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Offbeat Crimes #4
Feral Dust Bunnies
FROM POPULAR GAY ROMANCE AUTHOR ANGEL MARTINEZ
Book four in the Offbeat Crimes series
An orphaned kitten may be the only witness to romance and the impossible.
Officer Alex Wolf responds to a lot of ‘paranormal’ calls that aren’t. Exotic pet birds aren’t monsters and unusual dog breeds aren’t aliens. It’s a good thing he likes the Animal Control officers, but he both yearns for and dreads those calls where he runs into ACO Jason Shen. Jason’s scent is so delicious that Wolf has a difficult time humaning around him.
Animal Control calls take a disturbing turn, though, when Wolf and his lizard-man partner, Krisk, discover the impossibly mummified bodies of rats and an unfortunate mother cat. The rescue of the cat’s sole surviving kitten not only gives Wolf more time with Jason, which is both perplexing and wonderful, but also leads to dangerous discoveries. Something inconceivable stalks the city and its officers of the law. Wolf has to figure out what it is before it can attack and drain the life from the people and the kitten he loves.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2017
31 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 16, 2017
*3.5 stars*
I'm a super-fan of the awesome Offbeat Crimes series. I think all fans of quirky, fun paranormal novellas should try this series, starting with Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters. However, that being said, this isn't my favorite book of the bunch.
Don't get me wrong, this book was FUN, with an interesting plot and a great pace, but the romance... just "meh" for me.
Alex was GREAT, and I loved his relationship with his adoptive mother. I could have used an even longer book about Alex, he was just that interesting. I also adored his dynamic with Krisk, his mute, reptilian partner. I'm rooting for Krisk's story next, though I'd be pretty much happy with anyone in the department as the MC.
However, Jason... dude. I liked that he was cute with animals, but I found his hot/cold attitude and his sort of rude behavior towards Alex to be off-putting. Maybe if we had had his POV or maybe if it was a longer book it would have worked, but I wasn't really rooting for them as a couple.
When it comes down to it, though I really enjoyed the energetic story, the romance was just not there for me. Even still, it was a worthwhile read, and I ALWAYS encourage everyone to try this really entertaining series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I'm a super-fan of the awesome Offbeat Crimes series. I think all fans of quirky, fun paranormal novellas should try this series, starting with Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters. However, that being said, this isn't my favorite book of the bunch.
Don't get me wrong, this book was FUN, with an interesting plot and a great pace, but the romance... just "meh" for me.
Alex was GREAT, and I loved his relationship with his adoptive mother. I could have used an even longer book about Alex, he was just that interesting. I also adored his dynamic with Krisk, his mute, reptilian partner. I'm rooting for Krisk's story next, though I'd be pretty much happy with anyone in the department as the MC.
However, Jason... dude. I liked that he was cute with animals, but I found his hot/cold attitude and his sort of rude behavior towards Alex to be off-putting. Maybe if we had had his POV or maybe if it was a longer book it would have worked, but I wasn't really rooting for them as a couple.
When it comes down to it, though I really enjoyed the energetic story, the romance was just not there for me. Even still, it was a worthwhile read, and I ALWAYS encourage everyone to try this really entertaining series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 14, 2017
Love this series because it's fun and quirky and just a twist of ridiculous that makes reading it fun. Feral dust bunnies, I am right? Somehow the concept seemed fun, but it didn't work for me. I don't know if it's because I'm really off romance right now in my reading, I enjoyed the paranormal police plot, but the ending seemed to fall fast and without satisfying resolution.
Alex Wolf is adorkable. Truly, sweet and socially awkward as a wolf-human, not werewolf, he's spent a lot of time trying to understand people. It's frustrating and he feels like he makes wrong steps, but he's got a great partner, Krisk, and his mother. On the job, after many interactions, he finally connects with animal control officer, Jason Shen. It's sweet and awkward--honestly, I feel like it may be me, but I didn't connect with them as a couple very well. I'm sure that I'm not a cat person didn't help, either.
Anyway, the story was more interesting than the romance for me and I felt a little shorted in that department since so much time had to be devoted to explaining Wolf's view of the world and how it differed than most individuals, including paranormals. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Alex Wolf is adorkable. Truly, sweet and socially awkward as a wolf-human, not werewolf, he's spent a lot of time trying to understand people. It's frustrating and he feels like he makes wrong steps, but he's got a great partner, Krisk, and his mother. On the job, after many interactions, he finally connects with animal control officer, Jason Shen. It's sweet and awkward--honestly, I feel like it may be me, but I didn't connect with them as a couple very well. I'm sure that I'm not a cat person didn't help, either.
Anyway, the story was more interesting than the romance for me and I felt a little shorted in that department since so much time had to be devoted to explaining Wolf's view of the world and how it differed than most individuals, including paranormals. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
May 27, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
I LOVE going back to Martinez's Offbeat Crimes universe ... with the officers of the 77th paranormal crimes unit. Feral Dust Bunnies is book #4 and it's time for Alex Wolf to be the center character.
Alex is a wolf cursed to become a human ... but he still retains some of his wolf nature (his nose is excellent smell sensor for example) and I ADORED him so very much. Alex sometimes still finds human customs and behaviors to be befuddling. When Alex realizes that he is attracted to Animal Control Officer Jason Shen, he just acts all awkward and CUTE!
I loved Alex's relationship with his adopted mother. I loved his bumbling reactions in handling his attraction to Jason. Of course when Alex himself pretty much got imprinted by a kitten -- that he names Audacity because she is a determined little furball -- it elevated the level of cuteness to the max and I just ♥ Alex even more!!
Now I'm not really sure about Jason though. Yeah, I really liked the guy because he was good with animals (men with pets, I adore them). But I also thought Jason was being a jerk when he acted all distant after Alex asked him to be his date to Kash and Kyle's wedding.
Similar to the other books in this series, there is a paranormal mystery to be solved of course. While the case on this book is finished, the officers realize there is a bigger mystery for them; that there is someone responsible in creating all the paranormal havoc lately. So I assume this will be the arc for the whole series and will be continued in book #5.
I LOVE going back to Martinez's Offbeat Crimes universe ... with the officers of the 77th paranormal crimes unit. Feral Dust Bunnies is book #4 and it's time for Alex Wolf to be the center character.
Alex is a wolf cursed to become a human ... but he still retains some of his wolf nature (his nose is excellent smell sensor for example) and I ADORED him so very much. Alex sometimes still finds human customs and behaviors to be befuddling. When Alex realizes that he is attracted to Animal Control Officer Jason Shen, he just acts all awkward and CUTE!
“I’m sorry. What was that?”
He squirmed and let out a long breath. “I want to lick him.”
“Oh, dear.” Mom’s forehead wrinkled in concern. “You haven’t licked him, have you?”
I loved Alex's relationship with his adopted mother. I loved his bumbling reactions in handling his attraction to Jason. Of course when Alex himself pretty much got imprinted by a kitten -- that he names Audacity because she is a determined little furball -- it elevated the level of cuteness to the max and I just ♥ Alex even more!!
Now I'm not really sure about Jason though. Yeah, I really liked the guy because he was good with animals (men with pets, I adore them). But I also thought Jason was being a jerk when he acted all distant after Alex asked him to be his date to Kash and Kyle's wedding.
Similar to the other books in this series, there is a paranormal mystery to be solved of course. While the case on this book is finished, the officers realize there is a bigger mystery for them; that there is someone responsible in creating all the paranormal havoc lately. So I assume this will be the arc for the whole series and will be continued in book #5.
August 12, 2018
Sometimes Alex Wolf seemed way younger than 28, and that disturbed me a bit...he sounded almost like a teenager and I wasn't really sure he and Jason were good together as couple. In the end I still liked them, but the book was a bit boring. I wanted to know more about the curse that made Alex human, and about what happened to his pack. The Kitten was cute, but the fact that all called her Wolf's baby wolf/daughter, made me cringe, bcs it seemed they really thought that. I love animals and I consider my dogs my best friends and my cat the same, but how ppl talked about that kitten, and acted with her, in this book was a bit too much....
Rated 3 stars (rounded up)
Rated 3 stars (rounded up)
June 13, 2023
3.5 rounded down
I enjoyed more than the last book, but not as much as the first two. Interesting-ish plot, and I appreciated that it seems to further the sort of over-arching baddie narrative, though that on the whole has felt a little underdeveloped. I really enjoyed Wolf and his various relationships, and while I liked him and Jason together OK, I didn't totally feel the spark. Jason blew and little hot & cold and without his POV it was hard to get a read on him, though I think that will change in the next book which I'd definitely be curious to read!
I enjoyed more than the last book, but not as much as the first two. Interesting-ish plot, and I appreciated that it seems to further the sort of over-arching baddie narrative, though that on the whole has felt a little underdeveloped. I really enjoyed Wolf and his various relationships, and while I liked him and Jason together OK, I didn't totally feel the spark. Jason blew and little hot & cold and without his POV it was hard to get a read on him, though I think that will change in the next book which I'd definitely be curious to read!
January 17, 2025
3+⭐
I've given ~4 stars to the books #1-3 in this series for being ridiculous, fun and also sweet. I don't really think this book's writing is noticeably worse. Wolf is a lovely, unusual character and I enjoyed his POV. The kitten is also very cute.
I am basically deducting stars because this story has a snowball's chance in hell of working as a standalone story. It's a part of a series, so I don't really require it being a standalone book, but it's such a middle chapter or middle chapters, that I became irritated.
There are plenty of quirky characters with quirky powers, but this story spends no time reintrocuding anyone. Partly I blame myself for having a longer break from this series, but the book has a different MC than the earlier one and I remembered him, so I thought it would be okayish to continue. But nope. Just don't read this with longer breaks.
There's an over-arcing longer plot and this book barely resolves the smaller case it introduces. It sort of just ends. And all the characters are a bit too much without a cheat sheet or something. I didn't immediately remember two of the characters were basically sentient jackets. Even that was not even mentioned in this book. I just recalled it a bit later when they were always described just waving their sleeves around. 😖
I've given ~4 stars to the books #1-3 in this series for being ridiculous, fun and also sweet. I don't really think this book's writing is noticeably worse. Wolf is a lovely, unusual character and I enjoyed his POV. The kitten is also very cute.
I am basically deducting stars because this story has a snowball's chance in hell of working as a standalone story. It's a part of a series, so I don't really require it being a standalone book, but it's such a middle chapter or middle chapters, that I became irritated.
There are plenty of quirky characters with quirky powers, but this story spends no time reintrocuding anyone. Partly I blame myself for having a longer break from this series, but the book has a different MC than the earlier one and I remembered him, so I thought it would be okayish to continue. But nope. Just don't read this with longer breaks.
There's an over-arcing longer plot and this book barely resolves the smaller case it introduces. It sort of just ends. And all the characters are a bit too much without a cheat sheet or something. I didn't immediately remember two of the characters were basically sentient jackets. Even that was not even mentioned in this book. I just recalled it a bit later when they were always described just waving their sleeves around. 😖
March 22, 2018
The mystery of this fourth book was a little disappointing. It started off pretty well and the breakthrough in the case would have been interesting, if the surprise effect hadn’t already been spoiled by the title. In the end it was obvious that this case wasn’t much more than a step toward future developments.
Regarding the characters and the relationship part, I liked Alex and enjoyed his unique and often adorable perspective on the world, but sometimes his way of thinking sounded too much like that of a child for my comfort, especially regarding his relationship with his mother.
I also didn’t feel much emotional investment on Jason’s part. He was great about accepting and understanding Wolf as he is, but he seemed to be keeping himself distant from their relationship.
I think the romance suffered from being relegated to third position after the case and the kitten.
The kitten was adorable, but did she really have to be central in any single scene? Don’t get me wrong, I like cats and she was an adorable little bundle of cuteness, I just don’t have enough maternal instinct to care about how many times a kitten gets fed or how well she’s sleeping or using her litter box.
There’s a reason I avoid romances with babies.
Regarding the characters and the relationship part, I liked Alex and enjoyed his unique and often adorable perspective on the world, but sometimes his way of thinking sounded too much like that of a child for my comfort, especially regarding his relationship with his mother.
I also didn’t feel much emotional investment on Jason’s part. He was great about accepting and understanding Wolf as he is, but he seemed to be keeping himself distant from their relationship.
I think the romance suffered from being relegated to third position after the case and the kitten.
The kitten was adorable, but did she really have to be central in any single scene? Don’t get me wrong, I like cats and she was an adorable little bundle of cuteness, I just don’t have enough maternal instinct to care about how many times a kitten gets fed or how well she’s sleeping or using her litter box.
There’s a reason I avoid romances with babies.
June 21, 2017
This fourth book set in Angel Martinez’s world of Philadelphia’s 77th Precinct with its paranormally defective members focuses on one of the more enigmatic team members, Alex Wolf. I also got to find out a lot more about Wolf’s detective partner, silent lizard-man Krisk, who communicates by text and the odd grunt here or there. This time the intrepid officers face mummified animals, a lonely kitten, and some truly dangerous discoveries. It’s all hands on deck as they have to figure out what’s stalking them before it is too late.
Alex Wolf, who goes by “Wolf” for short, has a somewhat murky past, lives with the woman who adopted him, and still has trouble behaving like a human at times. His interactions with his mother and her attempts to teach him human skills (like ironing his shirts) are hilarious. Wolf works well with the animal control officers, so he is the first to respond to their calls as mummified animal bodies turn up. It gives Wolf ample opportunity to spend time with Jason, one of the animal control officers involved. And as confused as Wolf is about his attraction to the human, he is reluctant to do anything about it. If he even knew what he was supposed to do!
Jason is delightfully unaware of the exact nature of the man he is visibly falling for. But he is not easily scared, and anyway, a man who likes an orphaned kitten enough to take her home can’t be a complete disaster, right? And when he finally asks Wolf out for lunch and finds out the truth, he barely blinks an eye. There are a couple of starts and stops to their romance as Jason battles the reality of their romance and Wolf bumbles along, but the surprising discoveries for both men keep coming and, in the end, they are definitely very hot together.
The main plot around the desiccated animals thickens as the danger grows – and I really can’t reveal much more than that without a huge spoiler. I will say that I loved the improbability of this story as much as that of previous volumes, and the various subplots around the other characters added a lot to my enjoyment as well. Kyle and Kash are back in a big way, and I hope they stay involved in future stories as much as they have been so far. They are such great guys!
If you like the crazy paranormal world of the 77th Precinct and can’t get enough of their amazing adventures, if you want to know how a wolf-man without the finer human graces and an animal control officer manage to figure out they belong together, and if you’re looking for a mystery that is a little darker than previous ones in this series but just as well-constructed, then you will probably like this novella. I definitely look forward to the next one!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Alex Wolf, who goes by “Wolf” for short, has a somewhat murky past, lives with the woman who adopted him, and still has trouble behaving like a human at times. His interactions with his mother and her attempts to teach him human skills (like ironing his shirts) are hilarious. Wolf works well with the animal control officers, so he is the first to respond to their calls as mummified animal bodies turn up. It gives Wolf ample opportunity to spend time with Jason, one of the animal control officers involved. And as confused as Wolf is about his attraction to the human, he is reluctant to do anything about it. If he even knew what he was supposed to do!
Jason is delightfully unaware of the exact nature of the man he is visibly falling for. But he is not easily scared, and anyway, a man who likes an orphaned kitten enough to take her home can’t be a complete disaster, right? And when he finally asks Wolf out for lunch and finds out the truth, he barely blinks an eye. There are a couple of starts and stops to their romance as Jason battles the reality of their romance and Wolf bumbles along, but the surprising discoveries for both men keep coming and, in the end, they are definitely very hot together.
The main plot around the desiccated animals thickens as the danger grows – and I really can’t reveal much more than that without a huge spoiler. I will say that I loved the improbability of this story as much as that of previous volumes, and the various subplots around the other characters added a lot to my enjoyment as well. Kyle and Kash are back in a big way, and I hope they stay involved in future stories as much as they have been so far. They are such great guys!
If you like the crazy paranormal world of the 77th Precinct and can’t get enough of their amazing adventures, if you want to know how a wolf-man without the finer human graces and an animal control officer manage to figure out they belong together, and if you’re looking for a mystery that is a little darker than previous ones in this series but just as well-constructed, then you will probably like this novella. I definitely look forward to the next one!
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 31, 2017
4.3 Stars
I think Wolf might be my new favorite character for this series; his attempts at "humaning" were both hilarious and heart-breaking. But man, his mom ROCKS!
I think Wolf might be my new favorite character for this series; his attempts at "humaning" were both hilarious and heart-breaking. But man, his mom ROCKS!
Want to read
November 19, 2019Thank you Pixie Twinkle Toes for gifting this to me! I'll finally get to read it! Yay!
May 27, 2017
Adorable MC with his adorable kitten, plus an interesting mystery that involved the whole squad, and a pretty nice romance. I definitely liked this one better than the previous one. Oh, I also want Krisk as the MC for next book.
Read Ami's review for more coherent thoughts ;)
Read Ami's review for more coherent thoughts ;)
October 8, 2017
My Favourite so far
4 Stars
This one is my favourite so far in this series
I loved Wolf and Jason together, but Wolf was my favourite.
I enjoyed seeing his partnership with Krisk and how they communicate, also how he tried to work out how the world works and how to fit in. I loved his relationship with his mother, and how she took care of him, but also tried to teach him to live on his own. Audacity was beautiful
4 Stars
This one is my favourite so far in this series
I loved Wolf and Jason together, but Wolf was my favourite.
I enjoyed seeing his partnership with Krisk and how they communicate, also how he tried to work out how the world works and how to fit in. I loved his relationship with his mother, and how she took care of him, but also tried to teach him to live on his own. Audacity was beautiful
February 20, 2018
This is my least favorite of the series, primarily because it felt unfinished. I quite liked the main couple, but I didn’t feel the mystery had been solved at all. I was left hanging, while the last 10% of the look was a “preview” of the *previous* book in the series. Go figure.
July 10, 2017
: I am fairly sure I have uttered these same words the last time I read a book in this series, but it bears repeating, I absolutely love the Offbeat Crimes series by author Angel Martinez. These stories are cleverly written with a quirky cast of characters who never fail to entertain. The latest, Feral Dust Bunnies, brings together the same motley and undaunted crew of the paranormal precinct, this time focusing on Alex Wolf and his partner, Krisk.
We finally get to find out about Alex’s past and how a wolf became human and was later adopted by a couple of loving and caring scientists. We are also given an insight into how Alex is able to communicate with his lizard partner, Krisk who hisses and tail thumps his way through most conversations unless he is texting his partner with uniquely Krisk-like messages.
When the two officers are sent out to investigate a supposed alien they discover something far more disturbing—the desiccated remains of two rats in an abandoned alleyway. Wolf and Krisk aren’t too concerned until they find yet another animal similarly attacked leaving behind a young kitten and forcing Wolf to call in animal control in order to further investigate. But interacting with Officer Jason Shen from animal control has thrown poor Alex into a tizzy. Besides continually grappling with understanding human proclivities, Alex is also a disaster at relationships—but Jason is different. As things heat up between the two of them, the case also takes on a decided twist when it’s discovered that whoever is behind the life sucking feral dust bunnies may actually be targeting Alex himself.
Once again author Angel Martinez offers up a paranormal mystery liberally laced with humor, a rapidly paced plot line and an unusual bad guy, er, dust bunny. Through the musings of this author’s cleverly diabolical mind, we get to read a story rife with romance, suspense and just plain fun. Much like the other characters before him I found myself falling in love with Alex Wolf. His inability to always read human responses correctly has left his tender heart bruised and gun shy. The idea that this burly, growly man could bond with a tiny kitten and tentatively reach out for happiness with Jason was really lovely to watch. However, the real bonus here is it’s all written so cleverly that the storyline is never cloying or dramatic but rather a wonderful relationship we get to watch blossom.
While this novel ends a bit abruptly, it merely whets the appetite for the next in the series. I am eager to see who will be the focus of the next book or perhaps it will be one to wrap up the many loose ends the current one leaves dangling. Either way, I know I will eagerly await whatever author Angel Martinez offers up next.
We finally get to find out about Alex’s past and how a wolf became human and was later adopted by a couple of loving and caring scientists. We are also given an insight into how Alex is able to communicate with his lizard partner, Krisk who hisses and tail thumps his way through most conversations unless he is texting his partner with uniquely Krisk-like messages.
When the two officers are sent out to investigate a supposed alien they discover something far more disturbing—the desiccated remains of two rats in an abandoned alleyway. Wolf and Krisk aren’t too concerned until they find yet another animal similarly attacked leaving behind a young kitten and forcing Wolf to call in animal control in order to further investigate. But interacting with Officer Jason Shen from animal control has thrown poor Alex into a tizzy. Besides continually grappling with understanding human proclivities, Alex is also a disaster at relationships—but Jason is different. As things heat up between the two of them, the case also takes on a decided twist when it’s discovered that whoever is behind the life sucking feral dust bunnies may actually be targeting Alex himself.
Once again author Angel Martinez offers up a paranormal mystery liberally laced with humor, a rapidly paced plot line and an unusual bad guy, er, dust bunny. Through the musings of this author’s cleverly diabolical mind, we get to read a story rife with romance, suspense and just plain fun. Much like the other characters before him I found myself falling in love with Alex Wolf. His inability to always read human responses correctly has left his tender heart bruised and gun shy. The idea that this burly, growly man could bond with a tiny kitten and tentatively reach out for happiness with Jason was really lovely to watch. However, the real bonus here is it’s all written so cleverly that the storyline is never cloying or dramatic but rather a wonderful relationship we get to watch blossom.
While this novel ends a bit abruptly, it merely whets the appetite for the next in the series. I am eager to see who will be the focus of the next book or perhaps it will be one to wrap up the many loose ends the current one leaves dangling. Either way, I know I will eagerly await whatever author Angel Martinez offers up next.
January 31, 2018
The funniest book so far. I mean, the others were funny in that weird, quirky way, but this one - mostly thanks to Wolf - was the most laugh funny. I was a little unsure of Wolf being the lead. I mean, he's a wolf that was turned human, so how's that going to work? But it worked really well, because he's not too human but nor is he too wolf. There's a lot of communication between Wolf and Jason, so that was good. However, I can already tell that Jason has problems and, truly, he's my least favorite character in the series so far. (And that's including all the officers of the 77th and Ras. That's including Vance.) So I'm a little worried about the next book being his part of the story.
July 11, 2017
The characters and setting in this story confused me, as I am intensely literal-minded these days. No whimsy or imagination for me. That being so, this book was like some yummy food in a foreign land. I think I like it, but I'll wait for another meal or two before I make it a favorite.
October 27, 2017
4 stars
This was a very enjoyable story. I will note that I read this book because I needed to read Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs for a challenge and this book is where Alex and Jason's relationship begins so I thought I'd read it first. Although I was able to get through this story alright, I wouldn't call this a total standalone. There are a lot of things about the characters and the "world" in general that aren't explained. In other mid-series books by other authors, there might be a few sentences to quickly explain something or someone before going on with the story but in this book there's no explanations, like the author just assumes you already know this from previous books. This was the first story I've read by this author and I liked this story well enough that I'm sure I'll try more of her work in the future but I'll definitely start from the beginning of the series next time.
Alex Wolf is a police officer at the 77th precinct (for the paranormal crimes division) in Philadelphia. His team is a bit unusual and has a lot of unclassified paranormal on it...one of which is Alex. Alex was a real wolf cub when he was born but he was cursed as a juvenile wolf and turned into a 12 year old boy. He was adopted and taught how to live as a human but he still has issues at times. Alex has very good senses of smell and hearing but can't transform into a wolf.
Jason is a human that works for the animal control department in Philadelphia. Jason is gay and open about it. Unfortunately, although he loves his family, they don't seem to be comfortable about his sexuality and tend to ignore it. Jason is a very kind man that has a soft spot for animals and has a house full of pets he's rescued in his job.
Jason and Alex run into each other frequently on their jobs. Alex loves the smell of Jason and wants to lick him but has held off on making any moves as he's unsure of Jason's feelings towards him. Alex often has problems with understanding human motivations and subtle behaviors so he has been cautious about his actions towards Jason. Things change a bit when Alex ends up rescuing a kitten who's mother was killed by a magical monster causing problems around town. The kitten imprints on Alex and refused to eat or stop crying until Alex showed up...which basically means that Alex has to adopt her.
With all the additional interactions between Jason and Alex because of the kitten, they finally get their acts together and go on a date. Things go well and their relationship escalates quickly. There are a few issues, mostly caused by a bit of mis-communication that caused some confusion between Alex and Jason but overall, nothing too major. Once things get hashed out, things between Jason and Alex go pretty smoothly. The magical badness is also figured out (to a point at least) and things end nicely, with Jason and Alex doing well and heading towards a HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked both Alex and Jason. Alex had such issues trying to figure out the world sometimes and I'm glad that Jason was able to appreciate his uniqueness and accept him. They seemed to make a pretty good couple but I know more happens to them in the next book so we'll see how things end for them in book #5. I would recommend this book if you've read the previous books in the series. :)
This was a very enjoyable story. I will note that I read this book because I needed to read Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs for a challenge and this book is where Alex and Jason's relationship begins so I thought I'd read it first. Although I was able to get through this story alright, I wouldn't call this a total standalone. There are a lot of things about the characters and the "world" in general that aren't explained. In other mid-series books by other authors, there might be a few sentences to quickly explain something or someone before going on with the story but in this book there's no explanations, like the author just assumes you already know this from previous books. This was the first story I've read by this author and I liked this story well enough that I'm sure I'll try more of her work in the future but I'll definitely start from the beginning of the series next time.
Alex Wolf is a police officer at the 77th precinct (for the paranormal crimes division) in Philadelphia. His team is a bit unusual and has a lot of unclassified paranormal on it...one of which is Alex. Alex was a real wolf cub when he was born but he was cursed as a juvenile wolf and turned into a 12 year old boy. He was adopted and taught how to live as a human but he still has issues at times. Alex has very good senses of smell and hearing but can't transform into a wolf.
Jason is a human that works for the animal control department in Philadelphia. Jason is gay and open about it. Unfortunately, although he loves his family, they don't seem to be comfortable about his sexuality and tend to ignore it. Jason is a very kind man that has a soft spot for animals and has a house full of pets he's rescued in his job.
Jason and Alex run into each other frequently on their jobs. Alex loves the smell of Jason and wants to lick him but has held off on making any moves as he's unsure of Jason's feelings towards him. Alex often has problems with understanding human motivations and subtle behaviors so he has been cautious about his actions towards Jason. Things change a bit when Alex ends up rescuing a kitten who's mother was killed by a magical monster causing problems around town. The kitten imprints on Alex and refused to eat or stop crying until Alex showed up...which basically means that Alex has to adopt her.
With all the additional interactions between Jason and Alex because of the kitten, they finally get their acts together and go on a date. Things go well and their relationship escalates quickly. There are a few issues, mostly caused by a bit of mis-communication that caused some confusion between Alex and Jason but overall, nothing too major. Once things get hashed out, things between Jason and Alex go pretty smoothly. The magical badness is also figured out (to a point at least) and things end nicely, with Jason and Alex doing well and heading towards a HEA together.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked both Alex and Jason. Alex had such issues trying to figure out the world sometimes and I'm glad that Jason was able to appreciate his uniqueness and accept him. They seemed to make a pretty good couple but I know more happens to them in the next book so we'll see how things end for them in book #5. I would recommend this book if you've read the previous books in the series. :)
July 13, 2021
Really imaginative
Dust bunnies make me think of innocuous little creatures, but this books proves they can be devastating.
I loved getting to know more about Wolf. His story is very interesting. I also liked that we got to know more about Krisk, as I didn’t have a good handle on him from previous books.
Jason is an interesting character and I really appreciated that he was an ordinary fellow.
There were moments I felt so bad for Wolf and his struggles to understand humans. I really felt emotionally connected to his character.
I’m definitely going to continue this series.
Dust bunnies make me think of innocuous little creatures, but this books proves they can be devastating.
I loved getting to know more about Wolf. His story is very interesting. I also liked that we got to know more about Krisk, as I didn’t have a good handle on him from previous books.
Jason is an interesting character and I really appreciated that he was an ordinary fellow.
There were moments I felt so bad for Wolf and his struggles to understand humans. I really felt emotionally connected to his character.
I’m definitely going to continue this series.
October 18, 2024
My favourite in this series so far. Wolf is an engaging lead and although humaning may be hard tiny kittens can fix most anything.
February 13, 2020
Great story! I really like the world building and the characters are always sexy but with great chemistry.
August 18, 2017
Forth in the Offbeat Crimes Series – I do recommend reading the previous books in the series first. They provide the background for the characters and setting.
Angel Martinez’s plots are short, sweet and pack a lot between the pages. I love that I can gobble down her stories in a day or two and go back and enjoy the re-read just as much as the first time through. Off Beat Crimes series is that enjoyable.
Premise of the book is Alex Wolf is a wolf turned human – not a werewolf. At 28 years old, employed by Precinct 77, he’s still learning how to be human, something he learns even humans still struggle with.
When he and Krisk, a lizard, are called to a scene involving Animal Control, Wolf rescues a tiny kitten and discovers the grizzly, desiccated remains of her mother. The kitten bonds with Wolf, Wolf finds himself drawn to the Animal Control officer, and now everything is even more confusing because something is roaming the streets killing animals.
Warning – this book contains massive amounts of kitten cuteness!
I really enjoyed Wolf’s character: his uncertainty, his mannerisms, and his loyalty to those around him made for a well- rounded character. It was the little things like knowing he became possessive, wanting to lick people but knowing people didn’t like to be licked, his empathy with Kitten. All these little canine mannerisms in human form – just delightful!
I thought Wolf’s interaction with Krisk was perfect – two non-humans trying to understand humans, when humans don’t understand themselves. Krisk’s non-verbal mannerisms were well written and complimented the lizards use of texting. It would have been so easy to for an author to fall back on the use of texting for a non-speaking character, but to incorporate tail thumps, hissing, snorts to facilitate communication was spot on.
Wolf’s interaction with Animal Control Officer Jason was sweet. There was the awkwardness of first dates, first time to an apartment, and meeting parents. There was a small amount of added tension when Jason declined to go to a gay wedding engagement party because of personal reasons. This was maybe my only complaint with the book. I can understand the attitude, but mostly he came across as just selfish. A cut off your nose to spite your face situation.
And mixed in with the hugely adorable kitten, understanding parents, new boyfriend, there was a paranormal entity roaming the streets. Ah, my second small issue with the book (and I might have missed something while reading) but I didn’t understand how or why “it” showed up at the party.
I continue to adore this series. For me, the books are like buttered popcorn: yummy and finished way to fast.
Recommended if you like your paranormal a bit weird and quirky. Romance and mystery are nicely balanced, the characters are fun, and these are easily devoured in a day or so.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Angel Martinez’s plots are short, sweet and pack a lot between the pages. I love that I can gobble down her stories in a day or two and go back and enjoy the re-read just as much as the first time through. Off Beat Crimes series is that enjoyable.
Premise of the book is Alex Wolf is a wolf turned human – not a werewolf. At 28 years old, employed by Precinct 77, he’s still learning how to be human, something he learns even humans still struggle with.
When he and Krisk, a lizard, are called to a scene involving Animal Control, Wolf rescues a tiny kitten and discovers the grizzly, desiccated remains of her mother. The kitten bonds with Wolf, Wolf finds himself drawn to the Animal Control officer, and now everything is even more confusing because something is roaming the streets killing animals.
Warning – this book contains massive amounts of kitten cuteness!
I really enjoyed Wolf’s character: his uncertainty, his mannerisms, and his loyalty to those around him made for a well- rounded character. It was the little things like knowing he became possessive, wanting to lick people but knowing people didn’t like to be licked, his empathy with Kitten. All these little canine mannerisms in human form – just delightful!
I thought Wolf’s interaction with Krisk was perfect – two non-humans trying to understand humans, when humans don’t understand themselves. Krisk’s non-verbal mannerisms were well written and complimented the lizards use of texting. It would have been so easy to for an author to fall back on the use of texting for a non-speaking character, but to incorporate tail thumps, hissing, snorts to facilitate communication was spot on.
Wolf’s interaction with Animal Control Officer Jason was sweet. There was the awkwardness of first dates, first time to an apartment, and meeting parents. There was a small amount of added tension when Jason declined to go to a gay wedding engagement party because of personal reasons. This was maybe my only complaint with the book. I can understand the attitude, but mostly he came across as just selfish. A cut off your nose to spite your face situation.
And mixed in with the hugely adorable kitten, understanding parents, new boyfriend, there was a paranormal entity roaming the streets. Ah, my second small issue with the book (and I might have missed something while reading) but I didn’t understand how or why “it” showed up at the party.
I continue to adore this series. For me, the books are like buttered popcorn: yummy and finished way to fast.
Recommended if you like your paranormal a bit weird and quirky. Romance and mystery are nicely balanced, the characters are fun, and these are easily devoured in a day or so.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 23, 2017
I am fairly sure I have uttered these same words the last time I read a book in this series, but it bears repeating: I absolutely love the Offbeat Crimes series by author Angel Martinez. These stories are cleverly written with a quirky cast of characters who never fail to entertain. The latest, Feral Dust Bunnies, brings together the same motley and undaunted crew of the paranormal precinct; this time focusing on Alex Wolf and his partner, Krisk.
We finally get to find out about Alex’s past and how a wolf became human and was later adopted by a couple of loving and caring scientists. We are also given an insight into how Alex is able to communicate with his lizard partner, Krisk, who hisses and tail thumps his way through most conversations, unless he is texting his partner with uniquely Krisk-like messages.
When the two officers are sent out to investigate a supposed alien, they discover something far more disturbing—the desiccated remains of two rats in an abandoned alleyway. Wolf and Krisk aren’t too concerned until they find yet another animal similarly attacked, leaving behind a young kitten and forcing Wolf to call in animal control in order to further investigate. But interacting with Officer Jason Shen from animal control has thrown poor Alex into a tizzy. Besides continually grappling with understanding human proclivities, Alex is also a disaster at relationships—but Jason is different. As things heat up between the two of them, the case also takes on a decided twist when it’s discovered that whoever is behind the life sucking feral dust bunnies may actually be targeting Alex himself.
Once again author Angel Martinez offers up a paranormal mystery liberally laced with humor, a rapidly paced plotline, and an unusual bad guy…er, dust bunny. Through the musings of this author’s cleverly diabolical mind, we get to read a story rife with romance, suspense and just plain fun. Much like the other characters before him, I found myself falling in love with Alex Wolf. His inability to always read human responses correctly has left his tender heart bruised and gun shy. The idea that this burly, growly man could bond with a tiny kitten and tentatively reach out for happiness with Jason was really lovely to watch. However, the real bonus here is it’s all written so cleverly that the storyline is never cloying or dramatic but rather, a wonderful relationship we get to watch blossom.
While this novel ends a bit abruptly, it merely whets the appetite for the next in the series. I am eager to see who will be the focus of the next book, or perhaps it will be one to wrap up the many loose ends the current one leaves dangling. Either way, I know I will eagerly await whatever Angel Martinez offers up next.
Feral Dust Bunnies is a wonderfully clever, humorous romp with just the right touch of romance. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
We finally get to find out about Alex’s past and how a wolf became human and was later adopted by a couple of loving and caring scientists. We are also given an insight into how Alex is able to communicate with his lizard partner, Krisk, who hisses and tail thumps his way through most conversations, unless he is texting his partner with uniquely Krisk-like messages.
When the two officers are sent out to investigate a supposed alien, they discover something far more disturbing—the desiccated remains of two rats in an abandoned alleyway. Wolf and Krisk aren’t too concerned until they find yet another animal similarly attacked, leaving behind a young kitten and forcing Wolf to call in animal control in order to further investigate. But interacting with Officer Jason Shen from animal control has thrown poor Alex into a tizzy. Besides continually grappling with understanding human proclivities, Alex is also a disaster at relationships—but Jason is different. As things heat up between the two of them, the case also takes on a decided twist when it’s discovered that whoever is behind the life sucking feral dust bunnies may actually be targeting Alex himself.
Once again author Angel Martinez offers up a paranormal mystery liberally laced with humor, a rapidly paced plotline, and an unusual bad guy…er, dust bunny. Through the musings of this author’s cleverly diabolical mind, we get to read a story rife with romance, suspense and just plain fun. Much like the other characters before him, I found myself falling in love with Alex Wolf. His inability to always read human responses correctly has left his tender heart bruised and gun shy. The idea that this burly, growly man could bond with a tiny kitten and tentatively reach out for happiness with Jason was really lovely to watch. However, the real bonus here is it’s all written so cleverly that the storyline is never cloying or dramatic but rather, a wonderful relationship we get to watch blossom.
While this novel ends a bit abruptly, it merely whets the appetite for the next in the series. I am eager to see who will be the focus of the next book, or perhaps it will be one to wrap up the many loose ends the current one leaves dangling. Either way, I know I will eagerly await whatever Angel Martinez offers up next.
Feral Dust Bunnies is a wonderfully clever, humorous romp with just the right touch of romance. I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
November 17, 2017
My Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book at the current price. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
What it’s about…
This is an introduction to the 77th Precinct. All the other police areas are called Districts, but the 77th is a precinct. That’s not the only difference. The 77th is made up of officers and detectives who all have misfunctioning magical powers. And they’re all just a little bit touchy about it at times, especially Vance Virago the firestarter. If the coffee pot is empty, don’t say a word. Larry takes care of it and his feelings really get hurt if anyone else interferes. Larry’s the ghost of a cop. The LT in charge of the precinct is usually pretty cool about things. She’s the anti-priestess of an elder god. It’s only a problem if you need her when she’s making an offering to the god.
Kyle Monroe is just starting to feel a part of the precinct since his transfer following a run-in with a gelatinous cloud that changed his magical make-up. Now to throw him off balance is new boy-on-the-block, Vikash Soren. Tall, physically perfect and reserved. And his new partner.
Can they find the chance to build a relationship and still catch the monsters?
Technical Tidbits…
The cover is pretty at first glance with that lovely silver surrounding that fabulous male figure. Then you look into that silvery cloud and you see the monsters!
The storyline is simple with a lot of embellishments along the way.
The characters are introduced to give us a baseline for the precinct in this book, the first of the series. Kyle Monroe and Vikash Soren are much more developed due to the fact that they are the two individuals involved in the relationship and with the crime. They are the main characters in this book.
The pace was pretty good. Everything seemed to move right along.
The tension dropped in on you in the first few pages and held on until the end.
This is the sort of story that requires an author with superior writing skills.
And this is where you STOP if you don’t want to see any SPOILERS...
The good, the bad, and the ugly…and how much it lit up my life… ✰✰✰✰
As usual, I came across this series at #4. So, I immediately bought and read book one so I would know the back story. Book one does an excellent job of being an introductory book. It explains the precinct and its weird characters so that you have the basis to go forward with the other stories and understand what’s going on. You’ve got a vampire that can’t drink blood from a human. He has to have some stuff from a bag. Vance can’t control his fire-starting when he gets angry. When anyone gets near Kyle he absorbs their magic and makes it enhanced in some way. With Vance’s fire-starting, he creates huge fires, and Vance always gets blamed for not being careful around Kyle!
As for the actual story, there wasn’t much to the crime part of it. There was an ugly monster-like giant turtle killing people along the river walk. Who knows why, we never got into that. Mr. Jacket (the leather jacket without a body) helped them track it down initially. Vikash was trying to save Kyle from the monster and he used his magic. Kyle enhanced it and made the monster explode. Mr. Jacket seems to be missing after everyone is released from the hospital.
The relationship was more than half the story, I think. The two men, Kyle and Vikash, do a lot of talking and teasing and then they have sex. The next time Kyle wants to get together he says he’s got beer and a movie at his place. Vikash says his cat is expecting him, bring the beer and movie to his place. Hooray for him! A man who understands you have to take care of your cat or you can’t take care of a relationship with another person. And finally, the cat doesn’t run and hide when Kyle walks in.
Overall, this looks like a quirky, fun series if you’re into or okay with sex that’s anything but vanilla. In fact, it looks like it may all be LGBT in this series. You may have to overlook a little vamp mixed in with human, or other things that go bump in the night.
Recommended.
Feral Dust Bunnies
Offbeat Crimes, #4
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, Jun 2017
Kindle, 169 Pages
Only in Digital format
Genre(s) Cozy Mystery, LBGT Romance
Source purchased at current price
My Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book at the current price. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
What it’s about…
It started with some rats that looked like mummies. Then it was a mother cat, whose one surviving kitten gets to live with Wolf. And that’s where ACO Jason Shen comes in. Jason is helping Wolf get all the things he needs for the kitten and teaching him how to take care of her. Wolf has trouble paying attention because he thinks Jason smells so good. He smells lickable, and Jason’s okay with that.
Finding the source of the evil that is attacking animals and people takes almost the whole squad this time after Vikash’s Mom is attacked at a party. Erasmus is injured by the Dust Bunny entity and Carrington is almost done in by concern for his librarian. Jeff, Amanda, Greg, Wolf, Shira, and the rest of the crew are busy beating on gray appendages until Krisk appears with his unusual solution and then asks Vance to step in to finish it up.
Now can they locate the creator’s base and destroy it before more any more dust bunnies are monsterized?
Technical Tidbits…
The cover is that beautiful light purple color surrounding another gorgeous male figure. This time in the color cloud we have the rats that end up mummified and Audacity, the kitten that gets saved.
The storyline again is two-part. The mystery is simple enough with an entity that needs to be found and destroyed. And the romance is straight-forward as well for an LGBT pairing.
The characters are fleshed out well as they take the stage in the book. The ones we already know are left as is. It’s the main characters in this story that are explained. There were a lot of the characters involved this time, too!
The pace was a bit crazy in this book. It seemed like the characters really didn’t get a chance to rest between events.
The tension stayed pretty even from beginning to end with the pitch over the scene at the party and then again when Vikash explodes the circle.
And this is where you STOP if you don’t want to see any SPOILERS…
The good, the bad, and the ugly…and how much it lit up my life… ✰✰✰✰
I loved the way Wolf’s “mother” helped him so matter-of-factly understand things like human relationships and wedding invitations. Having been a wolf then cursed into a human didn’t give him any chance to understand any of those things. She also gives him time and space to safely experience such things. He has no siblings, and it’s so nice that Jason is willing to share his with him. He remembers wolf siblings and he’s sad. But it’s a bit different having human siblings. And Krisk, his partner is very patient with the gaps in his understanding and helps him when he can.
I find this whole group of misfits rather endearing. I’ve now read book one and book four. I’m going to go back and read books two and three and probably five. I may or may not review them. I’m reading them for myself and I don’t always review my own reading. I just want to catch up on the rest of the group.
Recommended.
I purchased a copy of this book at the current price. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
What it’s about…
This is an introduction to the 77th Precinct. All the other police areas are called Districts, but the 77th is a precinct. That’s not the only difference. The 77th is made up of officers and detectives who all have misfunctioning magical powers. And they’re all just a little bit touchy about it at times, especially Vance Virago the firestarter. If the coffee pot is empty, don’t say a word. Larry takes care of it and his feelings really get hurt if anyone else interferes. Larry’s the ghost of a cop. The LT in charge of the precinct is usually pretty cool about things. She’s the anti-priestess of an elder god. It’s only a problem if you need her when she’s making an offering to the god.
Kyle Monroe is just starting to feel a part of the precinct since his transfer following a run-in with a gelatinous cloud that changed his magical make-up. Now to throw him off balance is new boy-on-the-block, Vikash Soren. Tall, physically perfect and reserved. And his new partner.
Can they find the chance to build a relationship and still catch the monsters?
Technical Tidbits…
The cover is pretty at first glance with that lovely silver surrounding that fabulous male figure. Then you look into that silvery cloud and you see the monsters!
The storyline is simple with a lot of embellishments along the way.
The characters are introduced to give us a baseline for the precinct in this book, the first of the series. Kyle Monroe and Vikash Soren are much more developed due to the fact that they are the two individuals involved in the relationship and with the crime. They are the main characters in this book.
The pace was pretty good. Everything seemed to move right along.
The tension dropped in on you in the first few pages and held on until the end.
This is the sort of story that requires an author with superior writing skills.
And this is where you STOP if you don’t want to see any SPOILERS...
The good, the bad, and the ugly…and how much it lit up my life… ✰✰✰✰
As usual, I came across this series at #4. So, I immediately bought and read book one so I would know the back story. Book one does an excellent job of being an introductory book. It explains the precinct and its weird characters so that you have the basis to go forward with the other stories and understand what’s going on. You’ve got a vampire that can’t drink blood from a human. He has to have some stuff from a bag. Vance can’t control his fire-starting when he gets angry. When anyone gets near Kyle he absorbs their magic and makes it enhanced in some way. With Vance’s fire-starting, he creates huge fires, and Vance always gets blamed for not being careful around Kyle!
As for the actual story, there wasn’t much to the crime part of it. There was an ugly monster-like giant turtle killing people along the river walk. Who knows why, we never got into that. Mr. Jacket (the leather jacket without a body) helped them track it down initially. Vikash was trying to save Kyle from the monster and he used his magic. Kyle enhanced it and made the monster explode. Mr. Jacket seems to be missing after everyone is released from the hospital.
The relationship was more than half the story, I think. The two men, Kyle and Vikash, do a lot of talking and teasing and then they have sex. The next time Kyle wants to get together he says he’s got beer and a movie at his place. Vikash says his cat is expecting him, bring the beer and movie to his place. Hooray for him! A man who understands you have to take care of your cat or you can’t take care of a relationship with another person. And finally, the cat doesn’t run and hide when Kyle walks in.
Overall, this looks like a quirky, fun series if you’re into or okay with sex that’s anything but vanilla. In fact, it looks like it may all be LGBT in this series. You may have to overlook a little vamp mixed in with human, or other things that go bump in the night.
Recommended.
Feral Dust Bunnies
Offbeat Crimes, #4
Angel Martinez
Pride Publishing, Jun 2017
Kindle, 169 Pages
Only in Digital format
Genre(s) Cozy Mystery, LBGT Romance
Source purchased at current price
My Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book at the current price. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
What it’s about…
It started with some rats that looked like mummies. Then it was a mother cat, whose one surviving kitten gets to live with Wolf. And that’s where ACO Jason Shen comes in. Jason is helping Wolf get all the things he needs for the kitten and teaching him how to take care of her. Wolf has trouble paying attention because he thinks Jason smells so good. He smells lickable, and Jason’s okay with that.
Finding the source of the evil that is attacking animals and people takes almost the whole squad this time after Vikash’s Mom is attacked at a party. Erasmus is injured by the Dust Bunny entity and Carrington is almost done in by concern for his librarian. Jeff, Amanda, Greg, Wolf, Shira, and the rest of the crew are busy beating on gray appendages until Krisk appears with his unusual solution and then asks Vance to step in to finish it up.
Now can they locate the creator’s base and destroy it before more any more dust bunnies are monsterized?
Technical Tidbits…
The cover is that beautiful light purple color surrounding another gorgeous male figure. This time in the color cloud we have the rats that end up mummified and Audacity, the kitten that gets saved.
The storyline again is two-part. The mystery is simple enough with an entity that needs to be found and destroyed. And the romance is straight-forward as well for an LGBT pairing.
The characters are fleshed out well as they take the stage in the book. The ones we already know are left as is. It’s the main characters in this story that are explained. There were a lot of the characters involved this time, too!
The pace was a bit crazy in this book. It seemed like the characters really didn’t get a chance to rest between events.
The tension stayed pretty even from beginning to end with the pitch over the scene at the party and then again when Vikash explodes the circle.
And this is where you STOP if you don’t want to see any SPOILERS…
The good, the bad, and the ugly…and how much it lit up my life… ✰✰✰✰
I loved the way Wolf’s “mother” helped him so matter-of-factly understand things like human relationships and wedding invitations. Having been a wolf then cursed into a human didn’t give him any chance to understand any of those things. She also gives him time and space to safely experience such things. He has no siblings, and it’s so nice that Jason is willing to share his with him. He remembers wolf siblings and he’s sad. But it’s a bit different having human siblings. And Krisk, his partner is very patient with the gaps in his understanding and helps him when he can.
I find this whole group of misfits rather endearing. I’ve now read book one and book four. I’m going to go back and read books two and three and probably five. I may or may not review them. I’m reading them for myself and I don’t always review my own reading. I just want to catch up on the rest of the group.
Recommended.
June 28, 2017
4 stars.
I think my favorite character in this series has to be Wolf. He's so innocent in certain ways, and his way of thinking is hilarious. His partnership with Krisk was interesting, since Krisk doesn't seem to speak and communicates through text and gestures. They work together really well, as both are somewhat unfamiliar with human society.
The romance felt a bit lacking though. I think it's mainly because Jason wasn't very fleshed out as a character. There's a moment when he treats Wolf very unfairly (which he quickly makes up for), but I wish it was explored more, like why he was bothered why the idea of gay marriage so much. We really don't know much about Jason except his love for animals. Jason being understanding of Wolf's circumstances isn't really enough for a great romance.
I still adore the rest of the cast. I think this novel really brings all their powers and quirks together, and shows how great of a team they are. Even Vance is redeemed a little (there's a reason for his prickly attitude, it seems). I do wish that certain characters were explored more, like Jeff, Vance's partner. Jeff's power is being able to teleport fruit (which is totally weird and sounds useless), but I realize there's a lot of possibilities with his power. For example, what happens if he teleports a fruit into someone's throat? Would that choke and incapacitate that person? What happens if he puts an inanimate object into a watermelon? Would teleporting the watermelon also teleport the object inside along with it? There's so many possibilities, and I hope that Martinez explores that.
The mystery in this novel seems to be building up to a grander, larger mystery, which I think will be addressed in the next novel, which Wolf is still the narrator of! I do hope that Wolf and Jason's relationship is explored more.
Again, I have to praise Martinez's skill of writing memorable characters. Even though it seems like we gain new cast members each novel, she manages to characterize them well. I loved the animals in this novel, along with the inanimate jackets, LJ and Hunter.
Can't wait to read the next book when it comes out. More Wolf!
I think my favorite character in this series has to be Wolf. He's so innocent in certain ways, and his way of thinking is hilarious. His partnership with Krisk was interesting, since Krisk doesn't seem to speak and communicates through text and gestures. They work together really well, as both are somewhat unfamiliar with human society.
The romance felt a bit lacking though. I think it's mainly because Jason wasn't very fleshed out as a character. There's a moment when he treats Wolf very unfairly (which he quickly makes up for), but I wish it was explored more, like why he was bothered why the idea of gay marriage so much. We really don't know much about Jason except his love for animals. Jason being understanding of Wolf's circumstances isn't really enough for a great romance.
I still adore the rest of the cast. I think this novel really brings all their powers and quirks together, and shows how great of a team they are. Even Vance is redeemed a little (there's a reason for his prickly attitude, it seems). I do wish that certain characters were explored more, like Jeff, Vance's partner. Jeff's power is being able to teleport fruit (which is totally weird and sounds useless), but I realize there's a lot of possibilities with his power. For example, what happens if he teleports a fruit into someone's throat? Would that choke and incapacitate that person? What happens if he puts an inanimate object into a watermelon? Would teleporting the watermelon also teleport the object inside along with it? There's so many possibilities, and I hope that Martinez explores that.
The mystery in this novel seems to be building up to a grander, larger mystery, which I think will be addressed in the next novel, which Wolf is still the narrator of! I do hope that Wolf and Jason's relationship is explored more.
Again, I have to praise Martinez's skill of writing memorable characters. Even though it seems like we gain new cast members each novel, she manages to characterize them well. I loved the animals in this novel, along with the inanimate jackets, LJ and Hunter.
Can't wait to read the next book when it comes out. More Wolf!
June 9, 2018
Feral Dust Bunnies (Offbeat Crimes #4)
And
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (Offbeat Crimes #5)
By Angel Martinez
By Pride Publishing, 2017
Four stars
I’ve doubled up on these two books for one review, partly because the main characters—Alex Wolf and Jason Shen—are in both, but partly because I started book five before I realized I’d skipped book four. So of course I had to read them together to get it all right.
This “Offbeat Crimes” series is great fun. It makes wonderful use of Philadelphia as a setting, and it gives us the marvelous messy world of the 77th Precinct, where all the not-quite-there paranormal policemen in Pennsylvania get sent. In this pairing particularly, the ongoing saga of weird creatures invading Philly continues, but we focus on Alex Wolf (who is not a werewolf, but that’s all I’m saying), and Jason Shen, an animal control officer with a big, pushy Chinese family who drive him crazy. Their stories as individuals, their story as an evolving couple, both fit wonderfully into a particularly fascinating paranormal mystery that itself is part of the overarching plot of this whole ongoing series.
So much to enjoy. I have come to love the quirky 77th, with its disparate paranormal characters, each trying to live and love and protect and serve. Although this series focuses on the gay ones, they’re not alone in the 77th. The squad’s interactions are as crucial to the stories as the nascent couples that emerge from each paranormal plotline. Alex Wolf is particularly appealing, a big galoot who struggles to understand the human world around him. Jason’s purpose here is to shed light on yet another thread that runs through this series: the impact of family, and the sometimes fraught interactions that any family can impose upon members who don’t conform to expectations.
I’ve already bought volume six.
And
Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (Offbeat Crimes #5)
By Angel Martinez
By Pride Publishing, 2017
Four stars
I’ve doubled up on these two books for one review, partly because the main characters—Alex Wolf and Jason Shen—are in both, but partly because I started book five before I realized I’d skipped book four. So of course I had to read them together to get it all right.
This “Offbeat Crimes” series is great fun. It makes wonderful use of Philadelphia as a setting, and it gives us the marvelous messy world of the 77th Precinct, where all the not-quite-there paranormal policemen in Pennsylvania get sent. In this pairing particularly, the ongoing saga of weird creatures invading Philly continues, but we focus on Alex Wolf (who is not a werewolf, but that’s all I’m saying), and Jason Shen, an animal control officer with a big, pushy Chinese family who drive him crazy. Their stories as individuals, their story as an evolving couple, both fit wonderfully into a particularly fascinating paranormal mystery that itself is part of the overarching plot of this whole ongoing series.
So much to enjoy. I have come to love the quirky 77th, with its disparate paranormal characters, each trying to live and love and protect and serve. Although this series focuses on the gay ones, they’re not alone in the 77th. The squad’s interactions are as crucial to the stories as the nascent couples that emerge from each paranormal plotline. Alex Wolf is particularly appealing, a big galoot who struggles to understand the human world around him. Jason’s purpose here is to shed light on yet another thread that runs through this series: the impact of family, and the sometimes fraught interactions that any family can impose upon members who don’t conform to expectations.
I’ve already bought volume six.
June 24, 2017
3.5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
This book continues to follow the story of the officers of the quirky paranormal law enforcement department in a slightly different Philadelphia that we are familiar with! This story is about Wolf, who we have seen and heard, but not really gotten to know. His name is Wolf, because he actually is a wolf! He was born as a wolf, and now we know what happened to him… and we meet his sweet mother. His love interest is Jason, an animal control officer, who gets drug in to the odd mystery Wolf is working on, involving mummified animals around the city.
So the mystery part of this book brought us a very fun addition to the cast of characters, a small kitten that Wolf adopts. I loved her dearly! I will say I wish there had been more to the mystery, it was a little vague and the dust bunny part was very quick, and ended remarkably easily. There wasn’t as much to it as some of the other books, and that was a little disappointing. Especially after the epic battle with the giant pill bug in a previous book.
The book is all from Wolf’s perspective, so we get to know him really well. But I don’t feel like I got a good impression of Jason, he had a freak out that seemed overly dramatic, and I didn’t understand his history and background enough to understand why it was such a huge issue. I liked how they interacted and how patient Jason was with Wolf, and i loved Jason and his animals, but I think the book ended too soon for me to really see the love bond between them.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and the creative world Angel has given us. This book wasn’t my favorite though, both the mystery plot and the love plot felt rushed to me. But I LOVED Wolf and his baby wolf! And we see all of the characters from past books, and see more of Wolf’s partner Krisk than we have in the past. Plus the hints at a deeper plot that will probably develop later. All of those things are good, it just lacked a bit of something to me. I’m still glad I read it, it adds to the overall arc of the series, and I’ll happily wait for more!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
This book continues to follow the story of the officers of the quirky paranormal law enforcement department in a slightly different Philadelphia that we are familiar with! This story is about Wolf, who we have seen and heard, but not really gotten to know. His name is Wolf, because he actually is a wolf! He was born as a wolf, and now we know what happened to him… and we meet his sweet mother. His love interest is Jason, an animal control officer, who gets drug in to the odd mystery Wolf is working on, involving mummified animals around the city.
So the mystery part of this book brought us a very fun addition to the cast of characters, a small kitten that Wolf adopts. I loved her dearly! I will say I wish there had been more to the mystery, it was a little vague and the dust bunny part was very quick, and ended remarkably easily. There wasn’t as much to it as some of the other books, and that was a little disappointing. Especially after the epic battle with the giant pill bug in a previous book.
The book is all from Wolf’s perspective, so we get to know him really well. But I don’t feel like I got a good impression of Jason, he had a freak out that seemed overly dramatic, and I didn’t understand his history and background enough to understand why it was such a huge issue. I liked how they interacted and how patient Jason was with Wolf, and i loved Jason and his animals, but I think the book ended too soon for me to really see the love bond between them.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and the creative world Angel has given us. This book wasn’t my favorite though, both the mystery plot and the love plot felt rushed to me. But I LOVED Wolf and his baby wolf! And we see all of the characters from past books, and see more of Wolf’s partner Krisk than we have in the past. Plus the hints at a deeper plot that will probably develop later. All of those things are good, it just lacked a bit of something to me. I’m still glad I read it, it adds to the overall arc of the series, and I’ll happily wait for more!
July 3, 2017
I have been wanting to read this book since I saw it would be about Wolf. It is another interesting read with grander subplot, continued from... most likely the first book.
Here we get the explanation of Wolf's origin. Which is unique for me. I liked how Wolf was written. He was... just like the theme of this series, somewhat broken, understandably so. However, he still feel relatable to me. His interaction with various people in the book is the core of this book.
However, I agreed with Heather K that Jason was the low point of the book. For me, he seems to be shallowly written. Maybe because we didn't read from his POV at all. The seemingly required relationship conflict felt unnecessary and no setup beforehand. Also... I don't think I had a full description of Wolf looks... He had salt'n pepper hair, ripped hairy body and... not much else. At least from my first read. I don't recall his eyes colours, his height, his looks, etc. Not from this book since Wolf didn't seems to look at himself in mirror. He didn't seems the type, so fair enough. But I am also not want to comb through older books to find out.
Still, I do appreciate Ms. Martinez for representing various type of bodies, looks and races in this series.
Other than that, the main monster of the book arc is quite interesting and progress the plot more. Although I wonder how long can the underlined plot be prolonged through out the series.
The next one will still be about Wolf. I am looking forward to that.
Here we get the explanation of Wolf's origin. Which is unique for me. I liked how Wolf was written. He was... just like the theme of this series, somewhat broken, understandably so. However, he still feel relatable to me. His interaction with various people in the book is the core of this book.
However, I agreed with Heather K that Jason was the low point of the book. For me, he seems to be shallowly written. Maybe because we didn't read from his POV at all. The seemingly required relationship conflict felt unnecessary and no setup beforehand. Also... I don't think I had a full description of Wolf looks... He had salt'n pepper hair, ripped hairy body and... not much else. At least from my first read. I don't recall his eyes colours, his height, his looks, etc. Not from this book since Wolf didn't seems to look at himself in mirror. He didn't seems the type, so fair enough. But I am also not want to comb through older books to find out.
Still, I do appreciate Ms. Martinez for representing various type of bodies, looks and races in this series.
Other than that, the main monster of the book arc is quite interesting and progress the plot more. Although I wonder how long can the underlined plot be prolonged through out the series.
The next one will still be about Wolf. I am looking forward to that.
September 1, 2021
This entry in the Offbeat Crimes series focuses on Wolf, who used to be an actual wolf before he got turned into a human, and Jason, an Animal Control Officer. The non-romance plot focuses on mysterious creatures that mummify with a touch.
Wolf is a really interesting character. Despite being human for over twenty years, he still has a very hard time with human social norms and obviously retains much of his wolf-brain. This does sometimes cause him to come across a little younger than he actually is, but I think for the most part it works well.
Wolf has a couple of strong, non-romantic relationships at the start of the book. The first is his relationship with his adoptive mother, which is adorable and I love it. The second is with his mute, reptilian police partner, Krisk, who is a very intriguing character and I love their dynamic.
I feel as though, other than their attraction to each other, Jason and Wolf get on so well because of their shared love of animals. Towards the beginning of the book, Jason convinces Wolf to foster a kitten who has imprinted on him, and that kind of gives an excuse for their relationship to blossom. I felt that it developed quite naturally, though there are a couple of misunderstandings here and there.
The kitten, Audacity, I would normally have a problem with. She is personified a lot more than I am usually comfortable with animals being, but it didn't bother me that much in this book. Maybe because there's already a pair of animated coats who have strong personalities so it didn't seem out of place?
There are some hints here that perhaps some of the things that have been happening to 77th Precinct are linked by some kind of over-arching plot. I'm intrigued to see what that is.
Wolf is a really interesting character. Despite being human for over twenty years, he still has a very hard time with human social norms and obviously retains much of his wolf-brain. This does sometimes cause him to come across a little younger than he actually is, but I think for the most part it works well.
Wolf has a couple of strong, non-romantic relationships at the start of the book. The first is his relationship with his adoptive mother, which is adorable and I love it. The second is with his mute, reptilian police partner, Krisk, who is a very intriguing character and I love their dynamic.
I feel as though, other than their attraction to each other, Jason and Wolf get on so well because of their shared love of animals. Towards the beginning of the book, Jason convinces Wolf to foster a kitten who has imprinted on him, and that kind of gives an excuse for their relationship to blossom. I felt that it developed quite naturally, though there are a couple of misunderstandings here and there.
The kitten, Audacity, I would normally have a problem with. She is personified a lot more than I am usually comfortable with animals being, but it didn't bother me that much in this book. Maybe because there's already a pair of animated coats who have strong personalities so it didn't seem out of place?
There are some hints here that perhaps some of the things that have been happening to 77th Precinct are linked by some kind of over-arching plot. I'm intrigued to see what that is.
July 2, 2017
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aX7 on July 3
From that review: " I should know by now that the cuter the title the scarier the story with this series and Angel Martinez. I mean we started at Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters which laid down the universe and characters (book 1) and with each story after, the author has been ramping it up! The monsters have been scarier, the romances more heartwarming, the couples and their various backgrounds far more fascinating and absorbing than it might appear on the surface...it just keeps getting better and better. Next came giant pills bugs in space (The Pill Bugs of Time (Offbeat Crimes, #2). Trust me, that's something that doesn't bear thinking about too closely. Great story though. Followed by two of my favorites, animated clothing in love (Hunter Green Pea Coat (Offbeat Crimes, #2.5) and the truly remarkable, almost unimaginable verse spitting flying books and a vampire with blood issues (Skim Blood and Savage Verse (Offbeat Crimes, #3)..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aX7 on July 3
From that review: " I should know by now that the cuter the title the scarier the story with this series and Angel Martinez. I mean we started at Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters which laid down the universe and characters (book 1) and with each story after, the author has been ramping it up! The monsters have been scarier, the romances more heartwarming, the couples and their various backgrounds far more fascinating and absorbing than it might appear on the surface...it just keeps getting better and better. Next came giant pills bugs in space (The Pill Bugs of Time (Offbeat Crimes, #2). Trust me, that's something that doesn't bear thinking about too closely. Great story though. Followed by two of my favorites, animated clothing in love (Hunter Green Pea Coat (Offbeat Crimes, #2.5) and the truly remarkable, almost unimaginable verse spitting flying books and a vampire with blood issues (Skim Blood and Savage Verse (Offbeat Crimes, #3)..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
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