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When Wicked hunkers down for the holidays, a snowstorm isn’t the only thing threatening the paranormal sixth borough of New York. A student has been killed on the Campus of Magic, and Detective DeMarco is called to the case. But once she begins to unravel the clues surrounding the murder, she realizes the incident is far more complex - and dangerous - than she ever imagined.

Aside from murder, Dani is also confronted with the return of her oldest brother to town for some mysterious reason he doesn’t feel like sharing. Meanwhile, Grey has been gone for weeks, and Matthew is caught up in his new role for the NYPD. When Dani is assigned a rookie partner to help her with her latest case, it’s the last straw...until the killer sets his sights on Dani DeMarco. Suddenly, she finds herself fighting for her life.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2019

355 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

Gina LaManna

72 books1,463 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,212 reviews2,339 followers
February 4, 2023
Wicked All the Way
By Gina LaManna
In this book Matthew, vampire boyfriend, has to be out of town until they get a replacement for the NYPD Captain. Grey, hot werewolf that loves Val, is back. Val has a rookie cop to train and I really enjoyed the rookie. Val's oldest brother is home after being gone for a decade. A student is killed in his dorm room and has Val's name in his pocket. A lot goes on in this book!
I think the carpet ride with the rookie was fun! This is such a good series!
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,343 reviews23 followers
April 26, 2019
It took me longer to read this installment, I must admit. These books are like cozy mysteries but with magic in them and in different surroundings.

Christmastime and a murder at the campus of the 6th Borough. Rob, Dani's older brother shows up unexpectedly after ten years away. Matthew is still mostly in New York.
Dani is assigned a rookie cop, Primrose, and works her way through interviews and hunches. With a magic carpet they fly to The Isle (isn't there any faster way???) and soon Dani realizes everything is connected to ... the Hex Files.

It is a bit hard for me to remember the storyline with the Hex Files. I do not reread books as I have a massive TBR so I have to rely on memory. Dani was a bit annoying in this book. She is behaving like a jaded cop, surly and - again, like in the last book - she has TSTL tendencies. I don't like it when MC's say things like 'I can take care of myself'; 'I am a trained cop' only to be easily attacked and almost killed. So, NO, you can't take care of yourself.
The relationship between Dani and Matthew also feels a bit cold and detached. Dani is blaming him for being away in New York and he seems to be witholding information. Seems to me they would all have to work together with regards to the Hex Files!

I did enjoy the overall storyline and the new rookie who is actually very very good. Maybe the next will up the ante again.
Profile Image for Laurie Franco.
482 reviews9 followers
May 5, 2019
These books can’t come fast enough!

Once again I am left wanting more after finishing a book about my favorite detective, Dani DeMarco. This one introduces us to a few new people, and one of them I adore...Officer Primrose. With Matthew away, we see Grey saving the day (I REALLY love him!) when Dani is almost killed while investigating a murder. With her older brother Rob in town for Christmas, that causes her some additional stress when it appears he may know the victim and was the last one seen with him before he was killed. From start to finish this book was another winner from Gina LaManna!
Profile Image for Paula Kalamaras.
Author 6 books45 followers
May 12, 2019
Fun with magic and murder!

An interesting !line that finds Detective Dani Demarco in her ongoing quest for the Hex Files. A murder of a student finds Dani stuck with Officer Primrose who can only be described as perky. But insightful. Cameos from Grey the Werewolf and Matthew the vampire, along with a reunion with her brother Rob make this a full-fledged story that won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Brandy.
1,260 reviews56 followers
February 16, 2020
Ok, I started this book because it looked wildly different from the usual books that I read, and it totally was. But it was also really fun and super intense and I didn’t know who to trust practically the whole way through. Loved Detective DeMarc, and Officer Primrose reminded me way too much of myself. And Rob was so shifty, brother or not, a good detective follows the leads. I need to go back and read the other books now!!
Profile Image for Marley Wright.
31 reviews
April 12, 2025
This book felt like a TV show’s Christmas special. I really liked it!

It did drag on in the middle a bit and I didn’t find the mystery as interesting as those previous.

The author did a great job describing the brewing tension between Matthew and Dani. It was very palpable and it had me on edge.

The book picked up momentum towards the end and I couldn’t put it down. I liked the mystery too, as it wasn’t an easy guess for me.

It was nice seeing all of the family Christmas fun and hijinks.

I found Dani and Primrose’s relationship really funny! It brought some lighthearted moments to the more serious parts of the story.

The final reveal really surprised me, and I did not expect this case and the perpetrator to be connected to the hex files.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,804 reviews46 followers
April 17, 2019
As Christmas approaches, not all is merry and bright. Detective Dani DeMarco has snagged both a newbie for a partner and a murder case on the Campus of Magic. It is an unusual case of a student who didn't really want to participate in classes, and by rights didn't need to be there. He was raised on the Isle and left it and all magic behind to live in Texas. Something happened that made him seek out magic orientation classes, yet not participate in them fully. He wouldn't do any spells. When Dani and Officer Primrose delve into this further, they end up going to the Isle to get some answers but return with more questions than they started with. Several times Dani is in serious trouble due to whomever is the murderer, yet Gray is keeping watch on her and manages to save her. (It seems Matthew is still acting chief of police in NYC, and not close enough to keep a watch on Dani.) To make this all the more confusing, the oldest DeMarco brother is home for the holidays (after 10 years absence) and is somehow involved in the murder case as well.

I loved this episode in the Sixth Borough for many reasons. One was we got to spend time with the DeMarco family and find out that Mama DeMarco rules the roost. And if Mama ain't happy... you can figure that one out yourself! Another reason I loved the episode is because finally the elusive Rob is in the picture-not just a name thrown out when discussing the family. But the real reason? Officer Primrose! A gem of a character that is so goody-goody cheerful and seemingly a direct opposite from Dani. However, as their time together goes on, it becomes apparent that she is going to be a great detective like her mentor. She has good ideas, is gutsy, not afraid to step out of her comfort zone, can take a joke and laugh at herself, yet is compassionate and one step ahead of danger. It is a pleasure to see Dani actually come around to liking Primrose and being a nicer person (friendlier? warmer?) because of the young officer. I hope they continue working together when Matthew is not around!

Author Gina LaManna has done an incredible job of keeping secrets separated from the case at hand when they are actually connected. She has continued building tension between Dani and the unknown (Hex Files) without giving anything away. I have to say that Ms LaManna's creativity and originality shine through every book in this series, but this one is perhaps the best in the series thus far. I can hardly wait until #6 is written after this exceptional entry in the series.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,559 reviews23 followers
April 8, 2019
Another winning series by Gina LaManna! Book 5 in Mysteries from the 6th Borough has you turning pages to get to the end! With Matthew away working on a secret case in NYC that he can't even share with Dani and with the reappearance of Grey, Dani has her hands full trying to solve a murder on the Magic college campus. With many twists and turns and clues that aren't clues, you can't stop reading this book! Add to that the fact that Dani, who likes to work alone, or work with Matthew is assigned a rookie, Primrose, who wants to be a detective. But not just any detective, she wants to be another Dani! She comes to Dani with incredible enthusiasm and a knowledge about Dani's life that is uncanny. Then we have Dani's older brother showing up after being gone for decades - why now? What is he into since he has always had a shady character. Why has Grey all of a sudden returned and turns up to save Dani from the dangers she seems to walk into? What does Grey know? Who Murdered Mason and why was he taking magic courses when he ran away from his home on the Isle to get away from magic? So many questions that keep you turning pages. What has all this to do with The Hex Files? It comes up but is it related to the murder? How is that even possible? And of course this all takes place during the snowy Christmas season where Dani's mother becomes the mama bear when it comes to her children. I loved this book and can't wait to see what could happen next. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,228 reviews31 followers
April 10, 2019
My favorite book from the series thus far. (Though to be fair, I think I say that with each new book.) In this case, Dani battles with whats right with her job and doing right by her family, when a situation arises in which her professional life mixes with her personal life. In addition to her battle with that, she is also suffering emotionally with her relationship with Matthew, and his new job. You may have some questions in regards to the crime if you are unfamiliar with the story-line that flows from book to book as it involves that grand mystery. We are introduced with a fun new face, who I assume we will see more of in future books. It was fun to watch Dani's interactions with this new character. Of course we get lots of her sarcastic charm. She's humble while at the same time proud of her work. Unfortunately we don't see too much of Matthew or Grey (the two main men in Dani's life,) but we get a taste of each. In case you haven't figured it out, this is a paranormal mystery that mixes that magical world with the mortal humans, though the contact with humans is very limited. The characters aren't cartoonish and even the magical aspects (hexes and curses and whatnot) felt 'real.' It's written well and all the characters thoughts and feelings felt real as well. Dani actually thinks and says things I think she should be saying. (Which doesn't often happen.) Overall, it's just a well rounded book. Mystery, romance, humor.

*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,517 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2025
It’s time for a holiday installment! Lots of things are changing in this installment and it felt like we met a whole new crew, with only Dani remaining constant.

Matthew took his “temporary” assignment outside of Wicked which just felt, weird. What he agreed to was that this assignment would be super easy to pop back from, but what we actually get here feels like a different guy. Where is the guy who gave up his job to be with Dani a few books back? Where is the guy that was willing to fight to be with her? This feels like a huge change in his personality, no matter what hex files nonsense is pulling him away. He is also keeping secrets from her, which feels so out of character that I was utterly confused.

Also, in this book we meet a brand new character, Primrose, who is a rookie assigned to help Dani and get mentorship from her. While she’s a great character, it felt a lot like Willa 2.0. Why did we need her? I don’t know, but I did enjoy her. We see a lot more of the wolf in this one, which I appreciated, but not at the expense of Matthew. Oh, and her brother? Weird random introduction of a brother who was MIA, and that felt a bit like a plot device. Overall, this book introduced a lot of new faces and new behaviors that were a mixed bag. The payoff here was good, but maybe I’d have done with just a little more of the familiar faces in Dani’s life.
Profile Image for Sarah C.
191 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2023
It took me a while to read this. Because I know there’s only one more after this. And it ends. I love Gina Lamanna books. And this book was SO intense. I mean, Dani has gotten herself into some scary situations. They all are intense. But now, they are so close to having all the files and finding out who the Master is. Why and what is going to happen?!! This series is called The Hex Files after all. So, this is book 5. Matthew and Gray aren’t always around to help Dani out. Matthew is in NY full time working fit the magic side of the NYPD. That annoys me. We found that out last book. I just want Matthew and Dani to get together forever! Ugh. So, this book begins with a heart stopping bang. Literally. Someone used a heart stopper hex(illegally purchased in The Void.) On a college kid. Who had Dani’s name on a scrap of paper in his pocket. This book was a wild ride. Literally-they used magic carpets to go to The Isle. I love seeing the two different worlds mentioned in the others book. As The Iske books mention the sixth borough(Wicked)-which is where all of these books take place. *I’ve read all but the last two books of the Magic and Mixology series so I’d heard of the Sixth Borough.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews54 followers
April 6, 2019
Terrific but when do we get to the really nitty-gritty?

A wonderful read but please can we start getting answers? Terrific plot - danger, murder, world domination, family and a terrific new character that I hope becomes a fixture. Overly bubbly, exuberant but most of all loyal. Although I like the character of Matthew I wish she had gone with Grey.
A murder on the college campus has everyone running in circles. Especially as he shouldn't have been taking the course. He hadn't used magic in years so why was he on the Orientation the Magic course. Plus she's been given a new interns. A bubbly nerdy who seems to know more about her then she does. With Matthew away it's just her (with occasional help from Grey) and her intern who have to battle against killing curses. Why does the dead man's family have a locked room? What is hidden behind the door?
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
May 7, 2019
This is a great book; this is book 5 in the Sixth Borough series written by Gina LaManna. Aside from murder, Dani is also confronted with the return of her oldest brother to town for some mysterious reason he doesn’t feel like sharing. Meanwhile, Grey has been gone for weeks and Matthew is caught up in his new role for the NYPD. When Dani is assigned a rookie partner to help her with her latest case, it’s the last straw… until the killer sets his sights on Dani DeMarco. Suddenly, her only Christmas wish is to make it through the holidays alive. This is a great book with well-developed characters. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put the book down until the end. I can’t wait to read then next book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,027 reviews49 followers
April 6, 2019
Even the holiday season doesn't stop the nad guys...

Dani is her usual gruff, snarky, but still loveable self. Matthew is still working in the human world but he still makes time for his girl. Especially since he knows Grey will look out for her too...even if he's still a bit jealous. We meet Rob, the oldest Demarco...and most mysterious. The death Dani is called to investigate brings all sorts of things to light...and pulls her even further into the world of The Hex Files. I love Mama Demarco!! The family interactions are part of the fun of reading these books. And Dani's gruff but nice persona. She's got a heart of gold. These books always make me see a sparkly, colorful, magical world!! Loved it!! I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,226 reviews40 followers
April 9, 2019
Book five and the mystery surrounding the Hex Files get deeper.
I really enjoyed this one more so because it was all about Dani with just a little Mathew and Grey not that I don't love them both but I have to say I seriously enjoyed Dani doing what she does best her job and the guys can be too distracting at times, in saying that I really am hoping Mathew will be back in the Borough permanently soon long distance relationships suck big time.

I LOVE Primrose and I am seriously hoping she becomes a permanent fixture like seriously permanent in as good as Dani's partner that would be perfect, they compliment each other well work wise.

The murder mystery was a good one, it kept me guessing and the links to the Hex Files were interesting threads I can't wait for more.
4,377 reviews56 followers
April 12, 2019
Another fun addition to this series filled with adventure, danger and a chance to see more of the world. New characters are challenging Dani to expand her world. Her new "partner" is amusingly in awe of her and wants to be just like her. While Matthew and Grey make appearances they do not have a large role in the book. I wish they did but it does give more time for the new detective to develop and to see Dani at her best leading an investigation while learning to rely on others a little more.

Good Holiday cheer and I can't wait to see what the New Year brings for Dani, friends and family.
Profile Image for Stephanie Corbett.
693 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2019
It is good to head back to the Sixth Borough and the feisty detective Dani DeMarco. A new murder occurs and Dani is on the case, along with her new side-kick and rookie cop Officer Primrose. It is an intriguing mystery, that takes our intrepid duo around the Sixth Borough and across to The Isle looking for clues. We also spend time with Matthew and Grey and find new connections to the deeper mystery of The Hex Files and the prophecy.

An exciting read, which will leave you wanting more!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
967 reviews23 followers
April 10, 2019
Suspenseful

I think the store gets better and better as the books go on. I love Primrose. I hope that we will see more of her in the next book. She makes a perfect partner to Dani. I also could see her with one of Dani's Brothers . I can't wait to see what happens with the hex files, the suspense is off the charts. I wish I would have read a little slower because I don't know how much I can wait for the next book. If you haven't read any of these books you need to pick him up now! You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Dana Jackson-lange.
20 reviews
May 28, 2019
Dani finds herself thrown in the holidays with a new partner and a new murder to investigate. Out of the blue her hard to find, oldest brother finds his way home too. Matthew is still working in NYC and Grey is living as the lone wolf that he is, Dani finds herself in the crosshairs. Will there be someone to help her out of harm’s way? Will the next piece of the Hex Files be uncovered? And why did her brother really come to town?

This is a hard to put down, page turning thriller. It is a fun, easy read, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Dani definitely deserves a vacay. . .
Profile Image for Kitten  Peters.
1,017 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2019
Awesomesauce

You can never go wrong with a Gina LaManna book. She keeps you interested from the opening until .you have turned the last page. She should definitely be placed on the New York Times must read for summer, all her books!
This book has Matthew on the job far away, Grey standing by to watch over her and a new rookie assigned to her. This one is a nail biter as someone wants Dani dead!
22 reviews
April 9, 2019
As always Gina LaManna delivers the goods. The introduction of Dani's mysterious brother and an eager rookie to train added some much needed spice to the series! My only critique would be that there wasn't enough about the Hex Files themselves in comparison to previous books. I also need more Grey and Matthew in my life so a little more focus on their relationships and lack thereof would've been nice. Really can't wait to see where the series goes next!
Profile Image for Amy Blasko.
15 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2019
Once again, Gina doesn't disappoint. I absolutely love every character, new and old. Her stories are fresh and inviting. Interesting and keep you reading. (It's just a shame I read them so fast, now I have to wait for more)
It was also nice to see Dani really take the lead in this book, I usually enjoy the banter between her Matthew and Grey, but this was a little different and very well done! Hoping to see more of Primrose in upcoming books.
Thank you Gina for another very good read :)
260 reviews
April 18, 2019
Another fascinating story!

I love the Hex Files and the Isle stories, so of course, I really enjoyed this book, but this one was really cool too. Dani has to figure out who must man and quickly the investigation turns into a search as to why the murdered man had Dani's name in his pocket and how the Hex Files ties into the mystery. Add in a rookie cop, Matthew being stuck in NYC, and her brother Rob returning after10 years away and you get a great story!
Profile Image for Debi Paglia .
614 reviews17 followers
April 26, 2019
Gina LaManna is an extremely talented writer. All of her books are creative, interesting and beautifully written. They are all such a great escape! I particularly liked this one. The author shows a softer side of our heroine, Detective Dani DeMarco. As she takes a rookie “under her wing”, they go after the killer of a student at the local magic college. If you like a good mystery about a spunky heroine in a magical world then you’ll love this series!
Profile Image for Ms..
36 reviews
June 27, 2019
Good but seems a little different

So far I've looked bed the series but this one felt a little different for me. Several times Dani does stupid things like not hearing people near her the the book opens up with her being hyper aware that someone may be following her. I'm just hoping that this series doesn't go like a lot of other ones where the woman lead starts doing stupid stuff that's totally out of character
Profile Image for Amanda Slade.
9 reviews
September 10, 2019
Better and better with each book!

It's amazing to me, how Gina LaManna can continue to immerse us in these stories, one after another. This installment of the Hex Files does not disappoint, as those that have come before! Although there wasn't quite as much Matthew and Gray as I'd like to see, I appreciated the new characters and the further development of Dani, and the story is captivating. Keep it up, Gina - brilliant as always!!!
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,010 reviews20 followers
July 2, 2020
3.5 stars

a x-mas themed paranormal cozy. that's not something i've read before. Nice twist.

and a brother we haven't met yet. a black sheep... interesting!

Sometimes adding new characters in an established series doesn't work. But i liked Dani's new partner Primrose.


It ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, but there will be books 6 & 7 in the series to follow up. I look forward to reading them.


Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
April 6, 2019
Another great book!

Dani and her life are so complicated, even her love life can’t be simple! It makes for a great series, full of mystery, action, love and humor, especially her mother. I love each small mystery in each book and the overall big mystery that we keep getting closer to each time. This was a great book and I look forward to the next.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2019
So good

I'm getting antsy, I need to know things. All the things. This was a great addition to the series. Dani almost dies again and again, unwilling and unwittingly got a fabulous partner, and Grey is back. Which is good, because he yet again saves her life. We get to meet Rob, her oldest brother and another piece of the hex file puzzle. Such a great mystery and great read.
270 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2019
It is almost Christmas when a student is murdered and he has Dani's name in his pocket! And Dani's mysterious brother comes to town and he knows the victim.... Dani is on her own and has to find the answers and protect her brother... Can Dani prove him innocent and stop this attack? This is a well written riveting series and this book does not disappoint! And each book gets better and better! I can't wait for the next one!
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