles is put in her way she still works the case. Even when her ex opens her eyes to what's really going on and has to fight her own feelings for him to keep on top of things.

Euros is a Gatekeeper and also a reporter, but even more important Jessicas ex. He betrayed her trust in a hurtful way but also regrets what he has done. So when a threat to his home world and the world he lives in that has Jessica in it, he has to face it and her.   Things don't seem to be adding up for him, what the hell is killing these people and why?  But he also wants Jessica back and has to fix what he broke. But he also needs her help and shows her who he really is.

Great read and love the team work. Looking forward to find out more about Jessica, thinking we might have more to her then she realises. Something about Minx is off too or it could just be his personality or he just not a fan of humans hahaha

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Mel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Catherine Vale I've read a murder mystery magical romance novel. When Jessica is given the lead on the murder she knows it's not going to be easy. As the youngest Detective Jessica needs to have everything in order cause the case is high profile and her boss will be watching her closely. What Jessica doesn't see coming is she will ave to team up with her Ex to solve this case cause she knows there's more happen her she just. Any see it.

After making the biggest mistake of his live Euros Desard needs the help of his Ex detective Jessica Sharpe to solve who is killing high profile people, but to get her help he's going to have to reveal to her that magic really is real that the things she can feel are something important.
Will Euros be able to convince Jessica that what is happening is real and the need to work together is to help save both of there worlds.

Very exciting paranormal romance novel recommended his book to anyone who loves magical paranormal fae romance novels.

[Gwendolyn Thaggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This murder mystery tied together two worlds.
The mortal world.
And the world of magic.
Jessica Sharpe has recently been promoted to detective and is leading her first murder case.
She has a lot to prove because her boss and some male co-workers are not big fans of her.
Probably due to the article her ex-boyfriend wrote about her promotion, which led to their break-up.
The case is high-profile because of who the victim is.
The recently elected mayor.
Jessica is floored when her ex, Euros contacts her about the case.
She's even more shocked that he is not seeking information for an article, but has information to give her about the case and about himself.
Euros tells Jessica that magic is involved in this case and he is a magical being.
He further tells her that they need to work together to solve the case, they must put their personal feelings aside and stay focused on the case.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story filled with magic and mystery, what better combination.
Jessica’s first case as lead detective is a high profile murder but some things are not adding up and Jessica’s ‘strange’ feelings at the crime scene are something she initially puts down to her imagination.
When her ex, Euros, makes a reappearance in her life Jessica learns there’s far more going on than meets the eye, will she be able to accept what she’s being asked to believe in in time to stop another murder ?
A great story of light and dark magic that spills into the path of the mortal police department, with a crime to unravel and solve without revealing magic was involved, just how would you even begin to explain that ? And who would believe it anyway!
Can’t wait to read more.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me right away and held on tight. It was a great ride, a great read, with wonderfully engaging characters that I was completely invested in. Jessica is a strong heroine with an important job and a sexy ex. Euros is a mysterious, intelligent character with lots of secrets and hidden abilities. I enjoyed finding out about their past and participating in their present; I'm hoping they will have a happy future. I would have liked an epilogue but am hoping that we will get additional books so that I can enjoy that future. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and recommend that you do too.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is the youngest Detective in the Homicide unit and the only woman. Euros is a Crime Reporter and a Gatekeeper. He also happens to be her ex boyfriend. There are a couple of horrible murders and it might be more than just a horrific crime. There seems to be magic involved and Euros needs Jessica to help him before its to late for both their worlds.
I really enjoyed this. Jessica is strong and sure of herself, even if others aren't. She isn't about to just fall back into Euros' arms just because he is there. He needs to find a way to work with her before he can get back in her good graces.

[Valerie Jondahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal Murder Mystery.
An intriguingly plotted paranormal murder mystery that hooks the reader with vivid scene descriptions, humor, suspense, and a bit of romance. The characters are well-drawn and engaging and the chemistry between Jessica and Euros feels real and keeps the pages turning until the end to see if they get their HEA. The author does an amazing job blending the magic use into the story. I recommend this book for both mystery and paranormal fans.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Nancy Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written story line about murder. Jessica is a detective who has ended her relationship with a newspaper man , Euros. Thrown together covering some strange murders Jessica learns of the world of magic. As usually her characters stand out as real as anything.
I always find myself unable to put these books down and wishing to meet the male characters.
I thank Ms. Vale for allowing me to read this book early.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story.

It was a little slow going at first, but picked up the pace and kept my attention. I liked the two main characters, especially the mysterious Euros. Wanted to slap Fisher and Ross a few times for how they treated Jessica. Felt bad for Jessica's friend Derek at the end as the poor guy was left out.

How is the author's writing? Good
Is there violence? Some violence
Is there sexual content? No
How is the story narrated? Third person

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murders and magic all mixed into one. Solving cases together is very nerve wracking for Jessica and Euros with their past so explosive. Things are rough at the beginning but later sparks fly. Meeting new creatures is quite fun too. Catherine Vale really knows how to pull you into her world and keep you there.

[Rebecca Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It begins slow but picks up and moves quickly to the end.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I'm not big on fantasy or urban normally but the writing kept me interested in this story. the characters were amazing and everything flowed really well together. i am so glad i got to review it

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc for a honest review. Wow this book grips you. Keeps you glued to each page to find out who did what. I have quite a few books from this author and she always amazes me with each book. The characters are great and well thought of and a great murder mystery to solve. Worth more than 5 stars and I would recommend this book.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica and Euros have a complicated relationship. She thought they were in love until he betrayed her by writing an expose that said she was too inexperienced to be promoted to a detective. When he wants her help, she is not sure she wants to be involved. It turns out there is a whole other world she never knew about and she is getting quite an education.

I enjoy urban fantasy and felt the author had an interesting idea for this new book. I liked the characters and the storyline. Their relationship is complicated and the characters are well developed. I like that you get both of their point-of-views. It helps me feel closer to the characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this book has a lot of potential and i would love more development in it.
Book starts with murder and than is another one. How will they connect and what will happen when Jessica's ex-boyfriend will need to take some action in this cases?
Characters at the begining were really interesting, but at the end they got a little to one dimesional to me. Like i couldn't connect with them and feel what they felt. Also somehow that made my struggle in some parts of the book.
If there would be bok 2 i would give it a try as world seems really big and imaginative.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale by a familiar writer! Mystery and murder touched with magic, what better tale is there! It took a bit for me to latch into this storyline but I am inclined to believe it had more to do with distractions rather than the book itself. The characters are wonderful and once I could comfortably escape into this tale it was very entertaining. It is a good entry into the world of urban fantasy ! This voluntary review is based against an Instafreebie copy.

[Renea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for lyrical writing and Ms. Vale has certainly provided that here. That is probably why I gave it 5 stars instead of my normal 4 -- some of the scenes in this book have stuck with me just based on how wonderfully they were described. I will admit that I was worried at first it would be too much of a murder mystery/police procedural since that is really how we start, but as soon as we saw Euros, I was caught. I could practically feel the emotions vibrating from the page when he remembered how Jessica left him, and all that within maybe 1 sentence.

Plot moved reasonably fast, with enough complexity to the mystery to keep things interesting. I frankly loved Euros and while I didn't feel quite as strongly about Jessica, I really enjoyed getting into her thoughts as well. Good chemistry between the all characters, making the working relationships just as interesting as the romantic one. Excellent editing (which is SO important to me when I'm reading).

Overall, this is probably one of my favorites for new releases in the last year. I sincerely hope this becomes a series (which seems to possibly be hinted at with the way the story ended), and I would definitely buy the next installment if it comes out. This is my honest review of an ARC of this book.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, I think Catherine's first delve into urban fantasy and having only read some of her shifter romances, I wasn't too sure this would work but actually Catherine is able to hook in her readers in this genre just as well as she does in her 'usual' genre of work!

The descriptive landscape and dramatic who-dun-it mystery in a world richly created by Catherine, has you enjoying how this all develops. Throw in Jessica and Euros and their past history and their current predicaments and you now have in-depth characters that you eagerly wait to see more of and how their relationship continues to develop!

The worlds and magic are intriguing and actually quite imaginative and different than usual urban fantasy's and the very fact we are given so much access to Euros and Jessica and how they think and feel and thus how this has impacted their lives, connects you to them in such a way you are only eager to want more!

This is a five star book from Catherine and very impressive as this is her first foray into uncharted territories but as seems to be the case, this author is multitalented and she leaves you nicely at peace with how the book ends but with the promise with so much more to come. I'm so glad I read this one and will excitedly wait for the next offering.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crime spree like no other has our female detective scrambling for leads. Our hero needs to help her as much as he needs her help, this case is his to fix but she doesn't know it. The old embers still burn between them and sparks fly but until this case is over, sparks is all that can be. The plot twists and turns right up until the end.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the story but I'm very glad I persevered.
I think this is going to be a fun series, Jessica is a tough cookie and I found Euros to be fun.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from Miss Vale, but all opinions are honest and my own.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s a natural inclination to want to give 4 or 5 stars to a book when you receive an ARC, but sometimes you just can’t do that. This is one of those times, and it makes me sad to admit that I cannot give this book more than 2 stars. Allow me to explain.

The story itself is pretty good, but not completely original. That would have been okay, if the writing had been better. After a while, most readers (and writers) come to the realization that all of the stories have already been told and it’s just a matter of telling this in a new way. Unfortunately, while reading this book I was often struck with the feeling that it could have been told better. Some of the words used just didn’t work for me. When there was an opportunity to express something in an unusual or poetic way, the author squandered the chance.

Worse than that, however, were the problems with grammar, misuse of words, and typos. It became a major distraction for me and I found the only way I could continue to read was to mark the mistakes as I found them. As a result, I have a few instances to share. Within the course of one paragraph, there was reference to a “publicity nightmare” as well as a “forensic night mare.” At one point, “futility” was used when the correct word was “futilely.” There was this confusing sentence, “She rolled down her window, held up her badge, and he waved her through, parking her car where he had directed her to go.” I wish I could say that was all, but there were recurring instances of adjectives being used when an adverb was clearly necessary, leaving out words or repeating words, someone’s head “tiled” instead of “tilted,” punctuation was off, earlier bits of information were repeated as if they’d never been shared, verb tenses were mixed up, and the list goes on.

Overall, the help of a good editor and proofreader would have gone a long, long way toward helping this author. I am hopeful that she will get the assistance she needs before publishing her next book as I believe she has the potential to be a much better writer. Sadly, based on this book alone, I would not recommend her writing.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is different then what I've read from this author so far and it was a good storyline. Jessica has made detective and has caught her first murder unfortunately it's the mayor and nothing makes sense. When there's another murder, that appears the same, her boss removes her from both cases. Euros is a reporter and Jessica's ex-boyfriend, that's due to an article he wrote about her. Euros also has an idea what's going on with the murders and wants to help Jessica solve them. Can she get past their past and accept his help and maybe have something again?

I enjoyed the characters and story. The rating is because it was hard to get into in the beginning and was slow reading. A copy was provided on request with no obligation.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

DANGEROUS DARK MAGIC MYSTERY & A SECOND CHANCE FOR TRUE LOVE

An enthralling murder mystery that hooks you with the intriguing plot, dynamic vivid scene descriptions, emotional moments, humor, gripping suspense, engaging characters, horrific danger, life-threatening moments, powerful magic, and a bit of romance keep you turning pages until the conclusion.

When Jessica Sharpe gets her first murder crime as Lead Detective she is outraged when she learns who the victim is. She feels creepy at the crime scene not understanding why. Upon leaving the scene she sees her ex-boyfriend Crime Reporter Euros Desard which stirs up sorrow and heated anger. Euros regrets the day they broke up still loving her deeply. He desperately needs Jessica’s help when another murder is committed as he is certain that Dark Magic is the cause. During their relationship he never told her what he was; he hopes a bit of show and tell convinces her to help him even though there are hard feelings between them.

A wondrous well-written read. As the plot moves along you gain clear insight into the lives of both characters. Euros and Jessica are definitely forces to be reckoned with and are both valiant heroes. The author does a fabulous job showing the magic that is used in this story which I found quite fascinating. The chemistry between them is absolutely genuine and they do get their happy ending. If you treasure Urban Fantasy, this a terrific book for your collection. {I voluntarily reviewed and advanced copy of this book.} Without reservations, I recommend this book.

[ChristinaB.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good first attempt at Urban Fantasy romance by Catherine. Although It was a bit slow going for me at the start and a few times throughout the book, it was hard to put down because I was excited to find out what happens next. But unfortunately, although I had a hard time putting the book down, I didn’t feel much of a connection to the characters while reading this. I loved the storyline but it did fall flat a little bit for me.
I loved reading about Euros’ back story and what happened to him as a child, it made me understand what he went through a little bit more. I liked how Jessica easily and quickly got over the whole magic thing and decided to be open minded, it was easy to like her as a character.
I hope there will be more books following this story

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel of Magic


The story in itself was okay. There is a history with these characters that is explained as the story continues but I felt in my honest opinion like this was book two not one

Euros and Jessica are the main characters in this story and they have a past that has caused pain. Jessica sometime lacks confidence in herself while she struggles in her profession of choice which is not real receptive of her. Euros straddles to worlds and has lived a long life that he sometimes forgets the two worlds do not mesh.

Overall I would give this book a 3.5 star rating as it did hold my attention to the end.

I have read and voluntarily reviewed this book received from the author.