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The Grimm Files #2

The Long Goodnight

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Welcome to a world of fantasy, fairy tales, and murder most foul...

Hook is back. Or at least that's what my partner the Mad Hatter, aka Maddox, claims. And I should totally believe him. He does have the sight after all. But I can't. I just won't. Because Hook...he was my world. And the day he died in my arms I nearly died too. It's taken me forever to get to a good place again, and that's why I won't go looking for him. I won't go searching for a ghost. Besides, I have a case.

Crow shifters. Bank heists. And lots and lots of stolen goodies. Just what I need to keep my mind off of Hook. But the crime syndicate known as the Slasher Gang they're not just small time crooks now, they're turning deadly. They're changing. No longer content just to rob and pillage, everywhere they go now they leave a sea of blood in their wake. And nothing about what they're doing makes any sense. A fae stronghold's been robbed. Dozens of the queen's royal guards have been killed. Whatever was taken, I know it's bad. Like crazy, stupid bad. Like end of the world kind of bad. I don't know how I know this, I just do. Something feels really wrong. I can feel it, taste it in the wind, hear it in the changing tides. Something super evil, super deadly, and super scary this way comes. I only hope I can stop it, whatever it is, or Grimm as we know it might never be the same again...

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2018

231 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

Selene Charles

23 books281 followers
Selene Charles is the pen name of a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author.

She is an avid penguin sweater knitter. She believes that unicorns really do exist and that skittles aren't really candy at all. She enjoys skydiving in the arctic, chatting with her polar bear friends around a warm campfire while sipping on warm cocoa, and she used to work in a travelling carnival which is where she got all these crazy ideas from. Only two of these statements are actually true.

If you'd like to know more about her or her works feel free to write her at selenecharleswrites@gmail.com

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5 stars
250 (52%)
4 stars
156 (32%)
3 stars
57 (12%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,600 reviews784 followers
February 24, 2020
Elle and Maddox are pulled from a case to attend King Midas’s ball at the King’s request. A string of burglaries and problems in Neverland are just a few of their problems… Elle is not at all prepared for what happens at the ball.

Dang. Charles delivered some intense stuff. We get teasers about Hatter, and see Elle nearly come undone when confronted with the impossible. All of this is building towards something more as the danger mounts and Elle finds herself at the center.

The romance is oh so complicated. Elle will always love Hook, but is this her Hook? Elle has changed and depends on Maddox. He brings her comfort. Even though the Grimm PD has a strict policy about partners, that doesn’t stop the sizzling chemistry between Hatter and Elle.

Chelsea Stephens continues to narrate but Shaun Grindell was introduced for the chapters from Maddox’s POV. I loved the dual narration. Both captured the emotions and suspense of the story. I loved all the voices created for secondary characters from villains to feds.

The ending was a bit of a cliffy and I was grateful to have the next audiobook on hand. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Profile Image for Robin (Bridge Four).
1,949 reviews1,660 followers
January 20, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 stars

The Long Goodnight is the second book in The Grim Chronicles , you’ll want to read the books in order if you’d like to have any clue what is going on. Like I said in my review for It’s a Charmed Life, this series reminds me a little of the set up in the TV series Once Upon a Time with some of the fairytale and various book worlds you love coming to life and interacting with one another.

Elle, formally Ariel of Triton’s court, has partnered up with the one and only Mad Hatter of Wonderland. They have been pulled in on an case to take down a gang of bird shifters that have started to run amuck and have escalated from petty larceny to grand theft and murder. Elle and the Hatter are trying to remain professional in lieu of all the sexual tension building between them and they are put into enough compromising positions that the line between partner and Partner are starting to blur.

As they try to solve the case and protect the residents of Grimm, the other shoe is about to drop. Hatter saw Hook, Elle’s former, supposed to be dead lover, in a vision and so he is sure the man is coming back to claim the woman he loved and lost in death. Talk about competition.

I loved getting to some of the bigger reveals in this book, especially when we find out who is behind the escalation in violence and why. The case and stakes are bigger than Elle ever guessed and now she has to figure out how to survive when all the cards are played.

I’m going to consider this a reverse harem PNR set up where the main character might have multiple sex partners in a single book. I’m never sure how I’m going to feel about this but since technically our main character is a Siren and it’s a bit in her nature to seduce and has literally eaten men alive in her past it works for this story. Also, all the people involved in any escapades seem pretty open to multiple partner situations, I guess that is what happens when you aren’t human and live indefinitely.

There are some sexyish scene set ups and a lot of flirty heat building type situations. I feel like it is a bit of a love triangle but I have my clear favorite and I’m thinking the odds might just be in his favor.

I’m glad the next book in this series is out because the author leaves us at a major turning point in the story. It will be interesting to see where Elle goes from here and how she overcomes these new and exciting challenges.

Narration:

This book very much benefits from a dual PoV and dual narration. I appreciated the addition of Shaun Grindell to take on Maddox’s PoVs. Chelsea Stephens has grown on me since the first book and I felt this was a better performance on her part. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,120 reviews92 followers
April 12, 2019
The Long Goodnight

Spectacular! A stunning masterpiece full of mystery, suspense and a touch of romance all woven together seamlessly. I couldn’t put this book down eager to read more about my two favorite detectives and their next thrilling adventure. With so much happening in this one I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Sheralee.
479 reviews13 followers
November 23, 2018
Oh this was so good! I’m just sad I have to wait so long till the next book
1,070 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2020
Curious

*****Spoilers*****

From start to finish in this book, all I could do was think that Arielle being involved in the investigation was a really bad idea. Especially since she was so close to it and couldn't remain impartial. Her ties to Hook had her emotionally compromised so it's odd that Bo allowed her to continue with the investigation. But continue she does and all of the separate pieces of the puzzle she's working on slowly come together. Unfortunately, too slow means she's caught in the trap set by her mother. Her real mother and not the woman Arielle was raised to believe was her mother.

Thankfully, we finally get more information on Arielle's past, particularly what happened to Hook and her father's role in it. Along with his displeasure that she'd fallen in love with a human which is against the law, even one that he cannot ignore his daughter's transgression. The revelation of Arielle's mother's identity and that Arielle is part witch is interesting, but more so, we understand her father's dislike of Arielle. Hook I guess may be back for good? Just when I was prepared to hate his emergence, it seemed like there was no way he would remain alive, Arielle puts the sliver of time into his soul. Who knows what that means but we'll see. I don't really like what that may mean for her and Maddox, the Hatter a favorite of mine. It was frustrating to go from something between them to much of nothing but some clandestine touches in this one. At this point though, I don't think I'd mind a sharing over where the book seems to be going but we'll see.

The story keeps the interest from start to finish. There are some grammatical errors here and there that confuse the story in parts.
Profile Image for FV Angela.
1,452 reviews137 followers
February 11, 2019
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2018/11/angela...

I read the first book in this series several weeks ago and really enjoyed. The world-building, which revolves around already familiar and well-loved fantasy lands like neverland, grimm, and wonderland, was incredibly interesting and the characters, such as Alice, Humpty and Ichabod, etc.., are familiar yet taken to the next level in sexy and interesting. The heroine Elle (think The Little Mermaid) is a detective with the Grimm PD and her partner is Hatter (yes, that hatter). They are tasked with taking down a gang of criminals that has gotten progressively more violent in their crimes over the last several months. Elle is also dealing with the fact that Hatter has had a vision of her deceased lover coming back to life.

Woo… this book is super sexy and the chemistry between Elle and Hatter electric. I loved all the twists and turns and how this author manages to take settings and characters so familiar and make them sexier, wittier, more vibrant and interesting. It took a bit in the first book for my mind to get on board with the transformation some of these characters have taken, but now I am fully invested and more than ready for more.

Final Grade- B
130 reviews
Read
December 5, 2022
Ok okay I gotta say this. At the part where she actually had the nerve to say with a straight face. She takes pride in her job. Hahaha come on girl. Kinda like a bridge too far.. seriously? Pretty sure pride in your job doesn't mean fckn everyone while on the job??? Lmao. The writer knows better. U create this character, build her up, make her loose and easy, let her hoe around ON the job, then now book two, u're selling the girl scout thing. Can't buy it. I like the character but let's keep it real. Fckn everybody, while on the clock working, is pretty much opposite of taking pride in ur work. Unless she's a hooker turning trix. Then of course sukn dix on the job is a requirement. But this chic ... Look just stop the the rewrite of how history. And keep it real. Fyi book three, more desperate for dic again. SMH. Depressing. Can we get more leading characters, with wide range? I mean seriously, start em off strong, resilient, tough, beautiful, then suddenly they're dumb, weak and straight hoes. Just saying can there be at least one guy this Beotch ain't banged. When is it alright to have the person u want us to root for and respect, go around screwing co workers, screwing while on duty, screwing any fix thats around and available. I'm disappointed. And this part was in book 3, which means zero improvement. What a waste.
Profile Image for Nicole.
205 reviews7 followers
October 19, 2018
Note: I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. Ok, first off book 2 so you can totally catch up without an issue here. That being said,
I really loved the book.

Mystery, Crime Solving, Shock, Awe, Hotness...what else could you want?
Add in some Wonderland wonder, some Grimm magic?
You find an epic tale from Selene Charles.

Without spoilers, this review will be short, but well I simply hate Spoilers.
The book was well written, sure it was a bit slow at first but it just slowly speeds up and draws you in like a good mystery does. Selene Charles does an amazing job to bring you everything you could want with characters so unique as the world they live in. Obviously as a "police" worker our heroine has a tough job, add in personal drama and she can't help but be forced to deal with a lot.

What could add to this mountain of issues, the past can be haunting in so many ways this book will twist and turn and surprise you.

So, if you like Selene Charles other books be sure to read book 1 in The Grimm Files, if you're a fan of fantasy-paranormal type writing this is a series (and book) I fully recommend.
120 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2023
Not as good as the first book

*Spoiler Alert* It was ok until they left on the ship. Pretty much everything after that I didn't like. It just kind nd of ruined the book for me.

It didn't make sense that only 3 people were going to try to stop a whole group of people, who are known for well thought out plans to murder and steel, and are trying to wake up this powerful being.

I didn't like her and hook getting together. Her and Madrid were finally getting somewhere. One night on a boat she is saying how she could never love anyone else but hook. Literally the day before she said that she didn't feel like that was her Hook anymore. So for the first book and 3/4 through tis book its maddox. Then with in one chapter he is tossed aside and forgotten.

I hope the next one is better. I really didn't like how the story ended in this book
25 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2018
Wow. That was a heckuva ride!
First off, I'm stingy with my 5 star ratings and don't hand them out often...but this book just really grabbed ahold of me and sucked me into the story.

I loved that this was a really well done mystery first and foremost. I mean, really well done. Introducing more characters of Grimm was fun and I like they way all these different story characters just mingle together like it's a normal day. Elle and Maddox develop a lot more in this one and you get to see a bit more of their past as they work some of the case together. Maddox needs to step aside for a bit so the attention focuses on Elle for the majority, but not in a way where it seems like something is missing.

I totally recommend this book, absolutely enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,205 reviews86 followers
May 9, 2021
Elle and Hatter are working to capture a gang of thieves that is growing more and more bold

What I enjoyed:
* The mutiny
* You learn interesting things about both Elle and Hatter, although I need more information about Hatter
* Nice to finally find out why Crowley is so awful to Elle

What could have been better:
* Cliffhanger - the story isn't wrapped at all, just ended
* love triangle now that Hook is back

40 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2018
Selene did it again. Elle and Hatter work together as partners so well. The Slasher Gang is out of control. Their crimes are becoming worse. While on duty at Midas' gala, the Slasher Gang crashes the party, despite extreme security. Hatter is poisoned. Elle saves him, but at what cost? What is Hatter? Hook isn't just in Elle's past; he is alive and in the Slasher Gang. Blue sands of Nowhere appear at a crime scene, but the bridge was broken. Wasn't it? Elle must face the greatest darkness ever. To do so, she must embrace who she is. Can SHE be saved from herself?

Storyline flowed. Very hard to put down. Caught this reader hook, line, and sinker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
November 7, 2018
I want more!

I read the first book in this series and was instantly addicted to the characters! I love Elle and Hatter and the sparks of their chemistry and the mystery of their slowly revealed history and back story. After the first book I literally stalked amazon and Facebook until the next book in the series came out. I love all the throwbacks to the classic story and little nuggets that fans of the classics are given! I love also the way that the classic was twisted into a new, delicious and addictive darkness that I couldn’t put down! Waiting desperately for the next book to come out!
279 reviews10 followers
November 5, 2018
4.5 stars from me. I love this world that Selwne Charles has created here. Her fantastical way of re imagining classic fairytale characters always amazes mw. This was a fantastic book. I love how it's a mystery which is not something I would have seen for the Mad Batter in the way you would normally think of him, by Arlene weaves a beautiful web and a beautiful world for you to dive into. If you loved the fort book, you can't miss this next I stallment. And if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
43 reviews
December 10, 2018
Great read

So after seeing The Grimm Files book 1 pop up on my Facebook news feed repeatedly i read the blurb and couldn't wait to get it, as I suspected it didn't disappoint. What a fantastic fantasy read & so different from anything I'd read before. Book 2 is just as good & once i started i couldn't put it down, however be warned this book does end on a cliffhanger & there are still a lot of questions that need answering, but the story is so amazing and original that these books are definitely worth the wait. Highly recommended 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Margaux Espinosa.
1,301 reviews21 followers
July 10, 2021
More please!

This Elle is my absolute favorite version of the little mermaid I ever could have imagined! She is fantastic and so are all her snarky comments and the wild cases she gets assigned. I am not happy about this strange love triangle that's complicated and strange. But we will see how it goes I guess. Hatter is another favorite for me. He is complicated, mysterious and powerful, I very much enjoy finding out more about him in each book. Can't wait to read the next one!
813 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2021
I love the feel of this world. The characters are wonderful as well. I love reading about Elle and Maddox and what's going on in their lives. Even if Elle is a lot extra a lot of the time. It fits her and doesn't bother me too much as a result. The plot of the story is honestly the weakest part here. It was muddled and confusing. I'm still not sure I followed it even having finished the story. But that doesn't matter, because I love the world and characters so much I'll have to go back for the next installment.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 4 books7 followers
October 30, 2018
A whirlwind of action, a rollercoaster of emotions, dark past, promising future and everything in between, this second book in the series takes us deep down and up high and shows us how finely woven the web of this world is, where dragons are peaceful and fairies are predators and the siren, now detective finds hidden depths not only in herself but in others too. Exciting twists and unexpected turns and an ending that left me panting for more!
Profile Image for Crystal Moon.
46 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2018
Amazing

Another trip into my favorite world with my 2 favorite detectives. Elle and Maddox do not disappoint. A Masquerade Ball, a golden king and a murderous band of winged fellows, throw in a once dead ex-lover, and this story has more twists and turns than my favorite roller coaster.

Selene Charles definitely did not disappoint with this one!

If you liked the first in the Grim series, this is a must read!
35 reviews
November 13, 2018
The series is great!

I really like detective Elle. The books are set in our childhood fairy tale kingdoms all grown up! The crimes that they are solving keep you on your toes as well. The main characters are intriguing,and a little flawed like the rest of us. Really can't wait for the next book. I do rather hope that Elle ends up with Maddox. This fantasy land is a great vacation from reality.
224 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2018
Truly enjoyed this book, but not happy with the delay to the finish

I hope she won't pull a Game of Thrones author and take forever to finish the series.
Like the characters and characterisms, the links and tie-ins to a wealth of fairy tales, many of them dark, but the100 realms, Midas, whiskers the Chinese, vegetarian Dragon, Titiana the small, evil car queen, the resolution of Batter and Book to look forward to etc.
May try one of her series in the the meantime.
Profile Image for Kay.
44 reviews
December 7, 2018
Is ok

So i hate her . The character, i just want to give her a punch she is so weak . I meAm she is suppose to be a badass women. This is my least favorite book. So why did i get her a 3 start ? Because even thought i don’t like the main character, the story it self is not the bad. The author did a pretty good job especially with the ending. I didn’t see the coming. So read it at you own risk
84 reviews
September 26, 2019
Yes! This book was incredible!,

This second book was so damn good, I was trying to read so fast because it was so exciting I HAD to know what happened! The ending? Wow! Just wow! Please please please give me more! Do not stop writing this series.....ever! This author is gifted and can she tell a story! She brings out so much feeling and you go though everything with her characters! I Wil keep reading the next installment and anything else she puts out! Loved it!
Profile Image for Shawna.
154 reviews
November 14, 2020
Interesting

Interesting and fast read.

Some grammatical errors.

If you didn't like the first book because of the constant back and forth about Elle's and Maddox's feelings for each other then you won't like this one either. Maybe even less because that was possibly worse in this one. It didn't really bother me.

Cliffhanger ending. I normally like them, so that also didn't bother me.

If you liked the first one, it's likely you'll like this one.
2,206 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2024
Loved!

Elle's back with her new partner, the Hatter.

When the Syndicate, a shifter gang of thieves, steps up their game by killing people, all forms of law enforcement get involved. But the biggest shock of all is when Hook is found alive, proving that Maddox's visions are 100% accurate.

They need to stop this gang permanently, but using Elle as bait turns out disastrous.

A must read!
38 reviews
October 31, 2018
Ooh Hatter

Seriously can't wait for the next. This is sooo good but have to be honest and say Hook is just a nuisance to me bc Hatter is so ..... explosive. He has so many layers and so much intensity. Anyway, this is my favorite series by this author and that says a lot bc she kicks ass with all her books.
Profile Image for Denise King.
105 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2018
Dark and alluring, this fractured retelling of fairytale worlds, creatures, and characters throws you into Elle's most tumultuous waters and dares you to swim with her. Maddox, aka the Mad Hatter, Hook, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, Queen Titania, Ichabod Crane, King Midas - all revolving around our own princess Elle. A wild tale that leaves you breathless for more.
117 reviews
November 6, 2018
Wow

Selene has out done herself. She had me so enchanted and terrified in the same hour. This story is pretty intense and spellbinding. I love the characters. This story brings more truths to the table as bout Ellie and Hatter, as well as many other fairytale characters. I cant wait for book 3!!
2 reviews
November 13, 2018
Fairytales totally reimagined

These books are everything you didn't think you needed to know about the fairytales you grew up on. Selena Charles brings a true to life adult spin to the fairytales. I can't wait to find out if the little mermaid and the mad hatter Elle and Hatter end up together.
66 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2018
Cliffhanger

I always give three stars for books that don't wrap up storylines and leave cliffhangers, if the author is good and the book well-written. In this case, the characters are really interesting and the story compelling, but had I known it left all these loose threads, I likely wouldn't have read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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