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Blood Trails #2
Monster
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackstream continues her thrilling urban fantasy series with more magic, mayhem, and murder...
Still recovering from the political and personal consequences of her last case, Shade Renard is in no shape for a visit from her mentor. But when the most powerful witch in existence offers you a chance at an unqualified, unlimited favor, you take it. To collect, Shade must find out who--or what--killed a human in one of Cleveland's peaceful metroparks. The challenge? The lead suspect is a cop, found with the victim's blood all over him. The complication? He's a werewolf. As are several of the park rangers. And they're not happy Shade is on the case...
Success means a favor from Baba Yaga. Failure means quitting her private investigative career--forever.
Favors are never free...
Still recovering from the political and personal consequences of her last case, Shade Renard is in no shape for a visit from her mentor. But when the most powerful witch in existence offers you a chance at an unqualified, unlimited favor, you take it. To collect, Shade must find out who--or what--killed a human in one of Cleveland's peaceful metroparks. The challenge? The lead suspect is a cop, found with the victim's blood all over him. The complication? He's a werewolf. As are several of the park rangers. And they're not happy Shade is on the case...
Success means a favor from Baba Yaga. Failure means quitting her private investigative career--forever.
Favors are never free...
322 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2018
275 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
53 books512 followersJennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 18, 2019
A better story than the first novel in the series, with the plot more cohesive and the main character considerably less naive.
May 14, 2019
These urban fiction murder mysteries are fantastic; an effortless combination of the mundane and the magical.
The author even manages to give the stories sex appeal without sex or entangling the MC.
The end of the story immediately pivots to the unresolved conflicts at the end of Deadline, settling them with the lessons in Monster, to let you(me) dive right into book three: Taken
Yes, I hit Buy Now.
February 15, 2021
3.75
Wow this one was a bit more emotional, and I enjoyed the murder mystery-- but I still wasn't feeling how everyone was treating the h like she was an unwanted idiot at every turn.
The fact is, bad things don’t just happen to good people. Sometimes they happen to bad people. And sometimes good people do bad things. Justice only works if everyone gets it.
Wow this one was a bit more emotional, and I enjoyed the murder mystery-- but I still wasn't feeling how everyone was treating the h like she was an unwanted idiot at every turn.
September 29, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
Shade's mentor, Mother Hazel, insists Shade to take a case involving werewolf. It's a bet though, if Shade cannot solve the crime, she is to give up her dream of becoming private investigator and goes back being a village witch. If she can, then Mother Hazel will owe Shade a favor -- and a favor from Baba Yaga herself will be very useful. So Shade takes the job, and realizes that this is another case where she needs to learn because that's what her mentor does best.
While the investigation feels rather slow-moving for me but in overall, I still enjoyed it. I liked reading how Shade trying to navigate her way and to stand up on its own, as private investigator inserted into police department that is basically run by the werewolf Alpha. Those parts were fun to read.
I'm still trying to figure out what Mother Hazel is up to, though.
Shade's mentor, Mother Hazel, insists Shade to take a case involving werewolf. It's a bet though, if Shade cannot solve the crime, she is to give up her dream of becoming private investigator and goes back being a village witch. If she can, then Mother Hazel will owe Shade a favor -- and a favor from Baba Yaga herself will be very useful. So Shade takes the job, and realizes that this is another case where she needs to learn because that's what her mentor does best.
While the investigation feels rather slow-moving for me but in overall, I still enjoyed it. I liked reading how Shade trying to navigate her way and to stand up on its own, as private investigator inserted into police department that is basically run by the werewolf Alpha. Those parts were fun to read.
I'm still trying to figure out what Mother Hazel is up to, though.
June 13, 2020
Witch private investigator with a pixie familiar- that should be enough right there to sell you on this series. The witch in question, Shade Renard, her former mentor is also Baba Yaga, with whom she has a fractious relationship. Her mentor would not teach her much in the way of actual magic and instead had her always reading, so now that she is on her own and defying expectations by not just becoming a village witch, she is having to figure things out as she goes along. There does seem to be some allusion to Shade’s unknown background and the amount of power she may have that even she does not know, which I am looking forward to learning more about in future books. And I quite like the dynamic between Shade and her familiar, the honey-obsessed pixie Peasblossom, who is also an integral part of Shade’s investigations. Interesting take on a UF series, and one that I enjoyed.
May 16, 2021
I am hooked...
It is rare these days for me to buy a book. I don't have a lot of time and I have a NetGalley account. This is not a book I received in exchange for an honest review. I bought it. And when I am done here I will immediately buy the next one too. The characterization is sharp, the relationships unique and original, and not one moment I was reading did my editor's eye twitch (a rare thing when most of the reading I get to do these days is deep dives into developmental editing). I fully enjoyed every twist and turn on the page even when I figured out the twist early on, intrigued to know how Ms. Blackstream was going to get me there.
I highly recommend this author and series.
It is rare these days for me to buy a book. I don't have a lot of time and I have a NetGalley account. This is not a book I received in exchange for an honest review. I bought it. And when I am done here I will immediately buy the next one too. The characterization is sharp, the relationships unique and original, and not one moment I was reading did my editor's eye twitch (a rare thing when most of the reading I get to do these days is deep dives into developmental editing). I fully enjoyed every twist and turn on the page even when I figured out the twist early on, intrigued to know how Ms. Blackstream was going to get me there.
I highly recommend this author and series.
October 25, 2023
Sad but true
She learned a very hard lesson ethic go around. But it was a good and important lesson. Mother Hazel is one smart cookie. Obviously the world building is exceptional characters well developed and an all an all around great read. Some heartbreaking. I'm s curious about her past thouh.
She learned a very hard lesson ethic go around. But it was a good and important lesson. Mother Hazel is one smart cookie. Obviously the world building is exceptional characters well developed and an all an all around great read. Some heartbreaking. I'm s curious about her past thouh.
May 8, 2018
Shade Renard slowly grows into her role as badass private investigator. To prove to her former mentor (none other than the infamous Baba Yaga) that she can do it, she has to solve a murder and find out if the very obvious suspect did it or who else was the culprit. On her side, quirky, wonderful and smart as ever, the adorable Peasblossom. One can't but love her. I wish I could send her some honey! Against her, a very demanding and annoyingly dismissive alpha werewolf. Yes, he only wants to protect his pack but at times I would have liked to strangle him. Thankfully Shade stands up to him and most of the time very classy too. I like how she finds her way through the case, how my first impressions were destroyed and turned around so elegantly. The solution was absolutely to my liking (and I suspected something early on but was thrown off track quite a few times). I would love to read more about the witch and her familiar. Right now would be perfect. But I'll wait impatiently for the next book in the series, if I must. And I am sure the next cover is as gorgeous as the first two.
February 7, 2023
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
Jennifer Blackstream has become a tried and trusted author on my bookshelf; I find her writing style intelligent and easy to read, her plot lines gripping and her characters captivating and believable. Monster did not let me down.
We hit the ground running with a new case for our heroine, Shade Renard, but right from the start we know that things are probably not what they seem. I liked the mix of tension and humour as we are re-introduced to the formidable Mother Hazel (a.k.a Baba Yaga), Shade and her familiar, the unforgettable pixie, Peasblossom.
I already liked our heroine, Shade, from the previous book, but she grew in my estimations during Monster; she’s proved herself to be intelligent, witty and has loads of gumption. I liked her perseverance and her maturity to admit her mistakes and learn from them. I also loved the fact that the secondary characters that Ms Blackstream created to populate her world felt just as real as our leads - they weren’t just filling the page – they all had the complexities that we’d see in those around us, they had a good balance of strengths and insecurities to make them feel real.
Although Monster is an urban fantasy tale featuring a host of paranormal species, it's the detective/police crime aspect that kept me gripped; I enjoyed the attention to detail that Ms Blackstream wrote into this crime drama. The story kept me guessing as there are some unexpected twists and turns during Shade’s investigation that satisfied my Sherlock-Holmes-tendencies. I liked that it wasn’t all easy sailing for our heroine; there is danger, tension and some scary moments in this book.
There are references to Shade’s adventures from the previous book – Deadline - but Ms Blackstream weaves any pertinent information new readers might need beautifully into this tale. There are a few continuing mysteries about Shade’s past that are not revealed within these pages, but fear not dear reader no cliffhangers here, the murder of Dale Oliver is solved by the end of the book! (Woohoo!)
I loved the fact that Monster had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath with tension (and also with fear during a few scenes too, eek!), wiping a tear from my cheek, fuming with indignation and chuckling out loud.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No.
I just wanted to say that, as this is a fairly new series there are certain questions left unanswered about Shade’s past, where her power comes from and what her future may hold. In my opinion this is a good thing – it leaves background story arcs that can continue to the next book and beyond, tying the series together.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book, more than the previous one, if that’s possible! It’s got everything that I look for in a 5star read; great action to get the adrenaline pumping, an intelligent mystery to get the little grey cells whirling, nail biting tension and well written humour.
I want you to know that I was lucky enough to be given a digital version of this book for free from the author, Jennifer Blackstream in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is today, 8th May 2018.
So, what did I like about it?
Jennifer Blackstream has become a tried and trusted author on my bookshelf; I find her writing style intelligent and easy to read, her plot lines gripping and her characters captivating and believable. Monster did not let me down.
We hit the ground running with a new case for our heroine, Shade Renard, but right from the start we know that things are probably not what they seem. I liked the mix of tension and humour as we are re-introduced to the formidable Mother Hazel (a.k.a Baba Yaga), Shade and her familiar, the unforgettable pixie, Peasblossom.
I already liked our heroine, Shade, from the previous book, but she grew in my estimations during Monster; she’s proved herself to be intelligent, witty and has loads of gumption. I liked her perseverance and her maturity to admit her mistakes and learn from them. I also loved the fact that the secondary characters that Ms Blackstream created to populate her world felt just as real as our leads - they weren’t just filling the page – they all had the complexities that we’d see in those around us, they had a good balance of strengths and insecurities to make them feel real.
Although Monster is an urban fantasy tale featuring a host of paranormal species, it's the detective/police crime aspect that kept me gripped; I enjoyed the attention to detail that Ms Blackstream wrote into this crime drama. The story kept me guessing as there are some unexpected twists and turns during Shade’s investigation that satisfied my Sherlock-Holmes-tendencies. I liked that it wasn’t all easy sailing for our heroine; there is danger, tension and some scary moments in this book.
There are references to Shade’s adventures from the previous book – Deadline - but Ms Blackstream weaves any pertinent information new readers might need beautifully into this tale. There are a few continuing mysteries about Shade’s past that are not revealed within these pages, but fear not dear reader no cliffhangers here, the murder of Dale Oliver is solved by the end of the book! (Woohoo!)
I loved the fact that Monster had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath with tension (and also with fear during a few scenes too, eek!), wiping a tear from my cheek, fuming with indignation and chuckling out loud.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No.
I just wanted to say that, as this is a fairly new series there are certain questions left unanswered about Shade’s past, where her power comes from and what her future may hold. In my opinion this is a good thing – it leaves background story arcs that can continue to the next book and beyond, tying the series together.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book, more than the previous one, if that’s possible! It’s got everything that I look for in a 5star read; great action to get the adrenaline pumping, an intelligent mystery to get the little grey cells whirling, nail biting tension and well written humour.
I want you to know that I was lucky enough to be given a digital version of this book for free from the author, Jennifer Blackstream in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is today, 8th May 2018.
May 15, 2021
4.30
This series really deserves more attention than it gets. I enjoy these far more than Kim Harrison who's work tends to be gory, sexualized, and far more esotric\occult. In fact, I have given up on her.
This series is not overly long such as KH. It has a faster pace and is not burdened with a large cast of characters. The ebooks are $5 (no Audible). I think it is well worth the price and I hope the author makes most of the money.
I saw an ebook for $14 the other day. We used to get hardbacks for $10 last year. Now much that is released in ebook format is $10. I will NOT pay that for a digital copy I DON'T even OWN. They are allowed to change the cover, text, etc at will. Legally I am not allowed to let anyone else read it. Nor can you sell it, loan it, or donate it.
THE STORY:
I usually do not like werewolf stories due to all the alpha posturing and politics. That takes place in the beginning so there is some of that. However, the story changes into something else. I can't say what it is, as you will have to find that out for yourself, but it goes much deeper.
I loved the new woodland dwarf who has a shop where he sells his creations. I hope to see much more of him.
This series really deserves more attention than it gets. I enjoy these far more than Kim Harrison who's work tends to be gory, sexualized, and far more esotric\occult. In fact, I have given up on her.
This series is not overly long such as KH. It has a faster pace and is not burdened with a large cast of characters. The ebooks are $5 (no Audible). I think it is well worth the price and I hope the author makes most of the money.
I saw an ebook for $14 the other day. We used to get hardbacks for $10 last year. Now much that is released in ebook format is $10. I will NOT pay that for a digital copy I DON'T even OWN. They are allowed to change the cover, text, etc at will. Legally I am not allowed to let anyone else read it. Nor can you sell it, loan it, or donate it.
THE STORY:
I usually do not like werewolf stories due to all the alpha posturing and politics. That takes place in the beginning so there is some of that. However, the story changes into something else. I can't say what it is, as you will have to find that out for yourself, but it goes much deeper.
I loved the new woodland dwarf who has a shop where he sells his creations. I hope to see much more of him.
August 8, 2018
Great series!
Another great read from Blackstream. Yet another suspenseful adventure for Shade and Peablossom, as they try to solve a mysterious and viscous animal attack in a local park. As Shade gets forced to take the case, she finds out that not everything is as it seems especially when it involves werewolf politics. I really enjoy reading Shade stumble into her making of becoming a detective. There were some cases where I felt that she was not only under qualified as a detective but also in her magic abilities. Hopefully kn the next book we'll see more of her abilities and her more powerful talents as a witch. Soon her character will either sustain heavy injuries or lose her self confidence if she gets too under powered. I feel that she needs to be able to push back some especially against a sorceress who has a grudge. Overall I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5, just because I feel that Shade needs to have a bit more of a magical back bone.
Another great read from Blackstream. Yet another suspenseful adventure for Shade and Peablossom, as they try to solve a mysterious and viscous animal attack in a local park. As Shade gets forced to take the case, she finds out that not everything is as it seems especially when it involves werewolf politics. I really enjoy reading Shade stumble into her making of becoming a detective. There were some cases where I felt that she was not only under qualified as a detective but also in her magic abilities. Hopefully kn the next book we'll see more of her abilities and her more powerful talents as a witch. Soon her character will either sustain heavy injuries or lose her self confidence if she gets too under powered. I feel that she needs to be able to push back some especially against a sorceress who has a grudge. Overall I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5, just because I feel that Shade needs to have a bit more of a magical back bone.
May 9, 2018
I really, really enjoyed this book. Great continuation with the characters, especially with knowing more about Shade and her possible back story that I hope comes out in book 3. Lots of new characters (which I enjoyed) but the characters in book 1 do make slight appearances throughout the book. I am a big fan of shifters and I love how they are portrayed in this book. I'm glad that there was a lot of urban fantasy with magic, a great muurrddeerr mystery and no romance. Not that I mind romance, but I was happy it didn't come into play in this book as I wanted the character buildups, not sexual buildups :)
You can still enjoy this book without reading book 1 but you'll just miss some depth to the side characters/encounters that Shade deals with. I highly recommend this book and this author. Good for mature young adults and older.
You can still enjoy this book without reading book 1 but you'll just miss some depth to the side characters/encounters that Shade deals with. I highly recommend this book and this author. Good for mature young adults and older.
January 15, 2019
I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know what happens next with Shade and the crew my personal review of the book is as follows:
I really liked all of the character development and growth that Shade goes through throughout this book even though I personally found the plot used to make it happen a bit too convenient for my tastes especially how she solved it. I also found some things that could be romantic plotlines(I won't know for sure until I read the next book in the series) to be a bit weird(Shade seemed to fall in "like" a bit too easily/often in my personal opinion; I'm trying to stay vague to avoid spoilers).
I am excited to see what happens next in the series from here. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 out of 10.
I really liked all of the character development and growth that Shade goes through throughout this book even though I personally found the plot used to make it happen a bit too convenient for my tastes especially how she solved it. I also found some things that could be romantic plotlines(I won't know for sure until I read the next book in the series) to be a bit weird(Shade seemed to fall in "like" a bit too easily/often in my personal opinion; I'm trying to stay vague to avoid spoilers).
I am excited to see what happens next in the series from here. Overall I personally rate this book a 6 out of 10.
May 7, 2018
The case Shade is working on takes her into werewolf territory, and it’s not all puppy kisses and cuddles. She has to fight a vengeful sorceress, find connections that seem impossible, and trust her instincts, no matter how hard that task seems. The whole story had me on the edge of my seat, and I felt like I was evaluating each suspect as Shade was, not truly knowing “who-dun-it” until very shortly before Shade caught on. Monster was a great mystery, had engrossing storyline, and is a book I’ll definitely need to read again and again. AND I’m still dying to know what the strange connection between Shade and Liam is all about!
August 18, 2018
We're back for another Shade Renard adventure. This time her mentor assigns her a case that will result in Shade giving up her dream of being a private investigator or having an unqualified favor from Baba Yaga.
If you enjoyed the first installment, then you'll like this one. I must say I expected to see some more of the characters from the first book in this one, but perhaps they'll appear later in the series. There are some things that are mentioned and happen that seem to indicate a long series with deep dives into Shade's past.
I'm already devouring the third installment.
Give it a go!
If you enjoyed the first installment, then you'll like this one. I must say I expected to see some more of the characters from the first book in this one, but perhaps they'll appear later in the series. There are some things that are mentioned and happen that seem to indicate a long series with deep dives into Shade's past.
I'm already devouring the third installment.
Give it a go!
May 11, 2018
Just as good as the first
I find it refreshing that despite there being a bit of possible romantic undertones, the book is about the mystery. I love that men who are assholes to women aren't suddenly turning out to be good people underneath and getting the girl. The story is well-written, the mystery is interesting, and the lead character is intriguing.
If I had one nitpick, it would be that I really want to know more about the main character... and I'm left without a lot. But, I suppose that will have me reading the next book.:)
I find it refreshing that despite there being a bit of possible romantic undertones, the book is about the mystery. I love that men who are assholes to women aren't suddenly turning out to be good people underneath and getting the girl. The story is well-written, the mystery is interesting, and the lead character is intriguing.
If I had one nitpick, it would be that I really want to know more about the main character... and I'm left without a lot. But, I suppose that will have me reading the next book.:)
May 7, 2018
I finished this book in two sittings. For me the book was just as good as the first one in the series, if not better. I read a lot of urban fantasy, and it is very refreshing to find a heroine who tries to solve a case by talking to witnesses and exploring relationships, instead of trying to solve it by just using violence or her magic powers.
It also never ceases to amaze me how many ways the pixie can find to embarrass her witch. Love the humour in this series!
It also never ceases to amaze me how many ways the pixie can find to embarrass her witch. Love the humour in this series!
July 16, 2018
BAD
The story was slow and I figured who the killer was by chpt. 3. The heroine acted like a 16-yr. old and I think they are more mature! If I had read book one I definitely wouldn't have brought this book! Although I'm a true believer that the writer get better with each proceeding book, I can only imagine how bad the first book was!! These books are written for young (very) readers.
The story was slow and I figured who the killer was by chpt. 3. The heroine acted like a 16-yr. old and I think they are more mature! If I had read book one I definitely wouldn't have brought this book! Although I'm a true believer that the writer get better with each proceeding book, I can only imagine how bad the first book was!! These books are written for young (very) readers.
January 8, 2019
Mother Renard (oops, Shade!) and Peasblossom are up for another mystery. This time she Mother Hazel has challenged her to find the Truth in an investigation involving a murder, werewolves, humans, and a Dream Shard left over from Deadline. As usual, it would be better to start with Deadline and then read Monster. I enjoy Ms. Blackstream's characters, dialog, storyline, humor and the scary bits - the story is engaging, interesting, fast-paced, and has an unexpected ending.
January 26, 2019
Highly recommend this Series.
Oh my what big teeth you have Liam!
Shade doesn't back down when the Alpha snaps at her for investigating a crime in his territory.
She must discover if first impressions are the best impressions....when solving a murder.
Will solving this crime sour her dream of being a PI?
Jennifer Blackstream is building a modern fantasy world I want to live in.
Near perfect novel.
Oh my what big teeth you have Liam!
Shade doesn't back down when the Alpha snaps at her for investigating a crime in his territory.
She must discover if first impressions are the best impressions....when solving a murder.
Will solving this crime sour her dream of being a PI?
Jennifer Blackstream is building a modern fantasy world I want to live in.
Near perfect novel.
June 16, 2019
WEREWOLVES IN THE CLEVELAND METROPARKS. I bought this book without hearing much more than "sale, urban fantasy, Cleveland" and was pleasantly surprised (pumped) to find not only werewolves (one my favorite creatures) but also familiar settings. With a solid plot and distinctive characters, this book started setting the tone for the series to ask what is the line between good and evil? As an investigator, do you really want the truth?
November 15, 2024
This was pretty darn delightful, and moved along at a great clip. It had everything Deadline did, but the mystery plot was much clearer and the werewolf cops were great fun. I did see the solution from a mile away, but there were enough believable red herrings along the way that I felt a little smart about it.
May 27, 2018
Having inhaled book one, Deadline, I eagerly opened Monster to see what Shade, aka Mother Renard, was up to.
I really enjoyed how Shade interacted with the characters in this story, although I think she found as many questions as she did answers. And different questions to those raised in book one, which makes it doubly fascinating.
I can't wait for book three!
I really enjoyed how Shade interacted with the characters in this story, although I think she found as many questions as she did answers. And different questions to those raised in book one, which makes it doubly fascinating.
I can't wait for book three!
June 4, 2018
Un très bon livre très captivant.
On ne connait pas encore le passé de Shade Renard mais son enquête est très intéressante. Un monde de loup-garou, fermé, qui ne veut pas vraiment d'elle comme enquêtrice.
À travers cette histoire, meme s'il est de fantasy urbaine, on peut en tirer une leçon de vie. Ce qui rend la lecture encore plus intéressante.
On ne connait pas encore le passé de Shade Renard mais son enquête est très intéressante. Un monde de loup-garou, fermé, qui ne veut pas vraiment d'elle comme enquêtrice.
À travers cette histoire, meme s'il est de fantasy urbaine, on peut en tirer une leçon de vie. Ce qui rend la lecture encore plus intéressante.
August 15, 2018
Fun and fascinating new series.
The first book in the series started a little slow for me but that is just for me. It picked up into the book and became a fun ride along. Book 2 which I just completed was excellent from word one. Blackwell is another name that goes in my follow pile. Enjoy.
The first book in the series started a little slow for me but that is just for me. It picked up into the book and became a fun ride along. Book 2 which I just completed was excellent from word one. Blackwell is another name that goes in my follow pile. Enjoy.
April 2, 2020
I read the first but It didn't grab me
In these day of lock down, I've exhausted a whole load of books. I read the first of these a while back and it don't grab me so I didn't buy the follow up. I was desperately looking around for a series so thought I would give these another go. I enjoyed it. I did find Shades' naivety a bit aggravating but the actual story was good.
In these day of lock down, I've exhausted a whole load of books. I read the first of these a while back and it don't grab me so I didn't buy the follow up. I was desperately looking around for a series so thought I would give these another go. I enjoyed it. I did find Shades' naivety a bit aggravating but the actual story was good.
January 27, 2023
Getting better
This series is one I am happy that I started it. It is refreshing that this is not a romance at least not yet. It has everything I love in a book. Murder mystery with a side of paranormal. This one was sad in that the case did not have the collusion I wanted but it was such a delightful book.
This series is one I am happy that I started it. It is refreshing that this is not a romance at least not yet. It has everything I love in a book. Murder mystery with a side of paranormal. This one was sad in that the case did not have the collusion I wanted but it was such a delightful book.
June 28, 2018
Disappointing main character seemingly stuck in a teenage mindset panicking in very situation and the common hormonal overload in both books does nothing to add to the plot only highlights her immaturity. Surprising, seeing that hints indicate she is a couple of hundred years old.
July 15, 2018
A strong and interesting main character
I liked this book better than the first, simply because i know shade better now. The acion and mystery were great and i like her perspective on the species around her
I liked this book better than the first, simply because i know shade better now. The acion and mystery were great and i like her perspective on the species around her
July 17, 2018
Another very enjoyable story; some ties to the first book but largely independent. Jennifer Blackstream is building up a world with substance, giving the role of witch a refreshing twist which harks back to the role of village wise woman; I look forward to the next episode.
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