Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
There’s no rest for the Wicked… It’s Detective Dani DeMarco's first week back on the job, and she is not amused. The coffee at the precinct is a disaster, a most annoying colleague is driving her insane, and her on-again, off-again boyfriend is now officially her boss. As if that’s not bad enough, Dani’s faced with a double homicide before the caffeine even hits her system. When a high-profile young elf is kidnapped and destined for death, Dani’s forced to go toe to toe with a kidnapper who has unlocked a secret so potent it could destroy an entire race of paranormals. Coupled with a favor she takes on for a mysterious friend, and Dani’s cup has runneth over. Way over. And if she can’t unmask the kidnapper before it’s too late, Dani might find herself in the crosshairs…

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2018

603 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

Gina LaManna

72 books1,467 followers
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
739 (48%)
4 stars
560 (36%)
3 stars
218 (14%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,239 reviews2,344 followers
February 3, 2023
Wicked State of Mind
By Gina LaManna
I had read the first two books before and really liked them and now I bought a few more audio version books on Chirp on the cheap! So excited!
This has Dani returning to work under her old flame, Matthew the hot vampire. Grey is in the picture too. But what exactly is he? He can shapeshift into a wolf, breath fire, and more! He's also hot!
The first case she gets is one of a kidnapped elf girl from a high ranking family. Lots of other side intrigue going on too.
Lots of action, love the world building and great characters! Heading on to the next book!
Profile Image for Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon AKA NixieNut .
209 reviews66 followers
October 14, 2018
I have been eyeing off this series for a while and I was excited to finally pick this book up. Even though it was a book 3, it was still a beginning of sorts and I found I was able to jump in to the story right away. I really liked MC dani and I found the mystery both interesting and clever and extremely entertaining.

The POV changed a couple of times which at first was confusing as there wasn't much notice but overall helped the story I think.

I have read a couple of other series from this author which I have enjoyed but I can see this series becoming my favourite. I am definitely interested in reading more of it
Profile Image for Amy Blasko.
15 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2018
These books just keep getting better. And now we finally get to delve into the actual Hex Files in book #4!
67 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2018
Hex marks the spot!

I gave this book a high rating due to Ms LaManna's superb writing skills. All her books are so vivid, the characters have such depth that it seems to me the reader just plunges into the story not surfacing until the last word and worse they crave to see what happens next. Her gift lingers with you long after book ends. I, also, applaud her rich imagination. This new series set in Wicked is highly suspenseful and involves a variety of magical beings from Dani, a residual witch, Matthew, a vampire, Grey, much more than a werewolf, Willa, a spellcaster and Dani's vast family to elves, goblins, orcs and sorcerers. Each new book in the series brings a host of new magical beings. It's interesting and I love the fantastic details. In this book, she brought to life the Gilded Row in the Golden District where the most powerful of the elves live (although their magic is a huge secret from all but elves) where the gates are solid gold, the bricks are gold, houses are gold, ponds of shimmering mercury and flowers boast platinum and silver. I thought sunglasses would be a big seller there. Her words create such vivid images that I could see it in my mind from her description. Her characters are the same, in the way, that I felt like I was visiting friends again after a brief vacation from her second book in the series. I don't like to ruin the story or give an overboard synopsis because it ruins the story for the next reader. I like to give enthusiastic thumbs up to great writers so more people can fall in love with them and enjoy wonderful stories that capture the mind and the heart. So start with this book or the first in the series but give it a try and you will become a convert to Ms Gina LaManna...enjoy!
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,234 reviews31 followers
September 2, 2018
Well, Dani DeMarco is now back on the force, so her so-called relationship with the hunky vamp, Captain Matthew King, is even more off limits. There's a little more romance in this book, verses the prior books in the series, though it is still a clean read. Elves go missing and others are turning up dead. Dani and the team have to figure out whats going on before anymore are killed. The victims families aren't helping much, keeping secrets from the detectives that could help find the missing girls, yet Dani doesn't understand why. There's a lot of magic and special powers playing out in the book. Some of those are new to the Detective, who can read residuals left over from a crime scene. There are several culpable suspects. Not only is Dani trying to find the killer being the missing girls show up dead, she has to deal with an obnoxious colleague who is threatening her job. It mystery itself is smart and well thought out. Not too complicated, but not so simple it's easy to solve. There are a couple little surprises (revelations) throughout. Some good, some not so. The characters are well developed. It's a fun read, while still a little more dramatic than the authors other series. It reads easily and flows smoothly. It's primarily written in Dani's POV, but there are a few chapters from Matthews. You can probably read this as a stand alone, if you haven't read the previous books in the series, but if you do read them first, you'll have a better understanding for the characters and their relationships.

*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,580 reviews23 followers
September 5, 2018

An incredible series that keeps you guessing to the very end and then wanting more!
This series is amazing. You have Dani, a strong character with many issues of her own; Matthew the Vampire head of detectives who has a relationship with Dani, but she pulled back, but does she really want him back? Gray, the werewolf that has a thing for Dani but knows Matthew is in her heart so he remains close as friends, and a self-serving ego crazy co-worker who will do anything for a promotion among other subordinate characters. The story starts with Dani back on the force and faced with the murder of two elves and a missing third elf from a very high end, high class connected family. Are the cases related? And what about helping Gray who asks for help on some suspicious happenings besides Dani having to work with Matthew as her boss and partner in the murder/missing girl case. So many threads, so many twists and turns and a very surprising ending you didn't see coming. Then if that is not enough, there is a cliff-hanger so now I just can't wait for the next book to see what is going to happen! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
September 1, 2018
The vampire that kills without a trace!

Another great read in the series. She has been assigned to Matthew and the case of the missing elite elf teen. Could this case be connected to the two elves, whose bodies were found just days ago. Bodies not show no reason for their deaths except that their magic/life force has been sucked out of them. Plus Grey wants her help to see if his friend (who lost a lot of money) is correct in thinking that the casino is using under methods to make players loose. The feelings between her and Matthew escalate but Grey is always in the background. Also the elves are all hiding a secret. A secret power! Can they connect the dots and find the person responsible as the death toll keeps rising as do the number of kidnappings? A great plot that has you wavering between who you think is responsible. Plus the characters are really evolving and growing. It also ends on a climax - so be warned!
Profile Image for Tonya Bryant Gillon.
464 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2018
I love the writing of Gina LaManna, her books grab me in and don’t let go.

Danielle is on her first day back at the precinct and Marcus makes sure he lets her know how he feels. I love Dani’s responses to him. She gets paired with Matthew for a case about a missing elf from the golden district, the daughter of influential family the Luca. Linsey goes missing the same week two missing elves are found dead. The elves are very secretive and keep to themselves, but this may cause the missing daughter to be found dead.

Then Dani’s friend Grey comes to her for help with an unrelated issue happening at a casino and he needs her to go with him to see if she sees any residuals. The casino is for high stakes gamblers. Only the richest of the rich get into this casino.

Somehow Matthew and Dani keep finding themselves pulled apart or pushed together at inappropriate times. This is noticed by Marcus.

I don’t want to spoil anything in this book, trust me you will love it.
100 reviews
September 3, 2018
Perfectly wicked!

This series is AWESOME! Dani DeMarco is perfect. The right amount of heart, sass and toughness. The ultimate leading lady. Captain Matthew King is the perfect hero and the love of Dani's life. Together they solve crimes in Wicked.

In this book Dani and Matthew have to rescue a kidnapped girl and solve the deaths of two elf girls. Many twists and evil going on. Not to mention something strange is going on with Grey. OH the ending suspense will have you holding your breath! Could not put this book down. I've already preordered the next one.

Gina LaManna is a brilliant author. She has a style of writing that makes you feel like you know these characters, like they're friends. Best part is we get BOTH perspectives Dani and Matthew. Love this, so many authors don't do it. Feels like your always missing something. Not with Gina LaManna's books . A must read series for all. 😀💜👏👏👏
Profile Image for Mirkat.
606 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2024
With this book, I've now completed the Hoopla three-book bundle I downloaded, foolishly believing I was accessing a trilogy instead of.... What "ogy" type is a seven-book series? Septology? Oh, Google and Wikipedia say the word I'm looking for is "heptalogy." Go figure.

So the mystery in this book focuses on missing elves, and their special, secret magic seems to be behind their disappearances. Two young elves have been murdered. There may be a connection.

And can Dani her chief of police vampire Matthew resume their relationship? He's her boss now, so that's an obstacle.

Again, this was a fun listen for me. Nothing too heavy. Though I do still judge the author for constantly using "step foot" instead of "set foot." You don't "step" your feet. You use them to step ON things.
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,529 reviews19 followers
September 11, 2025
Jeez, you thought she had to deal with workplace drama when she was just a special consultant? Well now she has to report directly in to her ex-boyfriend after they re-hooked-up *AND* the world’s most annoying coworker is circling her like a vulture.

What should be a relatively routine elf kidnapping case gets infinitely more complicated when a magical secret ramps up the stakes and puts everyone, including Dani, in mortal danger. She is forced to navigate tricky office politics, battle magical threats, and survive some truly terrible big bads. This chaos is starting to become her new normal, though, so she finds a way to mix humor with the ability to solve almost impossible cases, all while delivering a satisfying blend of emotional growth and supernatural shenanigans. Oh, and I’m relatively happy with how we have kept un-triangled so far with the wolf. And I love Willa.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,838 reviews48 followers
September 5, 2018
In the sixth borough of Manhattan, the magicals live fantastic lives that only author Gina La Manna could tell us about. Her descriptive storytelling makes the people (I use that term loosely) and surroundings come to life for readers.

When Dani (who has returned to the police department) and Matthew King take on a case of dead and missing elves, they are stumped as to what makes these ladies so important, and who is responsible. It is a story that keeps you reading late into the night as you race to figure it out.

There is also romance, rules, an elfin visitor, and blackmail. What else could one want? I know this reader loved every minute and can hardly wait until October to find out where Dani leads us next.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
October 1, 2018
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Mysteries from the Sixth Borough series written by Gina Lamanna. It’s Detective Dani DeMarco's first week back on the job, and she is not amused. The coffee at the precinct is a disaster, a most annoying colleague is driving her insane, and her on-again, off-again boyfriend is now officially her boss. As if that’s not bad enough, Dani’s faced with a double homicide before the caffeine even hits her system. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. This book has it all mystery, romance, humor and paranormal.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,027 reviews49 followers
September 1, 2018
Once Dani is on track, nothing derails her...

Another magical mystery solved by the determined Dani. She & Matthew are leads on the disappearance of a VIP's daughter. This case reveals more mysterious happenings in Wicked but as always, the main cases are all resolved. We get to see more of the mysterious Grey, sunny Willa, and get to watch Dani remind creepy men not to mess with her. I love the pattern of these stories. And her and Matthew's relationship is always fun to watch. Also, can't wait for the next one to weave some more of the expansive web towards who or what the mystery man is. I received my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,345 reviews23 followers
September 6, 2018
Another amazing read!

Dani is back on the job and Captain Matthew King is now her direct boss. They start an investigation into the death of two young elves and the disappearance/kidnapping of another elf, this time from Gilded Row and an influential family.

Dani’s relationship with Matthew is complicated but I loved the progress they made in this book. It is obvious these two are deeply in love and meant to be. Sigh.

The mystery was good, but I am getting anxious to know more about these mysterious Hex Files. I have a feeling they are finally getting into play in the next book and I for one can’t wait!!
Profile Image for E.
1,883 reviews
September 14, 2018
This is book 3 in The Hex Files Series and each book is is better than the last (they are all awesome).
It is Detective Dani DeMarco's first week back to work at the police precinct. She has to deal with annoying co-workers, snide comments about her relationship with the Captain and bad coffee. What's even worse than that, there is a double homicide and a missing girl that Dani needs to help investigate. She also has to deal with her ever confusing feels for her Captain.
Are the cases related? You will not figure it out until the author is ready to reveal it. Great characters, setting & story line. Pick up the whole series!
Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2018
One day Dani will get to sleep without something catastrophic happening. Also, one day she’ll get to have the man she loves with any problems arising. That day is not today though.

With elf girls missing, it’s not all as it seems. The elves have a secret worth killing for and it seems as some may have.

Now reporting directly to Captain Matthew King, Dani has to put her feelings on the back burner. She also has an over eager coworker nipping at her heels and trying to sabotage her efforts to do her job.

Back at the department full time, owning her pizza parlor, and being friends with Grey, Dani has a very full schedule.

Dive in to find out what’s going on in Wicked and Dani!
143 reviews
September 16, 2018
I have read three series by Gina LaManna and each is totally different from each other. This is my favorite of the three. While set near the world of the Mixology series, this is darker and more suspenseful than other things she has written. I love that Dani is smart and doesn't need others to rescue her. I also enjoyed LaManna's take on elves. She has great descriptions of their gold covered neighborhoods, but they also have their interesting flaws. While the two love interests seem to be reduced to one in this book, I appreciated the sexual tension without the soft porn details. I would recommend Gina LaManna and plan to read everything she writes.
Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2018
Excellent series

Move over everyone and make room for Gina LaManna. This lady writes a story that keeps you up at night to keep those pages turning. The Hex Files is her newest adventure and it will rock your socks. You find yourself rooting that Matthew will win her heart, get wanting Grey to stay in the picture. Willa is charming and the characters draw you in. Dani is back on the force this time and some magic is happening that just might be to strong for her. Nice little cliffhanger there Ms. Gina!
Profile Image for Shana Pare.
913 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2018
A fun read.

Another excellent outing in this series. The only glitch that I encountered in this particular book was the wrong naming of characters. For instance, Character A says something. Character B does something, when the next sentence makes it clear that Character A was the one taking the action, not Character B. This certainly is not enough for me to throw my hands into the air and scream that I am never reading any more of LaManna 's work.

I recommend this book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for cory.
35 reviews
January 28, 2019
Fascinating addictive adventurous read!

I am hooked in this series. I feel so attached to the characters, this alternate world is so intriguing to me because it is very different from other paranormal romances detective stories and yet familiar enough fir me to enjoy. Also, it really helps that whoever edited it had few if any at all grammatical or spelling errirs. I can’t recall being stopped in the flow of words/story by a single one. That’s really saying something fir the Kindle Amazon books!
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
September 1, 2018
A fantastic series!

I'm a fan of this author and she never disappoints. We continue in the lives of Dani and Matthew as they solve crimes and navigate their complicated love life. Fans of this series won't be disappointed with the mystery of the romance! Grey is involved as well and always muddies the waters like he should! Him and Matthew are fun to read in their interactions together. Felix is a delight and there's a special girl named Tink that was adorable.
Profile Image for Debbie.
33 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2018
Still no answers

I love the characters and the stories. However, I thought this was a trilogy. I would have never started this series until it was complete had I'd known it was more than 3 books. There's still many unanswered questions. Guess I'll wait at least a year before coming back to these. That is, if I still remember the story. I'll never understand why authors now days feel compelled to go on and on in series books.
8 reviews
September 4, 2018
As usual I could not put this book down. I love Dani's sense of humor. I did not figure out who the villian was until the end. I liked the ending even though it will change in the next book I'm sure. The plot was interesting but I don't want to say too much or I will give it away. She parallels this world very well with the regular world. I wouldn't mind if she crossed over to the mixology world again.
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
November 18, 2018
Dani and Matthew

Loved it! More murders and multiple mysteries solved, secrets and intrigue and blackmail and bitterness were at the root of things for Dani to uncover. It amazes me how convoluted the books are in the beginning and how everything makes perfect sense at the end lol Expect the unexpected and you may figure out the answers before they're revealed but I haven't managed it yet!
388 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2021
Third book in and it feels like characters don't learn from past mistakes. When you are investigating you should keep others in the loop if you are killed or taken no one will know why just like in the last book. At times it's easy to guess what will happen next and who is behind it so not a suspenseful. Felt like I wanted to get thru the book just to be done more than cause I enjoyed the developments.
32 reviews
October 26, 2023
Good read.

Totally enjoyable take on modern urban supernatural community hidden from normal eyes in the city of New York. Our heroine is independent, a witch investigator taking down time from personal trauma/drama. Our hero is her past love interest vampire. Unfortunately, he is the only vampire. Other types also have it hard in this series; necromancers are strictly prohibited from practicing their magic for obvious reasons. It’s an interesting twist on the lore.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,789 reviews9 followers
September 2, 2018
I couldn't figure out all the players. This was drawn out perfectly. Well written and hard to put down. I can't believe she shot Grey. Don't want to post spoilers, so will just say this, it is a fast paced must read. Kidnappings, murder, gambling dens, love triangles, this book has a little bit of everything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.